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HomeMy WebLinkAboutArts Commission - 03/13/2006 APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION MONDAY, MARCH 13, 2006 7:30 P.M., CITY CENTER PRAIRIE ROOM A & B 8080 MITCHELL ROAD COMMISSION MEMBERS: Steve Mosow, Chair; Heather Olson, Vice Chair; Lois Larson, Ann Rorem, Diane Zielke STUDENT MEMBERS: Sarah Ericson, Michael Kientzle, Grace Li COMMISSION STAFF: Sandy Werts, Staff Liaison Allison Burr, Recording Secretary GUEST: Reed Schulke, Eden Prairie Players SUPPORT STAFF: Bob Lambert, Director, Parks & Recreation Services Laurie Obiazor, Manager of Recreation Services I. ROLL CALL Chair Mosow called the meeting to order at 7:36 p.m. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Olson brought up the subject of public art for the Veterans Memorial. Mosow noted that topic was discussed at a previous meeting, so it will be considered under Old Business at tonight's meeting. MOTION: Olson moved, seconded by Rorem, to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried 5-0. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 13, 2006 MEETING Larson noted on page 3 under International Festival, the second sentence reads "Arts and Cultural Commission"rather than "Arts and Culture Commission." Olson noted on page 4 under Developing an Art Center, the seconded sentence begins "Commission Olson"rather than "Commissioner Olson." MOTION: Olson moved, seconded by Larson, to approve minutes of the Arts and Culture Commission meeting held February 13, 2006, as corrected. Motion carried 5-0. Arts & Culture Commission March 13, 2006 Page 2 IV. EDEN PRAIRIE PLAYERS UPDATE Schulke stated he will try to attend the Arts and Culture Commission meetings as regularly as possible and apologized for missing the previous one. He reported the winter show just concluded at the high school, and approximately 570 people came to the show. Turnout would have been better had the weather not been below zero a couple of nights. Parking was also a challenge because of other activities held at the same time. But overall it was a successful show and people enjoyed it. Schulke reported upcoming auditions for"Oliver" will be held a week from Monday at CMS. Children will audition the first night and adults will audition the second night. Schulke noted the other item to report is the first fundraising effort of the Eden Prairie Players will be held April 22. It is a one-day garage sale to be held at the barn at Homeward Hills. He encouraged Commissioners to publicize the event. Donations are needed the Friday before the sale, and then the sale will be Saturday. He stated computers or furniture are discouraged; toys, clothing, and knick-knacks tend to sell well. Schulke stated the Eden Prairie Players are working on the selection of one-acts for the fall. He noted the dates will be moved up into September instead of October. Last year it was quite cold in the barn, so it will be moved up to two weeks after Sunbonnet Days. Prior to that, the children's show will be held, "The Spell of Sleeping Beauty." Auditions will be coming up for that pretty soon. Selection of next year's musical and next year's spring play are under consideration as well. Schulke stated Jay Ludwig, Liz Michaelson, and himself went out to the Eden Prairie Center and asked what was being done with the chairs in the old United Artists Theater space, as renovations are about to be underway. However, after viewing the chairs, they decided against using them since they are in ratty shape and are orange. The goal had been to use the chairs in the barn on an as-needed basis,but they cannot be used. Mosow asked what will be done with the United Artists Theater. Schulke responded he was told a major retailer is coming in. Werts added that means the idea of a community theater in that space is no longer an option. Schulke stated one of the things the Eden Prairie Players would like to have discussions about is redoing parts of the amphitheater building to make it nicer. The stage needs work, and the amphitheater could be expanded. Olson said previously there was some mention of a graphics contest being held to promote "Oliver." Schulke responded that was a good idea,but it needed to be started earlier. It should be initiated around November for the following summer. He stated that Eden Prairie Players have gotten to the point now of trying to be 18 months ahead in terms of planning. Arts & Culture Commission March 13, 2006 Page 3 Olson asked how auditions will be advertised. Schulke responded there will be advertising in the Star Tribune on Sunday; there will be an email blast and a mailing as well. Werts added the Eden Prairie News and Sun Current were also sent information opportunities. Schulke noted there are some websites that have been good vehicles for people looking for local acting. "Oliver" is set for staff, except for a set designer. Schulke stated he and Jay Ludwig are doing a service event at Oak Pointe. The format provides three opportunities for them to take 20 minutes and talk with 70 kids, so they will be able to meet with 210 kids. He and Ludwig will do a few theater games, talk about community theater, and will promote the fact the kids can audition for"Oliver." Olson asked Werts to send an email that she can distribute to the high school regarding "Oliver." Larson