2020-11-12 Meridian Arts Commission
To develop, advance, and nurture all facets of the arts
to enhance the quality of life for Meridian residents and its visitors
MERIDIAN ARTS COMMISSION MEETING
City Council Chambers, 33 East Broadway Avenue Meridian, Idaho
Thursday, November 12, 2020 at 3:30 PM
All materials presented at public meetings become property of the City of Meridian. Anyone desiring accommodation for
disabilities should contact the City Clerk's Office at 208-888-4433 at least 48 hours prior to the public meeting.
Agenda
VIRTUAL MEETING INSTRUCTIONS
Limited seating is available at City Hall. Consider joining the meeting virtually:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83834722452
Or join by phone: 1-669-900-6833
Webinar ID: 838 3472 2452
ROLL-CALL ATTENDANCE
_____ Lizzie Taylor _____ Maria Tzompa
_____ Jessica Peters _____ Jenifer Cavaness-Williams
_____ Natalie Schofield _____ Thomas Vannucci
_____ Bonnie Zahn Griffith, Vice Chair _____ Raeya Wardle
_____ Leslie Mauldin, Chair _____ Joe Borton, Ex-Officio
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
APPROVAL OF MINUTES [ACTION ITEM]
1. Minutes from August and October Commission Meetings
NEW BUSINESS [ACTION ITEMS]
2. Approval of Monthly Financial Statement
3. Topic Proposal: Arts Diversity in Meridian- Context and Scope of Next Steps
REPORTS [ACTION ITEM]
4. Update: Initial Point Gallery Subcommittee
5. Update: Events & Outreach Subcommittee
6. Update: Public Art Subcommittee
1
NEXT MEETING - December 10, 2020
ADJOURNMENT
2
To develop, advance, and nurture all facets of the arts
to enhance the quality of life for Meridian residents and its visitors
MERIDIAN ARTS COMMISSION MEETING
City Council Chambers, 33 East Broadway Avenue Meridian, Idaho
Thursday, August 13, 2020 at 3:30 PM
All materials presented at public meetings become property of the City of Meridian. Anyone desiring accommodation for
disabilities should contact the City Clerk's Office at 208-888-4433 at least 48 hours prior to the public meeting.
Agenda
VIRTUAL MEETING INSTRUCTIONS
Limited seating is available at City Hall Consider joining the meeting virtually:
To call in: 1-669-900-6833
Webinar ID: 897 8003 3964
ROLL-CALL ATTENDANCE
_x____ Lizzie Taylor _x____ Maria Tzompa
_x____ Jessica Peters _x____ Jenifer Cavaness-Williams joined 3:42pm
_x____ Natalie Schofield _x____ Thomas Vannucci
_x____ Bonnie Zahn Griffith, Vice Chair _____ Logan Cloninger
_____ Leslie Mauldin, Chair _____ Joe Borton, Ex-Officio
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
J. Peters made motion to adopt the agenda, seconded by L. Taylor
All ayes
APPROVAL OF MINUTES [ACTION ITEM]
1. Minutes from July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
L. Taylor made motion to approve minutes, seconded by J. Peters
All ayes
INTRODUCE NEW COMMISSIONERS
T. Vannucci and N. Schofield briefly introduce themselves and their backgrounds.
NEW BUSINESS [ACTION ITEMS]
2. Approval of Monthly Financial Statements [Action Item]
3
Item 1.
L. Taylor made motion to approve financial statements, seconded by M. Tzompa
All ayes
3. Approve Artists Selected for Initial Point Gallery Exhibits February 2021- February
2022 [Action Item]
J. Peters made motion to approve artists, seconded by B. Griffith
All ayes
REPORTS
4. Update: Initial Point Gallery Subcommittee
B. Griffith informed the Commission on the selection process taken by the
Subcommittee in order to schedule the 2021 Gallery calendar. There was an
increase in applications and the Subcommittee was pleased with responses.
