2022-12-05 Arts Commission Minutesedmonds
:-A ARTS COMMISSION
MINUTES 5:30 pm December 5, 2022
The Edmonds Arts Commission is dedicated to the arts as an integral part of community life.
City of Edmonds Community, Cultural and Economic Development Department
PRESENT: Richard Chung, Lily Kamila, Lesly Kaplan, Harry Kirchner, Lisa Palmatier, Tanya Sharp,
Rhonda J Soikowski, Ashley Song
STAFF: Laurie Rose, Arts Program Specialist
AUDIENCE/GUEST: Kari Johnson, Snohomish County Arts Commissioner
The meeting was called to order at 5:33pm by Rhonda Soikowski
Land acknowledgement read by Soikowski:
"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
ADDITIONS/CHANGES TO AGENDA
Arts Staff Laurie Rose requested two changes: 1) brief update regarding Arts & Culture Manager Frances
Chapin's medical leave status be announced after approval of minutes, and 2) Item Five, "Recognition",
under Reports be presented at the end of the meeting after Staff Report and before New Business.
MINUTES
Lisa Palmatier noted for November Minutes a date correction under Creative Programs Report regarding
2023 Write on the Sound conference. Approval of November 2022 minutes with noted Write on the
Sound date correction; motion to approve, Song; Sharp seconded. Approved.
PUBLIC COMMENT/INTRODUCTIONS
Snohomish County Arts Commissioner Kari Johnson
REPORTS
A. Creative Programs
Snohomish County Arts (SCA) Commissioner Kari Johnson gave the commission a report on
the SCA's current initiatives, including its legislative advocacy and a comprehensive review
of the county's creative economy. Initial analysis shows the creative economy is doing well
in the wake of the pandemic but needs to keep growing. Commissioner Johnson with SCA
Commissioner Kate Mackenzie are regional captains for upcoming Cultural Convergence in
Olympia in February (formerly Arts & Heritage Day) and asks for team members to ensure
EAC Minutes Dec 2022 pg. 1 of 3
that Snohomish County is fully represented. The event features both an in -person day and a
virtual day. The list of legislative requests is varied. Details can be found online:
https://www.inspirationleague.org/advocacy-resources . Johnson asked Edmonds
Commissioners to sign up to participate through the Inspire Washington's Inspire League
website. Others in the community who are interested in arts advocacy are welcome to join
as well(https://www.inspirationleague.org/). Rose asked Johnson to review SCA's Cultural
Arts Network (CAN) opportunity. Johnson reviewed that CAN is held on Zoom on third
Thursdays and is open to all in the creative economy in the county. Johnson announced that
District 4 commission position is vacant, as is District 3, which includes the Edmonds area.
For complete information and contact information, go to snocoarts.org.
EAC Open Position
Song, Sharp and Harry Kirchner interviewed three candidates for the open commission
position starting 2023. The position is a one-year vacancy with an option to remain on the
commission for a full 4-year term starting in 2024. Song and the interview committee
recommends Paul Cogley as a good fit for EAC at this time. He is a retired Boeing engineer,
musician, and songwriter. Soikowski motioned to approve recommendation of Paul Cogley
to Mayor Nelson for the open position. Kirchner seconded. Approved. Discussion of Cogley's
future EAC involvement followed. Due to Cultural Arts Manager Frances Chapin's current
medical leave status, Rose requested Soikowski meet with Cogley to further discuss the EAC.
3. On the Fence
Palmatier reported that she and Song and Sharp met to review proposals submitted for the
2023 On the Fence program. Four proposals are recommended to the commission, with a
fifth as an alternate, should that be necessary. Palmatier noted the changes to the program
made last year were evident in the quality of the proposals received. The recommended
artists are Marsha Rollinger, Nina Vichayapai, Brooke Frotheringham and Allyce Wood, with
artist team Ai -Chin and Wei-Ning Huang as an alternate. Images of the proposals were
reviewed. Discussion followed regarding participation of student artists under the age of 18,
clarification of the program's criteria for 2024 Call for Proposals, and other possible fence
locations on City property for future consideration. Staff will select best location for 2023
proposals and discuss artists' availability to establish the exhibit schedule.
4. Nominations for 2023 Chair and Vice Chair
Soikowski asked for one commissioner to join her to create a nomination committee for the
2023 Chair and Vice Chair. Sharp volunteered. Soikowski asked that commissioners email
their nominations by Tuesday, December 13. The nominations will be approved at the
January meeting. Discussion followed about the role of the Chair and Vice Chair.
5. Recognition
(see below)
B. Capital Projects (none)
C. Funding and Administration (none)
STAFF REPORT
1. Rose reported she met with Chapin and Community, Cultural and Economic Development
Director Todd Tatum the previous week to discuss the projects that will need to be covered
EAC Minutes Dec 2022 pg. 2 of 3
during Chapin's leave. Rose will meet with Tatum on a weekly basis until Chapin's return.
Commissioners are reminded to "cc" Chapin on all emails so that she can stay up-to-date on
communications.
2. Tatum is the featured speaker at the Dec. 6th Edmonds Chamber networking meeting. He'll
present information about the Creative District. Commissioners are encouraged to attend.
3. Community, Cultural and Economic Development Coordinator Megan Luttrell has scheduled an
Edmonds Creative District Association meeting for Mon. Dec. 12 in City Hall to discuss plans for
2023, recertification, and the summit meeting next spring.
4. Fourth Avenue Cultural Corridor RFQ for the street construction project is posted. Questions
regarding this project should be directed to Tatum.
5. Framing of the donated Donna Leavitt artwork is underway with a small change from the
commission's request due to practical consideration. Artist Leavitt reviewed and approved the
change. The site for the work has not been confirmed.
6. Before going on leave, Chapin was able to confirm contract negotiations for a Keynote for 2023
Write on the Sound.
A. Creative Programs
Recognition of Commissioner Lesly Kaplan
Soikowski thanked Kaplan for her 7 years on the commission. A review of Kaplan's
contributions and achievements prepared by Chapin was read by Soikowski. The Mayor's
Office gave Kaplan a commemoration and thank you note. Arts staff presented a framed
certificate. The commissioners thanked Kaplan for her dedication and hard work. Kaplan
shared what she enjoyed most during her tenure as a commissioner.
NEW/OTHER BUSINESS
Palmatier called commissioner's attention to an Edmonds Beacon article that reported the Edmonds
Library may not open until summer of 2023. Therefore, the visual art exhibit program will remain on
hold. Brief discussion followed regarding what space might be available in the reconstructed library.
Rose will follow up in the weeks ahead.
Question about budget approval for a consultant to lead the Cultural Plan update next year was raised.
Sharp and Palmatier shared they contacted Council Members Teitzel, Buckshnis and Olsen regarding
budget approval for a consultant.
Meeting Adjourned 6:41pm
EAC Minutes Dec 2022 pg. 3 of 3