June Minutes

MINUTES OF THE
CHANDLER ARTS COMMISSION MEETING
TUESDAY, June 17, 2025
5:00 PM
Commissioners Present: Darrell Dick, Shachi Kale, Mahfam Moeeni-Alarcon, Julie Ray
Commissioners Absent: Rosanna Lantigua, David Wilkinson, Martin Galindo
Staff Present: Peter Bugg, Hanley Ange
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 5:01 PM by Julie Ray
UNSCHEDULED /SCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES / CALL TO PUBLIC
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a) Julie made the motion to approve the minutes from May 20, 2025.  Shachi
seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
ACTION AGENDA
a. Select representative for Sponsorship Funding Program – W, 9/10, 5-8p
I.
Peter explains that programs across the city of Chandler apply for funding,
representatives review the applications, and funding is either awarded or
not. Mahfam says that although the process is long, she enjoyed it when
she participated. Julie asks if the proposals can be read ahead of time and
Mahfam answers yes and explains how the process works. Darrell offers to
be a representative and Julie says she is also available. Peter proposes
Darrell as a representative and Julie as an alternate. Shachi motions to
approve Darrel and Julie as representatives. Mahfam seconds the motion.
Motion passes unanimously.
b. Approve RFQ for 2025/26 vinyl wrap projects
I.
Peter explains the changes in this RFQ from previous vinyl wrap RFQs. The
stipend has been increased to $1,500 and there is a possibility of additional
funds for this project. Frye Rd. is being turned into a bike corridor, so if the
boxes on Frye are not impacted by this project then there is a possibility of
additional funding from this. Darrell asks if artists for traffic control boxes can
also provide us with artwork to purchase in addition to their box design.

Peter answers that that would be an additional cost since it would cost the
artist money to produce. For projects like this, the commission pays the
artist for the design rather than a physical object. Shachi contributes her
experience as an artist for context. Peter says we would want to do a
purchase like that separate from the project. Shachi speaks to the popularity
of the boxes and suggests making postcards or something similar for
distribution. Peter explains we’ve done something like this in the past with
stickers and artists have had mixed reactions. Darrell asks about HOAs
purchasing artwork for a traffic control box in their neighborhood. Peter
clarifies that the boxes in HOA areas are likely Cox or SRP boxes instead
of traffic control boxes. Because of this, the application of the artwork is
different and who owns the box is different. Darrell motions to approve RFQ
as written. Shachi seconds the motion. Motion passes unanimously.
c. Approve RFQ for Forensic Services Building
I.
Tabled until next meeting.
d. Select artwork for purchase
I.
Peter proposes the purchase of Emily Saenz’s piece, one of Frank
Gonzalez’s pieces, and if the commission wants to there is money to
purchase an additional piece. Darrell receives confirmation that Sallie’s
pieces are $1000 each. Shachi receives confirmation that the total
purchasing budget is $2,000. Peter provides some options of different
purchase combinations. Shachi and Julie receive confirmation of the prices
of Karen’s piece. Shachi reasons that purchasing Frank’s larger work could
be a better investment, but buying the smaller pieces leaves more room for
other pieces to be purchased. Darrell says he likes the idea of purchasing
two of Frank’s pieces rather than the one big one. Peter agrees we should
definitely get one of Frank’s pieces and explains that if the commission buys
the more expensive one the cheaper ones remain available for purchase by
the general public. Darrell asks if Frank’s crystal piece is more like the rest
of his work and Peter says although there is some variation, yes, it is like
the rest of his work. Shachi prefers the smaller ones visually but thinks
purchasing the larger piece is the better option. Peter poses to the
commission to purchase Emily’s piece, Frank’s larger piece, and then a
future conversation happens about purchasing an additional piece. Julie
motions to approve as proposed. Darrell seconds the motion. Motion
passes unanimously.
e. Select finalists for Traffic Management Center
I.
Peter explains opinions have been shared from internal Traffic
Management Center staff in addition to the commissioners’ opinions.
Everyone agreed Heidi Dauphin should be a finalist. Due to difference
preferences of additional finalists, the other finalists need to be discussed.
Shachi asks for clarification if the project is for indoor or outdoor artwork and
Hanley confirms that the RFQ says the artwork is an outdoor artwork.
Because of this, Shachi votes for Eli Richard. Darrell asks for clarification
on the selection process and Peter speaks to how the commission typically
goes about sharing all submissions. Julie suggests that one artist should be

