The bad news is that our Save America’s Treasures grant money was cancelled in Feb by DOGE, but a successful appeal restored the money. However, the administration appealed the appeal so we are waiting to hear the outcome. Meanwhile conservation is on hold.
The good news – and there’s lots! – is that most of the conservation work was completed and the funding spent last year. So, we are seeking state and private help to complete the conservation work in case the federal funding is not restored. And already we have a donation.
Meanwhile, our Agency of Transportation is gearing up to start their piece of the project – pouring foundations, moving sculptures out of obscure locations, and upgrading each rest area with accessible paths, evening lighting, and wonderful landscaping. My hope is that 2 or 3 sculptures are moved onto foundations before the end of this year.
Another exciting development, we hired a consultant, Meg Ostrum, who has worked within the arts community for decades, to create a strategic plan. First step is to approach some deep-pocketed folks which is to begin soon.
Meanwhile I did a 40-minute presentation to a local conservation group a couple months ago and it was very well attended and received. So, I’m approaching other groups to raise awareness and financial support. Here it is:
And we are about to add a new sculpture to the collection, a granite sculpture by Chris Miller. It will be placed at the Welcome Center in Bennington. We hope this is the beginning of our dream of a Granite Symposium in which many more granite pieces will be created by international artists and placed along our other highway rest areas.
And finally, a popular Vermont-based podcast known as Happy Vermont just featured Sculpture on the Highway. Have a listen:
