Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 05-29-2025; 6 - Arts Commission – Appointment Discussion 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: May 29, 2025 Action Agenda Item No. 6 SUBJECT: Arts Commission — Appointment Discussion DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Recommendation Clerk's Office, 919-245-2130 Member and Applicant Summary Sheet Application of Person Recommended Applications of Other Applicants Membership Roster Applicant Interest List Annual Work Plan PURPOSE: To discuss an appointment to the Arts Commission. BACKGROUND: The Arts Commission recommends strategies to promote the artistic and cultural growth of Orange County, advises the Board of Commissioners on matters involving the arts, and acts as the granting panel for funding programs available to individual artists and non- profit groups sponsoring arts projects in Orange County. The Board of County Commissioners appoints fourteen (14) At-Large members and one (1) UNC Student who serves a one-year term. The following individual is recommended for Board consideration: NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Alexander UNC Student One-year term 06/30/2026 Gast Representative If the individual listed above is appointed, the following vacancy remains: POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION DESIGNATION DATE At-Large 03/31/2028 Vacant since 03/31/2025 FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item. 2 ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports: • GUIDING PRINCIPLE — INCLUSIVITY AND ENGAGEMENT We foster an environment in which all are welcomed, represented, and empowered to participate in and feel connected to their community. • GUIDING PRINCIPLE — DEDICATION AND RESPECT We commit to our roles in public service and organizational excellence by fostering the skills, talents, and innovation of our residents, employees, volunteers, and boards needed to carry out this work. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board discuss an appointment to the Arts Commission. 3 ORANGE COUNTY May 15, 2025 Laura Jensen Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners 300 W. Tryon St. Hillsborough, NC 27278 Dear Laura: The Orange County Arts Commission (OCAC) Advisory Board unanimously approved the recommendation of Alexander Gast as the FY26 UNC-Chapel Hill Student Liaison through electronic vote on Thursday, May 14, 2025. Alexander is a rising senior at UNC-Chapel Hill and, as a Thomas Wolfe Scholar, is involved in literary arts. He will be our 7th student liaison and will continue to offer invaluable input from the arts community of the campus. He will also work with our board to reenvision this liaison program as we examine how to make it a more impactful experience for our liaisons and the organization. We are currently working to fill our remaining vacant position with either a local teacher or artist of color,to both ensure leadership that is reflective of our community and be in compliance with the NC Arts Council as the Designated County Partner (DCP) for Orange County.As the DCP,we are required to have a minimum of 33% people of color on our board. On behalf of the OCAC Advisory Board,we greatly appreciate the commissioners' consideration of this appointment and request. Sincerely, WI—Z-- Katie Murray Director, Orange County Arts Commission ORANGE COUNTY ARTS COMMISSION Eno Mill 1 437 Dimmocks Mill Road,Office 34 1 Hillsborough, NC 27278 919.245.2335 1 www.artsorange.org I arts@orangecountync.gov 4 Arts Commission Members and Applicants Name Member or Applicant? Gender Identity Race/Ethnic Background Age Range Township Also Serves on Wendy Smith Member Female White 35-59 Chapel Hill Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau John Bemis Member Male White 35-59 Hillsborough Celia Gibbs Member Female Hispanic 18-34 Chapel Hill Gideon Young Member Male Other 35-59 Bingham Crystal Wu Member Female Asian American 18-34 Chapel Hill Linda Williamson Member Female White Cheeks Heather Washburn Member Female White 35-59 Chapel Hill Lindsay Metivier Member Female White 35-59 Chapel Hill Krista Bremer Member Female White 35-59 Chapel Hill Francesca Talenti Member Female White 60+ Hillsborough Denise Duffy Member Female White 60+ Hillsborough Alexa Velez Member Female Hispanic 18-34 Cheeks Renee Hayes Member Female African American 60+ Chapel Hill Josh Rosenstein Member Male White 18-34 Chapel Hill VACANT Alexander Gast Applicant Male White 18-34 Chapel Hill Shane Lukas Applicant Male White 35-59 Eno Human Relations Commission Alissa Martucci Applicant Female Other 35-59 Hillsborough Parks and Recreation Council Felix Ortiz Applicant Male Hispanic 60+ Chapel Hill Roni Peterson Applicant Female White 60+ Chapel Hill Jonathan Sosidka Applicant Male White 18-34 Chapel Hill Jen Wolfe Applicant Female White 35-59 Chapel Hill 5 Page 1 of 2 Alexander Gast Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Mr. Alexander Gast Name Called: Home Address: 321 Brooks St. Chapel Hill NC 27516 Phone: 828-747-8327 Email: alexdgast@gmail.com Year of OC Residence: 2022 Township of Residence: Chapel Hill Zone of Residence: C.H. City Limits Gender Identity: Male Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 18-34 Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: Student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ; Honors Carolina member ; UNC's 2022 Thomas Wolfe Scholar ; Poetry Staff member for Raleigh Review ; Editor-in- Chief of The Fool's World, a Raleigh Review project ; Writer for The Oh Well (UNC's satire magazine). Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: N/A. My involvement so far has been with the Orange County Arts Commission, as at artist during the 2025 Coalesce show. Boards/Commissions applied for: Arts Commission Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board Before getting too ahead of myself, I wanted to thank the board for considering me for the UNC Student Liaison position and for taking the time to review my application. I understand the time and energy that goes into this process and am grateful for it! To say that I have"dedicated my life"I_to any cause or purpose at age twenty-one is perhaps a bit too dramatic for my tastes, as I haven't lived a very significant fraction of a life to dedicate, at this juncture. But the life that I have lived thus far is intrinsically, irreparable, inseparably tied to art: its consumption, its creation. I see few callings greater. I see no fruits so sweet. In terms of experience: I am a serious writer at UNC, majoring in English with