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Arts commission approves order for one sculpture garden sign, to continue fundraising for second
Summary
The Webster Groves Arts Commission approved buying one sign for the Jerry Welch Sculpture Garden and will continue fundraising for a second; commissioners reviewed vendor quotes that ranged widely and discussed durability, lead time, and donor outreach.
The Webster Groves Arts Commission voted to approve purchasing a single descriptive sign for the Jerry Welch Sculpture Garden and directed commissioners and staff to continue fundraising for a second sign.
Commission members reviewed multiple vendor quotes and sizes; presented price comparisons ranged broadly. The commission reported it currently has about $9,000 available and that it still needs to raise roughly $6,000 to cover both signs at previously quoted prices.
Commissioner Greg presented a side-by-side comparison of four online vendors and a local vendor, noting differences in dimensions and construction: stake-mounted bronze plaques versus an integrated, ground-embedded curved panel used by a local firm (referred to as “in graphics” in the presentation). Commissioners discussed longevity, theft risk and installation methods; several members said locally produced signs have advantages for review and repairs because they can be inspected in person.
Commissioners noted prior quotes including an earlier $8,600 estimate and a more recent in-graphics quote near $9,180 for a single sign; they also discussed a range of per-sign estimates for a set of 12 plaques (figures cited in the meeting varied and were given as vendor quotes). The commission agreed to circulate vendor web links and product photos for review before the next meeting.
On motion, second and voice vote the commission approved ordering one sign now — using available public art funds to encumber the order — and to continue fundraising for a second sign. Meeting discussion clarified that orders typically require partial upfront payment to enter production and that the city’s fiscal year restarts July 1; commissioners suggested encumbering funds or ordering before the fiscal-year rollover to avoid price increases.
Commissioners also described ongoing donor outreach: mailed note cards and a spreadsheet of likely donors; one potential donor, Patrick Murphy, had asked follow-up questions. The commission will collect pledges and requested that actual donations (not pledges) be on hand before placing additional orders, per city practice for some programs.
Commissioners asked staff to provide detailed line items (installation, taxes, lead time) and to forward vendor links and images to the full commission for review before finalizing the second sign order.
