Public Art Committee

Public Art Committee Agenda Merriam Visitors Bureau, 6304 E. Frontage Road July 10, 2025 - 5:30 PM If you require any accommodation (i.e. qualified interpreter, large print, reader, hearing assistance) in order to attend this meeting, please notify the Administrative Office at 913-322-5500 no later than 24 hours prior to the beginning of the meeting. I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III. ACTION ITEMS 1. Consider approval of the April 10 Public Art Committee meeting minutes. Public Art Committee - Apr 10 2025 - Minutes IV. PROJECT UPDATES 1. Milagros Collective 2. Other Items from the Floor V. ADJOURNMENT  MINUTES Public Art Committee Meeting City of Merriam, Kansas Merriam City Hall, 9001 W. 62nd St. Thursday, April 10, 2025 5:30 PM Merriam, Kansas 66202 I. CALL TO ORDER Chair McConnell called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Committee Members Present: Staff Present: Gerald Becker Lauren Krivoshia, Assistant to the City Administrator Jan Schoonover Jordan Gomez Julie Denesha Maggie McConnell Shawn McConnell Jason Silvers Staci Chivetta Christine Nelson Committee Members Absent: Vanessa Chasm III. ACTION ITEMS 1. Consider approval of the March 13 Public Art Committee meeting minutes. Committee Member Nelson made a motion to approve the March 13 Public Art Committee meeting minutes. Committee Member Schoonover seconded and the motion was unanimously APPROVED. IV. PROJECT UPDATES 1. MCC Parking Structure Semi-finalist Artist Presentations  5:35 - Cara Lynch  6:10 - Beth Ravitz Page 1 of 3 Public Art Committee Minutes – April 10, 2025  6:45 - Milagros Collective Artists were asked to share their background with public art, their design concept and inspiration, how open they are to edits and feedback, community engagement plans, installation process, timeline, budget, and maintenance for their proposed project. After the presentations, the committee discussed which artist would be the best fit. Beth Ravitz's plan only included 500 square feet to be done in mosaic work on only one staircase location. It also lacked community engagement, so the committee removed the proposal from discussion. Cara Lynch's presentation and proposal showcased her attention to detail and professional skills. Her choice of color was thoughtful but her choice of patterns were simple and didn't wow. She was extremely knowledgeable about methods and materials for murals - on walls, ground, and windows. Her awning idea for the exterior stairs was very intriguing, especially how it would play with color and light. However, the committee expressed some concerns over longevity and maintenance. She also presented an alternative idea for the external stairwell that would be a continuation of the interior mural. Milagros Collective created a design inspired by native Kansas plants for the interior stairwell in a unique way that the committee really enjoyed. The committee appreciated their unconventional approach and loved their ideas for hosting community workshops, bringing art to the masses in a hands on way. Concerns included how the tiles on the exterior stairs would work with codes and maintenance, and ensuring the 3D elements on the interior stairs are out of reach. Interest was also expressed in adding more color to the green area of the mural. References assured staff that they work very collaboratively to solve problems, meet requirements, and navigate bureaucracy. References stated they showed impressive creativity, community engagement, and were very enjoyable to work with. The Milagros Collective also received the most enthusiastic and positive feedback from the community. While, the committee expects some elements of their proposal to evolve, they want to recommend the Milagros Collective as the best fit for this project. Commissioner S. McConnell made a motion to recommend the Milagros Collective to City Council to complete an art installation on the MCC parking structure. Committee Member Gomez seconded and the motion was unanimously APPROVED. 2. City Updates The City is hiring the Doodle Dude to create a custom Merriam line drawing for the 75th birthday party. It will feature many iconic features of Merriam, and party attendees will be invited to help fill the drawing with color. Letters that spell Merriam were salvaged from a building and distributed to committee members. Each member is invited to transform the letter with their own creativity. There's not currently a plan for where the letters might be displayed. Page 2 of 3 Public Art Committee Minutes – April 10, 2025 3. Other Business from the Floor No items. V. ADJOURNMENT There being no other items to consider, the meeting was adjourned at 7:42 p.m. Page 3 of 3