a concentration in creative writing. I am gearing up to write my Senior Honors Thesis next fall under the advisorship of Professor Carlina Duan. I was admitted to the University as the 2022 Thomas Wolfe Scholar, which is a four-year full ride scholarship for creative writing. This generous investment and belief in my work has enabled me to fully immerse myself into the world of writing at UNC; I have savored every moment. In regards to non-UNC related experience, I have published poetry in Chestnut Review, Oyster River Pages, Shooter Literary Magazine, and Ghost City Review. I have been nominated for a Pushcart Prize. I am also on the poetry staff for Raleigh Review, and was appointed Editor-in-Chief of The Fool's World, a new travel magazine project under Raleigh 6 Page 2 of 2 Alexander Gast Review. I was an artist for the 2025 Coalesce show with OCAC, working with local Durham artist Keri Carnes. The board is concerned, to grossly over-simplify your mission, with promoting art and artists within Orange County. My position would be focused on bridging the gaps between the larger Orange County arts community and the large, but somewhat self-contained, arts community at UNC. I believe that my interest in the community at UNC, the community outside of it, and, most importantly, the artistic principles inherent to each, make my interests and experiences relevant to the Arts Commission. If selected, I would put everything I have into the position. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board I am interested in art and the creation of art. I have spent a lot of time investigating what exactly this means, and even more time explaining it to my parents. Something I have learned is that the creation of art in a vacuum, while still powerful and worthwhile, pales in comparison to creating art as a part of the larger artistic conversation; it is not much good to be a writer without being a reader, or to be a teacher without being a learner. The work of the Orange County Arts Commission is centered around community development and enrichment. This work interests me just as deeply, if not more so, than the work of the artist as an individual. Appointment to the Commission's committee would allow me to experience art on a different plane. I also find the student liaison position to be uniquely appealing and applicable to my interests and my artistic versatility, as I find myself straddling the boundary between an artist at UNC and an artist in Orange County. Serving on the board would allow me personal enrichment, but would also allow me to give back to two separate communities of artists who have meant much to me. It would also allow me to solidify the connection between the two communities. This is a worthwhile calling, in my eyes, and one I would be honored to undertake, with the help of the board. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? Compared to other students at UNC, I believe that I am uniquely connected to many different and diverse groups of scholars. Membership in Honors Carolina, the Thomas Wolfe Scholars cohort, the poetry department, Cellar Door, and other academic organizations beyond has placed me in close proximity to many different micro-communities at the school. I am also extremely social, and have little trouble forging new connections to individuals or the organizations they represent. I think that on this board, I could serve as an access point to many various micro-communities within UNC and further or forge their involvements with the Arts Commission. Though I like to think of my own viewpoints as nuanced and diverse, I think my true skill on this board would be facilitating and sourcing viewpoints and knowledge from different and diverse sectors of the University, and bringing all these people and organizations, in spirit, to the Commission. Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Boards/Commissions appointments: Other Comments: This application was current on: 5/12/2025 8:12:40 AM Date Printed: 5/14/2025 7 Page 1 of 2 Shane Lukas Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Mr. Shane Lukas Name Called: Home Address: 3607 Ameshia Dr. Hillsborough NC 27278 Phone: 646-217-2636 Email: community@shanelukas.com Year of OC Residence: 2019 Township of Residence: Eno Zone of Residence: County Gender Identity: Male Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 35-59 Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: HARMONY (formerly Raleigh Professionals Chamber of Commerce) / Carolinas LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce AIGA (Graphic Design Org) Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: None, but I am interested in engaging in my local community now that I recently completed my Masters degree. (I have served on nonprofit boards in the past for areas like adult literacy) Boards/Commissions applied for: Human Relations Commission Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board I have a long history in community organizing around equity and inclusive practices, including on nonprofit boards (adult literacy, etc.). I also now have nearly 10 years as a business owner (my studio is in Greensboro and my clients are nationwide with none based here in Orange County) and recently completed my MBA. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board This is my preferred choice for becoming part of the local community in this way. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community I appreciate Orange County s commitment to inclusive practices and protections, and I would be interested in continuing to support equity for all our many Orange County citizens and communities. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? I believe I can bring unique experience to the board from both my professional and personal history as well as demonstrated commitment to advocating for fair and responsible practices that make sure all people in Orange County feel seen and heard. Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? 8 Page 2 of 2 Shane Lukas Arts Commission Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board I have my own history in areas like spoken word and poetry where I am published, but I am also nearly in my 10th year running a brand communications company with a long history where I have many design awards. I also have a long history in community organizing around equity and inclusive practices, including on nonprofit boards (adult literacy, etc.). Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board I feel like I would be an asset to this board by having familiarity with institutional processes and practices in arts granting and creative community support. