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OCVB plans bench art from retired turbine blades, call for artists for 2026 festival
Summary
Staff proposed purchasing an art bench made from retired wind turbine blades and issuing a call for artists in January 2026 to paint the bench live at Heritage & Freedom Fest; final installation is planned for the Veterans Walk.
OCVB staff told the board on Oct. 22 they plan to purchase a primed bench made from retired wind-turbine blades and issue a January 2026 call for artists to paint the bench live at Heritage & Freedom Fest 2026, with final installation targeted for the Veterans Walk.
Staff said the company Noblewinds manufactures benches from retired turbine blades and that the product is low maintenance, stainless-steel framed and comes primed for paint. The purchase would use remaining 2025 art-purchasing funds; funding for the artist honorarium and materials would come from the Heritage & Freedom Fest budget in 2026. Staff said they will use an online submission and juror platform (Zap or CAFÉ as appropriate) to manage entries and jurying.
Board members discussed subject-matter guidance, veteran themes and long-term installation sites; staff recommended the bench be painted with themes tied to veterans and O'Fallon. Next steps: staff will prepare the call for art, coordinate juror process and return with timeline and implementation details in January 2026.
