HomeMy WebLinkAboutArts Commission - 02/16/1999 APPROVED MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRIE ARTS COMMISSION
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1999 7:15 P.M.
City Center Atrium Conference Room
8080 Mitchell Road, Eden Prairie
COMMISSION MEMBERS: Ann Birt, Deb Campbell-Potter, Susan Dickman,
Harry Gerrish,Andrea McGillan, Barb Nordby
and David Steppat
COMMUNITY EDUCATION LIAISON: Ann Coates
PERFORMING ARTS ENSEMBLE: Ann Crawford
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES: Jonathan Engbrecht and Lukus Porter
STAFF: Tria Mann,Arts & Special Events Coordinator
Carol Pelzel, Recorder
I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order by Chair Campbell-Potter at 7:15 p.m. Community Education
Liaison Coates, Commissioners Nordby and was Performing Arts Ensemble representative
Crawford were excused. Commissioner Gerrish was absent. Commissioner Birt arrived at 7:30 p.m.
II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mann asked that Item C. 2., 1998 Program Ending Report,be tabled.
III. OPEN PODIUM
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — Tuesday,January 19, 1999
Steppat recommended that on Page 5, B. the last sentence of that paragraph read "It appears the
budget amount was exceeded, however, in reality it was not when taking into consideration the
additional revenue." Also, Steppat recommended that VILA. 1., the second sentence of the first
paragraph read "They will use the funds for lights but the Commission designated part of this
money to Joel for his expertise and purchasing advise." Campbell-Potter asked that on Page 4,
Section C, the first sentence be amended to read "Campbell-Potter commented they had decided to
spend a portion of this money on the Arts Teachers interactive t-shirt project and this item should
be revisited after the Arts Festival."
Motion: Dickman moved, Steppat seconded, to approve the January 19, 1999, minutes as
amended. The motion carried 6-0.
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V. OLD BUSINESS
A. Arts Festival
1. Open Points
Mann reported that promotions for the Arts Festival are in progress. The brochure has been
forwarded to the printer and should be back by Tuesday of next week. One of the groups
performing, Tonic Sol-fa,has provided the City with flyers and Mann will see that these are
also distributed. Staff is also preparing table tents to be placed on the tables in the Mall.
Mann explained that they are working on the layout of the events and making sure
everything is where it is suppose to be. They are also in the process of wrapping up all
loose ends.
2. Next Steps
McGillan reported that she has purchased the material needed for the stage covering for a
cost of$37.80 and presented a sample to the Commission. Mann explained that they would
be using the Mall's stage for downstairs. McGillan expressed concern about when they can
decorate the stage. She does not want this to happen on Sunday morning. Mann said she
would check with the Mall to see when they could decorate the stage. McGillan asked how
they plan to hang the panels advertising the event and what type of material they should
use. Following discussion, the Commission agreed that the same material used for the stage
covering could be used for the panels with white paper and colored lettering. The words on
the panel should include Explore, Engage and Enjoy and the date and time of the event.
Mann said she would also check with Pepsi to see if they would be willing to provide them
with banners similar to those they provided for the City's 41h of July celebration. The signs
can be hung in the Mall up to a month in advance of the event. It was agreed that the signs
should be hung in the same places as last year. McGillan said she would make four panels,
two sets each.
The Commission reviewed the layout of the various events. Mann pointed out that the
artists do not have any grids or wall space to hang their work. Steppat suggested that Mann
call the artists and inform them of this and see if they have any problem with that. Birt
suggested they contact Sears and Mervyn's to see if they have any space available to
display the art or check with the Mall to see if there is any unoccupied space available.
Mann responded that when she originally talked to the Mall people they indicated that there
is no other space available but she will check with them again. Campbell-Potter said she has
some concerns with the location of the t-shirt display. She does not feel this is a large
enough space and she suggested that they look at locating this display in another area.
Steppat reported that he has prepared a one-page fact sheet that he will e-mail and fax out
and will follow-up with telephone calls. Nordby explained that she would be working with
Porter on the murals. He should be able to do the sketches the week before and should have
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February 16, 1999
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them completed by Friday. Also, they are still collecting money and as of this date, they
have received $775 in contributions. The names of the contributors will be placed on a
sponsor's list. Any additional contributors will be listed on the program, which is not
printed until right before the Festival.
Mann reported that she has talked to the Community Band and she suggested they use the
Jazz ensemble since the entire band is a rather large group. They will have to decide where
to place them on the schedule. Campbell-Potter suggested that they play in front of the
stage. Also, Mann explained that Dance with Michelle has indicated an interest in
performing with her dancers. Dickman said the dancers would be a good addition because it
would bring out the parents and young dancers. Mann said they could also perform in front
of the stage.
Steppat handed out a draft of a questionnaire to be distributed at the Festival. He asked that
the Commissioners have any suggestions and/or recommendations back to him by next
week. Porter suggested that murals be added under events. Mann said she is working with
the Schools Youth Development Board for volunteers and those volunteers could distribute
the questionnaire. Dickman suggested that they add a line for the ages of the children in
attendance.
Campbell-Potter reminded the Commission that a walk-through of the Mall is scheduled for
6:45 p.m. on March 1 and a final walk through will be on March 8. It will not be necessary
for the entire Commission to do the March 8 walk through.
