As you drive around Rowlett, you may have seen the various public art installations at the fire stations, Community Center or in a park. As part of the Commission’s responsibilities, they work with city staff and the City Council to look for ways that public art can add to beauty to the Rowlett landscape. The Commission was excited to have the public attend the unveiling of its newest piece of public art on September 9, 2023. Located at the city’s newest fire station at 8602 Schrade Road – it is a tribute to those 343 firefighters lost on 9-11 in New York City as well as Rowlett’s own firefighters who are always ready to serve. The sculpture’s title comes from the comforting verse of Psalm 23 “through the darkest valley, goodness and mercy will follow”.
While it is already an impressive project - what makes this installation even more special is that it was designed by a Rowlett artist – Jon Millet. Jon recently posted what inspired his interest in this project, “I signed on as a tribute to my own son Marshall who loves all things related to this honorable profession. Although he has special needs, he is like-minded in both spirit and in character.” The core of the sculpture is two twin towers sitting on a pentagon-based pedestal. Each tower has a bronze cast fire fighter sitting atop. One fire fighter represents the fire fighters of Rowlett while the other symbolizes the fire fighters of New York City.
The Arts & Humanities Commission is charged with encouraging the development of, appreciation for and participation in the arts and humanities in the City of Rowlett. This includes promoting the performing arts, visual arts, literature and local culture and heritage, and the nurturing of local artists, performers, historians, writers, artisans, etc. The commission also advises and makes recommendations to the City Council on the award of City grants related to the arts.
Agendas are available prior to the meetings.
Minutes are also available following approval.
Most Recent Minutes | View All
Many archived documents are now available via this website. Agendas and minutes prior to 2008 are located in Laserfiche, a document imaging program used by the City for archived records. Instructions (PDF) are also provided.
The Arts and Humanities Commission is comprised of seven regular members appointed by the City Council who serve staggered two-year terms and four alternate members appointed by the City Council annually.
Member | Position | Term Ending |
---|---|---|
Kathryn Crenshaw | Regular Member, Vice Chair | September 30, 2025 |
JR Forasteros | Regular Member | September 30, 2024 |
Julia Meszaros | Regular Member | September 30, 2025 |
Steven Maldonado | Regular Member | September 30, 2024 |
Bailey Weigler | Regular Member | September 30, 2024 |
Laura Keasling | Regular Member, Chair | September 30, 2025 |
David Olmstead | Regular Member | September 30, 2025 |
Vacant | Alternate Member | September 30, 2024 |
Vacant | Alternate Member | September 30, 2024 |
Vacant | Alternate Member | September 30, 2024 |
Vacant | Alternate Member | September 30, 2024 |
Duties and responsibilities of the Arts and Humanities Commission include encouraging the development of, appreciation for and participation in the arts and humanities in the City of Rowlett.
The Arts and Humanities Commission has 10 meetings per year. (No meeting in July or December.) In addition to these meetings, there are three to five special projects chaired or jointly chaired by subcommittees. Each special project could require from 10 to 25 hours of service. Typically a commission member would chair or jointly chair just one project.
Are you looking for ways to give back to the community? If so, we have a spot for you! We’re looking for committed residents willing to volunteer a few hours of their time each month to serve on a board or commission. Applications are available in the City Secretary’s Office in the City Hall Municipal Center at 4000 Main Street. Completed applications can be dropped off at the City Secretary’s Office, faxed to 972-412-6118 or emailed to the City Secretary’s Office.