Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 01/09/2025

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uplifting experience for the public. She referenced a recently installed sculpture that she described as amusing. Public art contributes to the community by generating support for the arts and for artists and it provides beauty to our lives. Her opinion is that public art is more for residents than it is for visitors. Residents are mainly supportive, but the community has voices of dissent that speak out on social media and say negative stuff about public art. In addition, she feels that there are many people that do not even notice or pay attention to public art. She believes that visitors appreciate the city's public art. It acts to send a message that the community values something beyond commercial endeavors and sports. Generally, the public has a good awareness of the public art in the community. Public art benefits the artists as individuals. She believes that art creates happiness in the community, that it is uplifting to the public, and that it creates the perception that the city is more vibrant. The existence of public art has brought additional cultural attractions to the community such as a collector that experienced the community and decided that this was a good location for a museum of his collected memorabilia. She believes that currently the art program could work more closely with educational institutions and the elderly to broaden its impact. Accessibility for the elderly is limited if they are not able to travel. The Arts Commission has been successful in bringing state grant money to the community to support artists and art projects. Some of the businesses have also contributed to art projects or installed publically accessible art projects on their private property. This respondent holds a position as a member of the public arts commission, is a practicing artist, and owns an art-related business. She believes that public art contributes to the community by providing a nice backdrop to everyday life. It tells the story of the city, makes the city unique and creates conversation among community members. She conveyed the story of a 103