The Wayzata City Council voted unanimously on August 19 to approve Resolution 20-2025, officially creating a permanent Public Art Committee to oversee and advise on art installations throughout the city.
The decision follows nearly a year of work by the Public Art Steering Committee, established in September 2024 to explore whether a standing body should be formed. That group—chaired by Councilmember Alex Plechash and including Councilmember Molly MacDonald along with residents Joanie Cunningham, Roger Miller, and Judd Nelson—met five times in 2025 before unanimously approving draft bylaws for the new committee.
City staff highlighted that the initiative was included in the 2024–2026 Strategic Plan as a priority under the goal of sustaining community character and safety. Interim City Manager Mike Kelly and Parks and Environment Planner Nick Kieser explained that, until now, Wayzata relied on a 2015 policy that created ad hoc art committees for individual projects, such as the “Big Water” sculpture at the Lake Street roundabout. The new committee will provide ongoing guidance and a more cohesive approach.
Under its bylaws, the Public Art Committee’s mission is to “advance a cohesive, elegant, and community-oriented public art program that enhances the city’s identity, quality of life, and cultural vibrancy.” Responsibilities include developing a long-term public art plan, advising on placement and maintenance of art in city spaces, reviewing art in private development applications, and helping secure funding through grants and partnerships. Membership will consist of five to seven appointees, serving staggered three-year terms, with eligibility extended to residents, business owners, artists, civic leaders, and student representatives.
Councilmember Molly MacDonald praised the collaborative work that led to the resolution’s adoption, noting the range of voices on the steering committee—including local artists and residents with public service experience. “I’m enthusiastically endorsing this, I can’t wait to vote yes on it,” she said during deliberations. She added that Councilmember Plechash, who chaired the steering group, “has been looking forward to this and excited about [it] for quite some time”.
With the resolution now in place, the city will begin advertising committee openings this fall alongside other board and commission seats. The first Public Art Committee meetings are expected to be scheduled in 2026. To support future projects, the Council has also allocated $100,000 to a new Public Art Capital Improvement Fund.
Mayor Andrew Mullin thanked the steering committee and staff for their leadership and affirmed that the permanent committee will play a key role in strengthening Wayzata’s cultural identity.
Stay tuned to Wayzata.com for updates on the call for applications and upcoming public art initiatives.
