Fresh off a very successful summer of spreading creative art throughout the towns of Fraser and Winter Park, the Fraser Public Arts Committee (PAC) met on November 16th to discuss their 2019 work plan and strategies.

Town manager, Jeff Durbin, told the committee that their budget request had been presented to the Board at the last meeting and that adoption of the budget is anticipated on December 5th. For 2019, the PAC had requested a total of $75,000 for programs and events, broken out as follows:

Sculpture Program: $15,000

Mural Program: $15,000

Mural Festival:  $20,000

Lighted winter trail:  $10,000

Creative pedestrian crossing safety lighting:  $10,000

Marketing:  $5,000

Several of the mural projects and lift chairs approved in 2018 have not yet been completed and will be carried over to 2019.

As a result of the recently passed bag fee, which takes effect April 1, 2019, the town is looking at reusable bag options to be used for promotional purposes and distributed prior to the April 1 launch. The town approached the PAC for design ideas.

Ernie Roybal suggested having a contest for local school kids to create a design for the bags. “It’s a great educational opportunity”, said Roybal.

Krista Klancke stated that if the town is using the bags for promotional purposes, a more professional design would be appropriate. Or, maybe, she suggested, have several designs and bags, with one to use specifically for town marketing.

Business Development specialist, Allie Heon, said “I see it as a way to generate excitement about the program, to share art publicly and tie into the town’s green initiative. And, the bags could be collector’s items”.

Debbe Knutson told the PAC that a member of the community had applied for grant funding to purchase reusable bags. The Economic Development Advisory Committee is also planning to discuss the bag purchase with local businesses to seek input and support and potentially give them the opportunity to purchase the bags at cost.

Francie deVos said she liked the idea of having 4 different versions of the bag with different design elements on each.

“It is important to have high-quality art on the bags”, said Durbin. Assistant to the Town Manager, Michael Brack is currently working on the bag options. The PAC felt it was important to choose the bag before any design(s) can be selected.

The discussion moved on to 2019 programs. Heon told the PAC that three people had asked about the 2019 mural program already.

In regard to the proposed lighting projects, Klancke said she’d spoken with a local business that had a history of landscape design and could be a potential resource for lighting assistance. deVos had also spoken with a lighting company from Denver that had done Larimer Square’s lighting. “We have to be mindful of challenges with trucks and snow removal”, said deVos. The PAC agreed there was potential to combine funds with Public Works for lighting projects and would look into this option.

For pedestrian crossing safety lighting, the PAC will first need to look into CDOT requirements before any decisions can be made on lighting. The two existing crosswalks on US 40 will remain, and, a third crosswalk will be added in front of Grand Mountain Bank.

The proposed lighted winter trail in Cozens Ranch open space will have challenges due to the need for power along the trail. Durbin told the committee that they had been looking into solar options for The Drop. He told them they’re currently using a generator, since they can’t bring power out to the site until the road is completed. Solar could be an option for the trails as well.

The committee felt it would be good to designate members with specializations, and have subcommittees to work on specific projects.

For the sculpture program, Ken Ball agreed to take the lead. He told the PAC that he was waiting for the 2019 budget to be approved before he reaches out to artists.

Allie Heon accepted administrative oversight of the PAC’s mural program.

Krista Klancke assumed the lead on the pedestrian crosswalk safety and winter trail lighting projects.

Francie deVos and Allie Heon agreed to work on a Fraser Art Map for 2019.

Ernie Roybal volunteered to lead the Mural Fest project. Eric Vandernail suggested that the Mural Fest needs its own meeting, in December, to begin planning. Roybal added that there is a need to set a calendar for the festival to allow time for details such as poster design, applications, web design “to get the word out” and a call for artists by February. They will also need to line up music, vendors, site logistics and seek sponsors for the event. Roybal suggested the last weekend in July as a good weekend to hold the festival and the PAC agreed. The subcommittee for the Mural Festival will be made up of Roybal, Vandernail and Klancke. They plan to meet on December 14th.

The PAC next discussed the Fraser Creative Arts Center. Vandernail stated that he felt it needs to have its own board, and 501(c)3, so donors feel more comfortable contributing. Klancke asked how the housing fits into nonprofit status. “It is important to not exclude any potential donor, should it instead be a foundation?” The PAC agreed the mission needs to be defined and more investigation will be conducted to determine the best way to move forward.

The PAC agreed they would like to speak with other towns that have done something similar. “Finding someone with experience to guide us on the process will help tremendously”, said Durbin. “We don’t want to fail by jumping too fast. We need to take a slow approach.”

To learn more about the Fraser Public Arts Committee, visit: frasercolorado.com.