Mesquite Public Arts Commission Meeting - March 16, 2026
Mesquite Public Arts Commission Meeting - March 16, 2026
The Mesquite Public Arts Commission (MPAC) met on March 16, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Mesquite City Hall. The meeting covered updates on First Friday events, a new utility box art program, a youth music opportunity proposal, and support for the Virgin Valley High School drama team's state championship and fundraising for nationals. The consent agenda was approved, and several items were discussed with actions deferred pending further information.
Consent Calendar
- Unanimously approved the minutes of the February 9, 2026, MPAC meeting and the March 16, 2026, agenda.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Jennifer Andreson, representing the Mesquite Iron Cactus Memorial Committee, announced the unveiling of the first memorial on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 12:00 PM at City Hall. She invited the commission to attend and noted community support via Facebook. Discussion included the possibility of inviting the Mesquite Showgirls to the event.
- George Gault commented on a complaint about the exclusion of the Democratic Party from the last First Friday event, urging clarity on the policy. The commission noted that research into the city council's original approval was underway.
Discussion Items
- First Friday Updates (Item 3.1): Director Judy Cole White reported that the March First Friday had a good turnout despite wind, with about 25 vendors, a band, high school science projects, and the dedication of a community piano. A planning meeting for October is set for March 23. The issue of political party presence at First Friday is being researched to determine what was approved by city council. Commissioner Karen asked about financials, and Judy confirmed that bills have been paid with some additional costs for signage.
- Utility Box Art Program (Item 3.2): Commissioner Steve presented a proposal to paint utility boxes instead of wrapping them, citing a Clark County model that pays artists $44 per square foot (artist pays for materials). The commission discussed the need for design approval through MPAC and city council, HOA coordination, and coverage longevity (about 5 years). They also agreed to add a wrap for the Dollar Tree box at Falcon Ridge and Pioneer (estimated $2,800) using remaining grant funds from the $10,000 MORF grant, selecting it over Dollar General for higher visibility. No formal vote was taken; staff will continue planning.
- Youth Music Opportunity Program (Item 3.3): Mitzi presented a proposal to create a program for young musicians (pre-high school) involving lessons, ensemble practice, and performances, potentially in 2027. The idea is based on volunteerism and grants. Commissioners expressed support but requested a more tangible proposal with a committee and financial details before bringing it to city council. Mitzi will connect with resources like Rare Spark Lessons and the Nevada Arts Council.
- VVHS Drama Department State Championship and Fundraising (Item 3.4): Mitzi reported that the Virgin Valley High School drama team won the state championship and needs $1,800 per student (22 students total) to attend the national competition. Fundraising efforts include a bake sale, a dump trash bag program, and a potential performance. A motion to donate $500 from MPAC funds was made but tabled pending a financial statement; the commission instead encouraged personal donations and community support. Deadline for flights is March 27, and full payment by April 24.
Key Outcomes
- Consent calendar approved (unanimous).
- Utility box art program: Staff directed to continue planning and bring back a detailed proposal. The Dollar Tree box wrap was selected for the next grant-funded wrap.
- Youth music program: Mitzi will develop a more formal proposal and explore partnerships and grants.
- VVHS drama support: The commission encouraged personal donations and community fundraising; a formal MPAC donation was deferred pending financial review.
- No other formal votes were taken.
Commissioners Comments and Reports
- Commissioner Bethany praised the upcoming "Guys and Dolls" production at the community theater.
- Commissioner Karen asked about promoting the community piano; Judy noted social media posts are being made.
- Meeting adjourned at approximately 11:00 AM.
Meeting Transcript
Welcome everybody to the March 16th Mosquite Public Arts Commission meeting. Okay. And we'll do we have a we have a quorum. We have five. So we'll go to public comment. Okay. Oh. Over to the screen. Good morning, everyone. I'm a representative of the uh mesquite iron cactus memorial. And I know you're already. Would you please say your full name for the record? I apologize. My name is Jennifer Andreson. I'm part of the committee with the Mesquite Iron Cactus Memorial. And you're all familiar with it, I believe, because Thomas Stark had been here earlier this month or maybe a little bit longer. But uh where it stands right now, we have planted the memorial, and it is out front where it had been agreed upon, and we have it wrapped up. And I just wanted to update you that we'll be doing the unveiling Wednesday, March 18th at 12 noon. And I'm here to just extend a big invitation, and we would like to have you all attend the unveiling to support um our first unveiling of our uh first memorial. Of course, there's gonna be others, but having all of your support would be greatly appreciated. And that's really all I have. Is there any questions? How did I miss that when I was walking in? It it's it blends because it's wrapped with this big green part. How exciting. It is, it's very exciting. And I did go out on a post on Facebook uh Sunday and put out to all these different groups, and we've had a lot of great support and um great comments. People said it, you know, they're excited about it. Um questions about you know the recycling of the golf clubs, uh, the dedication that we're putting out there for the community of people that have been coming to Mesquite. Uh you know, the impact of the economic uh, you know, jump to our community because of the tourism and everything. So it's it's a really good way that we can kind of pay back to you know the past and the present and the future. So um anything I can Are you having the show girls come? I did mention it to uh Bronzy. Yeah, uh, and I don't know if we're gonna be able to get him in because we're not sure exactly, you know, we're a grassroots, so it's not like we have a lot of uh loose funds or anything like that. So I don't know how the show girls we can tie them in. So I'm kind of waiting for like a DM back from her, but we're hoping maybe we can get something like that. Yeah. Uh we're trying to do a little bit of radio broadcasting. Um it was kind of like on a short uh a short notice when we got this in. So unfortunately, we kind of had a short timeline to like get the blast out. Um so we're we're hoping that uh with the Facebook and the neighborhood and word of mouth and networking like that, that we're able to get a a good uh uh showing of people when we do our first unveiling. Yeah, is what we're making. Well, the date again. It is Wednesday, this Wednesday, March 18th at 12 noon. Thank you. You're welcome. And um the mesquite showgirls are free. Oh, oh, okay. So and I could give you Becky Boyd's number, she's the one who runs it. Um she is lovely and would love to support if if she can have girls be there, she would no, that would be great.
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