Richfield Arts Commission Minutes Feb 1st 2018Richfield Arts Commission Minutes
Thursday February 1st, 2018 7:00 PM, Richfield Community Center 7000 Nicollet Ave S
Commission Members Present: Alex Dahl, Larry Nelson, Mia Simpson, Derek Sandbeck, Karin
Wolverton, Thomas Eder, Joyce Marrie
Absent: N/A
Community Service Liaison: Lisa Rudolph‐ absent
City Staff Liaison : Marykaye Champa
City Council Liason: Mayor Pat Elliot
Guests: Jack Broz and Chris Link from Public works, Jim Topitzhofer, City Parks and Recreation
Director
Called to Order‐ 7:00PM
Agenda: approved by voice vote
Minutes‐ approved by voice vote
Introduction of new members
The commission welcomes two new members, Joyce, Tom
Public Works Presentation:
Jack and Chris from Public Works met with the city council recently to discuss where and how to
incorporate public art into city projects such as the current 66th street and upcoming Lyndale Ave
rebuilds. Several high value points have been identified as possible locations to incorporate art.
There is currently funding for 32 poems to be placed in the walkways along the rebuilt roads. Beyond
that there is no dedicated funds for public art as part of these projects. The current city council does
seem open to providing some funding for public art projects provided the commission could come up
with a proposal for them to consider. There is no time line for a proposal but Jim Topitzhofer suggested
the sooner we could put something together the better.
Pat Elliot also suggested that the commission the Chamber of Commerce as well as Richfield Tourism to
see if there might be opportunities to get funding from the community.
It was suggested that commission could discuss priorities for the coming year including the possibility of
forming sub committees to deal specifically with 66th/Lyndale projects as well as general fundraising at
the March meeting.
As part of the meeting Chris Link mentioned that there is money available to wrap the electrical box in
Veterans Park. They want to use pictures from last years picture contest. The commission voted to use a
picture of a butterfly as well as a picture of a squirrel.
There was also some talk about an Arts Commission member serving as liaison to the Transportation
Commission. Derek said he would be interested. Marykaye will see if that is an option
Standing Reports
Art Display‐ Mia‐ There is a new artist starting at the community center. We are full at the community
center through June. We also currently have an artist in the display case at city hall. Mia has also been
contacted by Augsburg Park Library about the upcoming Teen Art Contest.
RAC Events‐ Larry‐ We sponsored two events and did one event on our own at the Art Center last year.
It is unclear what the status of the Art Center is at the moment. There was discussion last year of the
snack stand in the building was going to take over and remodel the space but it is unclear what the
status of that project is currently. If the space is available this year we should continue to use it for RAC
events. Marykaye said she will have an update during her staff report.
Little Library‐ Larry‐ the Little Library outside the Art Center is good. We received several donations last
fall and should have enough books to keep it stocked at the moment
4TH of July/Penn Fest – Mia‐ Last year we partnered with several other commissions to activities as part
of both the 4th of July and Penn fest in September. Marykaye mentioned that the first Penn Fest meeting
is Feb 7th if anyone is interested.
Photo Contest‐ Marykaye mentioned that we helped judge a photo contest for the rec dept last August.
Heather acted as the judge and selected the winning photo.
Shakespeare in the Park – Marykaye ‐ Shakespeare group performed three times in Richfield last June.
The group is fairly self‐sufficient but in the past commission members have met with them to check in
and see if they needed anything prior to the show. Marykaye is currently the contact but is willing to let
someone take that on if they are interested.
Social Hour at Houlihans‐ Marykaye‐ Last year Heather started a monthly artist happy hour at
Houlihans. It was a chance for commission members to connect with local artists. The commission will
need to decide if this is something we want to continue this year.
Staff Report‐Marykaye
Nothing has been at the Art Center as of yet. There does not currently appear to be a timeline for the
Art Center space to be taken over and re modeled. Marykaye has not had anything removed or sold off
anything from our space. There is a possibility of doing a RAC event at the Art Center on June 9th.
There are no youth members. There does not appear to have been any youth serving on any of the
commissions.
There will be a commission training at City Hall on Feb 28th at 6:30pm. The city attorney will cover open
meeting laws at the training. All commission members are welcome to attend.
The elementary art teacher approached Marykaye about the commission promoting their Empty bowls
event. The kids will make bowls that will be used at a fundraiser with proceeds going to groups that help
with hunger.
Marykaye will also look into whether or not Lisa Rudolph is still liaison from the Community Services
Commission.
New Business:
Elections for chair and Secretary for 2018 – Mia and Joyce were elected as co‐chairs. Larry was
reelected as secretary
Announcements
The Art Shanty Project taking place on Lake Harriet every weekend through Feb 11th. The Art Shanty
Project is a unique artist take on fishing houses and is free and open to the public.
Illuminate South Loop, an outdoor interactive art event will be taking place from 5pm‐10pm Feb 1st, 2nd
and 3rd across from the Health partners offices in Bloomington just west of the Mall of America
Adjourned: 8:48 PM
Next meeting will be at the Community Center at 7pm on Thursday March 1st, 2018
Submitted by Larry Nelson RAC Secretary