Oak Harbor art commission approves $1,601 for century‑old lion head at Whidbey Playhouse

The Oak Harbor Art Commission voted July 9 to contribute $1,601 from commission funds to support installation of a century‑old lion‑head sculpture, known in the discussion as “Palomar,” that the Whidbey Playhouse has already installed.

Commissioners described the piece as historically significant and tied to Oak Harbor because the sculptor lived locally. "There's an estimate that it's over a 100 years old," said Cynthia Mason. Commissioners said the playhouse had reduced its original cost estimates and completed much of the installation without the commission's help, and the funding request is intended to cover the final augmentation and presentation costs.

The motion to allocate $1,601 was made during the meeting, seconded by Cynthia Mason, and passed unanimously with one commissioner recused. The commission noted that the expenditure will be forwarded to the city council; staff recommended placing it on the council agenda (consent agenda if appropriate), and asked that a commissioner attend council in case members have questions.

Commissioners also discussed how the commission and the city will present the installation publicly, including adding the piece to the city's list of art installations and including it in future marketing if council approves the allocation.

Next steps: staff will confirm council meeting timing and assist the arts commission members who wish to attend the council presentation to answer questions. If council pulls the item from consent, staff requested commissioners be available to provide clarification.