Arts and Culture Commission

Regular Meeting

Norwalk, CT · August 5, 2025

Minutes

CITY OF NORWALK ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 5, 2025 I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chair Brian Kaspr at approximately 6:05 p.m. II. ROLL CALL ATTENDANCE: Brian Kaspr (Chair), Janay Sylvester, Nori Grudin, Danny Loftus George, Melissa Matuska, Naomi Clark STAFF: Sabrina Godeski III. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES The minutes from the Special Meeting held July 8, 2025, were presented for approval. Mr. Kaspr asked for comments, additions, or corrections; none were offered. ** MS. CLARK MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE JULY 8, 2025 SPECIAL MEETING. ** MS. SYLVESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. ** THE MOTION PASSED WITH TWO (2) ABSTENTIONS (MS. SYLVESTER AND MR. LOFTUS GEORGE). IV. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Mr. Jahmane West raised a concern about the guidelines prohibiting use of AI in submissions and expressed desire to understand the process noting that one of the submissions was clearly AI. V. OLD BUSINESS A. Approval for Inclusion in Public Survey: Oksana Tanasiv, Ely Avenue Fence There were no new materials or discussion regarding Ms. Oksana Tanasiv’s proposal. ** MS. CLARK MOVED TO APPROVE FORWARDING MS. OKSANA TANASIV’S PROPOSAL FOR THE ELY AVENUE FENCE TO THE PUBLIC SURVEY FOR CONSIDERATION. 1 ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTS AUGUST 5, 2025 VIA ZOOM VIRTUAL MEETIN G ** MR. LOFTUS GEORGE SECONDED THE MOTION. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. B. Approval for Inclusion in Public Survey: Jahmane West, Ely Avenue Fence There were no new materials or discussion regarding Mr. West’s proposal. ** MR. LOFTUS GEORGE MOVED TO APPROVE FORWARDING MR. JAHMANE WEST’S PROPOSAL FOR THE ELY AVENUE FENCE TO THE PUBLIC SURVEY FOR CONSIDERATION. ** MS. NAOMI CLARK SECONDED THE MOTION. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. C. Approval for Inclusion in Public Survey: Raf Santella (Five Fingaz), Ely Avenue Fence Substantial discussion took place regarding Mr. Santella’s (Five Fingaz) proposal and concerns about potential use of AI in its production. The Commission reviewed technical aspects of Illustrator files, AI detection results, and anecdotal evidence. **MS. CLARK MOVED TO CONSIDER INCLUSION OF MR. SANTELLA’S PROPOSAL FOR THE ELY AVENUE FENCE IN THE PUBLIC SURVEY. ** MR. LOFTUS GEORGE SECONDED THE MOTION. ** THE MOTION FAILED WITH FOUR (4) NAYS AND TWO (2) ABSTENTIONS (MS. MATSUKA AND MS. GRUDIN). A clarification and revote was then conducted: ** MR. LOFTUS GEORGE MOVED TO REVOTE ON THE INCLUSION OF MR. SANTELLA’S PROPOSAL IN THE PUBLIC SURVEY. ** MS. CLARK SECONDED THE MOTION. ** THE MOTION FAILED WITH FOUR (4) NAYS AND TWO (2) ABSTENTIONS (MS. MATSUAK AND MS. SYLVESTER). D. Adoption and Use of Arts and Cultural District Logo Discussion was held on final logo options, prepared by the Commission’s hired graphic designer, Ms. Ash and presented by Mr. Kaspr and Ms. Godeski. The two directions were explored, and members expressed preference for the colorful mark (Direction 2). ** MS. CLARK MOVED TO APPROVE DIRECTION 2 AS THE OFFICIAL LOGO FOR THE ARTS AND CULTURAL DISTRICT. ** MS. MATUSKA SECONDED THE MOTION. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. VI. NEW BUSINESS 2 ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTS AUGUST 5, 2025 VIA ZOOM VIRTUAL MEETIN G A. WSHU Partnership Proposal Ms. Godeski described a request from Mr. Dancer, representing a public radio station, for the Commission to partner in promoting a local artists’ sticker design contest, with the radio station offering a monetary award and public recognition. The Commission’s role would be limited to using its networks to encourage submissions and potentially assist in selection but not provide City funding nor run the call as a formal commission process. Some members raised that standard guidelines for AI or other content were not outlined but recognized the limited scope and external funding. The consensus was to proceed pending more details. VII. DISCUSSION Mr. Kaspr updated members on the lease renewal for the Center for Contemporary Printmaking and encouraged support statements at the upcoming Land Use Committee meeting. Ms. Matuska and Mr. Loftus