Report Prepared by: Jennifer Flachman, Senior Management Analyst
Title
SUBJECT: Commission to Approve the Recommendation by the Future Arts Subcommittee for the Blue Heron Sculpture Project to the Merced County Juvenile Court School
REPORT IN BRIEF
Commission to approve the recommendation by the Future Arts Subcommittee for the Blue Heron Sculpture Project to the Merced County Juvenile Court School.
RECOMMENDATION
Arts and Culture Advisory Commission - Adopt a motion approving the recommendation by the Future Arts Subcommittee for the Blue Heron Sculpture Project to the Merced County Juvenile Court School
Body
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the City Council Goals and Priorities: Public Works & City Beautification.
DISCUSSION
As part of the 2024/25 Budget, the City Council allocated $100,000 for art installations across Merced. The Arts and Culture Advisory Commission has recommended a sculpture project in Fahren’s Park made from recycled materials found in the park.
Recycled sculpture art, also known as trash sculpture, or garbage art, challenges our perception of beauty. By incorporating discarded objects found in the park. The sculpture will repurpose our everyday waste.
Selection Summary
The subcommittee selected the Merced County Juvenile Court School proposal because it best met the project’s evaluation criteria and demonstrated strong artistic vision, technical support, sustainability, feasibility, and clarity.
The proposal presents a creative interpretation of the Blue Heron while providing a meaningful educational experience for students. Adjudicated youth will collaborate with experienced instructors and artists to design and fabricate the sculpture, connecting the symbolism of the blue heron, strength, resilience, and adaptability, to their own personal growth and contribution to the community.
Technical expertise will be provided by an experienced team, including welding instructor Jose Rubio, who has over 20 years of fabrication experience, along with visual arts educators Kristen Concepcion and Noelle Chandler. Their guidance ensures the sculpture will be structurally sound and artistically compelling while giving students hands-on training.
The proposal also emphasizes sustainability by incorporating discarded metal materials collected through community cleanup efforts, transforming waste into meaningful public art. The plan is feasible and well organized, utilizing the Merced County Office of Education’s mobile welding trailer and a clear timeline for design, fabrication, and installation.
Finally, the submission included a clear timeline and budget, demonstrating thoughtful planning and responsible project management. In addition to meeting all evaluation criteria, the project provides valuable workforce skills, environmental learning, and an opportunity for students to contribute positively to their community through public art.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
A total of $10,000 in funding is available within the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget for this expense in the City Manager’s Professional Services Account Line 10001000-511012.
ATTACHMENT
1. Recycle Sculpture Submission