2025-07-22 Arts and Cultural Adviosry MinutesREGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF THE EL SEGUNDO ARTS AND CULTURE
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2025
CALL TO ORDER — Chairperson Pickhaver called the meeting to order at 5:34
pm
ROLL CALL
Chairperson Pickhaver -
Present
Vice Chairperson Palmer -
Absent
Member Bart -
Present
Member Burrell -
Present
Member Carroll -
Present
Member Haffley -
Present
Member Kennedy -
Present
Member Leach -
Present
Member Losasso -
Present
Member Mitchell -
Present
Member Schepps -
Present
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS — (Related to City Business Only — 5-minute limit
per person, 30-minute limit total)
None
A. CONSENT CALENDAR:
1. MOTION by Member Schepps, SECONDED by Member Losasso, approving
Regular Meeting minutes of June 24, 2025, MOTION PASSED. 10/0
2. Method Fest Film Festival Discussion (Item moved after 85)
Director of Recreation, Parks, and Library Aly Mancini led the Method Fest
Film Festival Discussion. Committee members expressed concerns about the
lack of clarity in film sourcing and selection, the limited connection to the local
community, and challenges in securing a theater for the event. Director
Mancini provided additional information. Member Kennedy pointed to budget
constraints as a primary concern. Director Mancini provided additional
information. The Committee agreed that they should hear from other potential
film festival partners.
Member Haffley corrected a statement from the previous meeting, clarifying
that he has never attended Method Fest or met Don Franken.
3. Art Walk Discussion (Item moved before 82)
EL SEGUNDO ARTS AND CULTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
J U LY 22, 2025
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Director of the El Segundo Art Walk John McCullough led the Art Walk
discussion where he introduced Neil Von Flue, the event's Art Director. Mr.
Von Flue provided background on his experience and outlined the process for
selecting artists and curating artwork for the event. The Committee asked
questions regarding artist placement, event safety, and updates on the Friday
night kickoff event. Mr. McCullough provided additional information. Director
Mancini suggested incorporating live music at the library to help attract more
visitors. Member Leach suggested hosting an Art Talk as a follow-up event to
further engage the community.
Mr. McCullough also introduced the idea of adding a Middle School Art
Project to the event. Committee members inquired about how this project
would integrate with the Art Walk. Mr. McCullough and Mr. Von Flue provided
additional information. Member Burrell recommended exploring grant
opportunities to support the project. Member Leach suggested the possibility
of organizing a separate Youth Art Walk to showcase student artwork. Mr.
McCullough provided additional information.
4. Plunge Mosaic Art
Aquatics Manager Joseph Lormans presented the Plunge Mosaic Art update.
Director Mancini shared feedback from the Aquatics Subcommittee.
Committee members asked questions regarding pool lane locations, intended
pool usage, and which design was preferred by the Aquatics staff. Director
Mancini and Aquatics Manager Lormans provided additional information.
Member Bart highlighted the city's water polo history and expressed interest
in incorporating more water polo elements into the design. Member Burrell
asked whether the artists could render the figures in the artwork in a more
abstract style. Director Mancini noted that the Aquatics Subcommittee has
formed a working group focused on creating a historical display, which will
offer broader representation and contextual history. Member Losasso
supported Design 1, stating that it avoids issues of inclusion and race by
being timeless. Chairperson Pickhaver argued that while Design 1 might suit
a modern facility, it may not align with the character of the historic Plunge.
MOTION by Member Carroll, SECONDED by Member Losasso, to
recommend that the City Council select Design 1 in response to the Plunge
Mosaic Art RFP, MOTION PASSED. 7/3. Nays: Chairperson Pickhaver,
Member Bart, and Member Leach.
5. Recreation Park Mural
Director Mancini led the Recreation Park Mural discussion, bringing the
matter to the committee to gauge support for replacing the mural due to its
deteriorated condition. Member Burrell asked whether the committee would
have the opportunity to submit design options. Director Mancini provided
additional information.
EL SEGUNDO ARTS AND CULTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
J U LY 22, 2025
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MOTION by Member Haffley, SECONDED by Chairperson Pickhaver,
approving the replacement of the existing mural with a new artistic
installation, MOTION PASSED. 10/0
C. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
6. Staffing Update
Director Mancini provided the staffing update, stating that she is in the final
stages of interviews and has several strong candidates. She noted that a
Cultural Arts Coordinator will be hired soon.
D. REPORTS — BUDGET & INITIATIVE COMMITTEE
I0r7T
E. REPORTS - SUBCOMMITTEES
Member Schepps reported that the El Segundo Music Festival Subcommittee is
currently on hold pending the hiring of a Cultural Arts Coordinator.
Member Losasso shared that this year's Art Walk will feature a strong lineup of
artists.
Chairperson Pickhaver announced that the next Park Renovation Subcommittee
meeting is scheduled for July 24t"
F. REPORTS — RECREATIONS, PARKS, AND LIBRARY DIRECTOR
None
G. REPORTS — COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Member Burrell thanked the committee for approving the Women's Club grant.
Member Carroll announced that he will not be able to attend the Art Walk.
Member Haffley invited committee members to attend Shrek the Musical,
presented by the El Segundo Youth Drama.
Member Mitchell inquired whether the committee has any input regarding
architectural decisions in the city.
Member Schepps announced that he will be attending the upcoming TAC
meeting.
Chairperson Pickhaver shared that he will not be able to attend the Art Walk but
will participate in the Friday kickoff event. He also thanked the committee for their
support of GUNDO Pride and expressed enthusiasm about expanding the event
in the future.
EL SEGUNDO ARTS AND CULTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
J U LY 22, 2025
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H. REPORTS — COUNCIL MEMBER LIAISON
None
Adjourned at 7.32 PM
l
Viviann Gonzalez, Senior Administrative Specialist
EL SEGUNDO ARTS AND CULTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
J U LY 22, 2025
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