HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-07-2009
City of Auburn Arts Commission City Hall Council Chambers
Tuesday, July 7, 2009 Meeting Minutes
Present: Nancy Colson, Pat Gallagher, Cary Davidson, Debby Deal, Amanda Flanery, Linda Elliott,
Leslie Moore, Donna Smart, Laurel Siegmund Councilmember Rich Wagner, Cultural Arts Manager
Laurie Rose, Visual/Public Art Coordinator Maija McKnight
Excused: David Sader, Pat Judd, Tanya Rottle
Guests: Greg Watson, West Auburn High School
I. Call to Order, Approval of Minutes, Introductions Approval of Minutes: Chair Nancy Colson
called the meeting to order at 4:35 pm. Ms. Colson called for approval of the June minutes.
Commissioner Linda Elliott moved the minutes be approved as submitted. Commissioner Leslie
Moore seconded the motion. Motion approved.
Chair Nancy Colson recognized Commissioner Cary Davidson for the recent article in the Auburn
Reporter recognizing him as the Prep Coach of the Year for his leadership of the Auburn's Mountain
View Soccer program.
11. Farmers Market Student Art Poster Competition
Cultural Arts Manager Laurie Rose reported that organizers of the Auburn International Farmers
Market solicited the help of the Auburn High School Career and Technical Education Department in
promoting the grand opening of the market with a poster design contest by students of the school's
Drawing I& II class. These one-of-a-kind compositions have allowed students to use various
principles of art created through elements of visual design from their exploration and studies in art
composition. The students have had the opportunity to help brand and launch a"real world" business
through their participation with Auburn International Farmers Market, creating a curriculum connection
they learned in the classroom to their local community. Discussion continued regarding the artwork,
the project, and potential future involvement of the Arts Commission.
III. Staff Reports
Visual/Public Art Coordinator Maija McKnight reported on the annual Good OI' Days art shows the
second weekend in August. The Youth Art Show has been moved to Auburn Avenue Theater Lobby
and will have an extended exhibit, July 13 - August 28. The Juried Art Show will be on display at City
Hall Lobby, August 4- 31. Volunteers are needed for various aspects of this project, and
commissioners are encouraged to attend the opening receptions for both art shows on August 6 in
the evening.
Ms. McKnight reported the maintenance on public artwork, "Every Year the Salmon Return" in
Roegner Park was completed last week. A contracted art conservation company sanded and
repainted the metal of the bench with protective coating, and replaced several of the bench boards
due to significant damage. Ms. Rose noted that this type of maintenance is necessary for an aging
collection, and the importance of a maintenance schedule to ensure that preventative maintenance is
completed to protect these works of art.
Ms. Rose reported that a letter will be going out to all BRAVO ticket buyers with an update on the
2009-2010 season schedule changes. The 2010 season of presentations will be announced later this
Fall.
IV. Committee Reports:
Performing Committee
Commissioner Linda Elliott reported that members of the Performing Committee would be meeting
with the City's Diversity Staff on July 15 to discuss potential performances in the Auburn Ave Theater
and to learn of their experience in coordinating the "Diversity Stage" that a part of the recent 4tn
of July Festival. ~
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Ms. Rose noted that on July 8th was the first of the Shades of Summer Concert series and
encouraged the commissioners attendance.
Art Education Committee
Commissioner ponna Smart asked the commission for feedback or comments regarding June's
commission meeting presentation by Arts Ed Washington Executive Director, Una McAlinden.
Discussion followed regarding the importance of arts education and the state of arts education in the
schools, particularly in elementary schools. Commissioner Leslie Moore noted that if the Arts
Commission chose to become strong advocates for Arts Education, she would encourage a focus on
how to support curriculum connections and focusing on the discipline of art education by ,
concentrating on the concepts, principles and design elements. Commissioner Moore also noted that
teacher training and professional development is an important element of Arts Education. '
Commissioner Nancy Colson noted that she appreciates the work that Una McAlinden has done
through Arts Ed Washington and noted the effectiveness of talking to the leadership and working from
top down to promote change.
Ms. McKnight provided an overview of the upcoming classes that are being coordinated through the
Cultural Arts Department as part of the "Art with Artist" series, as well as the creation of lesson plans
on several Public Art sculptures that we be included in the GRCC Interurban Center for the Arts Art
Docent Program.
Visual Art Committee
Ms. McKnight provided an overview of programming for the July 25`h ArtRageous: Artists in Action Art
Fair. Promotional postcards, posters, and electronic media are set to be distributed this week, and the
commissioners are encouraged to help spread the word. Ms. McKnight also circulated a volunteer
sign-up sheet for assisting throughout the afternoon.
Public Art Committee
Councilmember Rich Wagner provided an overview of Ordinance 6243, which addresses Public Art in
Auburn that is privately sponsored. Councilmember Wagner explained the intent, the administrative
provisions, as well as presented a flow chart to demonstrate the process in which a private developer
would follow. Ms. Moore noted that a handout or brochure outlining the ordinance for property
developers to review may be an effective tool to encourage the creation of privately owned public art.
Councilmember Wagner strongly agreed with this idea.
Ms. Rose noted that the Public Art Committee is working on a Downtown Art Plan, and that she has
been asked to present at the August 24 Planning & Community Development Council Committee
meeting to provide an update of the plan and proposed changes for Resolution 4323 (1 % for Public
Art on Capital Projects).
Ms. Rose introduced Greg Watson, who has been participating in conversations in the Downtown
Redevelopment Committee. Mr. Watson led a conversation regarding "unifying themes" of
characteristics that make Auburn unique. These themes can be adopted into design concepts for
public art projects and other capital projects, either developed by the City or by private developers,
which would highlight cultural reflections into our built environment. Discussion followed.
V. Other New Business
None Reported
Next Arts Commission Meeting - Tuesday, August 4 at 4:30 at Auburn City Hall, Room 3
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Laurie Rose