a muralist since the TMC internal staff selected a muralist. Shachi says she
prefers Paige if a muralist is selected. Peter reasons that he thinks Eli would
be able to complete the project and either Jose or Laura Spalding Best
would complete the project well, but if further conversation with the TMC
staff is needed that can be arranged. After some discussion, Peter proposes
reaching out to Traffic and telling them Heidi is selected, but the commission
likes Jose Benavides, Paige Reesor, and Laura Spalding Best. Shachi,
Julie, and Peter think Jose would be great for this project due to his
experience. Darrell motions for Heidi Dauphin to be a finalist and Jose
Benavides, Paige Reesor, and Laura Spalding as the additional finalists to
be discussed with TMC staff. Shachi seconds the motion. Motion passes
unanimously.
BRIEFING ITEMS
a. Ongoing public art projects
a. Teaching Artists
i. An RFQ will be available for review at the next meeting.
b. Gazelle Meadows Park
i. Peter received an update on the sign being created and shares a
photo. The sign is almost done but not installed.
c. Wall St Mural
i. Peter shares the mural was so popular that the City would like to pay
to have it extended. Peter shows the proposed design by Ashley
White & Shaurir Anand, the artists who did the rest of the mural, and
explains how this design came to be.
d. Tumbleweed Recreation Center
i. Julie went to the opening and shares that it was great and well-
attended with a nice ribbon cutting. Mahfam asks if there is a plaque
there about the artwork and Peter confirms that there is one there.
Peter shares that the photographer of the public art was wowed by
the usage of Tumbleweed Recreation Center. Julie and Darrell share
that they would like artwork in the 55+ area of the Recreation Center
and Peter responds that we have artwork available.
e. Juneteenth Celebration
i. The arts commission paid for Shaunté Glover to do an interactive,
participatory project with the attendees of the event. Caroline shared
with Peter that the event itself was very successful, but due to layout
problems the Vision Gallery table was more sparsely visited with
about 75 visitors. Julie says the marketing for the event didn’t
included mention of Vision Gallery being there and Peter responds
he will let Caroline know for the future.
f.
Bloomberg Asphalt Art Grant
i. Peter shares the grant application was unfortunately rejected.
However, in other project news, Goodyear Canal project proposals
will be shared at our August meeting.

b. Maintenance Projects
a. Oregon St Benches
i. The benches need maintenance, and the maintenance is almost
done.
MEMBERS COMMENTS / ANNOUNCEMENTS
Julie shares that her friend Sarah Hubbs is showing at Mesa Arts Center and
recommends going. Darrell is visiting Colorado soon.
CALENDAR
a. Next regular meeting will be July 15, 2025 – virtual
INFORMATION ITEMS
Current Exhibitions
a) June 14 – August 16, 2025 – Creatures and Cosmos – Vision Gallery
a. Reception: Friday, June 13, 6-8 p.m.
b) May 24 – August 2, 2025 – Shifting to Joy – CCA Gallery
Upcoming Exhibitions and Events
a. June 21, 11am – 1pm – Make and Take: Create your own Creature – VG
b. June 28, 11am – 1pm – Make and Take: DIY Stickers – VG
c. August 23 – November 8, 2025 – So Fun! An Exploration of Maximalism –
Vision Gallery
a. Reception: Friday, August 22, 6-8 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
a) At 5:47 PM Peter Bugg adjourned the meeting.
________________________________ ____________________
Julie Ray, Chair
Date