Commission approves two $10,000 public-art grants for downtown projects

The Carbon County Commission approved two memoranda of understanding to fund public-art projects recommended by the tax advisory board. Staff said the funding comes from the restaurant tax and that two applications scored highest and were recommended for the maximum award of $10,000 each.

The first MOU covers a project by (listed in the agenda as) Vincent Enterprises LLC (presented by staff and described as a faux saloon façade with seating and a planned food-truck court behind it). Staff said Gary De Vincent is the project lead.

The second approved MOU covers a mural project by Madman Basso Auto Sales LLC to add murals of classic cars to the side of the renovated former Sears building.

Both motions to approve the MOUs were moved, seconded and approved by the commission in separate votes. Staff said the public-art program previously funded five projects and is intended to beautify public spaces and bring visible art to the community.

The grants are financed from restaurant-tax allocations managed through the county’s tax advisory board; specifics about timelines for installation were not provided in the meeting record.