Commission orders public heart sculpture for Federal Hill Greens and approves Ava Mendoza as artist

The Bristol Arts and Culture Commission moved to order a heart‑shaped public sculpture for Federal Hill Greens and approved artist Ava (April) Mendoza to decorate it.

Commissioners reviewed grant paperwork indicating the Main Street Community Foundation would cover the major portion of the sculpture cost (a grant figure of $1,299 was cited against a total price that the transcript lists in different places; commission staff said they would reconcile the differing totals). A motion to order the heart was made and seconded; commissioners discussed a roughly 5–7 week delivery window and an estimated installation fee the commission would cover. "I'll make a motion to order the heart," one commissioner said; another seconded the motion and staff indicated they would place the order upon confirming grant funding.

Separately, the commission discussed artist selection and formally moved to hire Ava (April) Mendoza to produce the heart's painted design and pay the artist a modest stipend upon completion; that motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Commissioners asked the supervisor to present design options at the next meeting for final approval of colors and motifs and to ensure the city's color palette could be supplied to the artist.

Clarifying details noted in the meeting included: the Main Street grant amount cited ($1,299), an artist stipend and supplies line (the transcript references a $200 stipend and $50 for supplies in one place), a quoted delivery time of 5–7 weeks, and a small installation cost to be covered by the commission. Commissioners directed staff to reconcile the various dollar amounts in email records and to proceed with ordering once grant documentation was confirmed.