HomeMy WebLinkAboutClaire Remsberg (Artist) Art Purchase Agreement C� fIEN DL4,,A
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MEMO TO CITY COUNCIL
Request to Include Topic on the City Council Agenda
From: Cassandra Schiffler,Arts & Culture Meeting Date: March 112025
Coordinator
Presenter: N/A Estimated Time: 0.5 minutes
Topic: Art Purchase Agreement for City Hall Paintings
Recommended Council Action:
Approve Artwork Purchase Agreement for the Mayor's signature.
Background:
Artist Claire Remsberg created these three original paintings for a recent traffic box public art commission.
The Public Art Committee was particularly impressed by the artwork and its relevance to Meridian.They
discussed a possible purchase with available MAPS funds. In their 12-10-24 meeting,the Public Art
Committee voted to recommend acquisition of the work.Their recommendation was brough to the full Arts
Commission,which on 1-9-25 unanimously voted to recommend a purchase and acquisition of the
paintings for City Hall's art collection as they are of high quality,by a very reputable local artist,and they
prominently feature Meridian specific imagery and themes.
The Arts Commission originally recommended the acquisition for the purchase price of$3,620,which is the
artist's standard painting sales price. However,upon contract negotiations,the artist was unaware of the
City's requirements for the relinquishment of copyrights and full VARA(Visual Artist Rights Act) rights.
Contract negotiations ensued,and the artist requested an additional fee for the copyrights and VARA
waivers.
Strategic Goals Alignment. It meets MAC's Strategic Plan goals for Public Art,as laid out in Public Art Goal 1:
"Create opportunities for all Meridian residents and visitors to experience public art"
Budget: No budget amendment is necessary.This project uses existing MAPS funds (Meridian Art in Public
Spaces). (The MAPS Ordinance 15-1642 established the method of appropriating general funds to install
visual,tangible artworks for installation on public property in Meridian's public spaces.)
Installation and Location:Artworks will be framed. Installation is planned for the first floor of City Hall,in
the hallway to the north of council chambers.See mock up imagery below:
(Art installation mockup imagery on next page)
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ART PURCHASE AGREEMENT
This ART PURCHASE AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is entered into this 11 th day of
March , 2025, by and between the City of Meridian, Idaho, a municipal corporation
organized under the laws of the state of Idaho ("City"), and Claire Remsberg, an individual
person ("Artist") (collectively, "Parties").
WHEREAS, at its meeting on January 9, 2025, the Meridian Arts Commission voted to
recommend that the City purchase a series of three unframed paintings created by Artist entitled,
respectively, "Flying Farmer& Cloud Wife,""The Indigenous Clearing," and"Imagining
Egger's Farmstead," as depicted in Exhibit A (collectively, "Artwork");
WHEREAS,making visual art part of the regular experience for those who visit
Meridian City Hall will encourage dialogue among community leadership, staff, and visitors and
provide new ways of experiencing the arts;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants, terms and
conditions hereinafter contained, the parties hereto do mutually agree as follows:
1. Sale. Artist hereby agrees to sell the Artwork to City for the sum of five thousand dollars
($5,000.00). The Parties agree that this amount shall include all costs associated with
Artist's provision of goods and services under this agreement, including but not limited to,
commission, materials, travel, delivery of the Artwork for framing, insurance, equipment,
any and all other costs of goods or services to be provided by Artist, and copyright for the
Artwork, subject to the provisions set forth in this Agreement.
2. Payment. City will pay Artist for services rendered pursuant to this Agreement in the total
amount of five thousand dollars ($5,000.00), which payment shall be made pursuant to the
following method. To receive payment for services rendered, the Artist shall,by March 1,
2025:
a. Deliver the Artwork to Finer Frames, 132 E State Street, Eagle, Idaho, and
b. Provide to the Arts & Culture Coordinator a completed W-9 form and invoice for such
Artwork;
Following which City shall issue payment to Artist via check sent U.S. Mail to Artist within
thirty(30) days.
