While members of the Public Art Commission and other city advisory boards are volunteers vested by the city government that approves their appointments, the commission’s input to city officials is intended to serve as a proxy for the community, so the community does not always need to be involved from the beginning in public-policy decisions. Solicitation of public input is expected, but ultimately, as described in the request for proposals, eight individuals representing two advisory boards, government employees and two community members made the selection. Consequently, community post-criticism of choices and expenditures is not only appropriate but is part of the overall process of government.

It is undeniable the current public art acquisition has generated a strong response that focuses on the installation location and on what many perceive as a failure of the community gateway sculpture to capture the essence of the location and setting of Durango and/or Southwest Colorado. Perhaps the selection committee felt pressure to make a selection from the proposals to meet a deadline to install the sculpture during the construction phase of the intersection and did not review the artist’s portfolio.

Even though the installed work is original, it is not unique. A review of the artist’s website reveals he offers at least four similar designs ranging in size, of which another also carries the name “Arc of History.” If the artist failed to disclose this before selection, then I believe the selection committee may have been deceived in acquiring a truly unique landmark sculpture for this gateway entrance to Durango. City Council approved acquisition of the selected sculpture and now needs to consider its relocation and the reissue of a new request for proposals.

Charles T. MacKown

Durango