HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-08-22 ACC Minutes
Meeting location:
Edina City Hall
Community Room
4801 W. 50th St.
Edina, MN
Arts & Culture Commission Meeting Agenda
Thursday, August 22, 2024
Accessibility Support:
The City of Edina wants all residents to be comfortable being part of the public process. If you need assistance in the way of hearing amplification,
an interpreter, large-print documents or something else, please call 952-927-8861 at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting.
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of Meeting Agenda
4. Approval of Meeting Minutes
4.1. Draft Minutes: Arts and Culture Commission, July 25, 2024
5. Special Recognitions and Presentations
5.1. Edina Art Grants Recipient Presentation
6. Community Comment
During "Community Comment," the Board/Commission will invite residents to share
issues or concerns that are not scheduled for a future public hearing. Items that are on
tonight's agenda may not be addressed during Community Comment. Individuals must
limit their comments to three minutes. The Chair may limit the number of speakers on
the same issue in the interest of time and topic. Individuals should not expect the Chair or
Board/Commission Members to respond to their comments tonight. Instead, the
Board/Commission might refer the matter to staff for consideration at a future meeting.
7. Reports/Recommendations
7.1. ACC 2024 Workplan Update
7.1.1. Update on Initiative 1.1.2: Edina Art Grants
7.2. ACC 2025 Workplan Brainstorm
8. Chair and Member Comments
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9. Staff Comments
9.1. Upcoming Meetings & Events
9.2. Upcoming Edina Art Center Classes and Workshops
10. Adjournment
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BOARD & COMMISSION
ITEM REPORT
Date: August 22, 2024 Item Activity: Action
Meeting: Arts & Culture Commission
Agenda Number: 4.1
Prepared By: Laura Fulton, Recreation Supervisor Art
Center
Item Type: Minutes Department: Parks & Recreation
Item Title: Draft Minutes: Arts and Culture Commission, July 25, 2024
Action Requested:
Please approve the meeting minutes from the July 25 meeting of the Arts and Culture Commission
meeting.
Information/Background:
Attached, please find the meeting minutes from the July 25 meeting of the Arts and Culture
Commission.
Supporting Documentation:
1. DRAFT Arts and Culture Commission meeting 7.25.2024
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Draft Minutes☒
Approved Minutes☐
Approved Date: X/XX/24
Minutes
City of Edina, Minnesota
Arts and Culture Commission
City Hall Community Room
Thursday, July 25, 2024
I. Call to Order
Chair Westlund called the meeting to order at 4:33 p.m.
II. Roll Call
Answering roll call were Commissioners Byrd, Curtin, Faeth, Fram, Scully, Steinberg, Stemmler, Chair
Westlund, and Student Commissioner Li.
Vice Chair Zbaren arrived at 4:35 p.m.
Staff Present: Recreation Supervisor Laura Fulton
III. Approval of Meeting Agenda
Chair Westlund made a change to the agenda to add 2025 Workplan Brainstorm
Motion made by Faeth to approve the July 25, 2024, meeting agenda as revised, seconded by
Curtin. Motion carried.
IV. Approval of Meeting Minutes
Motion made by Fram to approve the June 27, 2024, meeting minutes as submitted, seconded by
Byrd. Motion carried.
V. Community Comment
None.
VI. Reports/Recommendations
A. Work Plan Updates
● Initiative 1.1.1: Art Center
i. Fulton presented the updates. They have met with Hennepin County regarding the
library site and have plans to start the design. The Commission discussed the budget for the new
art center.
● Initiative 1.1.2: Edina Art Grant Program
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Draft Minutes☒
Approved Minutes☐
Approved Date: X/XX/24
i. Faeth reported updates on the grant program. She reported that they are wrapping up
the program and have received all final reports except from Coachello and the Tea Ceremony.
She plans on putting together a full report on all of the comments received. She discussed the
final steps for finishing the program. The Commission discussed the outcome of the Coachello
event.
● Initiative 1.1.3: Review Public Art Opportunities for New City Facilities and Locations
i. Westlund reported on 50th and France.
ii. Stemmler and Commission discussed how these specific public art opportunities will be
carried out and look like for the City.
● Initiative 1.1.4: Commissioner Participation in Community Events
i. Stemmler reported on the 4th of July parade. He presented the Commission with
pictures from the event.
ii. Commission discussed the Fall into the Arts Festival. Stemmler discussed ideas for this
year’s event. The Commission discussed new ideas for this year.
B. 2025 Workplan Development
● The Commission discussed what initiatives will roll over to 2025 from the 2024 workplan. They
discussed how to use the budget and resources best for the 2025 workplan.
● Commissioners discussed plans to further engagement with other commissions and engage with
more local artists.
● All four initiatives will roll over to 2025.
● Additional language will be added.
● Commission brainstormed ideas.
VII. Chair and Member Comments
● Chair Westlund noted that Rebecca Sorensen is interested in attending a meeting soon and meeting
the Commission.
VIII. Staff Comments
● Liaison Fulton noted the date of the make-up session of the Parks and City Council meeting and the
date of the presentation of the workplan updates.
● Liaison Fulton reported the Bloomington Street Arts Festival begins on 7/26.
IX. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 6:17 p.m.
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BOARD & COMMISSION
ITEM REPORT
Date: August 22, 2024 Item Activity: Information
Meeting: Arts & Culture Commission
Agenda Number: 5.1
Prepared By: Laura Fulton, Recreation Supervisor Art
Center
Item Type: Other Department: Parks & Recreation
Item Title: Edina Art Grants Recipient Presentation
Action Requested:
No action required
Information/Background:
Rebecca Sorensen, Executive Director of the 50th and France Association, will join us to share
information on the Friday Concert Series at Nolan Mains and the Edina Art Fair.
Supporting Documentation:
None
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BOARD & COMMISSION
ITEM REPORT
Date: August 22, 2024 Item Activity: Discussion
Meeting: Arts & Culture Commission
Agenda Number: 7.1
Prepared By: Laura Fulton, Recreation Supervisor Art
Center
Item Type: Report & Recommendation Department: Parks & Recreation
Item Title: ACC 2024 Workplan Update
Action Requested:
Discuss attached workplan initiatives
Information/Background:
Attached, please find the most recent copy of the 2024 Arts and Culture Commission workplan.
Supporting Documentation:
1. ACC Workplan Updates
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BOARD & COMMISSION
ITEM REPORT
Date: August 22, 2024 Item Activity: Information
Meeting: Arts & Culture Commission
Agenda Number: 7.1.1
Prepared By: Laura Fulton, Recreation Supervisor Art
Center
Item Type: Other Department: Parks & Recreation
Item Title: Update on Initiative 1.1.2: Edina Art Grants
Action Requested:
No action required
Information/Background:
2024 Edina Art Grant Program
Art Grant Recipients
Emerging Artist Program at Edina Art Fair
$1,000 Award
May 31-June 2, 2024 at Edina Art Fair
An emerging artist program at the Edina Art Fair providing access for a diverse community of new
artists to showcase their works at a well-established regional art fair
Edina Asian American Alliance AAPI Festival
$1,000 Award
May 18th, 2004 at Rosland Park
A celebration and elevation of AAPI art, cultures, and communities in Edina developed by Edina Asian
American Alliance (EAAA), an intergenerational, grassroots coalition of students, parents, and
community members allied in deep commitment to Asian and Asian American youth in the Edina
Community
Fiesta Latina Performance
$500 Award
May 5, 2024 at Edina Library
A family friendly musical and cultural performance by Los Palmeros celebrating songs from Mexico,
Cuba, Colombia, and many other Latin American countries
Coacello Celebration of Music
$1,000 Award
May 24, 2024 at Fick Auditorium at Edina High School (originally planned for Maetzold Outdoor
Amphitheater at Centennial Lakes)
A multigenerational, multigenre, multicultural celebration of music bringing together the talents of the
Edina High School Concert Orchestra and offering a fusion of musical styles and performances
curated by the students and their director
Tea Culture Art Ceremony
$500 Award
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Date and Location TBD
A tea ceremony to learn about the culture of tea in China and other Asian countries and extending to
the Western culture, focused on aging health
Hands On Printmaking and Silkscreening at Edina Art Fair
$500 Award
May 31-June 2, 2024 at Edina Art Fair Kids Zone
A hands on printmaking and silkscreening activity for children and families during the Edina Art Fair,
including the creation of a community collaborative cloth created by attendees for public display in
the community
Student Musical Acts for 50th & France Concert Series
$500 Award
June 7 – August 30, 2024 at Nolan Mains Plaza
A summer musical student act concert series during the 50th & France Concert Series intermission to
highlight emerging youth talent and a diverse showcase of performers throughout Minnesota
Supporting Documentation:
None
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BOARD & COMMISSION
ITEM REPORT
Date: August 22, 2024 Item Activity: Discussion
Meeting: Arts & Culture Commission
Agenda Number: 7.2
Prepared By: Laura Fulton, Recreation Supervisor Art
Center
Item Type: Other Department: Parks & Recreation
Item Title: ACC 2025 Workplan Brainstorm
Action Requested:
Provide the action requested.
