Arts Commission

Arts Commission Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Tuesday 5:00 PM April 1, 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 5:01 PM. • Commission members present: Patricia McDonnell (Chair), Amy Chaloupka, Eric Shew, Jody Bento and Phillip Freytag • Commission members absent: None Staff members present: Tara Sundin, PCDD; Darby Galligan, PCDD; Taylor Webb, PCDD; Carol Rofkar, Public Works Guests: Heather Dawn Sparks, Sparks Design; Nick Hartrich, Paper Whale; Nathalie Baloy, Lettered Streets Neighborhood Association -Approve March Meeting Minutes Phillip moved and Jody seconded to approve the March minutes. All in favor, motion carried. Agenda Items . Lettered Streets Neighborhood Signs p. 6 Natalie Baloy from the Lettered Streets Neighborhood Association shared the four concept recommendations for a neighborhood sign, funded through a Mayor’s Small and Simple Grant. Signs still require final review by the traffic division of Public Works. The alternative concepts have very slight variations in wording and layout but are substantially similar. Eric shared that some unification of the text size/color/positioning would create some consistency and offer whimsy through the images instead of the font. Having the font closer together for easier readability instead of having them interrupted by the images was one suggestion. He described that this may not be as critical due to the purpose of the sign, which reads somewhat like a book illustration more than a typical traffic sign. Phillip acknowledged that if the intention is to brand the neighborhood that having it designed in between a sign and an illustration might be acceptable. Natalie shared that the signs are intended for pedestrians as well as vehicular traffic and are intended to reflect the character of the neighborhood. She emphasized that the neighborhood may not be able to cover costs of redesigning at this point in the process.  The board continued to discuss elements of the signage that could possibly improve readability, including larger fonts or removing some of the verbiage for clarity. Tara and Darby reminded the board that feedback can be shared regardless of what point the project is in the process, and that implementation requirements are ultimately up to the Mayor. They said the board could decide whether they would want the design to return for another review. Phillip recommended having one prototype printed to view before producing all of the signs, to better see how it works visually. MOTION: Patricia McDonnell/ Phillip Freytag moved that the sign captures the spirit of the neighborhood, and the neighborhood is encouraged to incorporate as much of the BAC feedback as possible for how to improve the readability and legibility of the sign before final design and printing. Motion approved unanimously. . Lakeway Drive / I-5 Intersection Mural p. 11 Nick Hartrich from Paper Whale presented a final design for the Lakeway Underpass mural, one of the projects funded through the downtown activation and beautification program. The word “Xwot’Qom is intended to be removed from the mural. The timeline for installation is a two-week period in July, to be determined. There was a discussion about the removal of the hands shown in the concept design. Nick said they were removed due to concerns about vandalism. He said the mural colors will be close to what is proposed but improvised onsite, but that the artists will provide a final color palette for the project records. There was discussion about the symbology related to the central “T” shape and recommendations on how it might shift to become more inclusive. Arts Commission requested an updated design with the recommendations considered be presented at the May meeting for a vote. . Railroad Avenue Mural Concept p. 15 Nick Hartrich from Paper Whale presented the history of the Noisy Waters festival and how artist Nora Buhn was selected as People’s Choice winner for her hyper-realistic peony mural. The Railroad Avenue parking garage was identified as a “prize wall” for mural winners. The peony mural is proposed for this location. The commission discussed the mural background with the gray circle and the height, and whether it will be impacted by dirt at a low level or require additional maintenance over time. Staff explained that maintenance recommendations will be submitted as part of the project requirements, including a requirement for anti-graffiti coating.  There was a question regarding the artist’s experience with stucco surfaces unless extensive surface preparation is done. Nick described multiple site visits and that he is confident the team has assessed the surface. There was a recommendation to consider a different color than white into the bottom flower to a darker tone. MOTION: Amy Chaloupka / Patricia McDonnell moved to approve design with the revision to flower colors. Motion approved unanimously. . Setting Sun Alley Activation Concept Review p. 18 Darby provided an overview that the project, being done by Paper Whale as part of the downtown activation and beautification grants, is outside the direct purview of the Arts Commission. However, because it is being implemented with public funds and is highly visible from alley/public right-of-way, BAC review and recommendation is requested. She provided an overview of the alley location. Nick Hartrich from Paper Whale provided some background of the search for the best and most impactful alley activation location. He explained that some of the concepts might not be funded, particularly the two murals on the entryway to the alley. Nick provided an overview of the projects outlined in the concept document, including the Setting Sun Lightbox. He explained that the “Setting Sun Alley” theme would be carried throughout the corridor, and done in collaboration with the Children of the Setting Sun Productions, a new tenant along the alley and another recipient of downtown activation grant funds for a portion of the alley activation. Some of the pieces will be implemented starting in May, and installations will continue through the month of August. The Arts Commission expressed an interest in receiving an update in May or June when the final designs are ready. . Downtown Activation and Beautification - Nocturnal Lanterns Concept p. 38 Darby provided a background of the project, which was another selected through the downtown activation and beautification grant program. Heather Sparks of Sparks Design described the process of creating the lanterns and demonstrated the effect achieved by shining light through the piece onto the side of the wall and how that would translate into the building/alley. She described some of the nocturnal animals that would be featured in the piece. Amy described that Museum staff will work with the artist to refine the concept to reflect the goals of the Museum in the artists’ vision. There was discussion about how the complexity of the metal cuts interact with the light and shadows to convey a story. Patricia talked about how clarity of the animals will be important so they don’t get lost in the light. The group looked at the fox form and regarded it as a good example of the  preferred style. The artist said they would also like to incorporate some plant shapes to create variation and flow between the lanterns. Jody asked about the residential building across the street and whether there could be any impacts from the light. Heather explained the lighting will be filtered, gentle and down or up-lit and will not shine straight out through the artwork but rather be cast on the walls and ground. There was some discussion about the wall surface and whether it could be painted. Darby said she would follow-up with Public Works facilities staff. MOTION: Eric Shew / Phillip Freytag moved to approve. Motion approved unanimously, with Amy Chalupka abstaining. Other Business . Public Comment Period Ander Moliter commented on the Lakeway mural indicating that the south side doesn’t get any light and encouraged the artist consider how the light might fall on the mural. He also asked about Big Rock Park and had maintenance of the artwork. He also mentioned the Percent for Art legislation and had a question about whether unused funds could be used for maintenance. Heather Sparks commented on the Lakeway mural design and expressed the importance of reflecting and amplifying the indigenous language. She encouraged staff to learn more about the decision-making process to remove the indigenous language from the mural to see whether the tribe was consulted broadly on the issue, in hopes it was decided with due process and consideration. Brian Russell said it was the first time he’d attended an Arts Commission meeting and that he enjoyed it and appreciates the work they do on behalf of the city. . For the Good of the Order and Annoucements Darby provided an update on the process to fill board vacancies. Patricia asked about the status on the James/Bakerview roundabout. Meeting adjourned at 7:10 PM Minutes prepared by: ____________________________________________ Taylor Webb, Development Specialist II Minutes edited by both staff and Arts Commission members.