HomeMy WebLinkAboutArts Commission - 09/16/2002 APPROVED MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRIE ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION
Monday, September 16, 2002 7:00 PM—Atrium I, City Center
8080 Mitchell Road, Eden Prairie MN 55344-4485
Commission Members: Dianne Fesler, Chair; Susan Dickman, Vice Chair; Ann Birt; Cari
Grayson; Steve Mosow; Todd Pernsteiner; Doug White
Commission Staff: Tria Mann, Staff Liaison
Tanya Whitsitt, Recording Secretary
Support Staff: Bob Lambert, Director of Parks and Recreation
Laurie Obiazor, Manager of Recreation Services
Meeting was called to order by Tria Mann at 7:02 p.m.
I. Roll Call
❑ Dianne Fesler(exc) ❑ Susan Dickman (exc) ® Ann Birt
® Cari Grayson ® Steve Mosow ® Todd Pernsteiner(late 7:10 p.m.)
® Doug White
II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mosow moved, seconded by Grayson to approve the Agenda as published. Motion carried: 4—0.
III. APPROVAL OF JULY 22, 2002 MINUTES
With the absence of Fesler and Dickman, the minutes from July 22 go unapproved. The three new
members cannot vote and there is not quorum to vote on old minutes. Item will get moved to next
meeting.
IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
A. City Council Appoints Three New Members to the Arts and Culture Commission
Mann stated there are three new members added to the commission by the Council, Steve
Mosow, Todd Pernsteiner, and Doug White. Each introduced themselves and spoke
about their background, their interest in arts and their various involvement in the
community. Mann noted each of their terms and welcomed all of them.
B. City Council Appoints Cari Grayson to the City & School Facility Use Advisory
Committee
Mann explained this committee meets a few times a year and their purpose is to look at
policies passed by each group relating to facility use. They will meet soon to discuss
facilities for Arts programs in Eden Prairie. The committee will review joint events and
look at new ways to share space; i.e. the Community Theater currently pays to use the
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September 16,2002 Unapproved Minutes
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auditorium at the High School. Grayson was recently appointed by the Council to serve
on this committee and represent the interests of the Arts and Culture Commission.
V. OLD BUSINESS
A. Report on the Jean Harris Memorial Design
Mann stated there was a first meeting with artist Teri Kwant on September 3rd. From this
meeting, Mann said they decided to hold two sessions where persons can come and meet
the artist and give ideas/impressions about Jean Harris' memorial. The first will be on
September 18 from 11 am— 1 pm for City Staff. The second will be on September 24
from 7 — 9 pm in the Council Chambers for anyone else. They encourage anyone who is
interested to come by and share their feelings,reflections, and thoughts about Harris.
Kwant will also meet with Harris' family, friends and colleagues to get a sense of what
kind of memorial is appropriate for her. Mann stated the Design Committee will meet
again on September 30 and come up with a first concept design and discuss alternatives.
B. Discussion of the New Ankle by the McKnight Foundation
Mann stated the book "New Angle" was brought about as a starting point to discuss needs
and concerns relating to Arts in Eden Prairie. She stated when they were doing work
sessions and research for the book, she gave information about Eden Prairie. She said we
should discuss impressions and a sense of where we should begin. Birt said that as an
Arts Commission member, she is connected through Tria Mann, the Council and staff.
She stated it seems in the book to be set up the same as here; we aren't privately funded.
Mann replied it is different for each commission. She said she was surprised they did not
mention Eden Prairie in the book as most Twin Cities people live in the suburbs; about 2
million. Mosow asked if the suburbs still get a disproportionate amount of funds. Mann
replied yes, they don't get as much. Mosow said there needs to be a voice since there are
so many people.
