Lakewood Arts Commission outlines 2026 rotating-show roster, program updates and signal-box repairs

The Lakewood Arts Commission on a March meeting (date not specified) reviewed a proposed roster of rotating exhibitions for 2026, updates from multiple subcommittees and program logistics, and approved its Jan. 6 meeting minutes.

The discussion matters because the commission’s rotating shows, community events and public-art placements determine which local and regional artists are exhibited at city facilities, influence outreach such as Fiesta de la Familia and Summerfest tie-ins, and determine maintenance and replacement work (including reproductions after vandalism or traffic accidents).

Commissioners opened the meeting by approving the Jan. 6 meeting minutes (motion passed; tally not specified). The body then moved through a series of program items and subcommittee reports that will guide exhibitions and public-art projects for the coming year.

Rotating shows and artist proposals: The commission discussed a quarter-by-quarter plan for 2026. For the proposed first-quarter exhibition the group discussed hosting a Black artist show in Lakewood to align with Black History Month; commissioners also discussed replicating elements of a Black Artists exhibition held at TCC. The second-quarter proposal came from the Korean American Artists Association of Washington, which submitted a packet that the commission said included thumbnails and a resume: the group proposed approximately "30 to 40 works" spanning painting, sculpture and media arts and requested some installation support and lighting. Commissioners raised practical concerns about sculptures on tabletops and placement; possible solutions included using the showcase near the chambers or the building lobby for three-dimensional pieces.

For third quarter, the commission discussed a photographer identified as Armand, who organizes the city car shows and would provide photography tied to Summerfest and Fiesta de la Familia. Diane Aoki will appear as the third-quarter exhibitor on Sept. 15; she has requested that a metal sculptor join her show and the commission said the metal artist will inspect hanging options in the gallery space before final confirmation. The commission proposed returning the Pierce College student exhibition for the fourth quarter (the commission noted the student show previously drew a large crowd and involved roughly 30–35 student contributors).

Mural and public art: The commission reported the Perico mural remains slated to begin in March but that the start is weather-dependent; the artist needs two consecutive weeks of dry, mild weather to complete the work. Signal-box art was also discussed: members said the boxes painted for a Rodney King project at 100th and Lakeview Drive were struck in a traffic accident and are being reproduced; another previously approved design (Kelly Loney’s wildflower app piece) will be installed at Gravelly Lake and Pacific.

Subcommittees and community programming: The Fiesta de la Familia subcommittee (members Laura, Sylvie and Daryl) will meet March 13 to plan Summerfest participation and to consider adding student artists. The community-education “Art in the Park” series (June–September) was described as three to four low- or no-cost events focused on hands-on demonstrations, workshops (pottery, acrylic/watercolor painting, nature journaling), poetry, music and a possible photography walk; organizers said they will seek city budget guidance and local business sponsorships for supplies.

Collection policy work: A collections-policy subcommittee (led by Susan with staff support) reported it is comparing model documents from the Museum of Glass and the City of Issaquah. The commission noted an accredited museum’s policy is far more detailed than a municipal four-page template but said the Issaquah approach (accession, site selection, maintenance, deaccessioning and gift acceptance) could provide a concise, workable starting point. The commission expects to review draft language with city attorneys before adopting any formal policy.

Call for artists and logistics: Commissioners said they will revisit previously vetted artists for new signal-box and rotating-show opportunities and will accept new submissions (send materials to the commission staff contact). Practical concerns raised during the meeting included gallery lighting for larger works, methods to secure three-dimensional pieces, and the coordination needed when taking a Lakewood show off-site (for example, to Pierce College’s gallery once its renovated Fort Steilacoom campus reopens).

Votes at a glance: Motion to approve Jan. 6 meeting minutes — moved and seconded (movers not specified in the record); outcome: approved; tally: not specified.

The commission noted an upcoming city joint-commission presentation to Lakewood City Council currently scheduled for Sept. 8 (time and format under staff review) and confirmed the next Arts Commission meeting date as May 5 (5 p.m., location to be determined).