3. Time of the essence. The Artist acknowledges that services provided under this Agreement
shall be performed in a timely manner. The Parties acknowledge and agree that time is
strictly of the essence with respect to this Agreement, and that the failure to timely perform
any of the obligations hereunder shall constitute a breach of, and a default under, this
Agreement by the party so failing to perform.
4. Copyright. The copyright for the Artwork shall be held by City. The Artist shall reserve the
right to reproduce the Artwork for the purposes of representing Artist's portfolio, marketing
of Artist's art business, and/or for educational purposes. Artist shall retain no other right to
reproduce the Artwork in any manner or for any other purpose, though the Artist may request
ART PURCHASING AGREEMENT PAGE 1 OF 7
such right from City, which right City shall not unreasonably withhold. Any such right shall
be conveyed in writing as a written amendment to this Agreement, and if not so written and
executed by both Parties, shall not be considered duly or validly conveyed. City shall not use
the Artwork for commercial purposes, and shall not make any full-scale print or reproduction
of the Artwork without a separate written agreement with Artist. City may use partial or
complete images of such Artwork for promotional or other public use without further
permission from Artist. While Artist shall make no claim to the copyright of the Artwork,
Artist shall be identified as the creator of the Artwork, both in the vicinity of the original as
publicly displayed, and in writing as to any reproduction of the Artwork by City for
promotional or other public use. This provision shall survive the termination of this
Agreement. Artist shall not make any claim to the copyright of the Artwork.
5. Waiver and Relinquishment of Rights. Artist hereby expressly waives any and all right,
title, or interest in said copyrighted Artwork. Artist understands that said waiver includes
waivers of the exclusive rights of reproduction, adaptation,publication,performance and
display. Artist agrees to relinquish any and all rights, title, and interest to the Artwork
developed in connection with this Agreement and hereby expressly waives any rights Artist
has to said Artwork including, but not limited to, the rights afforded artists under the
Copyright Act of 1976 and the Visual Arts Rights Act of 1990, Title 17 U.S.C., sections 101
et seq. Artist understands and agrees that the right of attribution and integrity, as specifically
set forth in 17 U.S.C. section 106A, are hereby expressly waived except as otherwise
provided herein. To the extent that the provisions of this Agreement differ with the
Copyright Act of 1976 and Visual Arts Rights Act of 1990, the provisions of this Agreement
will govern and any such differences in the rights and duties created thereunder are expressly
waived. This provision shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
6. Photographs of Artwork by City. City may photographically reproduce the image of the
Artwork, as City may desire for educational and public information purposes. Where
practicable and to the extent of City's authority, Artist shall be acknowledged on each such
photographic reproduction to be the creator of the original subject thereof, provided that
photographic reproductions of preliminary studies, models and maquettes shall not be
identified as or represented to be the finished Artwork.
7. Photographs of Artwork by Artist. Artist may photographically reproduce the image of
the Artwork and all preliminary studies, models and maquettes thereof, as Artist may desire
for marketing, educational and public information purposes. Where practicable, Artist shall
acknowledge on each such photographic reproduction the location of such Artwork,provided
that reproductions of preliminary studies, models and maquettes shall not be identified as or
represented to be the finished Artwork.
8. Display. It is the intent of City to publicly display the Artwork at Meridian City Hall.
Nothing in this Agreement, or otherwise, shall preclude the right of City to remove Artwork
from public display, whether temporarily or permanently. In the event that City determines
that the Artwork or any component thereof shall be deaccessioned, City shall follow the
applicable City policy and procedure.
ART PURCHASING AGREEMENT PAGE 2 OF 7
9. Alteration. If any alteration occurs to the Artwork, whether intentional or accidental and
whether caused by City or others,upon written request of Artist, the Artwork shall no longer
be represented to be the work of Artist. Other than as specified herein, Artist specifically
waives the right to claim any other remedy concerning the alteration of the Artwork as
provided for under Idaho or federal law, whether by statute or otherwise.
