Loading...
Item 10BCity of Southlake, Texas MEMORANDUM November 24, 2003 TO: Billy Campbell, City Manager FROM: John Eaglen, Assistant to the City Manager (481 -1433) SUBJECT: Accepting a memorial donation of art in honor of Grace O'Brien from Barbara Tipton Action Requested: City Council consideration of the following: • Accepting a memorial donation of art in honor of Grace O'Brien from Barbara Tipton; • Approval of placement for this donation in the Library above the computer workstations in the Youth Services Area. Background Information: On August 28, 2003 staff received an inquiry about donating a piece of art to the library from Barbara Tipton. Her proposed donation, "The Dream Keepers ", a work of art by Kathryn Fincher, would be in honor of Grace O'Brien. Ms. O'Brien was a neighbor of Ms. Tipton, who also served as a librarian in the Carroll Independent School District from 1960 -1990. A copy of the painting is included in your packet for review. If you are interested in reviewing more about the work of Kathryn Fincher prior to the meeting, you can get further information at http://www.greatthouart.com Financial Considerations: The proposed donation is a 25" x 13" canvas, framed open edition, and is signed by the artist. The purchase price of this donation is $295.00. Financial Impact. There are no identified recurring costs associated with acceptance of this donation. Citizen Input / Board Review: The following recommendations have been approved by City Boards and Commissions: • The Library Board approved a recommendation to the Public Art Advisory Committee to accept the donation, and to place the donation Billy Campbell, City Manager November 24, 2003 Page 2 of 7 in the Youth Services Area above the computer workstations at their September 24, 2003 meeting (6 -0). • The Public Art Advisory Committee approved a recommendation to the City Council to accept the donation, and to place the donation in the Library as recommended by the Library Board at the November 12, 2003 Joint Library Board / Public Art Advisory Committee meeting (4 -0). Legal Review: Not Applicable. Alternatives: Input towards the discussion as desired. Supporting Documents: Supporting documents include the following items: • Copy of the biography of the artist, Kathryn Fincher; • Copy of the detail sheet for the proposed donation, "The Dream Keepers "; • Biography of Grace O'Brien; • Copy of the Southlake Public Library's Donation Policy and Procedures. Staff Recommendation: Place as an item on the December 2, 2003 City Council meeting agenda to consider: • Accepting the painting "The Dream Keepers" as a memorial donation of art in honor of Grace O'Brien from Barbara Tipton; • Placement of the donation in the Library in the youth services area above the computer workstations. Billy Campbell, City Manager November 24, 2003 Page 3 of 7 Kathryn Fincher - Artist Biography For artist Kathy Fincher, painting is not only her profession, but also her passion... and portraying children and their fascinating expressions has become her consuming inspiration. Although a student of art since her teens, Fincher was in her early thirties before painting replaced professional water skiing as her career. (She was once the number - two- ranked trick skier in the nation.) Fincher's mother, a portrait artist, continually encouraged her daughter to paint faces, which seemed to work in contrast to the young painter's desires. Fincher commenced her painting career with a primary focus on wildlife and landscapes; however, after she painted her first child's face in the image titled First Look, the artist had found her niche. As the artist explains, "Children, with their many discoveries and expressions, and their constant developmental changes in the very early years, are a wealth of visual stories." Fincher adds "I fall in love time after time with the faces of my own children and those of family and friends." "When I discovered that one little shadow or slight change of the angle in a child's mouth could change an entire expression ... I was hooked," says Fincher. "I am not interested in painting unrealistic, perfect children sitting up straight with their knees together, but rather that moment when a child is consumed with studying something or on the brink of a new discovery." Fincher's goal is to avoid painting the obvious. It is the expressions on children's faces when they are on the brink of experiencing something new that the artist strives to capture. Even the wonderment of viewing life in different forms, such as insects and fish, can be fascinating. "I love to tell stories, and what better avenue than through the face of a child," says the artist. Upon close observation, you will find inspiration in each of the artist's captivating images. Through Fincher's art, her children will touch you, giving you the opportunity to return to that spirit of youth and innocence each of us so fondly remembers. Kathryn Andrews Fincher resides near Atlanta with her husband and their two daughters. Billy Campbell, City Manager November 24, 2003 Page 4 of 7 The Dream Keepers A painting inspired by the events of September ii, 2ooi. During the events of that day, I had no desire to paint. I watched and I mourned. But artists cannot dodge their creativity, their means of expression, or their responsibility to their talent. As a painter that is a voice for the children, I could not remain silent. My first ideas were the obvious ones, such as children holding flags or pledging their allegiance. However, it was the memory of painting a mural in our church that motivated me. I helped the children to paint the rainbow above Noah's Ark by using their handprints. "The Dream Keepers" is inspired from this memory. This composition allowed me the opportunity to suggest a cross above the flag by using the shadows from the windows. The seven children -- Biblically the perfect number -- with different skin tones, represent the seven continents. After the painting was completed, a friend pointed out the huge red, handprint at the base of the cross. Although it was unintentional, I felt that it was divinely placed. But the miracle I remember most is my experience after "The Dream Keepers" was completed. As with most of my paintings, I submit to my publisher the story "behind the scene." However, I was unable to find the time or the words to write. I was unaware that I was scheduled for an overnight trip to New York City. Once there, I realized my hesitancy, for I needed to see Ground Zero for confirmation to make "The Dream Keepers" complete. Ground Zero was blocked -off from the public. As it turned out, I spoke with a New York policeman and he escorted me inside the barricade, and arranged for my friends and I to have a private tour. The area outside the barricade was covered with flowers and memorials. With so much mourning, could I endure the devastation inside? I expected the experience inside to be similar. It was not. Within the barricade, there was a busy community. The workers were not in a rush and everyone worked together. There was a gentleness and kindness beyond measure that I had not experienced previously in New York or anywhere. Surrounding the huge pile of rubble were men and women, of all different ethnic backgrounds, working side by side. I realized that the unity and spirit of the workers was also reflected and protected by two churches facing one another, on either side of the rubble, both untouched. These churches served as a safe refuge to many on that tragic day. They continue to serve as a safe harbour for mourners and workers during the recovery effort. As I returned to the world outside the barricade, onlookers asked, "What was it like? Sad? Disgusting? What did you feel ?" Some say our innocence is forever lost, we will never be the same. Maybe so. However, from my experience at Ground Zero, I was uplifted by a spirit of hope that was piled higher than any rubble or despair. I had seen... and I had met... "The Dream Keepers." Kathrvn Andrews Fincher Billy Campbell, City Manager November 24, 2003 Page 5 of 7 Grace Louise O'Brien, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away Monday, April 3, 2000. She was born in Drumwright, Oklahoma June 28, 1921. She received a Bachelor of History degree from the Oklahoma College for Women in 1944 and a degree in Library Science from North Texas State University in Denton. During 1945 -1950, she flew as a stewardess for American Airlines and served as the found- ing President of the Dallas Kiwi Chapter in 1956. She taught English and journalism at Carroll High School for 12 years, and was the high school librarian. She was a member of the Lonesome Dove Baptist Church, and she and her husband Mike were residents of Southlake for 35 years prior to their retire- ment in Hawaii. She was dearly loved. We celebrate her 78 full years of life and living. Billy Campbell, City Manager November 24, 2003 Page 6 of 7 Southlake Public Library Board Policies and Procedures Manual Policy: Donation Policy and Procedures Source: Library Board Category: Administration Effective Date: January 2, 2001 Statement of Purpose The purpose of this policy and the accompanying list of procedures is to provide consistent guidance for the consideration of donations to the Southlake Public Library. Policy Statement No donation can be accepted unless it is given to the Library without restrictions. In accepting a gift of materials, the Library reserves the privilege of deciding whether item(s) donated should be added to the collection. Generally, the material will be judged by the same standards of selection as those applied to the purchase of new materials. The Southlake Public Library accepts gift books with the understanding that books, which are useful to the library collection, will be retained, and other books disposed of in whatever manner the librarian deems appropriate. The Library reserves the right to interfile gifts with other collections on the same subject, so that all collections are organized and classified according to the library standards for the best public service. The Library welcomes monetary contributions specifically for book purchases in memorial to or in honor of named individuals. For memorial books to the library, the Library may place within the book the name of the individual(s) and donor, if desired. In order that the Library can properly honor the generosity a special form to record the information is used and should be completed. Individuals, businesses or organizations considering making a donation to the Southlake Public Library and who wish for a written acknowledgement of this donation, shall fill out a form provided by the Library for this purpose. Although donation of art objects and other types of materials are usually welcomed and valued, they must meet the criteria of the Public Art Policy and final decision on their acceptance rests with the Library Administrator and the Library Board. Billy Campbell, City Manager November 24, 2003 Page 7 of 7 The Library welcomes cash contributions, gifts of real property, stocks and bonds. Although it is unlikely, there may be an occasion in which the restrictions set by the donor make it impossible for the Library to accept the contribution. All donations are subject to the approval of the Library Administrator, and also the approval of the Library Board for donations valued at over $1,000. All gifts are accepted with the understanding that they may someday be sold or disposed of if necessary or in the best interest of the library. The library cannot commit itself to perpetually house any donation. The library cannot appraise the value of a donation of materials or arts for income tax implications. Procedures L Individuals, businesses or organizations considering making a donation to the Southlake Public Library and who wish for a written acknowledgement of this donation, shall fill out a form provided by the Library for this purpose. IL The proposal should include a description of the donation, and if applicable, pictures and /or drawings of the donations, and list the value of the donation. III. The Library Administrator shall make the determination to approve all proposed donations valued at less than $1,000. IV. The Library Administrator will review and forward comments /recommendations on all donation proposals valued at over $1,000 to the Southlake Public Library Board for their review at the next regular Board meeting. V. The Library Board will consider the proposed donation and make a determination, which may include comments /recommendations. At the Board's discretion, donations may be forwarded to the City Council for final approval. VI. The Southlake Public Library reserves the right to accept or reject any item(s) submitted for approval. VII. The potential donor reserves the right to withdraw the proposed item at any time during the approval process, until final approval by the Library. VIIL All item(s) will be considered for acceptance on an item by item basis. IX. All accepted donations to the Southlake Public Library will become the property of the Southlake Public Library, and will be used at the discretion of the City.