5. Update: Public Art Subcommittee
J. Peters reported that the Statements of Interest from local property owners has
closed and the Subcommittee will review applications in their next meeting. J.
Peters and A. Belnap have also been working with Meridith McKinley to wrap up
the Via Partnerships final report.
6. Update: Events & Outreach Subcommittee
The Subcommittee has been working hard to recreate Art Week. Classes are
opening for registration and A. Belnap is working on marketing the activities.
WORKSHOP PUBLIC ART REPORT
7. Discussion Agenda & Outline
Meridith McKinley began by briefly recapping takeaways from the Public Art
Questionnaire and the individuals interviewed over the last few months. Based on
the priorities and desires reflected in the questionnaire results and those
interviews, M. McKinley created a preliminary vision for Meridian. She particularly
emphasized three key points of the vision: the artwork must reflect Meridian’s
“unique identity, develops Meridian as a creative city, and makes its public spaces
more active and attractive.”
M. McKinley reviewed each of these three points:
Meridian’s unique identity: There is a desire to develop Meridian to be more
memorable city, distinct from its neighbors. What is Meridian’s unique identity?
Purely agricultural? The natural environment? An important historical figure? The
parks system and its family focus? What kind of artwork would reflect that?
Creative City: There is a desire to develop Meridian into a place where art and
culture is appreciated and supported. What are projects that could instigate this?
Artist designed public art projects that residents participate in the creation
Commission local artists by catering to the strength of local artists
Develop programs that will help teach/tutor/mentor artists
4
Item 1.
Be a resource for those who are interested in doing public art on their own
M. McKinley gathered a strong desire to support local artists from the public
while also learning that the number of artists who work on large scale projects
is quite limited in the Valley- she inquired as to whether the idea of “support
local artists” insinuates a desire to work directly with local artists or if the
true/deeper desire is to keep artwork localized or focused on the local values
and community. The commission agreed that the priority is more based in the
desire that the artwork reflects local influence and values rather than an actual
local artist.
Active and Attractive spaces: There is a desire to celebrate and build up public
spaces or make public spaces places where residents want to spend time. M.
McKinley suggested that this indicates that advocacy for well designed public places
also be a priority for the commission. No public artwork can fix poorly designed
public space.
This could be done by doing more high profile art projects or taking advantage of
functional elements.
Encourage developers to incorporate public art in their planning. L. Taylor
stated that she believes this to be one of the most important elements in growing
a public art program.
T. Vannucci suggested a thematic through line for the City- a continuous,
recognizable theme or something to give identity and design to Meridian- similar
to Disney’s hidden Mickey ears. He acknowledged that this thematic source
generates recognition among residents and can be a source of creative design for
public spaces.
Next, M. McKinley reviewed the current program’s strengths & weaknesses. Her
suggestions for improvement include: formation of a Public Art Program, City
planning, thorough project planning, and increased funding.
In project planning, M. McKinley recommended releasing qualifications-based
Calls to Artists instead of proposal-based. This is best practice because it places
more value in artist's creative efforts. E. Kane elaborated that MAC began this
way but reverted to proposal-based application because of frustration on the
lengthy two step process. E. Kane also stated that the two step process has
generally given better results.
Open competition vs. limited competition- M. McKinley described both types of
competition as ways to diversify who MAC commissions for public art projects.
M. McKinley stated that a major point of growth for the Commission would be to
increase its current funding- this would be crucial to progress in the program.
Several options would be to look into privately funded projects or implementing
a percent-for-art program.
Following M. McKinley’s presentation, the commissioner’s thanked her for her hard
work and information. M. McKinley will finish the final report within a month or so.
NEXT MEETING - October 8, 2020
5
Item 1.
L. Mauldin noted that the September regular meeting is cancelled due to Art Week.
ADJOURNMENT
L. Taylor made motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by J. Cavaness-Williams
All ayes
6
Item 1.
