Arts Commission

Arts Commission Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Tuesday 5:00 PM July 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, Blake Hudson, Eric Shew, Jody Bento and Phillip Freytag • Commission members absent: Staff members present: Darby Galligan, PCDD; Taylor Webb, PCDD; Carol Rofkar, Public Works, Jessica Bennett, Public Works Approve June Meeting Minutes Phillip Freytag/Eric Shew moved approval of the June minutes. Approved unanimously. Agenda Items Work Session . Sunnyland Intersection Mural Artist Eliza Carver shared the proposed final design and described the imagery and details. Installation will take place on July 19 during the Sunnyland Stomp. MOTION: Patricia McDonnell/Phillip Freytag moved approval. VOTE: Motion approved unanimously. . Birchwood/Meridian Roundabout - project overview and approach Taylor reminded Commissioners that a decision to combine funds for multiple projects has been approved and shared that the project concept has been designed and an approach to artwork needs to be recommended. Project Engineer Jessica Bennett provided an overview of the scope, scale and timing of the project. Currently at 30% design and working to progress to 60% (permitting set) by the end of the summer. Permitting is anticipated to take ~ 2 years, construction will be late 2027 A vertical element will be required in the center of the roundabout, whether through sculpture or landscaping. There was a discussion of whether the artwork locations should be defined by the consultant’s in-house landscape architect, and artist/artist team.  Feedback from commissioners was that three locations may be appropriate: 1. The trail convergence area; 2. The center of roundabout; and 3. The east trail entrance. The recommendation is to hire an artist through an RFQ and have them work with the landscape architect to consider incorporating artwork in these locations. There was also discussion about enhanced landscaping and set-asides for ongoing maintenance. Other Business . Public Comment Period . For the Good of the Order and Announcements • WhatComm update: City will be contracting with Whatcom Museum Foundation to consult on the incorporation, working on a task order to finalize the scope and timing. • PacOps update: Building is in the final stages with artwork installation in October. Some of the map panels on the existing building (which was part of the Percent for Art funds) are being removed and reinstalled on the interior of the new building. This decision was made in consultation with the architect/artist team that originally developed the piece. Future discussion about open house/ribbon/cutting/artwork dedication. • Maintenance update and discussion about a tour with the conservator in August • Update on issuance of RFQ and request for additional portals Minutes prepared by: ____________________________________________ Taylor Webb, Development Specialist II Minutes edited by both staff and Arts Commission members.