Bellingham Arts Commission

**Approved:** April and May meeting minutes with appropriate abstentions for absent members. **Tabled:** Lakeway Underpass Mural final approval pending further discussion with Public Works about maintenance protocols and graffiti mitigation strategies. Commissioners expressed strong concerns about the design's street-level faces being vulnerable to vandalism. **Approved:** Sunnyland intersection mural conceptual design for North and Ellis streets. Unanimous approval for the artist to move forward with final design, with installation planned for July 19th during Sunnyland Stomp. **Approved:** Cornwall Park percent-for-art approach emphasizing vertical, illuminated elements. Staff authorized to include this project in the larger RFQ process. **Approved:** Deaccession of deteriorated wooden sculpture at Big Rock Garden Park after confirming artist consent. **Discussed:** Combined RFQ process for multiple percent-for-art projects, with extensive feedback on evaluation criteria and application requirements.

**Patricia, on mural vandalism concerns:** "They're definitely gonna do that. Like, mustaches and... yep, lipstick, eyelashes." **Commissioner, on maintenance practicality:** "If this was on a 20-story building where the faces were high, that'd be great, yeah, yeah. So it's not the design. It's the practicality." **Staff, on mural maintenance burden:** "I was thinking about it a lot. And I was thinking like, well, where... when we're doing these big murals? This one's such a big... such a big artery like, you know. I don't have enough experience with like, what do you... you know, what sort of standards are you setting?" **Carol Rofkar, on maintenance capacity:** "This would be difficult when you think of graffiti scrawled across multiple areas of this... of this... feature, that would be a lot on the crews to go out and try and recreate it." **Commissioner, on intersection mural fading:** "I don't worry about it fading. It'll just have a slow, quiet death... that makes me feel better if you all feel like that's fine." **Patricia, on RFQ requirements:** "You aren't going to get the best artist. You're going to get people who have time to sit down and... try to, you know, figure out the... what might be the beginning of their career."

## MODULE S1: STUDY GUIDE ### Meeting Overview The Bellingham Arts Commission met on June 3, 2025, with all commissioners present except Eric Hsu. The commission reviewed several major mural projects, discussed public art maintenance challenges, and worked on streamlining their percent-for-art project approval process through a combined request for qualifications (RFQ). ### Key Terms and Concepts **Percent for Art Program:** A city program that dedicates a percentage of public construction project budgets to commissioning public artwork. **Request for Qualifications (RFQ):** The first step in selecting artists, where candidates submit their credentials and experience rather than specific project proposals. **Graffiti Mitigation:** Protective coatings and maintenance strategies used to prevent vandalism and make cleanup easier on public murals. **Deaccession:** The formal process of removing artwork from a public collection, requiring approval from the Arts Commission and mayor. **Intersection Mural:** Temporary street art painted directly on road surfaces at neighborhood intersections, typically lasting 1-2 years before fading. **Bronze Conservation:** Professional restoration work on metal sculptures to remove graffiti, restore patina, and repair structural damage. **Traffic Calming:** Urban planning strategies designed to slow vehicle traffic, including the use of murals and other visual elements. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Jody [Last name not provided] | Arts Commissioner | | Blake [Last name not provided] | New Arts Commissioner | | Patricia [Last name not provided] | Arts Commissioner | | Carol Rofkar | Public Works representative | | Darby [Last name not provided] | City staff member | | Taylor [Last name not provided] | City staff member | | Gretchen | Paper Royal team member (absent) | | Nick | Paper Royal team member (absent) | ### Background Context The Arts Commission is managing an unusually high volume of public art projects simultaneously, creating administrative challenges that led to their decision to combine multiple RFQ processes. The city is also grappling with practical maintenance issues for public murals, particularly the vulnerability of face imagery to vandalism and the complexity of color-matching for repairs. Meanwhile, ongoing bronze sculpture conservation work has generated positive community feedback, demonstrating public support for maintaining the city's