2018-09-10 Arts Commission Minutesy edmonds
ARTS COMMISSION
MINUTES
September 10, 2018
The Edmonds Arts Commission: dedicated to the arts, an integral part of community life.
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department
PRESENT:
Tanya Sharp Marni Muir STAFF AUDIENCE
Lesly Kaplan Rhonda Soikowski Frances Chapin
Excused: Beverly Shaw Starkovich, Suzy Maloney, Pat Oneill
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by Lesly Kaplan, Chair
INTRODUCTIONS — Sarah Wechsler, Denise Wechsler
AGENDA —Audience Comments moved to first item. Chapin noted that the revised agenda has the private
developer presentation moved to the October 2 meeting.
MINUTES — Approval of July minutes postponed to October meeting for lack of quorum to vote on that meeting.
REPORTS -
A. Creative Programs
1. Arts & Humanities Proclamation —The proclamation will beat City Council on Oct 2. Commissioners
are encouraged to attend and stand with Kaplan when she accepts the proclamation from the Mayor.
There was brief discussion of points to cover in the proclamation and in the thank you.
Student Representative — Chapin reported that the four applications have been received. Interviews
will be scheduled on Sept. 19. The committee includes Muir, Kaplan and Sharp and they will present
a recommendation at the Oct 1 EAC meeting.
Summer Concerts — Commissioners were enthusiastic about the varied presentations, although
attendance was possibly impacted by some very hot days and some days when the smoke was quite
thick. The best attended concert in City Park had over 600 people in the audience. A big concern
expressed was the lack of seating at Hazel Miller Plaza and poor visibility for the performers. The
planters used to function as seating but over the past few years have become increasingly overgrown
with large plantings that obscure the view and make it difficult to sit on them. The original intent of
the plaza park was to include beautiful plantings but also be a place for performance. The suggested
that this be reviewed with parks maintenance and Chapin noted that she has already raised the issue
and been assured that changes will take place this year to improve both seating on the walls and
visibility. Other comments included suggesting that a temporary sign be put up on Concert days,
shifting the noon time to 12:30 or 1 pm on Tuesdays, and encouraging Commissioners to sign up to
give a very brief welcome at the beginning.
4. WOTS — Kaplan noted that the last steering committee meeting will be next week. One presenter had
a family emergency and has had to cancel so replacements are being arranged for those two
sessions. Commissioners reviewed times they are available to volunteer. Commissioners were
encouraged to help with and attend the Saturday reception which is open to the public.
Edmonds Arts Commission Minutes — 9/10/2018
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5. Public Art — Several On the Fence proposals were discussed. Kaplan Moved and Muir Seconded
approval of the proposal by Yusuf to be sited on Main Street in January, Approved. Soikowski Moved
and Sharp Seconded approval of the Fairbanks proposal for the Civic Fence to be installed in the next
month, Approved. Chapin presented current ideas for an update to the Public Art brochure and
various changes were discussed which will be conveyed to the designer.
6. Certified Creative District — Chapin reported on progress with the CD application. The authorization
to apply has been received from ArtsWA. Letters of support will be included with the application and
the letter on behalf of the Edmonds Arts Commission drafted by Kaplan and reviewed by the whole
commission will be included. After brief discussion Muir Moved approval of the letter of support and
Sharp Seconded, Approved.
B. Capital Projects
C. Funding & Administration
STAFF REPORT— Chapin will apply for renewal of Hazel Miller Foundation support for 12 concerts at HMP in
2019. Chapin reminded commissioners about the Civic Field art meeting, moved to Oct 10, and the upcoming
Waterfront Connector public hearing at City Council.
NEW/OTHER BUSINESS —
AUDIENCE COMMENTS — Denise Wechsler commented on how much she liked the On the Fence program
and mentioned the pollinators installation done by EDWHS students. She also asked that the City work on
making the corner of SR 104 and Dayton on the southwest side more attractive.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:00 PM