TO: ADAM PIRRIE, CITY MANAGER
FROM: JAMIE EARL, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER
DATE: JUNE 24, 2025
Reviewed by:
City Manager: AP
SUBJECT:
Title
PURCHASE OF VINCE SKELLY SCULPTURE (FUNDING SOURCE: PUBLIC ART FUND)
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SUMMARY
On September 11, 2023, artist Vince Skelly presented an art concept to the Public Art Committee for a carved public art piece using a fallen tree from the 2022 windstorm. The Public Art Committee directed staff to bring back more information and a proposal.
Staff met with Mr. Skelly to discuss possible sculpture concepts and locations. Staff suggested a possible sculpture design for a location at City Hall, where a tree had been previously removed. The City Hall location is on the south side of the building adjacent to the City Council Chamber. The location already has lighting, a flat area, and security cameras coverage around the building.
On April 8, 2024, the Public Art Committee recommended the purchase of a carved wooden design cast in bronze from artist Vince Skelly. The City would receive both the wooden carving and the cast bronze sculpture.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the City Council:
A. Approve the purchase of the Vince Skelly sculpture as recommended by the Public Art Committee;
B. Authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Vince Skelly for $37,412 for the purchase of the wood sculpture, bronze fabrication, delivery, and installation; and
C. Appropriate $37,562 from the Public Art Fund to fund the purchase and installation of the sculpture and the plaque.
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ALTERNATIVE TO RECOMMENDATION
In addition to the staff recommendation, there is the following alternative:
• Request additional information.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The proposed sculpture includes the carved wooden sculpture and the bronze fabrication. The total cost for fabrication, delivery, and installation, is $37,412, which will be paid to Vince Skelly. A plaque will also be installed by City staff with information about the sculpture at a cost of approximately $150. Sufficient funds are available in the Public Art Fund for this purchase.
The cost breakdown is as follows:
Wood Sculpture - $18,750
Bronze Fabrication - $15,000
Delivery - $ 850
Installation - $ 2,812
Plaque - $ 150
Total: $37,562
The staff cost to prepare this report and administer the program is estimated at $450 and is included in the operating budget of the Administrative Services Department.
ANALYSIS
In January of 2022, Claremont was hit with a devastating windstorm that downed more than 300 City trees. In the days following the windstorm, City staff worked with local artist Vice Skelly to mark and save large pieces of historic trees. The tree sections were taken to the empty lot behind Oak Park Cemetery, where many remain.
At its September 11, 2023 meeting, the Public Art Committee heard a proposal from Vince Skelly for a wood carved bench made from one of the fallen trees from the windstorm. The Public Art Committee directed staff to work with Mr. Skelly to bring back a proposal for an 8-10 foot bench and possible locations. The bench would have cost $55,000. The Public Art Committee discussed possible locations where the bench would be protected from vandalism or theft. The Public Art Committee discussed in detail how to ensure the bench was not vandalized or stolen if it was installed outdoors. There was concern with the wooden bench being carved into or burned if it was in a park.
City staff also requested Mr. Skelly provide a proposal for a vertical sculpture for the south side of City Hall using another piece of fallen tree. A tree was removed two years ago from the location and a space is available with lighting for a sculpture. Mr. Skelly provided samples of vertical totem-like carvings suitable for the space.
On April 8, 2025, Mr. Skelly presented both the bench concept and the vertical wood sculpture to the Public Art Committee. After discussion on the two concepts, the Public Art Committee selected the vertical sculpture that would be carved in wood from the fallen tree and cast in bronze for durability outdoors. The City will receive both the wood sculpture, which may be displayed inside City Hall and used during public tours of City Hall to illustrate the art making process, as well as the bronze fabrication, which will be displayed outside of City Hall.
A copy of Mr. Skelly’s totem sculpture proposal is included as an Attachment to this report.
RELATIONSHIP TO CITY PLANNING DOCUMENTS
Staff has evaluated the agenda item in relationship to the City’s strategic and visioning documents and finds the item applies to the following City Planning Documents: Council Priorities.
CEQA REVIEW
This item is not subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
The agenda and staff report for this item have been posted on the City website and distributed to interested parties. If you desire a copy, please contact the City Clerk’s Office.
Submitted by: Prepared by:
Jamie Earl Bevin Handel
Assistant City Manager Public Information Officer
Attachment:
Totem Proposal