Ivins Arts Commission pledges budget backup after silent-auction push to buy Whitaker wind sculptures

The Ivins Arts Commission voted to dedicate part of its budget to purchase two Whitaker wind sculptures if community fundraising falls short of the remaining $6,115 needed to complete the project.

The vote came during the commission’s meeting as members reviewed plans for Heritage Days and a silent auction organizers hope will close the remaining gap. Liz, an Arts Commission member who is coordinating the silent auction, moved the motion: “I move that should we not raise enough money to purchase the Whittaker sculptures by October 1, that we dedicate part of our budget towards that purchase.” The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

The vote follows a fundraising update from Patty, an Arts Commission member handling finances, who reported the Whitaker project was “87% there” with $6,115 still to raise and that the commission has unrestricted funds it could use. Patty said some previously held NEA grant funds were transferred into the commission’s accounts and that the commission currently has between roughly $32,000 and $40,000 available depending on wrap-tax receipts and pending allocations.

Commission…