HomeMy WebLinkAboutArts Commission - Minutes 061621Takima.grts Commission
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
Zoom Online Meeting
3:30 p.m.
Minutes
David Lynx convened the meeting at approximately 3:38 p.m.
In attendance: Jim Morris, Jack McEntire, Soneya Lund, David Lynx, Meri Lombera,
Susan Duffin, Heath Lambe, David Rogers, Teresa Pritchard, Joan Davenport, Lisa
Maxey (on behalf of Randy Bonds Jr., City of Yakima Liaison)
The Minutes from the March 17, 2021 meeting were reviewed. Duffin moved to approve
the minutes and Lambe seconded; approved unanimously.
Budget: Lynx shared a 2021 budget excel sheet for Windows Alive. It was estimated that
$4,750 has been spent so far this year, and there will be more expenses in the fall. It is
expected that about $8,000 total will be spent by the end of the year, leaving $2,000 in
the budget. Lambe requested firm numbers to help with future planning for the creative
district.
Windows Alive: Artist applications for Windows Alive are being accepted through August
31 st. Applications can be made online: www.windowsalive.com.
Utility Box Wrap Project: Three utility box projects have been complete; one at the
intersection of S 64th Ave and Ahtanum Rd, another along S 64th Ave to the north of the
previous, and one at S 40th Ave and Nob Hill Blvd. A fourth box will be put along S 1St St
by U-Haul.
Morris is working on a call to artists to submit designs for this utility box wrap (or whichever
box is available next) and described the themes/criteria — "image and word," "text as
image," and "image with captions." The commission discussed a possible $100 payment
to the artist whose artwork gets chosen which has not previously been done, however, all
past projects except for one have used existing artwork as opposed to requesting artists
to create a piece and having the Commission vote to select a winner. The money to the
artist would come out of Arts Commission budget.
Discussion ensued regarding the expenses to the Commission to do these utility box wrap
projects. Lund agreed to look into why this money comes from the Arts Commission
budget and propose that the money be used to compensate the artist instead. Lynx
estimated that each utility box wrapping project costs approximately $700 and requested
that Bonds look into what the cost would be through a local contractor.
The Commission also spoke on the lack of guidelines set for what is appropriate to be put
on these utility box designs and agreed that the Commission should set guidelines and
present them to City Council. Morris communicated that he will ask for the measurements
of the utility boxes so that information can be known to the artists and will work on drafting
guidelines for future boxes.
Crosswalk Painting Program: Lynx announced that this project has been approved by
City Council. The organization making the proposal must fund the design, materials,
installation, and any other costs; the Public Works Department would install. Lynx
mentioned that Seattle does these projects through neighborhood block grants and will
do further research on this.
Mill Site Involvement: Davenport reminded the Commission of the display in the middle
of the Fair Ave/MLK Jr Blvd roundabout that the Arts Commission approved previously.
Pieces salvaged from the Boise Cascade Mill were used and the City spent money to
treat them before putting them up. Davenport explained that the Commission may wish
to similarly use heritage materials from the mill site for the 3 roundabouts in this area that
will be installed; road construction is planned to start next year.
The Commission had consensus to move forward with using heritage materials on a
gravel bed or some other rock feature instead of landscaping which has posed
maintenance problems in the past. Davenport stated she will look into what heritage
materials are still available from the site and report back at their September meeting.
McEntire emphasized the desire to use this opportunity to improve Yakima's image by
implementing an appeal design that is visible from the freeway. Some safety and liability
concerns were expressed with securing the piece(s) and discouraging people from
climbing on them.
Washington State Creative District: Lambe shared that talks have been scheduled to
reach out to artists about the creative district. Lambe reported a good turnout for the event
at Maker Space on June 11t", and announced that future talks are scheduled for the
Downtown Association of Yakima (DAY) breakfast meeting on July 13t", at the Larson
Gallery on August 13t", and at The Seasons on August 25t". Feedback from these events
will be implemented into the submission to the State. Additional venues are being
pursued.
Group Updates:
Larson Gallery
Lynx announced that new flooring has been installed and there has been a regular
steady flow of people coming through. He spoke on some of the upcoming exhibits and
noted that they are working towards having live music.
Yakima Symphony
Rogers noted that the 2021/2022 season is starting in October, which is about a month
later than usual. Performance group sizes are expected to slowly increase the next
several months. Rogers spoke on a few events happening in June and July.
Yakima Valley Museum
Lambe announced that the museum has reopened to the public. The floors have been
redone and there are many new exhibits.
Yakima Maker Space
Lambe stated that the Maker Space is offering classes, primarily ceramics for now.
Lund brought up a very large stump on city property on Naches Ave by Single Hill
Brewing. The City has not removed this stump due to costs. Lund noted that this area
falls within the creative district and proposed that a wood carver transform the stump
into an art piece. McEntire agreed to view the site and make a proposal, and also
voiced a desire for the City to pay artists for work such as this. The Arts Commission will
review and approve the concept.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 4:53 p.m.