DDA approves mural on Children's Museum building, formalizes art selection criteria and RFP plans

The Coldwater Downtown Development Authority voted to allow a large mural on the DDA's building that houses the Coldwater Children's Museum and approved selection criteria for its inaugural downtown public-art program.

Audrey (director) presented the art program and said the DDA plans to issue RFPs for two rented sculptures (one-year leases), a smaller mural at 25 West Chicago Street and additional student works in Tibbetts Alley. For the larger mural on the DDA/Children's Museum building, staff reported the museum and its contractor would cover cost differences if a Main Street Vibrancy grant does not fully fund the chosen artist's proposal.

The board approved the staff motion to permit the mural to be painted on the DDA-owned Children's Museum building; the presentation named a proposed muralist, Rhiannon Sebald (Grand Rapids area), and said the artist plans to prepare a detailed mock-up in April and complete painting in August (two-week period), if schedules hold. Audrey said the mural cost exceeded the program budget but that the Children's Museum had offered to cover the difference if grant funding is not obtained.

Selection criteria and RFPs: The board approved a set of selection criteria the committee had narrowed to emphasize quality of past work, family-friendly themes, originality and strong visual impact; additional practical criteria (size, nonhazardous edges, fit to base) were noted for sculptures. Audrey outlined outreach plans: posting the RFP online, sharing with regional artist networks (Hillsdale, ArtPrize contacts), local colleges and community connections, and soliciting applications with a three-to-four-week window so a committee can recommend artists to the board in April.

Funding and logistics: Audrey reported a local family donated $5,000 to the DDA's new fund at the Community Foundation; staff will also submit a Main Street Vibrancy grant application in April. For leased sculptures, the city attorney prepared standard agreements that would set a yearly rental fee, prorating if removed early, and permit artists the option to sell works during or after the lease. Board members discussed lease terms and the value of exposure for artists.

Tibbetts update: Christine, representing Tibbetts Theatre, gave a summary of programming and outreach including a film series, summer theater lineup and efforts to find local housing for visiting actors. "We are desperate for housing, especially people that are within the walking distance of the theater," Christine said, asking community members to contact the theater if they can host actors.

Next steps and timeline: Staff will finalize the RFP text and post it by the end of the week, accept submissions for roughly three to four weeks, and convene the selection committee to make recommendations to the board for April action. If grant funding is secured, DDA expects to execute agreements and schedule installations and mural painting for the summer and early fall season.

Quotes

"They just need a bed, shower, and a place to put some food...we are desperate for housing, especially people that are within the walking distance of the theater," Christine said about housing needs for visiting performers.

"If we don't receive those grant funds, the children's museum has let us know that they are willing and able to cover the difference between our program budget and the mural cost once completed," Audrey said about contingency funding for the large mural.

Ending

The board approved permission for the mural, approved selection criteria for the art program, and directed staff to post RFPs and continue grant-seeking. Artists and interested parties will be able to respond once the RFP is posted; staff will return with committee recommendations in April.