HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/06/2016 - Minutes
RENTON MUNICIPAL ARTS COMMISSION MINUTES
December 6, 2016 Renton City Hall, 7th Floor –Conference Center
Members Present:
Marsha Rollinger, Mary Clymer, Mitch Shepherd, Adrienne La Faye , Paul Hebron, Neil Sheesley, Bill
Huls, Samantha Goetz-Granquist, Ben Andrews, Aaron Blalack, and Evelyn Reingold
Excused Absence: Jerri Everett
Staff Present: Elizabeth Higgins, RMAC Staff Liaison; Chip Vincent, Administrator - City of Renton
Department Community & Economic Development; Clark Close, City of Renton and Vanessa Dolbee,
City of Renton
Guests Present: Stephan Platt, Cosmos Development; Judith and Daniel Caldwell, Caldwell Studio
Call to Order: Meeting was called to order by RMAC - Chair, Marsha Rollinger at 6:05 pm.
*Renton Heritage Apartments Update – Stephan Platt, Cosmos Development - The complex is
nearing completion with 101 residential units and 3553 sq. ft. of commercial space. It also has some
improvements done with City of Renton Transportation Capital Project funds for new curbs, gutters
and sidewalks which dictate the inclusion of some dedicated space for public art. They have been
working with the Caldwell Studio Artists, Judith and Daniel Caldwell, on design ideas for the exterior
sidewalks.
*Public Art Project Proposal – Clark Close, City of Renton - “City of Payrolls” will feature the history,
ecology of past and present turn of the century companies in bronze inlays in the exterior payment
near the apartment complex. Several design concepts that the City liked were presented. The
designs and concepts were discussed by the artists and the RMAC. It was thought that the references
to the turn of the century business were too ambiguous and cluttered. They needed fewer images
which would still give the viewer a sense of discovery. It was also thought that there should be a
reference of the companies for more public awareness. Therefore, a motion was made: “The art
should consist of standalone bronze plaques with a wall plaque for the historical references for each
company represented.” (MSC/ Paul and Mary)
Approval of Minutes: Minutes of the November 1, 2016 were read and accepted. MSC
(Mitch/Adrienne)
Correspondence and Announcements:
*December 1, 2016 Local Arts Agency Meeting – RMAC members took a city van to the Vashon Island
Arts Center. The new state-of-art center had pledges and grants for over $1 million dollars and the
2017 operating budget is estimated at $1.6 million dollars for programs, classes and their gallery store
which supports local Vashon Island artists.
*Happy Delusions, “Bad Santa Photo Booth” – Handsome Devil Ink 719 S 4th Street (12/18/2016).
Visitors must be at least 18 years old. Photo cost discount with food/toy for a local food bank.
*Highlands Library Mural - The large (9’x12’) Jacob Elshin 1930’s mural of Coal Miners is in an
unprotected empty building. This is a valuable item in Renton’s public Art collection. Motion made:
“The RMAC will facilitate moving this art temporally to the Arts Unlimited Gallery space until a move
suitable location is found.” (MSC/ Mary and Samantha)
*Other - Correspondence and event folders were circulated for individual review.
Budget Update:
*2016 Budget – The current budget status as of December 2016 was presented and accepted.
* 2017 Budget Discussion – The RMAC needs to prioritize the Galvanizing Arts projects we presented
to the Mayor and City Council. In addition to the City’s allocation, we should start getting more 1% for
arts funds from all City of Renton capital projects, beyond transportation. Each project has to have a
guaranteed line item in their budget.
New Business:
*Election of 2017 Officers: Nominations were made: Mitch Shepherd, Chair; Mary Clymer, Vice Chair;
and Evelyn Reingold, Secretary. Motion: “The nominations are elected as submitted.” (MSC/ Bill and
Marsha)
* Galvanizing Art Band Concert – Neil Sheesley and Bill Huls have the event scheduled for Friday,
December 30, 2016 at the Renton Civic Theater. Band TBD
Old Business:
* Arts Unlimited Griot Gallery Update – Paul Hebron reported that 10-15 visitors stop by each day at
the Cortona Building space. They have a 7 year lease with the first year rent free. Funding has been
secured from 4Culture and other sources. Phase I has started with meetings with architects. Phase
II/III fundraising and building partnerships and memberships is in work.
*Kim Beaton’s RenCon Dragon – Elizabeth reported that the Highlands Library was proposed for a
location for the dragon sculpture. This was put on hold as the current library construction could take
up to 2 years. The dragon is for sale for $25,000 and not the estimated $12,500 as thought. Ben
stated that the Downtown Partnership is willing to contribute to the purchase via a “Go Fund Me”
campaign in honor of the sustaining Piazza Group. The RenCon Dragon would be privately owned
under this arrangement.
*South 2nd & Main Public Art Project Update – Mary Clymer and Mitch Shepherd and the Studio
OHM artists are working closely with affected Renton City departments. Discussions have started with
fabricators costs will be brought to the RMAC. Renton’s IT department is on board to discuss the
technology involved with the artwork. The design is intended to engage the public with dynamic
lighting and apps for on-site involvement.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
Evelyn Reingold, Marsha Rollinger,
RMAC Secretary Chair