PAAC Minutes - November 03, 2025

Staff: Robert Stockdale

ITEM No. 1 – APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The minutes from the September 15, 2025, Public Art and Artifacts Committee meeting were unanimously approved.

ITEM No. 2 – RECOMMENDATION – Jim Dolan Sculpture Donation for Montana Wool Lab

Robert Stockdale introduced the proposed sculpture and explained that the artwork would be donated by the family of Jim Drummond to honor his role at MSU and the Montana Wool Lab, his wife Betty Drummond, and all Montana sheepmen. Robert then provided an overview of the seven works by Jim Dolan that are currently on display on the MSU campus. Robert next introduced the conceptual designs for the proposed sheep sculpture provided by Dolan. Lastly, Robert described the two proposed sites for the sculpture in front of the new Wool Lab facility that will be included as part of the new Montana Combined State Laboratories building on South 19th Avenue.

Dean Adams noted that this donation was facilitated by both the MSU Alumni Foundation and the College of Agriculture. Dean stated that Dean Bajwa, dean of the College of Agriculture, is excited to have the donor’s involvement with the College and is supportive of this piece. Dean added that Jim Dolan was specifically requested by the donor because he is a member of the Drummond family.

Caleb Fey mentioned that there had been previous discussions about a proposal for a family portrait by Jim Dolan. Caleb asked whether this piece was being proposed in lieu of that family portrait. Richard Rudnicki answered that the sculpture under consideration is the only work that has been presented to Planning, Design & Construction.
Caleb Fey explained that he understands the significance of the proposed piece, but that there is the issue of Jim Dolan’s work already being heavily represented in MSU’s public art collection. Caleb asked whether the sculpture could be placed in the green space along the south side of the Combined State Laboratories building. Richard Rudnicki replied that the area was intended for lab staff, so the sculpture would not be visible to the wider public in that location.

Caleb Fey asked if the proposed sites would be landscaped and irrigated, noting that other works by Jim Dolan on campus have been impacted by exposure to lawn irrigation. Richard Rudnicki answered that the sites will be planted with native grasses and that they will not be irrigated. Jodi Allison-Bunnell added that she thought the grass landscaping of the proposed locations would be appropriate as it is consistent with what sheep would eat.
Caleb Fey asked if the adult sheep in the sculpture would be skeletal as it appears in the photos of the maquette. Richard Rudnicki replied that he believed the work would have structure closer to the design of Dolan’s Blue Horses in Three Forks.

Jodi Allison-Bunnell stated that it would be worthwhile to discuss the ramifications of having one artist overrepresented on the campus. Richard Rudnicki responded that he had similar concerns of having too many works by one artist, but that this location is not on the campus proper. Richard also noted that the visitors to the Wool Lab may not necessarily be visiting the university campus as well due to the specific functions of the facility.
Holley Woosley-Vennes stated that Jim Dolan is well respected in the agriculture community and that there is a long-term relationship between the College, the Wool Lab, and the families of the donor and of Dolan. Holley added that it is important to the agriculture community for a piece of art appear factually accurate, and that Dolan’s previous works indicate that this sculpture will correctly depict the sheep. Holley then echoed Richard Rudnicki’s remark that the visitors to the Wool Lab are unlikely to traverse the university campus, and that those visitors would be likely to recognize Dolan’s work.

Josh Deweese explained that Jim Dolan is a long-time friend of his and that Dolan also sits on the School of Art Advisory Council. Josh then stated that he believed it to be inappropriate for a single artist to be overrepresented at a public state land-grant university.

Dean Adams asked whether it would be possible for Jim Dolan to collaborate with Clint Lesh, an artist who shares his studio. Josh Deweese replied that he thought a collaboration would be great and that he would be willing to speak with Dolan. Tony Waller concurred that a piece made in collaboration between Dolan and Lesh would be welcome addition to the campus art collection. Jodi Allison-Bunnell expressed her support of broadening the representation of artists through the suggestion of a collaboration and noted that the concerns about overrepresentation should be discussed transparently with Dolan.

Holley Woosley-Vennes moved to accept the Jim Dolan sculpture donation and approve its location at Site A (located along the pedestrian connection leading to the entrance of the Wool Lab).

Jennisse Waters seconded the motion.

Richard Rudnicki proposed an amendment to the motion that would accept the sculpture for installation at Site A provided that the artist will work with a collaborator as discussed.

The amended motion passed unanimously. 

ITEM No. 3 – OPEN DISCUSSION

Caleb Fey stated that Walter Fleming, retired professor of Native American Studies, had asked what the process would be to relocate a work by Jim Dolan. Richard Rudnicki answered that a campus user or a member of PAAC would need to propose the relocation along with the reasoning for the move and an identified source of funding.

Keely Holmes asked whether the neon lit bench that was previously approved for the stadium had been installed. Richard Rudnicki confirmed that PAAC had approved the piece, but that the project ultimately was not pursued.

Dean Adams asked if PAAC should be involved in the discussions surrounding wayfinding and design in Gianforte Hall. Richard Rudnicki stated that he had met with Mike Becker, interim vice president of University Communications, earlier that day to discuss this issue. Richard explained that campus public art and communications have been viewed separately, but that there does need to be communication between parties and departments when artworks utilize images and symbols that are trademarked by MSU. Dean remarked that if future projects specify the use of any trademark image, then the RFP document should feature a disclaimer from University Communications outlining what uses are and are not allowed.