Arts and Culture Commission

MEMBERS Ashley Desrochers (Chair) 7/1/27 Debby Thompson (City Council) 01/28 Marie Lejeune 7/1/28 Shawn Pierce 7/1/26 Nicole Lee 7/1/27 Kristin Ebbeson 7/1/26 Elyssa Moyer 7/1/28 Nathan Moyer 7/1/27 ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION Wednesday, February 25, 2026 City Hall Council Chambers 31 Wakefield Street 6:00 PM MINUTES 1. Call to Order Pierce called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. 2. Roll Call Public Information Assistant Cassie Givara took a silent roll call. The following members were present: Ashley Desrochers, Kris Ebbeson, Elyssa Moyer, Shawn Pierce, and Debby Thompson. Nicole Lee, Nathan Moyer, and Marie Lejeune were absent. 3. Approval of Minutes Pierce MOVED to APPROVE the minutes of the January 26, 2026 Arts & Culture Commissions meeting. Ebbeson seconded the motion. The MOTION CARRIED by a unanimous voice vote. 4. Public Input There was no one present for public input. 5. Election of Officers Pierce reported that this item had been tabled at the prior meeting due to the absence of several members. The committee discussed the potential of putting together a nominating committee. Pierce suggested reaching out to members to gauge any interest in self-nomination. Any communication could also include additional information on the roles and what they entail. This item will be held over until the April meeting. 6. Annual Arts Awards Update  Pierce announced that the commission has still only received a single nomination for the Annual Arts Awards, and it was felt that this nominee was not sufficient. The committee briefly discussed the qualifications of the current nominee. The deadline for submissions will be extended by an additional month, until the end of March, to allow for more submissions. There was a discussion on methods to solicit nominations, such as posting examples and descriptions of prior winners and potentially recording a podcast with a previous recipient. Members discussed how nominees could qualify and the eligibility requirements. There was discussion regarding the nominations process. Members discussed self- nomination or nomination by members of groups with which they are associated. It was stated that this type of personal conflict due to members’ associations or involvement with a nominated group/organization could cause a negative perception and distrust in the integrity of the awards. 7. Artist Laureate Subcommittee It was stated that Lejeune and N. Moyer are on the subcommittee, but there have been no meetings and there is no update at this time. 8. Other Ebbeson announced that artist Ross Bachelder has art exhibited at Riverstones in the Franklin Gallery, and the show has been held over into March. Pierce reported that he had met with the general manager of the new 1875 House hotel downtown. The manager has indicated they would like to highlight local art and artists and potentially have a gallery space within the hotel. The details have not yet been determined regarding whether it would be rotating art or a static exhibit, but they are open to suggestions and ideas on the potential of integrating local art into the property. Pierce offered hotel contact info for those interested. There was question regarding whether Mayor Grassie would update the commission regarding the art initiatives he had brought forward at the prior meeting, particularly the potential reimagining of the Courthouse as an art and performance space. Pierce stated that the proposal was just in the idea stage and the Mayor still needed to gauge support levels on this potential use and determine how to keep the project tax payer neutral. There was a brief discussion on the proposal of the courthouse as an art facility. Desrochers pointed out that an indoor performance space would be aligned with the Arts & Culture Master Plan, and the ACC’s mission is to support such initiatives. The Mayor may be looking to form an investigative commission to gather information and explore options. 9. Adjournment Ebbeson MOVED to ADJOURN the meeting. The MOTION CARRIED by a unanimous voice vote. The meeting was adjourned at 6:25 PM. Respectfully Submitted, Cassie Givara Public Information Assistant