PAAC Minutes - February 2, 2026

Staff: Robert Stockdale, Sreekala Bajwa, Laura Wilson

ITEM No. 1 – APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The minutes from the November 3, 2025, Public Art and Artifacts Committee meeting were unanimously approved.

ITEM No. 2 – RECOMMENDATION – Anceney Statue Donation

Robert Stockdale introduced to the committee a donor proposal for the commission and donation of a statue by Jim Dolan for installation in front of Linfield Hall. Robert explained that the statue would depict Charles Anceney III, a graduate of the College of Agriculture and former Gallatin Valley ranch owner, in cowboy attire on top of a horse. Robert added that the statue would be constructed of welded stainless steel and positioned on a steel base. Robert stated that the committee was being asked to approve the donation of the sculpture and, if approved, to decide where it should be sited on the east or west side of Linfield Hall.

Dean Adams noted the Anceney family’s deep roots in southwest Montana and their strong ties to Montana State University. Dean then stated that he thought the statue would offer a true expression of Jim Dolan as an artist and as a person because of his and his family’s own heritage in the Gallatin Valley.

Sreekala Bajwa commented that she found the proposed statue to be an important addition to the university’s art collection because there are currently no works on campus that represent and celebrate MSU’s and Montana’s agricultural legacy. Sreekala explained that Charles Anceney III’s grandfather was one of the first cattlemen in Gallatin Valley and that the donor is a graduate of the MSU School of Business. Sreekala added that the donation of this statue is associated with a monetary gift to the university that would benefit student research in the College of Agriculture.

Kathryn Johnson stated that, as a College of Agriculture student, she thought the statue would be well-suited next to Linfield Hall and would likely be a popular location for graduation photos. Kathryn noted that there are currently no statues in that area of campus, so it would be a welcome addition.

Jodi Allison-Bunnell asked how many Jim Dolan sculptures there were on campus in relation to the total number of campus sculptures. Robert Stockdale responded that 6 of the campus’s 23 outdoor statues are by Jim Dolan.

Jodi Allison-Bunnell asked whether it would be possible for Jim Dolan to collaborate with another artist, as was done with the recently approved statue for the Montana Wool Lab. Josh DeWeese replied that he had recently spoken with Dolan, who acknowledged that his work is well represented on campus. Josh then explained that while Dolan would be willing to collaborate on future works, this project is personal in nature as there is strong alignment between the donor’s wishes and Dolan’s past as a graduate of the College of Agriculture.

Jodi Allison-Bunnell expressed her thought that the cowboy motif was a common metaphor for representing agriculture and that she would like to see different imagery be used for this statue. Dean Adams responded that Charles Anceney III had been an acclaimed skier and naval aviator, but that he and his family established themselves in Montana and in the Gallatin Valley as cattle ranchers. Jennisse Waters replied that she supported accepting the work, but that she too wished that a different theme was used. Sreekala Bajwa stated that cattle ranching is a significant part of Montana’s agricultural economy, and the cowboy remains a relevant symbol for both the College of Agriculture and Montana’s agricultural community.

Richard Rudnicki spoke in favor of the statue, noting that it would be contextually appropriate near Linfield Hall and that the work is tied to Jim Dolan’s personal background.

Jennisse Waters moved to approve the acceptance of the statue.

Holley Woosley-Vennes seconded the motion.

The motion passed with seven yeas and two nays. Keely Holmes and Caleb Fey voting in abstentia.

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Richard proposed that the committee vote on whether the sculpture be located on the east or west side of Linfield Hall and then allow Facilities Services to work with Jim Dolan to decide upon an exact location for the statue that contributes to the work and does not interfere with landscaping, utilities, or other maintenance needs.

Jodi Allison-Bunnell asked for Sreekala Bajwa’s and Kathryn Johnson’s opinions, noting that they are frequent users of the building. Sreekala recommended that the statue be located on the west side of Linfield Hall, which would allow it to be visible from South 11th Avenue and to face other College of Agriculture buildings, including the Plant Growth Center and the Animal Science Building. Kathryn recommended that the sculpture be placed on the east side of Linfield Hall near where there are a number of large trees. Laura Willson agreed with Kathryn that the statue should go on the east side of the building, explaining that it would help define the corridor between Linfield Hall and Alumni Plaza.

Jodi Allison-Bunnell stated that Linfield Hall previously was the most western building on campus with the land behind it being university farmland, so the east side of the building historically acted as a kind of gateway to the agriculture part of the campus.

Jennisse Waters offered her preference for the east side of Linfield where the trees and open areas would contribute to the statue’s setting.

Josh DeWeese acknowledged that 11th Avenue would provide greater visibility, but he expressed his opinion that the east side of Linfield would offer a sense of grandeur befitting the statue.

Holley Woosley-Vennes moved to approve the installation of the Anceney Statue on the east side of Linfield Hall.

Josh DeWeese seconded the motion.

The motion passed unanimously.

ITEM No. 3 – INFORMATIONAL – Gianforte Hall Student Tile Composition Selection Results

ITEM No. 4 – OPEN DISCUSSION