Information/Background:
Proposed 2025 workplans are due to City Council on Sept. 25, 2024. Attached, please find
documents that will assist in developing the Arts and Culture Commission 2025 Workplan.
Currently, commission members have discussed rolling over all four current initiatives to the 2025
plan.
Supporting Documentation:
1. Comprehensive Plan. 14 Arts Culture Chapter 08-18-20_202011161453295622
2. To Commissions - 2025 CAP Memo and Menu Attachment
3. 2025 Work Plan Template_FINAL
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14-1
14. Arts and Culture
Chapter Highlights
This chapter looks at: 1) arts, creative expression, and
culture in the City of Edina and 2) the Arts and Culture
Commission’s efforts to tie these to the community in
ways that will enrich residents and visitors and
contribute to a high quality of living. In this sense, arts
and culture are not to be viewed as isolated and
abstract things and events but, instead, elements that
are woven into the fabric of the community and linked
to as many aspects of the community and life as
possible. It is these linkages (some obvious, and
others not so obvious) that will contribute to a
community where arts and culture are always visible
and in the consciousnesses of observers.
This chapter discusses:
• Historical contexts and inventory of the City’s
arts and cultural events
• Direct benefits of arts and culture to a City’s
image and livability
• The future vision for arts and culture
• The City’s venues for artistic expression
• Trends and challenges
• Goals and objectives
Six goals developed for this chapter are summarized
below. Together, with policies developed for this
chapter, the six goals will serve to inform the
development of the Arts and Culture Commission’s
annual work plans for the next ten years.
Goal 1: Distribute and promote arts and culture
across all of Edina to provide opportunities for people
to come together in the creation and celebration of art
and culture, building inclusive communities.
Goal 2: Leverage the Edina Arts and Culture Commission (ACC) to form strong and enduring collaborative
partnerships between the ACC and other Edina commissions and associations to incorporate arts and culture
into planning and implementation processes.
Goal 3: Improve and maintain dedicated spaces and venues for arts and culture; activate each with dynamic
programming that includes a broad array of art forms and expressions accessible to all.
Goal 4: Expand and continue to drive awareness of and participation in Edina’s Public Art program and art
collection..
Vision and Challenges
Vision – Edina will be a community where:
• Everyday life is integrated with art,
culture, expression, and creativity.
• Community growth is coupled with arts
and culture.
• The number of people who appreciate,
engage with and create art is increased.
• Arts and culture are accessible and
inclusive of all members of the
community.
• High value is demonstrated on arts and
culture.
• As a “creative city,” arts and culture
positively impact livability, diversity,
inclusion, and economic development.
Challenges:
• Demographic changes within the
community.
• Capture opportunities to integrate life-
long learning and appreciation of the arts.
• Demand for arts and culture experiences
has currently out-paced the supply.
• Need for a new Edina Art Center to
accommodate the City’s growing demand
for artistic and cultural activities.
• Resistance to change.
• Funding availability.
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Goal 5: Establish a formal role for artists and other creative thinkers to participate in forward-looking plans
for Edina.
Goal 6: Research, decide on, and implement the necessary funding and governance plans for supporting arts
and culture in Edina.
Introduction
The City of Edina is well-known for excellence in quality of life, education, and parks and recreational
facilities. In Edina and similar communities, there is a growing expectation that arts, culture, and creative
expression are equally important to a vibrant and strong community. As highly-valued aspects of everyday
life, arts and culture make substantial contributions to livability, the local economy, and cultural industry
competitiveness. Toward these ends, the Edina Comprehensive Plan 2018 includes - for the first time - a
stated commitment to arts and culture as part of the essential objectives for the City of Edina.
As Edina moves into the next ten years, facing myriad changes in demographics and shifts in economic
realities, the community can build cohesion and resilience based in part on the positive impact of arts and
culture
The highest-priority objectives for arts and culture are:
1. Incorporate arts and culture across all of Edina to provide opportunities for people to
come together, share experiences, and build an inclusive and cohesive community.
2. Improve and maintain dedicated spaces and venues for arts and culture; activate each with
dynamic programming that includes a broad array of art forms and expressions that are
accessible to all.
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3. Incorporate arts and culture into Edina’s planning and implementation processes through
strong collaborative partnerships.
The City of Edina, during the life of this Comprehensive Plan, stands to benefit immensely from an
intentional and deliberate approach to weave arts and culture into the very fabric of the community;
and thus, engage as many people as possible and help the City reach its overall strategic goals.
Current Conditions: Historic Contexts and Inventory
The City of Edina’s vision statement (Vision Edina, 2015) describes the community as a “… preeminent
place for living, learning, raising families, and doing business.” It also speaks to a “livable environment” as a
distinguishing hallmark not only for our residents but also for those who work here and those who choose
Edina as an entertainment destination. https://www.edinamn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1629/Strategic-
Vision-and-Framework-PDF?bidId=
During the past 10 years covered by the most-recent comprehensive plan (2008- 2018), the City of
Edina has moved well beyond its basic role of providing residential neighborhoods with high quality and
effective urban services. In fact, Edina has steered toward innovative growth enabling the development
of:
• Commercial areas that offer more dining options
• New entertainment venues and unique shopping zones
• Places to relax, exercise, and enjoy our best-in-class lifestyle, including excellent parks, trails and green
spaces
Moving into the next decade, Edina is poised to build on these accomplishments while at the same time
continuing to increase the quality of its livable environment. One of the most-impactful ways to do this is to
weave arts and culture into the fabric of the community.
Interestingly, it’s getting more difficult to define “arts and culture” as we move into the 21st Century. The
national strategy firm LaPlaca Cohen conducts an ongoing longitudinal study called Culture Track, which is
a national survey of people’s attitudes, motivators, and barriers to taking part in cultural experiences. Over
time, respondents have demonstrated a vastly expanded definition of culture, which now includes not only
traditional art forms, (e.g., opera, symphony concerts, ballet, and art museums) but also street fairs, food
trucks, culinary arts, and popular music festivals. Audiences now describe culture as any activity that “ …
questions what you already know; brings people who may not think they have much in common together;
and broadens horizons, understanding of life situations and helps me learn about other peoples in the
world.”
When discussing the value of arts and culture, at both a community-level and to wider society, people
typically begin with its intrinsic value: how arts and culture illuminate our inner lives and enrich our
emotional world. In addition, it is understood that arts and culture have a wider impact on our economy,
education, health and well- being, and community-building. In fact, arts and culture are valuable strategic
resources, and Edina has an opportunity to apply those resources in exciting and effective ways.
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In the white paper titled “Creative Placemaking,” commissioned by The Mayors’ Institute on City Design,
co-authors Markuson and Gadwa report on the results of extensive research on placemaking that is led by
arts and culture. Their findings are outlined below:
• Cities and neighborhoods no longer compete for major infrastructure commitments nor aspire to
move up an urban hierarchy of look-alikes. Instead, they look beyond physical alterations and pay
more attention to the animation of places with cultural and economic activity.
• Significant arts and cultural investments revitalize local economies, create and provide jobs,
nurture local businesses, and stabilize neighborhoods.
• Arts-anchored revitalization encourages families and companies—even those without ties to the
arts—to commit to place and to participate actively in remaking where they live and work.
• Local arts offerings—public art, murals, art parades, art fairs and crawls, museums, performances,
and open studio nights—offer people an opportunity to enjoy and participate.
• Federal research shows arts and cultural participants are more likely to be civically engaged in
their communities than non-participants, even after controlling for other factors (2006, National
Endowment for the Arts).
• A culture-based initiative is best when it is appropriate to local circumstances, not simply a replica
of what other cities and towns are doing. The best projects nurture distinctive qualities and
resources that already exist in a community and can serve community members while also
drawing in visitors and new businesses.
The role of arts and culture in this broad context is to increase the value of living in, working in, and
exploring Edina, from the perspective of personal and communal experiences, as well as economic impact.
By taking an informed and strategic approach to incorporating arts and culture even more deeply into the
community, Edina has an opportunity to build upon its strengths and achieve its aspirational vision.
