2015-03-28 Arts Commission MinutesAll
edmonds
ARTS COMMISSION
EAC RETREAT
Saturday March 28, 2015 — 9:00 AM — 2:30 PM — Plaza Room, 650 Main St.
Participants: Chapin, staff; Conefrey, Maloney, Muir, Otness, Rathvon, Shaw, Saether
Fast Facts — Commissioner statements about what EAC does that is important:
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• Sponsors and presents Write on the Sound, a City function that is nationally known.
• Works in partnership to present Best Book Poster Contest — encourages children to think
about what they read, involves both literary and visual arts, family participation.
• Concerts in Parks provide music for locals and visitors in two locations and encourage people
to experience both varied music and beautiful parks.
• EAC is a "voice in art" for the community, educates for community for example through
public art, brings insight and understanding of the bigger picture and has respect of
community.
• Responsible for advisory role in selection of public art; responsible for upkeep of the art
which gives the City its essence and allows people to interact with art, e.g. Seeing Whales.
• Public art is part of what defines Edmonds and rotating art displays provide opportunity for
both local and regional visual artists.
• Promotes arts in Edmonds to the public and City Council, Commissioners serve in advisory
capacity on other projects such as Marina Beach planning.
Successes and Concerns:
Successes — Roundabout artwork; Laurie now permanent part-time staff; 41" Avenue interim moving
forward; student representative; collaboration on NW Art show; Stages of History project; WOTS
and all ongoing programs; actions have been taken to follow up on Arts Summit; Literary Walk was
successful first time event
Concerns — More flower poles not installed yet, everything takes so much time, volunteer time is
limited, staff time is limited, On the Fence not getting good response
Budget Overview:
Review of funds and discussion of uses for different funds. Noted limited revenue in Public Art fund.
Community Cultural Plan:
General discussion by Commissioners about role as conveners.
Programs and events committee, mostly people already involved, only one business person.
Concluded it is not about doing more but about creating more in existing programs. E.g. plein air
program exists lead by Gallery North, is there a way to expand? Lots of activities already in the
summer, need is in winter and shoulder seasons, such as Jazz Fest, WOTS, Scarecrows.
Focus on things that are working, sometimes spin off from other existing, e.g. EPIC is an ongoing
writers group complementary to WOTS. Look at pace of what goes on throughout the year— big
picture.
Strength of EAC is ability to collaborate, both within City Departments and with other organizations.
Role with advocacy, outreach. Idea proposed that organizations with strong volunteer base such as
EAF and ECA might be encouraged to find ways to help other organizations work with volunteers —
maybe EAC organizes.
Cascadia Museum will also need/build strong volunteer base. Museum may build collaboration with
other water accessed museums in region.
Communications group led by Phill Butler to lay groundwork, later City agreed to host calendar.
Consultant worked on this, with staff changes it hasn't been as strong as expected. Calendar exists
but not well populated. Need to follow up to encourage organizations to post their events.
Suggested that Commissioners review www.VisitEdmonds.com website and make comments.
Arts Education group very productive in exchange of ideas, learning what people are doing and
creating opportunity to connect. Networking is key, understanding who the players are.
Looked at draft agenda for July 20 meeting and discussed goals.
What is measurable progress for CCP and how to identify next steps.
EAC convening implementation work groups facilitates network connections. What other roles for
EAC?
How visible or accessible is EAC? EAC could put together a listing of process to go through when
thinking about a new or expanded program or event. Create a tool or resource — steps to bring it to
life. Include what EAC can do — roles in brainstorming, connecting and promoting. Conefrey will
draft a document for others to review.
Goal of July 20 — report backs on status, what has been accomplished, and next steps. Look at how
each of the different groups, work plan committees, intersect and overlap.
Strategic Work Plan Review:
Review of Goals and minor updates to short version of document without detailed tasks. Big picture
approach deemed easier to read and comprehend. Action will be taken on minor edits to this
version at April 6 meeting.
Public Art Program:
Updated list of permanently sited art works, 43 total.
Reviewed vision and suggested minor changes in wording but overall still valid. Staff will add
updates to the plan and review at future meeting.
Maintenance — reviewed issue of annual expenditures on maintenance for larger outdoor pieces,
donations from EAFF help make that possible, and need for maintenance of 2D pieces. Muir
completed inventory in 2013 and many pieces need new mats or frames or both. Discussed idea of
finding sponsors from local framing businesses for fixing 2D pieces. Muir will look into the
possibility.
Priority— Finish things EAC has started, first and foremost the Art Enhanced Flower Basket poles and
4th Avenue interim art.
Discussed former emphasis on gateways, some already addressed, but noted SR 104 at 5th Ave sign
will have to be replaced soon. Discussion of public art potentially for that signage vs. process to find
excellent graphic designer to create new sign. Not "welcome to" since you are already in Edmonds,
more "Edmonds, where art and water meet". Check with other staff on possibilities for enhanced
signage that reflects Edmonds. Chapin will follow up with Parks and Economic Development
departments.
Muir expressed interest in creating an interpretive marker for NW artists who lived or worked in
Edmonds. Muir noted Mark Tobey studio was in Loft building, Helme lived on the waterfront. Muir
will compile information and bring to a future meeting.
Muir also discussed temporary sculpture installations, referenced program in Carey NC. Discussion
followed regarding sites and opportunities in Edmonds. Muir will explore further.
On the Fence a disappointment, need to rethink how it is promoted and managed, specific time
frames, increase stipend possibly, and look for other fences so there are multiple opportunities.
Muir and Saether will research and bring information to future meeting.
Discussed potential sources for additional funding.
Discussed opportunity for high school students in display case in FAC.
Concluded with emphasis on "finishing what we have started": would like to get more flower
basket poles installed then advertise opportunity to commemorate; add pictures to map of all
artworks; install interim art on 4th Avenue as an investment in moving forward the larger roadway
project.