art collection. ### What Happened — The Short Version The commission approved April meeting minutes and reviewed a revised design for the Lakeway Underpass Mural, though concerns about vandalism vulnerability led them to table the decision pending further discussion with Public Works. They approved a conceptual design for a new Sunnyland intersection mural and endorsed the Cornwall Park View percent-for-art approach featuring vertical, illuminated elements. The commission also approved the deaccession of a deteriorated wooden sculpture at Big Rock Garden Park after successfully contacting the Oregon-based artist. Finally, they provided extensive feedback on a combined RFQ document designed to streamline the approval process for multiple upcoming percent-for-art projects. ### What to Watch Next - Public Works meeting to discuss mural maintenance protocols and the Lakeway Underpass project viability - Sunnyland Stomp event on July 19th featuring the new intersection mural installation - Next month's Arts Commission meeting with anticipated full roster and final approval of the combined RFQ document --- ## MODULE S2: FLASH CARDS **Q:** Who was absent from the June 3, 2025 Arts Commission meeting? **A:** Eric Hsu was the only commissioner absent and unable to attend. **Q:** What is the main concern about faces in the Lakeway Underpass Mural design? **A:** Commissioners worry faces will be vulnerable to vandalism like mustaches and graffiti, making maintenance difficult for Public Works. **Q:** What protective coating will NOT be used on the Lakeway Underpass Mural? **A:** Graffiti-resistant coating, because the artist team is using algae-resistant paint instead. **Q:** Where is the new Sunnyland intersection mural located? **A:** At North and Ellis streets in the Sunnyland neighborhood, on a historic trolley line and bike boulevard. **Q:** When is the Sunnyland Stomp event happening? **A:** July 19th, which is when the intersection mural will be installed. **Q:** What happened to the rooster intersection mural from last year? **A:** It has faded significantly after one year due to direct sun exposure and asphalt crack filler issues. **Q:** What type of elements are proposed for the Cornwall Park View percent-for-art project? **A:** Vertical, illuminated elements (potentially solar-powered) that connect to the neighborhood's historic lamppost iconography. **Q:** Where is the deaccessioned artist from Big Rock Garden Park located? **A:** Oregon, and he expressed surprise the wooden sculpture lasted as long as it did. **Q:** What is the budget for the Cornwall Park View project? **A:** Approximately $50,000 for the percent-for-art component. **Q:** What major process change is the Arts Commission implementing? **A:** Combining multiple Request for Qualifications (RFQ) processes into one document to streamline percent-for-art project approvals. **Q:** Which bronze sculptures are currently being conserved? **A:** Go-kart, Mark Twain, JJ Donovan, with Harris piece scheduled for mid-July restoration. **Q:** How do community members react to the bronze conservation work? **A:** Very positively - they're excited the city is investing money to maintain sculptures they love. **Q:** What issue affects the Scepter sculpture by Ellen Solid? **A:** The lighting is out and it's been tagged with graffiti, requiring electrical repair estimates. **Q:** Who is Clayton Binkley and what's his project status? **A:** An artist creating a ceramic piece for a city building, currently past midpoint in fabrication with installation expected by end of year. **Q:** What makes the Storybrook Park project complex? **A:** The Canadian artists faced contracting delays due to insurance issues, and they've had to reduce the number of posts due to elevated costs. **Q:** How long do intersection murals typically last? **A:** About 1-2 years before significant fading, with neighborhood-organized refresh events as the main maintenance approach. **Q:** What distribution method reaches international artists for RFQs? **A:** CAFE (Call for Artists Entry) portal, along with other regional and national artist databases. **Q:** What percentage of neighbors must approve intersection mural projects? **A:** 95% approval was achieved for the North/Ellis project from the four adjacent neighbors and majority of houses on each adjacent block. **Q:** What wood type will be used for the Storybrook Park installation? **A:** Red Alaskan cedar instead of the originally proposed yellow cedar, due to availability and cost considerations. **Q:** When will most new percent-for-art projects likely begin construction? **A:** 2026, since the city is already halfway through 2025 and weather considerations affect installation timing. --- ## MODULE S3: QUIZ WITH ANSWER KEY **Question 1: Why was the Lakeway Underpass Mural design not approved at this meeting?