City agrees to buy, repair vandalized art

The city of Coeur d’Alene will soon be the proud owner of damaged goods known as O’Keefe 8, with plans to make repairs and change how public art is insured. 

The General Services Committee on Tuesday recommended the City Council approve buying the artwork for $5,000. 

“Unfortunately, someone chose to vandalize this on the Fourth of July,” City Administrator Troy Tymesen told the committee. 

The marble structure by Patrick Sullivan is part of the ArtCurrents Program. It was knocked off its base at First Street and Sherman Avenue and sustained damage. 

“We believe we can fix this,” Tymesen said.

As it was insured by the city, it was obliged to make financial restitution to the owner. 

Had the piece sold for its asking price of $8,500, the artist would have received $6,375 after deducting 25% for the city’s art fund. 

A city representative negotiated a deal with Sullivan to pay him $5,000 from the art fund and add the piece to the city’s permanent public art collection. The city will repair it, rather than paying him the $6,375 and having him take O’Keefe 8 home. 

“Get something for it rather than having the artist come to pick it up,” Tymesen said. 

O’Keefe 8 is 3 feet high and made of Nootka Marble. It is part of the series in stone honoring the work of American artist Georgia O’Keefe, according to the ArtCurrents program.  

A description says it is “Made of stone, the most organic and environmentally sustainable material in history, accessing the power of earth for positive community involvement.” 

When it is repaired, it will be placed in a new home, with a secure base.

“We believe this is a piece that will look good in the collection,” Tymesen said. 

ArtCurrents is a public art placement program in which the city basically leases pieces of art for use in downtown Coeur d'Alene and the Riverstone area. 

Tymesen said the city has until now insured the art displayed through ArtCurrents, but because the deductible recently rose to $10,000, it will no longer do so. Insurance will fall to the artists. 

“Lesson learned, probably a pill that we have to take in this one. But in the spirit of negotiating this artist has been very good,” he said. 

Councilwoman Christie Wood said she was glad the city would no longer be insuring every piece because of the high deductible. 

“That makes perfect sense," she said.

Tymesen believes that change will also encourage art pieces that are affordable for the general public.

“I believe our constituents know a good value,” Tymesen said. 

Councilman Dan English said negotiations worked out for the best. 

“Sounds like everybody worked together in the spirit of what we had to work,” he said. 

Councilwoman Amy Evans said anyone who sees artwork being damaged should call the police. 

“These are such a fabulous addition to our community,” she said. 

Last month, the Arts Commission unanimously recommended the purchase of the statue.