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Home My WebLink About020526 PTAC Agenda PortTownsend specialSessionArt Commission Meeting Agenda February 5, | 3:00 p.m. | In-person and Remote Meeting nd The meeting will be held in Council Chambers on the 2 floor of the Historic City Hall. The entrance is the first door on Madison Street, which opens to the elevator. Attend in person or virtually via computer or tablet at https://zoom.us/j/98925253431?pwd=Npd9zmvb2wR4qnSIbcKgpPKxIb1K9h.1 Webinar ID # 989 2525 3431 Join by phone, please use number 253-215-8782, and meeting id number 98925253431# Submit public comment emails to be included in the meeting record to: https://publiccomment.fillout.com/cityofpt A. Call to Order B. Roll Call C. Approval of Agenda D. Approval of Minutes: January 15,2026 E. Public Comment (3 minutes per person) F. Committee Business a. Chair Update (5 mins) i. Welcome new commissioners! ii. Commissioner terms iii. Robert’s Rules refresher b. Treasurer Update (5 mins) c. Staff Update (5 mins) i. Soundcheck ii. AHS week d. Workgroups i. Grants 1. Review of round 1 at next meeting; proposals due 2/19 2. Grants committee – needs additional members ii. Poet Laureate 1. Kah Tai Ribbon Cutting 2. Poem iii. Public Art 1. Plan and AP4 update for 2026 2. Public Art Committee – needs additional members iv. Art Awards 1. Discussion and vote on winning nominees 2. Ceremony details and information G. Correspondence a. Letter from Lindsey Wayland H. Set Agenda for Next Meeting I. Next Scheduled Meeting March 5, 2026 J. Adjourn Americans with Disabilities Act In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, those requiring accommodation for this meeting should notify the City Clerk’s Office at least 24 hours prior to the meeting at (360) 379-5083. Minutes of the Port Townsend Special Session Arts Commission Meeting of January 15, 2026 LOCATION: In-person at City Council Chambers and Remote MEMBERS’ PRESENT: Alexis Arrabito, Sheena Uritz, Joshua Saunders, Melanie Muszynski, and Dan Groussman. Heidi Tullmann was excused. STAFF PRESENT:Arts & Culture Coordinator Katy Goodman, and Deputy City Clerk Lonnie Mickle Board Liaison: Fred Obee Community Members: TopicMotions/Recommendation/Action Call to Order Chair Alexis Arrabito called the meeting to order at 3:03 pm. 2026 Elections Dan Groussman nominated Alexis Arrabito as Chair of the Arts Commission. Alexis Arrabito was as the 2026 Chair unanimously. Alexis Arrabito nominated Dan Groussman as the 2026 Vice-Chair of the Arts Commission. Dan Groussman was elected Vice-Chair unanimously. Alexis Arrabito nominated Melanie Muszynski as the 2026 Treasurer of the Arts Commission Melanie Muszynski waselectedas the 2026 Treasurer unanimously. Approval of Agenda Sheena Uritz moved to approve the agenda. Melanie Muszynski seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Approval of Minutes for December 4, 2025 Alexis Arrabito moved to accept the minutes. Joshua Saunders seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Public Comment Poet Laureate Rufina C. Garay spoke about her poet walk at Fort Worden and recited the poem “Ars Poetica: Padabà, my beloved, my favorite” Committee Business Chair Alexis Arrabito welcome the new Council Liaison, Fred Chair Update Obee. Council member Obee gave a brief introduction to the Commissioners. The chair also mentioned the applicants for new Commissioners, Treasure Update Katy Goodman gave an update on the 2026 budget in the staff update. She mentioned the new grant funding schedule, arts awards, announcing the award recipients and the poet laureate funds. TopicMotions/Recommendation/Action Staff Update Katy Goodman mentioned the board’spriorities such as street paintings, HOC, art and public places policies and procedures, the 1% for the arts program, capital funding grant, and the soundcheck event. Workgroup Update CommissionerAlexis Arrabito gave a brief review of the workgroup update mentioning the work on the Arts awards, the rubric for the arts award, and thenominations for the arts awards. Discussion ensued about the process of the nominations, the awards, the awards ceremony, grants, and videos from grant recipients. Commissioners Joshua Saunders and Dan Groussman discussed public art maintenance kits and video. The Commissioners discussed giving maintenance kits to the city, the city’s Boundary Markers, the creative district, the public art committee, and new members. The Commissionersalso discussed the February meeting, the arts award selection, advertisement for the Arts awards, the ceremonyfor the arts award, performances, previous