Public Art Commission
Regular MeetingSalem, MA · May 21, 2024
Minutes
Salem Public Art Commission
98 Washington Street
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
(978) 619-5685
DOMINICK PANGALLO
MAYOR
Public Art Commission
May 21, 2024
6:30pm
Meeting held remotely via zoom
MEETING MINUTES
Note: All proposals, presentations, and/or documentation to be reviewed and
discussed at this meeting can be viewed online at the following link:
https://bit.ly/SalemPACProposals
● Meeting called to order at 6:33 pm.
● Roll Call PAC: Norene Gachignard, Hannah Gathman, Becky Fisher, Gwendolyn Rosemond,
John Andrews.
Absent: Carly Dwyer-Naik, James Bostick.
Arriving Late:
Also Present: David Jaramillo, Joe Magarolas, Rick Rawlins, Dianna Dominguez, Odalis
Aguilar, Kylie Sullivan, Jessica Murdock, Kellie Fitzgerald, Scott Froeschl. Staff: Julie Barry,
Senior Planner; Aubrey Clark, Clerk.
● Meeting Minute Approvals
○ April 8, 2024 Minutes
Motion to approve the April 8, 2024 meeting minutes is made by John Andrews,
seconded by Norene Gachignard and passes 4-0, with one abstention by Hannah
Gathman.
○ May 6, 2024 Minutes
Motion to approve the May 6, 2024 meeting minutes is made by Hannah Gathman,
seconded by John Andrews and passes 4-0, with one abstention by Becky Fisher.
● Lesley University Student Design Project Update
Julie Barry introduces Leslie University project members, Joe Magarolas, Rick Rawlins,
Dianna Dominguez, and Odalis Aguilar. Joe Magarolas presents on final status of public art
project. Project focus placed on bilingual integration of Spanish and English language titles
and descriptions for public art pieces.
Presentation includes overview of Public Art Collection webpage. Joe Magarolas explains
challenges the group encountered with the project. Presentation includes cost estimate
breakdown for materials of proposed adjustments to public art boxes and public art pieces.
Presentation includes photographs of project members with display demos on-location.
Gwen Rosemond asks Joe Magarolas about text display on the mobile display of the Public
Art Collection site.
Julie Barry notes that the commission can vote to implement the team’s plan.
Motion to approve the signage design by John Andrews, seconded by Hannah Gathman and
passes 5-0.
Rick Rawlins notes that the signage material is currently available and ready to be applied.
● ArtBox Final Design Review
Julie Barry notes that many of the ArtBox artists are present as attendees. Julie Barry
presents the current design proposals.
Julie Barry presents a sketch of the proposal of artist David Jaramillo. David Jaramillo joins
the discussion to answer panelist questions about the colors and artistic significance of his
proposed piece.
Julie Barry moves on to present remaining ArtBox design proposals from the Mural Slam
process. Hannah Gathman inquires about Kellie Fitzgerald’s initial submission and its subject
matter of the Salem Fire. The panel discusses the piece and its revision. Images of proposals
are viewed one-by-one. Artists join the discussion to answer panelist questions.
Motion to approve all ArtBox designs by Hannah Gathman, seconded by Becky Fisher and
passes 5-0.
● Salem Arts Fest Community Art Project Update
Kylie Sullivan, Director of Salem Main Streets presents the final design of her group's
Community Art Project for Salem Arts Fest: Heart and Scroll. The project involves the
upcycling of cardboard material to create cardboard scrolls. A high school student is also
heavily involved in a leadership/organization role with the assistance of mentorship from
more experienced artists. Kylie Sullivan provides updates on the ongoing status of the
project and plans for the upcoming Arts Fest at Artist’s Row. The main focus of the project
will be a large spiral construct, to be built on Artist’s Row by June 6th. Plans are still in the
works to potentially store this piece for future use after construction.
This presentation was for informational purposes and did not require a vote for approval.
○ FY25 Budget Preliminary Planning Discussion
Julie Barry notes that June 2024 is the end of the city’s current fiscal cycle, and requests
notes from the commission reflection the last year’s budgetary application.
Hannah Gathman suggests that the PAC Mini Grant project funds could be more
effectively allocated towards larger projects, to have a greater impact on the city’s arts
community. John Andrews disagrees and states that lack of overall funding increases
significance of smaller funding sources like PAC Mini Grants. Julie Barry suggests that
PAC Mini Grant be limited to one time of year due to limitations in funding pool and
availability of qualified applicants. Becky Fisher notes support for smaller number of
larger grants to replace PAC Mini Grants. Becky Fisher also suggests more proactively
approaching artists/applicants. Hannah Gathman notes potential benefits of single
application period in fiscal year.
Becky Fisher suggests larger, more formal art installations downtown. Hannah Gathman
asks if the priority of the Public Art Commission should be the creation of larger single
projects or supporting smaller individual artists; the commission discusses this subject.
Julie Barry outlines the commission’s current budget: $25,000 for public art, $10,000 for
conservation maintenance, and $15,000 for downtown programming.
