Mayor Appoints Two New Arts Commission Members

Jaris English and Ben Andrews have been appointed to the Renton Municipal Arts Commission for a three-year term. They will replace outgoing members Sarah Eldridge and Wesley Van Doren.

The commission is still in search of a community member to fill its youth position. This can be anyone under the age of 21.

Another vacancy on the Commission will open up on Dec. 30 following the expiration of Chair Patricia Pepper’s second term.

“She’s been with us for six years and has done a terrific job,” said Jennfer Davis Hayes, Community Development Project Manager, adding that Pepper saw the group through the creation of the Arts and Culture Master Plan, which was adopted by the Renton City Council on Aug. 9, 2011.

Each member of the 12-person Commission is appointed by the Mayor and volunteers their time on the Commission. Its membership includes representatives from many diverse fields, with special interests in architecture, art, music, literature, education and other cultural disciplines, according to the City of Renton web site.