Arts Commission
Regular MeetingNorwalk, CT · October 4, 2022
Minutes
CITY OF NORWALK
ARTS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
October 4, 2022
I. CALL TO ORDER
Board: Chairman Marc Alan, Brian Kaspr, Elizabeth Tardif, Ava Jacobs, Janet Evelyn,
Melissa Matuska, Bob Abriola (6:15), Nori Grudin (6:30)
Staff: Sabrina Church
Other: Mj and Josh Lindo, Geraluz and Werc Lozano, Ernesto and Hilary Maranje, Sonny
Behan
Chairman Alan called the meeting to order at 6:05. A quorum was present.
II. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
There was no public participation.
III. ADMINISTRATION
Approve the minutes of the August 2, 2022 regular meeting.
**** Mr. Kaspr moved to approve the minutes of the August 2, 2022 meeting.
**** Ms. Tardiff seconded the motion.
**** The motion passed unanimously.
IV. NEW BUSINESS
a. Review of Monroe Street Bridge proposals
Mr. Kaspr confirmed that we now have four artists putting together final proposals for the mural.
Mr. Kaspr invited four of the artists to the meeting so the board can address any questions or
concerns now.
City of Norwalk
Arts Commission
Regular Meeting
10/4/2022
1
Mr. Kaspr introduced Mj and Josh, two artists from California who presented their concept for
the mural. Mj presented the artists’ background and experience. She then presented their
preliminary design ideas and the meanings behind them. Their budget is roughly $50,000.
Mr. Kaspr asked about how long it would take them to paint the works. Josh estimates that it
would take about a week.
Mr. Alan how they came up with the costs for travel and lodging. Mj said these estimates were
based on their past experience traveling for work.
Both Mr. Alan and Mr. Kasp really liked the image of the girl laying down because it was
compelling and unexpected in the scale and image.
The second artist to present their concept is Ernesto Maranje, based in Florida. Hilary,
Ernesto’s wife, gave the presentation. She presented his background and his design concept
for the design.
The main subjects are gorillas doing what humans can relate to and Weaver birds. Organic
materials, ie leaves and plants tie the different sides of the mural together.
Ms. Tardiff said she loves the presentation of wildlife in a city setting. All agree that using the
trusses really ties the two sides of the underpass together.
Mr. Maranje said the apes were chosen because they are so close to us. We are the fifth ape in
viewing the work.
The budget is about $50,000.
The third artist to present is another artist from California, Sonny Behan. His intention was to
honor the city and the community. The focal point are a pair of eyes on each side, one side are
bobcat eyes and the other side are a child’s human eyes. He would like the human eyes to
represent a resident of Norwalk. The two eyes are looking at each other. Surrounding the
realistic images are abstracted color.
The budget is about $40,000.
The last artists to present are Geraluz and Werc from Brooklyn. Their concept incorporates local
elements of nature interacting with human eyes set on a geometric pattern that pays tribute to
the indiginous people of the land.
City of Norwalk
Arts Commission
Regular Meeting
10/4/2022
2
The colors were meant to transcend the space of reality. They are meant to open up the space
and draw attention in the dark underpass. They were designed to create different patterns with
RGB lighting.
The budget is roughly $50,000 with additional costs to add additional spaces.
The average lifecycle for a mural like this is five to ten years. It is subject to variance in weather
which can cause damage, however, since it is in an underpass there is little sun damage.
Mr. Kaspr made the point that all of these artists are experienced muralists. They are willing to
take direction on content, and budgets are somewhat negotiable. There are opportunities to
save money by prepping the wall for the artists, etc.
b. Approve the proposed traffic graphic boxes
Mr. Abriola is a member of the Saint Phillips Artist Guild (SPAG) who are designing the traffic
boxes. They are experienced in designing and producing these boxes.
The design presented nods to conservation, and each side of the box has a bold graphic of a
different local bird in bright saturated color.
