Syracuse Public Arts Commission Meeting - July 28, 2026

The Syracuse Public Arts Commission met on July 28, 2026, at 5:30 PM. The meeting was called to order by Chair Benny Guzman. Commissioners present: Maggie Levis, Emma Reader, Sophia Gutierrez, Emmanuel Carter, Lisa Lambert, and Saisha Bird. The meeting addressed two applications for public art, a discussion about a youth project, and administrative updates. The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:40 PM.

Public Comments & Testimony

• David, representing Northside Youth Public Art, addressed the commission regarding a project involving youth-designed utility boxes. He explained that an application was submitted but miscommunication about meeting dates (the applicant believed the meeting was on August 11) led to it not being on the current agenda. He requested an opportunity for approval in time to complete the project before the school year and youth program end. The commission agreed to include the project in a special meeting on August 11, 2026.

Discussion Items

• SPAC 2606 – SU GOATS Mural (Chris Murray): The artist presented a mural featuring Syracuse University basketball players, both men and women. The project aims to involve local high school students (from STEAM High School and potentially Nottingham) in the painting process. Discussion focused on the need for documented funding sources (the artist stated funding is from private donors, alumni, and Jim Boeheim, but no receipts were provided) and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the school district for student participation. The commission also raised concerns about the mural's background imagery not reflecting Syracuse's local flora and fauna. The artist agreed to consider adjustments. The commission voted to table the application, pending submission of required documentation. The item will be revisited at a special meeting on August 11, 2026.
• SPAC 2607 – Unbox Round Three (Rachel Schaeffer, Downtown Committee): The Downtown Committee presented two utility box designs: "Cue's Box" by Brooke Schmedicke (a playful juice box design referencing Syracuse Pride) and "Flowers" by Soma Coker (featuring native plants and animals). The project is funded by TNT (a city grant). Commissioners noted that the "Cue's Box" design might include a recognizable logo of a local restaurant (Dinosaur BBQ) and requested it be adjusted to be generic. The artists will be guided through the process by the Downtown Committee and the Art Store. The commission approved the application unanimously, with Commissioners Benny Guzman and Lisa Lambert abstaining due to conflicts of interest (Guzman served on the selection committee, Lambert is on the TNT board).
• Northside Youth Public Art Project: Following public comments, the commission discussed accommodating the late application for a youth-led utility box project. The project involves three of four planned boxes designed by youth participants in a CNY Works program that ends in mid-August. The commission decided to hold a special meeting on August 11, 2026, to review and vote on this application, along with the tabled SU GOATS mural. The applicant was advised to submit letters of support and any additional documentation from the checklist.

Key Outcomes

• Tabled: SPAC 2606 (SU GOATS mural) was tabled until a special meeting on August 11, 2026, pending submission of funding documentation and an MOU with the school district.
• Approved: SPAC 2607 (Unbox round three) was approved unanimously (with two abstentions).
• Special Meeting Scheduled: The commission agreed to hold a special meeting on August 11, 2026, at 5:30 PM (location TBD, likely in the ILAB downstairs) to consider the Northside Youth Public Art application and the tabled SU GOATS mural.
• Updates: Chair Guzman reported that the public art coordinator position is close to approval by the county and will be posted soon. Applications for new commissioners are being reviewed by the mayor's office. Vice chair elections were deferred pending recommendations from commissioners.