2022-05-02 Arts Commission Minutesedmonds
ARTS COMMISSION
MINUTES - Meeting via Zoom 4:45 pm May 2, 2022
The Edmonds Arts Commission: dedicated to the arts, an integral part of community life.
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department
PRESENT:
Ashley Song
Richard Chung
Rhonda Soikowski
EXCUSED:
Harry Kirchner
Lesly Kaplan
Lisa Palmatier
Tanya Sharp
Georgia Livesey
STAFF AUDIENCE
Frances Chapin
Laurie Rose
Palmatier read the land acknowledgement.
"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."- City Council Land Acknowledgment
The meeting was called to order at 4:46 PM by Rhonda Soikowski.
ADDITIONS/CHANGES TO THE AGENDA —
MINUTES —Approval of April 4, 2022 minutes, Kaplan Moved to approve, Palmatier Seconded, Approved.
PUBLIC COMMENT/INTRODUCTIONS—
REPORTS -
A. Creative Programs
1. Grant Reviews/Process — Chapin reported that the review committees will meet as determined at the
last meeting. Kirchner, Song and Sharp will review the Tourism Promotion Awards and Soikowski,
Palmatier, and Chung will review the Create grant applications. Committee recommendations will be
reviewed/approved at the June 6 EAC meeting. As is the usual process, any commissioner with a
direct conflict of interest will recuse themselves from recommendation of that particular application.
2. Art Donation/Loan — An image of the proposed donation from artist Donna Leavitt was viewed by
the commissioners along with a photo of the proposed future site for the piece at City Hall.
Discussion followed. Commissioners agreed that the framing options should be explored and if not
feasible to fund out of the 2022 budget to get it framed in 2023. Soikowski Moved, Palmatier
Seconded, acceptance of the graphite piece by Donna Leavitt, Approved.
The donation proposed by d'Elaine Johnson is the piece that was hanging in the City Council Chamber
and the proposed new location is the City Council office at City Hall. Chapin provided some additional
information about the key role the artist has played in the Edmonds arts community, noting that
both Donna Leavitt and d'Elaine Johnson are notable Edmonds artists and it is wonderful to have
their work in the City's collection. Soikowski Moved and Kaplan Seconded acceptance of the painting
by d'Elaine Johnson, Approved. The third item regards adding the piece On the Infinite by Matthew
Dockrey to the permanent collection. It was commissioned as a temporary piece but suits the site
Edmonds Arts Commission Minutes — 5/02/2022
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and the artist is willing to have it purchased. The proposed purchase price is $500 which brings the
total amount paid the artist to a fee comparable to the fee for a flower basket pole artwork. The
purchase contract with the artist will require an onsite inspection of the piece, any maintenance
necessary, and information on future maintenance. Kaplan Moved that the piece by Matthew
Dockrey be purchased for the permanent collection and remain on the Dayton Street Plaza sign post,
Soikowski Seconded, Approved. The sculpture references three generations of a Hilbert curve, which
was one of the first fractals to be discovered and/or invented. As the iterations proceed towards
infinity, the curve begins to transcend its one-dimensional origin. Matthew Dockrey is a Seattle -area
industrial artist with a particular interest in kinetic sculpture of all scales.
3. Poet's Perspective Project — Kaplan that the posters are up and the poems are posted on the EAC
website. A set of the poems will be exhibited at the Anderson Center during the Arts Festival.
4. WOTS — Kaplan reported that there will be two plenary addresses this year instead of a keynote.
There are a total of 22 sessions plus round tables. It promises to be an excellent conference.
5. Concerts — The schedule was shared with commissioners and rack cards will be distributed later in
June. Introductions will be discussed at the June meeting so bring calendars. One concert will be at
Hickman — commissioners suggested having a sandwich board there, and Palmatier and Kaplan will
assist with introductions. Song and Soikowski will introduce the Shakespeare presentation at City
Park. It is useful to have at least two commissioners at each City Park concert and one at the Hazel
Miller concerts.
6. Creative District -Song reported that ArtsWA awarded the City a $34,000 matching grant for the 41n
Avenue completion of concept design. This will include the northern end of the corridor and work
will include partner participation from ECA.
C. Funding & Administration
STAFF REPORT— Rose reported that an exhibit is up in the Library and in the display case at FAC. The
schedule for the summer/fall is available. The July/August Library exhibit will feature d'Elaine Johnson and is
an opportunity to feature her donation to the City. Rose noted that the goal for WOTS is to move back to in
person for 2023. The July meeting date was discussed with the idea that a special meeting to discuss budget
be scheduled for July 25 and cancel the August meeting. The September meeting will be moved to Tuesday
Sept 6 due to the Labor Day holiday on Monday. Music at the Library has not yet restarted but possibly will
be scheduled next winter.
NEW/OTHER BUSINESS —
Adjourned: 6:05 pm