Arts Commission

Arts Commission Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Tuesday 5:00 PM August 5, 2025 Council Boardroom & Zoom Video Recorded https://meetings.cob.org Call to Order The Arts Commission meeting (video) was called to order by the Chair at 5:02 PM. • Commission members present: Patricia McDonnell (Chair), Amy Chaloupka, Jody Bento and Phillip Freytag • Commission members absent: Blake Hudson and Eric Shew, Staff members present: Darby Galligan, PCDD; Taylor Webb, PCDD; Carol Rofkar, Public Works, Hailey Sanders, Public Works and Riley Grant, Public Works Approve July Meeting Minutes Amy Chaloupka/Phillip Freytag moved approval of the July minutes. Motion approved 4-0. Agenda Items 1. Public Works Utility Box Wrap Art p. 5 Hailey and Riley presented. Artwork created by students from the 2024-2025 Water School session will be placed on seven (7) frequently tagged utility boxes as a graffiti deterrent. Artwork, especially personalized artwork, has been shown to be effective for this purpose. Student names and ages will be added. Darby mentioned that the utility box artwork program is already in place and has been implemented elsewhere in the City. MOTION: Amy Chaloupka/Phillip Freytag motioned to approve. VOTE: Motion approved 4-0 2. RFQ Update and Next Steps p. 27 Taylor shared that the RFQ was distributed broadly and the application period will close on September 12, 2025. She announced that jury evaluations are anticipated to occur between September 24 - October 3, 2025, and the review will focus on inclusion of qualified artists based on the established criteria. She noted incoming applications are being organized for future use as a roster.  There was a discussion of jury makeup, which may include 2-3 arts commissioners, City staff, and representatives of local arts organizations. It was recommend that there be consideration given to invite a representative from the WWU gallery. Other Business . Public Comment Period . For the Good of the Order and Announcements • Optional tour and visit with conservationist is scheduled for this coming Friday • General maintenance updates • Staff will reach out to schedule an optional tour of Big Rock Garden, to include volunteer(s) and park and recreation staff • Update on filling of remaining vacant seat Meeting adjourned at 6:02pm Minutes prepared by: ____________________________________________ Taylor Webb, Development Specialist II Minutes edited by both staff and Arts Commission members.