Ivins community raises private funds to buy Lyman Whitaker wind sculptures

The Ivins Arts Commission announced Thursday that private donations from residents, businesses and a silent auction raised the money needed to purchase a group of wind sculptures by artist Lyman Whitaker currently installed at the roundabout on Highway 91 and Cuevasa.

Michelle Adams and Arts Commission members presented the fundraising update. Tiffany Wynne of Ivins Inspired handled donor administration and Patty Dupree led the fundraising effort, the commission said. Commissioners and speakers thanked the 142‑plus community donors and volunteers; the Arts Commission emphasized that no public funds were used for the purchase.

Mayor Chris Hart and Arts Commission members presented a check to Whitaker during the meeting and praised the artist’s decades of work. Commission members credited a silent auction at Heritage Days — which included donations from local galleries and businesses — with pushing the campaign past its goal.

Speakers described the sculptures as a community landmark and said keeping Whitaker’s kinetic pieces in the roundabout would provide a welcoming visual to motorists entering Ivins from the west. Lyman Whitaker, present at the meeting, thanked donors and said he appreciated the community support.

The Arts Commission requested the council’s blessing for a formal presentation to the artist; no city budget appropriation or formal council action was required.