Lakewood Public Arts Advisory Board Special Meeting – May 26, 2026

The Public Arts Advisory Board met in special session on May 26, 2026, to approve prior meeting minutes, receive an update on the Public Art Master Plan, and review preliminary designs for public art projects. Board members present were Mr. Robar, Miss Ryan, Mrs. Santis, Miss Rosie, and Mr. Frederick. Staff member Amanda facilitated the meeting, with multiple artists presenting for board feedback.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the January 14, 2026 meeting minutes by motion, second, and unanimous voice vote.
• Approved the April 15, 2026 meeting minutes by motion, second, and unanimous voice vote.

Discussion Items

Public Art Master Plan Update

• Staff reported that the final internal committee meeting had occurred, with Dave and Gina in attendance.
• The 160-page plan is compiled and undergoing internal review and coordination with the county; an implementation matrix is scheduled to be developed next week to support action.
• The plan is expected to be presented to the Planning Commission next month and to City Council in July for approval; board members were invited to attend the July meeting.
• Board members voiced support for the process, praised county collaboration and steering-committee openness, and noted the plan's potential to diversify public art and raise the public art budget.
• Staff noted residents surveyed as part of the process expressed support for public art as a good use of taxpayer dollars, and referenced the success of decorative traffic boxes in building public support.

Spectacular Vernacular: Dog Mural Preliminary Design

• Artists Derek Brennan and Chad Fedorovich presented a preliminary concept (Concept A) for a mural, likely on a wall at a vacant lot. The proposed design would feature local dogs photographed during planned pop-up engagement events, surrounded by flowers, with the possibility of more than one dog included.
• The artists discussed removing existing vinyl, using breathable masonry paint with a 10–15 year life expectancy, UV-protective coatings, and specialty mural paint. They noted the wall will require Architectural Board Review approval.
• Board members expressed support for the playful community engagement idea and for using paint rather than vinyl for brick health. A Boston Terrier appeared in the preliminary image; the final dog(s) would be chosen from community photo shoots.
• Next steps: final design requested by June 30, with some flexibility, and installation due by September. Artists were asked to provide contract paperwork.

Birds of Bird Town: Street Sign Sculptures

• Artist Arling Graff presented a design for laser-cut, two-sided bird sculptures to be mounted on street signs in the Bird Town neighborhood. Approximately 16 birds are planned, each made of layered painted metal with custom brackets and anti-theft bolts.
• Graff explained the use of automotive-grade epoxy primer and clear coats for weather resistance, and planned to build a prototype before final installation. He also described options for varying bird positions and colors for visibility and durability.
• Board members praised the playful, dynamic designs and educational potential. Discussion included QR codes, sidewalk stencils, maps, or an app to create a self-guided bird tour; staff said the project will be connected to the public art map and that signage/wayfinding options will be explored.
• The board gave go-ahead on the design; Graff will make minor adjustments and test a prototype.

Hilliard Mural: Aaron Casey and Collaborator

• Aaron Casey presented two preliminary concepts for a mural at a high-traffic Hilliard-area site, developed with collaborator Ali Cook Coquita (also referred to as Allison). The first concept included animals and the quote "Inspiring Generations"; the second concept featured a bike-themed scene.
• Board members noted the first concept's animals seemed foreign to the area and that the two sides appeared stylistically disconnected, partly because one visual was generated with ChatGPT. They encouraged more cohesion and more of Casey's personal artistic style in a revised design.
• Board members were supportive of the bike-themed direction given the site's history and context, and suggested showing intergenerational interaction, such as planting flowers or riding bikes together, and incorporating neighborhood elements like dogs, cats, or local references.
• Casey noted the property owner, Scott, requested racing stripes incorporated, possibly via planes in the sky. Staff will check with Public Works before the design advances.
• Next steps: Casey will develop a third design and send it for informal feedback before the board's next meeting in July; final presentation is expected at that meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Both sets of meeting minutes were approved unanimously.
• The Public Art Master Plan will proceed to the Planning Commission and then to City Council in July.
• The dog mural artists were given direction to pursue Concept A with community engagement; final design deadline is June 30, with installation by September.
• The Birds of Bird Town concept received board approval; the artist will prepare a prototype and finalize installation details.
• Aaron Casey was asked to refine and resubmit mural designs, with a target of presenting a third concept at the July board meeting.

Note: The transcript contains no formal public comment period or public testimony.