Arts Commission talks board member, ArtFest details
Commission member wishes to consider all audience members
JOSEPH GARDNER | THE DAILY EVERGREEN
Jeri Harris, Pullman Arts Commission committee chair, helps plan the upcoming Pullman ArtFest and its festivities Tuesday afternoon in the Neill Public Library.
February 13, 2019
The Pullman Arts Commission (PAC) discussed a new candidate to be a part of the board, as well as details for ArtFest.
They made a motion to elect a new board member, which will go through Pullman City Council to make their own judgment.
“We were looking for someone enthusiastic and bright, someone who cares about the community,” PAC member John Rich said.
The discussion moved toward public art policy and procedures, which was discussed in the last meeting.
Joanna Bailey, Neill Public Library services director, said the polices and procedures will be finalized when City Attorney Laura McAloon agrees with the changes.
PAC also readdressed possible changes to ArtFest.
PAC committee chair Jeri Harris brought up options on who should be elected for the Mayor’s Art Award.
“We want to bring local businesses into [the award] — they are the one who supports us,” Harris said.
Bailey said nominations and nominees for the award, as well as the Pullman ArtFest registration, will be open Feb. 22 to March 25. There will be a $25 fee to register for ArtFest.
She said the form will be open to a variety of artists, food vendors, craft artisans and businesses.
PAC members discussed the hours for ArtFest and considered issues that may arise regarding what time food vendors, street fair and music should be present.
“We have to think about our audience,” Bailey said. “During the day, we are going to have families, but our night crowd is completely different. It’s college students and young adults. We have to compromise.”
PAC does not have a dedicated revenue stream from the city, so they must find other ways to get funding.
“Getting sponsors would really help,” Harris said. “For example, asking Zeppoz to sponsor balloons. If they do donate, they could be recognized between acts or inserting them in the Moscow-Pullman Daily News.”
PAC hopes to incorporate a beer garden and live music and food trucks to go along with it.
“We want to make it a whole community event and attract not only families but college students,” Bailey said.
