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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/07/2020 - Minutes 1 | P a g e RENTON MUNICIPAL ARTS COMMISSION MINUTES Tuesday, April 7, 2020 (via Zoom) Members Present: Bill Huls, Brianna Burroughs, Christie Randolph, Kaie Wise, Mary Clymer, Susan Jessick, Kiley Thornton, Evelyn Reingold, Marsha Rollinger, Neil Sheesley Excused Absences: Dave Samek Staff Present: Jessie Kotarski, RMAC Administrative Assistant Chip Vincent, CED Administrator Guests: Meena Merchant, The Owl Project Dena Michele Rosko, Renton resident Call to Order: Meeting was called to order by RMAC Chair, Mary Clymer at 6:00 pm. Introduction of Guests: Meena Merchant, the founder of the Owl Project, a community art program, presented a brief history of the Owl Project and her motivations behind creating the organization as a way to engage community members of all ages in the creation of art. The Owl project has worked in collaboration with the City and the Arts Commission on a number of projects in the past (community tile painting, the creation of the Carco Theatre mural in 2018). Meena is asking the Commission to consider taking over the project and folding it into the Commission’s framework as an element of community outreach with a project focus. Meena feels the Owl Project needs the support and recognition as a City-program in order to overcome barriers like finding permanent homes for the public art created in their efforts and in the creation of a clear connection between the organization, its projects and the City of Renton. A program “takeover” would involve managing the program’s volunteers list and newsletter, updating the facebook page and serving as main coordinator for new projects. Meena expressed her willingness to remain on in an advisory role. Dena Michele Rosko presented to the Commission the idea for a student-based art contest in order to challenge Renton residents to create art that envisions a “healthy future” in order to inspire creativity during the Stay home, stay healthy orders. Dena proposed an online-based competition that would include prizes for best in age categories as well as randomly selected prizes to encourage participation. Dena is asked the Commission to consider serving as her partner in the facilitation of the contest, utilizing the Commission’s social media networks and website to promote the contest and asking for financial support to purchase gift cards from local businesses as prizes to award. A motion was made and passed to support the contest with an initial award of $200 to purchase prizes from local businesses the consideration for additional funds should the contest prove to be a success (generating a lot of participation). MSC (Kaie/Susan) Approval of Minutes: A motion was made to approve the minutes from the March 2020 meeting. MSC (Kaie/Neil) Correspondence and Announcements: The Commission has been making more efforts to update social media channels and support the arts community during the Stay home, stay healthy orders. Facebook campaigns asking residents to send in their creative projects have received a good response and these efforts will continue as the Commission 2 | P a g e shares resources for artist relief and other inspiration for staying creative under crisis through the e- newsletter. Committee Reports:  Grants Committee – The committee reviewed four applications for funding and made the following recommendation to the Commission for approval: o $4,000 for the Renton Downtown Storefronts program o $1,000 for a scholarship program at Ascendance Pole & Aerial Arts Studio o $2,500 for the Owl Project to complete the community tile public art piece o $4,000 for the 2020 Summerfest celebration of arts pending agreement from the event organizers that the Arts Commission signage be present on the stage and the Commission be provided the opportunity to address the crowd from the stage during the event. A motion was made and approved to accept the recommendations of the Grants Committee and the $7,500 funding for the three projects. MSC (Evelyn/Kaie) A motion was made and approved to accept the recommendation of the Grants Committee and fund Summerfest in the amount of $4,000 provided the organizers agree to the terms of the Arts Commission and provide an option for the Commission’s signage on the stage and a speaking opportunity at the event. MSC (Neil/Bill) On-going Projects, Events and Programs:  Renton Housing Authority Utility Box wrap – The residents at the Kirkland Avenue Townhomes selected artist Vikram Madan to create art for their wrap. Vikram presented four designs and the community selected the final design for installation. TrafficWrapz will be completing the install as soon as it is safe to do so. New Business:  ARTility – PSE launched a project called ARTility a few years ago, and they are looking at embarking on more art for Renton with PSE infrastructure. They have reached out to the Commission to connect with local artists. They will not be putting out a call for artists, but are looking for individuals who are familiar with these types of public art projects and who understand the process and submission requirements. The meeting was adjourned at 7:32pm.