2022-07-25 Arts Commission Minutesjedmonds
ARTS COMMISSION
MINUTES - Meeting 4:45 t)m
The Edmonds Arts Commission: dedicated to the arts, an integral part of community life.
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department
PRESENT:
Richard Chung
Rhonda Soikowski
Ashley Song
Harry Kirchner
EXCUSED:
Lesly Kaplan
Lisa Palmatier
Tanya Sharp
Georgia Livesey Stud Rep
my 25. 2022
STAFF AUDIENCE
Frances Chapin
Laurie Rose
Sharp 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 4:45 PM by Soikowski
ADDITIONS/CHANGES TO THE AGENDA —
Added item A.4. Recognition of Student Representative
MINUTES —Approval of June 6, 2022 minutes, Sharp Moved to approve, Palmatier Seconded, Approved.
PUBLIC COMMENT/INTRODUCTIONS —
REPORTS -
A. Creative Programs
1. Concerts — Commissioners reported on various concerts they attended or hosted. By all accounts the
performances were good, from EDWWHS through Cymbeline, and even though rain was persistent
for the second concert an enthusiastic small group stayed to listen and dance. The Hickman Park
concert was well attended by families and kids and the music was excellent, a good first event at that
park, maybe setting a future tradition. Hazel Miller concerts have generally gone well. Rose checks in
with the groups as they are setting up.
Other program reports- Rose noted again that the registration program for WOTS has changed but
should go smoothly when it opens August 15. On the Fence is rotating in August. The Poets will also
rotate in the fall but for now the Library is closed due to the water damage and two of the posters
disappeared so they are all down at that site. Chapin mentioned that the Annual Report at City
Council will be scheduled in October which is also Arts & Humanities month. She gave a brief update
on Civic art and announced that Wiegman will hold an outside community meeting on August 11 to
talk about community members contributing their images, recordings etc of favorite flora and fauna
for incorporation in his blog and in some cases in the visual designs. Chapin asked Commissioners if
they are in favor of partnering with the Library on two bilingual workshops for children on November
Edmonds Arts Commission Draft Minutes — 7/25/2022 2
1 for the day of the dead — Commissioners supported this partnership and the event will be held in
the Plaza room.
Reorganization — Chapin reviewed information she sent out in an email about the Cultural Services
Division being moved out of Parks & Recreation Dept and into Economic Development & Community
Services Department. The new Director for that department, Todd Tatum, has been hired and will
start August 16. The Arts office and storage space will remain at the Frances Anderson Center,
Economic Development offices are at City Hall. Partnerships with Parks Maintenance regarding public
art and with Recreation will continue. The Econ Dev 2023 budget will include a Decision Package to
fund the update of the Community Cultural Plan. Discussion followed.
4. Student Representative — Georgia Livesey, student representative to EAC for the past two years, is
completing her term and will soon head off to study at UW, planning to major in Graphic Design.
Chapin thanked her for her many contributions, noting that she was only able to meet in person with
EAC twice during those pandemic years but was very good about attending meetings and adding her
comments. Georgia spoke about how much she had enjoyed the experience. Commissioners added
their comments and appreciation for her insights, the many things she gave us to think about, and all
congratulated her on attending UW and her goal of being an artist graphic designer.
C. Funding & Administration
2023 Draft Budget — Chapin reviewed the proposed 2023 budget and spoke about the three special
funds that are utilized by the Arts Commission and the difference between them and general fund.
Commissioners expressed disappointment and frustration that funding for the Library art was not included
and the previously pledged donations have been withdrawn since the book drop removal is not a priority for
Parks and Building Maintenance. Chapin noted that the funds are still available and could be reallocated from
ending cash through a budget amendment at City Council if the book drop were to be demolished in the near
future. Commissioners also raised the issue of the general fund allocation of $15k annually not being
increased over the past 30 years. Chapin added that the two full time staff members in Cultural Services are
funded from the general fund, and the funding for tourism promotion from the 123 was allocated by City
Council for use in the arts which is an additional $27k. Questions were asked about how the Parks and Open
Space Plan was funded (general fund decision package), and about potential uses of the Museum fund, the
127 100 for permanent display areas for artwork (could include outdoor display). Commissioners and staff
agreed that these are topics that should be discussed at a future retreat which would give Commissioners to
review and potentially reset priorities and develop effective strategies for achieving goals like the Library
public art. Kaplan Moved approval of the 2023 draft budget, Kirchner Seconded, Approved.
D. New Business
Sharp mentioned participating in the selection of the Bird Fest poster by artist Janis Howes.
Soikowski took a moment to honor the passing of Councilmember Kristiana Johnson. Chapin noted that she
had been a big supporter of arts and culture including the 4tn Avenue Cultural Corridor, as well as a keen
keeper of the history of Edmonds and advocate for the natural environment. She served on the 5 Corners
Roundabout art selection committee, fitting for her background in transportation planning, and also on the
Civic Park artist selection.
The Floretum Garden Club ribbon cutting for the new public art piece by Jennifer Kuhns will be on August 15
at 1:30 pm at the corner of 6t" Avenue N and Bell.
STAFF REPORT —The September virtual meeting will probably be moved to Sept 12 due to the Labor Day
holiday on the first Monday.
NEW/OTHER BUSINESS —
Adjourned: 6:25 pm