George requested a list of all organizations benefitting from low- cost city leases as well as information on available spaces or RFP processes; Ms. Godeski committed to making inquiries with City departments. Mr. Loftus George described plans for a 1,200 square foot retail/community art space for the Commission as part of the Wall Street Place development, urging the Commission to consider its best use and management. Mr. Loftus George further shared news of a large art donation and the need for a local gallery space, inviting those with experience or interest in gallery operations to contact him. VIII. ADJOURNMENT ** MS. CLARK MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. ** MS. SYLVESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:02 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Courtney Baldwin 3 ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTS AUGUST 5, 2025 VIA ZOOM VIRTUAL MEETIN G

Agenda

Packet

REGULAR MEETING – ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION AGENDA AUGUST 5, 2025, 6:00 PM BY ZOOM VIRTUAL MEETING To allow public access, anyone may access a meeting by telephone and/or Zoom, or a recording in the City of Norwalk YouTube channel. Specific instructions and links can be found at norwalkct.gov/meetings. Members of the public may call in to participate. Callers will not be able to see the meeting participants. All participants will be muted upon entering the meeting. To speak, dial *9 on the phone and you will be called on by the host of the meeting during the public comment section. All speakers must state their name and address. Comments must be on a topic on the agenda, and are limited to three minutes. Anyone disrupting the orderly conduct of the meeting, including by using threatening, hateful, or sexually-explicit language, will be removed. Please find the information using the link above. Members of the public who wish to provide "live comments" may also use the Zoom meeting platform. All participants will be muted upon entering the meeting. To speak, click the “raise your hand indicator” and you will be called by the host of the meeting during the public comment section. All speakers must state their name and address. Comments must be on a topic on the agenda, and are limited to three minutes. Anyone disrupting the orderly conduct of the meeting, including by using threatening, hateful, or sexually-explicit language, will be removed. Please find the information using the link above. Members of the public who wish to provide public comment are encouraged to submit those via email in advance of the meeting. For these comments to be included into the record, they must be submitted by 12:00 p.m. the day of the meeting. Please email Sabrina Godeski at sgodeski@norwalkct.govwith the subject line “Public Comment” to provide written public comment prior to the meeting. I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES A. Special Meeting: July 8, 2025 IV. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION V. OLD BUSINESS A. Approve the inclusion of Oksana Tanasiv's Proposal for the Ely Avenue Fence in the public survey for consideration. B. Approve the inclusion of Jahmane West's Proposal for the Ely Avenue Fence in the public survey for consideration. Page 1 of 75 C. Approve the inclusion of Raf Santella (Five Fingaz)'s Proposal for the Ely Avenue Fence in the public survey for consideration. D. Authorize the adoption and use of the Arts and Cultural District Logo. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. WSHU Partnership Proposal VII. DISCUSSION VIII. ADJOURNMENT Page 2 of 75 CITY OF NORWALK ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING JULY 8, 2025 VIA ZOOM VIRTUAL MEETING I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Brian Kaspr called the meeting to order at 6:01 PM. II. ROLL CALL ATTENDANCE: Brian Kaspr (Chair), Bob Abriola, Melissa Matuska, Steven Rust, Nori Grudin, Naomi Clark, Kevin Huffman - Ex Officio STAFF: Sabrina Godeski III. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES ** MR. ABRIOLA MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES. **MS. MATUSKA SECONDED THE MOTION. **THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. IV. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION There was no public comment at this time. V. OLD BUSINESS There were no old business items formally listed or brought forward for discussion. