Arts Commission

City Hall Meeting Minutes 601 4th Avenue E Olympia, WA 98501 Arts Commission Contact: Stephanie Johnson 360.709.2678 Thursday, August 11, 2016 6:00 PM Room 112 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Hicks at 6:00 p.m. Parks, Arts & Recreation Associate Director Scott River was standing in for Ms. Johnson. 1.A ROLL CALL Present: 6 - Vice Chair Stacy Hicks, Commissioner Britta Echtle, Commissioner Diana Fairbanks, Commissioner Ron Hinton, Commissioner Kathy Murray and Commissioner Katie Nelson Absent: 3 - Chair Marygrace Jennings, Commissioner Susan Aurand and Commissioner Rick Perry OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE Planning Commissioner Jerry Parker 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was approved. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 3.A 16-0827 Approval of June 9, 2016 Arts Commission Minutes The minutes were approved. 4. PUBLIC COMMENT - None 5. ANNOUNCEMENTS Commissioners shared information about past and upcoming events. 6. BUSINESS ITEMS 6.A 16-0901 Percival Plinth Project Peoples’ Choice Award 2016 Mr. River shared the public vote counts and the rankings of votes received. Joie de Vivre by David Varnau carried the most votes with 84 out of 269. There was short City of Olympia Page 1 Arts Commission Meeting Minutes August 11, 2016 discussion about the voting numbers and where they came from. The question was raised about looking into electronic voting in the future, possibly from phones. The purchase of Joie de Vivre by David Varnau as the 2016 People's Choice Award recipient was recommended for approval and forwarded to City Council for consideration on August 23, 2016. 6.B 16-0902 Eastside Traffic Box Wrap Public Art Project The Commission reviewed all submissions. Discussion and closer review was made on about a half dozen pieces. The Commission was very pleased with the variety of submissions for the public to choose from. Commissioners wondered if there could be an exhibition of submissions following the public vote. The submissions were forwarded to City Council for consideration at the August 23, 2016 meeting. 7. REPORTS 7.A 16-0903 Commission Items 1.8 Artspace/Arts Center Support - Commissioner Hinton reported the October meeting may be a good time to invite Kris Tucker for an updated on Artspace/Art Center in downtown. There are several different moving parts at the moment. 1.12 Commission Retreat/Work Session - Vice Chair Hicks announced the retreat is scheduled for September 8 between 4:00-8:00 p.m. at The Harbor House. Agenda is being formed. 1.13 City Planning Efforts - No report. 2.b Public Art Assessment - Completed 2.c Arts & Heritage Day at the Capitol - February 8, 2017 The report was received. 7.B 16-0904 Community Events & Outreach Committee 1.2 Poet Laureate - Vice Chair Hicks shared a recommendation for a jury panel. The Commission was supportive of the names included. It was mentioned that alternates need to also be selected and to submit names to Ms. Johnson with ideas. A workshop for prospective applicants is scheduled for August 31 at 7:00 p.m. 1.3 Downtown Music Festival - Commissioner Hinton shared notes from a recent discussion with other interested individuals around the City. There is a lot to consider but it is exciting to be moving the discussion forward. 1.5 Encourage Art in Vacant Storefronts - The retreat will be a good opportunity to discuss options here with Heather Joy Helbach-Olds from Spaceworks Tacoma available. 1.10 Explore Creative District - No report. 1.11 Neighborhood Arts Support - No report. 1.15 Encourage Early Arts Education Opportunities - Commissioner Hinton shared a draft application for youth to apply to be a representative on the Arts Commission. He City of Olympia Page 2 Arts Commission Meeting Minutes August 11, 2016 requested edits be shared with him quickly in hopes this can move to the school early in the fall. 2.a Arts Walk 52 & 53 - 52 Completed. The report was received. 7.C 16-0905 Art in Public Places Committee 1.1 2016 Municipal Art Plan to City Council - Completed. 1.4 Music Out Loud - Commissioners recapped the recent General Government meeting and noted staff will be working to get a better understanding of expected fabrication costs. 1.6 Harrison/Black Lake Tree Guards - No report. 1.7 City Gateways - Commissioners noted that General Government will be recommending approval of the Master Plan RFQ to City Council. 1.9 Guidelines for Temporary Display of Art at City Hall & Programming - Commissioner Fairbanks shared information on temporary display of art at City Hall and distributed a draft. The Commission discussed residency requirements for participating artists. Commissioners decided model Poet Laureate requirements should include that artists live in Olympia or the Olympia Urban Growth Area. It was also decided that a curator does not need to be limited to those geographic areas. 1.14 Visual Enhancement of Downtown - No report. 2.d Traffic Box Mural Wrap Public Art Project - See Business Items. 2.e Percival Plinth Project - See Business Items. The report was received. 8. OTHER TOPICS Mr. River shared the Department’s position and purpose for moving forward with a conservation maintenance review of the City’s 28 exterior sculptures. Using outside expertise is consistent with the Department’s recent efforts to implement best practices and improve customer service and care of public assets. A third party review will provide confidence where we are currently strong and correct weak areas. Commissioners were generally supportive with the concept and will add it to the Retreat agenda for full Commission discussion. 9. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:28 p.m. City of Olympia Page 3