2014-08-04 Arts Commission Minutesy edmonds
ARTS COMMISSION
MINUTES
August 4, 2014
The Edmonds Arts Commission: dedicated to the arts, an integral part of community life.
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department
PRESENT:
Suzy Maloney Marni Muir STAFF AUDIENCE
Samantha Saether Kevin Conefrey Frances Chapin Darlene McLellan
Lois Rathvon
Joanne Otness
Excused for illness - Beverly Shaw Starkovich
The meeting was called to order at 6:10 PM by Suzy Maloney, Chair
INTRODUCTIONS — Darlene McLellan, EAFF President, member 4th Ave Interim Advisory Committee
AGENDA -
MINUTES —July 7, 2014— Otness MOVED, Conefrey SECONDED, Approved.
REPORTS
A. Creative Programs
1. WOTS — Otness reported that registration began July 28 and 185 registrations have been received to
date. She asked Commissioners to sign up for volunteer duties during the conference weekend. The
next committee meeting is in September and volunteer slots will be confirmed at the September EAC
meeting.
4th Avenue Cultural Corridor Interim Art Projects— Chapin, McLellan, Saether and Otness presented
the proposal for 41h Avenue Cultural Corridor Interim projects that was developed out of two
meetings with the Stakeholders/ Advisory committee. The project is an outgrowth of the 2014
adopted Community Cultural Plan, Goal 1.4, with implementation convened by the Arts Commission
and community partners including the Edmonds Arts Festival Foundation. Retaining the big concepts
of the 2009 Plan, the interim or temporary art projects will highlight this unique corridor in
downtown Edmonds as the major pedestrian connection between the vibrant activity center of
Edmonds Center for the Arts and the downtown retail center surrounding Main Street. The unique
character of this corridor is as a neighborhood, as a link for economic activity in the downtown, and
as a regional asset for economic development and cultural history. Discussion followed about the
EAC role, both as convener of the stakeholder/advisory committee and as facilitator for the design
process. McLellan commented on the importance of having an artist involved in creating a cohesive
design for the temporary art elements on the corridor. Commissioners discussed the process with
one possibility being that EAC contract with two or three artists to develop integrated designs for the
corridor elements, followed by a public meeting and a final recommendation to EAC and City Council
by a selection committee including EAC, City Council, and Stakeholders Advisory Committee
representatives. The goal would be to have some elements implemented during the good weather
window which generally ends in mid -October. Commissioners were all in agreement that EAC should
support moving this project forward. Saether Moved and Muir Seconded a motion to allocate a
minimum of $12,000 of budgeted 2014 public art funds for professional services for the design
process for the 4th Avenue Cultural Corridor Interim Projects, MOTION Approved.
Edmonds Arts Commission Minutes — 8/4/2014
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3. Public Art — Maloney presented a letter from a Seattle artist, Leon White, offering two sculptures for
sale because he would like to see them sited in Edmonds. Discussion followed about priorities for
the percent for art budget. Commissioners reached consensus that EAC is not interested in
purchasing the sculptures. They suggested the artist might contact ECA since he suggested that as a
possible location.
4. CSO Cello Project — Chapin passed on an inquiry from CSO to see if there were further ideas for how
to proceed with the painted Cello project. Commissioners commented on the idea as being a good
one but not the best fit for the Arts Commission to take on, and Saether noted that the primary need
is for a project manager. Various suggestions included CSO contacting the Edmonds-Woodway High
School Music Boosters to see it they might partner on this as a fundraising/educational project;
contacting Rick Steves to see if there is a community program or sponsorship interest in helping with
the project; contacting Kennelly Keys to see if they might be a sponsor; connecting with Denise Cole
about integrating it with an Art Walk or talk to Tracy Fraker at Art Spot; talk with ECA about the
educational function and the Chamber about volunteers.
B. Capital Projects
Cultural Heritage Tour — Chapin informed the commission that the brochure will be completed
by the end of August and the final grant report will be submitted.
C. Funding & Administration
1. Budget - Chapin reviewed the preliminary budget. Discussion followed about public art
allocations, the general fund transfer that was restored last year, and the 2015 request to fully
restore the Arts Assistant position which was eliminated in 2013. Conefrey Moved and Otness
Seconded, MOTION Approved.
STAFF REPORT — Chapin encouraged Commissioners to look at the short article on implementation of the
Community Cultural Plan in the July Arts Bulletin e-newsletter. Discussion about convening interest groups
to move forward implementation will take place at the September meeting.
OTHER BUSINESS — Chapin noted that this is the last meeting that student representative Courtney Gu will be
attending since she is leaving soon to attend university in Pennsylvania. Chapin and Commissioners
congratulated her and expressed their appreciation for her involvement with the Arts Commission.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS —
Meeting Adjourned at 8:17 PM