Ottawa Arts Committee narrows sculptural mural sites, reviews marble-orb quote and earmarks mural funding

The Ottawa Arts Committee advanced multiple public-art projects at its Feb. 2 meeting, narrowing a sculptural mural to Canal Street (the Boy Scout Museum site) and reviewing cost estimates and procurement options for related installations.

Susan Burton reported touring 17 potential mural locations with Ray Paseka and said the pair narrowed those to three finalists — the Boy Scout Museum on Canal Street, Allen Park and the Visitors Center — noting that the mayor advised the Visitors Center space may not be viable. The committee selected the Boy Scout Museum/Canal Street location as the preferred site and discussed a funding plan that could include roughly one-third city funding with the remainder from grants, private donations or business-community outreach; Ray Paseka’s in-house grant writer may assist with applications.

The committee reviewed an itemized quote for new fiberglass marble orbs: $2,235 for fiberglass (shipping included) plus $1,100 estimated for concrete bases and painting. Members chose 11x17 marble signage (to include artist statements and the City of Ottawa arts URL) and said they would obtain a final signage quote and vote by email; the group also discussed asking Laurie Regan to paint the next set of marbles.

Committee members reviewed other mural-related funding: an estimated $5,000 for new library murals and a $20,000 earmark set aside for a Pat Perry mural. The committee also approved adding five morel sculptures; applications will be released Feb. 3, with submissions due April 4, allowing roughly two months for artists to complete work and one week for installation prior to Morel Fest.

Next steps: staff and project leads will obtain final vendor quotes, confirm the city’s portion of funding, and pursue grants or private support; the committee will finalize signage and marble-orb procurement by email vote.