Boonslick Outdoor Arts Project

7:10 p.m. January 4, 2006

Cooper County Emergency Operations Center Meeting Room

Attending: Bob Dyer, Laura Gramlich, Dorothy Whitten, and Art Schneider.

Frederick T. Kemper bust keynote speakers: Art Schneider Echo Company has contacted Dr. Ed Ridgley, Kemper’s last president, and asked if he would speak at the dedication of the Kemper bust at the end of June. He has accepted.  Laura reported that the Kemper Alumni Association is interested in an alumnus speaking and the Friends of Kemper also would like to have a speaker.

Consensus that the several elements representing Kemper should be a part of the dedication. Therefore agreed that we will have three keynoters: Dr. Ridgley and representatives of the alumni association and the Kemper friends. Laura will be in contact with alumni and friends to update us. Each speaker will be asked to speak 10 to 15 minutes.

Dorothy raised a question about having the dedication following the annual parade. She noted that it has been very hot at the end of June and suggested that for the comfort of the presenters and the attendees that the project considers starting the dedication at 9 a.m.  Concurrence that this would be far more comfortable for all involved plus parade goers would see the bust going to or from the Heritage Days parade.

Frederick T. Kemper bronze plaques: Bob Dyer script reviewed from the foundry. One error noted. Donor list reviewed and three corrections made.

Frederick T, Kemper bust update on request to city for partial funding: Art reported that he has written the city and that the request from gaming funds will be much less than originally expected because of the private donors. The city will be asked for $2400. Usually public hearings on the request are on Saturdays in January or February with the city officially finalizing the budget the first Monday of April.

Other Kemper bust information: Kwan Wu will have a model ready form public viewing in March or April. We will notify everyone as far in advance as possible when we have the date secured.

David Barton bust: A brief discussion that efforts need to begin very soon to raise funds for the Barton bust if it is to be dedicated in June 2007. Expected cost of bust, monument and plaques is around $9500. Art reported that mailings have been mad and that the account has $340.

Discussion on Final Bust for Morgan Street Park:  Some discussion that members are looking forward to the dedication of full size sculpture outside of the park, but that it may be difficult to begin that process without all busts being completed at the park.

The Boonville Parks and Recreation Department requested a proposal that Captain Kinney be the final bust, as his selection would recognize the business community and the importance of the riverfront in the city’s early history.  Senator Barton is a representative of the governmental aspect.

The parks board also raised questions about Kinney over “King” Poerter, a major figure in the riverfront community.  Bob Dyer said that Kinney was a nationally recognized figure while Poerter was of local notoriety.

A member of the parks board advocated Lon Stephens, Boonville’s only gubernatorial figure. In the discussion of notable figures the project also considered:

C. C. Bell the Apple King of Missouri who also was of Germanic heritage, a major ethnic group not included in the park.

Jacob Gramlich, a local merchant who also served as Lieutenant governor and was of Germanic heritage.

Laura noted that the riverfront history should be recognized. Bob believed there would be greater success in fundraising with Bell.

Consensus that while there is preference for a riverfront figure to be in the park, the project will go with Lon Stephens as final bust.

It also was discussed that C. C. Bell should be considered as a sculpture at Bell Park.

Polyresin models of Hannah Cole. Art brought a sample of the polyresin bronze provided by Asiancrafts. All appeared to e very pleased with the quality of the sample.

After reviewing 6 inch and 8 inch and 10-inch quotes for 200 to 500 statues, Art was asked to contact Asiancrafts and secure a cost for 500 10-inch figures. If it is with a dollar of the cost of the 8-inch models, he was authorized t place an order.

Art noted that under the agreement with sculptor Harry Weber, who has waived royalties for a polyresin model, the sculptor must approve the model that will be used for production.  

Meting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

Next meeting is contingent on the arrival of sample.