2015-05-04 Arts Commission Minutesy edmonds
ARTS COMMISSION
MINUTES May 4, 2015
The Edmonds Arts Commission: dedicated to the arts, an integral part of community life.
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department
PRESENT:
Kevin Conefrey Marni Muir STAFF AUDIENCE
Samantha Saether Beverly Shaw-Starkovich Frances Chapin
Joanne Otness Kyla Blair, Student Rep
Excused: Suzy Maloney, Lois Rathvon
The meeting was called to order at 6:06 PM by Kevin Conefrey, Chair
INTRODUCTIONS —
AGENDA —
MINUTES — April 6, 2015 — Saether MOVED approval, Muir SECONDED, MOTION Approved.
REPORTS -
A. Creative Programs
Best Book Poster Contest — The April 16 reception was well attended (approx. 150 attendees and 34
of the 40 awardees). Karen Lewis gave an engaging presentation about illustration. Chapin thanked
all the commissioners and Kyla who helped at the event. Commissioners agreed that it is a very time
consuming event to coordinate for both commissioners and staff but that it is worthwhile and should
be continued. Saether and Otness will return posters to the schools on May 18.
WOTS — Otness reported that the last Steering Committee was held in April and that the schedule of
presenters is now mapped out. The next phase involves intensive staff time to confirm and contract
with all the Saturday and Sunday presenters and prepare information for the brochure and website.
Posting of new information on presenters on the website starts in May. Chapin and Otness
emphasized that commissioners need to be available to help during the conference weekend if at all
possible
3. Concerts — Conefrey asked Commissioners to review the schedule and sign up for Hazel Miller
Concerts, particularly those starting at 5 pm. Chapin added that commissioners if present should
introduce themselves to the performers before the concert and remind them to thank sponsors.
4. Collection —Artwork Loan Request — Chapin asked Muir to provide a brief background on the
Cascadia Museum since she is on their board. Muir described the goals of the museum and noted
that it will be officially opening the week of July 11. Chapin presented the request from Cascadia for
the City to loan the 1960 Guy Anderson painting Two Workmen to the museum from July 2015 - July
2016. The painting has particular significance for Edmonds because Guy Anderson lived here at one
point. The painting was a gift to the City and currently hangs in the City Council Chamber. The
appraised value in 2006 was $20,000. Chapin noted that she has discussed the possible loan with the
Mayor and City legal counsel and the recommendation with a draft loan agreement would be
forwarded to City Council for a final decision. Commissioners discussed the loan. Reasons for
approving the loan include the educational benefit that the painting will be in an environment which
provides context for the artwork of that period and Guy Anderson's role in the bigger northwest art
Edmonds Arts Commission Minutes — 5/4/2015
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movement; at a regional level having the painting at the Museum draws more attention to it and to
the Edmonds connection to the northwest school of art; it is one of the most significant pieces in the
Public Art Collection and it is also one of the least visible since it is located for safety purposes in a
restricted chamber which is not open to the public unless Council , Planning Board or Court are in
session; and finally that it is a key opportunity for the City to support the broader arts community
and participate in the opening of a new regional museum located in Edmonds. The question of what
would replace the painting in the Council Chamber for the year was asked and Chapin suggested that
it might be an opportunity for local artists to apply to exhibit large scale work during the course of
the year. The Commission might select up to 3 pieces for 4 month display periods. Otness MOVED
and Saether SECONDED that the EAC recommend to City Council that the City loan the Guy Anderson
painting Two Workmen to Cascadia Museum for one year. MOTION Approved.
5. Cascadia Museum Update — Chapin explained that a letter was received from Cascadia inquiring
about funding possibilities related to the opening. Chapin contacted the interim director and
reviewed with her possibilities for 2016. The lodging tax funding for Tourism Promotion requires
application almost a year in advance so she encouraged the Cascadia to apply for 2016. EAC also
provides some programming funds in the area of arts education but funds budgeted for 2015 are
allocated. In the future there may be opportunities to partner with the Museum for free arts
education opportunities and she suggested that partnership proposals might be considered during
the budgeting process for 2016.
6. Hekinan Reception —Chapin reported that a delegation will becoming from Hekinan for the 125tn
birthday celebration for the City on August 11. In the past the EAC and EAFF have jointly held a
reception for delegates. Commissioners concurred with looking at possible dates for this event and
suggested August 13.
B. Capital Projects
1. Dayton Street Plaza — Chapin provided pictures of the concept and the recent demolition. The
next phase is to get bids on the flatwork and proceed with completing the plaza project by late
fall.
C. Funding & Administration
I . Community Cultural Plan Work Group Meetings Update — Chapin reported that two of the work
groups have not met recently, the Communications group that was active last fall, and the Space
for Art group which has not met except for the 4t" Ave interim art project. Discussion followed
about the Communications group and implementation of the Visit Edmonds calendar. Saether
and Conefrey volunteered to help lead a meeting of the Communications Work Group in early
June. Chapin will work with them to set a date and send out invitations to the original group plus
others who may be interested. Key issues are participation and visibility of the online calendar.
Muir volunteered to assist with a meeting for the Space for Art Work Group in late June. Chapin
has discussed the possibility of holding this meeting at the new Cascadia Museum site.
STAFF REPORT— Chapin reported that the Concert sponsors are all on board and the schedules are printed.
She asked commissioners to remind organizations they work with that the 2016 Tourism Promotion award
applications are due June 10. Chapin asked Kyla Blair to report that she has connected with an artist in
residence at EDWHS and will be arranging an exhibit for the Youth Display Case.
OTHER BUSINESS —
AUDIENCE COMMENTS —
Meeting Adjourned at 7:42 PM