Debated Moses statue to be dedicated Sunday in Edmond

By John A. Williams

Published: August 30, 2008

EDMOND — A statue of Moses that stirred debate over the use of public funds to purchase religious art will be dedicated Sunday.

The 6-foot-tall abstract statue sculpted by New Mexico artist Gibb Singleton will be dedicated at 10 a.m. at Edmond's First Christian Church, 201 E Second St.

In December 2007, the Edmond Visual Arts Commission voted to equally share the $17,500 cost of the statue with the church. But after public outcry, the commission unanimously agreed in May to allow private donors to buy the city's stake in the statue.

"This is a gift to the city,” said Chris Shorow, senior minister. "We want this to be seen as a neighborly gesture that we are not here to cause problems.”

In July, the debate over spending public money on religious art again came before the commission. Karen Morton, owner of Sacred Heart Catholic Gifts at 15 S Broadway, requested $7,800 or half the cost of a 26-inch tall bronze statue, "Come To Me,” by Tulsa artist Rosalind Cook. The sculpture depicts Jesus Christ surrounded by three children.

Commissioners unanimously voted to postpone a decision on Morton's request until a committee had finished its review of other cities' standards on purchasing art.

June Cartwright, chairwoman of the Edmond Visual Arts Commission, said the committee's findings have gone to Edmond City Attorney Steve Murdock for his recommendations. "It's getting ready to go back to the commission to be discussed and hopefully voted on at the next meeting.”

The commission paid $3,187.50 in 2006 for a statue of St. Francis placed at the Church of the Good Shepherd at Broadway and Colcord Avenue.

The Visual Arts Commission receives $200,000 a year from the city budget to fund half the cost of approved pieces of public art.

The Visual Arts Commission's next meeting is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. Sept. 17 at the Downtown Community Center, 28 E Main, Room 103.

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