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. Authorize a payment of one thousand dollars ($1,000) to Ash Nichols for the creation of the Cultural District logo. Mr. Kaspr advised that Ash Nichols has been prepared to continue the work pending this approval. The $1,000 covers development of two revised versions, selection, and final logo completion. It was clarified that there should not be additional charges for final revisions beyond this scope. ** MS. MATSUKA MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES. **MR. RUST SECONDED THE MOTION. **THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES JULY 8, 2025 VIA ZOOM VIRTUAL MEETING PAGE 1 Page 3 of 75 B. Authorize the inclusion of the three submitted proposals to be released in a public survey for the Ely Avenue Fencing Project. Mr. Kaspr opened the floor so the three artists can briefly walk the Commission through their projects. Five Fingaz: Described a historically-themed timeline mural, including QR codes linking to oral histories and local documentaries, and a plan for community painting sessions at his studio. Commission members requested artistic style closer to the artist’s recognizable public work but applauded community engagement elements. The artist agreed to stylistic revisions within two days but maintained concept structure. Jahmane West: Presented a patchwork “fabric of the city” concept inspired by community quilting traditions, to be developed collaboratively with library-based community workshops. Patchwork panels would include references to local icons/events identified by public input. Panel installation would avoid direct ground contact for weather durability. Oksana Tanasiv: Detailed a landscape-style mural incorporating city landmarks and scenes of daily Norwalk life, painted on durable metal panels. Emphasized final details painted by local schoolchildren for community connection. Confirmed materials and process would be adjusted for budget compliance. Following discussion, the Commission supported allowing each artist one week for optional revisions based on feedback before a public survey release. The Commission proceeded to vote on each artist individually. ** MR. ABRIOLA MOVED TO APPROVE THE ARTIST FIVE FINGAZ. **MR. RUST SECONDED THE MOTION. **THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. ** MS. CLARK MOVED TO APPROVE THE ARTIST JAHMANE WEST. ** MR. ABRIOLA SECONDED THE MOTION. **THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. ** MS. CLARK MOVED TO APPROVE THE ARTIST OKSANA TANASIV. ** MS. GRUDIN SECONDED THE MOTION. **THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. VII. DISCUSSION A. Event Updates ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES JULY 8, 2025 VIA ZOOM VIRTUAL MEETING PAGE 2 Page 4 of 75 Ms. Godeski reported they had participated in the international Make Music Day initiative, hosting performances at four locations across Norwalk. In doing so, they received a $1,500 grant enabling direct artist compensation for performances. The event was considered highly successful, with future participation and growth anticipated. Ms. Godeski updated the Commission on the resident meeting on July 29th for the Cultural Plan. The consultants are still gathering information to ensure their recommendations are aligned with the community's desires. On July 31st there will be an artist mixer at Space67, where participants can partake in interactive stations. B. Arts and Cultural Plan Updates Ms. Godeski advised the consultants for the Cultural Plan will present a progress report at the Commission’s August or September meeting. From July 29–31 the consultants will be in Norwalk, conducting focus groups with residents, artists, business owners, and faith-based organizations, as well as specific outreach to the Hispanic community. C. 2025-2026 Operating and Capital Budgets Ms. Godeski reported that the operating budget increased by $20,000, bringing the total to approximately $32,000, which will go towards special events. The Common Council approved $100,000 allocation for Art in Public Places, intended primarily for public art initiatives such as the Route 1, Connecticut Ave. underpass. Funding through NEA grants is currently uncertain; the City will proceed with prioritized projects using committed