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Commission advances talks on mural at North St. Paul Historical Society, flags need for artist-selection policy
Summary
Commissioners discussed a proposed mural for the North St. Paul Historical Society building, possible artists and site constraints and agreed to develop clearer policy language for selecting artists and cost‑sharing when projects involve nonprofits or private businesses.
Commissioners on the North St. Paul Arts & Culture Commission discussed plans for a mural on the wall of the North St. Paul Historical Society and flagged the need for clearer selection and funding policies when murals are placed on non‑city property.
Commission members said former Historical Society executive director Sue Springborn had suggested a mural for the society’s building; staff and commissioners measured the wall and obtained a "ballpark" commission fee estimate. Commissioners reported contacting potential artists: Rachel (last name not provided) declined as she is not a muralist but recommended several muralists, including an artist who recently completed a project at the White Bear Center for the Arts. The commission has scheduled a meeting with the Historical Society board to discuss design and logistics.
Commissioners emphasized two policy questions that require staff and commission follow‑up: whether the commission should require cost sharing from a nonprofit property owner (the Historical Society) or treat nonprofits differently than private businesses, and whether the commission should use an open call-for-art selection process or directly recruit an artist. Commissioners recalled documents and draft language prepared previously about working with private businesses and said those documents may need revision to address nonprofit partners.
The commission asked staff to consolidate the selection and artist-engagement language into a single document for publication on the city’s Arts and Culture Commission web page, and to consider a process for distributing opportunities to artists and businesses. Staff liaison Jordan Laymon agreed to ask city staff about adding an “opportunities” page to the commission section of the city website and to bring back draft language. Commissioners suggested the committee for public art meet in the next month to move the project forward.
Commissioners noted constraints for the site: the proposed mural wall contains two windows, which could affect design, and the Historical Society is a nonprofit independent of the city. No formal vote or funding commitment was recorded during the discussion; commissioners said they will meet the society board and refine the policy language before committing funds or selecting an artist.
