The Town Council approved two new pieces for its public art collection at its March 5 regular session.

In addition, questions surfaced at last week’s meeting about the status of the Thomas Jefferson sculpture in Fountain Park and one of its plaques.

Former Mayor Jerry Miles was on hand to represent the Public Art Committee before the council.

The Jefferson plaque stirred controversy when several citizens questioned the accuracy of many quotes contained on the plaque.

Miles told the council the PAC had met to resolve the issue and it is unlikely any similar situations will arise in the future.

He told The Times the plan is to replace the plaque with some brief biographical information along with an excerpt from the Declaration of Independence.

Miles said normally the plaques installed with public art include the name of the work, the artist, a donor and sometimes a dedication to the memory of someone.

He said these items should not be controversial.

Miles noted that the committee has no plans to install any additional statues of presidents unless someone steps forward to donate a Democrat such as Kennedy, Truman or FDR.

Miles said no one has made such an offer, but added that if another president is installed the council is welcome to review the contents of any plaques installed with it.

New pieces

One new piece approved by the council is a bronze sculpture entitled “Vigilance” by artist Dave Lamure Jr.

The sculpture has a value of $78,000, which the Public Art Committee negotiated to a price of $45,000. The artwork is being donated to the town by Dorothy Ware.

The committee did ask the council to approve $2,000 in town money for a base for the artwork, which the council approved to come from the Public Art Fund.

Councilman Henry Leger wanted it made clear that the $2,000 comes from an existing fund dedicated for art projects, primarily for the installation of donated works.

The piece is to be installed in Fountain Park along the lake front walkway near the amphitheater.

The second sculpture is Second Mesa Maiden by artist Pettigrew and has a value of $12,000 and is being donated by the artist for $2,000.

This sculpture is also being installed near the amphitheater in Fountain Park. There is an existing base that will be used.