capital funds. Further discussion took place regarding expanding the display of student artwork around City Hall. Ms. Grudin led the discussion, advising on specific areas. Ms. Matsuka discussed potential improvements to art installations and placards in SoNo, especially recognizing original artworks altered over time. VIII. ADJOURNMENT ** MS. GRUDIN MOVED TO ADJOURN. ** MS. MATSUKA SECONDED THE MOTION. **THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. The meeting adjourned at 7:17 PM. Respectfully submitted, Courtney Baldwin ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES JULY 8, 2025 VIA ZOOM VIRTUAL MEETING PAGE 3 Page 5 of 75 NORWALK Mural “Town Scape” featuring remarkable places of Norwalk historical buildings, streets, parks, beach. Address: Ely Street Mural Project Norwalk, Connecticut Project Idea, Description, Mission “Norwalk City Scape” is a project that presents a view of the cityscape of Norwalk and historical buildings of the city. These are also the moments from everyday life of citizens of Norwalk on the beach, in parks, on the streets, in cafes, captured scenes in the process of shopping, and the life of the city's business people. The mural will be done in the style of silhouettes (people, trees, and other objects), by using monochromic colors technique (several shades of blue, grey from light-blue sky to the darkest blue front line objects as peoples’ silhouettes etc). The adds of the objects in bright colors will make the art more vivid and unique. The mission of the mural is to capture the most characteristic moments from the life of the residents and to decorate Norwalk City (Ely street) with unique art. Project Size Estimate: 1. Mural Fence Size: Length 445ft Height 8’ ft _____________ 3,560 sq ft. - mural size Page 6 of 75 Page 7 of 75 Page 8 of 75 Page 9 of 75 Page 10 of 75 JAHMANE: Fabric of the City Ely Ave. Mural Installation Details Mural Inspiration and Concept. The inspiration for this mural installation is derived from a series of public art I call “Fabric of the City”. The artwork draws from the deep history of Gee’s Bend quilt makers and the communal connection of quilt-making societies. The use of bright, bold colors, abstract patterns, recycled elements, and historic references represents the diverse soul of the neighborhoods in which my murals are displayed. As a Norwalk native and past resident of the Roodner Court Housing apartments, I would often travel down Ely Avenue to this neighborhood to visit family in the area, play, buy penny candies, fresh fruit, and watch the trains go by. The Concept for my mural captures the essence of those times and hopefully will inspire current and future residents to cherish the community. Key Elements: Mural will be installed using up to 40 4x4ft weatherproof wood panels in a patchwork quilt style pattern. This will allow heavy winds to pass through more easily with less stress on the fencing Community engagement: I plan to partner with the Norwalk Library and use the South Norwalk Library to hold a series of workshops for public input. These workshops will allow the community to suggest names of respected individuals and historic references that may be added to the mural, as well as paint selective mural panels. I also plan to use the front of the library to temporarily display a few panels, bringing attention to the newly remodeled library and project. Page 11 of 75 Estimated Supply List: 30 sheets of KLEER ½ inch 4x8 panels from Rings End Paint supplies *see attached 5 roller handles / 20 medium nap roller covers 5 buckets w lids / small paint containers 20 large rolls of green frog tape 1 20 ft POD container Custom fabricated hanging brackets and hardware Approximate Budget / Cost Breakdown: $70,000.00 30 sheets of KLEER ½ inch 4x8 panels from Rings End 30 x $181 plus cutting and delivery ………………………….$7,000.00 Paint cost TBD / Approx with discount……………………….$2,500.00 Misc supplies, rollers, buckets, tape etc………………………$500 to $1000 Pod container for panel storage during project……………….$500.00 Bracket fabrication for panel hanging 30-35 set ups………,,,$2,000.00 Project assistant budget……………………………………..