Hi Pamela,
I agree that using this as an opportunity to pursue restorative rather than punitive action would likely result in better outcomes. Perhaps this situation presents a case for assessing the bigger picture of why the piece was vandalized/targeted
for theft in the first place.
Do you need to boost community awareness of and connection with the public art collection, i.e. cultivate more community ownership? And can you build new relationships with the bar owner and/or other business owners to facilitate this community-building
work? Do you need to evaluate the location and security measures (lighting, etc.) for that artwork? Perhaps that location is better suited for other art mediums.
These are just a few questions I would ask in this situation; there are likely many others to consider for your public art collection! Going this route may result in more work, but you may find that the results are more positive, are more
productive, and lead to more lasting support for and care of your collection.
Good luck with whichever route you choose!
Best,
Sarah Bluvas
(she/her)
CIP Project Manager
City of Mercer Island – Public Works
D: 206.275.7864 | C: 206.549.1032 |
www.mercerisland.gov/publicworks
Notice: Emails and attachments may be subject to disclosure pursuant to the
Public Records Act (Chapter 42.56 RCW).
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From: public_art_network@americansforthearts.simplelists.com <public_art_network@americansforthearts.simplelists.com>
On Behalf Of Helen Lessick
Sent: Thursday, February 8, 2024 8:11 AM
To: pamela@civicicon.com; public_art_network@americansforthearts.simplelists.com
Subject: Re: Pressing Charges for Stolen Artwork
Hello Pamela,
I see this as an opportunity for community outreach, art education and compassion.
You don't state the value of the artwork, but the $5,000 repair may take this up to a felony charge. A felony conviction is life changing. Could you request court-mandated community service? The perpetrator might be assigned 26 weeks
of community clean up or alternative services.
As collection manager for the King County Arts Commission (which became the non-profit 4Culture) in the 1990s, three totems, made by contemporary native artists were cut down by a pair of high school knuckleheads. Working with the tribe,
and the family of the original artist, I structured remedial action, and the offenders helped in the construction of new totems.
Every situation is different, but it seems to me the property owner is trying to keep a community establishment intact. Have they earned your trust?
Helen Lessick
HelenLessick.net
On Thu, 8 Feb 2024 at 03:15, Julie Barry <jbarry@salem.com> wrote: