Resident proposes salvaging decorative light posts from Eden Seminary for public art

A longtime Webster Groves resident, Stefan Bent, told the Arts Commission he discovered a stack of roughly 17 decorative light posts behind Eden Seminary’s maintenance building and asked for help to preserve and repurpose them as public art.

Bent described the posts as historically interesting, possibly previously purchased decades ago and left in storage. He said he contacted the bulb manufacturer and obtained drawings for the fixtures and that some posts appear wired for electricity. "The purpose of me here is I don't wanna waste those. I think they'd be fun to play with," Bent said, asking the commission for project guidance.

Commissioners recommended initial steps: document ownership (commission members confirmed the posts are Eden Seminary property), obtain formal permission from the seminary and consult with Rick Irwin (commission member) about feasibility and potential costs. Bent said he already spoke with Eden Seminary’s director of facilities, Todd Tyson, who responded positively in preliminary conversation. Bent estimated there are about 17 posts but said some may be broken; he offered to lead or play a hands-on role but asked for help coordinating volunteers and city/partner connections.

Why it matters: rescuing and reusing architectural salvage can produce low-cost public artworks and preserve local material heritage, but doing so requires property-owner consent, clarity on maintenance and electrical safety, and a site or sponsor for installation.

Next steps: commissioners suggested connecting Bent with Rick Irwin and Webster Arts staff (Heather) and encouraged him to leave contact information so volunteers and possible sponsors can follow up. The commission did not take formal action but agreed to refer the matter for follow-up conversations with relevant volunteers and city staff.