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Arts and Culture in the Comprehensive Plan
There are two significant reasons for incorporating arts and culture into the City of Edina’s 2018
comprehensive plan: direct benefits to the community and positive economic impact.
Arts and Culture Offer Direct Benefits to a Community
Research has demonstrated many benefits to a community and its citizens when the arts and art centers
are present and readily accessible. Arts and culture can:
• Build community identity, pride, and status
• Activate a vibrant community, where people of all ages are connected to one another
• Increase the sense of welcoming, promote neighborhood cultural diversity, and create inclusive
communities
• Improve people’s sense of belonging to a community
• Bring people together who might not otherwise come into contact with each other, increasing
empathy and tolerance of others, and building social networks
• Increase livability, which attracts people (especially visitors and highly-skilled workers)
• Reduce stress, improve happiness, increase physical health
• Attract businesses and increase economic investment
Source: Joshua Guetzkow, How the Arts Impact Communities, 2002, Princeton University Center for Arts
and Cultural Policy Studies.
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Arts and Culture Drive Positive Economic Impact
Arts and culture have been shown to contribute to the economic vitality of a community. Studies have
shown the positive impact that a strong portfolio of arts-related activities and destinations has on other
businesses, including retail, hospitality and services. For example:
• In a 2015 study completed by the Washington, DC organization Americans for the Arts, data
demonstrated that the nonprofit arts and culture sector is “... a substantial industry in the State
of Minnesota generating $1.2 billion in total economic impact annually.”
• Creative MN has reported that the total economic impact of arts and culture on the City of
Minneapolis alone totals $541 million, a number which includes both direct expenditures by arts
organizations along with spending by audiences.
• When a community attracts cultural tourists, it harnesses significant economic rewards.
Researchers from Americans for the Arts estimate that 85.6 percent of the City of Minneapolis’ 7.8
million nonprofit arts attendees were residents of the Seven-County Twin Cities Metro Area, with 14.4
percent were non-residents. Non-resident attendees spend an average of 52 percent more per person
than local attendees ($39.16 vs. $25.82) as a result of their attendance to cultural events. As would be
expected from a traveler, higher spending was typically found in the categories of lodging, meals, and
transportation.
The data indicate that a vibrant arts community not only keeps residents and their discretionary
spending close to home, it also provides jobs and attracts visitors who spend money and help local
businesses thrive.
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Vision for Arts and Culture in Edina
In taking the long view, the opportunity to deeply embed arts and culture into the Edina community
inspires a vision of the future, so that in ten years’ time:
Edina will be known as a community that embraces arts and culture, weaving it into all aspects of daily life.
• The experience of living in Edina will be integrated with art, culture, expression, and creativity.
• As it applies within the community, Edina will have expanded upon the meaning and impact of
arts and culture.
• Edina will have significantly increased the number of people who appreciate, engage with, and
create arts and culture.
• Arts and culture in Edina will be accessible accessible and inclusive of all members of the
community, playing an important role in building bridges to create stronger, more
collaborative, and diverse communities.
• Edina will demonstrate that it places a high value on arts and culture through prioritization and
provision of sustainable funding streams.
• Edina will be seen as a “creative city,” where arts and culture positively impact livability,
diversity, inclusion, and economic development. In addition, arts and culture will contribute to
increased safety, aesthetics, expressiveness, and environmental stewardship, all to the benefit
of the people who live, work, and visit.
Edina has a strong history of arts and cultural activities that represent a wide array of experiences,
including:
• Edina Art Center
• Public Art Edina
• The annual Edina Art Fair
• The John Philip Sousa Memorial Band concerts
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• The annual Edina Fall into the Arts Festival
• The Edina Historic Museum in Arneson Acres Park
• Edina Reads program
• Edina High School plays and concerts (such as the annual Pops concert)
• Morningside After Dark poetry and music events
• The Edina Theater
• Centennial Lakes Park summer concerts
• Edina Student Art Show at the Edina Library
• The Edina High School Teen Art Salon at the Edina Art Center
• Edina’s collection of award-winning artworks
Other arts and cultural activities in Edina contribute more subtly, such as: requirements for design
elements in new buildings, the historic preservation of the Edina Country Club District, and city-wide
signage. Our parks, trails and green spaces also contribute to the beauty and artistic impact the City offers.
As a community, we recognize the need to create visual appeal throughout our City’s tangible assets and
enliven our public spaces with performances, art installations, and participatory activities for all ages and
abilities.
Dedicated Venues and Spaces
The City of Edina is fortunate to have several venues that currently offer opportunities to experience and
participate in arts and culture activities, including: The Edina Promenade, Centennial Lakes Park, Edina Art
Center, Braemar Park, and the 50th and France Business District. Moving forward, Edina will benefit from
further development and activation at each of these venues as designated and recognized centers of art and
culture activities. Edina can also explore the potential of identifying and creating additional venues for arts
and culture, particularly alongside real estate development initiatives. In this way, Edina can increase the
visibility and participation rate in arts and culture activities by utilizing and re-purposing the significant amount
of public and park space already at our disposal.
The Edina Art Center
Perhaps most-recognizable among the venues dedicated to arts and culture in our community is the Edina
Art Center (EAC). The EAC opened in 1976 with classrooms, studios and two small display galleries. The
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EAC is open 52 weeks per year. It currently serves 2,800 people annually with over 230 different class
offerings, more than a dozen exhibitions, and nearly 100 different summer camps for children. In addition,
27 events are programmed by the EAC that are held outside the facility draw an estimated 33,000
additional participants per year.
The EAC is one of six enterprise facilities owned and operated by the City of Edina within the Parks and
Recreation Department, along with the Braemar Golf Course and Dome, Edinborough Park and Aquatic
Center, Braemar Ice Arena, Centennial Lakes Park, and the Senior Center. The EAC is considered to be
an ‘arts affiliate’, owned by the City of Edina - a municipality that operates under the Plan B form of
government. As such, the EAC has benefitted from years of stable financial support and has not had to
carry the overhead costs and intensive work effort of independent fund-raising activities. At present, the
EAC is not proposing any changes to this arrangement (i.e., no shift to another governance model, such as
a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization) without first conducting extensive research and planning.
For the last 40+ years, the Edina Art Center has served people of all ages and abilities with exhibitions and
classes in the fine arts, including pottery and clay sculpture, watercolor, drawing, painting, jewelry,
photography, printmaking, and classes for youth. The EAC has an outstanding reputation for arts-making
experiences, with the pottery and ceramics classes considered especially top-notch and popular. Available
classes and camps are typically sold out rapidly, often with a waiting list of eager prospective participants.
Edina Art Center at 4701 W 64th St, Edina, MN 55435
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Three separate, independent studies conducted within the past six years all concluded that an improved
EAC is vital to the City of Edina:
• 2012 Sutton Report found that the Edina Art Center was a cherished community asset but had
challenges to remain competitive in the market, including building design and size, ADA
compliance issues, circulation, and location. Two outcomes of the Sutton Report were the
formation of the Arts and Culture Commission and the hiring of a full-time Edina Art Center
director.
• 2014 Schuler Shook analysis of physical space found that the Edina Art Center lacked sufficient size
to meet its needs or allow for growth.
• 2016 Grandview Task Force proposed to build a community center on the 3.3 acre Grandview
site. That project featured a new and larger art center, along with a senior center, recreation
spaces and underground parking. While the final proposed cost was significant, the proposal
clearly indicated the viability and potential of a new art center.
The current Edina Art Center is facing several challenges, all related to the limitations of the existing facility.
1. The EAC sits within a building that was originally designed as a residential dwelling. Through
the years, the EAC has been modified to the extent possible in order to provide the space and
facilities required for a functioning art center. Additional modifications are neither prudent
financially nor feasible structurally.
2. The size of the facility is small and inflexible. As a result, the class and studio offerings are
neither able to meet current demand nor adapt to future growth.
3. The facility is not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Individuals with physical
disabilities, whether temporary or permanent, cannot fully navigate the space.
4. The location is secluded, not on or near public transit routes, and can be difficult to find. The
surrounding area has very little foot traffic, and no nearby businesses or amenities.
5. Supply of available classes and camps - limited by the constraints listed above - is unable to
meet demand, which decreases potential earned revenue.
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More than 2,800 participants use the EAC facilities each year; approximately 65 percent of whom reside
outside of Edina. By developing a new EAC, there is an opportunity to grow the number and percentage of
Edina residents taking part. With just under 1,000 Edina residents actively using the EAC each year, it
currently attracts less than 2 percent of the community. Increasing that percentage is an achievable goal for
a new, improved, and more accessible EAC with a greater number of offerings.
