Arts Commission

Arts Commission Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Tuesday 6:00 PM September 3, 2024 Mayor's Boardroom & Zoom Video-Recorded https://meetings.cob.org -Call to Order The Arts Commission meeting (video) was called to order at 6:00 PM. Commission members Present: Amy Chaloupka (Chair), Phillip Freytag, Patricia McDonnell, Eric Shew, and Jody Bento Commission Members Absent: none Staff Members Present/ Presenters: Mayor Kim Lund, Tara Sundin, PCDD; Darby Galligan, PCDD; Taylor Webb, PCDD; Dave Parker, COB Fire; Missy and Kim Rask, Uckiood; and Gretchen Leggitt, Paper Whale. Guests: Kate Clark, Paul George and Mayor Kim Lund 2. Approval of Minutes p. 2 Patricia McDonnell requested the August minutes be edited to change a small error on the last page regarding the Conservation Report. Patrica McDonnell moved, and Phillip Freytag seconded to approve the August minutes with the suggested edit. All in favor, motion carries. Agenda Items Presentation 1. Fire Station 5 Bay Door Mural (Presentation) p. 6 Dave Parker, City of Bellingham Assistant Fire Chief, presented a proposed mural for the Fire Station 5 Bay Door located in the Birchwood neighborhood. The bay door is currently in a state of disrepair and needs new paint. The proposed mural is designed by Robert Yaple (Bob), a BFD firefighter and former tattoo artist. He is willing to donate his time to paint the mural as well as any necessary maintenance in the future. Commissioners raised some concerns about the potential for the eagle’s impression to invite criticism from the public. However, in general the Commissioners were supportive of the art.  Amy Chaloupka moved, and Phillip Freytag seconded a motion to approve the design as proposed. Patricia McDonnell abstained, and the remaining members voted in favor. Majority in favor, motion carries. 2. Find Billy Sculpture Series (downtown activation and beautification project) p. 9 Missy and Kim Rask of Uckiood LLC presented their final proposal with four “Billy” sculptures to be installed in various locations downtown. One location, behind the old City Hall, has not yet confirmed by museum staff due to concerns about potential vulnerabilities with the parking area. Museum staff think placing the “Billy” on the steps leading down to Maritime Heritage Park could be a more suitable location, but they will meet with City staff and the artists to confirm the exact location. Amy Chaloupka moved, and Phillip Freytag seconded to approve the Find Billy proposal pending final location approval of the final “Billy”. All in favor, motion carries. 3. Lee Memorial Park Staircase Mural (downtown activation and beautification project) p. 16 Gretchen Leggitt, Paper Whale, presented the proposed final design for the murals to be painted on the three staircases leading into Lee Memorial Park. The artist team, Jaime Molina and Pedro Barrios, have provided their design which is representative of the composition and color pallet that will be used; however, the artists have an improvisational art style in which they mix colors on-site and therefore the style and colors may vary slightly. Commissioners raised some concerns about the potential ADA impacts of the painted stairs. Staff explained the City ADA coordinator has reviewed the design and has provided best practices for maintaining safety. Eric Shew moved, and Patricia McDonnell seconded to approve the Lee Memorial Park Staircase mural proposal. All in favor, motion carries. 4. Storybrook Park Review and Approval of Semi-Finalists p. 23 Taylor Webb, PCDD Staff, gave an overview of the Storybrook Park art jury selection process. The jury was comprised of 5 members representing City Parks and Recreation staff, Arts Commission, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Storybrook park steward, Birchwood Neighborhood Association, and an artist/ former Arts Commissioner. Together, the jury ranked and deliberated the artist applicants and selected three semi- finalists. Amy Chaloupka moved, and Eric Shew seconded a motion to approve the three semi- finalists. All in favor, motion carries. Other Business 1. Public Comment Period David Mauro wished to say hello and offered his appreciation for the thoughtful discussion. Alex McLean, local artist from Happy Valley, said he would like to see more equitable distribution of the Percent for Art funds so that art is placed in spaces where the public can enjoy it. he strongly supports the idea of updating the Percent for Arts code to allow for more flexibility in the use of the funds. 2. For the Good of the Order and Announcements • Amy recognized Kate and Paul for their contributions to the BAC as their terms expired. • Staff lead a short discussion about the remaining board members’ art background and experience. Commissioners were also able to identify which perspectives they feel are missing from the BAC which will help guide Staff during the recruitment process for new Commissioners. • A reminder was given that the BAC meeting time change will go into effect starting at the October meeting. The new meeting start time is 5pm. Meeting adjourned at 7:35pm Minutes prepared by: ____________________________________________ Taylor Webb, Development Specialist II Minutes edited by both staff and Arts Commission members.