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Santa Rosa committee approves Earthbound Art finalists and increases artist stipends to $25,000
Summary
The Art in Public Places Committee approved five finalists for the Earthbound: Art for a Sustainable Future exhibit during Earth Day and voted to increase total artist stipends to $25,000; one previously selected work withdrew.
The Art in Public Places Committee approved the jury’s recommended finalists for the Earthbound: Art for a Sustainable Future project and voted to increase total artist stipends to $25,000.
Meredith, presenting staff recommendations, said the Earthbound project is tied to Earth Day downtown (scheduled for April 26) and that the jury recommended five finalists from an initial pool of about 19 submissions. She told the committee the project plan had been approved in November 2024 and that the previously approved project budget was $15,000, which included $10,000 for artist stipends.
Staff recommended increasing the total stipend pool to $25,000 so the program could secure higher‑cost, engineered pieces and cover mounting and handling costs. Meredith noted the city arts account has available funds and said an increase would allow for more substantial installations in Courthouse Square.
Committee members discussed feasibility, engineering and mounting concerns for outdoor display for a month (wind, bases, concrete pads). Meredith said some pieces were already produced and others were proposals; one top‑ranked piece, an illuminated 8‑ and 16‑foot “mama and baby giraffe” work, became unavailable and the jury may be reconvened to consider a replacement.
A motion to approve the jury’s recommended finalists and increase the artist stipend pool to $25,000 passed unanimously. Meredith said staff will notify artists of selections and will return to the committee if the jury proposes a replacement for the unavailable giraffe piece or if use of the additional funds changes.
Committee members also discussed operational details: placement in Courthouse Square for a month, engineering and safety checks, the possibility of poured concrete pads for heavier pieces, and the plan to use pads for future events such as the Art Walk.
The committee recorded the motion with all aye votes and directed staff to proceed with artist notifications and logistical planning.
