HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/06/2017 - Minutes RENTON MUNICIPAL ARTS COMMISSION
June 6, 2017 Meeting Minutes
Members Present:
Mary Clymer, Mitch Shepherd, Adrienne La Faye , Neil Sheesley, Bill Huls, Marsha Rollinger,
Samantha Goetz-Granquist, Ben Andrews, Jerri Everett, Su Gow, Dave Samek, and Evelyn Reingold
Staff Present: Elizabeth Higgins, RMAC Staff Liaison and Chip Vincent, Administrator - City of Renton
Department Community & Economic Development
Guests Present: Carol Ann Witschi, Renton City Council, Community Services Chair
Call to Order: Meeting was called to order by RMAC - Chair, Mitch Shepherd at 6:00 pm.
Approval of Minutes: Minutes of the May 2, 2017 meeting were read and accepted with a
correction to add Neil as an excused absence and that RMAC members will review digital artwork for
the Cosmos Development Project. MSC (Mary/Samantha)
Correspondence and Announcements:
*Seattle Opera Scene Shop located in Renton- In March 2017 the Seattle Opera announced a cost cut
that would eliminate its Scene Shop and the 6 full time employees that design and create the sets.
This has been in a custom built building in Renton since 1980. The proposed plan is to turn the facility
into a warehouse for sets. Several unions are involved and Bill Huls will make calls to see what RMAC
can do to help. It was suggested that 3 members from Economic Development, members of the
Renton City Council along with 3 RMAC take a tour of the facility and meet with the employees to
access what actions are needed to help keep this shop in Renton.
*Other - Correspondence and event folders were circulated for individual review.
New Business:
* RMAC Ordinance – An ordinance to amend the Municipal Arts Commission chapter 8, of the Renton
Municipal Code with updates and clarification of code language related to the RMAC was drafted.
The Renton City Council Planning Committee adopted the amended ordinance after the first reading.
Second reading and final adoption is for June 12, 2017.
*RMAC Goal and Steps to Achieve It – Mary presented an outline of actions the RMAC needs to
implement to accomplish our primary goal: To bring art from the people to the people. We have
earned strong support from the City of Renton. Currently, we have staff support one day per week
since Elizabeth’s retirement to provide some continuity with the projects we have in work. However,
the RMAC needs a full-time staff person to help ensure our goals and projects continue to receive
support from City departments and facilities. Mary, Mitch, Evelyn and Elizabeth will meet to develop
recommendations to implement the identified actions in the outline.
* Galvanizing Art Projects – No new projects.
* Renton River Days: 7/21- 23, 2017 – Mary shared the self-addressed postcards that were
developed for citizens to ask what types of art they want for the City of Renton. The RMAC will host
a booth with the theme: “Art Is Fun” but focus will also be on creative employment opportunities that
are related to art. There will be 300 tiles on display from the Owl Project in the booth. RMAC
members are encouraged to volunteer for 3-4 hour shifts at the booth.
* Renton Airport Tower Remodel – The airport tower remodel will be eligible to go through the 1%
For Art funded project. According to the Airport Manager, 1% of the money from the remodel budget
must stay with the airport. This should generate sufficient funds for art. RMAC members Mitch,
Samantha, Su will attend a meeting that Elizabeth will set up with the Mayor to start the process.
Old Business:
* Access for All Vote – Update: The item was passed by the County Council (9 Districts). Part of
Renton is in District 5 and the rest is in District 9, many creative projects are eligible for funding. The
initiative will be on the August 1st ballot.
* Dragon Project – A Rooftop Dragon artwork has been proposed for downtown Renton at 826 S 3rd
Street. Building owner, Dave Smith, has approved the project. Marsha and Elizabeth will meet with
the artist to gather rendering of existing dragon works to present to the Community Service
Committee for their agenda on 7/17/2017 as it may be possible to use 1% For Art funds to complete
this project.
Galvanizing Art –
* Arts and Culture Celebration - Neil announced that there will be an Arts and Culture City Center
Celebration at the Piazza Pavilion on July 15, 2017 from 3:00 – 8:00 pm. Lots of art and music. Call to
artists for the event.
*Outdoor Gallery Art Project - Adrienne reported that the art on the wall will be on the Smoking
Monkey Pizza Building. An additional $2345 is needed for solar light installation. MSC (Mitch/Neil)
*Smart Community Award* - Chip announced that the RMAC Galvanizing Art Projects had received
the prestigious Washington State Governor’s Smart Communities Award. The City of Renton is the
only one in the State to receive 7 awards. The Awards Ceremony will be held at the end of June .
RMAC Chair, Mitch Shepard will represent us.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:14 p.m.
Evelyn Reingold, Mitch Shepherd,
RMAC Secretary Chair
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