Arts Commission

Arts Commission Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Tuesday 6:00 PM May 7, 2024 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. Commission members Present: Amy Chaloupka; Kate Clark, Paul George, Eric Shew, Phillip Freytag, Patricia McDonnell and Jody Bento Staff Members Present/ Presenters: Shannon Taysi, PCDD, Taylor Webb, PCDD, Darby Galligan, PCDD and Carol Rofkar, PW New staff members were introduced, Taylor Webb and Darby Galligan will replace Shannon Taysi who is leaving at the end of May. Agenda Items Public Meeting 1. Pacific Street Phase II - Results of Proposals for the Percent for Art Shannon Taysi said the jury met on April 19, 2024 and April 26, 2024 to review the ten p. 2 artwork proposals for the Pacific Street Phase II project. She presented the recommended finalists proposal. The jury is recommending the artwork by Clayton Binkley out of Seattle. She showed the Commission the other artists that ranked in the top four and explained the pros/cons of those pieces and why this piece seemed to be the best fit for this project. Jody Bento and Eric Shew also provided input on the process as they both sat on the jury. Shannon Taysi said the next steps would be for the Commission to make a recommendation and the Mayor will make the final decision. Jody Bento moved and Patricia McDonnell seconded the recommendation to approve Clayton Binkley’s proposal for the artwork at Pacific Street Phase II. All in favor, motion carries. 2. Paper Whale Mural Festival p. 12 Darby Galligan said the Paper Whale is entering into their second year of the mural competition and the City has offered to provide a location and $10,000 for the project. She wanted to share with the Commission the potential locations for the artwork. The first choice was the side of the parking structure on Railroad Ave. that is City owned. She discussed other locations considered. The Commission indicated they had concerns  about the Railroad Ave. location due to the trees adjacent that would block the artwork when leaves were on the trees. They had a conversation about the Commercial Street Parking Garage and potential at this location. There were other conversations about the Museum buildings. Amy Chaloupka mentioned before Museum buildings be considered, the Museum and staff should be involved in the conversation. She indicated there are plans for some of their buildings that the City may not be aware of at this time that could conflict. Darby Galligan said once the artists are selected it may make sense for them to view the sites that would be best for their artwork and provide their preference. She said she will come back to the Commission as this gets further along. Other Business 1. Public Comment Period There was no public comment. 2. For the Good of the Order and Announcements Darby Galligan gave a quick announcement about an RFQ that is being distributed for placemaking and artwork the City is seeking for downtown activation. She wanted to give the Commission a heads up. She said once the RFQ closes and proposals are being considered, art related projects will be brought to the Commission for review and recommendation. Meeting adjourn 7:30pm Minutes prepared by: ____________________________________________ Shannon Taysi, Recording Secretary Minutes edited by both staff and Arts Commission members.