Tiburon commissioners discuss artist laureate's Waterline project, outreach and possible stipend support

Commissioners at the Jan. 27 Tiburon Heritage & Arts meeting praised the artist laureate Krista's recently opened Waterline installation and discussed ways the commission might support the laureate's community workshops.

Chair Gupta said the Waterline reception drew a strong crowd and confirmed Krista will present project details at the Feb. meeting. Commissioners described a planned in-person visit by Reed School third graders to map the shoreline and add work to a community wall; Krista is also expected to add an online component for broader participation.

The commission considered establishing a modest reimbursement budget and an ad hoc volunteer group to liaise with the laureate during the first year of a four-year term. Suggestions ranged from a modest figure (one commissioner recalled previously keeping receipts and receiving $250 per year) to a not-to-exceed $1,000 figure mentioned during discussion; one commissioner suggested looking at a year-by-year amount and asking Krista to propose project costs when she presents in February. Krista, according to the chair, has offered to forfeit her stipend but commissioners said the commission has a fiduciary responsibility and prefers defined project proposals and receipts before approving expenditures.

No formal motion or appropriation was made. Chair Gupta nominated Commissioner Nora Noguez to draft a short outline of possible funding and support levels for presentation at the next meeting.

Next steps: Krista's February presentation will include cost estimates; the nominated commissioner will return a draft budget proposal for commission review.