Kuna Arts Commission approves call to artists for painted power-box mural behind City Hall

The Kuna City Arts Commission voted to direct staff to prepare an information packet and a call to artists for a painted mural on a metal power box behind Kuna City Hall along the Green Belt and Indian Creek.

Commission Chairman Tom Mattis, Chairman, opened the agenda item and asked staff to describe the proposed site. Garrett (staff member) said the box measures about 51 inches tall and 33 inches wide, is metal, and has four sides plus a top that could be painted. Garrett said the box sits on the Green Belt where people walk, bring dogs and where events take place.

Clerk's office staff presented an art-and-area analysis showing high year‑round usage of the Green Belt. The clerk's office reported approximately 303,000 total visits to the Green Belt between Jan. 1, 2023, and April 6, 2025, with about 77,600 unique visitors and an average dwell time of 47 minutes; visits from Jan. 1 to April 6 this year were about 22,300 compared with 19,100 during the same period last year, a roughly 19.9% increase. The analysis also reported a median visitor age of about 31.9 and median household income near $77,400, and that most visitors come from Kuna and the broader Treasure Valley.

Commissioners discussed logistics, budget and timing. Garrett said the project would proceed by preparing a brief that includes the box location, dimensions, a timeline and selection criteria; staff would then issue a call to artists and bring proposals back to the commission. Commissioners noted that Parks & Facilities initially identified the site and that staff will check with the Parks & Recreation director about whether a descriptive sign or plaque could be installed near the work.

Commissioners referenced prior budget discussion: Garrett said earlier meetings had approved a budget allocation of about $5,000, but staff expected a painted mural for this small box could be completed for roughly $2,000 and that staff would refine cost estimates in the information packet.

On a motion that the call to artists include, but not be limited to, themes of wildfowl/birds of prey, wildlife/nature (including seasonal themes and geographic highlights), history of the area and abstract work — and that submissions outside those themes also be considered — the commission voted in favor. The commission then asked staff to prepare the project packet and to target a special meeting on June 1 to review the packet and the call to artists. Commissioners discussed a goal of completing the mural by fall if timeline and weather allow; painting windows most favorable were noted as June–July to avoid rain and extreme heat.

Garrett summarized next steps: staff will assemble a project brief with dimensions, preferred themes (as above), budget guidance, timeline and selection criteria; release the call to artists once the commission approves the packet; accept artist proposals; and return to the commission for selection. The commission agreed to permit a broad range of submissions rather than a prescriptive, narrow brief.

Commissioner Debbie Ann Ruppy said the box is a good starting point because it is smaller than building-side murals and could serve as a pilot for larger projects. Commissioner Dave Lyon said he preferred keeping a concise list of preferred themes to guide artists but also leaving the call open to other ideas. No opposition votes were recorded on the motions; the meeting audio records commissioners saying “aye” during the approvals.

The commission did not name a specific artist and did not finalize a contract value; those details will be part of the information packet and selection process to be reviewed at the June 1 meeting.

Votes at a glance: - Motion to direct staff to prepare a call to artists and project packet with preferred themes (wildfowl/birds of prey; wildlife/nature/seasonal; geographic/history; abstract; and other) — approved (motion moved and seconded; vote recorded as in favor). - Motion to schedule a special meeting on June 1 to review the packet and advance the call to artists — approved (motion moved and seconded; vote recorded as in favor).

Ending: Staff will prepare the packet and timeline for the commission’s review at the June 1 meeting; if the schedule holds, commissioners said the work could be completed by fall pending selection and weather.