2020-01-06 Arts Commission Minutesy edmonds
ARTS COMMISSION
MINUTES Jan 6, 2020
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
Rhonda Soikowski
Marni Muir Isabella Wilhelm, St Rep
Ashley Song
Excused: Tanya Sharp; Lesly Kaplan
STAFF AUDIENCE
Frances Chapin
The meeting was called to order at 6:05 PM by Marni Muir, Chair
INTRODUCTIONS -
MINUTES — Approval of Dec 2 minutes, Soikowski Moved, Song Seconded, Approved.
REPORTS -
A. Creative Programs
Nominations — Soikowski reported on the December interviews with applicants. There were three
applicants, all well qualified in general, and all three were interviewed by Soikowski, Sharp and Song.
Chapin facilitated the interviews. After reviewing the strengths of the existing Commission the
Committee recommended Lisa Palmatier for appointment to the Arts Commission. Her strengths
include experience as a gallery coordinator, art teacher, and previous participation on a municipal
board. Oneill Moved that Palmatier be recommended to Mayor and Council for appointment, Muir
Seconded, Approved.
Subsequent discussion focused on the importance of the nomination/application process and the
role Commissioners can play in getting the word out since potentially there is a vacancy every year or
two because of staggered terms.
Civic Park / Library Public Art — Chapin presented drafts of the call for artists for Civic and for the
Library. The Library call was approved previously but since the project did not move forward it has
not gone to City Council for approval and needs some updates. Chapin proposes taking both calls to
City Council at the same time. It is a good opportunity to talk about some differences in the process
while also providing information on the public art process practiced by the City. Commissioners
commented on the call for Civic and expressed interest in raising the budget slightly. Chapin
explained that additional funds could be utilized from ending cash. The Library project has a higher
budget partially because there are significant pledged funds from private donors (Edmonds Arts
Festival Foundation and Friends of the Edmonds Library). Another concern raised by Commissioners
is that there should be an honorarium for travel for the selected artist who is expected to work
closely with the park designers, landscapers, and community. Additional funds would be added from
117-100 ending cash. Soikowski Moved that the Call be forwarded to City Council with the base
budget increased to $90,000 with up to $3,000 available for travel reimbursements for the selected
artist, Oneill Seconded, Approved. Song Moved that the Library Call for Artists be forwarded to City
Council with a budget of $110,000 and up to three honorariums of $1,100 each, no travel funds,
Soikowski Seconded, Approved.
Edmonds Arts Commission Minutes — 1/6/2020 2
3. Creative District Advisory Committee — Song gave an update that recent activity has focused on logo
development. She shared some of the directions proposed, followed by discussion including some
concerns about the graphic elements. Song currently thinks that the horizontal concept with unique
ligature is promising — it is well balanced and would be flexible in its uses, including the potential to
add graphic elements. Song is the Commission's representative in this process and as such she will
share her views with the CD (not an official statement by the Commission).
4. Exhibits / On the Fence — Chapin outlined exhibit schedules for Library, FAC Display Case and On the
Fence. Presented proposal by Fairbanks, Mercury in Transit, for On the Fence. Following discussion
Oneill Moved that Fairbanks' proposal be accepted for the fence at ArtWorks, Muir Seconded,
Approved. Discussion followed about exhibits at the Library and in the FAC case and the process for
selection of work. A full discussion will be scheduled at an EAC meeting following appointment of the
new Commissioner.
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 6th 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
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. One
opportunity will be the focus for the initial project and other art elements may be developed in the future.
Designers are encouraged to use integrated patterns and textures throughout the park as part of the base
design.
C. Funding & Administration
STAFF REPORT— Chapin updated Commissioners on the 2020 Arts, Culture & Heritage Day in Olympia that
will be held February 5. Muir and Soikowski both expressed interest in attending.
NEW/OTHER BUSINESS —
AUDIENCE COMMENTS —
Meeting Adjourned at 7:50 PM