Last piece of McEuen art chosen

The Coeur d'Alene Arts Commission has selected the final piece of public art for McEuen Park. The sculpture is called "The Explorer." It is a bronze sculpture that will be sturdy enough to withstand people playing on it, Recreation Director Steve Anthony told the city's General Services Committee earlier this week.

"We had 126 submissions on this one and a lot of public input," he said. "The one negative comment we got was: 'Where is the girl?' It was originally three boys."

At the request of the Arts Commission, Anthony said he contacted the artist, Jane DeDecker, to ask if she would be willing to add a girl to the sculpture.

"She agreed to turn the third person into a girl," he said.

Although the budget for this piece of art was $90,000, the artist's bid came in at $79,250. Anthony was asking the city's General Services Committee to recommend the project to the city council for approval.

The General Services Committee is a subcommittee of the city council, which vets issues before they come before the full council. It is comprised of council members Steve Adams, Amy Evans and Ron Edinger.

"The one issue you had with the last piece, you said, was that it didn't really reflect McEuen, it didn't reflect Tubbs Hill or the surrounding area," Anthony said. "I think this one is a perfect reflection of Tubbs Hill.

"I think it will be a very popular piece and it will fit right in with McEuen Field."

The committee voted unanimously to recommend the piece to the city council.

If the council approves it, the sculpture will be placed at a trail confluence in the south center section of McEuen Park, near the base of Tubbs Hill.

In a Wednesday interview, Anthony said the goal of the Arts Commission is to not have a single theme at McEuen Park.

"We've accomplished that," he said. "There is something for everyone down there."

Anthony said the city's goal is have all of the McEuen art in place by Memorial Day, so they can coordinate all of the dedications at once.