Williamsburg Public Art Council - Jan 26 2026 (CANCELED)

City of Williamsburg Agenda Williamsburg Public Art Council Meeting Monday, January 26, 2026 @ 3:30 PM Stryker Center (Room 127), 412 N Boundary St, Williamsburg, VA 23185 Page I. CALL TO ORDER II. ELECTRONIC PARTICIPATION REQUEST a. Consideration and Approval of Remote Participation Request from WPAC 2 Member Barbara Vollmer WPAC - AIS - Remote Participation Request III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. November 17, 2025 3-4 WPAC - November 2025 Minutes - draft IV. CHAIR REPORT a. The Artist Garden Grand Slam 5 Artist Garden Flyer V. STAFF REPORT a. Financial Report b. Community Appreciation Day c. Musical Swings Update d. WATA Bus Wrap Contest VI. 2026 PLANNING a. Planned Installations Discussion VII. NEW BUSINESS a. Consideration and Approval to Conduct a Vote Sticker Design Contest in 6-8 Partnership with the City of Williamsburg Voter Registrar’s Office Agenda Item Summary 2026 Vote Sticker Design Contest Proposal - draft VIII. NEXT MEETING The next meeting is Monday, February 23, 2026, at 3:30 pm in Room 127 at the Stryker Center. IX. ADJOURNMENT Page 1 of 8 Meeting Date: 1/26/26 Staff Contact: Joanna Skrabala, Tourism Division Manager Agenda Item Wording: Consideration and Approval of a Remote Participation Request from WPAC Member Barbara Vollmer Background Information: Pursuant to the code of Virginia Section 2.2-3708, City Ordinance #24-08, and the WPAC Resolution #25- 01, Williamsburg Public Art Council Member Barbara Vollmer has requested to participate in the January 26, 2026, WPAC meeting remotely. The WPAC must approve this request by majority vote prior to Ms. Vollmer joining the meeting. Previous Action: - WPAC approved the FY26 Electronic Participation Policy at its July 28, 2025, meeting. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends that the WPAC approve the remote participation request from WPAC Member Barbara Vollmer. Sample Motion: I move that the Williamsburg Public Art Council approve the remote participation request from Barbara Vollmer for the January 26, 2026, WPAC meeting pursuant to the code of Virginia Section 2.2-3708, City Ordinance #24-08, and WPAC Resolution #25-01. Page 2 of 8 The Williamsburg Public Art Council met at 3:30 pm, Monday, November 17, 2025, in room 127 at the Stryker Center, 412 N Boundary Street, Williamsburg, Virginia. WPAC members present: Cash Arehart, Robert Currie, Pat Dent, Bill Hamilton, Anne Hunt, Elaine McBeth, Barbara Ramsey, Rachel Trichler, and Barbara Vollmer. WPAC members absent: Staff members present: Joanna Skrabala (Tourism Division Manager) and Sarah Seward (Economic Development Administrative Coordinator) I. Call to Order Mr. Currie called the meeting to order at 3:32 PM. II. Approval of Minutes a. October 27, 2025, WPAC Minutes Ms. Ramsey motioned to approve the October minutes as presented. Seconded by Ms. Trichler. Approved by Mr. Arehart, Mr. Currie, Mr. Dent, Mr. Hamilton, Ms. Hunt, Ms. McBeth, Ms. Ramsey, Ms. Trichler, and Ms. Vollmer. III. Chair Report Mr. Currie shared that Amy Ritchie, Community Affairs Manager for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, is contacting those who have been recommended to participate as readers at the tree-lighting event. IV. Staff Report a. 2026 Meeting Calendar Ms. Skrabala noted that the 2026 meeting dates are provided in the agenda packet. b. 2026 Vote Sticker Ms. Skrabala reported renewed interest from the Voter Registrar to have a Vote Sticker Contest for the 2026 Election. This project will open the possibility for collaboration with City schools and William & Mary. Page 3 of 8  V. 2026 Planning a. General Updates Ms. Skrabala shared that costs for the Living Lantern are still being finalized. The Musical Swings will go before the City Council at the December 11 meeting for approval. The contract is in the final stages of being drafted and should be completed by the December 11 meeting. The company is scheduled to conduct a site visit in late January/early February. b. Theme & Narrative Discussion There was a discussion about various methods for announcing the 2026 temporary installations, and it was agreed that a press release will be issued following the December City Council meeting. Ms. Skrabala reviewed the content schedule for the Musical Swings. Ms. Hunt asked how we can coordinate outreach for school field trips to the installation. Mr. Arehart recommended the program theme “The Williamsburg Public Art Council - Art Lives Here.” It was noted that having both a theme and sub-themes could create confusion, and that an overly specific theme might not align with the project’s intent. The program branding will be included in the upcoming press release. Ms. Skrabala inquired if there is anything additional that should be included in the press release. Mr. Currie suggested that background information on the WPAC’s evolution and previous projects should be provided. Mr. Arehart added that there should be a clarifying statement about project funding. VI. Next Meeting The next meeting is Monday, January 26, 2026, at 3:30 PM in Room 127 at the Stryker Center. VII. Adjournment Mr. Currie moved to adjourn the meeting at 4:25 PM. Seconded by Ms. McBeth. Approved by Mr. Arehart, Mr. Currie, Mr. Dent, Mr. Hamilton, Ms. Hunt, Ms. McBeth, Ms. Ramsey, Ms. Trichler, and Ms. Vollmer. _______________________________________________ Bill Hamilton, Secretary Page 4 of 8  GRAND SLAM Come and witness the best youth poets in the region compete for cash prizes! FEBRUARY 7, 2026 | 7:00 PM Hosted by Lacroy The Hennage Auditorium “Atlas” Nixon 301 S Nassau St, Free Admission! Williamsburg, VA 