Williamsburg Public Art Council

City of Williamsburg Agenda Williamsburg Public Art Council Meeting Monday, April 27, 2026 @ 3:30 PM Stryker Center (Room 127), 412 N Boundary St, Williamsburg, VA 23185 Page I. CALL TO ORDER II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. March 30, 2026 2-4 WPAC Minutes - March 30 2026 - V2 III. CHAIR REPORT a. Recognition of Artistic Contribution for Dr. Hüseyin Uysal IV. STAFF REPORT a. "Swing By" Recap b. Vote Sticker Design Contest - Update c. Water Tank Beautification Project - Update d. Greater Williamsburg Sports & Events Center Tours e. Financial Report V. 2026 PLANNING a. Fall Project Proposal 5-6 WPAC - Bicentennial Park Project Proposal - draft VI. ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION VII. NEXT MEETING The next meeting is Monday, May 18, 2026, at 3:30 pm in Room 127 at the Stryker Center. VIII. ADJOURNMENT Page 1 of 6 The Williamsburg Public Art Council met at 3:30 pm, Monday, March 30, 2026, in Room 127 at the Stryker Center, 412 North Boundary Street, Williamsburg, Virginia. WPAC members present: Chair Robert Currie, Vice Chair Rachel Trichler, Cash Arehart, Bill Hamilton, Anne Hunt, Elaine McBeth, and Barbara Vollmer WPAC members absent: Pat Dent Staff members present: Joanna Skrabala (Tourism Division Manager) and Sarah Seward (Economic Development Specialist) I. Call to Order Mr. Currie called the meeting to order at 3:31 PM. II. Approval of Minutes a. February 23, 2026, WPAC Minutes Mr. Currie motioned to approve the February minutes as presented. Seconded by Ms. McBeth. Approved by Mr. Arehart, Mr. Hamilton, Ms. Hunt, Ms. McBeth, Ms. Trichler, and Ms. Vollmer. III. Chair Report Mr. Currie provided updates regarding upcoming Colonial Williamsburg Foundation events, noting that the Merchants Square Concert Series begins May 1. IV. Staff Report a. Musical Swings Installation Ms. Skrabala provided an update on the Musical Swings installation, noting that it has been completed. Daily Tous Les Jours was complimentary of the City’s collaboration. b. “Swing By” – A Musical Swings Event Ms. Skrabala shared plans for the “Swing By” event, noting that it will include: • Remarks from city leadership • A reading from the City of Williamsburg Poet Laureate, Lacroy Nixon • Ice cream from Baskin-Robbins • Information tables and activities from Williamsburg Downtown and the Williamsburg Regional Library (WRL) Page 2 of 6  • A live painting demonstration by William & Mary Visiting Scholar, Dr. Hüseyin Uysal c. Public Art Maintenance Plan Ms. Skrabala met with the Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center to discuss a public art maintenance plan. It was discussed that William & Mary may have some art students with the capacity to take on this project. d. Vote Sticker Design Contest – Update Ms. Skrabala shared a finalized plan for the Vote Sticker Design Contest. Matthew Whaley Elementary and Laurel Lane Elementary will submit designs for “Future Voter” stickers, and James Blair Middle School, Berkeley Middle School, and Lafayette High School will submit designs for “I Voted” stickers. The contest will launch on April 13 and close on May 11. The WPAC will select finalists at its May meeting, and public voting will be open May 26 through June 9. The two winning designs will be presented at the July 9 City Council meeting. V. 2026 Planning a. Living Lantern Ms. Skrabala shared that the estimated costs for the Living Lantern have increased. Ms. Skrabala recommends that this project be tabled temporarily and that the WPAC explore alternative options. b. Potential Projects Following the completion of the police station, the water tank has become significantly more visible. Ms. Skrabala noted that the Interim City Manager was approached by members of City Council to task the WPAC with a beautification project to improve the aesthetic of the water tower. Ms. Skrabala noted that she will engage with community members, including master gardeners, to explore options such as landscaping enhancements and a mural. Any mural concept would likely incorporate natural themes and should enhance the structure without being overly distracting. The project may require zoning amendments to permit murals on city-owned structures. Budget considerations were also raised and will need to be addressed as the project develops. Ms. Skrabala reported on having discussions with Visit Williamsburg about the potential for light installations in Bicentennial Park during the Christmas Market and a possible collaboration with the WPAC. After a brief discussion, the WPAC expressed interest in activating Bicentennial Park during slower times of the year, potentially in October, and exploring collaboration with An Occasion for the Arts. The project would most likely need to go out for bid. Page 3 of 6  VI. Roundtable Discussion Ms. Trichler inquired about the African American Heritage Trail medallions. Ms. Skrabala