2022-02 RAC Minutes
Richfield Arts Commission (RAC) Agenda
February 3rd, 2022, 7 :00 PM to 8:30 PM
Meeting will be held over Webex
7000 Nicollet Avenue South, Richfield, MN 55423
Call to Order – 7:03 pm; Webex remote meeting
Attendance: Present: Cole Hooey, Stephanie Jacobson, Aric Bieganek, Larry Nelson, Karin Wolverton, Hazel Bieganek, MaryKaye Champa, Janie Mork; Absent: Joyce Marrie, Elise Melendez,
Mary Supple, Courtney Kupsch, Lisa Rudolph
Approval of Agenda – 7:04 pm
Approval of Minutes – Secretary transition – no minutes from Nov. 2021 meeting
Introductions/New Members – Welcome to Cole Hooey and Stephanie Jacobson. All present commissioners made introductions
Election of Chair(s), Secretary: Larry and Karin were re-elected as Co-Chairs; Aric was elected as Secretary
Chase Bank Sculpture – Larry provided a background on the project, still no proposal in hand, but we do have the two artists and community groups selected that Chase is still reviewing.
MaryKaye is engaging with the Interim Community Development Director to see where Chase is at with the project. See attached Chase documents from November outlining their potential plans
for the site.
Little Library – Well-stocked, but snow plow piles are blocking access – The group decided we would like to keep it accessible to all residents even in winter, so MaryKaye will chat
with city staff to see if it can be cleared and piles can be placed elsewhere moving forward.
Senior Showcase for High School students – There weren’t any updates on this project, Larry will be reaching out to the Art teacher at the HS to discuss next steps for the project. The
Community Center gallery space will be available in May and June for the students’ art and the event will be in May, and we will try not to have it on the same week/weekend as other
potential, pending events such as the new playground opening events, where we hope to have a presence. MaryKaye will check with the Acting Dir. Of Parks and Rec or the Director when
she returns from leave about these dates/timing.
Community Services Commission Update – Lisa Rudolph – not present, no updates
Friendship City Commission Liaison – Courtney Kupsch – not present, no updates. A general discussion was had to explore our connections with other commissions and whether or not they
will continue/frequency/etc. Also, it was brought up that the Transportation Commission may be a good connection for RAC right now with all of the art elements/planning with the 494
project right now. Cole said he would be interested in a potential liaison position.
City Council Presentation recap – November presentation was well-received by the City Council. They appreciated our events and involvement with the City and are looking forward to what
we do in 2022 and beyond.
2022 Activities- What do we want to do work on
Photography contest was mentioned – RAC voted in the past
Hopefully some prior annual events can return if the pandemic wanes
Farmer’s Market – art activites for families – “Art in the Park” – we hope to bring back two of these events on June 18 and July 16. Lift the garage door of the old RAC space (part of
contract with Malt-Tees is that RAC can utilize the space occasionally for events. Park staff could help with events, plus RAC members. Canvases with pre-drawn pictures to paint – “Paint
in the Park” could be one event. Another proposed event by Aric was “Jazzy Art” where we hire a jazz guitarist to play for an hour or so and families can paint/color/draw on large and
small paper to jazz music. Aric could lead an activity to demonstrate. Times for events would be 10-11:30; 9:30 arrival. Clean up until Noon – two shifts for RAC members.
More past activities will be reviewed in next meeting
Crossroads Panorama fundraising event will be at the bandshell on Aug. 20th, RAC will volunteer once again
Poetry walk project – Richfield Lake, etc. – spoken word event could be a possible idea?
Need to reserve bandshell dates for RAC – what events will we host? August and Sept. Dates.
Dogs Take the Stage was a hit and we will do this once again: October 15, 4-7 pm, Pethaven was a sponsor, should we target them again?
Everyone is encouraged to bring more ideas to the March meeting
Staff Update – All commissioners should review the RAC roster for 2022 and email MaryKaye if any updates are needed. On Mar. 24 there is a commissioner orientation from 6-7:30 pm with
the City Attorney. Everyone is also encouraged to take the Strategic Planning Survey from the City. Janie will make yarn-wrapped weights for our tables to keep our materials and tablecloth
from blowing away on windy days. More t-shirts were ordered – tanks and short-sleeve – Navy blue with the RAC logo. Artist Jimmy Longoria has requested getting his art installed in our
municipal center gallery space – we will need to consider this request. Currently, a mother/daughter installment is on display.
Announcements – none.
Next meeting 3/3/22
Adjourn