2014-02-03 Arts Commission Minutesy edmonds
ARTS COMMISSION
MINUTES
February 3, 2014
The Edmonds Arts Commission: dedicated to the arts, an integral part of community life.
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department
PRESENT:
Samantha Saether Beverly Shaw-Starkovich STAFF AUDIENCE
Lois Rathvon Courtney Gu Frances Chapin
ABSENT — Joanne Otness (excused), Marni Muir (excused), Suzy Maloney (excused)
The meeting was called to order at 6:02 PM by Samantha Saether, Vice Chair
INTRODUCTIONS —
AGENDA ADDITIONS/CHANGES —
MINUTES — Jan 6, 2014 Minutes — Rathvon MOVED, Shaw SECONDED, Approved.
REPORTS
A. Creative Programs
1. WOTS — Chapin confirmed that the keynote, science fiction author Robert J. Sawyer, will be
presenting at the ECA for the 2014 conference. Commissioners were reminded to save the dates to
assist with the conference. Steering Committee member Erin Arguelles will again help organize both
hospitality and the reception.
2. Chamber Arts Awards — Saether reported that only a few nominations have been received. The
Chamber will send out an eblast with information on the four categories, and nominations are due
Feb 18.
3. EAC Candidate Selection — Rathvon reported that the committee interviewed all 6 applicants on
Jan 14 - 15. The applicants were all very talented and quite diverse. The priority for this general
opening was for someone interested in performing and/or literary arts. The committee was
impressed by all the applicants but reached a consensus that Kevin Conefrey would be the best fit for
the Arts Commission at this time. Kevin works in HR but has a longstanding interest in performing
arts, especially blues and jazz, and has children who are currently engaged in dance with OBT and
jazz with Edmonds Woodway High School. Rathvon MOVED and Shaw SECONDED that Kevin
Conefrey be recommended to the Mayor and City Council for appointment to the Arts Commission.
Approved. Discussion followed about the importance of finding ways to engage the talents of people
who applied but were not selected at this time, and it was suggested this might be a topic for the
retreat.
4. Best Book Poster Contest — Chapin asked Commissioners to Save the Date for the reception on
April 17. Shaw and Rathvon will not be available. Commissioners will also be asked to assist with
picking up and returning posters to the schools. The dates will be sent out by email.
5. Exhibit Schedule — Shaw reviewed the list of exhibits in the Library scheduled for 2014.
Edmonds Arts Commission — 2/3/2014 2
B. Capital Projects
. State Route 99 Enhancements — Saether, Shaw and Chapin reported that the project dedication
was a successful event. Speakers did a good job and the Taiko drumming at the beginning was
excellent as well as the comments made by the artist Pam Beyette. There were a number of local
merchants in the audience of about 50 people and they expressed their appreciation for the project.
It was suggested that the poster of businesses in that area be exhibited somewhere in the city since it
brings attention to the wide variety of businesses on that section of Hwy 99.
2. Cultural Heritage Tour — Chapin showed an example of the nearly finished interpretive plaques
made by artist Judith Caldwell for the Stages of History: Walk Through Time project.
Commissioners were impressed with the detail and think this will be a substantial contribution to
providing interesting art visuals in the downtown. The goal is to have all 12 plaques fabricated and
installed by the end of June. The website component is nearly complete.
C. Funding & Administration
I . Community Cultural Plan — Chapin thanked Commissioners for their help in reviewing the plan
earlier in the year and pointed out two content changes that were made to the text since that review
in addition to corrections and other minor edits. On Feb 4 there will be a presentation and public
hearing at City Council. Rathvon MOVED and Shaw SECONDED that the update of the Community
Cultural Plan be recommended to the City Council for approval. Approved.
STAFF REPORT — Chapin reported she will be attending Arts Day in Olympia on Feb 5 and briefly
summarized the main legislative issues. She reminded Commissioners that Kidstock at ECA is on Saturday.
She also requested that Commissioners tally their volunteer hours for December and January.
OTHER BUSINESS — None.
Meeting Adjourned at 7:22 PM