1
MERIDIAN ARTS COMMISSION MEETING
City Council Chambers, 33 East Broadway Avenue Meridian, Idaho
Thursday, October 08, 2020 at 3:30 PM
MINUTES
VIRTUAL MEETING INSTRUCTIONS
Limited seating is available at City Hall Consider joining the meeting virtually:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81193783360
Or join by phone: 1-669-900-6833
Webinar ID:811 9378 3360
ROLL-CALL ATTENDANCE
_x____ Lizzie Taylor _____ Maria Tzompa
_x____ Jessica Peters _____ Jenifer Cavaness-Williams
_x____ Natalie Schofield _x____ Thomas Vannucci
_x____ Bonnie Zahn Griffith, Vice Chair _____ Logan Cloninger
_x____ Leslie Mauldin, Chair _x____ Joe Borton, Ex-Officio
1. Update: New Youth Commissioner, Raeya Wardle
L. Mauldin informed the Commission that R. Wardle will be appointed to the Commission
in the coming weeks. R. Wardle gave a brief self introduction.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
L. Taylor made motion to adopt the agenda, seconded by B. Griffith
All ayes
APPROVAL OF MONTHLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS [ACTION ITEM]
2. Arts Commission Monthly Financial Statement, September 2020
B. Griffith made motion to approve monthly financial statement, seconded by L. Taylor
All ayes
NEW BUSINESS [ACTION ITEMS]
3. Public Meeting Law Review & Training
E. Kane elaborated on the background of theOpen Meeting Law, how it applies to the
Commission, and best practices in keeping the Open Meeting Law. Powerpoint used for
presentation is attached below. L. Mauldin requested that the Commission review this
quarterly as a reminder to follow these guidelines.
4. Evaluate and Approve Meridian Mural Series Locations
7
Item 1.
2
A. Belnap explained that she researched price points for each mural and presented two
combinations or “packages” of mural series for the Commission to approve. These
packages fit within the overall budget of the Meridian Mural Series and are prioritized
according to the ranking determined by the Public Art Subcommittee.
The Commission held a roll call vote to determine which location package to choose.
Package #1 ($21,050): 5 votes
Package #2 ($17,230): 1 vote
L. Taylor made motion to approve the locations listed in Package #1 for the Meridian
Mural Series, seconded by J. Peters
All ayes
5. Review and Approve Meridian Mural Series Request for Qualifications for Muralists
J. Peters suggested that the language “BIPOC and members of underrepresented or
marginalized communities are encouraged to apply” be added to the RFQ. The
Commission agreed to add the language in the “Eligibility” section.
E. Kane suggested that the “Eligibility” section be joined with the “Project Overview”
section at the top of the first page.
T. Vannucci suggested that the letter of interest mentioned under “Process” section 2d
includes a description of what inspires the artists about the location they are choosing to
apply for, and what inspires them about Meridian.
J. Peters made motion to approve the Request for Qualifications as amended and to
authorize A. Belnap to release the document according to the timeline listed in the
document, seconded by T. Vannucci
All ayes
6. Review and Approve Proposed Concerts on Broadway 2021 Dates
J. Peters requested clarification on the last date listed, September 21, since it is a Tuesday.
A. Belnap acknowledged the typo and stated the correct date is September 25.
N. Schofield made motion to approve the concert dates as amended, seconded by B.
Griffith
All ayes
REPORTS
7. Update: Initial Point Gallery Subcommittee
N. Schofield described the Opening Reception from earlier in the week as being small but
fun. B. Griffith pointed out that the next Opening Reception falls on Election Day. E. Kane
mentioned that in years past, that City Council and the Opening Reception is moved to the
following Wednesday. B. Griffith will as the November artists if they are interested in
canceling or moving their reception.
8. Update: Events & Outreach Subcommittee
L. Mauldin updated the Commission regarding the Subcommittee’s efforts with diversity
and involvement with other City events. T. Vannucci asked if the Subcommittee is
interested in rescheduling the meeting in October rather than waiting to meet again in
November. Leslie agreed to reschedule, A. Belnap will arrange the next meeting time.