Art and Artists in Edina
The City of Edina owns a collection of original
works of art, referred to as the Public Art
Edina Permanent Collection. The collection
originated in the early 1990s as part of the
activities of the Edina Public Art Committee
(now called Public Art Edina). With assistance
from the Edina Community Foundation and
oversight provided by the Edina Arts and
Culture Commission, works of art are
submitted for review and approval by the
Edina City Council for acceptance in the
Collection.
The Public Art Edina Permanent Collection includes a variety of objects, including: stained glass (2 story
window at Edina City Hall), sculpture (glass, steel, bronze, rock, marble and limestone, Black Belgian
marble, ceramic), photographs, watercolors, pastels, mixed media, and oil paintings. The Collection is
displayed throughout Edina: City Hall, Edina Senior Center, Edina Art Center, Hennepin County Library
Edina Branch, Edina Promenade, Centennial Lakes Park, 50th & France Business District, Grandview
Square Park, and Southview Middle School gymnasium.
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There are currently 40 works of art in the Public Art Edina Permanent Collection. The Collection is
documented at the Edina Art Center (in a binder of information about each work of art in the collection)
and information shared with the public on the Edina Art Center portion of the City of Edina website.
Future use of this valuable collection will provide for greater exposure and appreciation across Edina.
Adding works of art to areas of high traffic in commercial zones can enhance the feel and ambience of
these locations.
The City of Edina is rich with artistic talent and home to many strong supporters of arts and culture.
There are a number of practicing visual artists, musicians, actors and directors, and writers, several of
whom have been nationally recognized and award- winning, who reside in Edina. Deeper relationships
between these artists and the community can be developed with a program of frequent and welcoming
events that connect these individuals with Edina residents.
Edina benefits when arts and culture are incorporated into daily life. As part of demonstrating shared
values across the community, the City of Edina - in collaboration with artists and other creative thinkers -
can develop a set of recommendations as part of the planning process that include spaces and
opportunities to display works of art, venues for performances, and other dedicated community spaces
where residents and visitors can share experiences of arts and culture that enhance Edina’s quality of life.
Page 25 of 46
Edina Comprehensive Plan
14. Arts and Culture Chapter – Approved 08-18-20
14-13
Arts and Culture Commission
The Edina Arts and Culture Commission was established in May 2013 to help build a vibrant community
through art and culture, as the Edina City Council finds that the encouragement and enhancement of the
arts in Edina is vital to the social and cultural well-being of the City and its residents. The Edina Arts and
Culture Commission is, by City Ordinance, a formalized independent advisory board of the Edina City
Council.
Along with the Edina Art Center staff, this working Commission guides and supports general
development of artistic initiatives in the City of Edina, including the Edina Art Center. The Commission
provides recommendations to the City Council concerning collaboration, communication, facilities,
activities and programs in arts and cultural activities.
The Edina Arts and Culture Commission works in close collaboration with the City of Edina Government
and all other City Commissions to incorporate the perspective and advantages of arts and culture across
Edina, using the conceptual framework of “How can we help?”
a. Help make Edina an outstanding community in every respect.
b. Help sustain excellent quality of life.
c. Help drive economic impact.
d. Help the community adapt to changes over time.
e. Help teach tolerance and empathy through cultural exchange and exposure.
f. Help other Edina Commissions complete their assigned tasks, from the perspectives of creative
placemaking and community-building.
g. Help ensure that any culture-based efforts in Edina are matched to the community’s distinctive
qualities and resources.
Page 26 of 46
Edina Comprehensive Plan
14. Arts and Culture Chapter – Approved 08-18-20
14-14
Summary of Current Conditions
Edina has an opportunity to build on its history of dedicating venues and sponsoring highly-regarded
annual activities that provide arts and cultural experiences to thousands of people. Research has
demonstrated that these resources and activities provide direct benefits to a community and offer lasting,
positive economic impact. A community with vibrant arts and culture keeps residents and their
discretionary spending close to home and also provides jobs and attracts visitors who spend money and
help local businesses thrive. In addition, the City of Edina is rich with artistic talent and home to many
strong supporters of the arts. By taking a coordinated, strategic approach to arts and culture over the
next ten years, Edina will continue to utilize existing resources and also develop additional, improved
venues and initiatives that will serve to embed arts and culture even more deeply into the community.
This will increase the value of living in, working in, and visiting Edina.
Edina: A Community of Learning. Edina has a prized education system of high-quality
public schools. The Arts and Culture chapter of the Comprehensive Plan recognizes the importance of
extending the benefits of education to the entire community, recognizing that art and culture can be
vehicles for expanding awareness, increasing exposure, and instilling values.
Collaborating with Edina public schools and Edina’s various municipal departments, the Arts and
Culture Commission could: involve students and their parents in programs to:
• Create and install visual art in parks, along City streets (consistent with the Living Streets
Policy), and in commercial nodes.
• Develop directional signage for installation along recreational trails
• Recognize and honor the contributions of individuals who founded and built the City.
Page 27 of 46
Edina Comprehensive Plan
14. Arts and Culture Chapter – Approved 08-18-20
14-15
Trends and Challenges
Arts and culture occur within the context of time and place. That context includes a number of relevant
trends and challenges that Edina will be facing in the coming years. Each can point the way toward
opportunities for the arts to contribute meaningfully and productively to the community.
Trends
There are numbers of current and near-horizon trends that will have an impact on the way arts and
culture are incorporated into daily life in Edina. Chief among these are:
1. Demographic changes:
• Trends for Minnesota and Edina point to increased diversity and population density.
• As population diversity increases, Edina will face issues of inclusion, equity, and accessibility
around characteristics such as race, socioeconomic class, culture, and creed.
• Aging, especially aging in place, is a demographic trend that will particularly affect Edina.
Ensuring accessibility for all is key.
• Opportunities: Plan arts and culture initiatives that are inclusive of all ages, abilities and
backgrounds. See Goals 1, 3, and 5 below.
2. Interest in lifelong learning continues to grow, with people seeking experiences that inform
and inspire:
• Opportunities: Increase offerings for Edina residents to participate in classes and other
events that combine arts and culture with learning and education for all ages and
abilities. See Goals 1 and 3 below.
3. The definition of “culture” is evolving rapidly and now includes a range of experiences
and activities that involve events at which people gather and interact, in what has been
termed a “meeting of like-minded strangers”.
• Art as activism is increasingly apparent, with artists responding to current events
and community changes.
• Opportunities: Leverage arts and culture initiatives to bring Edina citizens together
as a community. See Goals 1, 2, 3 and 4 below.
4. Technology and social media continue to change rapidly; we can know more and find it
fast, but we can also become isolated and be susceptible to phenomena like fake news or
scams.
• There is also a push back against technology, which recognizes the value of face-to-
face contact (examples include local meet up groups or the maker culture).
• Opportunities: Utilize technology to inform and invite participation in arts and culture
activities. See Goal 1 below.
• It is important to take note of trends that may be specific to the Edina community
5. Shifting demographics and politics - Edina is becoming more heterogeneous, with more points
of view which can differ significantly on some pertinent issues.
6. Commercial development and changes are taking place and/or are planned for areas such as
Southdale, 50th and France, Grandview, and Pentagon Park.
Page 28 of 46
Edina Comprehensive Plan
14. Arts and Culture Chapter – Approved 08-18-20
14-16
7. Opportunities: Use arts and culture activities and perspectives to support a resilient and
cohesive community in Edina. See Goals 1 through 5 below.
Challenges
A number of current and near-horizon challenges will have an impact on the way that arts and culture are
incorporated into daily life in Edina. Chief among these include:
1. The demand for arts and culture experiences is currently out-paced the supply.
• There is an established need for a new Edina Art Center. There is a strong opportunity
to increase both the overall customer base and the percentage of Edina residents taking
part in the offerings of the Edina Art Center.
• Opportunities: Provide additional arts and culture experiences for citizens and visitors
of Edina. See Goals 3 and 6 below.
2. There will be a number of changes to the city, including real estate development
• There can be tension between property development and maintaining historic
continuity. This will have an impact on potential location of a new art center
• Resistance to change is common in most communities, including Edina. That requires a
thoughtful, creative, and community-engaged planning process. As population density
increases, there is a need for an intentional approach to design that allows for necessary
change, but respects history and local neighborhood identity.
• Development plans for the Southdale area are likely to lead to numerous changes to
that part of Edina.
• There are risks in the local retail sector: reduction in bricks-and- mortar retail stores,
likely increases in experiential customer focus, more restaurants and entertainment
venues.
