HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/05/2020 - Minutes
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RENTON MUNICIPAL ARTS COMMISSION MINUTES
Tuesday, May 5, 2020 (via Zoom)
Members Present: Bill Huls, Brianna Burroughs, Christie Randolph, Kaie Wise, Evelyn Reingold, Marsha Rollinger,
Mary Clymer, Susan Jessick, Kiley Thornton, Neil Sheesley
Staff Present:
Jessie Kotarski, RMAC Administrative Assistant
Chip Vincent, CED Administrator
Call to Order: Meeting was called to order by RMAC Chair, Mary Clymer at 6:05 pm.
Approval of Minutes: A motion was made to approve the minutes from the April 2020 meeting. MSC (Bill/Neil)
Correspondence and Announcements:
The Chalk the Walk event encouraging Renton residents and business owners to post their chalk drawings
to social media using the hashtah #LetsGoChalkRTN launched on Monday, May 4 and will run through the
end of the week, May 10. The event has been wildly popular in the first two days and we are seeing
colorful signs of hope and messages to heroes on the COVID frontlines pop up all over the City. The Arts
Commission will be awarding daily prize packs to an outstanding entry of the day, and at the end of the
week, the “Best overall” will receive a $50 gift certificate to the downtown business of their choosing.
Mary and Jessie presented at the Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday, May 4. The presentation
included a recap of 2019 activities and a summary of the projects currently in the works, as well as the
Commission’s recent pivoting to provide support for local artists struggling in the COVID environment.
The response from the Council was very positive and the message was one of support and praise for the
Commission’s continued good work and the generosity of the Commissioners and their endless gift of
time and talent.
Committee Reports:
Grants Committee – The committee reviewed an applications for funding from Allied Arts for a mural
downtown on the side of the Renton Printery (315 S 3rd St). The funding request included a match from
Allied Arts to fund the project. The Committee made the recommendation to the Commission to approve
funding in the amount of $5000 for the mural project.
A motion was made and approved to accept the recommendations of the Grants Committee and the
$5,000 funding for the mural projects. MSC (Christie/Bill)
A discussion was had regarding the recent cancellation of Renton River Days. The River Days board
expressed a concern that they would lose the approved funding from the Commission due to the change
in plans and the cancellation. The Commission discussed the need to support “safe” community events
and the opportunity to provide access to arts and culture especially during this period of isolation and
separation from normal summer schedules and traditions. A motion was made to stand by the
committed funding of $11,000 [as approved at the February 2020 meeting] for Renton River Days
provided signage (in the form of a stage backdrop) recognizes support from the Arts Commission and the
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event organizers are able to provide documentation of expenses equal to the amount of the award. MSC
(Evelyn/Bill)
The call for artists for the Benson Hill mural project closed on April 10. Six applicants submitted their
qualifications for consideration. Three of the applicants will be interviewed for the project. The hope is
that the project will continue on time as planned with a proposed completion date of July 2020.
On-going Projects, Events and Programs:
Utility Box wraps – Artist Jean Bradbury has submitted three completed designs for the Sunset boxes.
The boxes are scheduled to be complete by the end of May.
Student Art Contest – The “Envision a Healthy Future” art contest proposed by Dena Michele Rosko is
live and will run through June 16. Student artists are encouraged to send digital images of their art to
arts@rentonwa.gov for their chance to win prizes throughout the competition and to be awarded “best
in show” in their age group.
“Safe” Storefront Art Walk – The Safe art walk will launch this week with a tour on the Visit Renton
mobile app. The “tour” pairs local artists with downtown businesses for their opportunity to exhibit
while galleries are closed. So far 20 artists have been paired with businesses and more will be added in
the next few days.
RMAC Summer Concert Update – Community Services is working through some options for the summer
concert series and hope to utilize continued support from the Arts Commission. More information will be
coming out soon. The emphasis is on organizing events that will promote and practice safe social
distancing.
New Business:
No new business at this time.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:02pm.