2024-10-14 Arts Commission Minutes
MINUTES 5:30 pm Oct. 14, 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, Alex Leggett, Katie Leute, Robby London, Tanya Sharp
EXCUSED: Harry Kirchner
STAFF: Frances Chapin, Arts & Culture Manager; Laurie Rose, Arts Program Specialist
The meeting was called to order at 5:30pm by Sharp
Leute 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 a motion to approve the Sept. 9 minutes as submitted. Chung so MOVED.
Henkes SECONDED. APPROVED.
INTRODUCTIONS: Commissioners introduced themselves to new commissioners London and Leggett.
REPORTS
A. Creative Programs
1. Write on the Sound: Henkes reported the conference went well. Attendees expressed their
enjoyment and compliments throughout the weekend. The pre-conference online day the
weekend before also went well and was well attended. The event’s details were discussed as
well as goals for future conferences. Rose reported the attendee surveys have not yet been
compiled for a final report, but an initial review reveals overall positive feedback. The
conference planning committee will meet at the end of the month to debrief.
2. Public Art Collection Assessment / Visual Art Program: Chapin and Rose reviewed the current
exhibits at the Edmonds Library featuring Edmonds artist Katherine Green; On the Fence
installations featuring artists Gabriel Denise Frank and Katie Shinn; and the Veterans Healing
through Art group show in the Frances Anderson Center Display case.
Chapin continued, asking the commissioners to assist staff with the Public Art Collection
Assessment project, previously scheduled for July. Chung and Leggett will help staff begin the
process in November. Chapin will finish getting the paperwork organized and the database
updated this month.
3. EAC 50TH Anniversary: Sharp reported that she and Chapin have had initial conversations about
partnerships to celebrate the EAC’s 50th anniversary in 2025. This would potentially include a
Creative District meeting event in January at the Cascadia Art Museum, which correlates with
that organization’s 10th anniversary, and an exhibit at the Edmonds Historical Museum in the
summer featuring the EAC, the history of arts in Edmonds, and a highlight of the community’s
arts organizations. Discussion followed regarding other potential activities, such as a public art
walking tour, merchandising, associated exhibit activities, and incorporating Write on the
Sound’s 40th anniversary in 2025 as well. Staff will follow up with the Historical Museum
regarding exhibit dates and selection of a Keynote speaker for Write on the Sound.
B. Capital Projects
1. International District Banner Project Update: Leute reported the selection panel met last month
to approve the final 8 designs for the 14 banners and the locations for each banner. Six of the 8
banners will be duplicated to complete the 14 banner positions. The commission reviewed the
final designs and discussion followed regarding the project’s schedule, with completion
expected in the first quarter of 2025. Funding for the project was approved in the 2024 budget.
Sharp made a MOTION to approve the final 8 designs and proposed locations. Chung
SECONDED. APPROVED.
2. Creative District Anway Park Gateway Project: Sharp reported that 3 finalists were selected by
the selection panel to develop concept design proposals for the site. All the finalists visited the
site last week and discussed details with staff. Their proposals will be presented on Nov. 22nd in
the Edmonds Plaza Room to the selection panel in a public meeting. The public will have the
opportunity to submit comments during the meeting. Discussion followed regarding the City’s
public art selection process, funding from the ArtsWA Creative District capital grant program
and matching funds donated by Edmonds Arts Festival Foundation, as well as the project’s
timeline.
C. Funding and Administration
Chapin reported that Director Todd Tatum will present the Community, Cultural Services, and
Economic Development Department proposed 2025-26 budget to Council at its Oct. 15 meeting.
She provided an overview of the report for the commissioners. The department was asked to make
additional cuts from its budget for the General Fund, which necessarily included staffing. As part of
these cuts, Chapin will retire in February 2025 after 28 years with the City. Her position will not be
filled in 2025 but Tatum will request that it be filled for 2026. The Arts Program Specialist will remain
a full-time position and Rose will continue in that position to implement EAC programs. Staff
positions are funded through the City’s General Fund, not the Municipal Arts Fund, which funds the
EAC’s programs. Discussion followed regarding the City’s various funds, and potential for
sponsorship opportunities that could help support programming.
V. STAFF REPORT
1. Chapin Updates: (see reports above).
2. Rose Updates: The Visual Art Committee will meet at the end of October to determine the exhibit
schedule for 2025.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
Sharp reported the Creative District Advisory Committee EAC position will need to be selected for 2025 at
the December meeting. Chapin reported that a new EAC Chair & Vice Chair will need to be selected for
2025 in December. Sharp will coordinate the nomination process.
VII. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Sharp adjourned the meeting at 7:10pm.