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Leaf, fish structures to grace North Lake Tahoe roundabouts

Staff report
Reno resident David Boyer’s “Swimming with Friends” is one of two art proposals selected by the community for display at a King Beach roundabout.
Courtesy Tahoe Public Art |

About Tahoe Public Art

Tahoe Public Art’s mission is to enhance and preserve the natural beauty and history of North Lake Tahoe through visual arts that promote environmental stewardship and cultural unity. Visit tahoepublicart.com to learn more.

KINGS BEACH, Calif. — Acting as the final jury, the community has come to a verdict on what art should be displayed in the Kings Beach roundabouts.

From a pool of five finalists, Truckee resident Troy Corliss’ “Leaf Sails” and Reno resident David Boyer’s “Swimming with Friends” were the top vote-getters.

The two winning proposals were selected by 429 voters who attended Thursday’s community meeting in Kings Beach.



It was a close race, with the two proposals separated by four votes, said Marguerite Sprague, program coordinator of Tahoe Public Art, a consortium of North Tahoe Arts, North Tahoe Business Association and Tahoe City Downtown Association that is commissioning the roundabout project.

Corliss’ submission draws reference simultaneously to leaves and sails and brings attention to the juxtaposition of the surrounding two environments — land and water, according to his artist’s statement.



Boyer’s proposal will not only move with the wind, but also mimic creatures and natural forces, according to his statement. The shape of the fish is an abstract composite of several of Lake Tahoe’s native species.

One display is proposed for each roundabout at Bear and Coon streets.

Since the roundabouts are on Highway 28, a state highway, Caltrans will conduct an engineering review of the winning proposals.

Should an issue arise during review, the parties would work to resolve it. If a solution cannot be found, the next top vote-getter will move forward.

Caltrans’ probe, which could take four to six months, won’t start until the state agency finalizes revisions to its Transportation Art policy, which is being reviewed.

As a result, the art displays will be installed in 2016, with the final date dependent upon Caltrans’ scheduling, according to Tahoe Public Art.

Originally, the displays were anticipated for a Sept. 26 unveiling.

The art at each roundabout cannot exceed a cost of $125,000, which includes labor, transportation, materials and installation costs, or $250,000 for the two. Total project cost is $320,000, according to Placer County.

County supervisors recently approved $125,000 in Transient Occupancy Tax funding to go toward the construction, installation and marketing/promotion of the roundabout art.


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