Arts Commission

Arts Commission Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Tuesday 6:00 PM November 7, 2023 Mayor's Boardroom & Zoom Video Recorded https://meetings.cob.org Commission members Present: Amy Chaloupka; Kate Clark, Paul George, Eric Shew, and Jody Bento Commission Members Absent: Staff Members Present/ Presenters: Shannon Taysi, PCDD - Call to Order The Arts Commission meeting was called to order by the Chair at 6:00 PM. Agenda Items Public Meeting 1. Sehome Neighborhood Sign Design Proposal Robin Thomas of the Sehome Neighborhood presented the Sehome Neighborhood sign design. She explained the relevance of the tribal longhouse and the other elements of the sign. The Commission felt the design was well developed. It was recommended to make the longhouse as big as possible and be the focal point, remove the border and the top text, overall make it simpler. The Commission agreed that the neighborhood could make these tweaks to the design and have staff give the final thumbs up. Paul George moved and Erick Shew seconded the recommendation to approve the artwork with the minor edits and staff giving final approval. All in favor, motion carried. 2. Bellingham Plan Overview Sydney Prusak and Anya Gedrath presented the Bellingham Plan (aka the Bellingham Comprehensive Plan update). They let the Commission know about the steps and process of updating this plan between now and the completion in 2025.  3. Traffic Box Artwork Review Shannon Taysi said she received artwork from 15 different artists. She said she spoke with the Tourism Commission, who is funding this project and asked if they would be supportive of the Arts Commission reviewing and selecting the artwork. They were supportive. She said she would like to request the Commission review and rank before the December 5, 2023 meeting. The Commission agreed. 4. Discuss Arts Commission Applicants Shannon Taysi said she met with two candidates to fill the current vacancies. She referenced the application materials in their packet. She said she is recommending both of them to fill the spots. She said Pamela McDonnell has an extensive background in working in the arts field as a museum director and curator. Phillip Freytag is the owner of Sabbath Tattoo and is a tattoo artist. She felt he would bring a different perspective given his craft is not similar to any of the other Commissioners. Eric Shew moved and Jody Bento seconded the recommendation to appoint Pamela McDonnell and Phillip Freytag to the Commission. All in favor, motion carried. Other Business 1. Public Comment Period No Public Comment 2. For the Good of the Order and Announcements