2017-12-04 Arts Commission Minutesy edmonds
ARTS COMMISSION
MINUTES Dec 4, 2017
The Edmonds Arts Commission: dedicated to the arts, an integral part of community life.
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department
PRESENT:
Susie Maloney Lesly Kaplan STAFF AUDIENCE
Kevin Conefrey Marni Muir Frances Chapin Mayor Earling
Tanya Sharp Beverly Shaw Starkovich
Lois Rathvon Momo Kitahara, Student Rep
Excused:
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by Kevin Conefrey, Vice Chair
INTRODUCTIONS — Mayor
MINUTES—10/2/17 minutes — Muir Moved, Kaplan Seconded, Approved.
Suzy Maloney, Chair, arrived and took over conducting the meeting.
AGENDA — Student Representative A.1. moved to beginning to be followed by Mayor Presentation.
REPORTS -
A. Creative Programs
Student Representative — Momo Kitahara was introduced to Commissioners at the November
meeting but her confirmation was postponed due to lack of a quorum. Momo is a student in the
Running Start program and has a strong interest in visual arts and media. She hopes to be a curator
for art exhibits in the future. Kaplan had strongly recommended appointment of Kitahara to the
Student Representative position after interviewing her in October. Kaplan Moved and Rathvon
Seconded appointment of Momo Kitahara to the Student Representative position on the Edmonds
Arts Commission, Approved.
Presentation by Mayor— Mayor Earling spoke briefly about the value of the arts in Edmonds and thanked
Rathvon for serving two full terms on the Arts Commission and Conefrey for serving one full term.
2. Write on the Sound Report — Kaplan reported on attendance at WOTS and overall evaluation
information. She noted that Rose did a great job on summarizing information from evaluations for
the steering committee. Kaplan stated that the conference had a strong sense of community and
seemed to be a very positive experience for attendees. Chapin reported on the strong financials.
Discussion followed about fees and the need for small but steady annual increases. Affordability and
location are the most frequently mentioned factors in people's decision to attend the conference.
Edmonds Arts Commission Minutes — 12/4/2017
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3. Music at the Library Update — Kaplan and Chapin reported that three concerts in the series of seven
have been presented. First one was very successful with about 50 attending. Second also had about
50 people. Lots of comments from audience about how much they like the new series.
4. Temporary Art — Muir and Chapin presented proposals for 4 On the Fence projects. Commissioners
reviewed and made suggestions for further discussion with the artists. Discussion included emphasis
on what makes a visible and interesting installation. Chapin will contact the artists.
5. Gateway Sign —The Advisory Committee with representatives from the Arts Commission, Economic
Development Commission and Planning Board, has met three times, focusing on a design concept
that incorporates elements of the new large wayfinding signs and reflects the artistic nature of
Edmonds. Sharp discussed the design and Chapin reported on the next steps for WSDOT approval.
6. Public Art — Chapin updated Commissioners on the contract with Buster Simpson for installing a new
school of fish on the breakwater before next summer. Discussion followed about the interior piece
which Simpson has asked if EAC has interest in acquiring. Further investigation is needed about a
potential location.
B. Capital Projects
C. Funding & Administration
Economic Impact Study Update — Chapin reported that the organizational surveys were completed
and submitted to Berk directly in September with good response from the nonprofit sector and a few
responses from the for profit. Chapin completed the directory of arts and culture organizations and
businesses and Berk followed up to verify information. The participant visitor and community
member surveys were completed in late October with a total of over 1300 collected. Chapin thanked
Commissioners who assisted with the surveys. Berk is working on the analysis and will be meeting
with the Advisory Group to go over preliminary findings on December 7. Commissioners Maloney
and Sharp are on the Advisory Group. A report will be made to City Council in early February. Brief
discussion followed about a public event to present findings to the community in March.
EAC Nominations — Maloney and Rathvon recommended a slate of officers with Kaplan as
Chair and Sharp as Vice Chair. Muir Moved, and Shaw Seconded , nominations Approved.
Commission applications — Chapin reported that six applications were received and interviews will be
held on December 15. Muir, Maloney, and Kaplan are the interview committee. Recommendations
will be made at the January meeting.
3. January Meeting Date — Due to the holiday the January meeting will be Thursday Jan 4.
4. Annual Report at City Council — Kaplan will give the report on February 6 and commissioners are
encouraged to attend.
STAFF REPORT— Chapin and Maloney thanked Lois and Kevin for their generous contributions to the Arts
Commission.
NEW/OTHER BUSINESS —
AUDIENCE COMMENTS -
Meeting Adjourned at 7:50 PM