Arts Commission

Arts Commission — February 3, 2026

A regular meeting of the Bellingham Arts Commission was held in the Mayor's Boardroom (and via Teams), called to order at 5:02 PM. Note: no video was recorded due to new software issues. Five of six members were present; Adonia Cairns was absent.

Waterfront Skatepark — Percent for Art

Staff presented plans for a new skatepark to be built under the Roader Avenue bridge in the Waterfront District, in partnership with the NW Skate Collective (management) and Grindline (design). The total project cost is $3,000,000, generating a $30,000 Percent for Art obligation.

Given the cultural significance of the Waterfront District to the Lummi people, project partners want indigenous artwork incorporated into the park. Staff recommended hiring a Coast Salish indigenous artist to create 2D designs applied to steel or concrete surfaces. Two concepts were presented: artwork on a grind railing, or artwork wrapping lighted concrete pillars. Commissioners preferred the lighted pillar option and recommended that 20–25% of the $30,000 budget go toward an artist design stipend — to account for the research, site analysis, and design work involved — with the remainder funding fabrication and installation across 4–5 pillars.

One public commenter, Andrew Mollitor, noted that backlit metal for the skatepark fits well with the city's recent Nocturnal Lanterns project and its theme of bringing more light to public spaces. Another commenter, Devin, expressed enthusiasm for potential collaboration with Northwest Indian College.

Vote: Motion by Patricia McDonnell / Amy Chaloupka to approve the recommended approach. Approved 5–0.

Old Town District — Percent for Art

Staff described upcoming curb-to-curb public infrastructure improvements planned for the Old Town District, with a total project cost of $65,000,000 and a resulting $65,000 Percent for Art allocation. Staff noted that Lummi Nation Chairman Hillaire has expressed interest in a renewed presence in Old Town given the area's cultural significance to Coast Salish peoples.

The recommended approach is to issue a Call for Artists/RFQ to identify and interview a Coast Salish indigenous artist, who would then develop a site-specific artwork proposal. Because redevelopment will unfold over several years, artwork could be installed in phases. Opportunities exist for smaller-scale sculpture and/or sidewalk inlays throughout the district.

Some commissioners raised concern about committing to artwork placement too early, given that additional blocks of the district are still years away from development. However, the commission agreed it is valuable to bring an artist on now to guide thoughtful siting, prepare for future installation, and develop a district-wide artistic vision.

Vote: Motion by Patricia McDonnell / Phillip Freytag to approve the recommended approach. Approved 5–0.

WhatComm Facility — Percent for Art

Commissioner Amy Chaloupka (who later abstained from the vote due to her involvement) presented an update on artwork planning for the new WhatComm facility. Following meetings with WhatComm staff to identify themes and appropriate locations, two sites were confirmed: the main entrance hallway and the exterior courtyard.

Staff recommends hiring artist Dan Friday to install a school of fish in the hallway for approximately $50,000. For the exterior courtyard, staff recommends engaging artist Barbara Earl Thomas to collaborate with WhatComm staff on imagery and words, producing a personalized, site-specific archway or gazebo structure, with a budget of approximately $64,000. Construction on the building is scheduled to begin in spring 2026, with completion expected in June 2027.

Vote: Motion by Blake Hudson / Patricia McDonnell to approve the staff recommendation. Approved 4–0; Amy Chaloupka abstained.

Percent for Art Program Updates

Staff provided two updates on program administration. First, revisions to the Percent for Art code are still under internal staff review and will be brought to City Council for approval in the coming months. Second, staff described the new qualified artist roster, which will serve as the default procurement method going forward — shifting focus from evaluating specific proposals to evaluating artist qualifications. A separate call for art will still be used when a project has particular requirements. Staff is still determining how frequently the roster will be updated.

Two members of the public from the Bellingham Public Library attended and expressed interest in learning more about how the Percent for Art process works.

Board Business

Staff reviewed current member terms and noted one seat is currently open and another will open in May 2026. The commission expressed interest in recruiting candidates with backgrounds in museum curation and collection management, materials knowledge, graphic design, public works, and/or architecture.

The commission also elected officers for 2026.

Vote: Motion by Amy Chaloupka / Phillip Freytag to appoint Patricia McDonnell as Chair and Eric Shew as Vice Chair. Approved unanimously.

For the Good of the Order and Announcements

Staff shared several updates: the Sun Mask artwork (installed at Big Rock Garden, later damaged and placed in storage) is under research review and will return to the commission with a recommended approach. Staff is also undertaking conservation and maintenance planning for the city's public art collection. The Binkley artwork dedication at PacOps is upcoming, and the Polymetis piece at Storybrook Park is complete, with a dedication anticipated in mid-March. Commissioner Chaloupka invited attendees to the Whatcom Museum opening on Thursday.

The meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM.

Key Takeaways