Mesquite Public Arts Commission Meeting - July 20, 2026

The Mesquite Public Arts Commission met on July 20, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Mesquite City Hall. The meeting was called to order with a roll call, and no public comment was received. The commission approved the consent agenda, discussed updates on grants and ongoing projects, received reports from commissioners, and outlined next steps.

Consent Calendar

• Unanimously approved the Monday, June 15, 2026, Mesquite Public Arts Commission meeting minutes and the Monday, July 20, 2026, meeting agenda.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made.

Discussion Items

• 3.1 – Grant Updates (Nevada Main Street & Arts Council America 250):
  • The Arts Council America 250 grant of $15,000 was used for the Reliance Mural (with contributions from Reliance and Paul Benedict) and for America 250 wraps at fire stations. A balance of $630 remains, which will be allocated to Dance Mesquite, with Kaelin coordinating the expenditure. Mitzi raised a concern about coordinating with the Jimmy Hughes Center for surface preparation before painting; the commission agreed to work with Kaelin and Randy Lobb to notify the center.
  • The Nevada Main Street grant is funding a statue (delivery expected in August) and a suffrage wrap (September/October). Clark County has been fully paid. The Morph treasurer is working to request funds from Main Street for the statue and other items.
• 3.2 – Current Projects & Updates:
  • Battle of the Bands: A pre-committee meeting is scheduled for August 3 at 12:00 PM, involving band teachers and community members. A Google form will be distributed to gauge community interest and form a committee. The event could become annual.
  • Dance Nevada Site Preparation: The commission discussed smoothing the cement area at the Jimmy Hughes Center. Mitzi will contact Randy Lobb to coordinate.
  • Amphitheatre Availability: Mitzi has emailed Randy Lobb about using the amphitheatre adjacent to the Arts Centre for performances, including poet laureate events and second Saturday programming. No response yet. The commission agreed to have Mitzi and Dave meet with Randy and Becca to discuss usage, costs, and management.
  • Poet Laureate Performances: The Poet Laureate program nominations close August 15; currently two adults and one youth have applied. The selection committee will meet after the deadline. The amphitheatre could host poet laureate and historical performances.
• Commissioners' Comments & Reports:
  • Chair reported interest in purchasing a large bulldog sculpture for a city location, with funds available, and will place it on the next agenda.
  • Bethany reported on the recent National (international) theatre competition: 17 students and 6 chaperones attended. The one-act comedy was showcased to a full house, receiving standing ovations and being named the crowd favorite. The short film placed in the top five. She thanked the commission for support.
  • Karen reported that Morph board meetings have been canceled due to health issues; funds are deposited. The Travel Nevada 3D grant (for $3,000) has not been officially awarded yet; it is on the September agenda. She clarified that the grant is not yet official despite prior statements.

Key Outcomes

• The consent agenda was approved unanimously.
• The $630 remaining from the America 250 grant will be used for Dance Mesquite.
• Mitzi and Dave will schedule a meeting with Randy Lobb and Becca to discuss amphitheatre usage and management.
• The Battle of the Bands pre-committee will meet August 3; a community survey will be circulated.
• Poet laureate nominations will close August 15, with the selection committee to convene afterward.
• The chair will place the purchase of a bulldog sculpture on the next meeting agenda.
• The next regular meeting is scheduled for August 17, 2026.