PAAC Minutes - June 01, 2026
Members Present: Richard Rudnicki – Chair, Benjamin Wilson–ASMSU Representative, Dean Adams, Caleb Fey, Jennisse Waters, Josh DeWeese, Tony Waller, Keely Holmes, Holley Woosley-Vennes
Members Absent:Josh DeWeese, Jodi Allison-Bunnell, Melissa Ragain
Staff & Guests: Sarah Knoebl – Campus Planner, Dena Knutson
ITEM No. 1 – APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes from the March 2, 2026, Public Art and Artifacts Committee meeting were unanimously approved.
ITEM No. 2 – Action – 2 Feather Drop by Ron Ukrainetz Loan Offer
Sarah Knoebl presented a proposal from a donor to loan 2 Feather Drop by Ron Ukrainetz,
a painted scratchboard engraving depicting a Native American headdress, for display
in the American Indian Hall. Sarah noted that the work would be displayed on loan
for a period of one to three years. Sarah stated that the Native American Studies
department was consulted and that they recommended the work be displayed elsewhere
on campus because the artist is not Native American and previous works for the American
Indian Hall were acquired through a special committee that included representatives
from various tribal groups.
Caleb Fey asked whether there was an established process with contract and insurance
requirements in place for loaned artworks. Richard Rudnicki stated that Planning,
Design and Construction would work with the Office of Legal Counsel to put together
an agreement, as there is no existing contract. Sarah Knoebl noted that MSU displayed
a loaned artwork in Barnard Hall three years ago for a short time, but that there
had not been any loaned artworks since.
Dean Adams asked whether there was a stated reason from the donor for loaning this
artwork to MSU. Richard Rudnicki replied that the donor thought the piece would inspire
conversations about Indigenous cultures, art, representation, and appropriation.
Caleb Fey stated that he thought there were numerous locations on campus besides the
American Indian Hall where the work could be displayed respectfully. Caleb noted that
the MSU Library staff and leadership have done exceptional work incorporating Indigenous
and Native artworks within Renne Library, so the building may be a nice location for
this piece.
Dean Adams moved to accept the artwork for display on the condition that the Office
of Legal Counsel approves a proper loan agreement, that a suitable location is found
and accepted by the donor, and that the donor self-insures the artwork so that the
University is not liable.
Tony Waller seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously.
ITEM No. 3 – OPEN DISCUSSION
Dean Adams noted that Caleb Fey and University Communications are working at the President’s
request to document MSU’s public art collection, with the hope of adding the data
to a wayfinding app.
Dean Adams asked if there was a procedure established for cleaning artwork on campus.
Richard Rudnicki replied that the Campus Art Maintenance task force had met and that
Caleb Fey is currently developing a cleaning procedure document. Richard added that
the next step will be to determine what mechanisms and processes are needed to maintain
the various types of artworks on campus.