asked if the set designer is a paid position. Schulke stated yes, it is. It is paid for the winter play and the summer musical. The one-acts and children's camp are not paid. V. OLD BUSINESS A. Revised Charter Statement Mosow stated the revised Charter Statement is the product of the Commission's work at last meeting along with Olson's suggestions. He invited further comments from the Commissioners. Olson suggested the current form may be too wordy. Discussion ensued regarding Roles and Responsibilities. The Commissioners discussed revisions to the Mission and Purpose. The Commission decided the final wording for the Purpose is as follows: "Our purpose is to enhance the creative and cultural opportunities for Eden Prairie residents by offering a broad range of cultural, performance and visual art programs." The Commission decided the final wording for the Mission is as follows: "Improve the quality of life through promotion of arts and culture." The Commission decided on the following wording for Roles and Responsibilities: Arts & Culture Commission March 13, 2006 Page 4 A. Provide input to staff on the development of a)performance and visual art programs; b) programs that communicate, preserve, and celebrate our historic and diverse cultural heritage. B. Recommend policies related to the operation of existing programs and facilities related to the arts. C. Study and propose the development of new art-related facilities. D. Enlist the cooperation of organizations and individuals in the community to promote awareness and support of performance, visual and cultural art programs. E. Promote partnerships with art and cultural resources throughout the metropolitan area. MOTION: Zielke moved, seconded by Rorem, to approve the Charter Statement as discussed during tonight's meeting. Motion carried 5-0. Werts asked if the Commission would like the Charter Statement to be added to the City Council's consent calendar. Mosow responded yes, it should be sent to the consent calendar. B. Eagle Statue Project Olson noted there is a significant price difference among the companies for the statues. She calculated it would cost approximately $50,100 for 20 statues from Tivolitoo; $31,500 from FastKorp; and $30,000 from FiberStock. Discussion was held regarding the materials used in the various statues. Rorem also discussed the repair policies among the different companies. Rorem noted for both FastKorp and FiberStock, the bases are filled with sand or water and there is no separate delivery charge. Werts asked what the longevity of a statue is. Rorem responded all the companies say the statues will last indefinitely. Olson stated the Commission should consider how long the statues should be around town. Some cities keep them around for a few years and then auction them off. Werts suggested up front there should be a commitment to build a statue. Rorem stated that is why the Commission should start working with the Chamber of Commerce to see what the level of interest may be among different businesses. Zielke noted FiberStock is a Minnesota company. Mosow suggested perhaps FiberStock can come in and give a presentation, and some members of the Chamber of Commerce can attend. Rorem suggested a few Councilmembers should attend as well. Arts & Culture Commission March 13, 2006 Page 5 Rorem suggested the timing of the statues' completion is likely in the fall or next summer at this point. Olson asked how the representatives from the Chamber should be introduced to the idea. Mosow stated the Commission should provide them with a one-page synopsis of the idea and why it is a good idea to proceed with the project,how this increases business and benefits the community. Rorem stated the Commission needs to decide what is trying to be accomplished with this project. Olson asked if it would be a possibility to make smaller versions of the statues for school kids to purchase and paint their own. Rorem stated she can check with the companies to see if that is a possibility. Mosow stated a one-page document needs to be created with the purposes and benefits of the statues. Olson suggested perhaps the FiberStock representative can create something. Rorem located a document from FiberStock with some information about the benefits of a statue project. Werts made copies for the Commission members. Rorem passed around a price list and some of the features from FiberStock. Mosow suggested the next step is to look at the document from FiberStock and at the next meeting create a one-page document to describe what the project is, the purpose, the features and benefits if the City engages in such a project, details including price, and identify people to invite to see the presentation to discuss the opportunity for this project. Mosow stated Commission members need to brainstorm about who to invite from the Chamber, Council, and the Foundation. He suggested Commission members should email Werts ideas of who to invite. Larson suggested using the word "branding" to describe this. Mosow stated the document can include something indicating this is a concerted effort to make Eden Prairie a brand and a destination. Zielke asked if there will be any issues with regulations on displaying the statues. Werts stated that she will call Art on City Wall participants. C. Revision of Art Resources Directory Mosow asked