HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-10-2001Auburn Arts Commission
Monday, Dec. 10, 2001
MINUTES
Commissioner's present: Herman Ansignh; Anne Baunach; Kristen Brock; Paul
Dodsworth; Bonnie Egbert; Don Gardner; Steve LePenske, chair; Barbie Sharrard; Pam
Smith; John Stanphill
Commissioners absent: Lynn Norman and Genie Sprenger (both excused)
Staff present: Susan Sagawa, cultural programs manager, Loft Patrick, cultural programs
specialist
Visitors: Linda Cowan, Auburn School District Superintendent
Chair Steve LePenske called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.
I. Introductions and approval of November minutes
A. Presentation by Auburn Schools Superintendent Linda Cowan
LePenske introduced Auburn Schools Superintendent Linda Cowan who was in
attendance to give a presentation to the commission on the school district's upcoming
ballot propositions on Feb. 5, 2002. Two propositions will appear on the ballot:
Proposition No. 1, an educational programs and operations levy, and Proposition No. 2, a
$54-million bond issue to fund the construction of a third comprehensive high school,
which would include a 400-seat theater.
The levy is required to maintain current instructional programs and services. Levy
dollars support programs that are not funded or are only partially funded by the state.
Levy dollars pay teacher and support staff salaries, maintenance and custodial services,
vocational instruction, athletic activities and programs such as debate, band, choir and
drama, Cowan explained.
If approved, the bond proposition will fund the construction of a high school on 40
district-owned acres in the Lea Hill area. The school would open in 2004 and house
1,500 students. The proposed high school would eliminate overcrowding as well as
accommodate future growth. The proposition was on the ballot two years ago, but failed
by 56 votes. To pass, it must have a 60-percent supermajority, Cowan said.
B. Letter of appreciation to Mayor
LePenske read a draft of a letter thanking Mayor Chuck Booth for his support of the arts
during his eight years of service to the City. Commissioners approved the letter and
signed it for inclusion in a scrapbook he will receive upon his retirement.
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Arts Commission
Dec. 2001 Minutes
Page 2
C. Minutes
Commissioner Paul Dodsworth moved that the November minutes be approved as
mailed. Commissioner Bonnie Egbert seconded the motion.
MOTION APPROVED
Due to a lack of a quorum at the November meeting, Commissioner Don Gardner moved
that the October minutes be approved as mailed. Commissioner Dodsworth seconded the
motion.
MOTION APPROVED
II. City Hall Gallery exhibitions for 2002, slides and calendar
Susan Sagawa presented slides of the work of artists selected to exhibit in the City Hall
Gallery in 2002. The new Senior Center also has wall space to show the work of artists
featured in the City Hall Gallery. Sagawa said it's hoped that the late-summer gallery
exhibit of studio work by artists commissioned to complete work for the Sound Transit
Plaza could also include temporary outdoor sculptures at City Hall and in the completed
plaza. Commissioners discussed the possibility of a temporary, outdoor sculpture garden
in the plaza.
Sagawa said the Friends of the Auburn Library has issued a call for artists for a $5,000
public art piece in the children's section of the library. The theme is the train. The
Friends raised $2,500 and Old Navy contributed $2,500 based on the number of children
who participated in the City's annual Fourth of July Parade. Sagawa will serve on the
library's artist selection panel.
III. Display case at Sound Transit Garage
Commissioners reviewed a mock-up of artwork that will appear in an arts commission
display case at the new six-story Sound Transit parking garage scheduled to open later in
the month. The enclosed display case is 48" by 70". The lit and heated case is in the
high-traffic foyer of the parking garage, near the elevator and cash machine. Hundreds of
people will pass by it during the morning and afternoon commutes. Staff commissioned
the design ora large-fonnat, color backdrop promoting the BRAVO! Series. It reads "No
Commute Necessary." Three smaller posters sit on top of the large backdrop and feature
upcoming BRAVO! events by Seattle Opera, The Peking Acrobats and Lelavision. The
display case will change in February to promote the Auburn Symphony concert.
Potential future displays could feature the work of the Sound Transit photographer in
residence, the work of artists designing public art for the plaza and garage.
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Arts Commission
Dec. 2001 Minutes
Page 3
IV.
Reflections of 2001 Arts Commission programs and
nomination of 2002 chair
Commissioners discussed highlights of the last year including the growth in public art,
the new arts in education program in conjunction with the Auburn School District and the
increasing ethnicity in BRAVO! programs and summer concerts.
As outgoing chair, LePenske said he is particularly appreciative of the commission's
energy, leadership, vision and ability to reach consensus.
Because Commissioners Pam Smith and Bonnie Egbert served as co-chairs in 2001, the
commission voted to determine the chair in 2002. The commission elected Pam Smith
chair.
Commissioners Herman Ansingh, LePenske and Smith will meet before the January
meeting to nominate a candidate for vice chair. The commission will elect a vice chair at
the January meeting.
Commissioner Dodsworth moved that a formal process for electing officers be on the
January agenda for discussion. LePenske seconded the motion.
MOTION APPROVED
V. Other Business
There was no other business. The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. The next regular
meeting is Monday, Jan. 14, 4:30 p.m. in Conference Room 1.