Auburn Arts Commission Meeting - July 13, 2017

The Auburn Arts Commission met on July 13, 2017, at 5:35pm in Room 10 of City Hall. The meeting included routine approvals, public comments, consideration of a new commissioner, and updates on numerous ongoing arts projects and community events.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes for January 2025 and September 2025 were approved without objection. (Motion to approve January minutes by Susan, second by Brian; motion to approve September minutes by Brian, second by Barbara.)

Public Comments & Testimony

• Doreen shared that the “Walking in our Mocs” youth art show will be at the Maidu Museum through January 2026.
• Mary announced that her ART Series has concluded and the grant report is due. She also announced an Art Retreat at the Flower Farm scheduled for April 21–23, 2026 and inquired about possible AAC sponsorship.
• Doreen shared that the Auburn Porchfest held on October 5 was a big success.

Discussion Items

• New Business:
  • Arts Commission Applicants: Brian moved to recommend Oscar Merida for appointment as a commissioner; seconded by Barbara; passed unanimously.
  • Table at Auburn Big Time Pow Wow (Oct 18, 10am–9pm): The commission discussed having a promotional table. Mary volunteered to create a trifold leaflet, and April agreed to provide approximately 150 words of text covering each project and the mission.
• Ongoing Business – Committee and Project Reports:
  • Arts and Culture Focus Discussion: To be continued, with Julia leading the discussion.
  • AAC/PAT Promotion Table at Wine, Ale and Food Festival (Oct 11): Mary will paint; all commissioners invited to participate.
  • Banned Books Week (Oct 5–11): April wants to read "1984" aloud in front of Winston Books; feasibility of the setup is pending.
  • Public Art Proposal for Caltrans Roundabout: Doreen reported that the proposal is progressing, with revisions by the artist and preparation for Caltrans review.
  • Conversations with the Wind/Windphone Update: Dan reported that Heather from the community garden is not responding to calls. He was advised to text her, explain the project will be presented for approval at the October AAC meeting, and invite her to attend if interested.
  • City Hall Gallery: Barbara reported that PAT Auburn artists’ work has been hung; reception is October 16, 5:30–7:30pm. The next show will feature Patrick Shields with a December 10 reception. A juried show for February/March 2026 will have entries accepted and hung on Saturday, January 31; Juan Pena will judge; theme idea is “Auburn’s Wildlife and Wildlands.”
  • OT/High Street Underpass Path Project: Oscar presented a photoshopped image showing boulders alongside the creek below the roadway and shared his plan to create an elevation drawing to gain support from volunteers and donors.
  • Art Park Decorations: Brian reported a plan to take down the umbrellas and install lights on October 19.
  • Gold Country Writers Nonfiction Short Story Contest Awards Sponsorship: April debriefed the event as successful; the group was grateful; the Auburn Journal will publish prize winners’ stories.
  • Chamber Celebration of the Community Culture Award: The September 25 event went well for David and Coco Burns.
  • Oak/Acorn Festival Proposal: April shared that there will be a meeting on October 8 at 6pm at the Carnegie to brainstorm an approach focusing on the land (oaks and acorns) to tell the story that Auburn’s history began long before the Gold Rush.
  • Carnegie Library Ceramic “Bookmaking” Project Proposal: Susan had no new information.
  • Native Plant Garden in School Park Preserve (Parking Area): In progress, but planting will occur in fall 2026.
  • Repair/Upgrade of Peter Hazel Fish Statue in Central Square: No update.
  • FY24/25 Budget Review and FY25/26 Work Plan Review: Ryan emailed an updated spreadsheet noting that a $1,000 stipend to selected Roundabout proposers was advanced from AAC revenue, to be reimbursed from funds raised for the roundabout project.
• Other Pending Project Review (brief mentions): Social media/communications/calendar needs collateral material; School Park Preserve mosaic mural; Carnegie Library; fundraising for SHAAC tile for Lee Buckingham; freestanding 4x8 frames for public art; outdoor City Hall drinking fountain public art opportunity.

Key Outcomes

• Oscar Merida was recommended for appointment to the Arts Commission by unanimous vote.
• January and September 2025 minutes were approved.
• Volunteers were assigned for the Auburn Big Time Pow Wow table (Mary for leaflet, April for text).
• Continued discussion of the Arts and Culture focus discussion was scheduled.
• The Windphone update will be presented at the October meeting for approval.
• The next regular meeting is set for November 3, 2025.