March 19, 2026 — Arts Commission Regular Meeting

Meeting Summary

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Commissioners reviewed a recommendation for the Arts Commission to support the Ojai Day initiative.
Discussion focused on defining the event and clarifying roles with Parks and Recreation staff.
The item was tabled to allow staff to develop a formal suggestion for the City Council.

The Mural Jury recommended approval subject to conditions regarding code compliance and property boundaries.
Commissioners confirmed the mural must not display business names or alter the wall background color.
The application was approved requiring approved paint and a specific anti-graffiti application process.

The meeting was called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance. The Chair presented the agenda, which included two items. A motion to approve the agenda was made, seconded, and passed.

Carla Ferranti, CEO of the Ojai Chamber of Commerce, addressed the commission regarding the Chamber's initiative to support the creative economy. She presented plans to request a City Council proclamation recognizing April as Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month. Ferranti discussed the "Made in Ojai" distinction for Ojai Day, which would include an outdoor art gallery between North Ventura Avenue and Signal Street and an "Artist Nook" at Libbey Park events. Discussions occurred regarding trademark ownership, with the Chamber stating they would identify the logo but anticipated the Arts Commission or City might eventually hold it. Commissioners asked questions regarding trademark policing, artist participation, and coordination with the Ojai Studio Artists network. Ferranti agreed to coordinate further and was invited to provide a formal presentation at a future meeting.

The commission reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting. A commissioner identified typographical errors regarding the Vice Chair's name and the spelling of Commissioner Tabak-Banks' name. A motion was made to approve the minutes with amendments to correct these errors. The motion was seconded and passed.

The Chair presented an administrative report concerning the Ojai Day poster. The report recommended that the City Council authorize the Arts Commission to participate in and support the initiative, which previously involved a contest administered by Parks and Recreation. Commissioners discussed the jurisdiction of the project, the definition of the event as a "contest" versus a "celebration," and the lack of clarity regarding Parks and Recreation's role post-COVID.
A public comment was received from Debbie Cutler, who suggested designating the event as a "celebration and contest" to ensure all participants were acknowledged, incorporating a gallery display, themes, and lead times for artists.
Following discussion on the need to clarify responsibilities with City staff and stakeholders, a motion was made to table the item. The motion included a directive to discuss the matter with City Council members, artists, the community, staff, and Parks and Recreation to develop a formal suggestion for Council regarding the Arts Commission's involvement. The motion was passed.

The Vice Chair presented the report of the Mural Jury regarding an application for Pixies General Store. The Jury recommended approval subject to specific conditions. The Vice Chair read the conditions into the record: 1. No business names on the mural per Municipal Code 4-16.303. 2. The background color must match the existing wall color and not be painted white. 3. Paint must be approved per Municipal Code 4-16.305D and include city-approved anti-graffiti application. 4. The downspout serves as the right-side boundary to separate the mural from the building and existing business signage. 5. The artist may sign and date the mural at their discretion, suggested for the bottom right corner.
The applicant appeared online via proxy and discussed the intent to bring awareness to the back of the property. Commissioners discussed the distinction between the mural and the store logo and the nature of the art as private work on private property. A motion was made to approve the mural application subject to the stated conditions. The motion was passed.

Commissioners provided reports on various activities and projects:
Conservation: A suggestion was made to the City Manager regarding a budget request for the conservation of a skate park roller. It was proposed that a Public Works employee shadow a conservator to build a "creative pipeline" and reduce costs.
Events: A commissioner announced an upcoming enrichment seminar on digital tools for artists at the Ojai Valley Museum and an Ojai Studio Artists fundraising event. Another commissioner noted a successful Second Saturday Open Studio Tour.
Grants: A commissioner reported on improving the grants application process for the 2027 cycle, with plans for a public workshop in August.
Strategic Planning: The Chair noted the Request for Qualifications for a strategic planning facilitator was open. Discussion occurred regarding the commission's potential role within a broader Cultural Affairs Department structure versus the current Arts Commission framework.
Future Agenda: Topics added to future agenda items included the Ojai Day Poster, the creative pipeline/maintenance shadowing concept, budget pre-planning, and clarification on grant eligibility rules for repeat applicants.

Staff reported on the status of the Public Art Fund report and the receipt of interest emails regarding the strategic planning facilitator. City Council Member Lang addressed the commission, welcoming new members and discussing the Green Coalition's proposal for the City Hall property, which includes plans for art and community spaces. She requested information regarding percent-for-art obligations attached to the development.

Commissioners offered brief remarks regarding new member introductions, the Creative Economy Workshop, and media coverage of the Mural Jury. The meeting was adjourned until the regular meeting in April.