award ceremony, advertising and local arts events. Correspondence None Set Agenda for Next Meeting Business Meeting. Next Scheduled Meeting February 5, 2026. Adjourn This meeting adjourned at 4:56 pm. ARTS COMMISSION (9 max.) Council Liaison: Fred Obee Meets 3:00pm 1st Thursday at City Hall Pos.NameExp. Simon Lynge5/1/26 1 Alexis Arrabito5/1/26 2 5/1/26 3 Melanie Muszynski Heidi Tullman 5/1/27 4 Joshua Saunders5/1/28 5 6 Sheena Uritz 5/1/28 Christine Walsh Rogers 5/1/27 7 Dan Groussman5/1/28 8 Doug Caskey 5/1/27 9 City of Port Townsend Arts Commission (PTAC) 2026 Meeting Schedule - Proposed City of Port Townsend Arts Commission Mission Statement The Arts Commission's mission as an appointed City Commission is to facilitate public arts programs that enhance the cultural life of community residents. Overview This document is a flexible summary of the annual approach to PTAC meetings in 2026 and the st development of the PTAC budget. PTAC meets on 1 Thursdays, from 3:00-5:00PM. The development of the PTAC budget is part of the development of the City of Port Townsend budget, and resides in the General Fund, with contributions as approved by City Council each year. This process begins nearly six months before the start of the subsequent year and includes state-mandated statutory milestones and deadlines. 1. January – Program Planning Part 1: 2026 Grant Criteria & Art Awards Discussion of grant program specifics, including application, criteria, and any marketing or public education opportunities. 2. February – Program Planning Part 2: Annual Arts Awards and Public Art Confirm Art Award winners and plans for ceremony. Discuss revisions/updates to Public Art Plan Policies and Procedures. 3. March – Quarterly Grant Funding; Launch 2027 Art Award Nominations 4. April – Poet Laureate Visit and Mural Policy Visit and update with Poet Laureate. Mural policy updates and review. 5. May – Workplan Strategic Session PTAC receives request from Mayor/City Manager to PTAC (and all City advisory boards) for workplan items and preliminary budget request. PTAC reviews progress on the 2025 workplan, strategizes on multi-year initiatives and the 2026 workplan, and considers priorities for next fiscal year in order to suggest a preliminary PTAC workplan. 6. June – Quarterly Grant Funding 7. July – Mid Year Review and Budget Strategic Session PTAC discusses all 2026 programs and makes mid-year assessments. Discussion on budget to pair with workplan and submits a recommendation to staff and City Council in advance of a decision on the preliminary City budget. (City Council may choose to approve/incorporate or may send the recommendation back to PTAC for further discussion). 8. August – PTAC Operations and Development Review internal processes, brand identity, recruitment, etc; Refresh on OPMA and Robert’s Rules 9. September – Quarterly Grant Funding 10.October–Poet Laureate Visit, Art Awardsand 2027 Grant Planning Visit and update with Poet Laureate. Art Award nominations status and planning for 2027 Ceremony; 2027 grant deadlines and updates to grants program 11. November – 1% for the Arts and Public Art Plan Review Invitation to Public Works Director to discuss possible 1% eligible projects in Capital Facilities Plan. Annual review of Public Art Plan. 12. December – Annual Review. PTAC reviews the 2026 workplan, reviews 2026 granting data and budget expenditures, plans annual meeting schedule, and ties up loose ends in discussion. Board and Commission Priorities 2026 - Policy Recommendations to Council: 1. Artistic Mural code recommendation to Council 2. Update of Art in Public Places Policies and Procedures recommendation to Council 3. 1% for the Arts status update and possible projects 2026 Workplan – Port Townsend Arts Commission The Arts Commission facilitates public arts programs that enhance the cultural life of community residents. - Enact next steps to update theCity’s 1% for Art program and City code, so that this mechanism can be truly effective in funding public art projects year over year, establishing PT as a city where public art thrives and can be enjoyed by all. - Protect and expand Port Townsend’s investment in community-enriching public art now and into the future. Use the 2025 Public Art plan to support maintenance, enhancement, and promotion of the City’s public art collection. - Continue and grow PTAC’s support for artists through our programs, includingbut not limited to, the Poet Laureateinitiative, Arts Awards, and Grants, as well as leveraging new resources and partnerships to make measurable progress towards goals set forth in the Port Townsend Creative