2016-10-03 Arts Commission Minutesy edmonds
ARTS COMMISSION
MINUTES
October 3, 2016
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 Lesly Kaplan STAFF AUDIENCE
Samantha Saether Lois Rathvon Frances Chapin
Marni Muir
Absent:
Excused: Kevin Conefrey; Suzy Maloney
The meeting was called to order at 6:01 PM by Beverly Shaw Starkovich, Chair
INTRODUCTIONS —
MINUTES —Approval of 9/6/16 meeting minutes, Saether Moved, Kaplan Seconded, Approved.
AGENDA — Chapin requested adding Student Representative item as C. 2.
REPORTS -
A. Creative Programs
1. WOTS Conference Report — Kaplan reported that overall the conference was very well organized and
went well. Commissioners praised the reception which they thought was much appreciated and
impressive. The book signing/reception was well attended with approximately 100 people plus
presenters in attendance. There was something for everyone in terms of content and presenters and
there seemed to be a good balance of topics. Muir read a letter from a neighbor who emailed WOTS
to say that they enjoyed the conference, the publishing panel, and appreciated the new black chairs
in 115 (Chapin will look into the possibility of getting more of these chairs). Chapin noted that the
volunteer schedule worked well except for reception cleanup when all but one volunteer left before
the food and dishes were cleaned up.
2. Newsletter — Chapin asked Commissioners to discuss the mission of the newsletter. Commissioners
suggested that given the access to the online calendar the City started in 2015 and many other online
sources of information, the EAC newsletter should focus on EAC programs and what EAC has
accomplished plus issues of broader significance if appropriate. In addition Saether suggested that a
letter to the editor a few times a year would be a way of highlighting EAC activities and could
mention the newsletter.
3. 2017 Summer Concerts — Chapin reported that she has been in discussion with ECA about the
possibility of a partnership to add three evening concerts on the lawn at ECA. Commissioners
concurred that this would be a good way to diversify the summer concert series. Chapin will apply for
Hazel Miller Foundation grant support for the twelve 2017 HMPlaza concerts.
4. Public Art/Brochure Update — Commissioners discussed the need for an update of the public art
walking tour brochure and what should be included as the collection increases. The most recent
major sculpture is Drawn to the Water (2015) at Five Corners and the interim art Luminous Forest
was installed in 2016. There is a map of the 22 flower basket pole artworks, and a brochure for the
Stages of History plaques tour installed in 2014. Muir and others will review examples of brochures
from other collections. Saether has been participating on an Artwalk committee interested in a
loaned sculpture program and that group may give a presentation at the November meeting.
Edmonds Arts Commission Minutes — 10/3/2016 2
B. Capital Projects
1. Dayton Street Plaza —Commissioners discussed designs for the park signage and areas for
artwork elements related to the signage. Commissioners were in agreement to continue
finalizing the post signage concept and suggested making the text larger on the building sign.
2. Civic Master Plan meetings — Kaplan noted that there are many perspectives on the vision for
the park - the next open house is Wed Oct. 19 at 6 pm in the Plaza Room and a Hybrid plan will
be presented. Muir reported that a small group including herself and Saether participated in a
telephone conference with the consultants about art elements and the overall plan. Online
comments will also be taken.
C. Funding & Administration
1. Economic Impact of the Arts Study — Chapin asked Commissioners to comment on the idea that
was discussed briefly at the last meeting of starting an economic impact of the arts study before the end of
2016 as an implementation of the 2014 Community Cultural Plan, Strategy 5.2. Commissioners discussed how
this would serve the mission of the EAC and make it possible to more effectively advocate for the arts with
the data generated. Commissioners thought that using funds from the ending cash of the 123 fund would be
appropriate for the EAC portion of the total funding. Chapin explained that the ending cash in the 123 was in
part an accumulation of revenue from poster sales over the past 20 years and she has discussed potential use
of these funds with the Finance Director. Commissioners suggested that additional funding to reach a total of
$30 — 40,000 might come from the Economic Development Department and other City budgets.
Commissioners inquired if it is appropriate for some of the funding to be from Lodging Tax funds since the
economic impact study is a tool that could inform strategies for future enhancement of cultural tourism
opportunities in Edmonds. Chapin was asked to explore funding options and request approval from the LTAC
for use of Lodging Tax funds for a portion of the economic impact study.
Rathvon Moved and Muir Seconded recommendation by the Arts Commission that a study of Economic
Impact of Arts & Culture for Edmonds be done in 2016-17 as an implementation of Goal 5 in the Community
Cultural Plan. Motion Approved. Saether Moved and Kaplan Seconded allocating up to $20,000 total from
the 2016 ending cash in the 123 Fund (past poster sales and other lodging tax ending cash) for the EAC
portion of the funding to be matched by other City funding. Motion Approved.
2. Student Representative — Three applications were received. Muir and Kaplan offered to assist,
Saether volunteered to be backup, and Chapin suggested Maloney be contacted as well about serving on the
interview committee prior to the next meeting.
STAFF REPORT — The Mayor will make an Arts & Humanities month proclamation at City Council on October
11 and Shaw will accept the proclamation on behalf of EAC. Chapin is working on the informational history
panels for the new restrooms.
OTHER BUSINESS —
AUDIENCE COMMENTS -
Meeting Adjourned at 7:47 PM