8
Item 1.
3
9. Update: Public Art Subcommittee
J. Peters informed the Commission that Meridith McKinley of Via Partnerships submitted
the final report and the Subcommittee will use that report to expand the creation of the
Public Art Plan.
NEXT MEETING - November 12, 2020
ADJOURNMENT
B. Griffith made motion to adjourn, seconded by L. Taylor
All ayes
9
Item 1.
4
Emily Kane, Deputy City Attorney
Presentation to Meridian Arts Commission
October 8, 2020
What is the OML?
Title 74, Idaho Code: Transparent and Ethical Government
Chapter 2: Open Meetings Law
“The people of the state of Idaho in creating the
instruments of government that serve them, do not yield
their sovereignty to the agencies so created. Therefore, the
legislature finds and declares that it is the policy of this
state that the formation of public policy is public business
and shall not be conducted in secret.”
MAC = Governmental (sub)agency, serving the people of
Meridian
10
Item 1.
5
Does the OML apply to MAC?
YES!
“All meetings of a governing body of a public
agency shall be open to the public.”
◼Public Agency: City + any “subagency”
◼Governing body: Board with authority to
make decisions or recommendations
◼MAC
◼MAC’s subcommittees
What is a “meeting”?
Meeting = Quorum + Decision
Quorum + Deliberation
Decision = Action
Deliberation = Receiving information…
Exchanging information…
Exchanging opinions…
…related to the business of MAC
11
Item 1.
6
OML Compliance
All Commission and Committee meetings must:
Be noticed prior to convening: 48 hours (regular meeting) or 24
hours (special meeting)
Notice = posted at City Hall + City website
Be open to the public
Provide the opportunity for all persons to attend
Follow an agenda
Strive to follow published/adopted agenda
Law allows limited amendment of agenda after noticing or
during meeting
Action may not be taken on an item added to agenda during
meeting
Be memorialized in summary minutes
Word to the Wise
“The requirement that the
Open Meeting Law be
complied with should not
be evaded by holding
smaller meetings with less
than a quorum present or
by having a go-between
contact each of the
governing body members
to ascertain his/her
sentiment.”
12
Item 1.
7
Ex parte info
Ex Parte Information Gathering (EPIG): Receiving,
off the record, information or opinion regarding a
matter pending before the Commission
Informal conversations with citizens
E-mail or phone/voice mail opinions (even unsolicited)
Individual site visits, research, interviews
EPIG happens outside a meeting → EPIG deviates
from the public record
“The formation of public policy is public business and
shall not be conducted in secret.”
The Supreme Court says:
essentially conducts
How to handle ex parte information:
Avoid it!
13
Item 1.
8
the Supreme Court also says:
The Commission is not
held to a standard of
disinterestedness.
How to handle ex parte information:
Disclose it!
Public meeting, on site, as a Commission
Public testimony
The Open Meetings Law does not require that the
Commission take public comments or testimony.
BUT: The Commission president may allow or
request public comments or testimony.
14
Item 1.
9
Executive session
Executive session = A closed meeting.
There are 10 specific exceptions to the open
meeting requirement.
It is unlikely that MAC would conduct deliberations
under any of these exceptions.
If you foresee the need to hold an executive session,
please consult your attorney in advance.
The law specifically allows meeting by telephone
conference call (or online platform) IF:
◼At least one Commissioner is physically present
at the noticed location
◼The communications are audible to all attending
◼Voting is not secret
15
Item 1.
10
Quorum of commissioners on an email thread +
Deliberations = Illegal Meeting. Violates:
◼Notice requirement
◼Physical presence requirement
◼Audible communications requirement
◼Secret voting prohibition
Creates public records – subject to disclosure to the
public under Idaho Public Records Act
◼Even if it is your personal e-mail account, personal device
Administrative message is not “deliberation”
Open meeting violations
Any action taken in violation of the Open Meeting
Law is void.
Subsequent actions are also considered tainted and
therefore void.
FIX: Do-over, from the beginning.
