Cultural Commission advances murals project, seeks die-caster for 10 osprey figures

The Cultural Commission on July 14 reported that two city mural projects are nearing next steps and discussed a follow-up public-art idea to install 10 small osprey figures around town. Commissioners were told that the mural on the mini-mart wall is near completion, with staff noting an artist named Alex has been working on it and the piece is expected to be finished by the end of the week. A second mural’s timeline changed after an artist named Brenda had family obligations; staff said they would circulate schedule updates by email and include an item on the next meeting’s staff report. Commissioners discussed a related concept to produce 10 small die-cast osprey figures to place around the city and on the commission’s website as a scavenger-hunt–style locating project. Commissioners described an affinity for an osprey design because of a local osprey nest at Big Rock. Participants discussed budget estimates and production methods: the commission heard rough budget figures in the range of $1,500–$2,000 set aside previously, one speaker recalled thinking of $1,000, and the project lead said she would check the accounts to confirm the available amount. Commission discussion covered production options including traditional die-casting, 3D printing (noted as less durable in outdoor placement), and lost-wax casting using 3D-printed wax resins. No formal motion was recorded to commit funds or select a vendor; commissioners directed staff and members to seek vendor leads and local artists, and to publicize a call for proposals on the commission website and social media. Commissioners emphasized a desire to move promptly so the follow-on project keeps momentum from the murals. Next steps identified during the meeting included staff emailing the commission with Brenda’s updated mural schedule, the project lead confirming the precise budget available, and the commission putting out a public call for artist or vendor proposals for the die-cast osprey figures. Ending: The commission did not adopt a procurement decision at the July 14 meeting; commissioners left direction to staff and volunteers to gather vendor contacts, confirm the budget, and circulate schedule updates for the second mural project.