Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutArts Commission - 03/16/1999 APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE ARTS COMMISSION TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 1999 7:15 P.M. City Center Atrium Conference Room 8080 Mitchell Road, Eden Prairie COMMISISON 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 Vice-Chairperson Nordby at 7:20 p.m. Commissioner Dickman, Community Education Representative Coates and Performing Arts Ensemble Representative Crawford were excused. Commissioner Gerrish and Student Representatives Engbrecht and Porter were absent. Commissioner Campbell-Potter arrived at 7:55 p.m. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion: Birt moved, McGillan seconded, to approve the agenda as presented. The motion carried, 4-0. III. OPEN PODIUM IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES —Tuesday, February 16, 1999 Motion: Birt moved, Steppat seconded, to approve the February 16, 1999, minutes as presented. The motion carried 4-0. V. OLD BUSINESS A. Arts Festival 1. Recap ARTS COMMISSION March 16, 1999 Page 2 The Commission reviewed Sunday's Arts Festival making recommendations to improve the Festival for next year. Birt recommended that they have signs professionally made that could be generic in nature and have them placed with each activity. It was difficult to determine what was part of the Arts Festival and what was not. They need to better define the space and the signs could be used year after year. McGillan suggested that if possible they place their tables in front of the storefronts rather than in the stores. The events should be spread within the hallways. The participants were reluctant to go into the stores. With regard to setup, Steppat said they did use every chair and moved them as needed. Steppat stated that only five volunteers showed up, therefore, it was difficult to get the evaluation forms handed out. The volunteers did hand out the flyers at the entrances. Birt said she felt that the artists were placed too close together and that visually there was not enough space between artists. Regarding entertainment, McGillan said that Tonic Sol-fa was very good and everyone agreed that they should be asked back next year. Steppat said everyone also enjoyed the Teddy Bear Band. He indicated that the flow on the stage was very awkward in getting everything on and off and they should try to work on that for next year. Mann suggested that they put a moon-shape outline in front of the stage to keep the people back. Nordby reported that the airplane toss was done upstairs and was a good event for those that do not participate in the art events. McGillan indicated that the Works was consistently busy,however, they did not set up until late and Artscraps did not show up until 2:00 p.m. McGillan said the Mannequins were wonderful and that also resulted in a good turn out. Steppat said that except for the swing dance every table had lots of activity with lots of people. The swing dance was not located in a good spot and unfortunately did not work out. The other music interfered with the swing dance music and you couldn't hear that music. Nordby recommended that they have the murals again next year. The murals were a good interactive project. McGillan suggested that a plaque be placed on the wall explaining who did the murals once they are completed. They have been promised that the murals would be completed within a week. Steppat said the kids liked painting their names on the wall. Nordby suggested they consider hiring a professional to do the murals next year. She said she did meet one man who teaches mural painting to children and adults. Nordby suggested that some of the Commission members take a class and then they can bring their expertise to the Arts Festival. Birt suggested that they look into painting murals on the wall with an overhead projector. They could show different methods for painting the murals on the wall. ARTS COMMISSION March 16, 1999 Page 3 McGillan reported that the tee-shirt booth went very well. Mann said there were about 15 shirts remaining and they were asked if the Commission wanted to purchase them. The Commission agreed that they would have no use for them and suggested that Mann have them return the shirts. McGillan also reported that the face painter did a wonderful job. However, there were long lines that may have been a result of no charge for the painting. Mann explained that the painter is an artist and not just a face painter and that she takes her time in doing the painting. Mann suggested that they consider having more than one face painter going throughout the mall. McGillan asked that a special thank you be sent to the face painter because she did go above and beyond what the job called for. Birt said she did not feel that the juggler was a great success. She felt it might have been better had he been dressed in some type of costume. Mann explained that he was to be teaching the kids not entertaining them. Birt said again there was no sign identifying him and it was hard to tell that he was part of the Festival. Campbell-Potter agreed that he needed a better designated space. Campbell-Potter suggested that they look into purchasing a folding screen for displaying various artworks that could be used for various programs. Mann said this would be a good item to submit to the Foundation since the cost is between $2,000 and $3,000. McGillan said she did not feel that the Weaver's Guild was a children's activity. Steppat said he agreed, it appeared there was no interactivity. Birt said the strings group was successful. It brought a lot of parents and the students were happy to be there. McGillan said she did not feel there was enough room and they agreed this would be a good activity to have in the atrium area. Campbell-Potter suggested that they rotate the opportunity for people to participate in this Festival. She recommended that they not book the same dance groups but give other organizations in the community an opportunity to participate. Mann asked overall, what worked and what didn't. Steppat said the sound system was not very good. Campbell-Potter said the whole Festival came together very well. She agreed that some type of signage needs to be developed with a logo. Steppat said it worked very well to have volunteers at the entrances handing out schedules and maps. Campbell- Potter recommended that next year