RAC June 2020 Meeting Minutes (2)Richfield Arts Commission Minutes
Thursday June 4th, 2020 7:00 PM, Meeting held online due to Covid‐19 rules
Commission Members Present: Larry Nelson, Mia Simpson, Chelsea Knauf, Karin Wolverton,
Joyce Marie
Absent: Brittany Trushin, Janie Mork Youth Member, Elise Melendez
Community Service Liaison: N/A
City Staff: Marykaye Champa
City Council Liaison: Mary Supple
Guests: Allison‐Augsburg Park Library
Called to Order‐ 7:08PM
Agenda: approved with addition of discussion of collaboration with Human Rights Commission
Minutes‐ approved by voice vote
Healing in our Community
Discussion around the events surrounding the death of George Floyd.
There was a lot of searching for ways to respond to the events.
There was some discussion around the idea of Artists being second responders and the need to create
space though the arts for healing
Concern for how these events affect students
There was also talk about the need for long term ideas that this is not a one‐time thing. There is a sense
of unity but also a need to call out racism. Also, we cannot be angry all the time. There is a need to look
for ways to make change and work for unity.
We can look at doing some virtual events and activities as part of the summer online rec program
Forming a subcommittee to look at ways to use art to bring healing. Mia, Joyce, and Larry are interested.
Augsburg Library Grant Update
Still working on making project happen by developing take home kits with artist recorded videos that
have instructions on how to create art, paint pictures, etc.… The library staff is asking if RAC members
would be willing to drop off kits to people in the community. Marykaye suggested that they could
possibly use space at the community center for pick up. There could be as many as 100 kits. Karin said
she would be interested in helping with pick up. Library will let Marykaye know what they need.
Sidewalk Poetry update
The poems have been submitted. No date when installations will start. We have not received as much
feedback from the poets as last year. One poet did ask that their poem be put in with out the name of
the author.
Virtual events
Some activities have been filmed with artists for the Rec. departments online videos. Arts commission
members can be filmed for short segments for virtual rec activities that would be posted on the city
website. Topics could be the sidewalk poetry or sculptures and other public art in Richfield etc.….
Collaboration with Human Rights Commission
There was some thought we had been contacted by the Human Rights Commission to collaborate
possibly for Pride. Marykaye said that she thought it was not the HRC but rather Amy Markle had been
contacted by a group called Spread the Sunshine about working together to paint cross walks for Pride
Marykaye will follow up to make sure.
Little Library Update
The Little Library is currently full. Karin has been keeping it stocked.
Section 8 Waiting Room
Chelsea is currently working on the Section 8 waiting room and will let Marykaye know what she needs.
Announcements/Updates – Marykaye
Richfield is getting a new sculpture. It will go in on 66th and Lyndale. The sculpture id part of a project
that includes a new Chase Bank and pocket park going in at the corner of 66th and Lyndale. The
developer is interested in sticking with the families flourishing theme
The pool mural is still going to happen, but no timeline has been set yet.
Adjourned at 8: 40pm.
Next meeting Thursday August 6th 7pm
Respectfully Submitted by Larry Nelson, RAC Secretary