Council approves second round of MyNet utility-box murals proposed by chamber and Arts & Culture Commission

Phyllis Boleman, the city’s arts and culture liaison and commission chair, presented four MyNet cabinet mural designs to the Monmouth City Council on July 1 and asked for council approval of the selections. Boleman said the Arts and Culture Commission approved the designs at its June 19 meeting and that the chamber had issued an open call to local artists.

"We're here for the third round of presenting you with my net boxes that the chamber would like to paint again," Boleman told council.

Councilors asked about the submission and selection process. Boleman and chamber staff explained artists submit to a chamber committee, which forwards proposals to the Arts and Culture Commission for approval; the chamber then makes final placement decisions. Boleman said the process aims to prioritize Monmouth artists while remaining open to artists from the blended Monmouth–Independence community. On honoraria, the chamber and commission said no payment was provided for the first two rounds but that the chamber hopes to compensate artists in future rounds and is working to list artist credits on the chamber website.

Councilor Kerrey asked about distribution between Monmouth and Independence; Boleman said placement depends on how many boxes exist in each city and that the chamber and commission made placement recommendations by location (for example, designs appropriate for the kids' walk near the park).

Councilor Lopez moved to approve the MyNet cabinet mural designs "as presented." Councilor Belts seconded. Mayor put the matter to a voice vote; council recorded no opposition and the mayor said the motion carried.

Councilors complimented the program as low-cost public art that provides visibility for local artists and encouraged a visible listing crediting artists and noting dates of selection. Boleman said the chamber and Arts and Culture Commission will continue to refine artist acknowledgement and consider honoraria in future rounds.