Commission reviews proposed acquisitions; approves Urban Sketchers purchase

The Arts Commission reviewed proposed purchases and voted to approve a staff recommendation to acquire a work from the Urban Sketchers exhibition.

Laura Machado presented four works recommended for inclusion in the city's permanent collection from the Rhythm and Resilience exhibition: Avis Charley, We Are the Facts (36 by 48 inches), $18,000 (to be paid from the capital improvement fund); Chase McCurdy, Suspended (48 by 60 inches), $15,000 (capital improvement fund); Adolfo Gonzalez, Newtown Tavern Midnight Mass (24 by 48 inches), $12,000 (capital improvement fund); and Harold Bradford, 6 Months to Impact (oil on canvas), $30,000 (to be paid through a community development block grant). Machado said capital improvement funds and a community development block grant would support the purchases; commissioners discussed the works and expressed support.

Later, staff recommended purchasing a piece by Eric Roberts from the Urban Sketchers 'Peaks and Valleys' exhibition (a sketch of the pavilion pool). Commissioner Galati moved to approve the purchase, Commissioner Thompson seconded, and the motion passed.

Clarifying note: portions of the meeting transcript recorded the funding and dollar amounts unclearly in places; the commission and staff should confirm and publish the final funding sources and totals. The commission did not record any dissent on the Urban Sketchers purchase; any final contracts or purchase orders will reflect the exact funding source.