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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/01/2025 - MinutesRenton Municipal Arts Commission Tuesday, July 1, 2025 City Hall, Council Conference Room 726 or Zoom Commissioners Present: Sujata Acharya, Clara Affleck, Brooke Ciquera, Evelyn Reingold, Jake Heare, Nadya Halt, Susan Jessick, Sara Palmer, Alycia Ruiz. Renton Staff (RMAC liaison): Jessie Kotarski Call to order: 6:00 pm Introduction of Guests: • Kathy Ramos, KLRKAT Productions • Gina Estep, City of Renton, Community and Economic Development Administrator • Amy Amori, artist and Renton resident • Yaretzi Alvarez Savalza, Renton High School student and potential youth commissioner applicant Guest presentations: KLRKAT Video Project: Kathy shared a video produced with support from an Arts Commission grant. The video, which highlights Renton businesses, is scheduled for release later this month on social media. Kathy requested the Arts Commission’s support in promoting and sharing the launch. Correspondence & Announcements: • Duffy Delgado has submitted his resignation from the commission. • Civic Academy 2.0 will run from October 9 to November 6, 5:50–7:30 p.m., featuring presentations from three departments or commissions each night. RMAC will participate with a 30–40 minute presentation, potentially in a panel format. The exact date for RMAC’s presentation is still to be announced. Review of minutes from June meeting: • Evelyn moved to accept the June 3rd meeting minutes. Seconded by Clara. Motion passes. Budget update: • Total spent to date: $13,764 • 2025 Grants awarded: $86,275 • Roadshow budget: $30,000 approved / $28,150 remaining • Promotions budget: $35,000 approved / $27,585.70 remaining • Current overage: $14,600 Committee updates: Committee Structure & Bylaws • In response to questions raised during the June training, a copy of the bylaws, including the scope of work for committees was provided. • A draft template for committee reports was shared to help standardize future committee updates and report outs. Roadshow • Discussion held regarding the open position on the Roadshow Committee. • Artists have been contracted for 2025 events. • Additional committee members are needed to support 2026 planning and outreach. This includes leadership development, knowledge sharing, and providing regular updates to the full Commission. • This is a great opportunity to connect with the current committee members and begin preparations for 2026. Commissioners were encouraged to express their interest in joining the committee. Promotions • Greg Cook will be promoting RMAC at the Fairwood Night Market next week. • Final push underway for Chalk Art pre-signups. • Promotion materials are being distributed. • Studio Tour is scheduled for August 16: o 16 locations participating o Draft map created; pamphlet in development o Over 30 artists featured; artist highlights will be shared on social media o The tour will be self-guided Grants • Status updates from all recipients of 2025 grants was provided. • A draft of the mural concept for the Cugini Florists building was reviewed. • Bryn Mawr and Hazelwood Elementary School mural projects have been completed. • Yarn on Bronson contract has been approved and signed and anticipate installation at Liberty Park in time for Renton River Days. • The committee discussed creating a grants information poster with a QR code for display at the Chalk Art event. Old Business: Hydrant Art Program • Current program funding has been depleted. The initiative was originally launched by the South Renton Neighborhood Association, which is also considering contributing additional funding. • Art hydrants have been approved in select areas, including Renton Airport, Senior Centers, and the Parks & Recreation building. • The Commission may consider allocating unused funds from the Promotions or Roadshow budgets at year-end to support the program. Commission Vacancies • The call for a Nominating Committee has been reactivated. • The Commission agreed to put out a call for resumes this summer, with additional recruitment efforts planned during the Civic Academy. New Business: Legacy Square Art Proposal • Construction on Legacy Square has officially begun. • The Art Plan proposal from artists Sarah Robbins and Will Schlough was presented for review. • The proposed theme is “Motion,” with initial concepts including: o Artwork inspired by soccer scarf culture o A gateway ribbon sculpture o Painted asphalt features o Crosswalk designs Mural Updates • Whispers of Renton by artist Carlos Martinez, and funded by the Renton Downtown Partnership was completed on June 30. Recommendation to the project team to consider applying an anti-graffiti coating. • The Petrovitsky “Community Is” mural is experiencing some peeling along cement panel seams. Jake will bring photos of the damage to the next meeting. • Wizards of the Coast submitted a mural design for review. The proposed location is still pending, awaiting approval from the property owner and neighboring businesses. o Evelyn moved to accept the concept drawing; Clare seconded. Motion passed. • Tabitha Blackburn submitted a mural design for review. The proposed location is Cugini Florist Murals, awaiting approval from the property owner and neighboring businesses. o Evelyn moved to accept the concept drawing; Clare seconded. Motion passed. Adjournment: 8:01 PM