2014-06-02 Arts Commission Minutesy edmonds
ARTS COMMISSION
MINUTES
June 2, 2014
The Edmonds Arts Commission: dedicated to the arts, an integral part of community life.
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department
PRESENT:
Samantha Saether Beverly Shaw Starkovich STAFF AUDIENCE
Lois Rathvon Marni Muir Frances Chapin Darlene McLellan
Joanne Otness Kevin Conefrey Norma Dermond
Courtney Gu Kathy Mollen
David Little
Kristiana Johnson
Excused: Suzy Maloney
The meeting was called to order at 6:02 PM by Samantha Saether, Vice Chair
INTRODUCTIONS —Commissioners and visitors introduced themselves. Norma Dermond and Kathy
Moellenberndt are charter members of Cascade Symphony Orchestra and along with David Little are
members of the board of directors for CSO. Darlene McLellan is the President of the Edmonds Arts Festival
Foundation. Kristiana Johnson is a City Council member.
AGENDA — 4th Avenue and other public art projects moved to item 2, following Cello project.
MINUTES — April 7, 2014 and May 5, 2014 Minutes — Rathvon MOVED, Shaw SECONDED, Approved.
REPORTS
A. Creative Programs
Cello Project — The CSO representatives gave a brief overview of the project idea including the
fact that they have I I "disadvantaged" cellos at this time. They are not worth repairing and so they
hope to give them a second life as a different type of artistic object and they see this as an
opportunity for collaboration among arts organizations, encompassing both visual and performing
arts. The project would benefit CSO by making people more aware of their `brand". The painted
cellos could be weather resistant depending on finishes. They envision them in public spaces and
including some kind of music factoid. The project does not have to be a fundraiser, but depending on
the model, they might be sold at the end of a summer display period. One way to involve kids might
be to provide an opportunity for them to paint miniature cellos. They have looked into what kind of
base would be appropriate for display. Some but not all have pegs and strings. They are not in a
rush but would like to develop a fruitful partnership for the project over the next year. EAC
commented that the Commission is experienced with the jurying process and might help develop and
conduct a call for artists and jury process. A sponsorship model is another idea but EAC would be
less likely to be involved. Friends of the Library might be a good partner since there is a strong
educational component. The idea embraces the Cultural Plan goal for developing new partnerships
and creative projects to attract visitors. Involving businesses might also be a part of it, adopt a cello.
Discussion followed of various places to display, doesn't have to be just the downtown core. Could
tie to Jazz Connection as start date, display at Hazel Miller during summer, City Park, other venues,
possibly the 4th Avenue Cultural Corridor. At some point might be good to see them all together,
but might move from place to place. People will want to touch them so strings, pegs etc. may be
good to include if durable. Might want to be able to spin some of them to show both sides. EAC will
think more about ways to design the program and how EAC might partner and get back to CSO.
2. WOTS — Otness provided an update on progress with the conference program.
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3. Literary Walk — Otness reported on the planning process. The partnership program is sponsoring
a poetry reading at the end of the event with Kathleen Flenniken at the Hazel Miller Plaza and a
speaker in the morning at the Library.
4. Public Art — Chapin followed up on the Cello project ideas for temporary exhibit on 4th Avenue
and provided the Commission with a quick summary of concepts that artist Benson Shaw prepared
as a ideas for surface treatment projects to highlight the corridor that might be implemented before
the long term project of redoing the street is funded. The report was commissioned by EAC utilizing
a donation from the Edmonds Arts Festival Foundation following a meeting two months ago with the
Mayor, EAFF representatives, ECA executive director, Chapin, and the Planning Manager Rob Chave.
Chapin requested EAC review and be ready to discuss in more detail in July.
The possibility of a major public art project at the Edmonds Library site was discussed. The old book
box in the front that is no longer used will be demolished in 2015 to expand the planting bed and this
creates the opportunity to landscape and add art elements to the approach to the building from Main
Street. The Friends of the Edmonds Library have expressed interest in artwork and have pledged
$5,000 to the project. The Edmonds Arts Festival Foundation is also interested in helping fund the
project. EAC will determine a budget at the July meeting. Chapin asked the Commission for a
consensus on removing the Centennial Quilt from City Hall to give the fabric a rest and the
possibility of offering it to the Museum for occasional display, EAC concurred. Chapin reported that
building maintenance hung five baskets by Joyeanna Chaudiere in the north stairwell of the Frances
Anderson Center. The installation is called "Family" and three of the baskets are on long term loan
from the family.
The proposed donation from the Kimmelman family was discussed again following up on information
presented at the May meeting. Chapin summarized the location at the entry to Yost Park,
requirements for a fall zone similar to playground equipment which might require submerging about
8" of the base, and concerns about maintenance. There is no water or electrical available for
maintenance on any regular basis and there are large deciduous trees overhead. Shaw Moved to
recommend review and acceptance of the donation at City Council, contingent on presenting the
limitations to the donor and securing agreement that the acceptance would include these conditions
regarding installation and maintenance. Muir Seconded the Motion.
City Strategic Plan —Chapin briefly reviewed the Strategic Plan objectives that include mention of
the EAC or the Cultural Services Division. She pointed out that there are eight objectives where
they are listed as one of the leads, but in most cases Economic Development is the main lead. She
noted that when the lead agencies were identified it was meant as a suggestion, but might include
others or be different when it came to actual implementation. For example, I e.7 is to explore ways
to develop a museum. Right now that project is being moved forward by a private entity, and
Cultural Services is not involved. The other objectives for which Cultural Services is listed as one of
the leads include Art and History Walking Tours; Artist Live/Work Space; 4th Avenue Cultural
Corridor; Promotion - Arts and Culture (website with calendar); Organization - Arts and Culture
(clearinghouse — seems to be part of website and calendar objective); Marketing - Arts and Culture
(visitor surveys); Design - Arts and Culture (includes public art, gateways, wayfinding etc); and
Highway 99 International District.
B. Capital Projects
1. Five Corners Roundabout — Chapin reported that the artist CJ Rench provided a new image for
the ribbon element wrapping the five center piers which she provided for EAC review. The colors
are not exact in the image. She also showed the placement of the artwork title as inlays in the
sidewalk edge on two sides of the street. Commissioners commented favorably.
2. Cultural Heritage Tour — The 12 plaques are scheduled to be installed by the end of June. Three
will be installed earlier on walls outside Starbucks, the Edmonds Theater in the alley, and the
Churchkey Pub. A ribbon cutting/dedication is planned for July 17. It would occur at 5 pm right at
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the start of the Art Walk. Ideas included: people in costume at each plaque to discuss history; hand
out brochure; start with puppets at the ECA plaque; start at the Museum; cookies at the Museum
(privately provided); send out press release inviting the public. Conefrey, Otness, Muir and Rathvon
offered to assist with specific functions.
C. Funding & Administration
1. Code of Ethics — Chapin went over the Code of Ethics that EAC has signed for many years.
Commissioners signed. The Code of Conduct adopted by City Council as a Resolution was
discussed by EAC in April.
STAFF REPORT — Chapin reported that interviews have been conducted for a part time temporary position
to assist with the conference and other arts office tasks.
OTHER BUSINESS — None.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS — Kristiana Johnson mentioned the Code of Conduct and also wanted to make
sure that Commissioners were aware of the 2nd annual volunteer picnic on August 24 at City Park.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:28 PM