Cost overrun ‘penalty’: Free trip to Vegas

Monday, Nov. 19, 2007 | 7:07 a.m.

The Las Vegas Arts Commission was slated to decide last week whether to approve New York artist Dennis Oppenheim's design for the Gateway to the Arts District, a $700,000 project.

If it's approved, Oppenheim would build two archway light sculptures of paint buckets spilling and becoming pink flamingos.

But it turns out the actual price tag is $3 million, said Michael Ogilvie, the city's public art coordinator.

Oppenheim knew the city's budget when he presented his plan last month to an Arts Commission subcommittee that recommended his design from among the four finalists'.

Oppenheim's other proposal - four giant paintbrushes - also wouldn't make the original budget. "It would only allow him to construct three of the four brushes," Ogilvie said.

So the Arts Commission voted 5-4 Thursday to invite Oppenheim back to Las Vegas to present an amended proposal that meets the budget. The city will pay up to $2,500 for his travel fees.

What does Oppenheim have to say? His office declined comment Friday and directed all questions back to the city.

The decision frustrated some, who called it bait and switch.

"I think they should have invited all of the finalists to come back," said Marty Walsh, artist and owner of Trifecta Gallery, who attended the meeting. "I don't think it's a level playing field when he shows up with a $3 million proposal."

"I just couldn't believe the commission was going to move forward on this," said Yorgo Kagafas, the city's urban design coordinator. He served on the subcommittee but abstained from voting last month because "it didn't pass the smell test."

Kagafas said the city should be fair and again open the competition to all four finalists.

Commissioners Rob McCoy and Candy Schneider agreed. Commissioner Barbara Stout was also concerned about an unequal playing field.

But Commissioner Nancy Deaner said that asking an artist to return and negotiate is part of the process. Deaner, Patrick Duffy, Jack Solomon, Maura Parrott and commission Chairman Joshua Abbey voted to bring Oppenheim back. McCoy, Stout, Schneider and Kim Russel opposed. Commissioner Elizabeth Herridge was not at the meeting.

Some commissioners were concerned that delays could jeopardize $360,000 from the Nevada Department of Transportation, which requires a contract for fabrication by June 20.

The city extended the invitation to Oppenheim and awaits his response.

Abbey said the city is talking with Oppenheim and "there is a sense that he is flexible."