Task Force hashes out plans for Arts Committee

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Members of the Arts Task Force discuss ideas for a city Arts Committee. Photo by Mason Callejas

The city of Maricopa’s Arts Task Force met Wednesday to discuss plans for the formation of an official committee for preserving and promoting the arts in Maricopa.

Seven members of the task force met in the Cotton Room at City Hall to approve a final draft of their official Art Display application and to discuss the needs and goals of an Arts Committee, should one be formed.

Basic ideas were tossed around about an official mission statement, marketing plans and the hosting of public events. However, a more intrinsic and long-term concept was shared by several of the members – the integration of art into the city’s planning and development process.

Maricopa City Council’s liaison to the Arts Task Force, Peggy Chapados, suggested not only should art be deliberately integrated into construction, but that room should be made at most city properties to allow for art installations themselves.

“There should be art incorporated into [properties], and on and around them as well,” Chapados said as she added the idea to a large enumerated list of ideas posted on the wall.

City Hall is one such structure which already embraces this concept. The building itself is designed to reflect the city’s heritage and values, Chapados added. And gallery space has been reserved for area artists who can not only display their work, but sell it as well.

The city’s image was another topic of discussion.

“What do you think of when you imagine Maricopa,” Chapados asked of the group.

Icons like the Zephyr railcar and the horse statues on the southeast corner of Smith-Enke and John Wayne Parkway were mentioned. However, the overwhelming response was somewhat limited, leading some to suggest the creation of new icons such as marquees or unique identifying markers at each of the city’s four main inroads.

Paul Shirk, president of the Maricopa Historical Society and member of the Arts Task Force, said he hopes wherever the Zephyr is moved it will be largely visible to visitors.

The Zephyr’s current location near the Maricopa Amtrak station is great, Shirk said, but unfortunately the State Route 347 overpass will soon obstruct its view to travelers entering the city from the east, not to mention that the land it currently sits on is owned by the county.

By the end of the meeting, the task force members were well on their way to outlining goals and establishing the foundation of a future “Arts Committee,” though much is still left to discuss.

The group agreed to meet again, Aug 9, at 6 p.m. in the same location, to continue outlining their plans.