…$5 - $8,000.00 Lead Artist fee……………………………………………………$50,000.00 Page 12 of 75 Page 13 of 75 Page 14 of 75 Page 15 of 75 Page 16 of 75 FIVEFINGAZ – Illustration Process and Working files Page 17 of 75 Ely Ave Illustration Digital Work Process And Work-Flow • 10% - Sketchbook App • 30% - Illustrator • 60% - Photoshop Page 18 of 75 Hardware work setup • Mac Book Pro • Ipad • Wacom Cintiq Pro 24 Page 19 of 75 Original Ely Ave Illustration File Layers and build steps Physical sketch Digitize Sketch Refine black lines and Add color in Photoshop prep for color in and retouch book drawing In Sketchbook App Illustrator Page 20 of 75 Original Ely Ave Illustration File Layers and build steps Work in progress Original watermarked layered files are here Page 21 of 75 Repurposed train I created this train (and 4 others) in illustrator years ago for a video game I was hired to create. This one was not selected and never used. Vector file here Page 22 of 75 Background Art 2 Sketches mashed together Background I sketched for Illustrated a basic the gaming train visual brown wall as background for the factory Page 23 of 75 My Illustration History and career Page 24 of 75 Patch and assemble mural style I have used the patch work and assemble style for years in my illustration career – This style is useful for separating key images in the digital space to use for social media and/or print Page 25 of 75 New Proposed Version Will supply layered file upon request Page 26 of 75 New Version 3 Page 27 of 75 FIVEFINGAZ – INSPIRATION & SKETCH WORK Page 28 of 75 Inspo Page 29 of 75 Page 30 of 75 Page 31 of 75 Page 32 of 75 Page 33 of 75 Page 34 of 75 Page 35 of 75 Color exploration Page 36 of 75 Page 37 of 75 Locations Page 38 of 75 THANK YOU! Page 39 of 75 FIVEFINGAZ – INSPIRATION & SKETCH WORK Page 40 of 75 New Version – work in progress Page 41 of 75 New Version 2 – work in progress Page 42 of 75 Locations Page 43 of 75 Initial sketch book ideas More than happy to supply more if needed Page 44 of 75 Thought Starters Page 45 of 75 Inspo Page 46 of 75 Page 47 of 75 Page 48 of 75 Page 49 of 75 Page 50 of 75 Page 51 of 75 Color exploration Page 52 of 75 Page 53 of 75 Figure exploration Page 54 of 75 Page 55 of 75 Page 56 of 75 Page 57 of 75 Page 58 of 75 Page 59 of 75 Train sketch Page 60 of 75 Page 61 of 75 THANK YOU! Page 62 of 75 FIVEFINGAZ – Round 2 iterations Page 63 of 75 New Version 1 Page 64 of 75 New Version 1 Breakdown Page 65 of 75 New Version 1 Breakdown Page 66 of 75 New Version 1 Breakdown Page 67 of 75 New Version 2 Page 68 of 75 New Version 2 Page 69 of 75 New Version 2 Breakdown Page 70 of 75 New Version 2 Breakdown Page 71 of 75 New Version 2 Breakdown Page 72 of 75 New Version 3 Page 73 of 75 New Version 3 – work in progress Page 74 of 75 Proposal to Norwalk Arts & Culture Commission From: Brad Dancer, General Manager, WSHU Public Radio Subject: Commissioning Local CT Artists for WSHU Sticker Design Project Overview: WSHU Public Radio seeks to collaborate with the Norwalk Arts & Culture Commission to commission original artwork from two local Connecticut artists for use in a limited-edition sticker series for WSHU. Project Details: We are looking to award two unique sticker designs to be created by local CT artists. These designs will be used as promotional materials to engage listeners and supporters, celebrate the arts in our region, and brand collateral. • Design Parameters: o Stickers will likely be printed at approximately 4 to 6 inches o Designs may be any shape or layout, as they will be cut to shape. o Artwork should reflect the values of public radio: curiosity, community, diversity, and creativity. We are looking for fun, memorable and unique stickers that reflect WSHU & area we cover (CT & Long Island - Long Island Sound Region for the most part). visit WSHU.org for more background on our offerings/brand. o We welcome both illustrative and abstract approaches. o For submission, simple sketches and ideas will suffice • Compensation: o Up to two designs will be selected. o Each selected artist will be awarded $250 for their design from WSHU o WSHU will own the rights to the final design. We will promote the artists on our social media and potentially interview for air/podcasts • Eligibility: o Open to artists residing in Connecticut. o Artists from Norwalk and the surrounding region are strongly encouraged to apply. Timeline: Upon approval, WSHU will launch a call for submissions in collaboration with the Commission, with the goal of finalizing artwork and artist selections quickly (3-4 weeks) Page 75 of 75