• Opportunities: Incorporate arts and culture perspectives to engage the community, add
creativity, and augment decision-making. See Goals 2, 5, and 6 below.
3. Funding and organizational structures for arts and culture can be improved
• Funding for arts and culture remains a challenge. It is important for arts and culture
efforts in Edina to take a strategic and planned approach to fund-raising and sustainable
funding models. There are opportunities in Minnesota, such as the Legacy Amendment
Funding1, that might be tapped.
• Opportunities: Establish sustained funding models for arts and culture in Edina. See Goal 6
below.
4. Transportation undergoing a number of significant changes
• The next ten years is likely to see an increase in hybrid and electric cars, light rail lines and
services, and the implementation of assisted and/or autonomous vehicles.
1 In 2008, Minnesota passed the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment to the State Constitution. This
Amendment increased state sales tax by three-eighths of one percent, from July 1, 2009 through 2034. A portion of
the revenue (19.75%) is dedicated to The Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund which is used to support arts, arts
education and arts access, and to preserve Minnesota's history and cultural heritage.
Based on current sales tax revenue, Minnesotans will invest more than $1.2 billion in arts and cultural heritage fund
projects and programs over the 25-year life span of the tax.
Page 29 of 46
Edina Comprehensive Plan
14. Arts and Culture Chapter – Approved 08-18-20
14-17
• Edina is also anticipating an increase in walking and bicycling.
• Opportunities: Incorporate a creative placemaking perspective to enable Edina to embrace
change over time. See Goals 2, 4 and 5 below.
Summary of Trends and Challenges
Edina is changing, along with the rest of the region and the country. As demographics shift and the
community evolves, Edina is becoming more heterogeneous, and the investment in efforts that are inclusive
and accessible will provide value. While change can be hard for any community, this can be eased when
leaders are aware of the trends and challenges, so that they can anticipate and plan for the impact they will
have on the city. Arts and culture initiatives can help enable Edina to take advantage of opportunities and
therefore support the city’s overall strategic goals. Those opportunities are reflecting in the Goals and
Policies listed below.
Goals and Policies
As Edina looks forward into the next ten years, there are six major goals for arts and culture that
consider the Trends and Challenges listed above along with the unique needs and resources of Edina.
The City of Edina, through its Arts and Culture Commission, prepares annual work plans that define how
goals will be implemented. The first step in this process is the development of policies that will lead to a list
of tactics or implementation steps. The tactics for arts and culture (presented below) are paired with the
goals and policy statements.
Recognizing that ten years is a long timeframe, the following tactics are listed with an understanding that
they may shift and evolve over time and in response to changing conditions or unforeseen
circumstances.
Page 30 of 46
Edina Comprehensive Plan
14. Arts and Culture Chapter – Approved 08-18-20
14-18
Goal 1: Distribute and promote arts and culture across all of Edina to provide opportunities for
people to come together in the creation and celebration of art and culture, building inclusive
communities.
Policy 1: The City will continue to support and promote arts and culture activities and programs
across Edina.
Goal 2: Leverage the Edina Arts and Culture Commission (ACC) to form strong and enduring
collaborative partnerships between the ACC and other Edina commissions and associations to
incorporate arts and culture into planning and implementation processes.
Policy: The City will incorporate arts and culture into planning and implementation processes by
supporting collaborative partnerships between the ACC and other Edina commissions and associations.
Goal 3: Improve and maintain dedicated spaces and venues for arts and culture; activate each with
dynamic programming that includes a broad array of art forms and expressions accessible to all.
Policy: The City will continue to support dedicated venues for arts and culture, and actively support the
construction of a new Edina Art Center.
Goal 4: Expand and continue to drive awareness of and participation in Edina’s Public Art
program and art collection.
Policy: The City will continue to support the Edina Public Art program and art collection,
including ongoing financial support.
Goal 5: Establish a formal role for artists and other creative thinkers to participate
in forward-looking plans for Edina.
Policy: The City will actively seek and include the perspective of arts and culture to contribute to
decision-making and policy-setting in Edina.
Goal 6: Research, decide on, and implement the necessary funding and governance
plans for supporting arts and culture in Edina.
Policy: The City will work closely with the ACC to plan for sustainable financial support of arts
and culture across Edina.
Page 31 of 46
Edina Comprehensive Plan
14. Arts and Culture Chapter – Approved 08-18-20
14-19
Taken together, these goals and policies will serve to inform the development of the Arts and Culture
Commission’s annual work plans for the next ten years and will enrich community life in Edina, drawing
participation from residents and non-residents alike. The result of this is to reinforce the positive image
of Edina as a preeminent place to live, work, and visit.
The inclusion of a chapter dedicated to arts and culture as part of the 2018 City of Edina Comprehensive
Plan is a powerful statement that recognizes the importance of arts, culture, and creative expression - which
are as valuable to a vibrant and strong community as are quality of life, education, parks and recreational
facilities. By incorporating strategies and objectives for arts and culture that are thoughtfully woven into the
fabric of Edina, the plan increases the benefits to residents and visitors, and works in support of achieving
the inspirational vision for the city as a “… preeminent place for living, learning, raising families and doing
business”.
Page 32 of 46
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
Engineering Department, Sustainability Division
Phone 952-927-8861 • Fax 952-826-0390 • EdinaMN.gov
Date: July 1, 2024
To: Edina Boards and Commission Members
cc: Commission Liaisons
From: Marisa Bayer, Sustainability Manager
Subject: 2025 Climate Action Work Plan Menu
Attachment: Commission Climate Action Menu
Background
Approved in 2021, the City’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) sets the course of our community to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions 45% by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. The CAP includes 36
strategies with more than 200 actions to help those who live and work in Edina imagine and achieve a
future where the Earth and all who live on it thrive.
Edina’s Boards and Commissions add critical capacity and community perspective to Edina’s CAP goals and
strategies. Commissions are invited to integrate at least one CAP initiative into their annual work plan
proposals.
Attached is a list of CAP actions that have been identified as suitable for Commission leadership, but all
CAP actions are available to Commissions to consider for their upcoming work plan. The actions listed
were chosen based on the nature of Commissions, where resident volunteers advise the City Council
based on their charge. The intent for any CAP action undertaken by a commission is to study the issue and
identify what’s possible for the City Council to consider as next steps. It is not expected that Commissions
accomplish the action within one year, but rather that Commissions lend their community-based
perspective and expertise to meaningfully contribute to the progress of any action they choose.
For clarifying questions related to the Climate Action Plan, Commission Chairs should contact the Energy
and Environment Commission (EEC) Staffi Liaison, Chair and/or Vice Chair.
Staff Liaison: Marisa Bayer, mbayer@EdinaMN.gov
EEC Chair: Cory Lukens, cory.lukens@gmail.com
EEC Vice Chair: John Haugen, jrhaugen@gmail.com
Requested Actions
1. Commissions discuss the 2025 Climate Action Work Plan Menu as part of their annual work plan
development process.
2. Commissions choose at least one CAP Action for their 2025 work plan, connecting their work to
the Climate Action Plan goals.