Grayson suggested we would get a better response from the community if we had a
central arts location. Mann said people just don't know about all of the arts programs in
Eden Prairie since different people offer them. People have said they didn't even know
we had an Arts Commission and that the City offers wonderful programs like painting
and acting. She said we have to start offering more and increase promotion and
awareness. Birt stated it is difficult to get awareness when the arts are scattered. A logo is
not used that people can identify with. Pernsteiner added that Minnetonka has their
Center for the Arts which is their central location and it does well. Mosow suggested we
look at target markets, i.e. children and families. Birt said we could contact the McPhail
organization and seek to expand our reach within the community. She said she wants to
see more quality programs. Mann said she knows of urban communities which are
seeking to bring arts out here to the suburbs. Birt also suggested we could partner with
Wooddale who is interested in outreach. Mann summarized by stating we need
promotion, branding, quality programs, facilities (do we really need one?), and
partnerships. She said we need to look at what role the City plays.
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Mosow asked what Strategic Plan the City has. He wants to see these implemented
relating to Arts. Mann replied the City has a Strategic Plan called Vision 2001, and said
the wording is interesting since it includes Parks and Arts. The Council will shortly be
working on a new Strategic Plan.
Mann asked where the Commission wants to go from here. Birt said we need a vehicle to
indicate what Arts are serving Eden Prairie and people need to know where to find
programs. She said we need to partner with businesses and reach out to raise funds.
Pernsteiner agreed we could have a benefit or fundraiser to raise money for Arts in Eden
Prairie. Mann mentioned a fundraiser for the Community Theater on October 27 at
Girrarosto Toscano. Mosow suggested continuing to look for partnerships and taking
action on the Strategic Plan. Mann summarized that we need to do this in addition to
reviewing community survey results, taking an inventory of what we have to offer so far,
and looking at opportunities.
Birt distributed a Hopkins Arts Center brochure that she picked up. She said this is a great
way to get people to attend Arts events.
White asked if we can ask for grants from organizations such as McKnight. Mann said
McKnight has an extensive process,but we mostly request MRAC grants, who get
McKnight Grants She stated there is money out there; we just have to apply for it.
White asked how we would go about getting a performing arts center. Mann said we
need to re-look at it since it has been a while since it has been discussed. She said we
would need to get rationale behind why we need one and why we need to offer more
programs.
Motion: Grayson moved, seconded by Mosow to have Staff bring to the Commission the
Arts center facilities report. Motion carried: 5 —0.
Motion: Mosow moved, seconded by Pernsteiner to direct Staff to find out what the
future process is for the City's Strategic Plan. Motion carried: 5—0.
Motion: Mosow moved, seconded by Birt to have Staff submit community survey
results, current partnerships with other arts organizations and promotional vehicles used
for City programs for the Commission to review. Motion carried: 5—0.
Motion: Birt moved, seconded by Grayson to have Staff provide an inventory for
existing Art programs for the whole community and report back to the Commission.
Motion carried: 5—0.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
A. Appoint a Member to the Design Ad Hoc Committee
With Mills leaving the Arts and Culture Commission, a new member needs to be
appointed to the Design Ad Hoc Committee.
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Motion: Grayson moved, seconded by Pernsteiner to nominate Steve Mosow for the
position. Motion carried: 5 —0.
Mosow accepted the nomination.
B. Report About the Developing Arts Participation Work Session—9/10/02
Birt reported she was glad she went,but she felt the achievements and goals set for this
work session were not met. Birt read excerpts from a binder they distributed and used at
the work session. She discussed team building, relationship development, diversity,
incentives to donate, and participation. She said for implementation of programs, a plan
is required as well as people [community] involvement.
Mann suggested a meeting between the Arts and Culture Commission and the Chamber
to further promote good relationships with businesses. She said we used to have "Art on
Business Walls",but not anymore. She cited some recent business partnerships; the
library has programming and poetry; EP Mall will host a scarecrow contest for
Halloween, and local coffeehouses have music programs.
VII. REPORTS OF STAFF
A. Arts and Special Events Coordinator
1. Update on Art and Cultural Programs
a. Art Fair
b. Cemetery Walk
C. Theatre Fund Raiser
d. Scarecrow Contest
e. "Reviewed to Death"
Mann discussed each upcoming event, the dates, times and cost if any.
B. "Playsrounds for the Mind, Body, and Spirit" —suggested reading
Mann suggested this as informational reading for the commission members.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
The next Arts and Culture Commission meeting is scheduled for November 18"' at 7:00
p.m. [now re-scheduled for November 25"']
Birt moved, seconded by Mosow to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
Meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.