Kentwood Arts Commission

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

On the latest episode of WKTV Journal In Focus is the art of business — and the business of art — specifically in Kentwood but also in the region as a whole. First we catch up with the new Kentwood Arts Commission — what it does and does not do. Then, talking about new things, we catch up with Woodland Mall, where there has been a massive rejuvenation during the last couple of years and where exciting change continues.

First In Focus is the City of Kentwood Arts Commission, which was established in late 2017 and became fully active early last year. The Arts Commission is tasked with reviewing proposals for the outside display of art on private property visible from the public right of way and within the guidelines of the City of Kentwood Zoning Ordinance. With us is Terry Schweitzer, City of Kentwood’s Planning and Community Development Director.

Woodland Mall Marketing Director Cecily McCabe on the In Focus set with host Ken Norris. (WKTV)

Then In Focus is the Kentwood’s Woodland Mall, which is the midst of a major rejuvenation with additions large and small — the most high-profile being Von Maur’s first-in-the-region location; in fact there is a whole new wing nearing completion focused on the Von Maur addition. But that is just one aspect of what has been a busy couple of years for the local mall. With us is Woodland Mall Marketing Director Cecily McCabe, and we will talk with her about all the changes at Woodland and local retail climate as a whole. To see the video, (recorded in the middle of April) follow this link.

WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (see our Weekly On-air Schedule for dates and times). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

The west wall of the Qdoba at 28th Street and Shaffer Avenue has two panels that will be considered an art venue for the review of the Kentwood Arts Commission. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood, after city Commission approval in January, amended its zoning ordinance to allow for evaluation and approval of outdoor public art displays within the city.

The amendment also establishes the Kentwood Arts Commission, which, according to the city, is tasked with “reviewing and approving venues” within the community. The Arts Commission will also be responsible for determining whether or not outdoor art display venues are permitted under city guidelines.

“Art is a valuable component in creating a vibrant community,” Terry Schweitzer, community development director, said to WKTV. “As we continue to grow as a city, we wanted to be sure there is a process in place to support public art venues. We hope that this new ordinance will serve as a catalyst to bring public art to our diverse group of residents.”

The changes to city zoning, approved by city Commission action at its regular meeting on Jan. 16, amends an ordinance which now covers art galleries, art display venues, and public art — with public art being defined as being “publicly-owned art and memorials, artistic enhancement of public infrastructure, temporary art exhibitions or displays on public property.”

The current members of the Arts Commission are Schweitzer, City Commissioner Betsy Artz and community members Jerry DeMaagd and Clarkston Morgan. The Commission will have their first official meeting in the coming weeks, according to the city.

There is a opening for one more community member on the Arts Commission. Qualifications for the position, according to the city, are that the person lives and/or works in the City of Kentwood and he or she should have an interest in art. Anyone interested can learn more and apply at kentwood.us/city .

The entire approved ordinance can be read as part of the city Commission’s informational packet for the Jan. 16, 2018 meeting. (It is several pages down in the .pdf package.)