replied that she will inquire about the status. VII. Next Meeting The next meeting is Monday, April 27, 2026, at 3:30 PM in Room 127 at the Stryker Center. VIII. Adjournment Ms. Currie moved to adjourn the meeting at 4:28 PM. Seconded by Ms. McBeth. Approved by Mr. Arehart, Mr. Hamilton, Ms. Hunt, Ms. McBeth, Ms. Ramsey, Ms. Trichler, and Ms. Vollmer. _______________________________________________ Bill Hamilton, Secretary Page 4 of 6  -DRAFT- WILLIAMSBURG PUBLIC ART COUNCIL Temporary Public Art Installation – Bicentennial Park PROJECT OVERVIEW The Williamsburg Public Art Council (WPAC) proposes soliciting a temporary, medium to large-scale public art installation for display in Bicentennial Park from early October through mid-November 2026. This installation will be experiential and light-centric, designed to activate the park during evening hours and encourage increased visitation by residents and visitors alike. The project aligns with the City’s 2025-2026 Biennial GIOs, to “facilitate the expansion of public art by developing approved art installation locations” and “evaluating a temporary or rotating exhibit approach.” This furthers the City’s ongoing efforts to expand public art offerings, enhance placemaking, and create memorable, interactive experiences that contribute to Williamsburg’s cultural identity. Project goals are as follows: • Activate Bicentennial Park during afternoon and evening hours through a visually compelling and immersive installation; • Encourage community interaction and exploration through the installation’s design elements; • Increase visitation to the park and surrounding areas during the fall season; • Create a visually distinctive experience that encourages discussion and social media sharing; and • Provide an accessible experience that appeals to a broad audience of all ages and backgrounds. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The proposed installation will feature an existing or custom-built, light-based artistic environment. The product may incorporate LED lighting, projection, motion sensors, and/or other interactive technologies to create a dynamic experience that evolves as visitors move through or engage with the space. The artwork will be installed in Bicentennial Park, a passive park located at 320 Court Street, at the corner of Nassau Street and Newport Avenue, and minutes from Downtown Williamsburg. A brick walkway surrounds a peaceful green area. (Additional information about the park, including maps, will be included in the project RFP.) While the installation may draw inspiration from seasonal elements such as autumn colors or natural forms, it should not include overt Halloween themes, resulting in a broader, more universally appealing aesthetic. Coordination and/or collaboration with An Occasion for the Arts, a premier Williamsburg event, is encouraged. AOFTA is an annual event held in downtown Williamsburg during the first weekend of October. PROPOSED BUDGET The proposed budget for this project is $75,000 – $100,000. Updated April 22, 2026 - JOS Page 5 of 6  -DRAFT- Anticipated costs include all expenses for the artwork (i.e. rental fees/fabrication, installation), plus City- related costs (i.e., electrical upgrades, site work). Note: There is potential for a partner sponsorship with Visit Williamsburg. PROCUREMENT & ARTIST SELECTION On behalf of WPAC, City staff will draft and issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to identify qualified artists, designers, or public art firms with experience in mid to large-scale, outdoor, light-based installations. RFP requirements will include the following: • Installation narrative, including features and functionality • Images and/or renderings • Artist/firm qualifications and experience, plus two references • Portfolio of past work • Projected timeline, including assembly/disassembly plan • Ownership option (purchase vs. rental) • Basic budget breakdown • Technical needs and requirements • Insurance agreement Note: Due to current fuel and shipping costs, qualified local/regional artists and/or creative firms are preferred but not required. PROPOSED TIMELINE It should be noted that the timeline is rapid with tight deadlines and quick turnarounds. As a result, it is anticipated that existing installations will make up the majority of submissions. • May 2026: Issue RFP and select artist/team • June 2026: Select artist/team • July - September 2026: Project development and fabrication, as needed • Late September 2026: Installation • Early October – Mid-November 2026: Public display • Mid-November 2026: Deinstallation CONCLUSION This project offers the City of Williamsburg an opportunity to introduce a visually striking, interactive public art experience that enhances Bicentennial Park, supports tourism and community engagement, and builds on the City’s broader public art initiatives. Updated April 22, 2026 - JOS Page 6 of 6