2015-11-02 Arts Commission Minutesy edmonds
ARTS COMMISSION
MINUTES
November 2, 2015
The Edmonds Arts Commission: dedicated to the arts, an integral part of community life.
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department
PRESENT:
Beverly Shaw Starkovich Kyla Blair, Student Rep STAFF AUDIENCE
Kevin Conefrey Frances Chapin
Samantha Saether
Joanne Otness
Excused: Suzy Maloney, Lois Rathvon, Marni Muir
The meeting was called to order at 6:01 PM by Kevin Conefrey, Chair
INTRODUCTIONS —
AGENDA —
MINUTES —Approval of 10/5/15 minutes deferred to December meeting.
REPORTS -
A. Creative Programs
1. Library Public Art Call for Artists — Commissioners reviewed draft Call to Artists and discussed
important elements to include regarding opening up the entry and making it welcoming, a place that
draws you in. Stressed the multiple functions of the site, the Library as a "third place" for the
community, other events and uses of the mid-century modern building and plaza. Landscaping and
lighting also important and artist should work with City staff as those concepts are developed.
2. Annual Report for 2015 — Commissioners discussed presenting the annual review to City Council
earlier in the year (January or February) and using it as an opportunity to also report on
implementation of the Community Cultural Plan. Commissioners listed highlights to include in the
2015 report such as: Cultural Plan work groups progress, 30t" WOTS, 4t" Ave interim art selection,
125t" anniversary history book, On the Fence expanded, representation in planning efforts, increased
Tourism Promotion awards, loan to new Cascadia Art Museum, student representative.
Cultural Plan Implementation Work Groups — Saether reported that the Communications
committee, a core group, met in October. Outreach to smaller venues and events is going well and
postings have increased. The discussion focused on strategies to increase use of the calendar by
people looking for events in Edmonds and this will be a priority for the Economic Development
Department, EAC and others both through advertising and encouraging links on other websites.
Otness reported on the Arts Education meeting at the end of October, including comments emailed
by Rathvon. The AE work group had previously decided that the first action item was to schedule two
or three meetings a year for a roundtable forum of people involved in Arts Education. Otness
pointed out that the forum is an opportunity for networking and communication but people bring
very different agendas to the table. Discussion focused on distinctions between programs in schools,
programs schools attend at other sites (e.g. ECA), programs associated with schools after school, and
non -school programs. Advocacy was discussed as one interest the committee has, creating
opportunities to inform the community about the value of arts education and what is being done
Edmonds Arts Commission Minutes — 11/2/2015
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elsewhere (Arts Ed Washington as a resource). Conefrey suggested that it might be useful to involve
the community members who volunteer in the schools and provide an opportunity for them to share
information about what has worked in terms of volunteers helping with art in the schools.
Programs and Events will be meeting in November. A question raised at the July meeting is what
concrete accomplishments can be made by the work group.
4. WOTS Wrap up and Contest — Otness talked about leadership on the steering committee as she
transitions out of an active role except to help with the conference weekend. Kim Votry will chair the
committee for 2016 as a new commissioned becomes engaged. Commissioners discussed options for
the 2016 contest theme and reached a consensus that the "what I know now" theme recommended
by the steering committee would be general enough to have broad appeal. Chapin gave a quick
overview of the financials showing a slight increase in net revenue but pointing out that the expenses
for a keynote were lower in 2015 since there were two local plenaries instead and one was
sponsored.
5. Support for Kidstock at ECA — Chapin referred to the request from ECA and asked Commissioners to
confirm the level of support for Kidstock 2016 since $750 has already been allocated for Axis Dance
in 2016. Shaw moved and Otness seconded that $1,000 be provided to ECA for support of performers
at Kidstock in addition to the $750 already approved for Axis. Approved.
6. Exhibits — Shaw reported on Library exhibits and encouraged Commissioners to share ideas
for artists if they see work they think would be a good fit since EAC takes applications but
also invites artists. Blair mentioned the difficulty of arranging Youth Display Case exhibits.
Chapin suggested Commissioners consider alternative models for scheduling the case.
B. Capital Projects
1. 4th Avenue Interim Art Update — Chapin provided a brief update that the lights although delayed
are due to arrive this week. Possibilities for installation are being explored however the weather
is not optimal.
2. Dayton Street Plaza —The project has gone out to bid.
C. Funding & Administration
1. Commissioner Interviews— Chapin reported on the application process and asked
Commissioners for volunteers to interview applicants after Dec 3 when applications are due.
Saether and Otness will participate in the interviews along with Conefrey or Maloney.
STAFF REPORT— Chapin reported that the Subarea Study for Highway 99 will be in process next year. She also
updated Commissioners that the new Diversity Commissioners have now been appointed. She reminded EAC
that nominations for Chair and Vice Chair are generally made at the December meeting and Conefrey and
Otness will discuss and make recommendations.
OTHER BUSINESS —
AUDIENCE COMMENTS
Meeting Adjourned at 7:39 PM