City and arts center outline public-art installations, all at no cost to city

City staff and partners updated Staunton City Council on a public-art initiative May 14, describing three near-term projects that the Staunton Augusta Arts Center will fund, install and maintain at no cost to the city.

Staff described the works as: Titania and Bottom, a rusted-weathered metal sculpture by artist Jean Provenzo to be sited on Elders Way between the Armee Lot and Mill Street; Kandinskys Dancers, three life-size welded aluminum figures (also by Jean Provenzo) slated for Mens Green Thumb Park at Richmond and Greenville avenues; and a storm-drain mural on North Lewis Street near Chicanoboy, part of the Lewis Creek Awareness Project, to be painted by Andrew Davis and Steve Kiser using environmentally friendly paint approved by the city.

The arts center will pay for installation and ongoing maintenance of the sculptures, staff said. Angus Carter, executive director of the Staunton Augusta Arts Center, thanked council and offered to work with staff and council members to bring additional public-art proposals forward. Councilors asked how artists will be selected; Carter and staff said the process is being developed and priority will be given to local artists while not being limited solely to them. The installations will initially be placed on a one-year trial basis with options to make works permanent depending on public feedback and other factors.

Action: staff and the arts center will proceed with final siting, material approvals and any needed maintenance agreements; no city funding was requested for the described pieces.