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Lakewood Arts Commission highlights Fiesta de la Familia, signal‑box wraps, MLK program and mural plans
Summary
The Lakewood Arts Commission reported on community events and public‑art projects — including the Fiesta de la Familia (about 8,000 attendees), ten signal‑box wraps pending installation, a Pierce College student exhibit Oct. 21 and a planned 'Beloved Community' mural for Fort Steilacoom Park — and asked the council to consider a modest acquisition budget for the city art collection.
Emily Feline, chair of the Lakewood Arts Commission, and commissioners updated the council Sept. 23 on the commission’s recent activities, upcoming shows and public‑art projects and asked the city to consider budgeting to purchase works for a permanent collection.
Highlights: Commissioners described the Fiesta de la Familia, which they estimated drew roughly 8,000 attendees and included music, dance and an interactive ofrenda. The commission has ten signal‑box wrap projects in progress at locations along Pacific Highway and South Tacoma Way, and templates are already under review by selected artists.
Exhibits and outreach: The commission’s rotating exhibits included a Pierce College faculty show and an upcoming Pierce College student show scheduled to open Oct. 21. Commissioners said the MLK video series reached about 38,000 viewers and that this year’s in‑person MLK program will include a Welcome Walk and workshops on Jan. 11, 2025.
Public art and acquisition: Commissioners presented the 'Beloved Community' mural plan for Fort Steilacoom Park, with three artists slated to present concepts at the commission’s October meeting and a ribbon cutting planned at the MLK event in January. Emily Feline and staff asked the council to consider funding a modest acquisition budget so the city can select and purchase one piece from rotating exhibits for its permanent collection; council members signaled general agreement to explore budgeting a biennial allocation and suggested the arts budget could partially fund an initial purchase.
Council response: Council liaisons and members complimented the commission’s outreach, encouraged continued community engagement and supported finding funds for a city collection budget on the 2025–26 biennial horizon. The Arts Commission said it will continue public programming and an Nov. 8 retreat focused on public art practice and sensitive topics in community work.
