HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/02/2022 - Minutes
RENTON MUNICIPAL ARTS COMMISSION MINUTES
Tuesday, August 2, 2022 – 6:00 pm
(Special Meeting Location outside City Hall)
Mindshare Cowork Lounge
241 Williams Ave S or via Zoom
Members Present: Amelia Ossorio, Bill Huls, Brianna Burroughs, Caren Sumption, Evelyn Reingold, Kaie Wise,
Kiley Thornton, Mary Clymer, Susan Jessick
Staff Present:
Jessie Kotarski, RMAC Staff liaison
Guests Present:
• Denise Waltz, Macadons
• Philip Thompson, Macadons
• Michael Huynh, Macadons
• Bruce McIntyre, Renton resident
Call to Order: Meeting was called to order by RMAC Chair, Mary Clymer at 6:04 pm.
Introduction of Guests:
The staff from Macadons presented a mural competition that they are hosting to identify an artist to install a
mural on the eastside of their new location in downtown Renton (soft open is Friday, August 5) on the corner of
S 3rd and Wells (under Erasmus the rooftop dragon). The staff are seeking support from the Commission to
connect with local artists interested in submitting their designs for consideration. The Call for artists is
scheduled to go out August 3. The community was asked for their feedback on the theme of the proposed
mural with a poll during the weekend of Renton River Days (July 22 and 23). The Call will be open through
August 24 with the goal to complete the mural installation before the end of October. The staff are interested
in encouraging first-time muralists and student artists to submit their portfolios for consideration.
Bruce McIntyre is a Renton resident. He has lived in South Renton for more than 15 years and is a dedicated
artist and artist mentor to students with autism; offering classes and support to a group of students every
Wednesday. Bruce has been personally involved in several public art projects in Renton, including multiple fire
hydrant paintings and offering support for the creation of the Market Melody mural in the alley behind the
businesses located on the corner of S 3rd and Smithers. Bruce recently applied to serve on the Commission.
Correspondence & Announcements:
• Ukraine: Carpathian Mountain Villages an exhibit by Anna Mia Davidson (2022 RMAC grant recipient) is
open at the History Museum in the North Gallery through September 16. There is an artist talk
scheduled for Thursday, September 8, 6:00-7:00pm
• The City Communications team will be announcing an RFP for a photographer/videographer to help
refresh the City’s digital assets (capturing images of Renton and events for marketing and use in social
media and City newsletters). The RFP will be available at rentonwa.gov/bids and will close August 25.
Approval of Minutes: A motion was made and carried to approve the minutes from the July meeting. MSC
(Bill/Evelyn)
Budget Update:
$32,499 remaining in the budget for the year; includes adjustments from a recent decline of an
earmarked grant award. Cheryl D’Ambrosio announced her intent to withdraw her grant application for
the plein air documentary previously approved for funding.
Promotions Committee update:
The Promotions Committee met to discuss the plan for the remainder of the year and compare financial
commitments and activities from previous years. Based on historic participation in seasonal community events,
including Summerfest, the Olde Fashioned Halloween event, Small Business Saturday and the Santa Houses,
and sponsorships of fall productions by local arts organizations, the Committee is recommending funds from
the remaining budget be earmarked to support the Commissions participation in these annual events and
further build the brand, and awareness campaign, for the Commission. A motion was made and approved to
reserve $4,700 from the remaining 2022 Arts & Culture project budget for fall events and activities, as
recommended by the Promotions Committee, that will serve to promote the work of the Arts Commission and
provide community engagement opportunities. MSC (Evelyn/Bill)
Roadshow Update:
• Final remaining Summer Concert in the series is scheduled for August 17 at Piazza Park, featuring
Renton resident, blues artist, Cory Wilds.
• The Summerfest stage (beginning at 4pm on Saturday, August 13, sponsored by the Roadshow, will
feature three performances by local artists:
o The Marshall Law Band - Funk-Hop band backed by a five-piece instrument toting groove
machine
o Seattle based singer, songwriter and guitarist, 11-year-old Nikhil Bagga.
o MattLock and the Keys a blues, indie, jam, rock group
Grants Committee Update:
The Grants Committee will be meeting on Thursday, August 4 to discuss the structure and strategy for the 2023
grant program.
Old Business:
• Bylaws Update – revisions were made to the previously approved bylaws update. The Commission
had an opportunity to review the revisions and discuss the changes that were made. A motion was
made and approved to accept the revisions to the bylaws as approved to form by the City Attorney
and proceed with the adoption of the bylaws through a Council resolution process. MSC (Mary/Kaie)
• Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 study – The Commission has been asked to compile a Comprehensive
List of Eligible Arts and Culture Organizations that are in the City of Renton. A training will be
provided by AEP on Thursday, August 4 at 12pm.
• Film Frenzy – the registration for interested film teams is now open. Teams are encouraged to apply
at rentonfilmfrenzy.com. Film teams will be paired with local businesses to create creative
promotional videos to highlight the history, vibrancy, and diversity of Renton.
o Kickoff party August 30 if anyone would like to attend to represent the Commission
o September 2 through 4
o Premier night (all films will be viewed at this event) at the Renton Civic Theater on Sept 9 at
6:30pm
o Awards will be announced at the Seattle Film Summit on Sept 11
o The request to Commission is for one volunteer judge to serve on a panel of judges for the
event.
• Downtown Arts & Culture Center – A series of public open houses will be planned to solicit feedback
from the community on the direction of the future Arts & Culture Center in the City Center Parking
Garage (entrance off Logan Ave S). These meetings will be hosted by the Arts Commission to engage
the community, artists and arts organizations and solicit ideas and possible partnerships for future
programming in the space.
• Selection Committee – There is currently one vacancy on the Commission. The request to
Commission is for a third individual to serve on the Committee with the existing two member
• The operating norms were reviewed at the beginning of the meeting and a review of the meeting
structure and adherence to the norms conducted at the end of the meeting. The following ten
operating norms are under trial adoption through the end of August. A special meeting will be
scheduled in before the September meeting to discuss the next steps in establishing the Group Norms
for the Commission.
o Raise your hand [icon in the virtual setting] to speak to avoid interrupting others.
o Encourage expressions of different opinions and respect those differences
o Don’t attack people who disagree with you and no put downs.
o Don’t take things personally/don’t make things personal
o Listening for understanding/actively listen to understand
o Appreciate the use of “I” statements when communicating ideas and opinions
o Encourage and embrace participation from everyone and make sure everyone has a chance to
contribute or speak
o Come to the meeting prepared; review documents and attachments before you come to the
meeting
o Be fully present in the moment (and in all meetings)
o “Respectfully” challenge ideas not people
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 7:24pm.