** - A) The artists didn't attend to present it - B) Concerns about face imagery being vulnerable to vandalism - C) The Tourism Commission rejected it - D) Budget constraints were identified **Question 2: What protective coating will be used on the Lakeway Underpass Mural?** - A) Graffiti-resistant coating - B) Weather-resistant sealant - C) Algae-resistant paint - D) UV-protective clear coat **Question 3: When is the Sunnyland Stomp event scheduled?** - A) June 19th - B) July 9th - C) July 19th - D) August 19th **Question 4: How many commissioners were present at this meeting?** - A) All commissioners attended - B) All except Eric Hsu - C) Six out of seven commissioners - D) The transcript doesn't specify the total number **Question 5: What is the estimated budget for the Cornwall Park View project?** - A) $40,000 - B) $50,000 - C) $190,000 - D) The budget wasn't specified **Question 6: Where is the artist whose work is being deaccessioned from Big Rock Garden Park located?** - A) Washington State - B) British Columbia - C) Oregon - D) California **Question 7: Which bronze sculptures are currently undergoing conservation?** - A) Only the Go-kart piece - B) Go-kart, Mark Twain, and JJ Donovan - C) All bronze pieces in Fairhaven - D) The Scepter sculpture **Question 8: What happened to last year's rooster intersection mural?** - A) It was vandalized beyond repair - B) It has faded significantly after one year - C) It was removed by the city - D) It remains in excellent condition **Question 9: What is the main goal of combining multiple RFQs into one document?** - A) To save money on administrative costs - B) To attract more international artists - C) To streamline the percent-for-art project approval process - D) To reduce the number of art projects **Question 10: How did community members respond to the bronze conservation work?** - A) They complained about the cost - B) They were indifferent to the work - C) They were excited the city is maintaining sculptures they love - D) They preferred the sculptures remain unrestored **Answer Key:** **1. B** — Commissioners were concerned that faces would be vulnerable to vandalism like mustaches and graffiti, making maintenance difficult for Public Works to manage. **2. C** — The artist team will use algae-resistant paint instead of graffiti-resistant coating, which affects maintenance protocols. **3. C** — July 19th is when the Sunnyland intersection mural will be installed as part of the community event. **4. B** — All commissioners were present except Eric Hsu, who was unable to attend the meeting. **5. B** — The Cornwall Park View project has approximately $50,000 budgeted for the percent-for-art component. **6. C** — The artist whose wooden sculpture is being deaccessioned lives in Oregon and expressed surprise it lasted so long. **7. B** — The conservator has completed Go-kart, Mark Twain, and JJ Donovan, with Harris scheduled for mid-July. **8. B** — The intersection mural has faded significantly due to direct sun exposure and asphalt crack filler issues. **9. C** — The combined RFQ aims to streamline the first step of the approval process for multiple percent-for-art projects. **10. C** — Community members are excited that the city is investing money to maintain sculptures they love so much. --- ## MODULE S4: Q&A — COMMON QUESTIONS **Q: Why are there concerns about putting faces in the Lakeway Underpass Mural?** A: Commissioners worry that faces at ground level will be vandalized with mustaches, lipstick, and other graffiti that would be very difficult for Public Works to repair and color-match. The geometric background elements would be much easier to maintain with standard paint colors. **Q: How long do these intersection murals actually last before they fade away?** A: About 1-2 years depending on sun exposure and traffic. Last year's rooster mural is already significantly faded after one year. The expectation is that neighborhoods may organize periodic "refresh" events to repaint them, but there's no formal city maintenance plan. **Q: What's this combined RFQ document they're working on and why does it matter?** A: The Arts Commission has an unusually high number of percent-for-art projects in the pipeline right now. Instead of running separate qualification processes for each project, they're combining them into one RFQ where artists can indicate which projects interest them. This should streamline the first step and make the process more efficient for everyone. **Q: Who pays for the bronze sculpture conservation work that's happening around town?