2017-04-03 Arts Commission Minutesy edmonds
ARTS COMMISSION
MINUTES
April 3, 2017
The Edmonds Arts Commission: dedicated to the arts, an integral part of community life.
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department
PRESENT:
Suzy Maloney
Lois Rathvon
Tanya Sharp
Beverly Shaw-Starkovich
Excused:
Kevin Conefrey
Lesly Kaplan
Marni Muir
Jonathan Walzer — S Rep
STAFF AUDIENCE
Frances Chapin
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by Suzy Maloney, Chair
INTRODUCTIONS — Mary Olson was introduced and Tracy Felix joined the meeting a few minutes later.
MINUTES-3/6/17 minutes—Conefrey Moved, Kaplan Seconded, Approved.
AGENDA —Addition of Write in the Rain, Rain Works
REPORTS -
A. Creative Programs
Guest arts organization update — Mary Olson reported first on the new 501c3 that she has established,
Art Start Northwest with the goal of providing art supplies to schools and to teach teachers to teach art.
They hope to provide an art supply cabinet for each school, providing the supplies that are needed at each
individual school (since every school is different). Their approach has been to inform schools of the
opportunity, starting with two schools, and asking them how they want to work with the logistics if they
are interested in participating. A second, but related endeavor, is the establishment of a new arts center
on Main Street. Olson purchased the site last year and is now in the permitting process for a new building
which will include a large open classroom space, both open and closed studios for artists to rent, a gallery
area, restaurant, and three apartments upstairs. Art equipment will include a dark room, ceramic area,
print making equipment, art benches for life drawing and more. The building will have underground
parking plus a lot in the back for future development. They envision an active space with offerings of
interest to all ages and in all areas of art.
2. Retreat Recap — Commissioners commented that the retreat was informative and the breakout sessions
were very good. Maloney was thanked for leading the retreat. As follow-up to breakout discussions,
Conefrey and Sharp agreed to serve as EAC representatives on the 4t" Avenue pocket park project and
Kaplan agreed to serve as the EAC representative on future discussions about informational panels. The
Strategic Work Plan will be discussed and approved at the May meeting.
3. Music at the Library program — Chapin reported that some discussion has taken place with the Library
and she will work with Conefrey and Shaw to have a suggested program for 2017-18 to review at the May
meeting.
4. Website/Public Art Map —The project will be discussed at a future meeting.
S. On the Fence — Proposal from Michael Egger reviewed and discussed. Muir Moved and Shaw Seconded
that the pinwheel proposal be approved, site to be determined. Approved.
"Waves" by Mona Fairbanks has been installed at ArtWorks.
6. Best Book— Maloney reviewed assignments and discussion followed about the reception.
Edmonds Arts Commission Minutes - 4/3/2017
2
7. Summer Concerts Schedule — Commissioners signed up for preferred Sunday dates. Most of the contracts
have been returned but the schedule is not final until all are received at which point the rack cards are
printed.
8. Rain Works— Kaplan met with the EPIC Group Writers working on the poetry project and asked
commissioners to rank the poetry selections she presented from them. All are in the public domain.
Chapin will meet with them about the sites and discuss with Engineering.
B. Capital Projects
C. Funding & Administration
1. Economic Impact of the Arts — Stakeholder interviews will be held at the beginning of May and
Commissioners made various suggestions. The Advisory Group will meet on May 11.
STAFF REPORT —Chapin reported on the ECA Teen Night lecture that EAC helped sponsor. She shared that the
student opportunities handout was reviewed with Walzer and sent out.
NEW/OTHER BUSINESS —
AUDIENCE COMMENTS -
Meeting Adjourned at 7:35 PM