Page 33 of 46
Strategy Focus Area Key:Buildings and Energy (BE) Climate Economy (CE) Greenspace and Trees (GS) Climate Health and Safety (HS) Local Food and Agriculture (LF) Transportation and Landuse (TL) Water and Wastewater (W) Waste Management (WM)Strategy ActionPotential Council ChargeBE 1-5Partner with local organizations and businesses to educate the public and promote the adoption of energy efficiency habits like purchasing high-efficiency equipment, turning the lights off in unused spaces and at night, having efficient indoor temperature control, and promote home energy audits among their staff and students.Report and Recommend or Review and Decide (Event)BE 3-2Explore the development of renewable energy program(s) which increase utilization of on-site / in-community renewable energy while creating benefit for low-income community members. Example programs include City of Dubuque Low Income Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC), Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Community Solar for Community Action, and Texas Energy Poverty Research Institute Community Solar Program Model. Goal: 16,000 MWh clean energy delivered through programs annually by 2030.Study and ReportBE 4-2Partner with institutions and businesses within Edina to secure commitments to reduce operational greenhouse gas emissions in line with the goals of this Climate Action Plan, achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.Review and Decide BE 4-5Create an educational program to inform residential and commercial properties about renewable energy opportunities including technologies that eliminate on-site fossil fuel use.Review and Decide (Event or handout materials)Edina Commission Climate Action Menu: Work Plan OptionsThis list of CAP actions have been identified by the Sustainability Division as suitable for Commission leadership, but all CAP actions are available to Commissions to consider for their upcoming work plan. The actions listed here were chosen based on the nature of Commissions, where resident volunteers advise the City Council based on their charge. Page 34 of 46
Strategy ActionPotential Council ChargeGS 2-7Establish a policy to identify, create, and promote incentives to assist homeowners and households with low incomes to cover some of the cost of converting traditional lawns by planting pollinator friendly food gardens, permaculture, wildflowers, clover or native grasses in an effort to slow the collapse of the state’s bee population.Study and ReportGS 2-8Develop educational and informational resources providing information on benefits of and strategies for reduced and repurposed lawn space including: native plantings, "carbon gardening" strategies for ornamental gardens, and produce gardens, tree profile rebuilding, elimination of synthetic fertilizer and pesticide use, high mow deck settings, use of biochar amendments, polyculture lawn mixture and other beneficial greenspace practices included in this CAP.Study and ReportHS 1-1Establish a communication campaign in alignment with the American Public Health Association Policy Number: 201711 and educate the public about the hazards of air pollution, including indoor air quality, and the steps individuals can take such as reducing and eliminating fossil fuel use, and available resources to reduce their exposure. Review and DecideHS 2-2Add climate preparedness elements to public health programs already aimed at vulnerable populations and low-income households and dedicate increased funding to accommodate demand for public health services among at-risk populations. Study and ReportHS 2-5Create and make available an Emergency Response Toolkit offering tips and suggestions for residents to increase their emergency preparedness. Develop City-based program to support individuals and families who cannot afford to purchase supplies for household emergency preparedness kits to adequately prepare their homes.Study and ReportLF 1-2Support existing school and community gardens and provide opportunities to expand community growing spaces with a focus on locating garden infrastructure to serve youth, immigrant, and people with lower incomes or who are experiencing food insecurity. Community growing and garden spaces may include use of park space, unused city owned space, or public right of way/boulevard areas. Program should prioritize conversion of impervious spaces to garden space and preservation/increase of overall green space benefit. Provide on-going promotion, communication, and education of the sites and opportunities including appropriate translated and accessible content.Review and Decide (Project)LF 1-4Study and report on options to incentivize and reward soil best management practice for urban lawns, gardens, landscaping, parks, open spaces, prairies, environmentally sensitive areas, and agricultural land uses.Study and ReportPage 35 of 46
Strategy ActionPotential Council ChargeLF 2-3Promote and expand public education campaigns to encourage purchasing and supporting restaurants which use locally grown and produced food at the individual and institutional level (add targeting of disadvantaged, food insecure, and elder populations). Collaborate with under represented groups to identify culturally preferred foods and advocate for their cultivation and increased availability locally. Review and DecideTL 1-5 Organize and promote a "bike train" with Edina Schools to promote commuting to school on bikes and other mode shiftingReview and Decide (Event)TL 1-5Establish a branded communications campaign to promote increased alternative transportation use, with a particular focus on short distance trips (ie <2 miles) including school and other daily commutes.Report and RecommendTL 4-5Develop incentive and educational programs to transition lawn care companies and homeowners from using fuel-burning lawn equipment (e.g., lawn mowers, blowers) to electric.Study and ReportW 1-3Study and report on a possible opt-in water reduction program targeting water reduction goals of 20% or more per site. Offer free technical resources to large institutions and businesses to identify specific opportunities for employees or customers to conserve water and incorporate water efficiency into internal operations. Study and ReportW 1-6Conduct a Water Conservation "challenge" campaign ask participants to reduce water consumption through water use behavior change strategies, irrigation system utilization, and replacement of fixtures like shower heads with WaterSense certified fixtures.Review and Decide (Event or handout materials)WM 1-2Support collaborative consumption community projects, such as neighborhood compost projects, tool libraries, and repair cafes through mini-grant programs.Study and ReportWM 2-3Conduct an organics waste collection pilot project with a sample of City businesses to test the interest, methodology, and amount of commercial food waste that would need to be accommodated by a commercial organics collection program. Explore possible incentives for food retailers, restaurants, and institutions to participate in food waste reuse and recycling programs.Study and ReportWM 2-5Develop block or neighborhood challenge for organics recycling participation to increase program participation and recognize neighborhoods who participate, such as providing access to free compost for "winning" neighborhood. Review and Decide (Event or handout materials)WM 3-2Explore a requirement that waste be recycled or salvaged at large construction sites. Study and ReportWM 4-5 Promote and partner to support a Fix It Fair at the Library and create a resource list for reuse.Review and Decide (Event)Page 36 of 46
Page 1 of 2
Commission Name
2025 Proposed Work Plan
1 Initiative Type:
Project, Ongoing/Annual, Event
Target Completion Date:
Quarter or month
Lead(s):
List at least one commissioner
Initiative Title:
Initiative Description:
Deliverable:
Council Charge: ☐ 1: Study & Report ☐ 2: Review & Comment ☐ 3: Review & Recommend ☐ 4: Review & Decide
Budget Required (completed by staff): Are there funds for this project? If there are not funds available, explain the
impact of Council approving this initiative.
Staff Support Required (completed by staff): Who in addition to the staff liaison will have to support this initiative?
How many hours of support are needed? Communications/marketing?
Liaison Comments: Liaison comments should be completed prior to submitting the proposed work plan to MJ.
City Manager Comments:
2 Initiative Type:
Project, Ongoing/Annual, Event
Target Completion Date:
Quarter or month
Lead(s):
List at least one commissioner
Initiative Title:
Initiative Description:
Deliverable:
Council Charge: ☐ 1: Study & Report ☐ 2: Review & Comment ☐ 3: Review & Recommend ☐ 4: Review & Decide
Budget Required (completed by staff): Are there funds for this project? If there are not funds available, explain the
impact of Council approving this initiative.
Staff Support Required (completed by staff): Who in addition to the staff liaison will have to support this initiative?
How many hours of support are needed? Communications/marketing?
Liaison Comments: Liaison comments should be completed prior to submitting the proposed work plan to MJ.
City Manager Comments:
= commission
= staff
Page 37 of 46
Page 2 of 2
3 Initiative Type:
Project, Ongoing/Annual, Event
Target Completion Date:
Quarter or month
Lead(s):
List at least one commissioner
Initiative Title:
Initiative Description:
Deliverable:
Council Charge: ☐ 1: Study & Report ☐ 2: Review & Comment ☐ 3: Review & Recommend ☐ 4: Review & Decide
Budget Required (completed by staff): Are there funds for this project? If there are not funds available, explain the
impact of Council approving this initiative.
Staff Support Required (completed by staff): Who in addition to the staff liaison will have to support this initiative?
How many hours of support are needed? Communications/marketing?
Liaison Comments: Liaison comments should be completed prior to submitting the proposed work plan to MJ.
City Manager Comments:
4 Initiative Type:
Project, Ongoing/Annual, Event
Target Completion Date:
Quarter or month
Lead(s):
List at least one commissioner
Initiative Title:
Initiative Description:
Deliverable:
Council Charge: ☐ 1: Study & Report ☐ 2: Review & Comment ☐ 3: Review & Recommend ☐ 4: Review & Decide
Budget Required (completed by staff): Are there funds for this project? If there are not funds available, explain the
impact of Council approving this initiative.
Staff Support Required (completed by staff): Who in addition to the staff liaison will have to support this initiative?
How many hours of support are needed? Communications/marketing?
Liaison Comments: Liaison comments should be completed prior to submitting the proposed work plan to MJ.
City Manager Comments:
Parking Lot
Page 38 of 46
BOARD & COMMISSION
ITEM REPORT
Date: August 22, 2024 Item Activity: Information
Meeting: Arts & Culture Commission
Agenda Number: 9.1
Prepared By: Laura Fulton, Recreation Supervisor Art
Center
Item Type: Other Department:
Item Title: Upcoming Meetings & Events
Action Requested:
No action required
Information/Background:
Attached, please find the ACC upcoming meetings and events
Supporting Documentation:
1. Upcoming ACC Meetings and Events
Page 39 of 46
August 22,2024
Arts and Culture Commission
Laura Fulton, Recreation Supervisor
2024 Meeting & Event Schedule
Information / Background:
Historically, the Arts and Culture Commission has held their regular meetings on the fourth Thursday of each
month at 4:30 p.m. at the Edina City Hall (4801 West 50th Street, Edina, MN, 55424).
Date Location
September 7 & 8 Fall into the Arts Festival Centennial Lakes Park
** September 19 Regular Meeting Community Room; City Hall
October 24 Regular Meeting Community Room; City Hall
* November 21 Regular Meeting Community Room; City Hall
* December 19 Regular Meeting Community Room; City Hall
* Meetings adjusted due to holiday schedule.