** A: The city is paying for professional conservation work on beloved bronze sculptures like the ones in Fairhaven and the Go-kart piece. Community members have expressed enthusiasm about the city investing in maintaining public art they care about. **Q: Can anyone propose an intersection mural for their neighborhood?** A: Yes, but you need approval from the four adjacent neighbors and at least a majority of houses on each adjacent block. The Sunnyland project achieved 95% neighbor approval. You also need to work with city staff on color restrictions and get proper permits. **Q: What happens when public art gets damaged or deteriorates beyond repair?** A: The Arts Commission has a formal "deaccession" process where they try to contact the original artist before removing artwork. This requires approval from both the Arts Commission and the mayor's office, as demonstrated with the wooden sculpture being removed from Big Rock Garden Park. **Q: Why can't they use certain colors in intersection murals?** A: Public Works has restrictions on colors that might be confused with traffic control devices. As long as it doesn't look like a stop sign or other traffic signage, most colors are acceptable. The city is working on clearer guidelines for these projects. **Q: How much do these public art projects typically cost?** A: It varies widely. The Cornwall Park View project has about $50,000 budgeted, while Clayton Binkley's ceramic installation is around $190,000. Intersection murals are relatively inexpensive for paint but require $300 for stop signs during installation and community volunteers for labor. **Q: What's the timeline for all these percent-for-art projects they discussed?** A: Most new projects won't begin construction until 2026, since they're already halfway through 2025 and weather considerations affect installation timing. The combined RFQ process should help move things along more efficiently starting this fall. **Q: How can local artists find out about opportunities with the city?** A: The city posts RFQs on their website and distributes them through national portals like CAFE, regional networks, and professional associations. They're always looking for ways to reach a broader audience of qualified artists for public art opportunities.

## MODULE S1: STUDY GUIDE **Meeting ID:** BEL-ART-2025-06-03 ### Meeting Overview The Bellingham Arts Commission met on June 3, 2025, with all commissioners present except Eric Hsu. The commission reviewed several major mural projects, discussed public art maintenance challenges, and worked on streamlining their percent-for-art project approval process through a combined request for qualifications (RFQ). ### Key Terms and Concepts **Percent for Art Program:** A city program that dedicates a percentage of public construction project budgets to commissioning public artwork. **Request for Qualifications (RFQ):** The first step in selecting artists, where candidates submit their credentials and experience rather than specific project proposals. **Graffiti Mitigation:** Protective coatings and maintenance strategies used to prevent vandalism and make cleanup easier on public murals. **Deaccession:** The formal process of removing artwork from a public collection, requiring approval from the Arts Commission and mayor. **Intersection Mural:** Temporary street art painted directly on road surfaces at neighborhood intersections, typically lasting 1-2 years before fading. **Bronze Conservation:** Professional restoration work on metal sculptures to remove graffiti, restore patina, and repair structural damage. **Traffic Calming:** Urban planning strategies designed to slow vehicle traffic, including the use of murals and other visual elements. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Jody [Last name not provided] | Arts Commissioner | | Blake [Last name not provided] | New Arts Commissioner | | Patricia [Last name not provided] | Arts Commissioner | | Carol Rofkar | Public Works representative | | Darby [Last name not provided] | City staff member | | Taylor [Last name not provided] | City staff member | | Gretchen | Paper Royal team member (absent) | | Nick | Paper Royal team member (absent) | ### Background Context The Arts Commission is managing an unusually high volume of public art projects simultaneously, creating administrative challenges that led to their decision to combine multiple RFQ processes. The city is also grappling with practical maintenance issues for public murals, particularly the vulnerability of face imagery to vandalism and the complexity of color-matching for repairs. Meanwhile, ongoing bronze sculpture conservation work has generated positive community feedback, demonstrating public support for maintaining the city's art collection. ### What Happened — The Short Version The commission approved April meeting minutes and reviewed a revised design for the Lakeway Underpass Mural, though concerns about vandalism vulnerability led them to table the decision pending further discussion with Public Works. They approved a conceptual design for a new Sunnyland intersection mural and endorsed the Cornwall Park View percent-for-art approach featuring vertical, illuminated elements. The commission also approved the deaccession of a deteriorated wooden sculpture at Big Rock Garden Park after successfully contacting the Oregon-based artist. Finally, they provided extensive feedback on a combined RFQ document designed to streamline the approval process for multiple upcoming percent-for-art projects. ### What to Watch Next - Public Works meeting to discuss mural maintenance protocols and the Lakeway Underpass project viability - Sunnyland Stomp event on July 19th featuring the new intersection mural installation - Next month's Arts Commission meeting with anticipated full roster and final approval of the combined RFQ document ---

## MODULE S2: FLASH CARDS **Meeting ID:** BEL-ART-2025-06-03 **Q:** Who was absent from the June 3, 2025 Arts Commission meeting? **A:** Eric Hsu was the only commissioner absent and unable to attend. **Q:** What is the main concern about faces in the Lakeway Underpass Mural design? **A:** Commissioners worry faces will be vulnerable to vandalism like mustaches and graffiti, making maintenance difficult for Public Works. **Q:** What protective coating will NOT be used on the Lakeway Underpass Mural? **A:** Graffiti-resistant coating, because the artist team is using algae-resistant paint instead. **Q:** Where is the new Sunnyland intersection mural located? **A:** At North and Ellis streets in the Sunnyland neighborhood, on a historic trolley line and bike boulevard. **Q:** When is the Sunnyland Stomp event happening? **A:** July 19th, which is when the intersection mural will be installed. **Q:** What happened to the rooster intersection mural from last year? **A:** It has faded significantly after one year due to direct sun exposure and asphalt crack filler issues. **Q:** What type of elements are proposed for the Cornwall Park View percent-for-art project? **A:** Vertical, illuminated elements (potentially solar-powered) that connect to the neighborhood's historic lamppost iconography. **Q:** Where is the deaccessioned artist from Big Rock Garden Park located? **A:** Oregon, and he expressed surprise the wooden sculpture lasted as long as it did. **Q:** What is the budget for the Cornwall Park View project? **A:** Approximately $50,000 for the percent-for-art component. **Q:** What major process change is the Arts Commission implementing? **A:** Combining multiple Request for Qualifications (RFQ) processes into one document to streamline percent-for-art project approvals. **Q:** Which bronze sculptures are currently being conserved? **A:** Go-kart, Mark Twain, JJ Donovan, with Harris piece scheduled for mid-July restoration. **Q:** How do community members react to the bronze conservation work? **A:** Very positively - they're excited the city is investing money to maintain sculptures they love. **Q:** What issue affects the Scepter sculpture by Ellen Solid? **A:** The lighting is out and it's been tagged with graffiti, requiring electrical repair estimates. **Q:** Who is Clayton Binkley and what's his project status? **A:** An artist creating a ceramic piece for a city building, currently past midpoint in fabrication with installation expected by end of year. **Q:** What makes the Storybrook Park project complex? **A:** The Canadian artists faced contracting delays due to insurance issues, and they've had to reduce the number of posts due to elevated costs. **Q:** How long do intersection murals typically last? **A:** About 1-2 years before significant fading, with neighborhood-organized refresh events as the main maintenance approach. **Q:** What distribution method reaches international artists for RFQs? **A:** CAFE (Call for Artists Entry) portal, along with other regional and national artist databases. **Q:** What percentage of neighbors must approve intersection mural projects? **A:** 95% approval was achieved for the North/Ellis project from the four adjacent neighbors and majority of houses on each adjacent block. **Q:** What wood type will be used for the Storybrook Park installation? **A:** Red Alaskan cedar instead of the originally proposed yellow cedar, due to availability and cost considerations. **Q:** When will most new percent-for-art projects likely begin construction? **A:** 2026, since the city is already halfway through 2025 and weather considerations affect installation timing. ---