Commission approves Blue Heron sculpture project with student collaboration

The Merced City Arts and Culture Commission unanimously approved the Future Arts subcommittee’s recommendation to award the Blue Heron Sculpture Project to a team associated with the Merced County Juvenile Court School.

Colton said the proposal emphasized student collaboration with experienced instructors and artists and met the project’s evaluation criteria. The plan calls for adjudicated youth to work with instructors (named in the discussion as Kristen and Noel Chandler) and welding instructor Joseé Rubio to design and fabricate a sculpture that uses discarded metal collected from local cleanup efforts, providing workforce training and a public‑art outcome.

Commissioner Bri asked about scale; Jennifer (staff) responded, "The sculpture itself can be up to six feet high," and added the base could be up to three feet and the installation is planned at the Ference Park parking‑lot entrance. Commissioner Eddie raised safety concerns about sharp edges on metalwork; staff and commissioners said instructors are experienced and that staff would consult the city attorney to add safety language to the service contract.

A motion to approve the recommendation was made and seconded; the Chair announced the motion passed unanimously. Staff said the commission will report the award to the city council, notify artists, and issue contracts at the end of April to allow council review.