2023-10-02 Arts Commission MinutesAedmonds
ARTS COMMISSION
MINUTES 5:30 pm October 2, 2023
The Edmonds Arts Commission is dedicated to the arts as an integral part of community life.
City of Edmonds Community, Culture and Economic Development Department October 2, 2023
PRESENT: Richard Chung, Harry Kirchner, Tanya Sharp, Ashley Song.
EXCUSED: Paul Cogley, Rhonda J Soikowski, Lisa Palmatier, Lily Kamilla
STAFF: Frances Chapin, Arts & Culture Manager; Laurie Rose, Arts Program Specialist
The meeting was called to order at 5:30pm by Song
Sharp read the City Council land acknowledgement statement:
"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."
MINUTES
Song stated that due to a lack of a quorum to approve the July and September 2023 minutes, they will
be approved at a later meeting.
Sharp Moved the June minutes be approved. Chung Seconded. Approved.
REPORTS
A. Creative Projects
1. Student Representative: Lily Kamila expressed her interest in serving a second one-year
term as discussed by the Commission at a previous meeting. Song called for a Motion to
approve a second one-year term for Student Representative Lily Kamila. Sharp Moved
for a second term starting in September 2023. Kirchner Seconded. Approved.
2. Public Art: Chapin shared photos of recently maintained public art works that received
major conservation work as well as routine cleaning. She reviewed the different
categories of required maintenance, which require an annual budget of approximately
$3,000. Cleaning and maintenance this year was for outdoor installations Friendship
Tree, Goes Up/Comes Down, Locals, and Snowy Owl.
She noted that the commission selects a commissioner or two every five to six years to
conduct an inventory of the condition of the whole collection, including three- and two-
dimensional artworks sited within City facilities. This inventory should be conducted in
2024 and the commissioner (s) will be selected at a future meeting.
Permanent Banner Project on HWY 99: There is an opportunity to move this project
forward, as discussed at a previous meeting. Chapin outlined the draft Call to Artists
Request for Qualification for the banner design project. Sharp moved that the draft of
the Call to Artists for the Hwy 99 Permanent Banner Project be approved. Song
Seconded. Approved.
Discussion followed regarding the overall proposed project for the existing "Eight Paths
of Light" street light poles in the International District on Hwy 99, the basic qualification
of the artist(s) sought for the project, the scope of the design of the banners, the all-
inclusive budget of $80,000 from existing funds, the selection process for the design
work, and the City Council approval process.
3. Annual Report: Chapin asked that this item be moved to the November agenda in order
to discuss with full commission. Report will be presented at City Council Meeting on
December 5.
4. Write on the Sound: Kirchner reported the online day was last Saturday, Sept. 30, and it
went well. Kirchner, Chapin and Rose ran through an overview of volunteer tasks for the
upcoming in -person event on October 6, 7 & 8. Two hundred registrants plus 22
presenters will be in attendance. Keynote address will be by best-selling author Jamie
Ford, plus a special travel writing presentation by Rick Steves.
5. The Creative District/Arts & Humanities Month: The Creative District annual report
presentation to City Council is scheduled for Tuesday October 25. Commissioners are
encouraged to be in attendance. The Proclamation of Arts and Humanities month will be
the same evening.
Sharp reviewed recent Creative District committee meeting in which they reviewed the
recertification documents prepared by Tatum and Chapin. Comments focused on future
goals including effective messaging, frequency of outreach, accessibility of the
downtown, and the Creative District connection with other Edmonds neighborhoods.
Discussion followed regarding the state-wide Creative District program.
6. EAC Officer Nominations: Song requested a nomination committee be formed to put
forward a Chair and Vice Chair nomination for 2024 for report to the EAC at its
December meeting. Discussion followed about each commissioners' current term status.
B. Capital Projects: Reviewed in Creative Projects Item 2: Public Art
C. Administration and Funding: Reviewed in Creative Project Item 5: Creative District/Arts &
Humanities
STAFF REPORT
Chapin reported that she and Kirchner attended the Ed Hartman musical event "Mika's Song" on Sept.
23rd at Civic Park Playground. Despite the rain and the sound engineer having to pack up as a result, 20
people attended and it was a successful event. Hartman expressed an interest in presenting it again
during the summer.
Chapin asked that attendance confirmation be emailed to commissioners regarding the November 6
meeting in order to confirm a full quorum to approve July and September minutes.
Meeting adjourned 7:05pm