Cultural Arts Commission

City of Morgantown Cultural Arts Commission Meeting Minutes for October 12, 2021 Present: Mark McCoy - Chair Nikki Bowman Mills – Vice Chair Rick McEwuen – Secretary Treasurer Mark Downs Josh Williamson Debbie West Ron Dulaney Absent: Brian Butcher – City Councilor Ward 7 Public: Jane Cardi – HPO Billy Atkins - HPO Meeting called to order by at 5:32 P.M. The meeting took at the Morgantown History Museum, 175 Kirk Street in Morgantown. Commissioners were invited to tour the Museum. Commissioners McEwuen and Dulaney were asked to provide historical information and updates on the planned renovation by the HPO organization. Minutes: The September 2021 minutes were reviewed. Motion to approve minutes – Commissioner Williamson 2nd – Commissioner Bowman Mills Motion passed 8-0 Public Comment: Jane Cardi and Billy Atkins from the HPO organization provided information about the vision and development for the renovation of the historic post office and annex complex. HPO is now the owner of both buildings and will be undertaking $10-$12M renovation of the facilities. Chair’s Report: No report New Business: Review and Approve Artist Selection for the Westover Bridge Pier Mural Project Director Kitch presented information on the artist Rafael Blanco who was recommended by the Public Art Advisory Committee and the selection process. The call for artist for the Westover Bridge Mural project closed 10/1 and the city received 14 submissions that range from young artists to seasoned professionals. A Public Art Advisory committee was assembled to assist with the review and included Vice Chair Bowman-Mills, Todd Tubutis Museum Director at WVU, Jessica McDonald West Virginia Land Trust and Mon River Redevelopment Task Force coordinator, Andrew Gast-Bray a planner with Mon County and resident near the park, and Director Kitch. The Commission reviewed information on the recommended artist Rafael Blanco. 1  Vice Chair Bowman Mills provided an overview of the applications and artists. Blanco was selected due to his qualifications and materials presented. She discussed the need to support Appalachian artists as a consideration for appropriate projects as well as local artists but for this competition, Blanco was clearly the choice. Commissioners discussed the overall goals of public art projects and maintaining artistic quality as a key component. There was consensus regarding the quality of the selected artist and belief this work will bring a new perspective of public art to Morgantown. Director Kitch discussed the diversity of responses and the breadth of artists from across the country that responded to the call for artists. Motion to approve artist Rafael Blanco as the Westover Bridge Mural artist. Motion to approve Commissioner Downs 2nd – Commissioner McCoy Motion passed 7-0 Director’s Report: Vincent E. Kitch Director Kitch provided an overview of events and activities of the Arts & Cultural Development Department. Morgantown History Museum – MHM recently hosted 20 students from WVU public history programs. Some students are looking for opportunities for professional experience or interaction with updating or designing exhibits. Others are conducting research on artifacts in the museum and will provide us with more background information on these items. Staff and volunteers interacted with the students during their visit. Metropolitan Theatre - City Manager approved use of some of the planned HVAC monies to pay for the replacement of the electronic marquee. The bids for floor prep and carpet are coming in way over budget and Director Kitch is currently working on a capital request for the Hazel Ruby McQuain Charitable Trust to support these and other needs at the Met. Kitch attended both the Dancing Elephant burlesque show and the HU. The Hu were amazing and played to a packed house. MTC unfortunately cancelled their planned and rescheduled performances of the Music Man due to the pandemic. We do have comedian Ginger Billy scheduled 10/23. HRMP Ruby Amphitheater-The Park is ramping down for the season. The WVU Cancer Institute walk was on 10/9. 10/16 WVU Campus Ministries St Johns Parish is having a national speaker and band for 500-1000 people. The city is sponsoring an end of season concert and food truck event on Sunday, October 17th from 1-6. There is also a 5K scheduled by the United Way on 10/24. Director Kitch announced the 2022 Ruby Summer Concert Series. Due to some very generous seed money, we will be offering weekly concerts on Friday nights from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Kitch with representatives of Marion County and the Palatine Park concerts to build a collaborative partnership for next year that should benefit both communities. He is also working on a request to the Hazel Ruby McQuain Trust for capital needs at the Amphitheater. 2 Public art – Kitch is assisting the Alpha Phi sorority with their utility box mural project and Generation Morgantown who is doing a major mural in the downtown area. Kitch has also submitted a grant request to the WV Commission on the Arts to support another mural project at the Woodburn School site as well. Future Business: None discussed Update from Commissioners: The next meeting will take place on November 10, 2021, location TBD The meeting was adjourned at 6:36 pm. Submitted by Rick McEwuen – Secretary Treasurer 3