2015-12-07 Arts Commission Minutesy edmonds
ARTS COMMISSION
MINUTES
December 7, 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 Suzy Maloney STAFF AUDIENCE
Kevin Conefrey Lois Rathvon Frances Chapin Mayor Dave Earling for
Samantha Saether Marni Muir presentation
Joanne Otness
Excused:
The meeting was called to order at 6:04 PM by Kevin Conefrey, Chair
INTRODUCTIONS —
AGENDA —
MINUTES —Approval of 10/5/15 minutes, Saether moved, Otness seconded, approved. Approval of 11/2/15
minutes, Otness moved, Saether seconded, approved.
REPORTS -
A. Creative Programs
1. Library Public Art Call for Artists — Commissioners reviewed and discussed draft Call to Artists.
Chapin noted that Building Maintenance may not be able to demolish the old book drop until March
which may delay the project into 2017, nevertheless it would be good to have the RFQ ready for
Council approval. Muir moved and Otness seconded that the RFQ be approved with minor updates
when the schedule is set. Approved.
2. Cultural Plan Implementation Work Groups — Maloney reported on the November Programs &
Events meeting. Two primary areas discussed were access for youth to arts and communications. The
group felt that access was less about adding more programming for youth than about connecting
youth to what is going on. Examples were given pointing to the effectiveness of intergenerational
programs. Ideas about communications focused on leveraging a few things, including the calendar
and Facebook. Chapin noted that several people have suggested that the Programs & Events group
and the Arts Education group meet jointly in February. Discussion followed about the role of EAC in
setting up meetings for the work groups and the best way to report back on progress. Suggested that
the next Mini Arts Summit might be in early 2017 since the summer date made it difficult for many to
attend. The next full Arts Summit would be in 2019 as the initiation of public process for updating the
Community Cultural Plan in 2020.
Artist Residency at ECA and other Joint Programs — Otness reported that she attended the
performance for students of Meena's Dream with Chapin at the ECA, a program supported by EAC.
The presenter did a great job of engaging the students and had an excellent Q&A session after the
play. Chapin shared information on the other work done in Edmonds schools during the residency.
Chapin summarized a recent discussion with the Library staff about potential joint programs,
including sponsoring an author event with Garth Stein, a community sing, a mid -week music series
Edmonds Arts Commission Minutes — 12/7/2015
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similar to the Early Music programs EAC has partnered on in the past, and possibly some other music
related programs like a guitar circle. Commissioners concurred on EAC support for joint programs,
definitely the author event, acknowledging the benefit of the partnership for both entities. Chapin
also mentioned discussions about teen programming with the ECA, possibly for 2017, and noted that
the Axis dance program at ECA that EAC has supported will be the first week of February.
4. WOTS Final Report —Chapin reviewed the financials, noting that program net revenue, which does
not include regular staff and facility use, was about the same as 2014 even though registration was
lowered by 10 to 275 to reduce overcrowding.
B. Capital Projects
1. 4th Avenue Interim Art Update — Chapin provided a brief update that the lights did not meet
specifications in the test process and the artist is returning them. A different product will be
selected.
2. Dayton Street Plaza — The project went out to bid but no bids were received. Staff will try to get
three bids from contractors on the small works roster.
C. Funding & Administration
Commissioner Interviews — Chapin reported the three applications were received. She will try to
set up the interviews on Monday Dec 14 with Saether, Maloney and Otness serving as the
interview committee.
Nominations — Conefrey and Otness put together a slate for 2106 with Shaw Starkovich as Chair
and Saether as Vice Chair. Otness moved and Muir seconded, approved.
Presentation — Mayor Earling introduced his presentation to Otness by speaking about the
importance of volunteers for the City, noting that Edmonds has a larger than average number of
boards and commissions. He thanked Otness for serving two terms on the Arts Commission.
Otness spoke about how fast the 8 years went by and the satisfaction of seeing projects
completed, emphasizing the enjoyment of working with talented people who are committed to
the arts in our community. Chapin thanked Otness, noting her leadership with Write on the
Sound as Chair of the Steering Committee, and added that the Arts Commission is smaller than
many commissions but it works because the members are all very involved and willing to do
hands on work with the programs.
STAFF REPORT —
OTHER BUSINESS —
AUDIENCE COMMENTS -
Meeting Adjourned at 8:09 PM