Title
A Resolution to not accept a donation of the artwork “Quark” by John Henry from the Kirk Landon Foundation. (unanimously recommended by the Arts Advisory Panel approval/denial vote: 4 to 0, and the Cultural Development Board approval/denial vote: 6 to 0).
Body
The Kirk Landon Foundation, through the Coral Gables Community Foundation, approached the City of Coral Gables with a proposed donation of the sculpture “Quark” by American artist John Henry.
“Quark” is a monumental steel sculpture, painted blue, standing 70 (seventy) feet tall and weighing approximately 20 (twenty) tons. The artwork is currently installed in Loch Haven Park, Orlando, FL through the Orlando Museum of Art.
John Henry is an American artist who is known internationally for his large-scale, metal artworks of intersecting planes and beams. The sculptor and Mr. Landon were good friends and the sculpture “Quark” was gifted by the artist to Mr. Landon. Mr. Landon was a great steward of the City and contributed significantly to the cultural fabric of the City through support of projects such as the Coral Gables Museum.
The initial proposal to donate the artwork was presented to the Arts Advisory Panel, who had questions regarding the provenance, condition, and related expenses required to accept the piece.
Staff reached out to the Orlando Museum of Art and received detailed information used to request bids for relocating and restoring the artwork. An estimate of approximately $150,000 (one hundred fifty thousand dollars) was received to restore and relocate the sculpture. Significant additional expense is anticipated for ongoing maintenance.
On August 28, 2019 the Arts Advisory Panel reviewed and discussed the related costs and feasibility of accepting the donation, voting unanimously (4-0) to recommend not accepting the donation at their meeting on August 28, 2019.
On September 17, 2019 the Cultural Development Board received the recommendation of the Arts Advisory Pane...
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