Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Art Installation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
White Squirrels of Norcross installation set for May 14; board reframes fundraiser as donations
Summary
The Norcross Public Arts Commission confirmed installation of the White Squirrels project beginning May 14 pending Public Works confirmation, noted shipping and appearance fixes, and agreed to pursue fundraising through donations with a conservative initial goal.
The Norcross Public Arts Commission on April 28 reported plans to install the "White Squirrels of Norcross" public-art figures beginning Tuesday, May 14, pending confirmation from Public Works.
Chair Elizabeth Simpson said the squirrels were resprayed white after initially appearing too beige. Robert Forro confirmed one squirrel has been hand-delivered while two others remain to be shipped from out-of-state vendors.
On fundraising, the board agreed to characterize sponsorships as "donations" rather than sales. Board Member Michael MacManus suggested a $25,000 fundraising goal tied to 25 squirrels and 25 acorns, while Vice Chair Jacques Murphy urged caution and recommended starting with a smaller target until full City Council support is secured. The commission settled on a conservative initial goal to be adjusted later if uptake exceeds expectations.
Board members also discussed a visible fundraising thermometer at Antique Traditions and agreed to develop a phased plan; no formal motion set a fundraising dollar target at the meeting.
Separately, the board confirmed that Pinnacle Park would be treated as phase 2 in upcoming grant planning for placemaking work. Further scheduling and any vendor payments will depend on Public Works confirmation and pending receipts for shipped pieces.
