Arts Commission

Arts Commission Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Tuesday 5:00 PM January 7, 2025 Mayor's Boardroom & Zoom Video Recorded https://meetings.cob.org -Call to Order The Arts Commission meeting (video) was called to order by the Chair at 5:00 PM. • Commission members present: Patricia McDonnell (Chair), Amy Chaloupka, Eric Shew, Jody Bento and Phillip Freytag • Commission members absent: None • Staff members present: Darby Galligan, PCDD; Taylor Webb, PCDD; Tim Hohmann, Public Works (presenter) • Guest: Gretchen Leggett (presenter) Approve Meeting Minutes Jodi moved and Amy seconded to approve the December minutes. All in favor, motion carried. p. 2 Agenda Items Presentation 1. Squalicum Creek Fish Passage and Roeder Lift Station Percent for Art Approach p. 5 Tim shared an overview of the two projects. The Squalicum Creek project is more visible from the public realm. The proposal is to combine the funds for the two projects (approximately $400k) and select an artist as part of the team to incorporate artwork into the estuary improvement project. Patricia motioned and Amy seconded approval to combine the projects into a larger sum and City staff to competitively select an artist to join the design team. Public Meeting 1. Lakeway Underpass Mural Concept p. 8 Darby introduced Gretchen Leggett from Paper Whale, who provided an overview of the concept for the underpass mural, which was funded as part of the downtown activation and beautification program. The concept includes subliminal word inclusion focusing on Whatcom and Xwot’qom, the Lummi word describing these lands. The concept also  includes the inclusion of large hands with iconography related to the direction of the hills/mountains and sea. Colors are intended to be bold and saturated. Direction provided. The Arts Commissioners support the inclusion of the subliminal words, hands and colors. Other Business 1. Public Comment Period No comment received. 2. For the Good of the Order and Announcements The commissioners requested an update on the applicants for the open seats on the board. Staff will review procedures for consistency with other boards and commissions. Taylor provided an update that the Mayor’s office is requesting new applications for commissioners who would like to be considered for another term. Patricia mentioned the commissioner’s interest in reviewing the current policies and procedures. She and Taylor will be meeting to discuss further and scope an approach for consideration. Taylor provided an update on the Storybrook Park artwork. There will be an upcoming meeting to discuss concerns related to the use of wood and a maintenance plan. Taylor provided an update on the Percent for Artwork program. There are over 20 active projects, with more in the pipeline. She presented the idea of establishing an artist roster to eliminate the need to issue a Request for Qualifications for each individual project, or using the ArtsWA for certain projects. Meeting adjourned at 6:15 PM Minutes prepared by: ____________________________________________ Taylor Webb, Development Specialist II Minutes edited by both staff and Arts Commission members.