2019-11-04 Arts Commission Minutesy edmonds
ARTS COMMISSION
MINUTES Nov 4, 2019
The Edmonds Arts Commission: dedicated to the arts, an integral part of community life.
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department
PRESENT:
Pat Oneill
Marni Muir
Ashley Song
Excused: Tanya Sharp
Lesly Kaplan STAFF AUDIENCE
Rhonda Soikowski Frances Chapin
Isabella Wilhelm, St Rep
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by Rhonda Soikowski, Vice Chair
INTRODUCTIONS —
MINUTES — Approval of Oct 7 minutes, Kaplan Moved, Muir Seconded, Approved.
REPORTS -
A. Creative Programs
Write on the Sound - Kaplan shared information from the evaluations of the conference overall. The
question on "feeling welcomed" seemed to receive mixed comments, but generally positive except
for noting that many people seem to already know someone at the conference. The Commission
discussed ideas for providing a session or mechanism for connecting newcomers. The focus of WOTS
is on craft so wondered if a quick writing prompt at the welcome session might get people talking to
each other — speed dating concept. Also maybe look for session like playwriting that is very
interactive to include early in the day. The number of evaluation respondents was lower than usual.
2. Film Series Proposal — Oneill confirmed that the new series is going ahead, dates are set, books/films
selected, and the Library and Arts Office will work on PR.
3. Cultural Congress — Song reported that the full day session was somewhat disappointing, partly due
to the conference facility. She and Chapin noted that it was good to see how many communities are
exploring Creative District possibilities and to learn more about their goals. Having a variety of
traditional arts artists in the room was also interesting. Overall Oneill and Song commented that it
was great to see how many people are committed to creative arts in our state and committed to
forming connections across disciplines. Chapin noted that the arts education session she and Sharp
attended was well presented and stimulated interesting discussion.
4. Nominations — Soikowski asked for a Commissioner to work with Tanya on the nominations process
for appointing a Chair and Vice Chair for 2020 and Kaplan volunteered. Chapin reminded
Commissioners that December is Shaw's last month on the Commission.
B. Capital Projects
Civic — Chapin went over the most recently updated plans for Civic and discussed the areas that the
designers have identified as potential art opportunities. Three main themes emerged from discussion. One,
make sure that some creative design elements or cohesive patterning are integrated in key areas throughout
the park (e.g. surface treatments for pathway intersections near playground, near Sprague west, skatepark,
and at the corner of 61h and the alley. Two, art should have some interactive or active elements and feel
welcoming. Three, the sustainability theme important to Edmonds should be reflected in some way. Specific
Edmonds Arts Commission Minutes - 11/4/2019
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ideas included solar panel trees, kinetic sculpture, surprise and delight elements, graffiti art at skatepark,
visual elements in the pollinator meadows. Other ideas/questions included crosswalk treatments adjacent to
the park, flower basket art poles on 61h, and use of music or other responsive elements in water feature.
C. Funding & Administration
STAFF REPORT—
NEW/OTHER BUSINESS — Kaplan and others commented on Sound Transit parking survey and raised question
about how this might impact ArtWorks and other downtown uses.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS —
Meeting Adjourned at 7:50 PM