10. Restoration. If the Artwork is damaged, City shall consult Artist before any restoration
efforts and shall provide Artist first opportunity to restore it, if practicable. City shall have
the exclusive right to determine when and whether repairs and restorations of the Artwork
shall be made.
11. Retransfer. If City, in any way whatsoever, sells, gives,bequests, transfers, or trades the
Artwork, Artist shall have no right to obtain such Artwork or in any way direct or prohibit
such sale, gift, bequest, transfer, or trade.
12. Relationship of Parties. It is the express intention of Parties that Artist is an independent
contractor and neither Artist nor any officer, employee, subcontractor, assignee, or agent of
Artist shall be deemed an employee, agent,joint venturer, or partner of City in any manner or
for any purpose. Nothing in this Agreement shall be interpreted or construed as creating or
establishing the relationship of employer and employee between Artist and City or between
Artist and any official, agent, or employee of City. Both parties acknowledge that Artist is
not an employee of City. Artist shall retain the right to perform services for others during the
term of this Agreement. Specifically, without limitation, Artist understands, acknowledges,
and agrees:
a. Artist is free from actual and potential control by City in the provision of services under
this Agreement.
b. Artist is engaged in an independently established trade, occupation,profession, or
business.
c. Artist has the authority to hire subordinates.
d. Artist owns and/or will provide all major items of equipment necessary to perform
services under this Agreement.
13. Relationship of Parties. It is the express intention of Parties that Artist is an independent
Artist and not an employee, agent,joint venturer, or partner of City. Nothing in this
Agreement shall be interpreted or construed as creating or establishing the relationship of
employer and employee between Artist and City or between Artist and any official, agent, or
employee of City. Both parties acknowledge that Artist is not an employee of City. Artist
shall retain the right to perform services for others during the term of this Agreement.
14. Notice. Any and all notice required to be provided by either of the Parties hereto, unless
otherwise stated in this Agreement, shall be in writing and shall be deemed communicated
upon mailing by United States Mail, addressed as follows:
Artist: City:
Claire Remsberg Meridian City Clerk
2669 N. Westminster Place 33 E. Broadway Avenue
Boise ID 83704 Meridian ID 83642
ART PURCHASING AGREEMENT PAGE 3 OF 7
Either party may change their address for the purpose of this provision by giving written
notice of such change in the manner herein provided.
15. Waiver and indemnification. Artist waives and releases, on behalf of Artist and Artist's
heirs, executors, administrators, assigns, and/or personal representatives, any and all claims
and recourse against City, including the right of contribution for loss and damage to persons
or property arising from or in any way connected with or incident to Artist's performance of
this Agreement, whether such loss or damage may be attributable to known or unknown
conditions, except for liability arising out of concurrent or sole negligence of City or its
officers, agents or employees. Further, Artist shall, and hereby does, indemnify, hold
harmless, and defend City against any and all claims, demands, damages, costs, expenses or
liability arising out of Artist's performance of this Agreement except for liability arising out
of the concurrent or sole negligence of City or its officers, agents or employees.
16. Limited edition. Artwork shall be one of a limited edition of one. Artist warrants and
represents that the Artwork has never before been designed, fabricated, created,published, or
copied; that Artist is the sole creator of the Artwork; and that Artist is the sole and exclusive
owner of all rights conveyed to City by this Agreement.
17. State of Idaho requirement. The following provisions, as applicable, are required by Idaho
law. The terms used in this provision shall have the definitions as set forth in the respective
Idaho Code provisions. Pursuant to Idaho Code § 18-8703, as applicable, Artist certifies that
Artist is not, and will not for the duration of this Agreement become, an abortion provider or an
affiliate of an abortion provider.