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? I think I bring many different experiences, ranging from literary to visual art experience as well as a long history as a community advocacy and active LGBTQ+ community member. Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Boards/Commissions appointments: Other Comments: This application was current on: 5/12/2024 6:24:17 PM Date Printed: 5/14/2024 9 Page 1 of 2 Alissa Martucci Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Mrs. Alissa Martucci Name Called: Home Address: 505 Childsberg Way Hillsborough NC 27278 Phone: 503-515-4088 Email: libralissa@gmail.com Year of OC Residence: 2023 Township of Residence: Hillsborough Zone of Residence: Hillsborough Town Limits Gender Identity: Female Ethnic Background: Other Age Range: 35-59 Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: I volunteer at River Park Elementary where my children go to school. I m part of TORC (triangle off road cyclists) and help maintain mountain bike trails. I also contribute to The Monti as a community storyteller. Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: n/a Boards/Commissions applied for: Orange County Parks and Recreation Council Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board I have a BS in environmental science, and work as the Chief Operating Officer of an Organic tortilla company. I ve done some volunteer work restoring riparian zones in the tropics and reforesting rainforests that have been clearcut, as well as some work on permaculture farms in developing countries. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board My family and I are big outdoor enthusiasts. I utilize the Orange County Parks on a daily basis (especially Fairview, Gold Park, and the River Walk) and appreciate opportunities for outdoor recreation. I d like support this important and valuable resource in our community and be part of how parks are shaped and cared for in the future. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? As a woman with children who s lived and travelled all over the world, I have a unique perspective on the diverse ways that parks can be used and what is possible to create with them. Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Arts Commission Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board 10 Page 2 of 2 Alissa Martucci I am a musician (piano and ukulele), a storyteller, and previously worked in stained glass art. I've volunteered with the Hillsborough arts council-making lanterns for solstice walk and a puppet for the handmade parade. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board I LOVE how much support there is for the arts in Hillsborough, and appreciate all the opportunities there are for the community to come together in creative ways around the arts. Orange county is very unique in this way. I value this aspect of our community and would like to support it. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? I'd like to see the opportunities to connect through the arts be more inclusive of the diversity that exists in our community. Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Boards/Commissions appointments: Other Comments: This application was current on: 10/9/2024 10:28:59 AM Date Printed: 10/15/2024 11 Page 1 of 3 Felix Ortiz Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Mr. Felix Ortiz Name Called: Home Address: 2200 Millikan Rd. Chapel Hill NC 27516 Phone: 919-903-4571 Email: spiritualift@aol.com Year of OC Residence: 2016 Township of Residence: Chapel Hill Zone of Residence: County Gender Identity: Male Ethnic Background: Hispanic Age Range: 60+ Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: I am semi retired and am looking to engage with the community and be a value add by Ieverageing my diverse experiential skils i ve acquired during my carreer within the hospitality industry (as a former restaurantoor), as well as my legal expereince in the entartainment industry and financial services sector. Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: None to date Boards/Commissions applied for: Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board I've consulted as well as owned restaurants and understand as a business owner the challenges entrepreneurs a can face; the community obligations a business owner needs to be cognizant of in being a model business owner serving the needs of their community while balancing the self interest of being a profitable business Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board It piques my interest to learn more about how the ABC municipal model works versus other state run liquor licensing authorities run. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? I believe as a former business owner I can provide a business owner s perspective and the challenges they face. Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Orange County Planning Board Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board 12 Page 2 of 3 Felix Ortiz With educational disciplines in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, and extensive telecom industry experience, I can contribute and share my insights not just in traditional technologies, but also emerging technologies. During my tenure in the Legal Dept. as well as the Global Finance Dept at American Express in NY, I had the opportunity to work on a myriad of projects across the globe whereby I had to interact and liaison with multiple stakeholders in the private sector as well as government positions to navigate local ordinances, codes regulations to bring to fruition the building data centers, call centers, and expansion of administrative offices to support time to market company goals Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board As a resident and member of teh Orange County community I have a vested interest in understanding and seeing how the county grows; to the extent I can assist in teh shaping og those goals, it would be an exciting opportunity. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? As a Latino professional, former business owner, current property owner, a father with a vested interest in my family s future in this community, and an extensive background in technology, legal, and business, I feel I bring a strong acumen in diverse points of view that can be leveraged for the betterment of our community Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Arts Commission Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board As an art lover all my life raised in NYC, I was blessed with having a plethora of museums, galleries, and art installations throughout teh city to explore and experience. I witnessed firsthand the emergence of street artist Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, (French artist) Invader, & Banksy leaving their artistic mark on the city. Having worked at American Express, often in teh spirit of goof corporate citizenship Amex would sponsor art centric events and festivals. During my tenure I worked on the support team to bring to fruition the Tribeca Film Festival as a post 9/11 revitalization effort to revitalize lower Manhattan; American Express auction of Annie Leibovitz s iconic portraits which included Demi Moore (Vanity cover), Whoopi Goldberg ina milk filled bath tub, Queen Elizabeth 11, etc.; Rene Soto revered NY underground tattoo artist who has left his imprint on Hip Hop icons like Tupac, Cypress Hills, Biggie Smalls, Boo Yaa Tribe, & a host of other urban music artist. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board NC has a rich history of artist that trace their roots back to our state ranging from Nina Simone, John Coltrane, Roberta Flack, Ava Gardner, Charlie Poole, teh Blue SKY Boys, Doc Watson, Earl Scruggs, all formidable contributors to their respective genres and natives of NC. And we overlooked such contemporaries like J. Cole, Fantasia, Anthony Hamilton, Angie Stone, Sunshine Anderson, Kelsey Lu, Nat Jones who helped shape James Brown unique funk music with his slick sax playing, a distinct trademark in James Brown sound, and the list goes on! Yet the world hardly knows they re all products of the Tar Heel state! Why is that? How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? I would like to see how we can not just memorialize the artistic talents of NC rich artistic pioneers, but let the world now NC is where they are from! Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Boards/Commissions appointments: 13 Page 3 of 3 Felix Ortiz Other Comments: This application was current on: 11/15/2024 11:16:02 AM Date Printed: 11/21/2024 14 Page 1 of 2 Roni Peterson Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Roni Peterson Name Called: Home Address: 128 Carolina Forest Ct. Chapel Hill NC 27516 Phone: 919-624-1778 Email: ronilynn27516@gmail.com Year of OC Residence: 1993 Township of Residence: Chapel Hill Zone of Residence: County Gender Identity: Female Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 60+ Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: none: retired teacher Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: none Boards/Commissions applied for: Arts Commission Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board I had been involved for many years as a ceramic artist and also a film and video producer and had been the CEO of the production company Sllverl_ight Production Inc. which was my husband and my company until we retired. I also taught dramatic arts at Camelot Academy for 13 years.When I was doing ceramic art, I had the first paint it yourself ceramic studio in Chapel Hill in 1997, 1 sold it and it still is in business.) feel I have a lot of experience in what it takes to have a successful business in the Arts. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board I am retired and still involved doing art and with my skills in prod uction,teaching,and running two successful businesses. I feel I would be a good addition to the board,. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? I feel that my years of experience in the arts as well as being a producer and teacher in the fields of film, video, dramatic Arts, and clay art would be a very good contribution. Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Animal Services Advisory Board Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board I really do not have any real education or experience but have had many animals throughout my life. 15 Page 2 of 2 Roni Peterson Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board To be honest I m not quite just what this board does but I m an animal lover and would like to be involved in anything that involves the care of animals. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? I m versed in communications with many different people and based on my many years of experience owning two different business that required me to have many viewpoints on many different issues, as well as being a teacher, I feel I can hold my own on all discussions. Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Adult Care Home and Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board I have a BA in Speech Therapy and Audiology and a major in Psychology.) have worked with many people in the professions I have had during my adult life. I am a young 75 and am at the point of my life that these issues are very important to me and others of my age group. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board see above How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? I feel my age and life skills would be a plus. Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Boards/Commissions appointments: Other Comments: This application was current on: 8/7/2024 5:36:49 PM Date Printed: 8/21/2024 16 Page 1 of 2 Jonathan Sosidka Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Mr. Jonathan Sosidka Name Called: Home Address: 3058 McGregor Dr. Chapel Hill NC 27514 Phone: 908-267-2248 Email: jonsosidka@gmail.com Year of OC Residence: 2023 Township of Residence: Chapel Hill Zone of Residence: C.H. City Limits Gender Identity: Male Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 18-34 Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: N/A Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: N/A Boards/Commissions applied for: Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board My experience in video production and digital marketing has given me the skills necessary to effectively promote and showcase the unique attractions of Chapel Hill and Orange County. As a video producer, I have a deep understanding of visual storytelling, which is critical for engaging content that can attract visitors and increase visitation. Additionally, my experience managing creative projects requires me to work closely with clients to develop strategies that increase visibility and engagement, a skill I believe is directly relevant to this work. My education in media complements these experiences, giving me a solid foundation in understanding how to craft messages that resonate with different audiences. