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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate NEWS NOW Rogue Valley companies accused of subscription fraud sued by FTC ... Since You Asked: Crater Lake morels kept as evidence in case of trials ... Pokemon app is luring crowds to downtown Medford ... Rogue Valley companies accused of subscription fraud sued by FTC ... Since You Asked: Crater Lake morels kept as evidence in case of trials ... Pokemon app is luring crowds to downtown Medford ... CONTENTIOUS PROJECT Ashland finally picks its public art Long-debated issue provoked 'social media road rage' Comment By Julie Akins for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Julie Akins for the Mail Tribune Posted Jun. 23, 2016 at 12:01 AM By Julie Akins for the Mail Tribune Posted Jun. 23, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Social News A new piece of public art in Ashland finally got the go-ahead when Ashland City Council gave a nearly unanimous thumbs-up Tuesday to a sculpture by Seattle-area artist Susan Zoccola. Council approved the design for a piece called “The Threshold,” which will be installed across from the fire station on East Main Street. The public-art approval process, known as the Gateway Project, has been contentious, something Councilor Rich Rosenthal referred to as “social media road rage based on misunderstandings.” Yet he applauded the community’s commitment to art. “What’s great is that Ashland made a commitment to have public art 15 years ago. When we talk about art, of course, we’re not always going to be on the same page.” Zoccola spoke to the council about her work for the city. “I made it to be open and like a gate, so people can walk under it and look up at it. I wanted it to reflect the trees around it. It looks light, but it’s actually quite sturdy,” she said. Councilor Stefani Seffinger said she agreed with the artist's intention and design. “I feel that 'Threshold' really captures Ashland. I think Ashland is a community on the threshold of creating positive events in the world. To me, 'Threshold' is evocative of that. I think the artist took in the comments of the community.” The one council dissenter was Carol Voisin, who said, “I don’t see or feel transcendence.” Voisin suggested an amendment to make council approval conditional and allow voters to remove the piece in 2020 if they vote to do so. Her amendment died for lack of a second. Other members of the council praised the piece and its location on the opposite end of town from the Plaza, saying it could become an additional draw. “I think this spot has been asking for something here for decades. I really like this artwork,” said Councilor Mike Morris. Mayor John Stromberg also praised the project, saying he believes it will help draw people to businesses and services on that end of town. “I predict it will quickly become something people are interested in," he said. "This end of town has something in it, too.” Now that the project has council approval, Zoccola will begin working with her engineers and fabricators to create the piece. She said she plans to visit the site again for greater perspective. Email Ashland freelance writer Julie Akins at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/ @julieakins. By Julie Akins for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Julie Akins for the Mail Tribune Posted Jun. 23, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2016 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501