The Meridian Arts Commission took several formal actions at its Jan. 9 meeting, approving routine business items and voting on acquisitions and leadership for 2025.

Key outcomes

- Agenda and minutes: The commission adopted the meeting agenda and approved minutes from the Nov. 14, 2024 meeting.

- Monthly financial statement: Commissioners approved the monthly financial statement after a staff explanation that $9,866 in the report covered recently completed traffic-box installations.

- Linder Road design recommendation: The commission voted to recommend Stephanie Inman’s Linder Road median public-art design to City Council (see separate article for details).

- Purchase of Claire Remsburg artworks for City Hall: The commission approved a purchase of three Meridian-themed paintings by Claire Remsburg for installation at City Hall and authorized framing costs not to exceed $1,000. Cassandra said dimensions include a largest piece at approximately 24 by 50 inches, one 17 by 17 inch piece and a 17 by 30 inch piece; the works are oil on canvas and will use the city’s established framing standard.

- Purchase of mural created at community art party: Commissioners approved acquiring an 8-by-8-foot mural by Laurel Rouse for $1,600, with a motion that the artist take measures to protect the painted surface (staff suggested varnish) prior to display. The mural panels are described as acrylic on wood panels roughly 1/2-inch thick; Parks staff will assist with installation logistics.

- Elections: By acclamation the commission elected Breckin (Brecken) Byrd as chair and Bridget King as vice chair for 2025; both ran unopposed. The slate was approved by voice vote.

Procedural notes: Several motions were moved and seconded; not all vote tallies listed individual roll-call votes in the transcript. Staff said items requiring additional approvals (for example the Linder Road design) will move forward to City Council as required.

Full action list (motions recorded from the meeting)

1) Adopt agenda — outcome: approved.

2) Approve minutes (Nov. 14, 2024) — outcome: approved.

3) Approve monthly financial statement (includes $9,866 for traffic-box installations) — outcome: approved.

4) Recommend Stephanie Inman’s Linder Road median design to City Council — mover: Bobby Gaetan; second: Patrick O'Leary — outcome: approved (see separate article).

5) Approve purchase of three Claire Remsburg pieces for City Hall and authorize framing not to exceed $1,000 — mover: not specified; second: Sean Muscolo — outcome: approved.

6) Approve purchase of an 8x8 mural by Laurel Rouse for $1,600 with artist-required protective measures on surface — mover: Lizzie Taylor; second: Bobby Gaetan — outcome: approved.

7) Elect officers (chair and vice chair) by acclamation: Breckin Byrd, chair; Bridget King, vice chair — outcome: approved by voice vote.

8) Adjourn — outcome: approved.

Why it matters: the approved purchases will expand the city’s permanent collection and site-based displays; the Linder Road recommendation advances a major corridor artwork toward Council review; elections set the commission’s leadership for 2025.

Recordkeeping: staff will finalize agreements and framing/installation logistics and report back as items advance through procurement and Council processes.