If an action is knowingly taken in violation of the
Law, the actor is subject to being individually sued
and fined, and may be subject to criminal
prosecution.
Any affected citizen can sue.
16
Item 1.
11
Transparent + Ethical
Self-interested contracts: Commissioners may not
be “interested in” any contract with the City –
exceptions for volunteer commissioners
Conflicts of interest: If you are asked to make a
decision as a commissioner that benefits you or
your household member personally or
professionally, must follow statutory process
Gifts: Commissioners (in course of official duties)
may not accept gifts more than $50 in value
Corruption, bribery: Commissioners may not grant
favors, for free or in exchange for money
17
Item 1.
12
Questions?
City Attorney’s Office, 208-898-5506
Emily Kane, ekane@meridiancity.org
Bill Nary, bnary@meridiancity.org
Ted Baird, tbaird@meridiancity.org
Andrea Pogue, apogue@meridiancity.org
Idaho Code
legislature.idaho.gov, Click on “Laws & Rules,” then “Idaho Statutes”
Title 74: Transparent and Ethical Government
Attorney General’s Office Manuals
ag.idaho.gov, Click on “Manuals”
Open Meeting Law Manual
Public Records Law Manual
Ethics in Government Manual
18
Item 1.
10
Is it a “meeting”?
5 Commissioners are at a gallery opening, talking about the
best way to rake leaves. NOT A MEETING
Informal gathering of quorum is not necessarily a
meeting.
Quorum but no deliberation (exchanging opinions, but
not related to MAC business)
5 Commissioners are at a gallery opening, talking about Meridian hosting a Halloween independent film festival oneday. NOT A MEETING
Quorum but no deliberation
◼BUT: If the Commissioners are later asked to make a decisionregarding this issue, must disclose this discussion during the publicmeeting.
19
Item 1.
11
Is it a “meeting”?
5 Commissioners are at a gallery opening, talking about a
Halloween independent film festival proposal that is on their
upcoming agenda.
Quorum + deliberation (exchanging opinions related to
MAC business)
4 Commissioners are at a gallery opening, talking about a
Halloween independent film festival proposal that is on their
upcoming agenda. NOT A MEETING*
No quorum, but it is deliberation.
*Violates the purpose of the law, even if no actual
violation.
Is it inappropriate EPIG?
Commissioner goes to the proposed site of a future art
installation that is to be discussed at an upcoming MAC
meeting, in order to see what the site looks like. AVOID!
This is an off-record fact-gathering session not properly
noticed or open to the public.
Inappropriate EPIG
Commissioner lives near the site and drives by every day onthe way to and from work. DISCLOSE
Incidental observation is not necessarily inappropriatefact-gathering.
EPIG, but not inappropriate.
20
Item 1.
12
Is it inappropriate ex parte info?
The Commission wishes to see the proposed site of afuture art installation that is to be discussed at anupcoming MAC meeting.
A noticed site visit is not EPIG; this is a publicmeeting.
Quorum + Deliberation (receiving information forthe purpose of making a decision)
Must be properly noticed, minutes must be taken,and the public must be allowed to attend.
21
Item 1.
Total YTD Budget
Budget Actual Remaining
REVENUES
Donations/Sponsorships
Concerts on Broadway -$ -$ -$
Initial Point Gallery -$
Traffic Box Wraps -$
TOTAL REVENUE -$ -$ -$
EXPENSES
Arts Development*2,000.00$ 2,000.00$
*May include expenses related to training/conferences and/or general arts development outreach efforts
Concerts on Broadway 10,000.00$ 10,000.00$
Performing Arts 7,000.00$ 7,000.00$
Initial Point Gallery 700.00$ 700.00$
School Dist Art Show Awards 50.00$ 50.00$
Art Week 2,800.00$ 2,800.00$
Public/Private Mural Program -$ -$
Public Art Plan Consultant & Final Document -$
Other Expenses**950.00$ 950.00$
**May include expenses associated with the Dairy Days Art Show and/or Art Week
SUBTOTAL 23,500.00$ -$ 23,500.00$
PUBLIC ART PROJECTS
Art in Public Places Mural series (Carryforward)21,300.00$ 21,300.00$
MAPS - Traffic Box Wraps -$ -$
MAPS - Public Art/Signage in Parks (Carryforward)39,764.00$ 39,764.00$
MAPS - Public Art/Signage in Parks 50,000.00$ 50,000.00$
TOTAL PUBLIC ART PROJECTS 111,064.00$ -$ 111,064.00$
TOTAL EXPENSES 134,564.00$ -$ 134,564.00$
FY2021 Budget to Actual Comparison
11/6/2020 1 of 1 FY21 Summary22
Item 2.
