Angkor I

In October 2013, Nye began soliciting donations for the purchase of Angkor I, which was scheduled to return to the gallery unless $55,000 could be raised by 5pm on November 1, 2013.[3][10] Two weeks prior to this deadline, the council had raised $31,750,[10][11] more than $20,000 short of the asking price.[3][9]

In an interview published by The Oregonian, Nye said, "Lee Kelly is a living legend and the pride of Oregon's artistic community. And his studio is right here in Clackamas County. He's a local treasure."[9][11] She also wrote in a press release, "It would be a terrible loss to the community to have this sculpture removed, but it's fast becoming a reality".[9][11] The council's board chair, Shari Newman, also stressed the urgent need for financial assistance, saying "We're more than halfway there, but what we really need is a handful of lead donors to step forward and make this important work a permanent part of the City's collection. And we need them now."[11] During the final two weeks of the fundraising campaign, the council draped a black parachute over the sculpture and posted signs requesting financial assistance, such as "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, this sculpture is leaving... Let's hope it's not."[9]

Permanent plaque, 2014

On November 1, The Oregonian reported that the council's director was certain enough money had been raised to keep Angkor I in Lake Oswego permanently, as part of its Gallery Without Walls public art program,[11] though the exact amount of funds raised was uncertain.[3] The Arts Council of Lake Oswego confirmed the purchase via social media on November 5.[12] Kelly and the Elizabeth Leach Gallery each donated $5,000, and the Ford Family Foundation and the Oregon Arts Commission had awarded a $10,000 matching grant in May 2013.[3][11] All funding was provided by private businesses, foundations and individuals; none came from city or state funds.[10][11] Portland Tribune and The Oregonian both published comments from Nye, in which she expressed delight about the addition to Lake Oswego's public art collection and providing access to the "fine" and "magnificent" work for future generations.[3][13] The council planned a commemoration ceremony at the sculpture's permanent location; expected attendees were Kelly, Mayor Kent Studebaker, and members of the Ford Family Foundation and the Oregon Arts Commission.[3][13] On November 7, sister publications Lake Oswego Review and Portland Tribune published a "reader's letter" written by Nye, in which she thanked the more than 40 funders who helped purchase Angkor I.[4][14]