11/21 Minutes

City of Chandler — Regular Meeting (2022-01-18)

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MINUTES OF THE
CHANDLER ARTS COMMISSION MEETING
TUESDAY, November 16, 2021
5:00 PM
Commissioners Present: Kathleen Escobedo, Michelle Hirsch, Tim Wiant, Farhana 
Ahmed, Julie Ray, José Benavides, Linnsey Amores
Commissioners absent: None
Staff Present: Peter Bugg, Caroline Hudson-Naef, Michelle Mac Lennan
CALL TO ORDER:                                                                                                               
The meeting was called to order at 5:07 PM by Michelle Hirsch
UNSCHEDULED / SCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES / CALL TO PUBLIC
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE OCTOBER 19 MEETING:
a) Kathleen and Michelle made two small corrections. Tim made a motion to 
approve the minutes as corrected. Kathleen seconded the motion. The motion 
passed unanimously.
ACTION AGENDA  
a) Discussed the finalists for the Police Department project. Several 
commissioners brought up concerns that the three artists that applied did not 
demonstrate relevant work for this project. Peter explained that the artists are 
all professionals with experience working on a variety of projects, and will 
receive guidance before submitting their final proposals. The commissioners 
reacted favorably. Farhana made a motion to approve Nicholas Rascona, Yuke 
Li, and Bobby Zokaites as the finalists for the Police Memorial project. José 
seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
b) Michelle Hirsch and Farhana Ahmed volunteered to attend the final round of 
artist selections for the Police Memorial project on Thursday, January 13, 2022 
from 1pm to 2:30pm. Linnsey made a motion to approve Michelle and Farhana. 
Tim seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
c) Caroline shared a presentation about the next proposed neighborhood for the 
Neighborhood Public Art project, Hightown/Pueblo Alto, as well as an overview 
of the plan for the project. José and Michelle expressed approval at the 
neighborhood selection as well as the plan details. Michelle made a motion to 
approve Hightown as the selected neighborhood, a $10,000 budget, and the

plan as so proposed. Linnsey seconded the motion. The motion passed 
unanimously.
d) Discussed budget for INFLUX Cycle 10. Peter shared that there were 47 entries 
this cycle. Tim expressed that this was about half as many as the previous 
cycle, and Peter reminded the commission that there are many fewer available 
opportunities this year. Kathleen made a motion to approve a $10,000 budget 
for INFLUX Cycle 10. Tim seconded the motion. The motion passed 
unanimously.
e) Discussed contributing funding for a project for the Chandler Multicultural 
Festival in January. Staff is partnering with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to 
hire artist Tiesha Harrision to create a collaborative artwork honoring the legacy 
of Martin Luther King, Jr. DEI is contributing $1,500 to the project, but that will 
not cover the expenses. Kathleen made a motion to approve funding a 
matching $1,500 budget for the Martin Luther King, Jr. project. Julie seconded 
the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
BRIEFING ITEMS
a) Ongoing public art projects
a. Peter shared that all of the Uptown Chandler traffic control boxes have been 
installed. Peter also shared the designs for the Hamilton High School boxes. 
b. Peter shared that the Fire Department project RFQ needs a few more 
details, but will be posted this week. 
c. As an update on the Zora Folley mural, Peter shared that there have been 
some complications between conflicting interests among FLO Yoga and 
Cycle, the City of Chandler, and the building owners. Peter is consulting 
with colleagues in Law and Zoning, and is confident that the issue will be 
settled soon.
b) Maintenance Projects
a. Peter is hoping to get the repairs for the tile benches at Sunset Library 
squared away soon.
MEMBERS COMMENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
-
Kathleen shared that the ceramics department at CGCC is having their annual sale 
this Thursday from 9am to 6pm.
-
Michelle reminded the other commissioners to listen to the Voices of Chandler 
podcast. She loves to hear the artists talk about their inspiration and their 
perspectives.
-
Linnsey share that she is resigning due to moving out of state, and that this will be 
her last Chandler Arts Commission meeting. She expressed her thanks to 
everyone for being welcoming, and that it has been lovely to get to know everyone.
-
Tim had a question about the timeline for INFLUX. Peter shared that the selection 
will take place in early spring with install in March or April. Tim also shared that he 
visited Meow Wolf in Denver recently as well as the Denver Art Museum.
CALENDAR

a) The holiday party will be December 14 at the home of Kathleen Escobedo
b) Next regular meeting will be January 18, 2022 via webex
INFORMATION ITEMS
Current Exhibitions
a. Vision Gallery – Art Quilts XXVI: Stitching Stories – Nov. 20, 2021 – Jan 8, 
2022. Opening Reception: Nov. 20, 4-6pm
b. Chandler Center for the Arts Gallery – Art Quilts XXVI: Stitching Stories –
Nov. 20, 2021 – Jan 8, 2022. Opening Reception: Nov. 20, 4-6pm
Upcoming Events
a. Tabling at Farmers’ Market – Saturday, Nov 20, 8am – AJ Chandler Park
b. Ellen Blalock Artist lecture – Thursday, Dec 2, 5:30pm - Virtual
c. Holiday shopping event – Friday, Dec 10, 5-7pm – Vision Gallery
ADJOURNMENT
a) At 6:06 PM, Michelle made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Farhana seconded 
the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 
________________________________ ____________________
Michelle Hirsch, Chair
Date