2025-09 Arts MinutesRichfield Arts Commission (RAC) Minutes
September 4, 2025 | 7:00 PM
Richfield Community Center | 7000 Nicollet, Richfield, MN
In attendance: Aric Bieganek (Chair), Stephanie Eaton (Secretary), Ann Bieganek, John Blackshear,
Stephanie Jacobson, Lucas Smith, Janie Mork, Crystina Clauson, Jill Murphy (City Liaison), Sharon
Christiansen (City Council Liaison)
Absent: BJ Skoog (CSC Liaison)
Administrative Duties
• Call to Order at 7:02 PM
• Approval of Agenda: Stephanie E motioned, Janie seconded, all in favor
• Approval of Minutes: Aric motioned, Ann seconded, all in favor
• Budget Update: $1297.95 remaining, minus reimbursement to Crystina for previously
purchased supplies.
• Supplies Updates/Research
o Aric motion to spend up to $40 on 1-2 brochure stands to use on our table at events.
Janie seconded, all in favor. Ann will find one to purchase.
o Kids’ scissors and markers discussed at August meeting have been purchased.
• Branding & Placemaking Advisory Committee update: Public placemaking survey is
active and will be closing soon. Spread the word!
• City Council Presentation: Tuesday, October 28 at 7 PM. Aric and Stephanie E will present,
and all others are welcome to attend. If you have any photos from events this past year,
send them to Aric, Stephanie E, or Jill.
2025 Previous Activities
• Recap: Nature Area Poetry Walk – Mississippi Valley Poets & Writers was a lovely event!
There was a write-up in the Sun Current, and it was featured in the Richfield Recap. In
discussions to add 5 additional poems in the future, to the current 10.
2025 Prioritized Activities
• Art in our Community: Art Walk Brochure
o The city is working on a new website platform. Once that is complete, it will be a
good time to create a digital version of the brochure.
• Art in our Community: Pride Roundabout Maintenance
o Next round: Saturday 9/13 and Sunday 9/14 at 7 AM. Red and blue paint.
o Jill will purchase 1 more can of each red and blue paint. This purchase was voted
upon and approved at the August meeting.
• Art in our Community: List of Local Artists
o Jill will check with the legal team to see if there is anything we should consider
before proceeding.
• Art in our Community: PennFest, September 21 from 1-5 PM
o Volunteer shifts:
▪ 12:30 – 3 PM; Stephanie J, Luke, John (this group will bring supplies)
▪ 3-5:15: Stephanie E, Janie, Ann
o Continue the Richfield word art mural. Janie is mounting it on foamcore.
o RAC table will be located in the Art Zone, specific location TBD. Jill will have
table/chairs dropped off.
• Art in our Community: Great Pumpkin Giveaway – Sat Oct 11, 10 AM – 12 PM
o Aric has been in contact with local trophy artist Mike, who will be creating the
trophies again this year.
o Ann motioned to spend $60 on 3 x $20 Michaels gift cards for the winners. C rystina
seconded, all in favor.
o Stephanie E will create a coloring sheet to use, which will be reviewed at the
October meeting. Print 500 copies to bring to the event.
▪ Age ranges: 5 and under, 6-8, 9-12.
▪ Need name, age, and phone number on the submission
o Jill will check if it works to give out the trophies at the October 28th city council
meeting.
o Volunteers: Stephanie J, Janie, Crystina, John, Sharon, Ann
• Art in our Schools: Sheridan Hills
▪ Will keep on the radar for the future
• Art in the Community: Winter Planter Decorating
o The winter markets are being moved to the community center this year, not at
Veterans Park. Brainstorm if we want to do anything this year to decorate the
community center, and we’ll discuss at the October meeting.
2026 Future Activities
• Art in our Schools: Richfield Dual Language School
▪ Friendship Dance: February 6, 6-8 PM
▪ Plan for this at October/November meetings
Ongoing Activities
• Little Free Library
o Need book donations – put a box in the hockey arena for the winter. Put a social post
out to bring donations to PennFest.
o Aric will reach out to Mike the local trophy maker about if he could make a plaque to
affix to the Little Library saying it’s sponsored by RAC.
• Art Displays: a new display is at the community center!
• Utility boxes
o Working to rewrap the box at 66th and Penn
o Will launch a new photo contest and wrap another next summer. Could also
consider graphic designs as well. Jill will research what we’ve done in the past. Will
discuss at February meeting.
CSC and Staff Updates
• Wood Lake has been demo’d! Trails are still open, but parking is limited now with the
construction.
• Summer programs went really well! Currently focusing on fall programs. Fall boutique is
filling up fast.
• Jill will send email with information to commissioners to who need to re-apply. There are
current open spots on RAC as well.
Meeting adjourned at 8:19 PM
September 2025
Saturday 9/13 at 7 AM Roundabout Painting
Sunday 9/14 at 7 AM Roundabout Painting
Sunday 9/21 from 1-5 PM PennFest
October 2025
Saturday 10/11 from 10 AM – 12 PM Great Pumpkin Giveaway
Tuesday 10/28 at 7 PM City Council Presentation
November 2025
TBD Winter Planter Decorating
December 2025
January 2026
February 2026
Friday 2/6 from 6-8 PM Dual Language School Friendship Dance