Syracuse Public Arts Commission Approves Projects on May 26, 2026
Syracuse Public Arts Commission Meeting
The Syracuse Public Arts Commission (SPAC) met on May 26, 2026, to review and approve multiple public art projects across the city. Chair Benny Zuman called the meeting to order at approximately 5:35 PM. The commission unanimously approved several new installations, temporary artworks, and community-centered projects.
Consent Calendar
- Minutes Approval: The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the January 13 and March 31 meetings, with a correction made to the spelling of Commissioner Emmanuel Carter's name. The motion was made by Commissioner Emanuel and seconded by Commissioner Elias.
Discussion Items
SPAC 2602: Russell Mason Mural
- Russell Mason presented a mural for a senior active center, fully funded by the building owner, Paul Zorbal. An updated design was presented. The installation is expected to take approximately 10 days using scaffolding and ladders. The commission voted unanimously to approve the project.
SPAC 2603: Lightwork / “In Search of Bluer Tongues”
- Annika Hare (Lightwork Urban Video Project) presented a new projection by artist Zleka Shoja for the Everson Museum facade. Commissioners expressed support for the project but raised concerns about photosensitivity, making the unanimous approval contingent upon the inclusion of a warning disclaimer.
SPAC 2604: Lipe Art Park Temporary Artwork Cycle
- Lauren Baker (Lipe Art Park) presented multiple artists for the park’s annual cycle, themed “Home.” New and returning artists including Sanjana, Ray Turner, Jessica Van Gordon, Aaron Biter, and Bharti presented their designs. Commissioners supported the involvement of new artists and emphasized maintaining artistic quality and avoiding commercial branding. The project was approved unanimously.
SPAC 2605: Alchemic Nursery Community Street Intersection Mural
- Frank Sotero (Alchemic Nursery Project) and artist Naomi Kersamansky presented a collaborative full-intersection mural funded by TNT and the Alchemic Nursery. The project is a volunteer-driven community event. Commissioners discussed safety considerations for minors and traffic, recommending the use of cardboard and liability waivers. The project was approved unanimously.
SPAC 2606 / 2607: Thornden Park Willow Sculpture and Labyrinth
- Artists Sydney and Laura Reader presented a natural willow sculpture and labyrinth installation below the Stuart Standpipes in Thornden Park. The project will include community workshops on harvesting and weaving. The commission unanimously approved both components of the project.
Taylor Street Mural Project (Discussion Only)
- The commission discussed a Taylor Street mural project initiated by MED/Manila. No formal vote was taken as the project proponents are seeking preliminary advice. The matter was tabled for further discussion at the next meeting.
Key Outcomes
- Votes: The commission unanimously approved all five main projects on the agenda (SPAC 2602, 2603, 2604, 2605, and the combined 2606/2607).
- Appointments & Hiring: The Public Art Coordinator position has been sent to Human Resources for posting. Commission appointments are pending approval from the Mayor’s office.
- Ordinance Review: Commissioner Emma Rader circulated a draft of the 20-year-old ordinance for review. Commissioners are to submit comments via Word documents, focusing on the top three issues to address.
- Vice Chair Election: The election of a Vice Chair was tabled until the June 30, 2026, meeting.
- Next Meeting: The next regular SPAC meeting is scheduled for June 30, 2026.
Meeting Transcript
I'm sure. I'm like peeking in my window and dropping off supplies. I'm so sorry. But they're handling it and they're doing it. It's just she goes, I see why. Well you work all year long for and you look forward to this. I can take that. Yeah, so I take pictures of the call. And then you um I didn't scroll the nine percent I want to do it all. But like very cool. Because this is also a touch screen, so it doesn't mean that's so the parents could see it like in their set. So it's also these logged in now. I don't, but if there's anything I can help you with. Good evening. How are you? Uh how many people here today? That's nice. Okay. We don't typically do that necessarily. If you wanted to share them electronically, we're more than happy to. That's why it's after I don't think it's necessary. Okay. Um I'll email you. I that would have gone to probably say I should and our Benny. Um, yeah, everything. So I think there's actually what I can show you real quick if you like Tuesday. Oh, the job is on the right. Well, what we'd be able to bring up here is some of the subject this morning. It's probably only four. Let me just leave. Yes. So hi folks. Um I'm Benny Gusman, I'm the chair of the public arts commission. Um, we're just getting situated here. Um, I know that I know we're waiting on maybe one more artist as well. Um we'll get started around 5 35. Give everybody a few minutes to get settled in. Um we do have a long agenda today, so I do ask that we keep it a little bit briefer with the presentation. Uh we want to hear from everybody, but we want to make sure that we don't keep you here for five hours. Thank you. The last time we met was in March. This packet would be absolutely not thank you so much for that. Thank you. I just find out what we could get the planning. Okay, so just see if somebody are printing it. If you can email it to me, that would be okay. Yeah. Oh, Elias is here. Somebody has a live phone. Oh, okay.
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