HomeMy WebLinkAboutA012 - Resolution authorizing Public Art Commission to enter into agreements with artists for 2026/27 Ames Annual Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition selectionsITEM #:13
DATE:12-09-25
DEPT:ADMIN
SUBJECT:2026/27 AMES ANNUAL OUTDOOR SCULPTURE EXHIBITION
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The Ames Annual Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition (AAOSE), the longest running program for the
Public Arts Commission (PAC), will celebrate its 30th annual downtown exhibition in 2026.
Through this program, artists submit sculptural entries to be displayed in Downtown Ames
from May 2026 through April 2027. At the conclusion of the display, sculptures are available
for purchase by private individuals or by PAC through the Neighborhood Sculpture Program.
This year, 36 AAOSE entries were received from 17 artists .
The entries were evaluated by a jury which then made recommendations to PAC. At its
meeting on December 2, 2025, PAC reviewed the jury's recommendations and voted to
recommend nine sculptures and one alternate. The alternate would be pursued in the event
one of the nine selected sculptures becomes unavailable prior to the loan agreement being
signed.
Attached are photographs of the sculptures recommended for the 2026/27 AAOSE.
Installation of the exhibit will take place in April after further risk analysis by City staff .
Artists will be paid a $2,000 honorarium for each selected sculpture, and a Best-in-Show
award of $1,000 will be made to a winner determined by the public, for a total expenditure of
$19,000. All expenses will be paid for through the PAC budget. Funding for the AAOSE
exhibition was included in the FY 2025/26 Public Art Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Authorize PAC to enter into agreements with artists for the exhibition of sculptures and
make honorarium payments.
2. Do not approve the agreements.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
This annual program allows for works of art to be displayed throughout the City. This
program aligns with the City Council’s value of a fun, vibrant community that attracts
and retains people. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City
Council adopt Alternative No. 1 as described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
2026-27 AAOSE Selections.pptx
1
SELECTIONS FOR THE
2026-2027 AMES ANNUAL OUTDOOR
SCULPTURE EXHIBITION
DECEMBER 9, 2025
2
“CORAL” BY TIM ADAMS
Media: Upcycled Painted Steel
Dimensions: 10’x4’x35”
Weight: 300 Pounds
Cost: $10,000
Year: 2021
3
“CATHEDRAL FORM” BY JAMES BEARDEN
Media: Blackened Steel
Dimensions: 8’x24”x24”
Weight: 250 Pounds
Cost: $12,500
Year: 2025
4
“WINGS” BY HILDE DEBRUYNE
Media: Mild Steel
Dimensions: 8’x5’x4’
Weight: 260 Pounds
Cost: $22,500
Year: 2024
5
“STALK 1005/2RE/H400-6” BY MATT MOYER
Media: Painted Steel
Dimensions: 8’x5’x5’
Weight: 250 Pounds
Cost: $4,200
Year: 2025
6
“ICE FLOW” BY JUDD NELSON
Media: Hot Forged Steel
Dimensions: 7’x2’x2’
Weight: 300 Pounds
Cost: $9,700
Year: 2021
7
“SEEKING BALANCE” BY JIM & RYAN PEDERSEN
Media: Powder Coated Steel
Dimensions: 86”x36”x24”
Weight: 350 Pounds
Cost: $9,795
Year: 2024
8
“FRACTURED” BY JIM & RYAN PEDERSEN
Media: Steel and Brass
Dimensions: 120”x36”x34”
Weight: 900 Pounds
Cost: $14,500
Year: 2022
9
“MARK 8:36” BY BEN PIERCE
Media: Steel, Stainless Steel, and Acrylic
Dimensions: 8’x4’x2’
Weight: 300 Pounds
Cost: $20,000
Year: 2025
10
“ART OF HEART” BY ALBERT RHEA
Media: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 90”x24”x13”
Weight: 110 Pounds
Cost: $9,500
Year: 2025
11
ALTERNATES
FOR THE 2026-2027 AMES ANNUAL OUTDOOR SCULPTURE EXHIBITION
12
“HEART OF IOWA” BY ANNA MODELAND
Media: Steel
Dimensions: 63”x45”x45”
Weight: 200 Pounds
Cost: $4,200
Year: 2019
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