****Ms. Tardif moved to accept this design.
****Ms. Grudin seconded the motion.
****The motion passed with Mr. Abriola abstained.
The second box design presented was from David Shockley. It is an abstracted design on a
blue background, with two small figures in the upper right corner. The abstraction is fine, but
the two figures are the organization’s logo which is problematic.
****Mr. Kaspr moved to table a decision on this box pending a discussion of the design.
****Ms. Evelyn seconded the motion.
****The motion passed unanimously.
City of Norwalk
Arts Commission
Regular Meeting
10/4/2022
3
V. COMMITTEE STAFF UPDATES
a. Budget Committee Update – Nori Grudin
Ms. Church presented the budget. The next expense will be installing the hanging systems in
City Hall. The Mayor’s Gallery showing will cost money as well. There is money left for curating
more events in person. The committee should spend the entire budget. They have applied for
a grant for a part time employee to help with all the art commission projects.
There will be money left over after lighting the MLK boulevard which can be used to light the
new mural.
All together there is about $75,000 left for the year.
There was discussion about the Yankee Doodle Garage updates. It is being painted and new
lighting is being added, but the Arts Commission is not included in this project.
b. Communications Committee Update – Marc Alan
Mr. Alan would like to bring back the Art Speaks in person event. This would be a regularly
occurring event to bring the art community together.
c. Infrastructure Committee Update – Brian Kaspr
i. Route 1/West Ave Bridge Art – Sabrina Church
The committee has not yet met. The next steps are to collect all the mural proposals and make
a decision. The final choice will go to the Mayor’s office. It will also need to go through the
Parks and Recs department or the Economic Development Committee to approve the contract.
The goal is to start painting in the late spring.
The next project to be addressed will be the underpass across the street from Matthews Park.
The first steps will be measuring the space. The budget ask will be included in next year’s
budget.
The final project will be to clean up the Vines; remove shrubbery, make them more visible and
update the look.
City of Norwalk
Arts Commission
Regular Meeting
10/4/2022
4
VI. OLD BUSINESS
There was no old business.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
***Ms. Grudin moved to adjourn the meeting.
***Mr. Abriola seconded the motion.
***The motion passed unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 8:15.
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Chaple
Telesco Secretarial Services
City of Norwalk
Arts Commission
Regular Meeting
10/4/2022
5
Agenda
ARTS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2022 – 6:00 - 7:00 PM
AGENDA
To allow public access, anyone may access a meeting by telephone or Zoom. Specific
instructions and links can be found at www.norwalkct.org/meetings.
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Please find the information using the link above.
Members of the public who wish to provide "live comments" will need to register in advance
and 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 call on by the host of the
meeting during the public comment section. 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 read into the record, they
should be submitted at least three hours in advance of the meeting start time. Please email
Maritza Alvarado at malvarado@norwalkct.org to provide written public comment prior to
the meeting.
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL
III. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
IV. ADMINISTRATION
a. Approve the minutes of the August 2, 2022 regular meeting.
V. NEW BUSINESS
a. Review of Monroe Street Bridge proposals.
b. Review of City Art Projects
c. Approve the proposed traffic graphic boxes
VI. COMMITTEE/STAFF UPDATES
a. Budget Committee Update – Nori Grudin
b. Communications Committee Update – Marc Alan
c. Infrastructure Committee Update – Brian Kaspr
i. Route 1/West Ave Bridge Art – Sabrina Church
Page 1 of 2
VII. OLD BUSINESS
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
Page 2 of 2
CITY OF NORWALK
ARTS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
August 2, 2022
I. CALL TO ORDER
Board: Chairman Marc Alan, Brian Kaspr, Nori Grudin, Elizabeth Tardif, Bob Abriola, Eva
Jacobs, Janet Evelyn, Melissa Matuska (7:00), Steven Rust (7:00),
Staff: Sabrina Church,
Other: Donna Schlegel, Ash Nichols
Chairman Alan called the meeting to order at 6:03. A quorum was present.
II. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
There was no public participation.
III. ADMINISTRATION
Approve the minutes of the June 7, 2022 meeting.
**** Mr. Abriola moved to approve the minutes of the June 2, 2022 meeting.
**** Mr. Kaspr seconded the motion.
**** The motion passed with Ms. Jacobs abstaining.
IV. NEW BUSINESS
a. Approve the donation of the Dragon Boat to the City of Norwalk and its suggested
placement.
Ms. Church reported that the South Norwalk Business Association, the original owner, has
closed. Ms. Church confirmed that the original owner and the artist need to sign over the rights.
The legal department's plan is to find a former officer of the South Norwalk Business
Association to sign over the rights.
The next steps are to have the Arts Commission accept the donation and choose an appropriate
location to display the piece. After that, the Common Council will approve the acquisition.
City of Norwalk
Arts Commission
Regular Meeting
8/2/2022
1
Chairman Alan asked if an appraisal was necessary. Ms. Church confirmed that in this situation
an appraisal was not necessary.
Chairman Alan confirmed that the suggested location is the Community Room of City Hall.
However, the location is open to suggestions.
Ms. Schlegel gave a background on what dragon races were, and this piece in particular.
Ms. Schlegel confirmed that she had been a member and has gotten approval from all the
former members of the South Norwalk Business Association and the artist, Rand Arrowitz, to
make the donation. She gave a background of the artist and the piece itself.
Chairman Alan asked if signage giving the history could be included in the display. Ms.
Schlegal confirmed that there are funds available for this that have been set aside from the
business association.
There was discussion as to the placement, so as to maximize the amount of people who get to
see it. It was agreed to vote to approve that the piece be displayed in the lobby for a few
months and then moved to the Community Room.
Chairman Alan asked if there was any funding to maintain the work. Ms. Church confirmed that
there was a small budget for this.
****Mr. Abriola moved to accept the Dragon Boat donation.
****Ms. Grudin seconded the motion.
****The motion passed unanimously.
b. Design review for Traffic Graphic Box by artist Ash Nichols.
Chairman Alan confirmed that funds are available to decorate traffic boxes, however, specific
locations have not been approved. This box is not limited to the MLK Corridor.
Ms. Nichols presented two ideas for traffic box paintings. Ms. Nichols created colorful,
abstracted images of her impression of the people of Norwalk: friendly, welcoming, and colorful.
****Mr. Abriola moved to accept the first design with a change in the door number to 203.
****Mr. Kaspr seconded the motion.
****The motion passed unanimously.
City of Norwalk
Arts Commission
Regular Meeting
8/2/2022
2
c. Welcome of new member – Ava Jacobs
Chairman Alan introduced Ava Jacobs, a new committee member. The committee welcomed
her.
V. COMMITTEE STAFF UPDATES
a. Budget Committee Update
i. Finance update – Nori Grudin
The new fiscal year started on July 1, 2022. There is a budget of $16,500. There is also
a balance of $25,000 in the Art in Public Places budget.
There is also Capital Funding, which includes the MLK projects, in addition to the
$16,500. There is also grant money available.
Capital Funding will be sought to pay for inventorying, cataloging, archiving and valuing
the entire public art collection.
b. Communications Committee Update
i. Social Media update – Marc Alan
All social media for the Arts Commission needs to be generated from the commission
itself, it won’t be done by any city employee.
Chairman Alan invited Ms. Nichols to join the Communications Committee, she agreed.
c. Infrastructure Committee Update - Brian Kaspr
i. Art in Public Places RFQ and proposal update
Mr. Kaspr announced that the RFQ proposals have been narrowed down to two of the
three artists for the Monroe Street Underpass. Mr. Kaspr would like to have a total of
five artists submitting proposals, which would require an increased budget.
Artist number one is GERA Lozano. Mr. Kaspr shared images of their past work.
