Kuna Arts Commission approves three exhibits, discusses budget priorities and January elections

The Kuna Arts Commission on Dec. 12 approved three exhibit applications for display at the Kuna Arts & History Center, discussed possible allocations from its budget for participation-focused programming, and set officer elections for Jan. 9, 2026, at the Kuna City Council chambers.

The commission voted to accept minutes from the previous meeting and approved exhibit proposals from artist Ying Peng, the Plein Air Painters of Idaho organization and artist Lori Bremer. Discussion that followed focused largely on how the commission might dedicate funds to participatory programming — workshops, demonstrations and performing-arts events — and on logistics for future openings and equipment needs at the center.

Commission chairwoman Debbie Ann Reebbe opened the meeting and handled voice votes on routine items. Leah, a staff member for the Kuna Arts & History Center, presented the exhibit applications and explained placement and logistics for each show, including space allocation and requests for opening receptions.

Leah said Ying Peng submitted five watercolor works that could be hung in the center’s hallway; the commission approved those pieces for display from Jan. 22, 2025, to April 4, 2025. The Plein Air Painters of Idaho applied as an organization and submitted roughly 42–43 pieces; staff proposed using the main room, the small room and the hallway for that show and reserving the media room for historical display; the commission approved that exhibit for April 23–July 4, 2025. Leah reported Lori Bremer submitted about 17 pieces; commissioners agreed those could be placed along the hallway and in the media room and approved Bremer’s exhibit for Oct. 22, 2025–Jan. 2, 2026.

Commissioners then discussed the commission budget in a non-action conversation. Ideas raised included purchasing art supplies for public use at the center, funding artist demonstrations (sculpting, quilting, leatherworking), hosting workshops and performing-arts activities (reading theater, improv and dance), staging outdoor events in conjunction with city celebrations such as July 4, and creating a grant process so external groups could apply to run events. Leah said staff will research rough cost estimates and return a proposal that could appear as an action item at a future meeting.

On historical programming, commissioner Dave Lyon noted interest in a presentation on the history of Keweenaw School and said Doug Rattan has produced similar presentations in the past; he suggested staff check projector availability. Leah also reported recent activities at the center, including a homeschool group visit in November and the center’s planned participation in the city’s Dec. 19 “Candy Kids with the Mayor” event.

The commission reviewed meeting logistics for next year and confirmed officers will be elected at the first meeting in January. Leah noted the commission’s bylaws and municipal code govern officer terms and said terms are one year with a limit of two consecutive years in the same office. Chairwoman Reebbe confirmed the next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 9 at 6 p.m. in the council chambers.

Votes at a glance: The meeting used voice votes for routine approvals; individual roll-call votes were not recorded in the transcript. - Minutes (accept previous meeting minutes): outcome — approved; tally: yes:2, no:0, abstain:0, absent:1; note: voice vote, individual votes not specified. - Ying Peng exhibit (display at Kuna Arts & History Center from Jan. 22–Apr. 4, 2025; five watercolors): outcome — approved; tally: yes:2, no:0, abstain:0, absent:1; note: motion and second recorded; individual votes not specified. - Plein Air Painters of Idaho exhibit (approx. 42–43 works; Apr. 23–Jul. 4, 2025): outcome — approved; tally: yes:2, no:0, abstain:0, absent:1; note: organization applied for gallery and opening reception requested. - Lori Bremer exhibit (approx. 17 works; Oct. 22, 2025–Jan. 2, 2026): outcome — approved; tally: yes:2, no:0, abstain:0, absent:1; note: motion and second recorded; individual votes not specified.

Next steps and follow-up: staff will prepare cost estimates and options for budgeting participatory programming and equipment needs and present an action item at a future meeting. Officers will be nominated and elected at the Jan. 9 meeting; nominations require a second and election is by majority vote per the commission bylaws and city code.

Public comments were not part of the transcript provided. The meeting adjourned after routine business.