Stillwater council advances ordinance to create formal public art program

The Stillwater City Council advanced Ordinance 35-91 on first reading on Jan. 26, voting 5-0 to move the measure to a second reading.

The ordinance would add a new chapter to the city code to formally establish Stillwater Public Art, create a donation fund and set up a public art committee and related administrative processes. "This item is about formally establishing Stillwater Public Art as an official city program," Miss Dodson told the council, noting the proposal builds on the existing Stillwater Art Integration Initiative and would provide "structure, clarity and longevity" for the city’s public-art efforts.

Miss Dodson listed current partners that have been part of the initiative, including Prairie Arts, Madela Art Gallery, Stillwater Public Schools, the OSU Museum of Art, Visit Stillwater, the Chamber and the Stillwater History Museum. She described existing programs — such as a utility art box effort and an upcoming storm-drain art project — and said the ordinance would help catalog installations and establish a formal process for donations and acquisitions. She also pointed council members to the city’s public-art map at stillwaterok.gov/art.

Council members praised the plan as a way to protect and expand the city’s murals, sculptures and other installations. One councilor said they were "thrilled that we are formalizing our public art program," while another flagged that a community partner has committed a sizable donation to help kick off the effort.

City staff cautioned that the ordinance itself establishes the program and fund but that the council will later need to adopt formal guidelines for accepting and appropriating donated funds. The ordinance was described as a "first read"; staff noted it will return for a second read and would not take effect until 30 days after publication.

The council moved and seconded the ordinance advancement and voted 5-0 to send Ordinance 35-91 to a second reading. If adopted after the required procedures, the ordinance will provide a formal structure for the city’s public art activities and a standing process for donations and sponsorships.