The Arts Commission plans to recommend placing a donated Bernard Hosey sculpture titled On the Edge at Trailhead Park, Arts staff told the Parks and Recreation Commission on Jan. 9.

Julie Piper explained the offering originated in spring 2023 when Judith Schulman of Walla Walla—Hosey’s sister‑in‑law and the donor—contacted the city about rehoming several sculptures from the late artist’s estate. “It’s not often you get the opportunity to have the offer to accept donated art,” Piper said, noting that the donor asked only that the city cover uninstallation, transportation and reinstallation costs.

Piper said the Arts Commission considered multiple locations, including West Village Park and Badger Mountain area sites, and met with Friends of Badger representatives. She said Friends of Badger told staff they would not formally oppose the Trailhead Park location. The Arts Commission plans an upcoming vote; if that recommendation passes, the Parks Commission will consider the placement in a subsequent meeting.

Piper described the sculpture as a three‑piece, powder‑coated red steel work roughly 34 feet long and said staff plan a concrete slab base and a bronze plaque reading the title and artist. Parks staff described maintenance plans including siting the sculpture away from sprinklers and specifying orientation to minimize hard‑water staining; staff also said powder‑coat touch‑up paint is available from the donor to address chips over time.

Piper emphasized the site selection work was intended to avoid impacts to native plants and to place the piece where it could be widely seen, noting Trailhead Park is a trail gateway used by regional visitors. No formal placement decision was made Jan. 9; the Arts Commission was expected to vote the following week and the Parks Commission will consider the recommendation in a future meeting.