12-11-2024
Public Arts Commission
December 11, 2024
6:00 PM
Fridley Civic Campus, 7071 University Ave N.E.
Minutes
Call to Order
6:00 PM
Present
Josh Collins
Ryan Fugleberg
Kara Ruwart
Frank Sedzielarz
Maija Sedzielarz
Gary Swanson
Mayor, Scott Lund
Council Member Ann Bolkcom
Staff Liaison:
Scott Hickok
Absent
Gary Osterbauer
Approve of Meeting Minutes of November
Minutes approved with the following modifications identified by Maija Sedzielarz. Makilyn Koep (rather
than nickname Mak), is the Executive Director (rather than Director) of the Rumriver Arts Center (rather
than the Rum River Center for the Arts).
Note: In the interest of continuity, the agenda’s order was reversed (old business/new business), and the
Commission finished their work on Definitions and Goals, before moving on to Preferred Public Art
Locations. The order on the minutes has remained as it was originally.
New Business
Preferred Public Art Placement Locations
Ryan Fugleberg suggested that the Commission Members express their top 3 choices in the Public Art
Placement suggestions. He suggested that his were:
Commons Park
Mississippi Street Underpass
Civic Campus
Public Arts Commission Minutes Page 2
Meeting 1/10/2025
Gary Swanson concurred with Ryan’s choices.
Scott Hickok asked for clarification of order. Mr. Swanson responded Commons park and then the second
and third could be interchangeable.
A general discussion ensued and concluded with all members agreeing on the top three. Mr. Fugleberg
asked if representatives of the Park could be present to discuss details of plan at the January Commission
Meeting.
Motion by Ryan Fugleberg, Seconded by Johua Collins to approve the top three priority Public Art
locations as follows: Commons Park, Mississippi Street Underpass, Civic Campus. Motion Passed
unanimously.
Old Business
Definition of Public Art and Goals
Definition of Public Art
A work of art designed and or created by an artist or artist-led team located indoor or outdoors and
visually and/or physically accessible to the public. It may include permanent visual art, performances,
installations, evets and temporary works.
New Goal 1, Community: Foster community identity and spirit, promote cultural enrichment and
economic development through creative arts, encourage public art involvement, and inspire innovation
to build a vibrant arts community.
New Goal 2, Historic/Cultural focus: Develop distinctive destinations that highlight the area's evolving
history and foster collaboration among artists and Fridley's diverse community, celebrating heritage,
ethnicity, and civic pride to transform it into an arts destination.
New Goal #3. Arts Commission focus: The Arts Commission aims to connect with city departments for
public art programs, engage with other jurisdictions for support, communicate goals citywide, ensure
maintenance of art collections, and partner with the Fridley Arts Foundation for long-term funding and
program viability.
A general Discussion ensued regarding Goals.
Motion by Maija Sedzielarz, seconded by Gary Swanson to approve the definition of Public Art and
Goals as submitted. Motion passed unanimously.
Other Items
Mayor Lund updated the Commission on his Public Art Foundation work and discussed application
deadline for next round of grants and indicated that a paid staff will be required as part of the application
process for qualifications.
Public Arts Commission Minutes Page 3
Meeting 1/10/2025
Adjournment
Motion by Maija Sedzielarz, seconded by Frank Sedzielarz at 8:15 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Scott Hickok
Recording Secretary