PAAC Minutes - March 02, 2026

Staff: Robert Stockdale

ITEM No. 1 – APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The minutes from the February 2, 2026, Public Art and Artifacts Committee meeting were unanimously approved. 

ITEM No. 2 – RECOMMENDATION – Renne Library Russell Chatham Lithograph Relocation

Robert Stockdale stated that the interior north wall on the third floor of Renne Library would be removed to expose the existing windows and that this remodel requires the relocation of three lithographs created by Russell Chatham (Gallatin Valley in Winter, Silver Bow Winter Dusk, and Boulder Valley Fall). Robert noted that two of the works, Silver Bow Winter Dusk and Boulder Valley Fall, were part of a set of works titled the “Montana Suite.” Robert then explained that the MSU Library faculty had requested that the works remain on the third floor of Renne Library, where there are three other Chatham lithographs. Robert outlined the two relocation options that the library staff had proposed: the first having two works displayed to the right of the current location (Location A) and one work hung on a south-facing wall in the southern study area (Location B); and the second option having all three works moved to a west-facing wall (Location C), which would expose them to daily sunlight.

Jodi Allison-Bunnell described the two options offered as a choice between keeping the three lithographs together or protecting them from sunlight. Richard Rudnicki stated that while he would prefer to keep the works together, Location C is in a corridor space where they were likely to be passed over by students. Caleb Fey agreed, noting that he found Chatham’s work to be rewarding when viewed from a distance and that Location C does not allow for that kind of viewing. Caleb then explained that there was no greater intention behind the grouping of these three lithographs beyond the fact that they complement one another, so he would be fine with splitting up the works. Caleb added that he liked the idea of keeping together the two pieces from the “Montana Suite.”

Caleb Fey asked if there was a specific place for the artwork to be hung on the wall at Location B or if the adjacent furniture could be moved to accommodate the piece. Jodi Allison-Bunnell responded that the seating was designed to be flexible in the space, so there would be some leeway with the location of the art and the furniture. Josh DeWeese added that the map on that wall may need to be relocated because the space could become cramped with the addition of the lithograph.

Tony Waller moved to approve the relocation of Silver Bow Winter Dusk and Boulder Valley Fall to Location A and Gallatin Valley in Winter to Location B
Josh DeWeese seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously.

ITEM No. 3 – INFORMATIONAL – Caring for Our Own Program (CO-OP) Art Selection Update

Robert Stockdale explained that the RFP for the CO-OP artworks had been modified with further input from CO-OP students and leadership after the selection committee had found the first round of submissions lacking. Robert stated that the selection committee met again in February to review the second round of submissions and unanimously selected a proposal for a series of sheet-cut metal compositions by Naji Haska, an MFA student at MSU, and Victoria Burchill, an MSU metalsmith instructor. Robert then presented the concept illustrations for the proposed works, noting that the compositions draw on Haska’s Indigenous heritage and incorporate tobacco, flower, sage, and sweetgrass imagery to express themes of healing. Robert added that words meaning “to heal” in a variety of regional Indigenous languages will be incorporated into the artworks to make the pieces and CO-OP spaces welcoming to individuals from different tribal backgrounds.

Richard Rudnicki stated that the selection process for these artworks was a good example of the PAAC’s role because it provided a space to hear from and work with building occupants while ensuring that the resulting works contribute to MSU’s art collection. Richard added that the decision to pursue a second round of submissions with a revised RFP document demonstrates that the University is only willing to accept art that is right for the intended space.

ITEM No. 4 – OPEN DISCUSSION

Caleb Fey raised the issue that much of the artwork on campus has not been cleaned since its installation. Caleb noted that some items in MSU’s collection were acquired with a contractual stipulation to clean and maintain them. Caleb asked whether there is any system or program in place for maintaining artworks that MSU owns. Richard Rudnicki replied that there are no established standards or procedures for maintaining art on campus, but that he agreed it is something that is needed. Richard added that funding sources would need to be considered for maintenance activities that cannot be done internally. Caleb responded that he had not encountered any art on campus that could not be cleaned and maintained with MSU’s existing internal resources.

Jodi Allison-Bunnell asked if the maintenance of artworks could be paired with the existing building maintenance schedules. Richard Rudnicki replied that scheduled building maintenance activities are directed to specific trades and that there is not a group within Facilities Services that is trained to clean and maintain art.

Dean Adams proposed that a task force be formed to outline the needs and expectations for art maintenance, which could then serve as a foundation for determining how such work can be accomplished from fiscal and operational standpoints. Richard Rudnicki asked the Committee for volunteers to form a task force. Caleb Fey, Tony Waller, and Jodi Allison-Bunnell volunteered. Richard asked Robert Stockdale to schedule a meeting of the task force.