Supervisors approve agreement to install sculpture outside county admin building

Jasper County signed a formal agreement with the Centre for Arts and Artists last week to install a sculpture outside the administration building, a project that was first introduced to the board of supervisors in June 2023. The sculpture is a six-piece monument resembling a marching jazz band.

During the Feb. 27 board of supervisors meeting, Jasper County Maintenance Director Adam Sparks and Centre for Artists and Artists board member Bruce Showalter presented the final draft of the contract for approval, which was needed after officials gave the OK to move forward with the project.

According to the agreement included in the meeting agenda, the Centre for Arts and Artists will locate the sculpture on concrete pads and pay for all expenses involved with the creation of these pads and the location and siting of the sculpture. The county has no expense in the placing of the sculpture.

Centre for Arts and Artists still retains ownership of the sculpture and maintains responsibility for the sculpture, including any protection as well as insurance. The organization also agrees to insure the sculpture and hold Jasper County harmless for any suit that alleges harm as a result of the siting or placement.

Until either party informs the other in writing with 60 days notice that the sculpture is to be removed, it will remain in place in perpetuity. Centre for Arts and Artists is to pay any and all expense of the removal of the sculptures and pads and must return the site to its natural state of a grassy knoll.

Placement or removal of sculptures will be done with cooperation of county staff, according to the agreement. Neither Centre for Arts and Artists nor the county guarantees any location or the protection of the sculpture. If the sculpture is damaged or destroyed, Centre for Arts and Artists has 60 days to remove it.

The board of supervisors voted 3-0 to approve the contract.

Newton News previously reported the sculpture — which has been re-painted red — was donated by Pat and Gary Wallace from Wallace Funeral Home.

While there were no disagreements about installing the sculpture on county property, supervisor Brandon Talsma did ask his maintenance director how he felt about the idea considering either he or his staff would be forced to mow around the concrete pads. Sparks said it would not be a big deal.

At the time Showalter and Sparks first presented the idea to supervisors last year, it was indicated the sculpture would be on display at least five years.

Newton is home to more than 90 pieces of public art work, including sculptures and murals, according to Travel Iowa.