2023-02-06 Arts Commission Minutesedmonds
:-A ARTS COMMISSION
MINUTES 5:30 pm February 6, 2023
The Edmonds Arts Commission is dedicated to the arts as an integral part of community life.
City of Edmonds Community, Cultural and Economic Development Department
PRESENT: Paul Cogley, Richard Chung, Lily Kamila (student rep), Harry Kirchner, Lisa Palmatier, Tanya
Sharp, Rhonda J Soikowski, Ashley Song
STAFF: Frances Chapin, Arts and Culture Manager; Laurie Rose, Arts Program Specialist
AUDIENCE/GUESTS:
(none)
The meeting was called to order at 5:30pm by Song
Land acknowledgement read by Palmatier:
"We acknowledge the original inhabitants of this place, the Sdohobsh (Snohomish) people and their
successors the Tulalip Tribes, who since time immemorial have hunted, fished, gathered, and taken
care of these lands. We respect their sovereignty, their right to self-determination, and we honor their
sacred spiritual connection with the land and water."- City Council Land Acknowledgment
MINUTES
Palmatier asked for clarification regarding Staff Report item "Update phone number to department cell
number" in the January Minutes. Approval of January minutes with clarifying language "Update cell
phone number for Rose to department cell number". Soikowski Moved approval as corrected, Chung
Seconded. Approved.
PUBLIC COMMENT/INTRODUCTIONS
(none)
REPORTS
A. Creative Programs
1. Visual Art Program Update: Palmatier reported the Visual Art Program committee met
January 23. Information regarding an exhibit space in the Edmonds Sno-Isle Library is
not yet available. The committee continues to work on filling the Frances Anderson
Center display case's schedule for the rest of the year. Art for All group show on exhibit
in the large case February and March. Edmonds' artist d'Elaine Johnson, previously
scheduled to exhibit in the library, will have a solo show in the Edmonds Arts Festival
Foundation Gallery later this spring. The committee will meet again in April.
Summer Concert Series Update: Rose reported the Sunday schedule has been set, 6 at
City Park and one concert in Hickman Park, and the Hazel Miller Plaza schedule is almost
EAC Minutes Feb 2023 pg. 1 of 3
complete. An additional week has been added to the Hazel Miller Plaza schedule at the
end of August. Discussion followed regarding logistical requirements for concerts in the
parks, booking Seattle Shakespeare in the future, and the suggestion that the City Park
Concerts be called simply Sunday Concerts now that Hickman Park is included as a
Sunday venue.
3. Write on the Sound Conference Update: Kirchner reported the steering committee for
the 2023 conference held its first meeting end of January. The meeting agenda reviewed
the plan to present the conference in -person again at the Frances Anderson Center with
possible inclusion of an adjunct online program. Author Jamie Ford has been confirmed
as the conference keynote speaker. Kirchner outlined the committee's planning agenda
in the weeks ahead. The conference program should be finalized in April. Discussion
included clarification that the commissioner who is in the EAC Literary Arts position is
the Chair of the conference steering committee, and the committee is comprised of "at
large" volunteers with a professional or active participation in the writing, publishing, or
literary industry.
4. Civic Park Update: Chapin reported that Civic Park is on schedule for a soft opening late
spring/early summer. The public art project, "cascadia: lifeboat and seawall", is on track
to be installed the end of April.
Highway 99 Banner Replacement: Chapin reported that the public art project "Eight
Paths of Light" by Pam Beyette was installed along Highway 99 between 236th and 220th
as part of a federally funded highway lighting improvement project in 2013-4. The
fourteen red overhead light poles, 7 with artist made lantern elements, originally
included long, narrow banners intended to help identify the Edmonds International
District. The original fiber banners have a relatively short life and were removed when
eventually damaged by wind. Limited funds from the original project are available to
apply toward permanent replacements. Chapin has discussed the potential of
partnership funding for a future permanent banner project with Edmonds Arts Festival
Foundation. Future design development for that section of Hwy 99 is many years in the
future and discussions with Engineering suggest a project to create permanent banners
would be feasible at this time.
Chapin shared example images of laser cut banners and discussion followed about
funding options, the process for development of design(s), outreach, and fabrication of
permanent banners. The commission agreed that the feasibility of the project should be
further explored.
EAC 2023 Retreat: Chapin requested commissioners find a mutually available date in
March or April for a 3-hour Special Meeting for its annual retreat and send their
preferences to staff. Discussion followed regarding schedule, previous retreat topics,
and potential agenda for this year's retreat.
B. Capital Projects
(reviewed in Creative Programs #5, above)
EAC Minutes Feb 2023 pg. 2 of 3
C. Funding and Administration
(none)
STAFF REPORT
Rose reported on the following items:
• Instructions for accessing City email from Outlook Web
• Routed 2023 EAC contact sheet
Chapin reported on the following items:
• Hwy 99 Gateway signs project is moving forward, elements are being fabricated and
installation is anticipated in late spring.
• A consultant for the next phase of the 4t" Avenue Cultural Corridor has been selected.
• A reminder to refer questions from City Council members about arts or creative district
programs that Commissioners do not have information about to Community Services &
Economic Development Director Todd Tatum.
• Arts & Heritage Day in Olympia is February 8. A memo from Inspire WA regarding
related Bills in front of WA representatives was emailed to the EAC last week.
NEW/OTHER BUSINESS
Sharp reported she will be the EAC's representative on the Creative District's Advisory Committee this
year. That committee has a retreat scheduled for March 2.
Meeting Adjourned 6:34pm
EAC Minutes Feb 2023 pg. 3 of 3