HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-07-2012City of Auburn Arts Commission, City Hall Annex, One Main, Conference Room 1
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 Meeting Minutes
Present: Greg Watson, Patricia Judd, Cary Davidson, Nickole Evans, Colleen Maloney, Heidi
Harris, DeNae McGee, Ronie Schwend, Deborah Deal, Dan Norman, Leslie Moore, Arts
Coordinator Maija McKnight, Arts and Events Manager Julie Brewer, Council Liaison Rich
Wagner Unexcused: Tanya Rottle
I. Call to Order, Approval of Minutes, Introductions and Approval of Minutes:
Chair Greg Watson called the meeting to order at 4:31 pm. Ronie Schwend moved to
approve the January 2012 meeting minutes and Dan Norman seconded the motion. All
approved. Motion approved.
Chair Greg Watson invited commissioners to introduce themselves to the newest
Commissioner, Nickole Evans, who was appointed by Council on Monday, January 6, 2012
and guest and Auburn's first Poet Laureate, Dick Brugger.
II. Dick Brugger, Poet Laureate of Auburn
Dick Brugger, Auburn's Inaugural Poet Laureate was appointed to the position in January
2012. With the three year term, Dick has various projects in the works to celebrate the
literary arts. Dick noted that one of the adjustments that he's had to personally make, is to
have a "poem in the hip pocket at all times ". Dick shared a poem with the commission and
described some current projects occurring or in planning.
• The Auburn Reporter has graciously agreed to host a "poets corner' once a month
featuring a new poem by Dick or a poem of his choosing.
• April is poetry month and is working with the Striped Water Poets Society to offer a
public program.
• Dick participated in Uniquely Auburn as part of the program
• Dick noted that he would be willing to go to various service clubs and /or into Schools
• Open invitation to the public to join the Striped Water Poets meeting that occurs
every Tuesday, 7 -9 pm in City Hall
Commissioner Watson noted that he would like to see literary arts intersect with other
program areas, namely integrating poetry as part of a public art project. Staff Maija
McKnight noted that there are potential plans for a Spring mural and discussion has begun
for including poetry in the mural. Staff Julie Brewer brought up "poetry in sidewalks" that
has been discussed by the commission throughout the past few months. A section of
concrete is being replaced at Les Gove Park and are planning to etch in a poem by Dick that
is related to the site. Commissioner Moore noted that poetry on the electric boxes in vinyl
may be a good addition to the existing designs on the utility boxes. Commissioners
expressed gratitude to Dick and applauded his efforts and work on behalf of the literary arts
in Auburn.
III. 2012 Visual Arts Programming Discussion
Staff Maija McKnight distributed the new publicity flier for the Visual Art Gallery program.
The design has been changed to be a quarterly flier instead of a year long brochure. This
more allows for flexibility to add visual arts programs throughout the year as well as to keep
the information up to date and have relevant and current programming being distributed.
Commissioner Norman inquired to why there was no reception for the current City Hall
exhibition, and Staff noted that hosting the reception is not required and is an option
available for the artist if they are interested.
Staff Maija McKnight provided an overview of the selection of artists for the upcoming year
at City Hall Gallery and Cheryl Sallee Gallery at the Auburn Senior Center. The selection
committee met in November and artists contacted and confirmed. McKnight also provided
an overview of other visual art programs including ArtRageous juried art show, Small Works,
Big Presents Juried Art Show (in partnership with the White River Valley Museum), a
Japanese Contemporary Art show at the White River Valley Museum in March 2013 (Greg
Watson is serving as guest curator for the show), Storefronts, Student Art Show, Plein Air at
the Farm, and Artists workshop on how to photograph your artwork.
IV. Updates /Announcements /Upcoming Events
o Maija McKnight passed out an introductory board packet including general
information on serving as a City Commissioner as well as the related Arts
Commission By Laws.
o Staff also circulated two artist temporary public art proposals in which staff submitted
for funding through the 4Culture, Site Specific Program.
o Commissioner Greg Watson noted the recent Local Arts Agency meeting that was
hosted at the Auburn Avenue Theater and welcomed 30 arts administrators from
throughout King County. Commissioner Watson provided an overview of the
meeting and noted that the main agenda item was a discussion led by Brian Borello,
an artist -in- residence for the King County Trails.
o Commissioner Patricia Judd raved about the recent BRAVO performance of
"Rhythmic Circus ".
o Staff McKnight provided a brief overview of the BRAVO shows that will be held at the
PAC for the 2012 -13 Performing Art Season, and invited suggestions and ideas of
performances that could be scheduled at the Auburn Avenue Theater.
o Staff McKnight attended Arts and Heritage Lobby Day on Wednesday, February 1,
2012 and was able to meet with Representative Cathy Dahlquist and Representative
Christopher Hurst.
o Commissioner DeNae McGee noted the Symphony concert on February 18 and 19,
2012
o Staff Maija McKnight noted that the March Commission meeting, the commissioners
are invited to visit the Auburn Valley Creative Arts Storefront space prior to the
meeting. The Storefronts manager, Matthew Richter, would then be on the agenda
for the meeting to provide an overview of the artist roster, discuss the program, and
answer any questions.
o Staff Maija McKnight also noted that the April meeting would be rescheduled from
April 3 d to April 10th in order to accommodate staff and commissioner absences due
to Spring Break.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:56 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Maija McKnight