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board I love the vibrant culture and history of Chapel Hill and Orange County, and I want to help promote this area as a place that offers something for everyone. Serving on the Visitors Bureau Advisory Board allows me to use my skills to help develop strategies that highlight the unique aspects of our community, from its rich cultural heritage to its modern amenities. I am particularly interested in finding new ways to attract a broader audience, including using digital media and social platforms for potential visitors who may not know all of what Chapel Hill and Orange County have to offer. My goal is to help keep this area thriving as a tourist destination and benefitting local businesses and the community at large. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? My background in the creative industry, coupled with my experience as a small business owner, allows me to bring fresh and innovative ideas to the board. I am well aware of current trends in digital marketing and product development, which are critical in attracting and engaging today's 17 Page 2 of 2 Jonathan Sosidka travelers. Additionally, for anyone who chooses to make Chapel Hill my home, I can give this community insight into what makes it attractive to new residents and visitors. I believe my perspective, shaped by my professional experience and personal passion for this community, will add valuable diversity to the board's discussions and decision-making processes. Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Arts Commission Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board My background in video production and creative media is heavily embedded in the arts, providing a unique perspective on visual storytelling, design and cultural expression. Through my career in video production, I have collaborated with a variety of artists, groups, and businesses to create content that captures and celebrates artistic expression. My education in communication has further strengthened my understanding of the role of the arts in community building and cultural preservation. Additionally, as a manager of a creative agency, I have experience promoting and supporting arts initiatives, consistent with the Commission's goal of promoting the arts in Chapel Hill. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board I love the arts and believe that they play an important role in enriching our communities and fostering creativity and connection amongst members of the community. Serving on the Arts Council will allow me to actively support and advocate for the development of arts programs that reflect the voices and talents of Chapel Hill. I am particularly interested in how we can incorporate more public art projects into everyday spaces to make art accessible to everyone, and enhance the cultural vitality of our city. My goal is to help create opportunities for artists to showcase their work, and for residents to engage with the arts in meaningful ways and contribute to a rich cultural landscape. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? My participation on the board will bring a unique perspective that blends creativity with practical professional experience. As someone who works at the intersection of art and business, I understand the challenges artists face in finding a broad audience work and appreciate it. Additionally, my background in digital media allows me to bring insights into how we can use technology to promote the arts and engage new and diverse audiences. I also represent a younger demographic, which is important to ensure the Commission takes into account the interests and cultural contributions of all ages. My perspective will help provide a more comprehensive understanding of how we can support and grow the arts in Chapel Hill. Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Boards/Commissions appointments: Other Comments: This application was current on: 8/12/2024 7:17:53 PM Date Printed: 8/21/2024 18 Page 1 of 2 Jen Wolfe Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Jen Wolfe Name Called: Home Address: 110 Walden Dr. Carrboro NC 27510 Phone: 919-413-5267 Email: jeniferrosewolfe@gmail.com Year of OC Residence: 2002 Township of Residence: Chapel Hill Zone of Residence: Carrboro City Limits Gender Identity: Female Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 35-59 Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: Town of Carrboro Board of Adjustment, Vice Chair Wildwood Springs HOA, Vice President NC Bar Association, Women in the Profession Committee Wake County Bar Association, DEI Committee Campbell Law Alumni Association, member of Board of Directors Wake County Bar Association, Mentorship program for law students Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: Town of Carrboro Board of Adjustment (current member) Boards/Commissions applied for: Arts Commission Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board I've been a resident of Orange County and Carrboro specifically for 22 years, I am a consumer and supporter of the arts, my spouse is an artist and musician, and my chosen family includes many local artists. I am a licensed attorney and that provides critical thinking and other resources that have proven beneficial on other boards on which I serve. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board I want to support my local community and feel a strong connection to my artist community. I also now have a daughter who is interested in the arts like her father and that has encouraged me to serve as well. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? As a long time resident and member of the community, it is important to me that I support the arts. I think having non-artist perspective is valuable, and I also think my skill set as an attorney will also be helpful. I am also an Arab and my daughter is Jewish and it's important to me to ensure diversity of thought and experiences are reflected in our community and that is central to ensuring the arts are supported in our community. 