** Meetings adjusted by commission vote
Page 40 of 46
BOARD & COMMISSION
ITEM REPORT
Date: August 22, 2024 Item Activity: Information
Meeting: Arts & Culture Commission
Agenda Number: 9.2
Prepared By: Laura Fulton, Recreation Supervisor Art
Center
Item Type: Other Department: Parks & Recreation
Item Title: Upcoming Edina Art Center Classes and Workshops
Action Requested:
No action required
Information/Background:
Attached, please find the program fliers for upcoming activities at the Art Center.
Supporting Documentation:
1. Sept-Oct 2024 Classes for Kids
2. Fall Classes for Adults 2024
3. Fall Workshops 2024
Page 41 of 46
Edina Art Center Classes for Kids
EdinaParks.com/Art
September & October
Art: Try it Out! for Preschoolers
Ages 2 – 6
Fridays, 10:30 – 11:30 am
Accompanied by a caregiver, preschoolers use
a variety of art materials and techniques,
including drawing, painting, sculpture and
collage to create unique projects. This class
focuses on helping young children develop
visual knowledge and vocabulary, as well as
fine motor skills and focus. Instructor: Lockie
Chapman, $16 per class
Puppet Pals: Let's make animal
marionettes!
Ages 6 – 11
Thursdays, Sept 12 – 26, 4:45 – 6:00
Create and tell a story through the expressive
art of puppetry! In this playful class you will be
able to work with various materials to build and
customize your very own marionette animal. In
this 3-week class, experience painting and
collage while fabricating your puppet and
making a small backdrop where your creation
can come to life. Instructor: Laura Brown, $45
Carboard Camp: Halloween!
Ages 6 – 11
Saturday, Oct 12, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Create a silly or spooky costume just in time for
Halloween! With step-by-step guidance by an
instructor, you will cut, construct, paint and
design your very own wearable cardboard
creation. Instructor: Laura Brown, $35
Art Sampler for Kids
Ages 7 – 11
Wednesdays, Sept 11 – Oct 16, 4:45 - 6
Join us for a variety of lessons you may not get
in school! Pop Art sculpting, plaster gauze
mask making, watercolor landscape,
Indonesian puppets and acrylic Impressionism
painting are examples of topics that might be
covered over this 6-week class. Instructor:
Mike Bedard, $65
Soft Sculpture Plushies
Ages 8 – 14
Thursdays, Oct 3 – 17, 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Unlock your creativity in this three-dimensional
soft sculpture class through a guided step-by-
step lesson on how to turn your doodle into
plush art from start to finish. Have fun while
learning how to cut a pattern, hand-stitch with a
needle and thread, stuff ‘n fluff and bring your
character to life. Instructor: Laura Brown, $45
Character Design Studio: Costumes,
Superpowers & More!
Ages 9 – 14
Mondays, Sept 9 – Oct 14, 5:30 – 7:30
Do you love drawing characters? Imagining the
worlds of video games and cartooning? Do you
want to develop your own unique art style? Get
ready to draw awesome outfits, cool action
poses, superpowers, and more as we hone our
design skills and bring our ideas to life! We will
learn how to draw in different art styles and find
the ones that suit our characters
best. Instructor: Violet Conchita-Sunde, $65
Page 42 of 46
Fall 2024 – Edina Art Classes for Adults (16+)
EdinaParks.com/Art
Painting Classes
Abstract Painting – Beginning
Thursdays, Sept 12 – Oct 17, 6-8:30 pm
An entry level class perfect for the beginning painter, or
painters with some experience who would like to try abstract
painting. Through exercises and directed practice you will
learn some of the foundations of abstract painting such as
color and value, mark making and composition. No need to
bring anything! Instructor: Lockie Chapman, $175
Abstract Painting – Intermediate
Mondays, Sept 9 – Oct 14, 6-8:30 pm
Mondays, Oct 28 – Dec 9, 6-8:30 pm
Take your work to the next level! This is a great class to
advance your understanding of abstraction and develop your
abstract painting skills. Learn tools to move past creative
blocks and evolve your expression in abstract painting. Bring
your own supplies; the Art Center also has some supplies
you can use. Instructor: Lockie Chapman, $175
Brush with Nature: Beginning Landscape Painting
Thursdays, Nov 7 – Dec 12, 1:30 – 3:30
Join us for this introduction to the art of landscapes, designed
for beginning painters. Working with acrylic paints, explore
basic painting techniques and the use of color in depicting
natural scenery. We will work on composition, light, and
perspective to create balanced and aesthetically pleasing
works. Instructor Mike Bedard, $125
Watercolor Painting – Beginning
Tuesdays, Sept 10 – 24, 2-4 pm
Tuesdays, Oct 1 – 15, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Learn and practice various watercolor techniques and use
them in creating simple compositions in this three-week class.
This class is great for people who are brand-new to
watercolor painting or have had a little experience.
Instructor: Amanda Wirig, $75
Watercolor Painting – Beginning Level 2
Wednesdays, Sept 11-Oct 16, 6:30-8:30 pm
Wednesdays, Oct 30-Dec 4, 6:30-8:30 pm
If you have tried the three-week Beginning Watercolor
Painting class and want to continue to advance your skills
with directed practice and exercises, join us for this six-week
course. Start working toward your own style in landscapes,
abstracts or still life. Instructor: Amanda Wirig, $150
Watercolor Painting – Intermediate
Thursdays, Sept 12 –Oct 17, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
If you have had some experience with watercolor painting
and are ready to move on, join us to take you to the next
step. You’ll be given the opportunity to work on any subject
matter you like and receive guidance and feedback on your
work. Instructor: Amanda Wirig, $150
Oil Painting – Beginning
Wednesdays, Sept 11 – Oct 16, 6 – 8:30 pm
Wednesdays, Oct 30 – Dec 4, 6 – 8:30 pm
Join us to explore this classic medium in a supportive
environment in this six-week class. Begin by sketching your
subject (a simple still life) onto your canvas. Move on to learn
color mixing, shading and brushstroke techniques, layering
and other basic skills of applying paint to your canvas. As you
work, you will also build an understanding of your and how
to care for them. Instructor: Rachel Madden, $175
Oil Painting – Intermediate/Advanced
Tuesdays, Sept 10 – Oct 15, 6 – 8:30 pm
Tuesdays, Oct 29 – Dec 3, 6 – 8:30 pm
If you have taken beginning oil painting or have some
experience with the medium, this class is for you! Continue
to refine your techniques as you paint subjects of your
choice. Your instructor will work with you on design,
brushwork, and understanding color as value. Explore
different ways to achieve paintings you can be proud of.
Instructor: Scott Lloyd Anderson, $175
Realistic Painting – Studio
Mondays, Sept 9 – Oct 14, 1-4 pm
Mondays, Oct 28 – Dec 9, 1-4 pm
If you have had a little (or a lot!) of painting experience, join
us for a studio-style class. Your instructor provides lessons
and coaching as you work with flowers, still life or photos.
Use the medium you prefer (oil, acrylic, watercolor) or try
something new. Instructor: Louise Gillis, $150
Drawing Classes
Beginning Drawing
Wednesdays, Sept 11 – Oct 16, 2 – 4 pm
Drawing can be intimidating, but learning a few basic
techniques can improve your skills and make drawing much
more fun! This no-pressure group setting will present such
techniques as portraits, still life, perspective, shading and
measuring. Senior Center. Instructor: Amanda Wirig, $145
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Fall 2024 – Edina Art Classes for Adults (16+)
EdinaParks.com/Art
Drawing Classes – Cont.
Beginning Drawing - Foundations
Mondays, Oct 28 – Dec 9, 6 – 8 pm
Have you ever wished you could draw? Having you been
drawing for years and want to improve your basic skills?