for the timeline on the directory. Werts responded it is sometime in June. She added the Commission needs to decide if there are things that need to Arts & Culture Commission March 13, 2006 Page 6 be added and ascertain if things are still current. Werts stated she will call Arts on the City Walls and Community Education for updated information. Zielke suggested a blurb should be put in the newspaper asking anyone to contact the City for inclusion in the arts directory. Werts stated she knows people looked at the current directory because when the directory came out, she received a few calls. Mosow suggested the list be divided up so calls can be made to see if the entry is still current. The list was divided up among Commission members. Larson departed the meeting at 8:45 p.m. Rorem stated there was discussion previously about including some churches. Werts stated there is no incentive for the churches to be included if times cannot be listed. D. Public Art for Veterans Memorial Werts stated she needs to discuss this topic with Bob Lambert. She also asked if anyone from this Commission would like to be on that committee. Mosow stated this item will be carried over to next time. VI. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business to discuss. VII. REPORTS OF STAFF AND COMMISSIONERS A. New Commissioners Werts stated there were four candidates interviewed for the Commission; one was appointed to another Commission. Rorem and Zielke were reappointed, and two withdrew before the night of interview. Werts reported Joann Finnegan was appointed. She is very interested in art for boys. The second person was Elizabeth Grant, who previously had an exhibit downstairs of"Bones." The third new Commission member is Farida Kathawalla. Grace Li departed the meeting at 9:00 p.m. Arts & Culture Commission March 13, 2006 Page 7 B. Heather Olson 1. Report on MRAC Workshop on Increasing Arts Participation Olson stated the Metro Regional Arts Council has been doing workshops about art center development. They had one last Saturday and she attended a couple hours of the full-day workshop with Farida Kathawalla. There were a small number of people there; each represented a different organization. She stated each group was trying to find a way to develop their audience. The good news is that the leader had everyone thinking about the mission and purpose and the audience to be served. She stated Farida and brainstormed regarding a mission statement for a future Eden Prairie Arts Center. 2. Kite Flyins! Event Olson stated Marcus Young was one of the people who attended the MRAC workshop. She stated he tries to put symbolism and ceremony into kite flying. People write a wish on their kites and send them up. He is doing this even on Earth Day in Shanghai in 2006 and in St. Paul in 2007. He indicated if Eden Prairie is interested in the future, it would be cheaper by then because the start-up costs will be diminished. 3. Mayor Center Area Wayfindins! Committee Olson and Mosow received a letter stating she has been selected to be on that committee. They intend to represent the Arts and Culture Commission while on the committee. 4. AIGA Minnesota Desisn Show Olson stated she has been involved with this graphic arts group for a number of years. They have an annual show, and the show is coming to ADC in the last week of April. It is open during business hours. She will try to see if students want to get involved. C. Old United Artist Theater Space at Eden Prairie Center Mosow stated this was previously discussed by Schulke. D. Developing an Art Center—Public/Private Relationships Werts stated public/private relationships were discussed at the most recent meeting. Steve Michaud, Parks and Recreation Director for Lakeville, described how the City of Lakeville bought a Catholic Church complex, sold off the school, tore down the convent and redid the inside into theater classrooms. It all cost Arts & Culture Commission March 13, 2006 Page 8 about$3 million. However, now they wish they had the school again. She noted their program has really grown. Schulke stated he is starting to collect some writings by Ann Markausen from the Humphrey Institute regarding economics and the return on investment in art centers. Schulke stated this lady from the Humphrey Institute is now researching the economic impact of theater. He would like to put that information into a booklet to distribute so people can look at this in a little different light. Werts stated there is all kinds of information out there. In November she made a presentation to the City Council and relied on this type of data to support community arts. Schulke noted Detroit Lakes raised between $4.5 and $5 million from private citizens to build its arts center. Mosow asked where Bloomington got their money. Werts responded it took a long time to raise it. Plus, there are nine arts groups that use it. She recalled it may have been partially funded by bonds. VIII. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS A. Commission Banquet Werts reported the Commission Banquet is April 26. Students are invited to attend as well and are given a certificate for participation. IX. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Olson moved, Rorem seconded, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 4- 0. The meeting adjourned at 9:16 p.m.