Committee for the Arts

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

What was decided

The committee discussed window mural artist selection, CPA-funded mural and sculpture projects, and Jason Grow's veteran portraits, including storage limits for framed prints. The committee voted unanimously to recommend that the city accept the two O'Maley Fish Sculptures on artistic merit, conditioned on the city having a risk assessment plan to inspect, maintain, and insure them. The committee also discussed whether the city should accept a plaque honoring Thelma Park's husband at Stage Fort Park, and will invite Thelma to the July 28 meeting for more information.

Decisions recorded

Recommended unanimously that the two O'Maley Fish Sculptures be accepted by the city on artistic merit, as long as there is a risk assessment plan by the city to inspect, maintain, and insure the sculptures.

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Gloucester Committee for the Arts

Minutes of Meeting Held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Harbormasters Office

19 Harbor Loop, Gloucester MA 01930

In Attendance:

Committee members: Karen Ristuben, Jen Greeke, Judith Hoglander, Susan Erony, Elizabeth Bish

Also Present: Miranda Aisling

Meeting called to order 11:07am

Unanimous Approval of MInutes 5.26.26 and 4.28.26

Discussion of Imagining Gloucester's Future window murals: Selection of artists completed

Miranda Aisling report: Culture Splash is kicking off on Rocky Neck. From the Deep will be presented again in October by Harbortown Cultural District. Additional Harbortown opportunities: Summer project grants available - link on website and in City of Gloucester Arts & Culture Newsletter.

All encouraged to attend Public Housing Forum June 29 at Rose Baker Center for Aging Well - including elements affecting arts sector.

CPA-funded projects

Murals: awaiting Williamstown contract finalization

Sculptures & bronzes: Meeting scheduled with DPW and CFTA members and Skylight this week regarding water access and barriers. Skylight projects to be completed this summer: Fishermans Memorial and cenotaphs, Fitz Henry Lane, Fishermans Wives.

City Acceptance of O'Maley Fish Sculptures: Discussion regarding future maintenance, type of metal, inspection, insurance. Unanimous Vote to recommend on artistic merit that the two sculptures be accepted by the city as long as there is a risk assessment plan by the city to inspect, maintain, and insure the sculpture. Karen will follow up with Mayor's Office, GEF, artist and Deed of Gift.

Jason Grow veteran portraits: Korea, Vietnam, Cold War. Committee discussed the possibility of accepting them with ~ ten frames, with the prints to be stored in a flat file. There is inadequate city storage for the full collection of framed prints. Judith will ask Jason if it is feasible.

Other business: Thelma Park's husband used to care for Stage Fort Park and there is a plaque about his service screwed into a rock at Stage Fort Park. Question whether the city should accept the plaque as part of its city-owned collection. Elizabeth will invite Thelma to our July 28 meeting for more information.

Adjournment 12:30pm

Next Meeting July 28

CFTA will not meet in August

Minutes on the city website (opens in new tab) · PDF, 122 KB
Saved copy of the minutes (opens in new tab) · saved September 26, 2026

Agenda

Agenda not recorded here. It may be in the city's Archive Center (opens in new tab).

Terms used here

CPA: Community Preservation Act. A local property tax surcharge, with state matching money, that pays for open space, historic preservation, affordable housing, and recreation.

Source

This meeting is known from its minutes in the City of Gloucester Archive Center (opens in new tab). First recorded by Gloucester Publick on September 26, 2026.