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 app...
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