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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-02; Arts Commission; Minutes; Regular SessionARTS COMMISSION Minutes April 2, 2026, 5:30 p.m. CALL TO ORDER: 5:30 p.m. Council Chamber 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008 ROLL CALL: Chung, George, Nassiri, Breyer, Clark, Mcclory, Salvetti-Kulla PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Chair Chung led the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of the regular meeting held March 5, 2026 Motion by Commissioner Nassiri, seconded by Commissioner Clark, to approve the minutes as presented. Motion carried, 5/0/2 (Mcclory, Salvetti-Kulla-Abstain). PRESENTATIONS: None. PUBLIC COMMENT: None. CONSENT CALENDAR: None. PUBLIC HEARING: None. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS: 1. CARLSBAD READS TOGETHER 2026: Receive a report from staff on programs and events scheduled for Carlsbad Reads Together 2026. (Staff contacts: Emily Hardy and Ruben Valenzuela, Library & Cultural Arts Department) Recommended Action: Receive the report. The Commission received the presentation. Senior Librarian, Emily Hardy and Library Assistant, Ruben Valenzuela shared a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk.) Commissioner Clark asked what was done differently to get the community participation increase. Library Assistant Valenzuela feels the survey was more inviting and easier for more people to participate. Senior Librarian Hardy said Circulation data was also studied in order to inform the genre categories and which genres are most popular and regularly checked out. 2. APPOINT NEW COMMISSIONERS TO PUBLIC ART PROJECTS SUBCOMMITTEES: Vote to approve appointment of new commissioners to Public Art projects subcommittees. (Staff contact: Craddock Stropes, Library & Cultural Arts Department) Recommended Action: Vote to approve appointment of new subcommittee assignments. The Commission nominated and voted to approve commissioners to subcommittees. April 2, 2026 Arts Commission Regular Meeting Page 2 Motion by Commissioner Breyer, seconded by Commissioner George, to approve new subcommittee assignments. Motion carried, 7 /0. 3. CHESTNUT UNDERPASS PUBLIC ART FINAL DESIGN VOTE: Receive a presentation from artist team Greenmeme and vote to approve final art design. (Staff contact: Krystal Roa, Library & Cultural Arts Department) Recommended Action: Receive the presentation and vote to approve final art design. The Commission received the presentation. Program Manager, Krystal Roa shared a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk.) Artist team Greenmeme shared a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk.) Commissioner Clark asked for clarification on material of the flowers and if they will be painted. Artist Team Greenmeme explained that the spikier type flowers and plants may be a tile mural in the background with the softer type flowers building forward in metal to create a multi-layered, multi-faceted effect. Each flower will be made differently. Commissioner Breyer feels the artwork is still ending up monochromatic on each side and would like Greenmeme to be aware that that was something the public voiced as a concern. Artist team Greenmeme is receptive to the feedback and will be able to play with the colors, so it appears less monochromatic. Cultural Arts Manager Stropes also advised that the project must remain within budget and take into consideration the long-term maintenance and diversity of materials that would need to be kept on hand, which is more expensive. The community input is being incorporated within the constraints and practicalities that are part of Caltrans requirements as well as the responsible use of general funds. Commissioner George asked if the spikier flowers will be a liability issue for Caltrans. Program Manager Roa advised that it was recommended that any sharp points would be rounded and that Greenmeme is looking for materials that would make the art work safe while still honoring the plant itself. Commissioner George asked if there would be an anti-graffiti component. Greeneme advised that yes, there are many options for anti-graffiti. Commissioner Geroge asked if the art work will feature any lighting. Cultural Arts Manager Stropes advised that Caltrans is not amenable to additional lighting and the artwork will work with the existing safety lighting in the underpass. Commissioner Nassiri asked what type of material long term would be the most practical as far as maintenance. Program Manager Roa advised that until there are construction documents, we will not have an answer to that question. The contract with Greenmeme does state that they must provide a maintenance recommendation for how to treat each portion. There are also discussions with Public Works and Caltrans to work out a cleaning maintenance schedule to keep the artwork clean. Commissioner Nassiri suggested a plaque to help explain the concept of the artwork. Program Manager Roa stated there is a plan for a plaque. April 2, 2026 Arts Commission Regular Meeting Page 3 Commissioner Chung asked if the mirror images on each side are due to cost containment. Artist team Greenmeme advised that the symmetry of the underpass calls for a mirror image, like a gateway to the underpass. If each four points were a separate image it would be twice the cost. Motion by Commissioner Breyer, seconded by Commissioner Chung, to approve the Chestnut Underpass Public Art final design. Motion carried, 7 /0. COMMISSION COMMENTARY AND REQUESTS FOR CONSIDERATION OF MATTERS: The Arts Commissioners report on activities and meetings of some committees and subcommittees of which they are members. ANNOUNCEMENTS: This section of the Agenda is designated for announcements to advise the community regarding events that Members of the Arts Commission have been invited to, and may participate in. STAFF COMMENTS: Cultural Arts Manager Craddock Stropes commented on the following: • Cultural Arts Manager Stropes thanked Commissioner George for attending the San Diego County Arts & Culture Commission District 3 event • Cultural Arts Manger Stropes and Program Manger Roa attended the statewide kick off for April being Arts & Culture Creativity month in Barrio Logan • Cultural Arts Manager Stropes is glad that many commissioners were able to see the new exhibit, alchemy+ light, in the Cannon Gallery featuring seven artists from the True North Photo Society. The artists' reception will be April 18 from 3 to 5 p.m. More information on future Open Studios events to come • The Carlsbad High School Film Academy returns to the Cinema Series April 15, 22, 29 at 7 p.m. that will feature a talk with a teacher and a film screening. A survey is available and we are looking for input on film screening times and content • The Saturdays in the Courtyard and Front Row Saturdays series continue this month with Soto Six and Sean Bostrom (Sean Bostrom has been replaced with Chris Torres) • TGIF Concerts in the Parks sponsorship opportunities are available through May 1 • Summer camp registration is open. There will be three weeks of Club Pelican and one week of K-Pop Academy • Cultural Arts Manager Stropes thanked the commissioners that were able to attend the opening of the new percussion play instruments located in the Sculpture Garden • Persian new year, Nowruz, was celebrated at the Library Learning Center attracted about 60 patrons ADJOURNMENT: 6:55 p.m. -· Ariel Donovan Senior Office Specialist