As the chair of the CDA Arts Commission, I want provide a little insight into the process -- and this specific call to artist. We did a national call for this art position. Why would we do a national call vs something just local?

• 1. When we have done local or even regional calls in the past, we found that the same artists submitted time and again. Many pieces started kind of resembling another piece across town.
• 2. In many cases, the selection committee would select the same artists for the final consideration, which goes out for public review and comment.
• 3. We feel strongly that our city's art collection have diversity and depth, and we do not like to limit the creativity that is allowed to an artist. Therefore, we often aren't specifying a certain style of art, but leave it open so that the selection committee gets a variety of styles and designs to choose from.

DFO: Hey, don't look at me. I think the Arts Commission has done a terrific job beautifying our community. I see the day coming when Coeur d'Alene will be recognized regionally/nationally for its public art. I can't wait for the day someone snaps a photo of my friend Duane Rasmussen passing under the rainbow entrance to the new McEuen Park. Now let's all have a group hug.