Artist number two is Ernesto Maranje. Again, Mr. Kaspr shared images of their past
work.
Mr. Kaspr presented the work of four more artists for the committee to choose the third
artist to be invited to submit a proposal.
City of Norwalk
Arts Commission
Regular Meeting
8/2/2022
3
Ms. Church confirmed that there is $75,000 available for this project. Mr. Kaspr would
like to keep the budget for this underpass under $50,000, and carry over the remaining
funds to larger projects in the future.
The committee agreed to offer the last paid proposal to artist number three.
iii. MLK Lighting Project update
Mr. Rust reported that there was an issue with the electrician, so there is nothing to
report on this at the moment.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
There was no old business.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
***Mr. Matuska moved to adjourn the meeting.
***Mr. Rust seconded the motion.
***The motion passed unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 8:00.
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Chaple
Telesco Secretarial Services
City of Norwalk
Arts Commission
Regular Meeting
8/2/2022
4
Norwalk Arts Commission FY 2022-23
Printing & Duplication
Account # 01-14-50-5221
Date Description Debit Credit Balance
1-Jul Beginning Balance $ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
Arts Commission FY 2022-23
Secretarial Services
01-14-50-5225
Date Description Debit Credit Balance
1-Jul Beginning Balance $ 2,100.00
26-Jul PO: Telesco Secretarial Services $ 1,500.00 $ 600.00
$ 600.00
$ 600.00
$ 600.00
Arts Commission FY 2022-23
Secretarial Services - Telesco Secretarial Services
01-14-50-5225/ PO# 02300351
Date Description Debit Credit Balance
1-Jul Beginning Balance $ 1,500.00
9-Aug Telesco Secretarial Services $ 130.00 $ 1,370.00
$ 1,370.00
$ 1,370.00
$ 1,370.00
Arts Commission FY 2022-23
Membership & Dues
01-14-50-5235
Date Description Debit Credit Balance
1-Jul Beginning Balance $ 100.00
$ 100.00
$ 100.00
$ 100.00
$ 100.00
$ 100.00
$ 100.00
$ 100.00
$ 100.00
$ 100.00
$ 100.00
$ 100.00
$ 100.00
Norwalk Arts Commission FY 2022-23
Advertising
Account # 01-14-50-5237
Date Description Debit Credit Balance
1-Jul Beginning Balance $ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
Norwalk Arts Commission FY 2022-23
Other Professional Services
Account # 01-14-50-5258
Date Description Debit Credit Balance
1-Jul Beginning Balance $ 7,800.00
11-Aug Michelle Rakowsky $ 500.00 $ 7,300.00
$ 7,300.00
$ 7,300.00
$ 7,300.00
$ 7,300.00
$ 7,300.00
$ 7,300.00
$ 7,300.00
$ 7,300.00
$ 7,300.00
$ 7,300.00
$ 7,300.00
$ 7,300.00
$ 7,300.00
Norwalk Arts Commission FY 2022-23
Business Expenses
Account # 01-14-50-5286
Date Description Debit Credit Balance
1-Jul Beginning Balance $ 1,500.00
2-Aug Brian Kaspr - reimbursement $ 174.00 $ 1,326.00
$ 1,326.00
$ 1,326.00
$ 1,326.00
$ 1,326.00
$ 1,326.00
$ 1,326.00
$ 1,326.00
$ 1,326.00
Norwalk Arts Commission FY 2022-23
Other Contractual Services
Account # 01-14-50-5298
Date Description Debit Credit Balance