18. Presumptions; review. In construing the terms of this Agreement, no presumption shall
operate in either party's favor as a result of that party's counsel's role in drafting the terms or
provisions hereof. Further, it is agreed that Artist has had a full and fair opportunity to
review the terms herein and to consult with legal counsel before signing. Accordingly,
because Artist has had ample review opportunities and because Artist is and was free to elect
not to accept these terms, Artist acknowledges that this is not a contract of adhesion.
19. Construction and severability. If any part of this Agreement is held to be invalid or
unenforceable, such holding will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other part of
this Agreement so long as the remainder of the Agreement is reasonably capable of
completion.
20. Entire agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the Parties.
This Agreement supersedes any and all statements, promises, or inducements made by either
party, or agents of either party, whether oral or written, whether previous to the execution
hereof or contemporaneous herewith. The terms of this Agreement may not be enlarged,
modified or altered except upon written agreement signed by both parties hereto.
21. Non-waiver of breach. A waiver of any breach of any of the provisions of this Agreement
shall not be construed as a continuing waiver of other breaches of the same or other
provisions hereof.
ART PURCHASING AGREEMENT PAGE 4 OF 7
22. Assignment. Artist may not subcontract, assign, transfer, hypothecate or sell Artist's rights
or duties arising hereunder without the prior express written consent of City. Any
subcontractor or assignee shall be bound by all the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
23. Heirs and assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties hereto, their heirs,
successors, assigns, and personal representatives and references to Artist and City shall
include their respective heirs, successors, assigns, and personal representatives.
24. Termination. If City determines that Artist has failed to comply with the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, violated any of the covenants, agreements, and/or stipulations
of this Agreement, falsified any record or document required to be prepared under this
Agreement, engaged in fraud, dishonesty, or any other act of misconduct in the performance
of this Agreement, City may terminate this Agreement in whole, or in part, at any time, by
giving notice, in writing, to Agreement of any or all deficiencies claimed. The notice will be
sufficient for all purposes if it describes the default in general terms and provides a
reasonable time to cure. If all defaults are not cured and corrected within a reasonable period
as specified in the notice, City may, with no further notice, declare this Agreement to be
terminated. Notwithstanding the above or any other provision of this Agreement, Artist shall
not be relieved of liability to City for damages sustained by City by virtue of any breach of
this Agreement by Artist. This provision shall survive the termination of this Agreement and
shall not relieve Artist of liability to City for damages.
25. Attorney's fees. In any action by City or Artist for recovery of any sum due under this
Agreement, or to enforce any of the terms, covenants, or conditions contained herein, the
prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable attorney's fees in addition to costs and
necessary disbursements incurred in such action.
26. Governing law; compliance with law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the
State of Idaho. Throughout the course of this Agreement, Artist shall comply with any and
all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
27. Exhibits. All exhibits to this Agreement are incorporated by reference and made a part of
hereof as if the exhibits were set forth in their entirety herein.
28. City Council approval required. The validity of this Agreement shall be expressly
conditioned upon City Council action approving the Agreement. Execution of this
Agreement by the persons referenced below prior to such ratification or approval shall not be
construed as proof of validity in the absence of Meridian City Council approval.
ART PURCHASING AGREEMENT PAGE 5 OF 7
IN WITNESS WHEREOF,the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on the
Effective Date first written above.
ARTIST:
Claire Remsberg
CITY OF MERIDIAN:
BY:
Robert E. Simison, Mayor 3-11-2025
Attest:
Chris Johnson 3-11-2025
City Clerk
ART PURCHASING AGREEMENT PAGE 6 OF 7
EXHIBIT A
Claire Remsberg Artworks
Unframed prices:
$2000 Box A - Flying Farmer&the Cloud Wife, oil on canvas, 24 x 50"
$635 Box B - The Indigenous Clearing, oil on canvas, 17 x 17"
$985 Box C -Imagining Egger's Farmstead, oil on canvas, 17 x 30"
$1,380: Copyrights and VARA waiver, as negotiated for original paintings and imagery
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ART PURCHASING AGREEMENT PAGE 7 OF 7