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Arts commission approves small stipends and installation funds for proposed heart sculpture
Summary
The Arts and Culture Commission approved a $250 stipend for finishing/painting a donated heart sculpture and authorized up to $100 for installation materials, and discussed siting and 3‑D design work for the piece.
The Arts and Culture Commission voted to approve two modest expenditures to advance a proposed public heart sculpture at its meeting. The commission approved a $250 payment to cover painting and supplies for finishing the donated heart piece and separately approved up to $100 to cover cement, bolts and basic installation materials.
The chair introduced sketches from sculptor David Skora of New Hartford and described a design that combines the commission’s heart motif with gear-like elements intended to echo the city’s clock heritage. Commissioners discussed scale and siting options, including placing the work on Federal Hill Green or another accessible corner near Saint Joe’s parking, and asked Skora for three-dimensional renderings to better visualize the piece.
Commissioners reviewed available funds and donor restrictions. A donation from Bob Boudreaux is earmarked for the heart sculpture; commission accounting notes also list unrestricted amounts in the donation account and a $1,100 cultural‑district-restricted fund that must be spent within the cultural district. The commission’s financial reader clarified that donated funds often require appropriation by the board of finance before they appear as available spending in the commission’s expenditure account.
A motion to pay $250 for paint and supplies was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. A separate motion to authorize up to $100 for installation supplies (cement and bolts) was also moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. The chair said the commission must provide formal minutes and an approval notice to the Main Street Community Foundation and the board of finance to release restricted funds.
Next steps include firming up the artist contract or local vendor options (one commissioner suggested a local restorer at the Carousel Museum might be able to fabricate or adapt the piece), preparing a line‑item cost estimate for transportation and installation, and requesting 3‑D renderings from Skora so the commission can confirm final siting and budget before larger expenditures are considered.
