Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church

Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church Meeting September 17 2020 Virtual Meeting Minutes Members Present: Corey Jannicelli, Rosemary Ziskind, Letty Hardi, Marybeth Connelly, Sally Cole, Laura Hull, Chrystie Swiney, Ed Henderson, Emerson Mellon (Student Rep) Guests: Keith Thurston (CATCH Foundation), Jeff Hollern (DDS), Joe Muffler (Mill Creek) Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Laura Hull at 9:35 am. Receipt of Public Comments  No comments were received Minutes: Minutes from August meeting were approved New Business: Founders Row Mural Conversation with Joe Muffler  Since our July AHC meeting, Mill Creek has met with Saint James and other groups to discuss the mural project and most groups were unanimous that a “Grove for Growth” was their favorite concept, a nature setting that isn’t too bright or bold.  Next month, street sense will start designing murals for to bring back and share with the AHC.  Comments and questions around the new concept of Grove for Growth o Recommendation that trees should be included in the piece representing Falls Church as a tree city USA o Question raised whether this concept is supposed to show who we were, who we are or who we want to be as a City? o Recommendation that the concept should have some acknowledgement of our proximity to DC o How does this concept tie into the name Founders Row? The buildings tie in the concept of Founders Row but the mural concept is focused more on the larger Falls Church area. o Comment that not everyone identifies Falls Church with the Blue Ridge Mountains but think of Falls Church as community, kids, education and trees.  Questions & comments on the project in general o Has a decision been made yet on whether the mural will be a single image or triptychs? No. o Question about placement of the mural (the whole façade will be taken up) and recommendation that top of the mural blend into the color of the building rather than a hard mural edge. o What is the process and type of treatment that will be used for the art and installation? That decision will come later during the artist selection process. 1  o Recommendation to have the younger generation weigh in on the topic Broad and Washington  Conversation has been pushed back to a later date. City Council is still working with the developers and are not ready for review by committees.  September 29 meeting scheduled with neighbors and includes a walking tour.  Proposal will go back to City Council for potential referral to boards and commissions on Oct 13. Old Business:  Falls Church Public Art Policy o Keith is still reviewing the notes and will send a copy to share when completed. Roundtable:  Library construction is on schedule for an April completion date for move-in and ready for reopening by late May. New space will include new meeting spaces. Library is currently open at temporary location for pickup and drop off. Library is currently experimenting with waving late fees.  Creative Cauldron hosting the final summer performances at Cherry Hill Park with Abbey Middleton Friday Sept 18, Grief Cat on Saturday Sept 19 and Night at Newcastle Sat Sept 26.  Cherry Hill Farmhouse and Barn is currently closed to the public but will be hosting a few private events, honoring previous commitments following current health guidelines.  City’s COVID Response City has provided $250,000 in grants to local businesses and $160,000 in rent relief, food and utility  Wayfinding signs are in the works and the EDA will be sharing proposals soon  Tinner Hill hosting online workshop Break in the Silence Sat Sept 26 from 1-3pm  FCPS is back in class and looking for participants for an upcoming career event, create a 60 second video about your career.  CATCH Foundation looking into a modified Watch Night event  FCA hosting Plein Air festival with judging Oct 17 at the Falls Church Farmers Market  Live Local Falls Church Facebook Group created to share experiences  Chamber Mixology Mixer scheduled with Falls Church Distillers Sept 22  Creative Cauldron hosting virtual classes this fall for youth and adults. Also filming Tales on Brothers Grim  Sidewalk Stamping will take place in Oct or Nov on Maple Ave including 20 squares with history of families who lived there and future plans to include bios of women from our annual history walk Adjourn Meeting was adjourned at 10:39 am Next Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 15, 2020 Submitted: By Corey Jannicelli 2