B. Constitution of the EPCB Association
1. Discussion of Recommendations
Campbell-Potter explained that at their last meeting they received a copy of the
Constitution of the Eden Prairie Community Band Association. Campbell-Potter asked if
membership is limited to Eden Prairie residents. Mann responded that it is not, it is open to
anyone. Campbell-Potter asked if there are any items in the Constitution that this
Commission should be concerned with. Mann said she thought this was the original
document and no changes have been made to it. However, they should be sure to review
Article I, Section 2, which discusses sponsorship and the fact that they are representing the
City. Also, Section 6, Article V, states that the Director is appointed by the sponsor and
Section 7 indicates that the Director is the sponsor representative. Steppat asked if this
Commission needs to formally approve this Constitution. Mann responded that they do not,
it is provided to the Commission for information only.
Campbell-Potter said she does not understand what type of entity the band is. It appears that
they are organized as an association funded by the City,however, they have no obligation
to the City. Campbell-Potter said she does not oppose this but would like a better
understanding of what their relationship should be. Steppat said he does not understand the
difference between this group and the theater group. Mann said it is her understanding that
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February 16, 1999
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the City has control of their portion of the budget but does not have control of the money
the band collects. They are also in control of hiring the Director and of purchasing the
music and instruments. The City does own the band's instruments.
Following discussion, Campbell-Potter said she would contact Em Stark, Director to get
more background information on this group and to discuss what this Commission's input
should be. Maybe there is some way this Commission could better support the band.
Steppat said that even though they don't have to approve this Constitution, it would be
helpful to understand their relationship.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
VII. RECOMMENDATIONS AND REPORTS
A. Reports of Commissioners
1. Grant Update—David Steppat
Steppat reported that they have been awarded a grant from the Metro Regional Arts
Commission in the amount of$500. This money will be used to build a grant application
for an Organizational Development Grant to research arts needs in Eden Prairie. This would
be an $8,000 grant and the application needs to be submitted by April 12. It was agreed that
Campbell-Potter, Steppat and Mann would meet some time next week to begin the process
for completing the grant application.
2. Poetry Event Update—Barbara Nordby
Mann reported that this event will be held Wednesday, April 21, at 7:00 p.m. The library
will be handling everything and Starbucks Coffee will also sponsor the event.
3. Park-in-Movie—Barbara Nordby
Birt reported that they did meet and discussed what type of movie should be shown. They
felt once the poetry event was over they would then proceed with this event. Mann said
they did discuss at the last meeting that this event be done in conjunction with one of the
concerts in August. August 13 would probably be a good date because the first half-hour is
with the Drama Camp Performers. Mann pointed out that there are not a lot of funds in the
Arts Initiative Area,however, they probably will use some money from the Special Events
Initiative. Campbell-Potter suggested they book something that would allow them to go into
the evening so that it is dark enough to show the movie. The Drama Camp could perform
from 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and they could book some other entertainment from 7:30 p.m.
to 8:30 p.m. Birt said she felt this was a long time to have people sit there. Birt said if they
decided to go with August 21, they could do an adult theme. They may want to consider
doing a movie by itself. Mann said that would be fine,but they need to decide soon so that
it can be placed in the summer brochure.
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B. Reports of Liaisons
1. Winter Theatre Update—Ann Crawford
Mann reported that this group is underway and that is why Ann is absent from this meeting,
she is at rehearsal. The set is being designed and promotions will be going out this week
and next week. The tickets will be printed once they have been approved. Campbell-Potter
asked if they would need to help with this performance. Mann said they are trying to get
volunteers to sell tickets but she will let the Commission know if their assistance is needed.
They are arranging for seating for 125.
C. Reports on Staff
1. SLCS Update
Mann distributed a draft copy of the Staring Lake Concert Series 1999 schedule. Mann
reviewed this schedule with the Commission indicating that everything is pretty much
booked except for three concerts and the booking of DiverseCity event. Also, Mann
reported that they had budgeted $4,000 for revenues. They have currently taken in $2,485
for the concert series and they have a couple of new sponsors.
2. 1998 Program Ending Reports
This item was tabled.
VIII. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
IX. EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION
Mann distributed a brochure announcing a Universal Design conference specially designed for small
and mid-sized arts groups sponsored by the Dayton Hudson Foundation with the Metropolitan
Regional Arts Council and VSA Minnesota. This conference will be held Saturday, February 27,
and she suggested that if any Commissioners wish to attend they get their registration in as soon as
possible.
Birt handed out invitations to the Eden Prairie Foundation Ball to be held at the Bearpath Country
Club. She explained that the Eden Prairie Foundation continues to work within the community to
fund certain projects.
Campbell-Potter reported that the City has changed the timing of Commissioner terms. As a result,
no appointments of Commissioners will be made this spring. Those Commissioners whose term
expire have been asked to serve through September. If anyone is unable to serve, they will try to
find alternative ways to fill the vacancy. Campbell-Potter said that her and Birt's terms expire and
they have been asked to serve through September.
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Mann reported that the City Council has changed their meeting starting time to 7:00 p.m. Therefore,
if they needed to present anything to the Council it could be done prior to their meeting.
X. DISCUSS ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
A. Next meeting—March 16, 1999, 7:15 p.m.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Birt moved, McGillan seconded, to adjourn the meetiniz. Motion carried, 7-0. The
meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.