City Of MeridianPosted General Ledger TransactionsFY 21G/L CodeFund CodeDepartment CodeProject CodeEffective DateTransaction DescriptionMIP/reports/posted transaction/MAC Transaction DetailG/L# 55181 & 94403Update PIVOT tables; verify balances to MIP & totals carried to FY20 Summary tab11/6/20201 of 1Expense detail23Item 2.
INITIAL POINT GALLERY SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING
City Council Chambers, 33 East Broadway Avenue Meridian, Idaho
Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at 1:00 PM
MINUTES
VIRTUAL MEETING INSTRUCTIONS
Limited seating is available at City Hall Consider joining the meeting virtually:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/145095005
Or join by phone: 1 877 309 2073
Webinar ID: 145-095-005
ROLL-CALL ATTENDANCE
_____ Lizzie Taylor
_x____ Natalie Schofield
_x____ Bonnie Zahn Griffith, Chair
APPROVAL OF MINUTES [ACTION ITEM]
1. Minutes from September 15, 2020
N. Schofield made motion to approve, seconded by B. Griffith
DISCUSSION ITEMS
2. Update: 2021 Gallery Scheduling
A. Belnap informed the Subcommittee that she has received all agreements for the
2021 exhibiting artists except one, David Dillon. She stated that she hasn’t been able
to reach D. Dillon after repeated attempts at contact. B. Griffith will reach out in case
the City’s emails have been going to spam. If D. Dillon is not reachable, then
Stephanie Teeter’s 3D space could be extended to ¼ gallery.
The Subcommittee also discussed the ¼ gallery opening in August 2021. In the last
meeting, L. Taylor volunteered to look at line artists in TVAA, however she informed
A. Belnap that she couldn’t find any. A. Belnap suggested that the Subcommittee
revisit Jenn Pirente’s application on the basis that she would fit into the
printing/graphic design theme of the August show. B. Griffith said that she knew of
some encaustic artists that could fit. She will bring names and photos to next
meeting.
24
Item 4.
The Subcommittee also discussed a traveling art exhibit that B. Griffith brought up:
The Great American Paint In. It is difficult to tell from the website if the traveling
show is mostly digital or in person. The Subcommittee will look into it.
3. Evaluate Gallery Advertisement Avenues
A. Belnap requested that this agenda item is moved to next month to allow more
time for her to look into all advertisement avenues. The Subcommittee agreed.
4. Review Initial Point Gallery Drafted Information Brochure
The Subcommittee reviewed the drafted brochures that A. Belnap brought. After
brief discussion, the Subcommittee decided to move forward with the exterior of
Brochure #1 and the interior of Brochure #2. A. Belnap will fill in all the
information and bring the final product to next meeting.
4. Discuss Gallery Demonstrations for Future Exhibits
B. Griffith informed the Subcommittee that the Arts Commission used to do art
demonstrations in the Gallery about once a month during a lunch hour. She
proposed that the Subcommittee renew these efforts. A. Belnap stated that per the
Mayor’s request, no activities are taking place in the Gallery during COVID-19,
however the Subcommittee could look into parks, sidewalks, or the first floor in
City Hall instead. A. Belnap will consult with G. White and R. White of the Parks &
Recreation Department to get their advice and direction. The goal is to invite the
currently exhibiting artists to do a small demonstration to increase awareness of
the Gallery and the arts.
