Despite a no vote from Jenny Brekhus and initial concerns from Mayor Hillary Schieve, Reno’s City Council Wednesday moved forward with plans for an $80,000 contract to a non-Reno muralist to “embellish” the National Bowling Stadium exterior.
Brekhus was concerned with the process, saying it had “veered off Council authority,” and that the idea should have gone before elected officials earlier, and not just for a vote.
Devon Reese apologized, in his usual convoluted manner, for not having been more forthcoming about the project while serving as one of the council’s representative on the Capital Projects Surcharge Advisory Subcommittee from which the money is emanating. The Reno Arts and Culture Commission selected Blanco’s proposal after receiving dozens of applications.
Schieve said she envisioned the 28-year-old bowling stadium as having more of a community use, for e-sports and other activities. She also expressed initial disappointment that the artist chosen, Raphael Blanco, does not live in Reno. “We’ve got amazing talent right here at home,” she said.
City staff said they were pressed with a deadline from the U.S Bowling Congress which gets concessions to agree to holding competitions here. They said Blanco, a UNR MFA student from 2010 to 2013, was thinking of returning to Reno, even though his website says he is based out of the Chicago area.
Screengrab above of part of what Reno wants to get for $80,000.
Schieve also said the art seems to be too bowling-focused and might have to get painted over if what is held inside the venue changes in the future. She said she could understand the gasp at the price tag, but once staff and Reese weighed in, she went along with moving along with the project.
There was a lengthy conversation about why council members shouldn’t weigh into artistic choices, or color choices, as Wolf Pack blue and grey were brought up, but one council member, Naomi Duerr, asked to see another sketch before the work started.
In the end, it was another yes from every council member besides Brekhus to everything city staff presented.