Santa Rosa arts panel re‑elects Kristen Kiefer as vice chair, names jurors for National Arts Program

Kristen Kiefer was unanimously re‑elected vice chair of the Santa Rosa Arts & Public Places Committee during the committee’s Feb. 3 meeting.

Jeff Nathanson, the committee chair, opened nominations; Kristen volunteered and Lisa moved the nomination. The motion carried with all present members voting in favor.

On program business, staff previewed the 23rd annual National Arts Program exhibit and asked for volunteers to serve as jurors. Meredith described the schedule: artwork drop‑off is Feb. 7, a reception is planned for March 15 from 3–5 p.m., and the exhibit will remain on display through April 25 (Earth Day). Meredith said the committee received roughly 173 submissions this year and asked members to help jury the entries. "It's our 23rd annual National Arts Program exhibit," Meredith said, urging committee participation.

Committee members Kristen and Lisa agreed to serve as jurors; a motion to appoint them was moved and seconded and passed unanimously.

Staff also reviewed arts and culture updates: applications for Live at Juilliard are open through Feb. 18 with concert dates July 12–Aug. 16, a film‑industry mixer is scheduled for Feb. 27 at LaRosa from 6–10 p.m., and staff continue building a GIS art map and adding plaques with QR codes for public artworks. Staff highlighted a recently installed Lotus mural on Garage 9 done in partnership with the Redwood Empire Chinese Association and volunteer artist Chris McKee.

Committee members closed with community announcements, including a new monthly art‑and‑craft night at Café Frida on Feb. 19, and the meeting adjourned at 4:15 p.m.