ART
is funded in part by DSBA, SURA, local nonprofits and grants. “Unlike many city art commissions,” said SAC Chair, Carol Deaner, “SAC does not get any money from the city. Five percent of each development funded by SURA is committed to public art.” That’s meant getting creative about artistic creations. Initiated in 2005, “Art by the Inch” solicits private donations to purchase public art or fund projects such as the 2007 sidewalk-mural painting featuring then-mayor Gretchen Hellar, the City’s Joan Bramblee, and local artists Lisa VanDerKarr, Nick Bopp, Rory McCambly, Tammy Farmin, Dorothy Modafferi, Heather Guthrie, and Kate and Gail Lyster. The nine-member SAC formed by
the city council in 2004 provides a process for bringing public art to the community, according to Deaner, whose past experience includes president of Pend Oreille Arts Council. Represented are artists, schools, local nonprofits, businesses, the city, and residents atlarge. SAC’s formation was prompted by gaps in public policy, such as for murals that fall outside the city’s sign code. This was further underscored by the city’s reluctance to accept the 2001 donation of David Kraisler’s “Tolerance” sculpture in response to the Aryan Nations’ threat to parade through town. While “Tolerance” was ultimately accepted by Bonner County and placed on the courthouse lawn, its dete-
Artist Nelson Boren flanked by Carol Deaner, left, and former Mayor Gretchen Hellar dedicate the Sand Creek Arch. Photos by Chris Bessler
riorating base has since prompted its removal. Meantime, the debate about public art continues. Reasoning that U.S. Highway 95’s soon-to-be-completed Sand Creek Byway would make the backside of Sand Creek businesses newly visible, SAC commissioned Nelson Boren to create a showpiece arch leading down to Sand Creek. While some questioned Boren’s use of old highway signs to create the large-scale fish for his sculptures – ironic, since the
What artwork says about us Here’s a short list of what is valued in Sandpoint, as expressed through prominent artworks, large and small: History, such as the beer-brewing narrative mural by Diana Schuppel and Leif Olsen on the west side of the Pend d’Oreille Winery building (formerly Pend Oreille Brewing). Nature and geography, “Pace Yourself” at Farmin Park such as the Bridge Street sculpture project highlighting native fish, a collaboration between Sandpoint High School and Idaho Fish and Game’s Tom Whalen. Whimsy, such as Tammy 44
SANDPOINT MAGAZINE
Farmin’s 2005 bronze tortoise and hare, “Pace Yourself,” in Farmin Park or the Statue of Liberty at City Beach pier – featured in the Idaho Commission of the Arts 2006 “InventStory” brochure – donated in 2002 by Lee Turner’s estate. Community, such as the 1993 memorial located at War Memorial Field at Lakeview and Ontario to honor Bonner County residents who served in the military from World War I to current day. For the latest information on public art in Sandpoint, check out www.sandpointartscommission.com. Select “Public Art Inventory” for a detailed, satellite map of Sandpoint featuring paint palettes that, when clicked on, reveal a photo and specific details about each artwork.
SUMMER 2012