2018-03 RACRichfield Arts Commission Minutes
Thursday March 1st, 2018 7:00 PM, Richfield Community Center 7000 Nicollet Ave S
Commission Members Present: Alex Dahl, Larry Nelson, Mia Simpson, Karin Wolverton,
Thomas Eder, Joyce Marrie
Absent: Derek Sandbeck
Community Service Liaison: Lisa Rudolph
City Staff Liaison : Marykaye Champa
City Council Liason: Mayor Pat Elliot‐ not present
Guests: Jim Topitzhofer, City Parks and Recreation Director
Called to Order‐ 7:00PM
Agenda: approved by voice vote
Minutes‐ approved by voice vote
Standing Reports
Art Display‐ Mia‐ Walls are covered at the Community Center. We have coverage for April and May. It
was suggested that we check with the art classes that are offered through Community Ed to see if that
might be a connection to artists who might be interested in having their work displayed.
RAC Events‐ Larry‐ It does not appear that there has been any work done on the building at this point
and it is not clear when it will begin. Jim said when they sign the new lease they will have something
written in about being able to use some space for RAC events. At this point there are two tentative RAC
sponsored events for 6/9 and 7/14. We are also looking at doing edible art there again in October if the
space is available.
Little Library‐ Larry‐ Tried to stop by to check on the Library but snow had made it difficult to reach. Will
try again but we should be in good shape for books.
Teen Art Show‐ Joyce/Marykaye‐ We had not been contacted about the Teen Art Show art Augsburg
Park Library. Joyce found out about while going out to network on behalf of the Arts Commission. In the
past the Arts Commission had been very involved with the art show but due to staff turnover at the
Library they were unaware of our past involvement. Joyce has been asked to be a judge on her own not
representing the commission. Marykaye did reach out to the Library. The Judging for the art show is on
Saturday March 3rd at 1pm and there will be a reception on Sunday March 11th at 2pm. A motion was
made and passed to have Joyce represent the Arts Commission as a judge for the show and the
commission will supply a $50 gift card as a prize. Several members agreed to attend the reception on
the 11th.
Prioritization of Standing Efforts
Shakespeare in the Park‐ the Shakespeare group will again be doing three shows in Richfield in June.
They have not needed much assistance from the commission but it was decided to keep on the agenda
so we can make sure we maintain the connection. Members of the commission will connect with the
group in June and let them know about the coming Band shell.
Photo Contest‐ Photo contest will be Wednesday August 1st. We have had representatives of the
commission act as judges in the past. If anyone is interested, they can contact Nick Thompson at
NThompson@richfieldmn.gov
4TH of July/Penn Fest –Mia and Karen talked about us partnering last year with commissions and we did
walk in the 4th of July Parade. We also did a local trivia contest at Penn fest.
MaryKaye suggested two ideas for Pennfest. One would be a sponsored contest in which a couple would
be married at Penn Fest. We could tie it in with the 66th street project and call it “Love on 66th Street”
We could get local businesses to donate items to the couple and the Mayor could perform the wedding
ceremony. Bachman’s might even be willing to donate flowers
Another idea would be to find a couple who would be interested in celebrating their 66th wedding
anniversary by renewing their vows at Penn fest.
There will be further discussion on ideas for Penn Fest
Social Hour at Houlihans‐ Mia‐ Last year we started doing an artist Happy Hour at Houlihans.
Attendance has been up and down. Tom has agreed to take on the activity with the idea of turning into
a quarterly or yearly artist meet and greet of some sort.
66th Street Project‐ Jim Topitzhofer
Mia and Joyce have both met with Jim and Marykaye to talk about ideas and follow up on last
months meeting where the idea of coming up with a proposal that would go to the city council
seeking funding for public art was brought up.
We talked about the amount we should be asking for in our proposal. Jim thinks that $10,000 is
a good starting point. We can look into what type of art that amount can get us and we have
the option to ask for more in the future.
Right now there is money for 32 poems to go in on 66th street and that would not come out of
the $10,000.
We should start identifying what type of art we would like to see and what locations might
work for public art. Karin suggested maybe having some type of map at Penn fest where people
could post their ideas.
At the same time we are asking the city for money we need to start working on a plan to get
funding from local business and community groups such as the Lions club or Richfield
Foundation etc…
We may look into forming a sub group to deal with fundraising and the 66th street project
For next meeting it was suggested the committee members do so some research into what type
of public art is being done in other communities as well as to drive down 66th street to come up
with ideas for locations
Staff Report‐Marykaye
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. The Committee approved this.
Lisa Rudolph was re‐appointed liaison from the community services commission
Construction on the Band shell will begin this spring and should be completed by August 31st.
Our Budget for the year is $1,500
Concert dates have been set
Marykaye asked to we make a formal motion to appoint Derek as a liaison to the transportation
committee. A motion to that effect was proposed and passed
Announcements
Alex Dahl is moving out of the city due to his recent engagement. April will be his last meeting on the
commission. Alex has been a long time member of the commission and he will be missed.
Come to the next meeting with your suggestions for public art and fundraising ideas.
Adjourned: 8:46pm
Nest meeting Thursday April 5th 7pm
Respectfully submitted by Larry Nelson, RAC Secretary
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