Hannah Gathman requests multiple potential budgets be presented to the commission
for selection. Julie Barry agrees to present possible budgets in June and requests that a
budget be voted for in July.
● Project Updates & Other Business
Julie Barry outlines current projects to the commission. Three applications for Old Town Hall
Exterior Project. Charlotte Forten project proceeding and installation should be on schedule
for September. The Arts Fest is on schedule to begin in June.
● Adjourn
Motion to adjourn is made by Hannah Gathman, seconded by Gwen Rosemond, and passes
5-0.
Persons requiring auxiliary aids and services for effective communication such as sign language interpreter, an
assistive listening device, or print material in digital format or a reasonable modification in programs, services,
policies, or activities, may contact the City of Salem ADA Coordinator, as soon as possible and no less than 2
business days before the meeting, program, or event.
Know your rights under the Open Meeting Law M.G.L. c. 30A § 18-25 and City Ordinance § 2-2028 through § 2-
2033.
Agenda
Salem Public Art Commission
98 Washington Street
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
(978) 619-5685
Dominick Pangallo
Mayor
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
Public Art Commission
Tuesday, May 21, 2024, 6:30 pm
Meeting will be held via Remote Participation
Important Announcement
Notice is hereby given that a meeting of the Salem Public Art Commission will be held via remote participation in
accordance with Chapter 2 of the Act of 2023. Specific information and the general guidelines for remote
participation by members of the public and/or parties with a right and/or requirement to attend this meeting can be
found below.
No in-person attendance of members of the public will be permitted, but every effort will be made to ensure that the
public can adequately access the proceedings in real time, via technological means. In the event that we are unable to
do so, despite best efforts, we will post on the city’s website an audio or video recording, transcript, or other
comprehensive record of proceedings as soon as possible after the meeting.
Recordings and presentation materials, if any, can be accessed using the Salem Public Art Commission website using
the following link and clicking on the date for the meeting you wish to view:
https://www.salemma.gov/node/3751/agenda.
Remote Participation Instructions:
Public participation for the Salem Public Art Commission meeting on the date and time listed above will be
conducted via a free remote participation platform called Zoom.
The City of Salem strongly encourages any parties who wish to participate in this meeting to download and familiarize
themselves with Zoom prior to the meeting.
For this meeting, members of the public who wish to watch, listen or provide comment during the meeting may do so
using one of the following methods:
Video & Audio Option 1: Follow this link or enter it into your web browser to join the meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89471946935?pwd=MHQ1TjNVa3djRGNISUJ1MWdKYzBlZz09
Video & Audio Option 2: Follow this link or enter it into your web browser to open the Zoom
website at https://zoom.us/join or open your Zoom Ap on your smart device. Then enter the
Meeting ID# 894 7194 6935 as directed on the webpage and click “Join”. Follow the on-screen
instructions to join the meeting. Meeting Password is SalemArts.
Audio ONLY – Dial 888-475-4499 (or 877-853-5257 if trouble connecting, both are Toll Free) to join the
meeting using your phone. When prompted, enter Meeting ID# 894 7194 6935 and follow the
instructions to join the meeting. Meeting Password is SalemArts.
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Public Comment Protocol:
During portions of the meeting in which public comment is permitted, members of the public who have “raised their
hand” in Zoom will be called on to offer comment. Members of the public who wish to address the
Commission or make a comment may do so only when called upon during the open public comment portion of the
meeting. When the time comes, the Commission Chair will announce that the floor is now open for public comment.
In order to raise a hand, members of the public using the Zoom computer or phone applications may click the “Raise
Hand” feature that can be found next to your name on the participants screen to ‘raise your hand’ then wait to be called
upon for comment. Please make sure to remember to turn your microphone on and unmute yourself before raising your
hand. Those participating by dialing in from their phones my also utilize the “Raise Hand’ feature of this platform by
pressing “ *9 ” on your key pad.
Alternatively, members of the public can email their comments/questions to jbarry@salem.com a minimum of 2
hours before the start of the meeting to have them read into record during the meeting by City Staff.
MEETING AGENDA
Tuesday, May 21, 2024, 6:30pm
Note: All proposals, presentations, and/or documentation to be reviewed and discussed at this meeting can be viewed
online at the following link: https://bit.ly/SalemPACProposals
• Call to Order & Roll Call
• Meeting Minutes Approval
o April 16, 2024 Meeting Minutes
o May 6, 2024 Special Meeting Minutes
• Lesley University Student Design Project Update
• ArtBox Final Design Review
• Salem Arts Fest Community Art Project Update
• FY25 Budget Preliminary Planning Discussion
o Identify Goals and Objectives
o Identify Core Programing
• Project Updates & Other Business
• Adjourn
Persons requiring auxiliary aids and services for effective communication such as sign language interpreter, an assistive listening
device, or print material in digital format or a reasonable modification in programs, services, policies, or activities, may contact the City
of Salem ADA Coordinator, as soon as possible and no less than 2 business days before the meeting, program, or event.
Know your rights under the Open Meeting Law M.G.L. c. 30A § 18-25 and City Ordinance § 2-2028 through § 2-2033.
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