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Home My WebLink About04/01/2025 - MinutesRenton Municipal Arts Commission City Hall, Council Conference Room 726 and Zoom Tuesday, April 1, 2025 6pm Commissioners Present: Clara Affleck, Sara Palmer, Evelyn Reingold, Jake Heare, Nadya Helt, Susan Jessick Commissioners, pending appointments: Sujata Acharya, Brooke Ciquera, Alycia Ruiz Renton Staff: Jessie Kotarski -------------------------------------------------------- Call to Order – 6:00pm Introduction of Guests  Michelle Fadara, Commission Applicant  Kelsey Simpson, Commission Applicant  Sydney Benton, Commission Applicant  Rachel Sherman, Renton Downtown Partnership  Anaya Casey, Free2Luv  Linda Middlebrooks, Allied Arts of Renton  Marcy Middlebrooks, Allied Arts of Renton Rachel Sherman, Art Walk – RDP  Art Walk Planning Update  15 businesses confirmed to host 1–4 artists each. Coordination led by Julia at RDP.  Requesting RMAC’s assistance in reaching additional artists. Also seeking display easels, props, and hanging materials to support new or emerging artists without their own setup.  Events scheduled from 4:00–7:30 PM on the 4th Wednesday of each month, April through June. Linda and Marcy Middlebrooks – Allied Arts of Renton  Actively seeking new board members to join the organization.  Allocating a portion of their 4Culture funding to support the Chalk Art event during Renton River Days, with a focus on featuring new artists. Araya Casey - Free2Luv Express It Presentation • Focused on youth mental health and the Express It Journal program, which is offered in partnership with GSA, Girl Scouts, and local schools to help youth express emotions through art in a safe and supportive environment. • Participated in Renton Small Business Saturday, as well as the 2023 and 2024 Sip & Strut Pride events. Interested in collaborating with Bloom Studios and other organizations where their work could have a positive impact. • Nationally recognized, Seattle-based organization serving over 25,000 under- resourced participants annually through arts and empowerment programming. Correspondence & Announcements • Welcome to pending Commission applicants! Approval is expected at the April 14th City Council meeting. (Note: the date of Council approval was postponed until April 28) • Marsha Rollinger’s Resignation: The Commission acknowledged Marsha’s resignation and expressed deep gratitude for her many contributions over the years—particularly her work on numerous art projects, including the iconic rooftop Dragon. Her dedicated service and creative spirit have left a lasting impact on the Renton arts community. • The April 14th Council meeting will also include Finance Committee approval of our 4Culture grant. Susan will provide public comment in support of the Dragon Landing event and the Bloom Studio lease approval. • Please RSVP for the Volunteer Appreciation Event on April 15th at the Renton Senior Center. • Pending Council approval, Bloom Studio is scheduled to open May 1st, launching with a mural artist installation. (Note: the contract with Bloom Studio was pulled from agenda items at the Council level) • A letter was received from Michael O’Halloran regarding repainting the "Welcome to Renton Highlands" sign. • Congratulations to Youth Commissioner Clara Affleck on her acceptance to her top- choice college in Canada! Review of minutes for March meeting  Motion to accept the March and special meeting minutes as shared via email, with the correction of attendees to the special voting meeting o March 4th meeting minutes: Jake motions to accept the March 4th meeting minutes as shared via email, seconded by Evelyn – pass o March 11th special minutes, with attendee correction: Evelyn, Jake - pass Budget Update  Status quo, pending approval for 4Culture grant April 14th Committee Updates  Metrics – Jessie o No update on dashboard o Volunteer spreadsheet passed around o Post Dragon event, capture metrics in Dragon folder  Promotions o Dragon Landing  4/1 Window Decoration Contest started • Need three judges – volunteering pending Commissioners! – for Erasmus’ Choice Award; QR codes next to art for people’s choice vote  4/4 (50) Eggs hidden  4/5 Egg Hunt launches  Next week, hype week for window contest and the event  4/13 6am-6pm volunteers needed; volunteer signup launched  4/13 Dragon Landing Fantasy Art Fair  Costume Contest; photographer o Artist Studio Tour August 16th; Info Session April 24th o April Art Lounge: Air Dry Clay Air Diffuser will be held at Tomato Tomato Creative Studio  Roadshow o No update, not an active time  Grants o Grants workshop was held on March 29th at Bloom Studio o Will need to schedule a Q3 deadline in May ahead of the next June deadline Old Business • Paint with Purpose Program Updates: Highlighted during the State of the City address. The program is designed to combat graffiti and foster community murals but has not yet launched. Two online forms will be made available—one for property owners and one for artists—to facilitate pairing. Property owners must commit to cleaning, a financial contribution, applying anti-graffiti coating, and a five-year maintenance plan. The Mayor’s mention generated strong public interest. The project is supported by two funding sources: the City and 4Culture. Legacy Square (World Cup 2026) Call for Artists: Currently accepting quotes from individual artists or artist teams to develop art concepts in collaboration with the design team. The goal is a cohesive look across sidewalks, play structures, benches, and other site elements. • Deadline: April 11 • Phase I: Focus on a community art element such as a mural • Future Phases: May include interactive installations, such as a dragon-themed play structure • The project is intended to have long-term use beyond FIFA 2026, supporting performances like live theatre and poetry in the park. New Business & Updates • Fairwood Night Market: The event received a grant, with the assumption that RMAC would fill a 10x10 tent space with artists. Vanessa and Jessie will coordinate and fulfill this request. • Downtown Beautification Projects: RDP is seeking ideas for enhancing the downtown area—suggestions include updating banners, wrapping utility boxes, or installing string lights on poles. o Susan suggested focusing on the intersection outside of Bloom Studio. o Discussion included ideas for visually improving or covering the ongoing construction near the Piazza. • New Commissioner Welcome Packet: A welcome packet is being developed to help onboard incoming commissioners and provide helpful resources. Adjournment: 8:00pm