Ivins Arts Commission launches July 1 fundraising drive for Whitaker wind sculptures; city attorney warns of risks if donations flow through Ivins Inspired

The Ivins City Arts Commission on June 11 approved a fundraising timeline and marketing plan to keep three Lyman Whitaker wind sculptures in Ivins, and heard legal counsel warn the commission about risks if donations are routed through the local 501(c)(3) Ivins Inspired instead of the city.

Brian Pack, the city’s legal counsel, told the commission the "safest way to receive funds in a fundraising setting is to have the funds come directly to the city." He said an agreement with Ivins Inspired could mitigate some risks — for example, by adding insurance and contractual protections — but would not eliminate them entirely.

The commission's plan calls for a July 1 launch of the private fundraising campaign to raise $48,700 to retain Whitaker’s sculptures when the artist’s one-year loan ends Oct. 1. The campaign will include an updated Arts Commission website with a donate page, Evite invitations to prospective donors, newsletter coverage, social media posts, a progress "thermometer" on Aug. 1…