23185 Page 5 of 8 Meeting Date: 1/26/26 Staff Contact: Joanna Skrabala, Tourism Division Manager Consideration and Approval to Conduct a Vote Sticker Design Contest in Partnership Agenda Item Wording: with the City of Williamsburg Voter Registrar’s Office Background Information: The City of Williamsburg Voter Registrar’s Office is interested in conducting a Vote Sticker Design Contest in partnership with the Williamsburg Public Art Council (WPAC). During the current school year, students from selected schools would be invited to participate in the contest, and the winning designs would be used as official voting stickers in the 2026 election cycle. If approved, WPAC and City staff will coordinate with the selected schools to facilitate a contest for the following two vote sticker design categories: - “Future Voter” (grades K-5) - “I Voted” (grades 6-12) Submitted designs will be reviewed by WPAC to determine finalists for each category. The winning designs will then be selected through a public voting process. Estimated costs are minimal, with the Voter Registrar's Office covering sticker production and WPAC contributing funding for award plaques and certificates. A project proposal is included in the meeting agenda packet. Previous Action: N/A Staff Recommendation: Approve the project proposal, including the WPAC cost estimates. Sample Motion: I move that the Williamsburg Public Art Council approve the 2026 Vote Sticker Design Contest Proposal, in partnership with the City of Williamsburg Voter Registrar’s Office, including an amount of $250 from the FY26 WPAC budget for award plaques and certificates. Page 6 of 8  CITY OF WILLIAMSBURG – 2026 VOTE STICKER DESIGN CONTEST Overview The right to vote is a cornerstone of democracy, giving every eligible citizen a voice in shaping their community's future. In recognition of the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding—and the enduring significance of the right to vote—the City of Williamsburg invites local students to participate in a Vote Sticker Design Contest. Winning designs will be used as official voting stickers during the 2026 election cycle, promoting civic pride, youth engagement, and artistic expression. The Williamsburg Public Art Council and City of Williamsburg Voter Registrar’s Office will co-facilitate the contest, which will also serve as a pilot program to provide a framework for expanded Vote Sticker Design Contests in future years. Contest Goals Goals for the contest include: • Encourage civic engagement among young people; • Highlight student creativity and local talent; and • Create locally meaningful voting materials for the 2026 election cycle. Eligibility & Sticker Categories Students from selected schools serving the City of Williamsburg will be invited to participate in the Vote Sticker Design Contest, which includes two Vote Sticker categories. City staff will coordinate with the schools to publicize and/or facilitate the following: • “Future Voter” – Grades K-5 (1 Winners) o Matthew Whaley Elementary School (grades K-5) • “I Voted” – Grades 6-12 (1 Winners) o James Blair Middle School (grades 6-8) o Berkeley Middle School (grades 6-8) o Lafayette High School (grades 9-12) Additional Vote Sticker categories may be considered for future contests, including “First-Time Voter,” “Early Voter,” and “Absentee Voter.” Design Guidelines The application will include a template with design specifications and must be attached to each submission. The submitted designs should be nonpartisan and appropriate for all ages and must include the following: • Original artwork only; • Correct format and specifications, as outlined in the provided template; and • Designated sticker text (“Future Voter” or “I Voted”) -DRAFT- Last Edited: January 21, 2026 Page 7 of 8 Submission Requirements Applications and designs may be submitted via hard copy (mailed or dropped off) or electronically on or before the contest deadline and must contain the following: • Digital or paper submission of artwork using the provided design template (PDF, JPG, or PNG); • Application form, which includes the student's name, school, grade level, and a short statement about the artwork; and • Parent/guardian consent form. Judging Criteria & Process Once the contest has closed, the Williamsburg Public Art Council will review all submissions to select 5-7 finalists for each of the two categories. During this process, the artwork will be judged on creativity, originality, clarity, and visual impact at a small scale, while keeping the student’s age and grade level in mind. After WPAC selects its finalists, an online public voting process will determine the winners in each category. Awards & Recognition The two selected winning designs (one for each category) will be printed and distributed during the 2026 election season. The winners and finalists will be recognized on all City platforms. Plaques (winners) and certificates (finalists) will be presented by the Mayor during a Williamsburg City Council meeting. Proposed Timeline To coordinate with the schools and meet 2026 election cycle deadlines, the contest must launch and conclude during the spring of 2026. The following timeline is proposed: • Launch: April 13, 2026 • Submission Deadline: May 4, 2026 • Finalists Judging: May 18, 2026 (WPAC Meeting) • Public Voting: May 26 – June 9, 2026 • Winners Announced: Early July 2026 • Presentation of Winners: July 9, 2026 (City Council Meeting) • Sticker Use: 2026 Election Cycle Estimated Costs • Sticker Print Production (Voter Registrar’s Office): $500 • Plaques/Certificates (WPAC): $250 -DRAFT- Last Edited: January 21, 2026 Page 8 of 8