District Arts & Culture Plan. City PTAC Budget 2026 ItemBudgetExpendedRemainderNOTES Programs $10,000 for three rounds Grants to Artists $ 30,000.00 $ 30,000.00 Stipend for year 1 Poet Laureate $ 1,500.00 $ 1,500.00 $ - For poet laureate program projects $ 2,000.00 $ 2,000.00 TBD Public Art $ - TBD 1% for Public Art $ - Mayor's Arts Awards $ 7,500.00 $ 1,320.00 $ 6,180.00 $ - TBD $ 1,200.00 $ 1,200.00 Marketing TBD Print / Web Publication $ - $ - Creative Assets $ - Photo/Video $ 6,500.00 $ 6,500.00 Grantee videos for artist and city use $ - Application Software$ 100.00$ 100.00Fillout $ - $ 45,880.00 TOTAL$ 48,800.00$ 2,920.00 2026 Port Townsend Art Awards Outline and Info for PTAC October 2025 Action Plan & Timeline Target Ceremony Date: Friday, February 27, 2026 Commission Meeting Dates: Oct. 2, Nov. 6, Dec. 4, Jan. 8, Feb. 5 Phase 1: Approval & Infrastructure (Now Oct. 15) By Oct. 2 (Full Commission Meeting): Vote to adopt the re-envisioned framework (hybrid categories, rubric, transparent process). Confirm that the Arts Awards Committee will carry out prep work, with all final decisions brought back to the full commission for a vote. Nominations & Rubric Drafted by Committee Communications - Drafted by Committee Event Logistics Staff with committee support Archive/Legacy - Staff with committee support By Oct. 15 (Committee): Finalize nomination form (draft included for commission review) (draft included for commission) Phase 2: Public Call for Nominations (Oct. 16 Dec. 31) Oct. 16 (Committee + Staff): Launch call for nominations. Push through city website, press release, social media, partner networks. Include rubric in call for transparency. By Nov. 6 (Full Commission Meeting): Committee reports on nominations received so far. Full commission discusses outreach gaps, suggests adjustments. Dec. 31: Close nominations. Phase 3: Review & Selection (Dec. 31 February 5) January 8 (Full Commission Meeting): Preview number of nominees Review scoring rubric and process January 8-15 Staff compiles nominations into review packets for commissioners. All commissioners score individually; scores compiled by Staff. Phase 4: Ceremony Planning (Jan. Feb.) By Feb. 5 (Full Commission Meeting): Confirm honorees Approve ceremony details (venue, program, presenters). Feb. 10 (Committee + Staff): Public announcement of awardees. Feb. 15: Finalize scripts, speeches, slides. Feb. 20: Media outreach and press kits. Phase 5: Ceremony & Legacy (February-March) February 27: Ceremony & reception. March 5 (Full Commission Meeting): Debrief: successes and areas for improvement. March 15 (Committee + Staff): Publish digital archive with photos, bios, and awardee statements. Scoring Rubric Artistic Excellence (25%): originality, mastery, recognition. Shows continued success Community Impact (30%): how many people are touched, how deep the contribution goes, accessibility. Promotes tourism/culturalism Tangible connection to local arts community Alignment with Civic Values (20%): does it advance what the city says it wants for arts + culture? Represent broad array of Arts community: performance, music, supporters/advocates, visual Strong nomination materials Is submitted by the deadline Equity & Inclusion (15%): does it expand access, represent marginalized voices, or break down barriers? Fosters education Publicly nominated Distinction & Legacy (10%): will this contribution resonate beyond the moment? Very Good Excellent Good Fair POSSIBLE SCORE TOTAL Artistic Excellence 25 20-25 13-19 7-12 0-6 Community Impact 23-30 15-22 7-14 0-7 30 Alignment with Civic 16-20 11-15 4-10 0-4 20 Values Equity & Inclusion 12-15 8-11 4-7 0-3 15 Distinction & Legacy 8-10 5-7 2-5 0-2 10 Total 100 Nomination Information Do you know someone in the community that has made a difference through the arts in our community this year? If so, consider nominating them for a Port Townsend Art Award! The Port Townsend Art Awards honor notable works of art, artistic achievements and arts events, and celebrate those who have contributed to the arts in Port Townsend and East Jefferson County. Award winners are chosen based on nominations submitted by community members. Please take this opportunity to nominate individuals that you feel exemplify these qualities and have had this impact in the local arts community. Find the link to nominate individuals here: Nominations are invited for individual artists, businesses, benefactors for the arts, arts educators, arts supporters, notable art related events and artistic achievements from individuals and organizations. This is the criteria by which the Port Townsend Art