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 Wes Flierl 7/1/28 ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION Wednesday, May 27, 2026 City Hall Council Chambers 31 Wakefield Street 6:00 PM MINUTES 1. Call to Order Pierce called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. 2. Roll Call The following members were present: Ashley Desrochers, Kris Ebbeson, Nathan Moyer, Nicole Lee, Shawn Pierce, and Wes F. Marie Lejeune and Debby Thompson were absent. 3. Approval of Minutes Desrochers MOVED to APPROVE the minutes of the March 25, 2026 Arts & Culture Commission 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. Annual Arts Awards Update Pierce reported that the subcommittee met in March and provided members with award recommendations, which were included in the meeting packet. Pierce noted that the nomination of Bartletts, submitted by Susan Rice, would not be considered because the business is no longer operating. It was also noted that Amanda would not be included because she is no longer affiliated with the Greater Rochester Camera Club. Desrochers stated that both nominees would remain eligible for consideration for two years should their circumstances change. Pierce requested discussion or a motion to accept the recommendations as presented. N. Moyer MOVED to ACCEPT the recommendations. Wes seconded the motion. The MOTION CARRIED by a unanimous voice vote. It was reported that Public Information Assistant Cassie Givara would contact award recipients and coordinate an informal presentation before the City Council. Once a Council date is established, Matt Wyatt will work with Nathan and Elyssa Moyer to plan a reception. Desrochers noted that Economic Development had funded reception expenses in previous years. Lee stated that he would explore possible funding sources. Pierce also discussed the possibility of working with a local potter to create award plates at an estimated cost of $20 each. Wyatt suggested that certificates be presented during the City Council recognition, with the ceramic awards reserved for the reception. Wyatt will contact Anthony regarding the awards, and N. Moyer will investigate possible venues for a June reception. 6. Artist Laureate Subcommittee Update N. Moyer presented a draft application form for the proposed Artist Laureate program, which was included in the meeting packet. Pierce suggested creating a fillable application form on the Arts & Culture Commission webpage. Wyatt agreed to prepare a web form and bring it back to the commission at a future meeting. Lee emphasized the importance of establishing a regular cycle for appointments and terms. Desrochers MOVED to ACCEPT the application form as presented. Ebbeson seconded the motion. The MOTION CARRIED by a unanimous voice vote. 7. Other Lee announced the return of the Concert on the Common series, beginning July 15 and continuing through the end of August. She also reminded members that the Lilac Family Fun Festival is scheduled for July 11. Ebbeson reported on an upcoming exhibition at her gallery featuring black-and-white photography by members of the Greater Rochester Camera Club. She also announced that she would not be continuing in her role on the Arts & Culture Commission. Desrochers mentioned a local yard sale fundraiser benefiting charity in June. Wyatt provided an update on public art initiatives being undertaken by the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts. Desrochers expressed concern about dumpsters being placed in front of public murals and encouraged Economic Development Director Mike Scala to consider mural visibility when locating temporary waste containers. Lee reported on an elevator improvement project at the Rochester Recreation Department that will feature artwork depicting a downtown Rochester scene. 8. Adjournment Desrochers MOVED to ADJOURN the meeting. Ebbeson seconded the motion. The MOTION CARRIED by a unanimous voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 6:41 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Matt Wyatt