Whatever your drawing level, this course is for you! In this
introductory drawing course students will practice the basic
principles of observational drawing, learn to use materials
creatively, and gain confidence in their skills as they embark
on a journey to create an expressive portrait. Instructor:
Jordyn Myhran, $145
Drawing the Features of the Face and Hands
Fridays, Sept 13 – 27, 1 – 3 pm
Improve your portraiture skills with this 3-week class
focusing on drawing facial features and hands. We will
consider anatomy and proportions, and work on shading and
placement to create more realistic images. At the Edina
Senior Center. Instructor: Louise Gillis, $75
Drawing Portraits from Photos – Studio
Tuesdays, Sept 10 – Oct 15, 1 - 4 pm
Tuesdays, Oct 29 – Dec 3, 1 – 4 pm
Join us for focused study and guidance with award-winning
artist instructor and coach Louise Gillis. At the Edina Senior
Center, all levels welcome. $175
Cartooning for Grown-Ups
Wednesdays, Oct 30 – Dec 4, 2 – 3:30 pm
Discover your inner cartoonist! You'll learn to create
characters with emotions and expressive body language as
you cover character design and construction, stylistic
approaches, drawing from your imagination and more. No
experience necessary, just a desire to have fun! Please bring
your own sketchbook, pencils and erasers. At the Edina
Senior Center. Instructor: Amanda Wirig, $135
Drawing and Painting Portraits with a Live Model
Thursdays, Oct 31 – Dec 12, 1 – 4 pm
With a live model, experience drawing or painting portraits.
Pencil, charcoal or oil paints - all mediums are welcome.
Develop your skills in capturing the likeness of a human face.
Instructor: Louise Gillis, $175 + model fee (split among
registrants)
Other Classes
Acrylic Pour: Up North
Monday, Sept 16, 6 – 7:30 pm
Using fluid acrylics and pouring medium, you’ll learn how to
produce beautiful abstract artwork. Create on a 12" wooden
cut-out. Choose between three options: Minnesota, a bear,
or a fish. No need to bring a thing! Instructor: Lisa Van Wyk
Cyanotype Printmaking
Thursdays, Sept 12 – 26, 1 – 3:30 pm
Cyanotype art, with its distinctive cyan-blue hue, is a
photographic printing that’s fascinating blend of art and
science. We will use natural found objects, light and water to
create a series of prints. Dive into this unique art form,
experimenting with different materials and subjects.
Instructor: Anna Orbovich, $75
Mosaic Wood Panels
Thursdays, Sept 12 – 26, 10 - noon
Create a beautiful glass mosaic in this three-session class!
Your house number, a name, a significant word or design
could be your inspiration. You will learn how to cut glass
with glass nippers and create a design on the wood panel. No
need to bring anything! Instructor: Sushila Anderson, $75
Layered Expressions: Exploring Mixed Media
Tuesdays, Oct 29 – Dec 3, 6 – 8:30 pm
Mixed media art is a vibrant and exciting field that allows for
endless creativity and expression. Learn to combine different
mediums, such as paints, papers, objects and prints to create
artworks with rich textures and layered meanings. Whether
you're a beginner looking to experiment or an experienced
artist expanding your horizons, this class will provide the
inspiration needed to transform your vision into tangible,
expressive artwork. Instructor: Amanda Wirig, $150
Glass-on-Glass Mosaic
Thursdays, Oct 31 – Dec 12, 10 am – noon
Create a 12 x12 mosaic with the glass-on-glass method. The
square shape lends itself to Instagram images, but you can
choose your design! Take an image and translate it into a
design on paper. Then use the paper as the guide for your
mosaic. Focus on the shape, color, texture, and size of the
glass. This class is great for students who want to create a
more detailed project. Instructor: Sushila Anderson, $150
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Fall Workshops and One-Day Classes
EdinaParks.com/Art
Acrylic Pour: Up North
Monday, Sept 16, 6 – 7:30 pm
Ages 16+
Using fluid acrylics and pouring medium, you’ll learn how to produce beautiful abstract artwork. Create on a 12"
wooden cut-out. Choose between three options: Minnesota, a bear, or a fish. All supplies included, and we'll provide a
tray to carry your painting home. Instructor: Lisa Van Wyk, $49
Carboard Camp: Halloween!
Ages 6 - 11
Saturday, Oct 12, 10 am – 1 pm
Create a silly or spooky costume just in time for Halloween! With step-by-step guidance by an instructor, you will cut,
construct, paint and design your very own wearable cardboard creation. Bring your imagination and have a blast getting
ready for Halloween! Instructor: Laura Brown $35
Woven Wall Hangings
Thursday, Nov 7, 5:30 – 7:30
Ages 8 – 14
Unleash your creativity and join this Woven Wall Hanging workshop! In this hands-on class, you'll make a loom and
learn the basics of weaving, including various techniques and patterns to create a unique piece of art. Explore the effects
of various weights, textures, and colors of yarns. Your instructor will guide you through the process of making a
beautiful wall hanging that you can proudly display in your home. Just bring your enthusiasm and get ready to weave
some magic! Instructor: Tasha Gusweiler, $25
Gel Printing Workshop
Saturday, Nov 9, 1 – 4 pm
Ages 16+
In this lively 3-hour workshop, we will explore some of the fun and exciting approaches to printmaking with Gelli plates.
Gelli plates are a wonderful surface for layering acrylic paint, stencils and various items and tools to create one-of-a-kind
colorful monoprints. These prints can be used for collage, mixed media works, cards or as stand-alone artwork. This
workshop is a great introduction to a versatile medium. No need to bring a thing! Instructor: Lockie Chapman, $65
UpCycle pARTy: "Floral" Wreaths
Saturday, Nov 16, 10 – 11:30 am
Ages 5+ with adult
Think outside the box (or egg carton) at our Upcycle Art Party where we will transform egg cartons into festive, hand-
painted floral wreaths. In this class you will be cutting, painting, and constructing cardboard flowers and deciding on their
composition. This art project is a great way to learn about form, color and texture. Instructor: Laura Brown, $10 per
adult/child pair
Printmaking: Holiday Cards
Saturday, Nov 23, 10 am – 1 pm
8+ with adult
Design and create your own holiday cards - or cards for any occasion! Using soft-cut blocks, learn to carve your image,
apply ink and print up to 20 cards to share with friends and loved ones. This class is great for adults and teens, as well as
children 8+ accompanied by an adult. No need to bring a thing! Instructor: Mike Bedard, $55
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Fall Workshops and One-Day Classes
EdinaParks.com/Art
Alcohol Ink Coasters
Tuesday, Dec 3, noon – 1:30 pm
Makes a great gift! Learn to create stunning, one-of-a kind alcohol ink coasters. Alcohol inks are pigment-intense and
vibrant, free-flowing and filled with an energy all their own. You will leave the workshop with knowledge of a new
technique that you can then take home and expand your artist interest. Choose between these three themes: Minnesota
State Shape, Snowflakes, or Holiday items. You will create a set of 4 coasters. Instructor: Lisa Van Wyk, $49
Cardinals on Canvas: Family Painting
Thursday, Dec 5, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Ages 7+
For kids ages 7+ with their adult friend or family member. With step-by-step guidance, you'll create your own
masterpiece that captures this colorful winter scene. It's not just about painting; it's about making memories together
and discovering hidden artistic talents. Gather your loved ones, pick up a brush, and let the canvas be your playground!
Registration is per person. Instructor: Tasha Gusweiler, $29
Metal Casting: Holiday Ornaments
Saturday, Dec 7, 1 – 4 pm
Ages 9+ with adult
Experience the art and science of metal casting in this fun winter workshop! Sara WOW Mobile Metal Lab is back to
teach you the whole process, from design to molding, casting and finishing your work. This is a great introduction to this
7,000-year-old practice, today used in all kinds of manufacturing and fine art. Instructor: Sara Hanson
Holiday Barn Quilt Painting
Tuesdays, Dec 10 & 17, 6 – 8 pm
Ages 16+
Discover the fun of barn quilt painting in this two-session class! You'll be guided through the process of creating your
own barn quilt art on wood, from selecting a pattern to the final brush stroke. Lots of designs to choose from or the
option to bring your favorite quilt block, the instructor will ensure your chosen pattern is just right for the class. All you
need to bring is your creativity and leave with a handcrafted piece of art ready to hang at home. Instructor: Tasha
Gusweiler, $50
Cupcakes & Canvas: Gingerbread House
Saturday, Dec 14, noon – 1:30
Ages 5+ with adult
Grab the whole family and join us for a fun family painting event. Everyone will create their own painting of a colorful
and festive gingerbread house with acrylic paints on an 11x14” stretched canvas. Enjoy a cupcake dessert while we wait
for our paintings to dry. For adult and child (ages 6 and up), fee is per person. Instructor: Lisa Van Wyk, $30
Paper Marbling - Make Your Own Wrapping Paper
Saturday, Dec 14, 10 am – 1 pm
Ages 16+
Discover the timeless art of paper marbling and create your own unique wrapping paper. No prior experience needed –
dive into the craft with easy-to-follow instructions and hands-on practice. We'll transform ordinary paper into
extraordinary pieces of art perfect for wrapping gifts. No need to bring anything, just wear something you can work in!
Instructor: Mike Bedard, $55
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