TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to accept a donation of the “Puff of Wind” sculpture from Kelman Art & Design Studio, of Beverly Hills, CA, and execute all documents necessary to effectuate the donation; and, authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement with Kelman Art & Design Studio to relocate the sculpture from its current location to Long Beach, in an amount not to exceed $100,000. (District 3)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to enter into an agreement with Kelman Art & Design Studio (Studio) to accept the donation of the “Puff of Wind” sculpture and relocate the sculpture from its current location at the Sculpture Garden in the City of Manhattan Beach, to Junipero Beach in Long Beach. The Public Works Department (PW), in conjunction with the artist, has identified the Junipero Beach location as the best installation site for the sculpture as it will enhance the now vacant area, and is neighbor to the Long Beach Museum of Art.
The owner of the Studio has offered to donate the “Puff of Wind” sculpture to the City of Long Beach (City). The artist estimated the value of the sculpture to be $500,000. Other cities have approached the Studio and expressed an interest in the piece, but the Studio believes the sculpture would be best suited for Long Beach due to its boating and nautical themed concept. The art installation will help to further beautify our beach and provide cultural, social, and economic value. This one-of-a-kind art piece reflects the community and contributes to the characteristics and unique expressions of the City.
Puff of Wind Sculpture
The “Puff of Wind” sculpture serves as a metaphor for the journey of life and the wish to inspire people toward the “American Dream.” The sculptor imagined a magical boat for their odyssey and urged the sailor to catch a “Puff of Wind” to sail toward their destiny. The sculpture is 9 meters high, 7 meters long, 1.4 meters wide and weighs approximately 13,000 pounds. It is built to withstand 100-mile per hour winds.
Relocation
Due to the size and weight of the sculpture, its relocation presents challenges. The Studio will manage and take on all liability to relocate the sculpture, including obtaining all appropriate releases, permits, and rental equipment to ensure a successful move.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Amy R. Webber on July 29, 2019, Purchasing Agent Tara Yeats on July 24, 2019, and by Budget Analysis Officer Julissa José-Murray on July 29, 2019.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on August 13, 2019, to execute the necessary agreement with Kelman Art & Design Studio to allow for the relocation of the sculpture to its new location.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total contract amount will not exceed $100,000. The total cost of the project is supported by $100,000 of Percent for the Arts funding. There is sufficient appropriation in the General Fund Group in the City Manager Department. This recommendation has no staffing impacts beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
CRAIG A. BECK
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER