2014-01-06 Arts Commission Minutesy edmonds
ARTS COMMISSION
MINUTES
January 6, 2014
The Edmonds Arts Commission: dedicated to the arts, an integral part of community life.
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department
PRESENT:
Lois Rathvon, Chair Samantha Saether STAFF AUDIENCE
Suzy Maloney Beverly Shaw-Starkovich Frances Chapin Dave Earling
Marni Muir Courtney Gu Todd Timmcke
Joanne Otness
ABSENT
The meeting was called to order at 6:01 PM by Lois Rathvon, Chair
INTRODUCTIONS — Mayor Earling, Todd Timmcke
AGENDA ADDITIONS/CHANGES — Add On the Fence proposal to A. I Public Art and move C. I Election
of Officers to follow Audience Comment.
MINUTES — Dec 2, 2013 minutes — Otness MOVED, Shaw SECONDED, Approved.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS / PRESENTATION - Mayor Earling noted the importance of the arts for Edmonds
and expressed his appreciation to Timmcke for his years of service on the Arts Commission. He presented
Timmcke with a City of Edmonds paperweight. Timmcke stated that it had been a pleasure to serve on the
EAC for almost ten years and noted some of the accomplishments during that period. Rathvon,
Commissioners and Chapin thanked Timmcke and added how much his strong sense of design, great
photography, advocacy for new perspectives, and hard work has contributed to the Arts Commission.
REPORTS
C. 1. Election of Officers — Rathvon and Timmcke served on the nominating committee and the proposed
slate of officers sent out to Commissioners in December was Maloney as Chair and Saether as Vice Chair.
Rathvon asked if there were nominations from the floor. Otness Moved and Muir Seconded, Motion
Approved.
A. Creative Programs
I. Public Art
Proposed Donation — Rathvon and Chapin briefly reviewed the presentation at the December
meeting regarding potential donation of a large stainless steel sculpture by an established sculptor
from Philadelphia. After discussion about the liability issues posed by the sculpture the EAC had
requested Chapin to ask the Parks Manager and Parks Director to explore potential sites. They
appreciated the generous offer of a donation of a significant artwork but were concerned that a
suitable site might be a challenge given the risk management issues. The piece is made of welded and
formed stainless steel and is approximately 6' high, 8' long and 4' wide. The Parks Manager reviewed
possibilities and suggested that the site most suitable for the sculpture is on the south side of Main
Street where the trail leads into Yost Park. The site is just off of a main driving and walking route
leading up to Yost Park and Five Corners. The sculpture would provide an engaging visual identity to
Edmonds Arts Commission Draft Minutes - 1/6/2014
2
mark this entry into the wooded hillsides of the park, in keeping with the mountain goat imagery.
The trail is not near a playground or seating area which would reduce the potential of the sculpture
being a climbing hazard for children. However it would need to be installed into the hillside and the
back stairway side would be obscured. Commissioners asked questions about the size, condition,
maintenance and installation cost to the City. Installation issues require further research.
Commissioners thought that another option proposed by the donor of fencing the large outdoor
artwork was not in keeping with the nature of the City's collection, also the conclusion of the Parks
Manager and Director. Next step is for staff to discuss further with Parks Manager and contact the
potential donor to discuss possibilities.
On the Fence Proposal — Commissioners reviewed a proposal submitted by Mona Fairbanks and
Lisa Wickstrom-Chandler for artwork titled "The Knot That Binds Us". Commissioners discussed
size, concept, and materials. Shaw and others were interested to know if disintegration is part of the
project. They would like to be updated on the details of images and materials as the project evolves.
Saether Moved and Shaw Seconded motion to Approve the project.
2. Communications — Saether described how the concept of a citywide events calendar (not limited
to arts and culture, all public events that meet current criteria for City calendar) has been discussed
for years but was a primary interest at the Arts Summit. Saether reported on meeting with Phill
Butler and Chapin to discuss the concept that Phill volunteered to work on following the Arts
Summit. He has met with most of the entities currently involved with event websites for Edmonds,
about seven, and is proposing a preliminary model of how these entities could collaborate. The two
biggest pieces to resolve are 1) who hosts the website, software used and how funded, and 2) how
volunteer contributors are recruited and organized to sustain current information for the site.
Saether is interested in helping with the volunteer area. Commissioners suggested that Saether
might serve as a liaison during the development process since a large percentage of events are arts
and culture and familiarity with those organizations is something EAC could contribute to the
process. The intent would be to support development of a process that will then carry forward
independently of EAC. The level of involvement will be reviewed periodically.
3. Chamber Arts Awards — Saether reported that a second press release calling for nominations has
gone out and nominations in four categories are due Feb 18. The awards event will be held on
Thursday, March 20, 2014 at 8 pm at the Edmonds Conference Center.
4. EAC Candidate Selection — Chapin reported that 6 applications have been received. Rathvon said
she would like to serve on the committee and Otness also expressed interest. Shaw was selected to
be the third member and Chapin will facilitate. All six will be interviewed on Jan 14 - 15.
B. Capital Projects
1. State Route 99 Enhancements — Chapin reported that the project dedication will be held at 3
PM on January 30th in the parking lot at Ranch 99 Market.
C. Funding & Administration
Community Cultural Plan — Chapin distributed the updated draft of the plan and thanked
Commissioners who submitted comments on the earlier version. She briefly reviewed major edits.
There was consensus among Commissioners that the draft plan reflected major community concerns
and was taking shape. Chapin stated that comments could still be submitted, preferably by January 17.
The Plan will be presented to Planning Board on Jan 8 in draft form and again at a Public Hearing on
Jan 22. On Feb 4 there will be a presentation and public hearing at City Council.
Edmonds Arts Commission Draft Minutes — 1/6/2014
3
STAFF REPORT — Concert review will be prepared this week and Palmatier will contact Commissioners
Muir, Rathvon and Otness. Maloney said she would also serve as a backup reviewer.
OTHER BUSINESS — None.
Meeting Adjourned at 7:56 PM