Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church

Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church Meeting July 17, 2020 Virtual Meeting Minutes Members Present: Corey Jannicelli, Rosemary Ziskind, Letty Hardi, Marybeth Connelly, Ron Anzalone, Sally Cole, Ellen Gross, Chrystie Swiney, Laura Hull, Guests: Keith Thurston (CATCH Foundation), Eric Burka (Street Sense), Joe Muffler (Mill Creek), Jeff Hollern (DDS), Amy Friedlande (EYA), Carly Aubrey (DDS), Gary Fuller (DDS), Robin Bettarel (EYA) Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Laura Hull at 9:33 am. Receipt of Public Comments  No comments were received Minutes: Minutes from June meeting were approved New Business:  Founders Row Public Art Presentation o Project Background o Joe Muffler from Mill Creek and Eric Burka from Street Sense presented their goals for a public art mural and desire for community input. o Construction on Founders Row began in 2018 and the team hopes to welcome retail and residence next summer. o Mural will be constructed on the NE sidewall on top of the parking garage, where the movie theatre will be located o Mural space is 130 feet, starting 20 feet off the ground and rising 30 additional feet high o The team is in communication with local neighborhood and St. James School. o In vision the mural fitting into the neighborhood context o Street sense will design the art digitally then hire a muralist to execute the design. o Three concept ideas presented based on conversations with City staff included  Gather and Grow- People focused, collage of individuals  Discover New Adventure – realistic imagery based on children’s dream world  Come to Life – Showcasing history and theatre in a whimsical design 1 o A&H Council Questions and Comments o Vignette verse cohesive image approach to the mural  Due to the size of the space, there is concern that cohesive image may be too overwhelming. o Is there any opportunity for the Arts & Humanities Council to work directly with the artists/ graphic designers on design elements? o Yes, some of the designers live nearby o Would the mural be painted or adhere to the wall? o Painted on concert panel expected to last 15 years with little maintenance o Does the mural have to be designed in landscape? o No, the mural can also be done in portrait style o Can this mural be installed during construction or does installation have to wait until construction is completed? o The mural can be installed during the construction phase o Can Street Sense provide us with examples from other murals they have completed? o Yes, examples can be provided o Recommend Mill Creek and Street Sense all connect with the following individuals and groups about the mural project o Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation o Margie Jarvis o VPIS o Other suggestions for the mural included o Park Ave is an important street, used for the memorial day parade and other events. Suggest considering the following themes  Back to Community, Come Together  Celebrate Community / Join the Parade o History/water/ green/ neighborhood development o Muted colors with spots of vibrant colors o Theme of Live Local Falls Church o Nature, celebrating frees, Falls Church as a small place, spirituality o Contemplative, muted, single image of the Blue Ridge mountains you would see from that height o Community focus on education and reading o Next Steps o Mill Creek will be meeting with the Architectural Advisory Board, HARB and EDA followed by Planning Commission o Mill Creek and Street Sense hope to come back to A&H Council with final concept idea 2   West Falls Church Economic Development Project o Presentation by Amy Freelander of EYA on the special exception site plan updates o Company was hired to complete a historical report of the site and high school property along with review of greater Falls Church history o Looking into highlighting historical figures such as Mattie Gundry or Thaddaeus Lowe in some capacity o Branding elements highlight mid-century design and colors are a nod to the City’s founding 1948 o Development and potential future neighborhood will be named West Falls o Developers have committed $100,000 towards public art but are willing to spend more than the committed amount o Considering splash pad, climbing structures, pedestrian connection, and building murals opportunities for public art o Questions and Comments from A&H Council Members o Many members found the amount of content overwhelming to make comments on o Tinner Hill representative was not present and stories of color need to be considered and included o Next Steps o Deadline to submit comments is July 31 o Arts and Humanities Council will have an opportunity to collaborate on public art later in the process Old Business:  Falls Church Public Art Policy o Request made to notify Planning Commission that the Arts & Humanities Council will be submitting additional recommendations for the policy document starting on page 62 o Ron and Keith will compile their recommendations Roundtable:  Cherry Hill Farmhouse is hosting its first week of Blast into the Past this week. The museum is still closed for tours  Victorian Society’s fall activities are currently on hold  Historical Commission meets next Thursday and will be responding to the NewsPress article on Hangman’s Tree and Civil War Day along with finalizing the High School Marker on Hillwood  CATCH Foundation is discussing options for this year’s WATCH Night  VPIS hosted a semi-successful virtual concert  FCA is still closed but hosted a successful fundraiser in Barb Cram’s name along with considering a Plein Air Festival in September  Tues July 21 FC Chambers is hosting a free Zoom webinar on how to be more active by Body Dynamics  Tues July 28, FC Chambers will host a member orientation 3 Adjourn Meeting was adjourned at 12:05 pm Next Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 16 at 9:30 am Submitted: By Corey Jannicelli 4