they require the participants to commit to the full- time period and that they stay until the end. Steppat said he feels that something interactive for the whole family really works well. The more interactive the more appeal for everyone. Mann asked if it works better during the day or if they should look at holding the event in the evening. Nordby said she liked it much better during the day and on a Sunday. Birt said she agreed and liked having it from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. Campbell- Potter said they should probably not schedule it any later than March. The Commission agreed that the Arts Festival should be held the first part of March. Mann said that if they want to rebook certain groups or look at other groups they need to set a specific date by ARTS COMMISSION March 16, 1999 Page 4 the end of the summer or the first of the fall. The Commission also agreed that the event should again be held at the Eden Prairie Center if possible. Mann said they will have to see what impact the mall's remodeling will have on this event. Coates s recommended that next year's Arts Festival run from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Mann said she would be meeting with Mall representatives to get their feed back on this event. Campbell-Potter said she felt the Mall staff was very cooperative and really worked with them. Steppat said he estimates between 2,000 and 2,500 people were in attendance. Mann said they could always do more with promotions. They need to get the information out a week earlier than they did this year. Mann asked if they should stay with the brochure or if they should develop some other type of flyer. Birt said she felt the brochure worked very nicely. Steppat suggested that they use some consistency in the brochure's design. They need to use a logo because people are beginning to look for this activity. Mann said they could insert the brochure in the paper for a cost of$600. Campbell-Potter said she feels that would be a good investment. Mann said she would compile the evaluations next month and will develop a final report. Mann said she would also send thank you notes to the participants including the people who did the murals, the clean-up people from the Mall and the face painter. Steppat suggested that a thank you be sent to the swing dance people indicating that they did learn from this and apologize for the music conflict. They did have people express an interest in the swing dance, unfortunately it did not work out but they did learn to stage it differently next year. VI. NEW BUSINESS VII. RECOMMENDATIONS AND REPORTS A. Reports of Commissioners 1. Grant Update—David Steppat Steppat reported that the application for the $8,000 grant for a research survey is due April 12. He, Campbell-Potter and Mann did meet to lay out what they wanted to do to find the right firm to write the grant application. Nordby asked about the Arts Across Minnesota Festival Grant. She said they would qualify for it this year. Steppat said the application is due May 12 and he will be drafting an application for that. Steppat said he would need some assistance in putting that together. Nordby said a similar grant had been prepared previously for Concerts in the Park. 2. Poetry Event Update—Barbara Nordby ARTS COMMISSION March 16, 1999 Page 5 Nordby reported that everything is going as planned. The flyers and promotional materials will be distributed about the 20"'of March and she will see that the Commission members receive copies. The library is preparing all of the promotional information and Starbucks is sponsoring it. Starbucks also contributed coffee to the play. The poetry event will be held April 21 at 7:00 p.m. Nordby asked for volunteers to help out with this event. Campbell-Potter said she would be there and would be willing to help. Campbell-Potter stated that she thinks it is great how this group sponsors such a variety of events and she feels this is a great endeavor. 3. Park-in-Movie—Barbara Nordby Nordby said she has nothing new to report on this event. B. Reports of Liaisons 1. Winter Theatre Update—Ann Crawford Mann reported that Friday night was their biggest night. The most frequent complaint they've received from the public is that the starting time is too late for the length of the play. Birt said she feels the play is too long. Mann said there have been quite a few tickets purchased for Sunday's matinee. Campbell-Potter asked why they are reserving seats. Mann said seating is limited and by purchasing the reserved tickets they are guaranteed a seat. Birt suggested that the ushers have nametags or dress similar giving it a theater atmosphere. Campbell-Potter recommended that they look into investing in reusable nametags. They could have their logo on them and add ribbons for ushers, host, etc. C. Reports on Staff 1. 1998 Program Ending Reports Mann presented the 1998 Arts Program Annual Report explaining that the format has been changed. Director Lambert's main concern was the theater and the cost per person. Campbell-Potter said she is continually amazed at how much they accomplish on such a limited budget. She suggested that they make a note that the Arts Festival could not have been accomplished without the generous contribution of time of this Committee. Everybody puts something into this and they contribute a huge time commitment. Steppat said he agrees and the planing and framework put together for this year's Festival made a huge difference in its success. The event went so well on Sunday because of the hours and hours of planning. ARTS COMMISSION March 16, 1999 Page 6 VIII. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS IX. EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION Birt reported that the Eden Prairie Foundation Ball was very successful. There were fewer people in attendance but the foundation made more money. The silent auction was also very successful. X. DISCUSS ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING A. Next meeting—April 20, 1999, 7:15 p.m. Campbell-Potter suggested that at their next meeting they discuss the Center for the Arts. Steppat suggested that they look at the year 2000 Budget cycle and look at all of their revenue sources such as the foundation budget. IX. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Birt moved, Steppat seconded, to adjourn the meetiniz. Motion carried, 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.