2nd sculpture considered for Batavia bridge

The Batavia City Council will consider Tuesday whether to put a second sculpture on the Wilson Street bridge.

The bridge was designed with spots for four sculptures, with the themes nature, art, science and history. The first one, “Nature: Sounds of Harmony,” was installed in 2008 and cost $30,000. History is the next theme up, and artists would be directed to include Batavia history in the work.

The money for the first came out of a Tax Increment Financing district property tax fund dedicated to improving the downtown. That would pay for additional sculptures, if the council agrees to resume the program.

The city did not buy sculptures in 2009 or 2010, feeling it inappropriate during the downturn in the economy.

Mayor Jeff Schielke supports the plan, at least to add one more.

“It looks to be unbalanced now,” he said, with the sole sculpture on the southeast corner of the bridge. The second sculpture would be on the northwest corner.

Planners see pros and cons in the plan. Batavia is trying to brand itself as an arts community, and resuming the sculpture competition supports that. And there are already concrete pedestals on the bridge, awaiting art.

But city officials have also received comments that the money should be used on something practical.

“It is all part of the overall aesthetic of what we are trying to do in the downtown area,” Schielke said.

The city is considering redoing the streetscape of the downtown, including changing trees, sidewalks and other features, to make it more attractive.

If the second sculpture gets the go-ahead, a contest would be held, including an open house for the public to see the potential works. The council picks the winner. The artist would receive a commission of up to $22,500.