2024-09-09 Arts Commission Minutes
MINUTES 5:30 pm Sept. 9, 2024
The Edmonds Arts Commission (EAC) is dedicated to the arts as an integral part of community life.
City of Edmonds Community, Culture and Economic Development Department
PRESENT: Richard Chung, Beth Henkes, Katie Leute, Tanya Sharp
EXCUSED: Harry Kirchner
STAFF: Frances Chapin, Arts & Culture Manager; Laurie Rose, Arts Program Specialist
GUEST: Robby London
The meeting was called to order at 5:30pm by Sharp
Henkes read the City Council land acknowledgement statement:
"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."
MINUTES
Sharp asked for approval of the August 5 minutes. Chung MOVED the minutes be approved as submitted.
Leute SECONDED. APPROVED.
Sharp reported the June 13 Special Meeting minutes were approved at the July 1st meeting but not
documented. Therefore, Sharp requested the June 13 minutes be re-approved and documented in the
Sept. 9 minutes. Leute MOVED the June 13 Special Meeting minutes be approved as submitted. Chung
SECONDED. APPROVED.
INTRODUCTIONS / PUBLIC COMMENT: Sharp welcomed guest Robby London. Mr. London is awaiting City
Council appointment to the EAC later this month.
REPORTS
A. Creative Programs
1. Write on the Sound: Rose outlined the volunteer tasks and responsibilities for the arts
commissioners during the in-person conference weekend on Oct 4-6. She asked
commissioners to email when they are available that weekend so that she can assign duties.
Chapin reviewed other conference information. Discussion followed regarding conference
details.
2. Summer Concerts: Rose reported the concerts went well and were well received. Attendance
was very good. Two concerts were cancelled due to illness. Discussion followed regarding
feedback received and planning for next summer’s program.
3. EAC Nominations: Chapin reported that, due to Commissioner Ute Freund’s recent resignation,
the staff asked the Mayor to consider appointing the open position from the current pool of
applicants who were recently interviewed for the other position left open when Commissioner
Ashley Song resigned earlier in the year. Staff suggest the commission recommend Robby
London be considered for Freund’s Professional Performing Arts position, given his background
in the performing arts, and asked the commission to consider one of the other recently
interviewed applicants for the open General Interest position, for which London was originally
recommended. Both open positions are for partial terms, one and two years, respectively.
Discussion followed regarding the applicants interviewed, the upcoming end-of-term vacancy,
and options as to how to proceed. Leute MOVED that the commission’s recommendation of
Robby London to fill the open General Interest position be amended to a recommendation he
fill the open Performing Arts position, and that applicant Alexandra Leggett be recommended
for the General Interest open position. Sharp SECONDED. APPROVED.
B. Capital Projects
1. International District Banner Project Update: Chapin reported that seven designs have been
finalized for the 14 available locations. Fabrication and material costs have been reviewed and
it is expected the project will come within budget. The project is still on track to be fabricated by
the end of the year. Installation may also be scheduled by the end of the year, but that is not yet
confirmed.
2. Creative District/Anway Park Gateway Project: Twenty-two applicants’ qualifications will be
reviewed by the review panel at the end of the month to select three finalists to develop project
proposals. The panel includes representatives from the Creative District Advisory Board,
Edmonds Arts Festival Foundation, the EAC and a member of City Council.
C. Funding and Administration (none)
V. STAFF REPORT
1. Chapin Updates:
a. The October meeting is rescheduled for Mon. Oct 14 at 5:30pm in the Frances Anderson
Center Room 123.
b. Chung asked about the Public Art Inventory project. Chapin reported it was necessarily
tabled due to the turnover of commissioners this year, citing it is best to proceed with a full
complement of commissioners to share the significant task of evaluating the public
artworks in the collection.
2. Rose Updates: The Visual Art Committee will pick up where it left off earlier this summer toward the
end of October to plan and schedule the 2025 calendar of exhibits in the Edmonds Library and the
Frances Anderson Center Display Cases. The remaining 2024 exhibit schedule vacancies will be
filled by staff. On the Fence call for 2025 installation proposals will be announced later in the year.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
Chapin reported the Student Representative position will be announced as open this month with a
deadline for application in October.
VII. There being no further business, Sharp adjourned the meeting at 6:43pm.