19 Page 2 of 2 Jen Wolfe Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Boards/Commissions appointments: Other Comments: This application was current on: 1/15/2025 10:51:15 AM Date Printed: 1/15/2025 20 Board and Commission Members And Vacant Positions Arts Commission Meeting Times: 6:00 pm Second Monday of every month Contact Person:Katie Murray Meeting Place: Alternating Contact Phone: 919-245-2335 Positions: 15 Length:3 years Terms: 2 Description: The members of this commission are appointed by the Board of Commissioners.The Arts Commission is housed under the County Manager's Office.It recommends strategies to promote the artistic and cultural growth of Orange County,advises the Board of Commissioners on matters involving the arts,and acts as the granting panel for funding programs available to individual artists and non-profit groups sponsoring arts projects in Orange County. Wendy Smith 1 First Appointed: 03/07/2024 Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 03/07/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 03/31/2027 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1 Mr John Bemis 2 First Appointed: 02/16/2021 Gender Identity: Male Township: Hillsborough Current Appointment: 03/19/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 03/31/2027 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 2 Celia Gibbs 3 First Appointed: 06/18/2024 Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 06/18/2024 Ethnic Background: Hispanic Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2025 Age Range: 18-34 Special Repr: UNC Student Representative Number of Terms: Gideon Young 4 First Appointed: 05/16/2023 Gender Identity: Male Township: Bingham Current Appointment: 05/16/2023 Ethnic Background: Other Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 03/31/2026 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1 Dr. Crystal Wu 5 Chair First Appointed: 03/16/2021 Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 03/19/2024 Ethnic Background: Asian American Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 03/31/2027 Age Range: 18-34 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 2 Linda Williamson 6 First Appointed: 12/04/2017 Gender Identity: Female Township: Cheeks Current Appointment: 03/21/2023 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 09/30/2025 Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms: 2 Thursday,May 15,2025 Page 1 21 Board and Commission Members And Vacant Positions Arts Commission Meeting Times: 6:00 pm Second Monday of every month Contact Person:Katie Murray Meeting Place: Alternating Contact Phone: 919-245-2335 Positions: 15 Length:3 years Terms: 2 Ms. Heather Washburn 7 First Appointed: 03/19/2024 Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 03/19/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 09/30/2026 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1 Ms Lindsay Metivier 8 First Appointed: 03/16/2021 Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 03/19/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 03/31/2027 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 2 Ms. Krista Bremer 9 First Appointed: 05/05/2020 Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 03/21/2023 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 03/31/2026 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 2 Ms. Francesca Talenti 10 First Appointed: 02/25/2025 Gender Identity: Female Township: Hillsborough Current Appointment: 02/25/2025 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 03/31/2026 Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Number of Terns: Ms. Denise Duffy 11 Vice-Chair First Appointed: 03/21/2023 Gender Identity: Female Township: Hillsborough Current Appointment: 03/21/2023 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 03/31/2026 Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1 Ms. Alexa Velez 12 First Appointed: 05/07/2024 Gender Identity: Female Township: Cheeks Current Appointment: 05/07/2024 Ethnic Background: Hispanic Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 03/31/2027 Age Range: 18-34 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1 Thursday,May 15,2025 Page 2 22 Board and Commission Members And Vacant Positions Arts Commission Meeting Times: 6:00 pm Second Monday of every month Contact Person:Katie Murray Meeting Place: Alternating Contact Phone: 919-245-2335 Positions: 15 Length:3 years Terms: 2 Ms. Renee Hayes 13 First Appointed: 09/17/2024 Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 09/17/2024 Ethnic Background: African American Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 03/31/2027 Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Number of Terms: Mr. Josh Rosenstein 14 First Appointed: 09/20/2022 Gender Identity: Male Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 09/20/2022 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 09/30/2025 Age Range: 18-34 Special Repr: Number of Terms: I VACANT 15 First Appointed: Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment: Ethnic Background: Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 03/31/2028 Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms: Thursday,May 15,2025 Page 3 23 Applicant Interest Listing by Board Name and by Applicant Name Contact Person: Katie Murray Arts Commission Contact Phone: 919-245-2335 Mr. Alexander Gast Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 05/12/2025 Ethnic Background: White Township: Chapel Hill Age Range: 18-34 Zone of Residence: C.H.City Limits Also Serves On: Mr. Shane Lukas Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 05/12/2024 Ethnic Background: White Township: Eno Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: County Also Serves On: Human Relations Commission Mrs. Alissa Martucci Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 10/09/2024 Ethnic Background: Other Township: Hillsborough Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: Hillsborough Town Limits Also Serves On: Parks and Recreation Council Mr. Felix Ortiz Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 11/15/2024 Ethnic Background: Hispanic Township: Chapel Hill Age Range: 60+ Zone of Residence: County Also Serves On: Roni Peterson Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 08/07/2024 Ethnic Background: White Township: Chapel Hill Age Range: 60+ Zone of Residence: County Also Serves On: Mr. Jonathan Sosidka Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 08/12/2024 Ethnic Background: White Township: Chapel Hill Age Range: 18-34 Zone of Residence: C.H.City Limits Also Serves On: Thursday,May 15,2025 Page 1 of 2 24 Applicant Interest Listing by Board Name and by Applicant Name Contact Person: Katie Murray Arts Commission Contact Phone: 919-245-2335 Jen Wolfe Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 01/15/2025 Ethnic Background: White Township: Chapel Hill Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: Carrboro City Limits Also Serves On: Thursday,May 15,2025 Page 2 of 2 25 ORANGE COUNTY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ANNUAL REPORT/ WORK PLAN Board/Commission Name: Arts Commission Report Period: January 2024-December 2024 The Board of Commissioners appreciates the dedication of all the volunteers on their boards and commissions and welcomes input from various boards and commissions throughout the year. Please complete the following information, limited to the front and back of this form. Other background materials may be provided as a supplement to, but not as a substitute for, this form. Person to address the BOCC and contact information: Waiting to hear—will let you know ASAP Primary County Staff Contact Person: Katie Murray How many times per month does this board/commission meet, including any special meetings and sub-committee meetings? 