Select board discusses public sculptures

Monday night’s meeting was a search for answers.

The select board reviewed both the Helen Day Art Center’s application for its annual “Exposed” outdoor sculpture exhibit and Stowe Theatre Guild’s lease, which is up for renewal. Some board members and citizens took issue with the art center’s proposed “Pick Up Sticks”-themed exhibit, intended to add whimsy to the cupola of the building it shares with the Stowe Free Library, as well as cleanup costs associated with the theater troupe using the top floor of the Akeley Memorial Building every summer and fall.

Exposed: 25 years of sculpture

Select board members expressed reservations about one exhibit in particular: Robert Hitzig’s “Pick Up Sticks”-inspired piece, intended to be attached to the bell tower of the art center.

Selectmen were concerned about the impact the artwork could have on the historic nature of the building, which was built in the mid-19th century and is a draw for both visitors and residents.

“We have to think about people taking pictures of that building,” board member Adam Davis said. “We don’t want (the sticks) to get in the way of the building.”

According to the artist, the artwork would be constructed with medium-density fiberboard, painted all different colors. “It will be about 15 pieces of painted wood,” Hitzig explained. “It will be painted red, blue, yellow, white, probably some purple... all different colors.”

Hitzig says the exhibit will only be affixed to one face of the bell tower.

“We have to be careful when we change the way a building looks,” said board member Neil van Dyke.

“We have to watch out how far we go on that,” Davis agreed.

“It’s an interesting piece of art,” said board member Billy Adams, who said his reservations stemmed not from the work itself but from the “philosophy” of using Stowe’s historic buildings as part of Exposed. “I’m just not sure we should be using the building as a bulletin board.”

Helen Day Art Center Executive Director Nathan Suter says the building’s prominence plays into the intended effect of the artwork. “One of the things I’ve seen is that this building is tremendous,” Suter said. He says that to have the piece of art attached to the building for the three months of the exhibit would “invite a conversation. … That’s effective art, and it’s impermanent,” said Suter. “If we were attaching an annex to the building, that would be a different category.”

A member of the Helen Day board of trustees backed up Suter. “I just think this particular piece was very light and it didn’t offend me,” said Diane Arnold of Stowe. “It was innocuous. … It seems kind of whimsical to me.”

The select board approved the Helen Day center’s application for “Exposed.” but not before Stowe citizens raised concerns about the lasting effects of last year’s exhibit.

“As long as (the pieces) won’t be there all year long,” said Barbara Allaire of Stowe, who directed her displeasure at the piece still installed on Main Street’s village green. “The one that’s there should not have stayed.”

“It’s difficult to get good work for just three months,” countered Rachel Moore, the art center’s assistant executive director about the piece that’s been on the village green since last summer. “Kate Pond wouldn’t do it for less than a year. It’s so much work.”

The select board voted to accept this year’s exhibit with the caveat that all pieces be removed by Oct. 31. Art center officials will need to seek select board approval for any pieces that require a longer stay.

All the world’s a stage

As any college roommate or millennial living at home can attest, sharing shelter can be a struggle, and it’s no different when the parties involved are the town of Stowe and the Stowe Theatre Guild, which has historically rented the upper level of the Town Hall building for the going rate of $1.

The group’s lease was up for renewal at Monday’s meeting, and the select board and a few citizens felt it was time for a meeting.

“It’s mostly housekeeping issues,” said Susan Moeck, the town manager’s executive assistant.

While Stowe Theatre Guild does employ a third-party cleaning person to clean up before and after shows, the town wants the group to take care of cleaning the bathrooms, so it’s not the responsibility of the town’s custodian.

Barbara Allaire asked if the guild could pay a damage deposit as part of its lease. “Why can’t we ask them to pay $500?” Allaire asked. “That’s not unreasonable.”

“We don’t want to discourage them from being here,” said board chair Willie Noyes. “It adds to the vibrancy of the town.” Noyes said that asking the guild to provide a damage deposit could prompt them to move their operations elsewhere. “That would be a loss to the town. We’re supporting the arts,” Noyes said. “That’s what we get out of it.”

Davis recommended that the guild appoint someone to clean the bathrooms after the shows. Guild vice president Lynn Baumrind agreed.

The select board renewed the lease and the two parties will reconvene after this year’s theater season comes to a close.