HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - May 5, 2026, Public Art Commission Meeting MinutesMINUTES
PUBLIC ART COMMISSION
Conference Room 135
City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue
May 5, 2026
Call to Order
Chair Theresa Stromberg-Murphy called the meeting of the Public Art Commission
(PAC) to order at 5:31 p.m. In attendance were Manu Agnihotri, Bob Anders, Emily
Gassmann, Karen Kedrowski (Secretary), Joseph Merchant, Jospeh Nolin, Julianne
Rogowski (Vice Chair), Greg Rowland (Treasurer), Ray Schmidt. Donna Hoff-Grambrau,
Ratnesh Kumar, Tom Lindsey, Janice Reutter, and Brian Phillips (City of Ames Staff
Liaison) were absent.
Approval of Consent Agenda
Moved by Merchant, seconded by Anders, to approve the Consent Agenda, including
the Minutes of the March PAC meeting and April Treasure’s Report.
Vote on Motion: 10-0. Motion carried unanimously.
Report of Commission Subcommittees
• Outreach
o Manu Agnihotri reported on the placement of the plaque and provided an
update on AAOSE pieces and placement around downtown. AMES project
(bus stops) will be pouring the bases. Dedication ceremony of the new
neighborhood sculpture at the Ames Child Development Center. Manu will
distribute the sign up sheets for the three events.
• Public Relations
o Tom Lindsey was absent. No report.
• Collection Management
o Greg Rowland provided a report. Several pieces are getting repaired.
“Playthings” will be completely refurbished. Will be removed next weekend
and replaced shortly thereafter. “Particular Family,” with leaning father:
Structure will be removed and repaired at a shop. “Oxbow” has had all
green pieces replaced. Yellow pieces will be replaced. “Cyclone Twister”
has a foot missing at the bottom missing and artist will be contacted for
repairs.
Public Forum
Students from Ames High School observed the meeting. One student mentioned that he
likes the public art on Main street. A second student asked how we choose artists and
art pieces. Several commission members described particular projects underway.
Chair Comments
Chair Stromberg-Murphy extended her thanks to the Commission members and
expressed her hope that the commissioners will continue to come up with creative
ideas.
City of Ames Liaison Report/Comments
Brian Phillips was absent. No report.
Old Business
Chair Stromberg-Murphy straightened out a few issues with committee memberships.
Theresa will email the complete committee rosters to all commissioners.
New Business
• Downtown Art Walk will occur on June 11 from 5-8 p.m. Sign up sheets will be
forthcoming. Commissioners will collect votes for AAOSE during this event. Polos
or t-shirts permitted.
• Joseph Nolin asked Theresa to send out all the dates for volunteer opportunities.
Theresa will send with the committee rosters.
For the Good of the Order
• Joseph Merchant asked about the art piece for Schainker Plaza. Theresa
Stromberg-Murphy indicated that Brian Phillips asked that the Commission wait
until after the skating ribbon is replaced before sending out an RFP for
submissions for the “signature art piece.”
• Theresa Stromberg-Murphy asked if the Public Art Commission wants to have a
booth during the Farmer’s Market? Emily Gassmann also shared that this was a
good idea. Emily planned to follow up with the Farmer’s Market managers to
determine whether the PAC can have a booth one week.
• Commission members took a group photo with the students for proof of
attendance.
Adjournment
Moved by Rogowski, seconded by Anders, to adjourn the meeting at 6:07 p.m.
Vote on Motion: 10-0. Motion carried unanimously.