Arts Commission

Arts Commission Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Tuesday 6:00 PM February 6, 2024 Mayor's Boardroom & Zoom https://meetings.cob.org -Commission members Present: Amy Chaloupka; Kate Clark, Paul George, Eric Shew, Phillip Freytag and Jody Bento Commission Members Absent: Patricia McDonnell Staff Members Present/ Presenters: Shannon Taysi, PCDD Amy Chaloupka called the meeting to order. Agenda Items Public Meeting 1. Storybrook Park Proposed Percent for Art Approach Jonathan Schilk gave an overview of the Storybrook Park improvement plan. He described the various elements of the park. Jonathan Schilk said they have some curbstones salvaged from the Holly Street improvements. He envisions these stones could be used for a stone gateway and as wayfinding within the park. He is recommending an artist be hired to engrave these stones and create an “ancient ruin” type feel for the park. He said the space could be a magical exploration with engravings providing mythological creatures and/or symbols. The Commission liked the idea of the park being an explorative whimsical experience, however they felt the recommendation is too narrow. They would prefer to allow for an artist to interpret what an “ancient ruin”, “mythological creatures” and “symbols” could look like. They recommend there be a call for artwork that seeks out the broader goal of the “mystery park” without limiting it to these wayfinding elements. Shannon Taysi said she and Jonathan Schilk will talk and come back with a broader approach. 2. Public Works Operations Building Phase II Percent for Art Update Shannon Taysi said the jury has narrowed down from the Request for Qualifications, the top ten artists to present proposals. She indicated they received almost ninety submissions. She showed the Commission the top ten artists submissions. She said the next step will be to convene the jury again for presentations. This is planned for mid-April. She will come back to the Commission with a finalist at their May meeting.  3. Review and Final Recommendation for Traffic Box Artwork Shannon Taysi said she compiled artwork from the top ranked artists to provide a mix of artwork. She said it was too challenging to use their ranking for specific artwork by artist so she went ahead and pulled art from the top ranked artists and is proposing the ten selected, which she presented in a PowerPoint. She added that it may be challenging to format a couple of the selected artworks and if it becomes impossible, she will bring back to the Commission alternative artwork to provide recommendation for approval. Amy Chaloupka moved and Paul George seconded the recommendation to approve the ten selected artworks. All in favor, motion carried. 4. Whatcom Museum discussion regarding "Two Lines Oblique" by Rickey Maria Coltharp from the museum gave history on the artwork in the City’s collection “Two Lines Oblique” by George Rickey. She said it recently has been repaired due to wind damage. She said it had been formerly installed behind the Museum in the past. Due to the fragility of the long arms on the artwork, this location isn’t recommended to reinstall the artwork. Wind that travels through this area is too strong and is the reason for the pervious damage. She is asking the Commission their thoughts on proposing to the Parks Board to place this artwork in Cordata Park. Shannon Taysi reminded the Commission they don’t make final recommendation on placement of the artwork but rather the Parks Board. She said now would be a time to support this recommendation or to offer other locations for the Parks Board to consider. There was a brief discussion regarding the artwork and areas it might look best. There were conflicting opinions on it being placed in an open area versus an area with more surrounding elements. Ultimately, the Commission felt recommending Cordata Park seemed like a reasonable location. Other Business 1. Public Comment Period Alex McLean commented on he felt that Cordata Park already has too much artwork. He also commented he would prefer to see exterior artwork for the Pacific Street Phase II project. 2. For the Good of the Order and Announcements