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Billy O'Neill appointed to Seattle Arts Commission by City Council
O'Neill brings visual arts and nonprofit boards experience to the Commission

SEATTLE — Seattle City Council has appointed Billy O'Neill to the Seattle Arts Commission. O'Neill is vice president of Chihuly Studio, where he is responsible for the day-to-day operations of artist Dale Chihuly's international art studio. He serves as secretary on the Executive Board of Directors of the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) and on advisory boards for the Seattle Sounders and The Vera Project. O'Neill's term on the Commission will last until Dec.31, 2012, when he will be up for reappointment.

"Billy's energy and creative leadership have brought about remarkable accomplishments in our city. I look forward to his unique capacity for success being applied to his work with the Seattle Arts Commission," said City Councilmember Nick Licata.

The 16-member Seattle Arts Commission, made up of citizen volunteers appointed by the mayor and City Council, supports the Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs. Commissioners may serve up to three two-year terms. The Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs promotes the value of arts and culture in communities throughout Seattle.

In addition to his day-to-day work at Chihuly Studio, O'Neill founded Billy O Wines in 2005, pairing artwork by Dale Chihuly and wine by Eric Dunham of Dunham Cellars in a wine program that has benefited more than 30 local non-profits to date including the Moyer Foundation, SIFF, The Vera Project, Gilda's Club, Pratt Fine Arts Center, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and The Stranger Genius Awards through sales proceeds. O'Neill fills the position vacated by Eric Fredericksen, who served on the commission since 2009.

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