1-Jul Beginning Balance $ 500.00
$ 500.00
$ 500.00
$ 500.00
$ 500.00
$ 500.00
$ 500.00
$ 500.00
$ 500.00
$ 500.00
Norwalk Arts Commission FY 2022-23
Other Operating Supplies
Account # 01-14-50-5329
Date Description Debit Credit Balance
1-Jul Beginning Balance $ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
Norwalk Arts Commission
Budget Summary
Dept Account Summary Original Balance Expenses PO Transfer In/Out Balance
011450 5221 Printing & Duplicating $ 1,500.00 $ 1,500.00
5225 Secretarial Services $ 2,100.00 $ (1,500.00) $ 600.00
Telesco Secretarial Services $ 1,500.00 $ (130.00) $ 1,370.00
5235 Membership & Dues $ 100.00 $ 100.00
5237 Advertising $ 1,500.00 $ 1,500.00
5258 Other Professional Services $ 7,800.00 $ (500.00) $ 7,300.00
5286 Business Expenses $ 1,500.00 $ (174.00) $ 1,326.00
5298 Other Contractual Services $ 500.00 $ 500.00
5329 Other Operating Supplies $ 1,500.00 $ 1,500.00
Business Development & Tourism
MLK BLVD ART FY 2020-21
09-21-1450-5777 PROJECT C0792
Date Description Debit Credit Balance
1-Jul Beginning Balance $ 50,000.00
Julio Pardo Creative - PO (Bal of $6,750 with
10-Feb correction) $ 10,500.00 $ 39,500.00
29-Oct Lauren Clayton Sarsoza - PO $ 26,500.00 $ 13,000.00
23-Feb Increase J Pardo PO (correction) $ 6,000.00 $ 7,000.00
Balance from closed po $ 2,500.00 $ 9,500.00
$ 9,500.00
Business Development & Tourism
MLK BLVD ART FY 2020-21
09-21-1450-5777 PROJECT C0792
Julio Pardo PO#2100690
Date Description Debit Credit Balance
10-Feb Beginning Balance $ 10,500.00
24-Feb Julio Pardo Creative - 1st payment $ 5,250.00 $ 5,250.00
14-Sep Julio Pardo Creative - 2nd payment $ 4,500.00 $ 750.00
23-Feb PO correction $ 6,000.00 $ 6,750.00
24-Feb Julio Pardo Creative - Final Payment $ 4,250.00 $ 2,500.00
Close PO $ 2,500.00 $ -
$ -
$ -
Business Development & Tourism
MLK BLVD ART FY 2020-21
09-21-1450-5777 PROJECT C0792
Lauren S. Sarsoza PO# 2200614
Date Description Debit Credit Balance
29-Oct Lauren C. Sarsoza PO $ 26,500.00
4-Nov Lauren C. Sarsoza - 1st Payment $ 13,250.00 $ 13,250.00
6-Jan Lauren C. Sarsoza - 2nd Payment $ 13,250.00 $ -
Business Development & Tourism
Art In Public Spaces Program
0922-3760-5777-C0804
Date Description Debit Credit Balance
1-Jul Beginning Balance $ 25,000.00
16-Aug Ernesto Maranje $ 500.00 $ 24,500.00
16-Aug Geraluz, LLC $ 500.00 $ 24,000.00
23-Aug Sonny Behan $ 500.00 $ 23,500.00
23-Aug Rough Edge Collective $ 500.00 $ 23,000.00
Business Development & Tourism
Art In Public Spaces Program
0923-3760-5777-C0804
Date Description Debit Credit Balance
1-Jul Beginning Balance $ 50,000.00
$ 50,000.00
$ 50,000.00
Capital Accounts
Summary of YTD Expenses and Account Balances
Description Department # Pro.# Original Balance Expenditures PO Avail. Bal.
MLK Blvd Art 0921-1450-5777 C0792 $ 50,000.00 $ 40,500.00 $ - $ 9,500.00
PO: Julio Pardo $ 16,500.00 $ 16,500.00 $ - $ -
Req: Studio 162, LLC $ 26,500.00 $ 26,500.00 $ -
Arts in Public Places Program 0922-3760-5777 C0804 $ 25,000.00 $ 2,000.00 $ 23,000.00
Arts in Public Places Program 0923-3760-5777 C0804 $ 50,000.00 $ 50,000.00