Las Vegas Arts Commission Regular Meeting - October 16, 2025
Las Vegas Arts Commission Regular Meeting - October 16, 2025
The Las Vegas Arts Commission met on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 4:00 PM. Chair Sapira Chirk presided with a quorum present. The meeting included updates on cultural events and public art projects, a discussion on curator fees, a donation of artwork into the permanent collection, and the annual election of officers.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of Minutes: Minutes from the regular meeting of September 18, 2025, were approved by motion (Commissioner Chi, seconded by Commissioner Beals). All in favor, none opposed.
- Donation of Artwork: The commission accepted a donation of the artwork "Las Vegas Civic Center Layered" by Armin Thomas into the city's permanent art collection. The piece is an acrylic print documenting the construction of Civic Center Plaza. Motion by Commissioner Clevin, seconded by Commissioner Beals; passed unanimously.
Public Comments & Testimony
- No public comments were made during the public comment periods (agenda items 3 and 14).
Reports
Chair's Report (Sapira Chirk) – Highlighted upcoming cultural events including the Public Employee Exhibition (reception Oct 16), the "After Party" exhibition at Mayor's Gallery (Oct 16), the Window on First installation (through March 2026), and the Third on Maine temporary sculpture project reception (Nov 6). Commissioners also promoted events: Sky Canyon Chalk in Cheers (Oct 25), Sun City Summerlin Juried Art Show (Nov 1-2), Las Vegas Book Festival (Oct 18), UNLV Art Walk (Oct 24), and the Nevada Arts Council Teaching Artist Roster opening Oct 20.
Staff Report (Mary Sabo, Laura Machado) – Provided updates on ongoing projects: the Third on Maine sculpture project completed; David Ryan’s public art project on Third Street on track for Feb 2026; Crystal Ramirez sculpture near completion with dedication before Thanksgiving; routine conservation and graffiti abatement ongoing; Matthew Murphy mural (Mirabelli Mural) expected by Dec 1; Westside Education and Training Center sculpture and mural projects completed by Adolfo Gonzalez; new Window on First installation by Louise Ledris (through March 2026) with reception Oct 23.
Discussion Items
Call for Guest Curators (Item 8) – Commissioner Douglas initiated discussion on increasing curator fees, currently ranging from $500 (emerging) to $2,000 (national). She suggested an increase of $5,000–$10,000, citing comparability with other municipalities and citing the WAGE website. Staff clarified that exhibition funding comes from the general budget, not the percent-for-arts fund. Commissioners debated whether to pay artists as well and noted that the commission’s purview does not include setting fees. A recommendation was made to hold educational workshops in 2026 for curators and artists. No action taken.
Roles and Responsibilities of Commissioners (Item 9) – Staff reviewed ways commissioners can support public art, including serving on evaluation panels, community outreach, and attending events. Commissioners agreed to coordinate attendance at events listed in the chair’s report. Staff will update name badges and send event reminders via newsletter.
Heritage Month Celebrations (Item 10) – Commissioner Douglas highlighted upcoming Native American Heritage Month events: film screening "Imagining the Indian" at UNLV (Nov 6), artist lecture by Danielle SeeWalker (Nov 6), American Indigenous Heritage Celebration in Henderson (Nov 9), and Indigenous Art Native Heritage Day at Nubu Art Gallery (Nov 28).
Public Art in Parks (Item 11) – Staff presented a slideshow of past park projects (e.g., Doc Romeo Skate Park, Police Memorial Skate Park, Doug Selby Park, Rotary Park) and current percent-for-arts-funded projects at Centennial Hills Park, Here’s Park, and Wallaby Canyon Trailhead. Commissioners suggested incorporating mosaics and banners (art in the sky). Staff noted banner projects are handled by the communications team but would explore options.
Election of Officers (Item 12) – Annual election held. Commissioner Beals was elected Chair (motion by Commissioner Chirk, seconded by Commissioner Douglas, unanimous). Vice Chair Heather Bednarchik was re-elected (motion by Commissioner Chirk, seconded by Commissioner Chi, unanimous). Eric Roberts was retained as Second Vice Chair (motion by Commissioner Chirk, seconded by Commissioner Portnoy, unanimous).
Future Agenda Items (Item 13) – Commissioner Beals requested an update on educational and outreach efforts for a future meeting.
Key Outcomes
- Approved minutes of September 18, 2025.
- Accepted donation of artwork by Armin Thomas into permanent collection.
- Elected new officers: Chair (Beals), Vice Chair (Bednarchik), Second Vice Chair (Roberts).
- Directed staff to consider ways to support curator fee increases and artist payments within existing programs, and to plan educational workshops for 2026.
- Agreed to improve commissioner attendance and visibility at public art events via coordinated sign-ups and name badges.
- Staff will explore incorporating mosaics and banner art in parks, and will share heritage event details.
- No public comments received; meeting adjourned.
Meeting Transcript
Good afternoon, everyone. This is Sapiro Chirk. We are at four P.M., so let's uh do a roll call and we'll start the meeting. Chair Chirk. Present. Vice Chair Bednarchik. Present. Second Vice Chair Roberts. Excused. Commissioner Clevin. Present. Commissioner Westfield. Here. Commissioner Douglas. Excused. Commissioner DeSantis? Here. Commissioner Chi? Here. Commissioner Beals. Here. Commissioner Point Portnoy. Here. Commissioner Von Bastians. Here. Thank you, Chair. You have a quorum. Thank you. Moving on to agenda item number two. Are we compliance with the open meeting law? Yes, Chair, we are. Thank you. Moving on to agenda item number three, public comment. Comment during this period of the agenda must be limited to matters on the agenda for action. If you wish to be heard, come forward and give your name for the record. The amount of discussion as well as the amount of time any single speaker is allowed may be limited. Are there any public comment? Seeing none, moving on to agenda item number four for possible action to approve the final minutes by reference of the regular meeting of September 18th, 2025. Commissioner Chi make a motion to approve meeting minutes. Commissioner Beals, I second. Thank you. All in favor. Seeing none, motion pass. We'll move on to agenda item number five. Report by Sapiro Chirk, Art Commission Chair, regarding a monthly summary summary of current initiative cultural events and opportunities for all ward. Okay. Enjoy the 2025 public employee exhibition now open at the City Hall Chamber Gallery, four nine five South Main Street, second floor. An artist reception will be held tonight, Thursday, October 16th from 5 to 7 p.m. Join us tonight for the opening reception of the after party and exhibition by Kate Ryles and Deborah Newman at the Mayor's Gallery at Historic Fifth Stage School, 401 South Fourth Street, October 16th from 5 to 7. Celebrate the newest window on first installation.
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