The City Commission reviewed public-art selections and a contract amendment request for a bronze firefighter sculpture for Fire Station 15 during a Jan. 6 workshop.

George Gadsden of Gadsden and Ravitz, the city's art consultants, presented the recommended slate of 11 inspiration-way sculptures and multiple water-tank mural designs. Commissioners reviewed artist submissions and discussed siting, scale and visual balance along major corridors; several alternates previously presented were confirmed available or not available. The commission reached consensus on the water-tank mural selections and on a list of sculpture proposals to proceed to the artist-engagement phase.

The commission also considered a contract amendment for artist Austin Wyshell to complete a bronze sculpture titled "Ascending Victory" for Fire Station 15. The artist requested an additional $6,438 to cover increased material costs and the project schedule delay; the new total requested contract amount is $141,004.38. Staff said the work has been delayed in 2024 while jurisdictional details about the fire station site were resolved; once cleared, the sculpting and bronze casting resumed and staff anticipates installation by February if the amendment is approved.

Commissioners asked about durability, maintenance and relocation. Staff and the artist representatives said bronze is a durable material suitable for outdoor installation, the city will include the piece in its ongoing public-art maintenance program, and the sculpture is installable and movable if the city later relocates the fire station.

Staff will present the formal contract amendment for the artist to the Jan. 22 City Commission agenda. The commission also agreed staff should pursue placement and community engagement plans for the installed pieces.

Whathappens next: A contract amendment for the Fire Station 15 sculpture will be placed on the Jan. 22 agenda; consultant and staff will continue artist engagement, fabrication logistics and community messaging for the inspiration-way and mural projects.