NEXT MEETING - November 25, 2020
ADJOURNMENT
25
Item 4.
EVENTS AND OUTREACH SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING
Parks and Recreation Conference Room, 33 East Broadway Avenue Ste 206 Meridian,
Idaho
Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at 5:00 PM
MINUTES
VIRTUAL MEETING INSTRUCTIONS
Limited seating is available at City Hall Consider joining the meeting virtually:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/574664773
Or join by phone: 1 877 309 2073
Webinar ID: 574-664-773
ROLL-CALL ATTENDANCE
_x____ Leslie Mauldin _x____ Thomas Vannucci
_x____ Maria Tzompa, Chair _____ Jenifer Cavaness-Williams
_____ Michelle Glaze
APPROVAL OF MINUTES [ACTION ITEM]
1. Minutes from September 3, 2020
L. Mauldin made motion to approve minutes, seconded by T. Vannucci
All ayes
DISCUSSION ITEMS
2. Learn How the Arts Commission Can Participate With Other City Events-
Information Presented by Renee White
R. White reviewed all City events organized by the Parks & Rec Department,
including Unplug & Be Outside, the annual Block Party, Trunk or Treat, Christmas,
etc.
The Subcommittee brainstormed possible elements they could implement into City
events including Dicken’s singers/carolers, quartets, flash mobs, and bell choirs.
These groups would be local and possibly made of students. A larger effort was
discussed in creating a “thematic throughline” or continuation in the Art
Commission’s activities in the City events throughout the year. The Subcommittee
also reviewed the idea of an immersive art park described in the article
26
Item 5.
(https://blooloop.com/news/everland-immersive-art-park-denver/) shared by T.
Vannucci. It also could be part of a larger arts festival. The Subcommittee and
Renee agreed that this format would fit in nicely with Unplug & Be Outside in the
spring or the Block Party or Art Week in September.
Along the lines of the Dickens carolers, Renee mentioned doing video efforts this
year in place of in person activities. Perhaps even promoting a unique Meridian
song or anthem. This could be selected through a songwriting contest. This song
could be used at all City events so the public could become familiar with it.
3. Discuss Public/Private Partnerships for Events and Public Outreach Efforts
Renee informed the Subcommittee that she frequently works with sponsors. The
Arts Commission’s efforts would largely need to be funded by this as well. If the
Subcommittee intends to contribute to City events, the Subcommittee needs to
inform Renee by January each year so that she can include the Subcommittee’s
projects and requests for sponsors in the annual sponsorship packet. If the
Subcommittee intends to change a City events more dramatically, the
Subcommittee needs to discuss with Renee at least 18 months in advance.
ACTION ITEMS
4. Identify Action Items for Involvement in 2020 City Holiday Events
For this holiday season, the Subcommittee agreed that effort this season would be
more of “developmental” or preparatory for future holiday seasons due to the
proximity of the vents and limitations and restrictions in place this year. This
season, the Subcommittee will look into costume designers and seamstresses or
tailors to create a collection of Dickens caroler costumes. L. Mauldin and M.
Tzompa mentioned that they know some local costume designers who could be
interested in the project. Specifically, M. Tzompa mentioned Star Moxely, a
designer for the Shakespeare Festival and owner of a local shop. The
Subcommittee will look into the cost and process of creating these costumes.
The Subcommittee also is interested in doing an Ornament Drop this year,
modeled after the Art Drop.
REPORTS
5. Review Meridian Art Week 2020
The Subcommittee reported that things seemed to go well this year during Art Week,
despite all the challenges of COVID-19. A. Belnap mentioned the graciousness in working
with the artists, presenters, and instructors even in the midst of all the changes. The
Subcommittee discussed the limited attendance in the earlier classes on Wednesday and
Thursday. It is difficult to tell if the limited attendance was due to disinterest, COVID-19
caution, or unavailability on weekday evenings. If the classes continue next year, the
Subcommittee will rearrange the days and times to see if success changes.
