Subcommittee weighs buying artist-proof maquettes; pricing, resell authority remain unresolved

The subcommittee discussed a proposal to purchase a set of artist-proof maquettes of the Four Sisters sculptures and whether to commission additional casts for distribution or sale. Kevin, who presented the item, said the artist produced an original artist-proof set and is willing to make additional casts; past pricing suggested a roughly 36% reduction per set if the state purchased a larger quantity. Kevin, project staff, told the committee that the contract covering the sculptures had expired and did not clearly address the maquettes. He said the attorney general’s office raised questions about where authority would lie to resell any casts or how proceeds would be appropriated: “it’s not totally clear where authority lies to resell any of this,” he said. Committee members noted that, absent a specific legislative directive, proceeds from any sale would likely revert to the state general fund under existing statutes. Members discussed options including purchasing the existing artist-proof set only, buying multiple sets at a quantity discount, gifting sets to community colleges or the University of Wyoming, or pursuing a third-party foundation to manage any sales and proceeds. The group noted that creating additional casts may require the artist to resculpt or rework pieces and that larger production runs may change scale and cost. There was no formal vote recorded. Several members advised caution about ordering a large number of casts without a clear plan for disposition, storage or use; one suggestion was to acquire the existing artist-proof set now and return with updated pricing and options at the next meeting. Kevin said he would obtain updated pricing and contract language for the committee’s next meeting and that negotiating rights (for example, right of first refusal or limits on future editions) could be addressed in contract terms. Discussion vs. decision: the meeting recorded discussion and direction to collect more pricing and contract options; there was no formal decision to authorize a large purchase or resale. Committee members asked staff to return with specific price scenarios and proposed contract language that addresses exclusivity, resale and disposition of revenue. Next steps: staff will request updated quotes from the artist for several quantity and scale options, and will consult the attorney general’s office to clarify authority and acceptable contracting language before the subcommittee takes further action.