Arts Commission

Arts Commission Minutes Mayor’s Board Room City of Bellingham, Washington Tuesday 6:00 PM May 2, 2023 Mayor's Boardroom & Zoom https://meetings.cob.org - Call to Order The Arts Commission meeting was called to order by the Chair at 6:00 PM. Agenda Items Public Meeting 1. Birchwood Avenue Mural Selection The Jury met on April 28, 2023 and have made a recommendation for approval of an artist for the Birchwood Avenue mural. Shannon Taysi asked if the Commission wanted to see the other non- selected proposals. They did. She showed the semi-finalist proposals and provided some of the feedback the jury had on each one. She said both Amy Chaloupka and Jody Bento were on the jury and they provided some input. She said the finalist is Sarah Robbins of Seattle, WA. The artwork is primarily made up of flora. The Commission were supportive of the selected artists. Amy Chaloupka moved and Tami Landis seconded the recommendation to approve Sarah Robbins proposal for the Birchwood Underpass project. All in favor, motion carries. Shannon Taysi mentioned as part of the finished project she would like to see if Parks will allow for a sign along the trail which identifies the flowers depicted in the mural and their healing properties. The Commission liked this idea. 2. Procurement of a New Sculpture Shannon Taysi said the City of Bellingham has been approached by a donor who would like to set up an art fund for public artwork through the Whatcom Community Foundation. The fund would likely work as an annual grant to the City to procure artwork in perpetuity. She said there are some parameters and specific details the City would have to work out with the donor and the foundation. She said the initial request from the donor is to attempt a “test” installation. The donor is offering the City $20,000 to procure a sculpture. She said the $20,000 would need to cover the cost of the artwork, installation and allow for a small portion to be set aside for maintenance. She said there has not been a site identified. She is requesting the Commission take time over the next month and explore locations. She would like them to come to the June meeting with sites in mind. Other Business Shannon Taysi was asked the status of the Mayor’s Arts Awards. Shannon Taysi said since she met with the Mayor’s office in late January / early February she hasn’t heard any decision on moving forward. Amy Chaloupka asked about the idea of the ceremony being every other year as mentioned in a prior meeting. Shannon Taysi said staff could offer that idea to the Mayor. She said it would be helpful if the Commission made a formal motion to move forward. There was a brief discussion about the benefits of an every other year event. There would be more of an opportunity for newer organizations to establish themselves as well as make the ceremony more of a special event. Amy Chaloupka moved and Jody Bento seconded to recommend the Mayor’s Arts Awards be every other year. All in favor, motion carries. Shannon Taysi said she will share this recommendation with the Mayor. Shannon Taysi added the Nevada Street artwork will be installed end of the month. 1. Public Comment Period 2. Approval of the March 7, 2023 Meeting Minutes Tami Landis moved and Paul George seconded the recommendation to approve the March 7, 2023 Meeting Minutes. All in favor, motion carries. Minutes prepared by: Shannon Taysi, Program Specialist