Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/02/2021 - Minutes RENTON MUNICIPAL ARTS COMMISSION MINUTES Tuesday, July 2, 2021 (via Zoom) Members Present: Bill Huls, Brianna Burroughs, Evelyn Reingold, Kaie Wise, Mary Clymer, Neil Sheesley, Susan Jessick Staff Present: Jessie Kotarski, RMAC Staff liaison Chip Vincent, CED Administrator Guests Present: Franchesca “Fancy” Vargas Smith, Winds of Change, project manager Ashley Dobson, Communications Specialist, Renton Chamber of Commerce Call to Order: Meeting was called to order by RMAC Chair, Mary Clymer at 6:03 pm. Introduction of guests: Franchesca “Fancy” Vargas-Smith, representing the Winds of Change project team, requested clarification from the Commission on the grants process and limitations regarding their grant proposal currently under review. Fancy provided an update on the project status; including the approved installation location at the Renton airport and the quote received from the structural engineers. The Grants Committee provided clarification that grants are currently capped at $10,000 per project application and recommended that the project team seek additional funding from outside sources to serve as match funds. Announcements/Correspondence: • Student art from five Renton schools (Nelson Middle School, Lindbergh High School, Renton High School, Dimmitt Middle School and Risdon Middle School) are currently on display in five storefront locations in downtown Renton. The theme of the “show” is Art & Activism. Students were given the task of identifying an important issue in their local or global community that they felt needed addressing, then finding a way to speak to their community using a poster. These student artists distilled their thoughts and feelings into few words and images to let the world know what matters most to them--our adolescent community members and future leaders. Their work can be viewed in the storefronts at the Pavilion event center, Luther's Table, Sparkle Gifts and Whatnot, River Valley Cheese and Wyldwood Creative through the middle of July. • The group of residents responsible for dressing the figures in the public art piece, Interface, in Coulon Park are transitioning to a new set of volunteers and gaining a lot of attention from the public. The Commissioners are encouraged to reach out and support the team and will be notified of the next opportunity to meet the mystery dressers. Approval of Minutes: A motion was made to approve the minutes from the June 2021 meeting. MSC (Susan/Kaie) Promotions Committee update: • The pilot Little Free Art Library is complete and waiting for an install date. The Maplewood Heights neighborhood was selected as the location for this box. A Craft Swap ribbon cutting event will be planned for the celebration of the box once installation is complete. Outreach Committee: • The Committee is requesting funds from the Arts & Culture budget to host the annual Tribute to the Pacific NW music event. This one day event will feature 3 bands and local artisans celebrating music and art in the region. A motion was made and approved to support the event with funds up to $4,000 for a one-day festival proposed for Sunset Community Park on Saturday, August 21. MSC (Neil/Evelyn) Grants Committee Update: • KingCon 2021 is requesting $5,000 for the annual cosplay/props/photography events and contests plus the Creative Convergence for the greater pacific NW. RMAC funds will be dispersed to artists for awards and the creation of the creative convergence. The event is scheduled for October 30 – 31 at the Hyatt Regency. • AmeriCorps VISTA, Hanna Dillingham is requesting funding for two utility box wraps with designs facilitated by local artist Yvonne Chan using Nelsen Middle School Art Club and Renton STREAM Team summer camp student artwork. The grant request is for a wrap at Nelson Middle School on Benson Rd S, plus artist fees for Yvonne. (Community Services will cover additional costs not covered by the grant). The recommendation from the Grants Committee is to fund up to $4,000 for the project. A motion was made to approve the recommendations of the Grants Committee for the approval of $9,000 for the two grant applications as submitted. MSC (Bill/Evelyn) • Ascendance Pole and Aerial Arts is requesting $10,000 to replace the HVAC system in their studio for 3 separately controlled classroom systems to allow for additional COVID safety measures, and greater class capacities. The request for capital improvement funding is denied. • The Winds of Change request for $39,983 exceeds the grant limit of $10,000. New Business: • I-405/NE 44th Gateway enhancement project The sub-Committee presented a design concept to the project team for the monument signs. The designs were well received and the team will continue to work with the sub-Committee to draft engineering plans and solicit bids for fabrication. • Black Lives Matter Street Mural A new location has been proposed for the street mural. A survey letter has been sent to the residents on Lake Ave S between Tobin and South 2nd St and the deadline to respond is July 21. • Houser Way Trestle Bridge A budget has been proposed for the project; including an estimated 20 hours for a BNSF employee to be on site during the project installation. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 7:44pm.