Arts and Culture Commission outlines rotating exhibits, mural plans and student engagement

Melody, chair of the Monmouth Arts and Culture Commission, told the City Council on July 15 the commission has been expanding public art programs with a rotating gallery in City Hall, a catalog of the city’s permanent collection and a push to formalize mural policy. The rotating gallery launched in December and has hosted three shows: Ron Wolf (photographs on metal), Bruce Bouts (with a reception attended by about 25 people) and a current exhibition of student work coordinated with local art educator Lauren Cooney. Melody said the commission purchased one piece for the conference room and awarded a $50 Spectrum Artworks gift certificate to Spencer Thiele for a student ceramic piece titled Bystander. The commission created a Google Docs catalog of the permanent collection and is working to improve the application process for calls for art so non-Google users can apply more easily. Melody said the commission supplied canvases and D-rings for the student exhibit and taught students how to hang work so pieces fit the gallery rail system. On mural work, Melody said the commission has been assisting the senior center and AARP on a mural project that had about $2,000 in seed money; the MAC donated $500 and members have been seeking additional donations. Three local artists responded to a call; one artist’s proposal matched the senior center’s age-friendly design goals. Because repainting the building could increase costs, the commission is considering painted panels (four 4-by-8 panels) that can be moved later and possibly installed in an alleyway to increase visibility. Melody said the artist will meet with senior-center members on August 11 for a listening session and the commission hopes to bring a proposal to council by the following meeting or by September 1. The commission is also drafting a mural ordinance for the city attorney’s review; Melody noted murals have been discussed by the commission since 2006 and business owners have expressed interest. The commission also undertook conservation tasks: getting a Monmouth Electric piece reframed and rematting watercolors that had been stored in poor condition. Melody said the MAC is exploring purchasing Native American art for the city collection and prefers rotating exhibits to reduce acquisition and storage costs. She also noted participation in community events, a podcast appearance and partnerships with Western Oregon University and local organizations. No formal council action on art purchases, mural sites or ordinance text was taken at the meeting; Melody asked councilors for feedback and said the commission will return with proposals.