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Highland Arts Council seeks downtown sculpture; council and staff weigh placement and safety
Summary
The Highland Arts Council presented a commissioned sculpture by Kevin Trobraugh for placement on the downtown square; Mayor Kevin Hemann and Director Rosen raised vandalism and safety concerns and suggested alternative locations; the council will review the piece at Art in the Park before deciding.
Lynette Schuepbach of the Highland Arts Council told the City Council on Oct. 7 that the Arts Council commissioned a sculpture by Kevin Trobraugh to mark the council’s 20th anniversary and asked for placement on the downtown square after Art in the Park. Mayor Kevin Hemann and Director Rosen expressed concern about potential vandalism and the safety risk of children climbing the work; Rosen suggested locating the piece in Glik Park or near the former pine-tree site at Washington and Broadway as alternatives.
Pat Imming, an Arts Council member, urged the council not to be paralyzed by fear: "If we are always afraid of something then we will never try anything," she said. Councilman Frey raised specific safety questions about the sculpture’s ladder-like design, height and pointed elements near concrete, which could present hazards if climbed.
Mayor Hemann suggested the council and staff examine the sculpture at Art in the Park that weekend and determine an appropriate, well-lit site. No formal action was taken Oct. 7; the Arts Council will present the piece publicly and council and staff will identify a final placement.
