The Public Art Committee, serving as the Artist Selection Panel, interviewed four artists on February 12, 2015 for the Westside Community Park (now Spirit Park) Art Project. The artists interviewed were: Mary Ann Baker, Pete Beeman, May and Watkins and Tim Upham. Following the interviews and discussion, each committee member evaluated each of the four finalists on a point system, based on established criteria including value, art, and comprehensiveness. Once the matrix was completed the results were then compiled to determine the best selection.

On February 17, 2015, the Public Art Committee voted to recommend May and Watkins Design to the City Council as the Artist Selection for the Westside Community Park.

The artist was tasked to participate with the primary consultant in not only identifying opportunities for inclusion of artistic elements within the design of the park, but also what form those elements might take. The art should include such elements as sculptural/fine art, functionality, integration, and occur in multiple locations as well as be constructed from materials that are durable and subject to low or no maintenance.

The project is to be funded with a combination of Public Art Funds and Grant Funds.

Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with May and Watkins Design, LLC for the fabrication and installation of integrated artwork and interpretative signage at Spirit Park in the amount of $122,743.

I make a motion to authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with May and Watkins Design, LLC for the fabrication and installation of integrated artwork and interpretative signage at Spirit Park in the amount of $122,743.