Art commission advances Rainforest Art Project for Hewitt Park mural, contingent on price negotiation

The Oroville Art Commission voted to advance the Rainforest Art Project’s mosaic proposal to fulfill a mural requirement for Hewitt Park, but approved the move only on the condition that city staff negotiate the proposal’s cost down to fit the current art-fund balance.

City staff told commissioners the grant that funded Hewitt Park requires a mural on the retaining wall adjacent to the water feature and that the work should reflect Oroville’s railroad and mining history. Three proposals were considered: a proposal from Laura Wilhelm, a proposal attributed to Ted Hansen and Frank Wilson, and a mosaic-centered plan from Rainforest Art Project. Staff summarized the packet numbers and said previously committed projects left roughly $74,003 available in the art fund, which, as discussed in the meeting, left the Rainforest plan approximately $6,000 short of the immediate available balance unless additional funds are freed or terms are renegotiated.

Rainforest Art Project’s presenter described the group as “primarily an educational organization” that uses school-based workshops and community participation to build mosaics. The presenter said prior work had involved thousands of youth and that mosaics would require less long-term maintenance than painted murals: “we're gonna have ... going on 2,000 kids that have participated in it,” the presenter said, arguing that mosaics can be produced in studio and installed in panels so much of the time-consuming work happens offsite.

Commissioners praised the Rainforest proposal’s community-engagement approach but pressed staff on budget and schedule. City staff explained that the park grant requires a mural for the entire wall and that the commission must either cover the full scope or negotiate a scaled/cost-reduced approach with the selected artist. The staff also noted earlier commitments to other art projects that reduce current available funds.

Chair Tomori recused himself from the Hewitt Park selection because he disclosed a family connection to one applicant; staff advised he leave the room for the discussion and vote. After discussion a commissioner moved to approve the Rainforest Art Project proposal contingent on staff successfully negotiating a lower price; the motion was seconded and passed by a verbal roll call with three votes in favor and one absence/recusal noted. City staff said if negotiations fail the commission will return to the remaining applicants for an alternate selection.

Next steps: staff will attempt to negotiate contract terms and, if those efforts fail, the commission will bring the remaining alternatives back for formal selection and vote. The commission also noted potential funding changes in 2026 that could open additional options.