The Capitol Interpretive Exhibits and Wayfinding Subcommittee on Nov. 18 discussed whether to buy the existing artist-proof set of the "4 Sisters" maquettes and whether to commission additional sets for sale.

An adviser reported the artists pricing for the existing artist proof at $45,730; the adviser said additional sets would reduce per-set cost with higher volume (examples provided by the artist included artist proof + 1 new set at $44,730 per set, and two new sets at $44,250 per set). The adviser also said the original molds no longer exist and any additional copies would require the artist to recreate molds, which raises cost and time considerations. Committee members noted that per-set pricing could fall to roughly $35,000 if the artist produced 20 additional sets.

Members debated the merits of purchasing the existing four maquettes now versus commissioning new sets for resale. Treasurer Meyer and others emphasized procurement and budget process limits: the $2,300,000 Capital Square Preservation appropriation cited in the meeting does not currently include language establishing resale and where resale proceeds would be deposited. One committee member observed that without legislative direction, resale proceeds would default to the general fund. "Anything not designated by law goes to the general fund," the member said.

Several members recommended a two-step approach: 1) authorize procurement of the existing artist-proof set, and 2) seek legislative guidance or an appropriation footnote to allow future resale or set-aside of proceeds if the committee later chose to produce additional sets. Committee members requested the state parks and appropriations staff to negotiate best price for the artist-proof set and investigate options for handling resale proceeds.

After discussion and a friendly amendment to include price negotiation, the chair asked for the question and called a voice vote. The motion to purchase the existing set of four maquettes was approved by voice vote; no roll-call tally was recorded in the transcript. (Mover and seconder were not specified on the public record.)

Next steps: staff will pursue price negotiation for the artist-proof set, consult with appropriations on potential language for directing resale proceeds if the committee later authorizes additional sets, and report back to the subcommittee.