1 meeting per month Brief Statement of Board/Commission's Assigned Charge and Responsibilities. Created in 1985 as the official government agency on the arts by a Resolution of the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), the Orange County Arts Commission serves as a clearinghouse for arts information, facilitator of arts programs & advisor to the Orange County Board of County Commissioners regarding the arts. We have been the Designated County Partner (DCP) of the North Carolina Arts Council in Orange County since 1985 and are responsible for sub-granting state and county funds to arts organizations, schools and artists throughout the county. What are your Board/Commission's most important accomplishments? • Completed third year of operations at the Eno Arts Mill in October 2024 providing space for artists and community that prioritizes accessibility and inclusion. The space successfully generated enough revenue in its 3rd year of operations to fully cover expenses. o The Mill continued several signature programs in its 3rd year: ■ Eicholz Foundation 2024 BIPOC Artist in Residence Program featuring Tyamica Mabry ■ Monthly Weave & Spin Open Mic offering a featured spoken word/poetry artists and open mic for underrepresented voices. ■ Coalesce: gallery exhibit featuring 10 visual artists paired with 10 poets, every January 26 ■ Makers at the Mill Holiday Bazaar, offering space for 40 vendors to sell their work before the holiday season. This year saw record attendance and sales for our vendors. ■ LGBTQ+ Teen Arts Collective, which has grown to an average of 25 nonbinary and/or neurodivergent teens per session. o The Mill hosted several new programs: ■ Orange County Juneteenth Celebration in partnership with the Department Equity and Inclusion ■ 1.5°C art exhibit featuring environmentally themed/recycled works of art in partnership with the Department of Sustainability. ■ Panel conversation with Washington Post contributor Steven Petrow and News of Orange editor Dale Edwards around Steven's new book, The Joy You Make ■ Our first dance performance in the gallery, Stop. Look. Listen with Killian Manning/No Forwarding Address in response to Paint it Orange Plein Air Paint-out ■ Triangle ArtWorks Creatives Happy Hour, hosting 100+ creatives from around the Triangle at the Eno Arts Mill ■ Orange County Roadshow Volunteer Fair ■ A screening of Rocky Horror Picture Show as a fundraiser for our nonprofit arm o The artist studios saw seven new artists in 2024 and maintained at minimum of 30% tenants who identified as a member of a underrepresented communities (currently 43% BIPOC and/or LGBTQ tenants) o We finished our first year of "Studio Be" — a grant-funded project to help underrepresented youth find community through the arts. Projects included puppet making, mural making, and creative writing. o We hosted 105 young artists through our summer camp program and, with the assistance of DSS, were able to offer $11,000 in scholarship assistance to low-income families o Provided area artists critical space to show and sell their work through monthly art exhibits in the Gallery: ■ January Coalesce 2024 ■ February TJ Mundy, Blackfuturism group exhibition ■ March DUET with John Dempsey and Judith Ernst ■ April 1.5°C with Department of Sustainability ■ May Read the Room Then Take Flight Grow Your World ■ June Pastel Society of NC Statewide Exhibition ■ July Body Politic: Five Years of Basement (group exhibit of UNC MFA grads) ■ August Eno Arts Mill Studio Artist Showcase ■ September Shady Kimzey/TJ Mundy Living Estate Sale ■ October-Nov 8t"Annual Paint it Orange Plein Air Paint-out ■ December The Really, Really, Super-Local Holiday Art Show 27 ENO ARTS MILL IMPACT — Year 3 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 Change FY23 vs 24 Number of artists paid for work sold, classes, 125 144 256 78% T performances, or services Amount paid to artists for work sold, classes, ° $48,179 $90,230 $106,219 18% T performance, or services Number of artists exhibited 212 172 261 52% T Dollar amount of work sold $18,980 $24,888 $29,656 19% T Number of people hosted for adult classes 232 638 811 27% T Number of youth hosted during Summer Camp 77 90 105 17% T Summer Camp scholarship recipients 16% 15% 44% 193% T • Partnered with arts councils in Durham, Wake, and Chatham counties to present Big Night In for the Arts in March, 2024, on WRAL, raising $180k for arts programs across the Triangle. • Dispersed and administered $107,651 in grant funding through annual Arts Grants and Arts Educator Grants Programs. • Participated in Triangle-wide partnerships including Big Night In for the Arts, the Emerging Artist Program, Piedmont Laureate Program, and the Artist Support Grant Program. • Served as county lead on behalf of Arts North Carolina, gathering local arts supporters to advocate for public arts support to state and federal legislators. • Hosted the 8t"Annual Paint it Orange Plein Air Paint-out & Wet Paint Sale as a fundraiser, hosting a record-breaking 92 adult artists, 44 youth artists, and raising approximately $17k for arts programs • Offered 24 stories of local arts community on artsorange.org through a partnership with music writer David Menconi and writer Arshia Simkin. • Continued discussions with Town of Hillsborough, Hillsborough Arts Council, and Orange County Historical Museum to explore a future arts and cultural facility. List of Specific Tasks, Events, or Functions Performed or Sponsored Annually. • Operations and programming of Eno Arts Mill • Coordination of biennial Uproar Festival of Public Art • Consultation and advisement to local community partners on matters pertaining to the arts throughout Orange County • One annual grant cycle that funds artists, schools and nonprofit organizations utilizing state and county funds • Annual Arts Educator Grant