Auburn Arts Commission Special Meeting – February 17, 2026

The Auburn Arts Commission held a special meeting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the Rose Room of City Hall. The meeting focused on new business, ongoing reports, and several action items, including supporting a local ukulele group, a potential summer movie partnership, and funding for a commemorative sidewalk tile.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The minutes for November, December 2025, and January 2026 were approved unanimously (moved by Brian, seconded by Mary; all voted yes).
• Appointment of Mayor Pro Tem: (No action taken; item not on agenda for this meeting.)

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ken Ludwig expressed interest in the roundabout art proposal during public comment.
• A member of the public (Kukuleles) requested support for a St. Patrick's Day performance.

New Business

• Request from Kukuleles: Susan moved to support the local ukulele group's proposal to perform in Central Square on St. Patrick’s Day; Barbara seconded; all approved.
• Partnership with Auburn State Theatre for Summer Movies: The commission considered partnering with the State Theatre to present movies at School Park Preserve during the summer due to the hiatus of summer concerts caused by loss of a volunteer sound technician. Susan moved that April could pursue this project with the State Theatre; Barbara seconded; all approved.

Ongoing Business - Committee and Project Reports

• Sidewalk Title for Lee Buckingham: Commission considered a request to allocate $500 from revenue funds to contribute to the cost of a sidewalk tile for Lee Buckingham. Brian moved to contribute $500; Barbara seconded; all approved.
• Conversations with the Wind/Windphone: Dan will update the project plan and revise the budget.
• Public Art Proposal for Caltrans Roundabout: Discussion continued regarding seeking council approval of the Marsh proposal concept so major donors can see the proposal.
• OT/High Street Underpass Path Project: update – Leadership Auburn is planning to clear/clean the area, add signage, and make other improvements to launch the project.
• Arts and Culture Focus Session/Grants: Mary reported that Placer County may have TOT (Transient Occupancy Tax) grants available.
• Art Retreat at the Flower Farm (April 21-23, 2026): Mary reported 11 seats sold; 9 remaining.
• Art Walk Planning: Mary reported planning meetings, with one on June 7 (noon to 4pm) and another on August 7 (5-8pm).
• City Hall Gallery – juried art show debrief: 28 pieces exhibited generating $560 revenue; prizes were $250, $150, and $75.
• Art Park – Umbrella Design and Installation: Brian will schedule umbrella installation and suggest a design; April will order the umbrellas.
• A.R.T. Artist Resources and Training Workshops: Mary seeking a grant.
• Other Reports: Public Reading 1984/"AuburnCA Out Loud Book Club" and City Hall back entrance improvement (no reports); vacant commission seat (discussed but no action); review of AAC responsibilities, budget, financial process (deferred).

Key Outcomes

• Kukuleles Performance: Supported; motion passed unanimously.
• Summer Movie Partnership: Approved; April authorized to pursue.
• Sidewalk Tile Funding: $500 approved for Lee Buckingham tile.
• Committee/Project updates: Various items noted with no formal votes. Deferrals for finance review and recruitment.