Bothell Arts Commission votes to install full-scale vinyl wrap on City Hall living wall

The Bothell Arts Commission voted to install a full‑scale vinyl wrap of artist Beth Ann Lawson’s design on the City Hall “living wall,” selecting option C in a special meeting and recording a 4–2 vote in favor of that option.

The vote matters because the commission has limited remaining 2024 funds earmarked for the project and members debated whether a permanent mural-style installation would reduce gallery space in the City Hall lobby and alter how visitors experience rotating exhibits.

Commission staff presented three choices: leave the existing piece in place and treat the wall as gallery space (option A); install two canvas panels on a rail as a long-term hanging display (option B); or digitize the commissioned canvases and apply them as a full vinyl wall wrap (option C). Danae McGee, the city’s arts liaison and tourism manager, told the commission that about $3,500 remains in the budget and that that amount “is about how much it would cost to do the vinyl wrap. And that includes printing and installation.” McGee also said the commission has sufficient time to contract and invoice the work in 2024 if the commission chooses option C.

Vice Chair Holly Hughes argued against using the living wall for a mural, saying it would reduce space available for the rotating City Hall gallery and that the corridor’s dimensions and lighting limit comfortable viewing. Hughes warned against spending money solely because it would otherwise lapse at year‑end and reminded members that “your vote will be a permanent public record for everyone to see.” Hughes recommended abstaining if members were uncertain.

Commissioners also raised a procedural question: members recalled a prior vote to use a long banner or canvas in the space and asked whether that earlier decision could or should be revisited under Robert’s Rules. The chair said the panel would proceed with tonight’s vote and that staff would confirm tomorrow whether any legal or procedural constraint prevents changing the earlier decision.

When the commission voted by position, two members explicitly stated they preferred option C (full vinyl wrap): Sarah Jamshidhi, position 1, and Kylie Chang, secretary, position 2. Two members stated they preferred option B (canvas on rail): Hillary Long, position 3, and Kelly Atkinson, position 4. The commission chair summarized the outcome as four votes for option C and two votes for option B, and the group agreed to move forward with option C subject to staff confirmation of any legal or procedural issues tied to the prior vote.

McGee said a vinyl wrap is removable and typically lasts about three to five years indoors; staff told the commission they could commission a different wrap in future years to refresh the space. Commissioners asked staff to confirm procurement timing and whether the remaining funds will cover printing and installation before December 31, 2024. The chair closed the special meeting after the vote and said the commission will follow up in 2025.

Votes at a glance: 4 votes for option C (full vinyl wrap); 2 votes for option B (canvas panels on rail). Two youth positions were vacant and one regular position was absent for the vote. The commission directed staff to confirm any legal constraints related to the earlier banner/canvas vote and to proceed with contracting if no barrier is identified.