Oroville art commission approves NOFA up to $40,000 for public‑art program, including proposed 14‑foot “wings”

The Oroville Art Commission voted on Dec. 5 to issue a Notice of Funds Available (NOFA) for public‑art projects in the city, authorizing up to $40,000 for the initiative and directing staff to finalize the NOFA language and logistics.

The vote followed several hours of discussion about the preferred scale, materials and siting for a proposed red‑tailed hawk “wings” sculpture intended as a downtown photo‑op and a companion mural. Commissioner Johnson moved to approve issuance of the NOFA “with direction given to Pat, not to exceed $40,000,” and Chairperson Tomori seconded; the chair announced the motion passed, 4 yes and 1 absent.

Commissioners and the subcommittee debated whether to fund a single large piece or multiple smaller installations. Commissioner Rayon described a draft specification of a 14‑foot steel wings sculpture on a concrete base with interior lighting, saying the size would make a “magnificent” photo opportunity. Commissioners and staff also stressed logistical needs including mounting, sprinkler and electrical considerations and the requirement of property owner buy‑in for some proposed locations.

The commission agreed the NOFA should allow artist interpretation on materials while noting steel with interior uplighting was a likely option for a 14‑foot piece. Commissioners discussed a potential site near the Butte County Office of Education (BCOE) mural and the convention center exterior plan; staff will contact the BCOE and attempt to confirm whether that parcel is a suitable location or whether a ‘location pending/TBD’ designation should remain in the NOFA.

The approved NOFA language in the meeting packet asked for public art projects “in Oroville” and included both the wings and possible murals. Commissioners discussed the city’s NOFA balance and whether the $40,000 cap applied per piece or in total; the motion as framed authorized issuance with a not‑to‑exceed amount of $40,000 and commissioners clarified the commission could adjust language if necessary.

Local artist Walton Walker, who earlier described his movable salmon sculpture at Centennial Hall, told the commission his piece can be relocated by forklift and said, “I’m a Vietnam veteran. And painting sort of saved my life.” Erin Lackey of the Oroville Downtown Business Association suggested another downtown art idea — painted or themed trash cans — as a future agenda item to broaden public‑art displays.

Next steps identified by the commission include: refining NOFA language (size and material guidance, location TBD), the art commission chair reaching out to BCOE to seek site buy‑in, and subcommittee work to define placement and sponsor options. The commission is scheduled to revisit the wings and to review NOFA responses at a future meeting on Jan. 14.

Motion and vote: Commissioner Johnson moved to approve issuance of a NOFA for public art in Oroville not to exceed $40,000; Chairperson Tomori seconded. The chair announced the motion passed 4 yes, 1 absent. The record did not include a roll‑call of how each commissioner voted.