NEXT MEETING - November 12, 2020
ADJOURNMENT
27
Item 5.
PUBLIC ART SUBCOMMITTEE
City Council Chambers, 33 East Broadway Avenue Meridian, Idaho
Thursday, October 15, 2020 at 6:00 PM
MINUTES
VIRTUAL MEETING INSTRUCTIONS
Limited seating is available at City Hall Consider joining the meeting virtually:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/438043461
Or join by phone: 1 877 568 4106
Access Code: 438-043-461
ROLL-CALL ATTENDANCE
_x____ Lizzie Taylor
_x____ Jessica Peters, Chair _x____ Thomas Vannucci
_x____ Natalie Schofield __x___ Bobby Gaytan
APPROVAL OF MINUTES [ACTION ITEM]
1. Public Art Subcommittee Minutes from September 17, 2020
T. Vannucci made motion to approve minutes, seconded by N. Schofield
All ayes
DISCUSSION ITEMS
2. Discuss Distribution Avenues of Meridian Mural Series Request for Qualifications
The commissioners requested that A. Belnap send them the finalized RFQ for their
contacts. The Subcommittee discussed organizations or associations that could
help spread the word about the Meridian Mural Series Call to Artist. Some
suggestions included: TVAA, BOSCO, Surrel’s Place, Freak Alley Association, Boise
Mural Project, Community Canvas, Boise Arts & History, local universities,
Ketchum Art Commission, Hunger Coalition, and Interfaith Sanctuary. In order to
preserve time and effectiveness, the Subcommittee agreed that A. Belnap will
create a Google Spreadsheet where commissioners may record the organizations
and contacts they reach out to. This will allow the Subcommittee to prevent
overlapping or duplicating contacts as well as keep a documentation of contacts
for future projects. A. Belnap will send out the Google Spreadsheet next week.
28
Item 6.
3. Establish Goals and Expectations for the Creation of the Public Art Plan
J. Peters introduced the Public Art Plan by showing the Subcommittee the previous
Public Art Outline of public art projects proposed through 2025 and also inquired
what elements the Subcommittee feels would be important to plan. The
Subcommittee concluded that the Public Art Plan would establish a vision for the
Public Art Program as well as identify locations for several public art pieces in the
near future. The desire or goal of the Public Art Plan is to help the current
Commission and future commissioners evaluate locations and styles or types of art
to focus on in Meridian. For example, N. Schofield brought up a town in Montana
has a series of painted bulls in their town. It is a cohesive and noticeable public art
effort there. The Public Art Plan would determine if Meridian desired to do
similarly. The Commission’s Accession and Deaccession Policy should also be
included in the Public Art Plan.
The Subcommittee discussed how to create the Public Art Plan. The Subcommittee
could hire a third party art consultant or attempt to create the Public Art plan
themselves. T. Vannucci offered himself as a certified facilitator to assist in the
creation of the plan. L. Taylor inquired if the Subcommittee could pay T. Vannucci
for his services. T. Vannucci stated he does not expect payment. B. Gaytan also
offered his services as a graphic designer. A. Belnap will research public art
consultants and also ask if we could pay commissioners who volunteer their
efforts.
4. Discuss Options for 2021 Public Art Project
The Subcommittee referred to the previously established Public Art Outline and
the FY21 MAPS budget. A. Belnap informed the Subcommittee that many things
have changed. A. Belnap knows of some other projects within the Parks
Department that could be options for the FY21 public art project. A. Belnap will ask
around and have more information to present to the Subcommittee in November.
REPORTS
5. Traffic Box Series 2020 Completed
The Subcommittee reviewed images of the completed boxes and were pleased with
the results of installation.
NEXT MEETING - November 19, 2020
ADJOURNMENT
L. Taylor made motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by T. Vannucci
All ayes
Meeting adjourned at 7:17pm
29
Item 6.