Public Art committee decommissions two installations, approves manual and budget updates

The Public Art Advisory Committee on Jan. 26 voted to decommission two county public artworks and approved revisions to the arts program manual and associated budget with a timetable correction.

Staff recommended decommissioning Yacht Money Stones (by Gary Gresco) at Gazebo Park and Live, Long Loggerhead (by Mia Lindbergh) at Hope Sound Beach. Staff said the Loggerhead installation is deteriorating and the Hope Sound site is under construction; the Gresco installation had been on temporary display beyond its intended two‑year term. Committee members discussed options to salvage and reuse parts, locate nonprofit partners, or place items for county auction rather than destroy them.

Artist Mia Lindbergh said she would work with county staff and an engineer to salvage and store elements such as the mosaic monuments and hatchlings and could restore or reinstall elements in the future. Staff said the county owns the pieces and will pursue nonprofit interest or use the county auction service for disposition; removing and transporting large concrete or stone elements will require coordination and costs.

Member (S11) moved (Member (S2) seconded) to decommission the two pieces and to pursue nonprofit or auction disposition and the motion passed unanimously. The committee also reviewed and approved updates to the arts program manual — clarifying artist selection, scoring criteria and eligibility (Martin Murals commercial eligibility only) — and the draft budget after staff agreed to move the Hoke Library allocation to 2028 to avoid a projected 2027 deficit.

Staff noted planned maintenance items for 2026 including mural refreshes and Gresco sculpture maintenance, and previewed Arts Fest activities and several planned dedications.