Arts Commission approves sidewalk-poetry selections for Ketchum Leibold Park, including youth and translated options

The Arts Commission approved the panel’s selections for the Ketchum Leibold Park sidewalk-poetry project on May 7, endorsing poems chosen from 21 submissions.

Art specialist Loretta Garner told the commission the panel included Chief Lapointe and local commissioners, and that one selected poem came from a Costa Mesa youth. Commissioners praised the mix of submissions and asked staff to hold alternates for future placements. "We actually had poetry received from youth," Commissioner Ashendorf said.

Commissioner Lucia moved to approve the selections and Commissioner Wundercheck seconded. The clerk recorded the motion as carrying 6–0.

Commissioners discussed whether selected poems should include Spanish-language translations. Vice Chair Tederian said staff could look into bilingual displays; commissioners also suggested placing poems on utility boxes or incorporating collaborations between poets and visual artists.

Staff said the project’s imprints (ketchum poems) are tentatively scheduled for June, pending concrete timing and coordination with Public Works. The commission approved the chosen poems and asked staff to return with implementation details and any bilingual-display options.