MOOSE JAW — An adult-size bison sculpture at the Tourism Moose Jaw office that honours an animal that once roamed the Prairies in the millions could soon be joined by a similar baby-sized artwork.
Metal artist Bill Keen spoke to the public art committee recently about a bison calf he created to accompany his adult-sized creation and his hope that the city would purchase the artwork.
He explained that he wanted to add the second sculpture because many people have expressed appreciation for the adult-sized artwork and how it’s a great addition to the tourism centre. Moreover, people appreciate seeing Billie Blaze Bison standing with Mac the Moose.
“People said the (adult-sized) bison looks lonely,” he said, noting he worked on the smaller bison sculpture over the winter.
The artwork cost $3,600 to create while installing it — which Keen wants to do — would cost $900, for a total of $4,500, the metal artist continued, noting it’s worth $8,000 on the market. Also, the sculpture would have a five-year warranty, while the Keens would inspect it annually and make repairs if required.
Keen added that he would be thrilled if the art committee purchased the sculpture since it would make a great addition to the tourism centre.
Committee member Coun. Heather Eby informed Keen that the committee must approve projects beforehand and not after the fact. Moreover, city council and city administration disapprove of committees spending money without acquiring approval. Also, the committee has a limited budget and must consider other future projects.
“This really hamstrings this committee … ,” she said, adding the committee must follow the proper process.
Keen acknowledged that he “put the cart before the horse” and that the committee must follow procedures. However, he pitched this as a community project that recognized the importance of the bison in North America centuries ago. He added that he would be OK if the committee paid him for the sculpture next year.
After Keen’s presentation, Eby told the committee that she didn’t feel comfortable approving a project’s purchase after it had been created. She noted that administration recommended offering Keen $1,500 for the sculpture.
Eby added that this proposal put the committee “in a really bad spot” if they submitted it to council for approval.
Chairwoman Yvette Moore said the committee has processes to deal with purchases, while they must remember that artists regularly pitch projects that also deserve a chance. She agreed that Keen had taken the decision out of their hands, while they lacked sufficient funds to buy it now.
Member Jennifer McRorie said accepting the sculpture without prior approval would set a bad precedent. She suggested that the committee could accept the artwork if Keen donated it entirely and they covered the installation costs.
The committee then passed a recommendation to consider purchasing the bison calf in the fall, if there is money in its budget.