Awards will be selected: Shows continued success Tangible connection to local arts community Promotes tourism/culturalism Fosters education Strong nomination materials Publicly nominated Represent broad array of Arts community: performance, music, supporters/advocates, visual Is submitted by the deadline Nomination criteria: Only one nomination may be made per form. The number of nominations received for each nominee has no bearing on the selection process. It is highly advisable to collaborate with the nominee to ensure a competitive nomination packet. Be sure to include all relevant details explaining your nomination. Port Townsend Art Awards Nomination Form Your Information Date Name * Organization Name (if applicable) Email address * Phone number * Mailing Address * Nominee Information Nominee Name(s) * Nominee phone number Nominee Email address * Has nominee received a City of Port Townsend Arts Award (Angel or Patron of the Arts) in the past Yes No Unknown Which of these disciplines best fit the nominee's work? (You may choose as many as needed.) Visual Arts Literary Arts Performing Arts Culinary Arts Craft/Maker Arts Film/New Media Arts Arts Supporter/Volunteer/Champion Nomination Narrative Please provide a brief summary of the nominee's contributions to the arts and culture of Port Townsend and why you are nominating to receive a City Arts Award. * This section has a character count restriction of 800 characters. Does the nominee have a website where we can learn more about them? If so, please provide it here: Additional Information If you have additional materials to support your nomination, please upload them here. This can include, and is not limited to: resumes, pictures, videos and news articles (five files max). Submit To which Board, Commission, or Council are you submitting public comment?(If a Board, Commission or Council is Is your If so, Do you not chosen, If Agenda written what is work, live, your comment item, public the or own a will default to please comment subject business the next City Type of state for a of the Last Name in City Council public which Public comment Written public comment is limited to 2350 characters (with spaces). If you exceed this amount, you will be unable Public Public updated(optional)Email (optional)Limits?packet)commentone.to submit this form until your comment is 2350 characters or less.Hearing?Hearing? Dear Members of the Port Townsend Arts Commission, We want to let you know that the Jefferson County Farmers Market, Port Townsend Pride, and gudlife (Jefferson County’s 2SLGBTQIA+ newsletter/community potluck organizer) are preparing a joint application to paint a community street mural in Uptown Port Townsend. Our Uptown Community Street Mural includes a Pride rainbow crosswalk at the intersection of Tyler and Lawrence Streets, and a community farmers market mural on the 600 block of Tyler Street and at the Clay and Tyler Street crosswalk. Together, the crosswalk and mural are designed to foster community and inclusivity, strengthen neighborhood connections, and create a safer and more welcoming public space in Uptown Port Townsend. Pride crosswalks raise visibility and demonstrate support for our 2SLGBTQIA+ community members. Such crosswalks have been painted in communities across the United States as symbols of affirmation, solidarity, respect, freedom, and inclusion. At a time when 2SLGBTQIA+ history and identity are threatened with erasure, and services are being limited and denied, this mural would affirm and preserve Port Townsend's historic support for members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Pride crosswalks have also been shown to calm traffic. The farmers market section of the mural is also designed build community, calm traffic, and improve pedestrian safety in the Uptown Fri Jan 30 neighborhood and around the Port Townsend Farmers Market. Street murals are widely used by communities to encourage drivers to 2026 slow down, as their vibrant colors and designs draw attention to the roadway and promote safer driving behavior. 15:53:00 GMT-The Jefferson County Farmers Market, Port Townsend Pride, and gudlife plan to invite community members from Port Townsend and Live in 0800 Jefferson County to participate in the painting process, therefore reinforcing the project’s emphasis on community engagement and General (Pacific Port shared values. Amanda Arts Standard Townsend public Time)Milhollandinfo@jcfmarkets.orgCommission Once you receive our application, we kindly request your support for this project. We look forward to the opportunity to work together. Yes City Limits comment