by Kirby Lindsay, posted 12 August 2011
The August 9th meeting of the Fremont Arts Council (FAC) committee of the whole (COW) felt, at least at the start, like a joint meeting with the Fremont Neighborhood Council (FNC.) The discussion contained a broad diversity of viewpoints, yet the group settled upon a course of action – hopefully one that a majority of the community can agree upon. In analysis, the meeting held among representatives of these two dissimilar organizations can stand as proof that while such discussion take time, sitting down to talk about a shared concern may gain more than solitary efforts or correspondence.
Repairs for the Bridge Way Mural
On Saturday, August 13th, at 10a, FAC Board Past President Jerry Smith has promised to open the FAC Powerhouse (at 3940 Fremont Avenue North) to volunteers who arrive to gather paint for covering graffiti on the Bridge Way Mural (officially named ‘The Aurora Bridge Mural’ by its artist, Patrick Gabriel, in 1997.) The work party will last until 2p, and anyone available to wield a paint brush – for hours or a few minutes – can show up at the site of the detailed and much beleaguered mural.
Many more painting parties, the group agreed, will be needed, and are scheduled to take place every other week – specifically August 27th and September 10th – and FNC Past President Norma Jones has agreed to be responsible for an FNC key to the Powerhouse to access the paint and supplies. Smith announced another painting party, planned with the help of the Fremont Chamber of Commerce, on Friday, September 16th, as part of the United Way Day of Caring. Other Day of Caring projects, he acknowledged, may include clean-up at the Fremont Troll.
This definite plan came only after a serious, civilized discussion. At the start, FAC Board President Michael Clark admitted, “I dropped the ball.” He had planned to hold painting parties throughout the summer – when weather would allow – but family emergencies sent him out-of-town. Jones described correspondence sent last fall by the FNC about the deterioration of the mural, yet she kept focus on how, “the Neighborhood Council wants to help.”
Attendees agreed that the central section of the mural must be pressure washed before painting begins, but work can proceed immediately on both ends. Also, a template does exist for restoration of the original colors and certain details. Finally, the FAC currently has sufficient paint and supplies, so funds offered by the FNC may not be as valuable as their offer of volunteers. Clark, and others, admitted that painting help more often comes from neighbors than FAC members.
The discussion included a few new ideas as well. Peter Toms introduced the idea of using the mural as a template, for potentially adding details and/or shading changes. Ricky Gene Powell described a graffiti solution attempted in Tacoma, by setting aside an area for tags and painting by street artists to discourage defacing of public art. Paul Fellows suggested establishing some form of notification – a phone tree – to alert interested volunteers of new tags, and the time of the work party for immediate paint out. These ideas generated discussion, but no came to no resolution.
Luminata Coming Soon
The FNC representatives left, and discussion moved to other FAC business including identifying some need for funds to keep the organization going. Seed money has been set aside to fund the 2012 Solstice Parade, yet more will be needed as the Board has identified the need for part-time administrative help. Expect to see a few more fundraisers, including a Clothes Swap at Doric Lodge #92 from 1p – 5p on Saturday, August 27th to benefit the FAC – a $5 donation will be requested.
Discussion also crafted a plan for the upcoming Luminata lantern walk around Green Lake, which will start at the Aqua Theater (a.k.a. Small Craft Center) at 7p on Wednesday, September 21st. For those who want to carry their own, hand-made lantern, open workshops will be held at the Powerhouse on September 6th, 7th, 8th, 13th, 14th, and 15th from 6p – 9p, and on Sunday, September 18th from Noon – 6p.
With fundraising on the minds of many, attendees agreed that the beautiful, pre-made lanterns sold to the FAC, at a serious discount, by Far East Handicrafts, could be sold at Luminata. Also, volunteers invented a variety of lantern types to be sold for a range of prices. Ultimately, though, the meeting identified a leader for this event – Peter Toms – and assistants, some goals, donations of materials, and the lending of two illuminated puppets.
The meeting discussions touched on other topics including continued efforts for a by-laws vote and identifying corporate partners for employee donation matches and volunteer hours. To learn more, and to contribute your own voice, attend an upcoming COW meeting – held on the second Tuesday of each month, at 7:10pm-ish, at the Powerhouse. Hear you there?
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©2011 Kirby Lindsay. This column is protected by intellectual property laws, including U.S. copyright laws. Reproduction, adaptation or distribution without permission is prohibited.