program that funds professional development 28 opportunities to local public school arts teachers • Annual Emerging Artists Program through a partnership with the Durham Arts Council • Annual Piedmont Laureate Program through a partnership with the Durham Arts Council, the Raleigh Arts Commission and the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County • Public Art initiatives • Annual Paint it Orange: Plein Air Paint-out and Wet Paint Sale • Hosts monthly Arts Partners meetings for leadership of county arts organizations Describe this board/commission's activities/accomplishments in carrying out BOCC goal(s)/priorities, if applicable. • GOAL 2: HEALTHY COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE 7. Invest in services and programs that improve the health and quality of life of the community (e.g., recreation and public open spaces, arts, etc.) • GOAL 6: DIVERSE AND VIBRANT ECONOMY OBJECTIVE 1. Provide family-oriented and inclusive programming or other cultural events for residents and visitors. OBJECTIVE 4. Provide resources to small, creative, and agro-businesses that add character and quality of life to our community to attract employers, employees, and visitors. Describe the collaboration relationship(s) this particular board has with other advisory boards and commissions? Throughout 2024, the OCAC Advisory Board worked in partnership with: • The ArtsCenter • Arts North Carolina • Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership • Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau • Chatham Arts Council • Durham Arts Council • Greater Chapel Hill Chamber of Commerce • Hillsborough Arts Council • North Carolina Arts Council • Orange County Department of Equity and Inclusion • Orange County Department of Parks and Recreation • Orange County Department of Sustainability • Orange County Criminal Justice Resource Department • Raleigh Arts Commission • Town of Carrboro — Economic Development/Arts • Town of Chapel Hill Community Arts and Culture 29 • Town of Hillsborough • Town of Hillsborough Tourism Board/Tourism Development Authority • Triangle ArtWorks • United Arts Council of Raleigh/Wake County • UNC -Ackland Art Museum OCAC director Katie Murray served on the following board and committees: • Local Advisory Board Member, Ackland Art Museum at UNC • Board Member, Arts North Carolina • Grassroots Steering Committee, North Carolina Arts Council Identify any activities this board/commission expects to carry out in 2024 as they relate to established BOCC goals and priorities. If applicable, is there a fiscal impact (i.e., funding, staff time, other resources) associated with these proposed activities (please list). • Uproar Festival of Public Art will return in August, 2025. This accessible, family-friendly, free festival provides residents and visitors with an interactive opportunity to experience the arts in Orange County while patronizing local businesses during a slow time of year. The County, together with the towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough, the Chapel Hill Chamber of Commerce, and Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership provide funding towards the event; the Orange County Arts Alliance will raise additional funding to support expenses. While more areas of festival planning will be contracted out in 2025, it is still primarily led by the OCAC director. This is challenging due to other responsibilities of the position. A county event planner could be a tremendous help for Uproar, and could plan other economic-boosting arts and cultural events for the county. • 2025 exhibits in the Eno Arts Mill include several highly impactful, first-time programs: o In April, the OCAC will partner with End Solitary NC/Disability Rights North Carolina, Hidden Voices, Alamance Orange Prison Ministry, Orange County Justice Project NC, Human Kindness Foundation, Orange County Criminal Justice Resource Department, OC Local Reentry Council, the Care Bear Foundation, and NC Coalition for Alternatives to the Death Penalty to showcase the artwork of formerly/currently incarcerated individuals, as well as people impacted by the justice system. Opening night (April 4) will feature Jaki Shelton Green, Nick Courmon, and Changed, a band that was formed at Orange Correctional. o In May, the nationally recognized social justice/arts organization Hidden Voices will present a multi-media installation addressing domestic violence. o In July, we will present our first group photography exhibit focusing on photos of people and places in Orange County. 30 o In August, we plan to feature a mutual aid exhibit to raise funds for artists in Western NC. o In September, we will provide exhibit space for Triangle Book Arts to showcase the work of their membership • LGBTQ+ Teen Arts Collective (ages 13-18) which has offered life-changing connection opportunities for nonbinary youth and their families, has received funding to expand to a Tween Arts Collective (ages 9-12) starting in February. • Continue to explore expanding space and offerings for the community. We will partner with the Town of Hillsborough on a feasibility study for a community arts and cultural center to determine the space needs of a facility and the associated costs. The Town will pay for this study. What are the concerns or emerging issues your board has identified for the upcoming year that it plans to address, or wishes to bring to the Commissioners' attention? Funding. Currently we are funded through Occupancy Tax under the Visitors Bureau. As staffing has increased, operating funds have decreased. This has been felt especially since programs were established with NC Arts Council ARPA funding that is no longer available. We are trying to maintain programs with less funding and not enough staff. With more staff and programmatic funding, we could increase our service to the county exponentially. We could activate spaces like Blackwood Farm and provide economy- boosting events. We could partner with fellow county departments to better serve youth and residents that need create alternatives to traditional programs. And based on constant feedback from the community and the proven success of the Eno Arts Mill, we could provide more, much-needed space that currently does not exist, such as community performance space, which would have a significant economic impact on the surrounding neighborhood. While our fledgling nonprofit arm is beginning to raise money to support the OCAC, a new or increased County funding model is needed if leadership wishes for continued growth of the OCAC.