Arts Commission

Arts Commission — June 2, 2026

This was a regular meeting of the Bellingham Arts Commission, held in a hybrid format in the Mayor's Boardroom and via Teams. Six of seven commissioners were present; Blake Hudson was absent.

Approval of Minutes

The Commission approved the May 2026 meeting minutes with one addition: Blake Hudson was formally designated as the Arts Commission representative for the library Percent for Art project.

Vote: Moved by Phillip Freytag, seconded by Amy Chaloupka. All ayes.

Lettered Streets Intersection Mural

Staff liaison Taylor Littrell introduced the project, then Brian Russell (representing the Lettered Streets Neighborhood) and Lydia Dahl (the selected illustrator and mural designer) presented their concept and creative process to the Commission.

The proposed mural is an intersection painting — a type of temporary public art applied directly to street pavement. Discussion focused largely on technical and environmental concerns: commissioners asked about paint durability given that the asphalt in that area had been recently laid and may still be off-gassing, and raised questions about the potential environmental impact of paint pigments entering stormwater runoff. The team plans to use a high-pigment tinted deck stain with a white primer applied within each painted shape. Commissioners noted that finer or smaller design elements may wear away faster than larger ones and recommended that paint testing be conducted before the full mural is applied. Taylor reminded the Commission that intersection murals of this type are considered temporary installations, and described the maintenance check-in process in place for such projects.

Commissioners expressed support for the overall concept and design, with particular enthusiasm for the color palette, which echoes the existing neighborhood signage. The Commission approved the concept and design, incorporating their technical feedback and outstanding questions. Commissioners also agreed that this approval could serve as final approval, provided no substantial changes are made to what was presented.

Vote: Moved by Patricia McDonnell (Chair), seconded by Amy Chaloupka. All ayes.

Overview of BAC Codes, Policies, and Procedures

Senior Planner Darby Galligan led an informational discussion covering the governing codes for the Arts Commission and the City's Percent for Art program, including a review of current policies and procedures and a look at proposed changes to the Percent for Art ordinance. Some of the proposed changes, commissioners were told, will be handled administratively rather than requiring further action.

A notable discussion emerged around a proposed new practice of setting aside a percentage of each Percent for Art project budget specifically for collection care (ongoing maintenance of public art). Some commissioners expressed concern that this could place an additional burden on projects that already operate with small budgets. Staff clarified that the intent is to pool the collected funds into a combined account that can be directed toward the most pressing maintenance needs across the collection. Staff agreed to research the proposal further and return with a formal recommendation.

Commissioners also requested that staff send them a redlined version of the Percent for Art ordinance and invite them to attend the relevant City Council meeting to show support when it comes up for consideration.

*This item was informational; no formal vote was taken.*

Public Comment

No members of the public addressed the Commission.

For the Good of the Order and Announcements

Staff provided Percent for Art program status updates and previewed a proposal involving a column painting at the Commercial Street parking garage. Commissioners were also informed that the Setting Sun Circle public art project has a kick-off event scheduled for the June 5th art walk at Maritime Heritage Park.

Key Takeaways