HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-07-2013 (2)City of Auburn Arts Commission, City Hall Annex, One Main, Conference Room 2
Tuesday, May 7, 2013 Meeting Minutes
Present: Nancy Colson, Cary Davidson, Nickole Evans -Buck, Heidi Harris, Patricia Judd, DeNae McGee,
Leslie Moore, Dan Norman, Ronie Schwend, Greg Watson, Laura Westergard, Council Liaison: Rich
Wagner Arts Coordinator Maija McKnight, Arts and Events Manager Julie Brewer. Excused: Colleen
Maloney,
Guests: Steven Bailey, Auburn Library King County Library System
Scot Pondelick
I. Call to Order, Approval of Minutes, Introductions and Approval of Minutes:
Chair Ronie Schwend called the meeting to order at 4:30 pm. Commissioner Norman moved to approve
the April 2013 meeting minutes. Commissioner Moore seconded the motion. All approved. Motion
approved.
II. Auburn Library, King County Library System
Maija McKnight introduced Steven Bailey, Auburn, Algona and Muckleshoot Managing Librarian for the
King County Library System. Steven provided an overview of upcoming programs and events offered by
the Library. Outlining a variety of audience - specific programs and KCLS initiatives, many future
collaborative opportunities were identified. Commissioner Wagner mentioned a previous discussion of
installing artwork on the `berm' in the new Library parking lot. Councilmember Rich Wagner also noted
that there was the potential to have Library promotional materials at City public buildings, such as the
Annex Service Center. Commissioner Colson complimented the new placement with the Library remodel
of the public artwork Dennis Evans and Nancy Mee's "Mnemosyn's Opus" inquired if there was any
information on site for people to learn more. Steven Bailey noted he knew there used to be a brochure
flyer describing the artwork, and would see if it was still available. McKnight noted the success of
partnership with the variety of programming offered in conjunction of BRAVO's Pride and Prejudice
performance in February 2013. Discussion continued.
III. Public Art
Staff Maija McKnight provided an overview and update of the variety of public art projects that are
ongoing and upcoming.
• Community Center
This project was initiated in 2009 and contracted with Virginia Paquette. The construction has
been delayed, but the Artists contract was just reinitiated for completion of an artwork that will be
designed for the space, but able to fit into another location if needed. This is an interior artwork
that is a wood relief sculpture. Her new contract identifies completion of the project by the end of
the 2013 calendar year.
• Lea Hill Park
Michael McLaughlin was commissioned last year to create a site - specific artwork for the new Lea
Hill Park. A whimsical bronze calf will be shipped and installed the last two weeks of June.
Photos were distributed that showed the calf in- process as well as an illustration of the additional
security measures.
• Centennial Park — The Long Look
This iconic artwork was vandalized and stolen in 2012. The City is insured and was able to re-
contract Brad Rude to re -cast the Deer. The deer has been cast, and the bronze log that has
been in storage at the Cemetery is being picked up next week and taken to the Walla Walla
foundry to be attached and additional security measures installed.
• Murals
As part of Clean Sweep on May 4, 2013 a group of volunteers spent the day cleaning and re-
painting the heavily vandalized (graffiti) mural on A Street Bridge, adjacent to the White River
Trail. This mural is over 300 feet in length and was painted in 2011 as an artist -in- residence
program with Auburn Riverside High School that was supported by the City of Auburn.
We have the potential to partner with Urban Artworks and King County VEST Program for the
creation of a mural this summer. We have worked with them on two prior occasions, and is a 8
week program that works with youth and results in a high quality mural. Initial conversations are
in- process both with Urban Artworks and a potential mural site. This will be discussed at a future
meeting.
Outdoor Sculpture Gallery
Staff asked for feedback and discussion around the inaugural year of the Outdoor Sculpture Park.
Commissioner McGee noted what an asset the sculpture is to the Downtown Core and
commissioners inquired to potential growth of the program to include more than the current seven
sculptures. Councilmember Rich Wagner noted that information about each artist would be
beneficial to have adjacent to each of the sculptures. Staff shared the current ranking of the
popular vote and noted that the voting would close in August at which time the artwork would be
evaluated and a site location determined for permanent placement.
Budget
The Capital Improvement funding for Public Art Projects for 2013 is currently $20,000. The
commission was asked if it was their recommendation to roll over the funds to 2014 to be added
to the 2014 of $30,000 for a total of $50,000 for a potential public art project in 2014. Discussion
noted that $20,000 for a commissioned work of public art is a very small amount in the field and
without having a project in mind would be advisable to roll over and plan for a larger scale project.
Commissioner Leslie Moore moved to roll -over the funds which will be added to the 2014 budget.
Commissioner Heidi Harris seconded the motion. All approved. Motion approved.
IV. Updates and Upcoming Events
Staff Maija McKnight provided a verbal listing of upcoming events and important dates. Commissioner
Watson and Colson noted that they had attended the Poetry at Station Bistro program which has a
growing and dedicated audience. Commissioner Watson described the Nihon/WA exhibition at the White
River Valley Museum, the opening that occurred on April 23, 2013 and the great media coverage in the
Tacoma News Tribune and the Seattle Times in which the exhibit has been featured. Commissioner
Westergard invited all commissioners to the 3rd Annual Art Walk and distributed postcards and also noted
the upcoming June 14, 4 -8 pm, City Birthday Celebration that will be in Downtown Auburn.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:50 pm
Respectfully submitted, Maija McKnight