HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-07-2015 MinutesCity of Auburn Arts Commission, City Hall Annex, One Main, Conference Room 1
Tuesday, July 7, 2015 Meeting Minutes
Present: Nancy Colson, Charlotte Gollnick, Patricia Judd, DeNae McGee, Ronie Schwend, Greg Watson,
Laura Westergard, Arts and Events Manager, Julie Krueger, Arts Coordinator, Maija McKnight, Arts and
Events, Arts and Events Assistant Kelsey D'Andrade. Excused: Cary Davidson, Jan Jensen, Colleen
Maloney, Dan Norman, Donna Smart
I. Call to Order, Approval of Minutes, Introductions and Approval of Minutes:
Chair Greg Watson called the meeting to order at 4:32 pm. Commissioner Schwend moved to approve
the March meeting minutes. Commissioner Watson seconded the motion. All approved. Motion
approved.
II. Public Art
People's Choice Purchase
Staff provided an overview of the process and rational of the "People's Choice" voting as part of the
Downtown Sculpture Gallery. Votes were collected online as well as in person at City Hall and at
related events. The open voting allows the public to participate in the selection process, encourages
the artists to promote Auburn and the art program, and allows the public art collection to grow by
purchasing artwork that is well received. Staff noted in 2015/16 Downtown Sculpture Gallery program,
the call to artists has been revised and the "People's Choice" will be changed to instead be a monetary
award, and that the votes will be one aspect of the decision making process, but the purchase will be
considered and recommended by the commission.
People's Choice Placement
A handout including a summary of the votes tallied as well as a detailed spreadsheet of votes was
circulated for review. The sculpture with 413 votes out of a total of 686 votes was the Silverware
Ostrich by Greg Bartol and Deborah Drillevich. The commission discussed this artwork and Nancy
Colson moved to approve the purchase of the Silverware Ostrich for $10,000, Laura Westergard
seconded the motion. All approved. Motion approved.
Staff provided a handout that included photographs and information with three separate potential
locations for permanent siting for the Silverware Ostrich. Discussion continued, and the commission
seeks to explore other locations for potential placement. The discussion was tabled until the August
meeting at which time commissioners are asked to provide potential alternative locations.
Other
Staff distributed a draft "guide" that is intended to provide to community groups that are interested in
creating a mural. The "how to create a mural" document compiles best practices, potential funding
sources as well as a material list and artist roster lists. We encourage community members to beautify
their communities, and while we cannot fund all projects seek to empower communities to be able to
create artwork.
Benchmarks and Pianos on Parade are two community art initiatives that will be starting in the month of
July. Benches were displayed at the 4th of July festival and moved into locations throughout Auburn
throughout the first weeks. Pianos are to be moved into locations on July 10 and will be on view
through August 10, 2015.
III. ArtRageous Activities Review
Artrageous activities are scheduled to occur at various festivals and events throughout the summer.
Artists are hired through the art division and work closely with the special events lead to be able to offer
huge audiences quality hands -on art experiences.
IV. Call to Artists
The call -to- artists for the 2016 gallery season has been posted on Cafe: Call for Entry online
submission system. The application deadline is in October 7, 2015, and a link will be sent out to all
commissioners to review online prior to a committee meeting on October 20, 2015. At the visual arts
committee meeting, the top ranking applications will be reviewed in- person and selections will be made
to extend invitations to display at either the City Hall Gallery or Cheryl Sallee Gallery in 2016.
The Arts Commission re -grant application has also been posted online and distributed via email. The
application deadline for this grant is October 19, 2015 and the applications will be reviewed at the
November 3, 2015 Arts Commission meeting.
V. Updates /Upcoming Events
Staff noted that the BRAVO marketing materials are currently being designed and look forward to
showcasing and discussing the season at an upcoming meeting.
The Downtown Sculpture Gallery for this season is coming to a close, and the deinstallation of
sculptures will begin on Tuesday, August 4, 2015.
Staff shared comments forwarded by Commissioner Dan Norman who attended the open house for the
release of the Espial publication at Green River College. Espial was awarded funding by the arts
commission to help support the publication and include a community section in which they invited
community members to submit their poems and artwork for consideration. The opening "release" part
was held at Green River College and was coordinated by faculty. Discussion continued.
Staff shared information about the new teen theater program that is an expansion of prior offerings
focused on adult and youth. This new teen program "bridges the gap" between the ages and provides
an access point for all ages to learn the art of theater. Legally Blond the Musical, will be performed on
August 7, 8 and 9, 2015 at the Auburn Avenue Theater.
Nancy Colson distributed the Auburn Symphony Orchestra season brochure and shared information
about the Chamber concerts occurring at Mary Olson Farm throughout the summer.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:46 pm
Respectfully submitted, Maija McKnight