Arts & Entertainment Community Government

Gig Harbor to appoint two new arts commissioners

The city of Gig Harbor is considering appointing two community members to its Arts Commission, following the loss of commissioners Joanne Brandani and Stephanie Killilea in February.

The council briefly introduced prospective arts commissioners Nora Ekstein and Robin Avni at a study session on April 16. Ekstein was unable to make the meeting, but Mayor Mary Barber told listeners that she has a background in performing arts.

Avni, who was at the meeting, is the president of the Peninsula Art League and previously served as a city arts commissioner. She said the potential appointment would be “just in time as I’m rolling off the state Arts Commission, so I can come back and focus on the hometown.”

“I’m grateful to be able to promote the arts in any way that I can in Gig Harbor and in the surrounding areas,” Avni said.

The council will vote on whether to appoint the pair, as well as reappoint incumbent arts commissioner Kris Robinson, at its April 27 meeting.