PLACEMENT: Consent
TITLE:
title
REQUEST APPROVAL OF AN ARTWORK PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR THE PURCHASE OF SCULPTURE TO BE PLACED AT THE PATIO AT PALM CITY PLACE
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
executive summary
The Art in Public Places program has an excellent opportunity to place a piece of art at the Patio at Palm City Place. Titled “It Was a Windy Day They Would Never Forget”, the bronze sculpture stands 7 feet tall and weighs 800 pounds. Created by internationally acclaimed artists Gillie and Marc, the piece features their signature characters, Rabbitwoman and Dogman, symbols of adventure, unity, and the joy of shared experiences. The Public Art Advisory Committee and Old Palm City Neighborhood Advisory Committee approved the purchase and placement of this piece and are requesting approval from the Board of County Commissioners.
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DEPARTMENT: Administration
PREPARED BY: Name: Susan Kores
Title: Community Development Director
REQUESTED BY:
PRESET:
PROCEDURES: None
BACKGROUND/RELATED STRATEGIC GOAL:
The program mission of Art in Public Places is to enhance Martin County’s visual landscape by integrating public art into both natural and built environments, thereby enriching the community’s cultural experience and unique identity.
This sculpture embodies our program goals of cultural enrichment, artistic variety, quality and relevance, professional excellence and broad accessibility through its strategic placement, aesthetic value, and technical excellence.
Gillie and Marc are known worldwide for their engaging public artworks that explore themes of connection, compassion, and the human-animal bond. This sculpture not only enhances the visual identity of The Patio but also offers an interactive and whimsical focal point for residents and visitors. It is expected to become a beloved photo spot and a conversation starter, reinforcing Martin County as a place of cultural vibrancy and artistic engagement.
The cost of this artwork is $132,000. At the direction of the Public Art Advisory Committee, staff pursued the opportunity of a one-year loan for $33,000 and identified the Patio at Palm City Place as the most suitable location for this temporary installation. As of June 24, 2025, the artists have presented a unique and unprecedented opportunity to Martin County Art in Public Places by offering the sculpture for permanent acquisition at a price of $33,000, inclusive of shipping. While Gillie and Marc have never extended such an offer before, they expressed that they believe the artwork would have a more meaningful and lasting impact as a permanent installation within the community.
Within the past month, during contract review, a 10-15% import tariff has been levied and will apply starting August 1, 2025. As we do not know the final percentage as of this writing, we request that the BOCC approve a not to exceed tariff adjustment of $4,050 to accommodate a 10-15% tariff. The Public Art Advisory Committee has also been apprised of this occurrence and has approved this amount, unanimously, at their July 28th meeting. Attached to this item is the purchase contract for the sculpture, reflecting a not to exceed amount of $36,050.
The funds are available in the AIPP capital budget. This is an amazing, one-time opportunity for Martin County to acquire a high quality, beautiful artwork for its inventory, and for the enjoyment of our residents and visitors for years to come. These types of opportunities do not come down the road often and staff, the Public Art Advisory Committee and the community recommends approval.
ISSUES:
None
LEGAL SUFFICIENCY REVIEW:
To the extent this item contains legal issues, it has been reviewed for legal sufficiency; although this is primarily a matter of Board policy.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
RECOMMENDATION
Move that the Board approve the Artwork Purchase Agreement for “It was a Windy Day They Would Never Forget” bronze sculpture for placement at the Patio at Palm City Place at a not to exceed price of $36,050.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
Pull this item from the Consent Agenda and provide alternate direction.
FISCAL IMPACT:
RECOMMENDATION
None
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Funding Source |
County Funds |
Non-County Funds |
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Martin County Art in Public Places program |
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Subtotal |
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Project Total |
$36,050.00 |
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
None
DOCUMENT(S) REQUIRING ACTION:
☐Budget Transfer / Amendment ☐ Chair Letter ☐Contract / Agreement
☐Grant / Application ☐Notice ☐Ordinance ☐Resolution
☐Other:
This document may be reproduced upon request in an alternative format by contacting the County ADA Coordinator (772) 320-3131, the County Administration Office (772) 288-5400, Florida Relay 711, or by completing our accessibility feedback form at www.martin.fl.us/accessibility-feedback <http://www.martin.fl.us/accessibility-feedback>.