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HomeMy WebLinkAboutArts Commission - 11/05/2007 APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2007 7:00 P.M., CITY CENTER 8080 MITCHELL ROAD PRAIRIE ROOM COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Ann Rorem, Chair; Heather Olson, Vice Chair: Kelly Brandon, Karen Busack, Farida Kathawalla, Rita McCormick, Steve Mosow STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT: Jessie Shook, Frank Bi, Amber Mayer CITY STAFF PRESENT: Sandy Werts, Recreation Coordinator RECORDING SECRETARY: Katie Hood, Recording Secretary I. ROLL CALL Rorem called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Tina Breidenbach attended to report on the Community Band. Robyn Seaton attended to report on the Eden Prairie Players. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA C. Honk! was added to VIII. Petitions, Requests and Communications. MOTION: Olson moved, seconded by Kathawalla, to approve the agenda as revised. Motion carried 7-0. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF October 8, 2007 MEETING MOTION: Busack moved, seconded by Olson, to approve the minutes of the Arts and Culture Commission meeting held on October 8, 2007, as published. Motion carried 7-0. IV. EDEN PRAIRIE PLAYERS and COMMUNITY BAND UPDATE A. UPDATE ON CURRENT PROJECTS OF THE EDEN PRAIRIE PLAYERS Seaton stated she is a co-chair of the Eden Prairie Players. She is in the 2nd year of a 2-year term. Tara Demmer is on the 1St year of a 2-year term. The Eden Prairie Players are excited for the new equipment at the Eden Prairie High School Auditorium that they will use while performing Jake's Women. Liz Michelson will be the director. The auditions will be on November 12, 13 and 15. There is one male role and six female roles. The smaller number of male roles should help for casting. Kathawalla asked about dates of the production. Seaton replied Jake's Women is February 15, 16, 22, and 23 at 7:30 p.m. and February 24 at 2:30 p.m. ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION MINUTES November 5, 2007 Page 2 For the 2008 One Acts,potential directors will be asked to submit a one act they would like to direct, instead of the Eden Prairie Players selecting the plays ahead of time. Directors will be asked to submit a comedy and drama selection. The hope is that this process will help generate new ideas for plays. The original suggestion for expanding the Staring Lake Amphitheater building wouldn't be feasible because of the slant of the roof. Stu Fox, Parks and Natural Resources Manager, suggested building a storage garage on the east side of the amphitheater. The storage building would have a garage door opening. Depending on the size of the building, it may be large enough to build the sets, and provide more storage space. The Eden Prairie Players are very happy with the ideas and feedback from Stu. Busack asked about bringing running water to the Staring Lake Amphitheater building. Seaton stated this wasn't a possibility because of the cost. The Eden Prairie Players are also going to start looking into the farm property near Staring Lake. As part of the expansion of Pioneer Trail, the farm will be acquired by the county. The farm will likely be condemned and then given to the city. The property has a barn and other buildings on the back of the property. The Eden Prairie Players would like to try to obtain the buildings. The thought is that the buildings could be used for additional storage, set building, and plays. The property could also be a good alternative for a new Art Center. The Eden Prairie Players would like to know who to talk to about the property being taken over for the construction of Pioneer Trail. Rorem said the property is used for cold storage. Seaton said she has not been in the buildings,but one of the buildings has been made into visitor quarters for the property owner's grandchildren. The Eden Prairie Players have tickets for the Festival of Giving at Ridgedale on Saturday, December 1. The Ridgedale Mall closes the doors early on Saturday evening and opens only for people who have tickets. The tickets are $5. The $5 goes back to the Eden Prairie Players. The tickets could be purchased through Seaton—contact Werts if you need the phone number. Eden Prairie Center is not offering a Festival of Giving this year. Southdale Mall tickets were not available prior to the Eden Prairie Players needing them. B. UPDATE ON CURRENT PROJECTS OF COMMUNITY BAND Breidenbach stated the Community Band is getting ready for their Christmas concerts. They are making arrangements to perform at the Eden Prairie mall. Don Bates will direct the Community Band until after the Holidays. Don Bates is the director of the Jazz Band. ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION MINUTES November 5, 2007 Page 3 The band is looking for new places to play in early spring through early July. The Jazz Band is in the process of purchasing new uniforms from Sports World. Sports World is being used because they are willing to make a small number of shirts for reorders. The final price is still in the process of being obtained and the information will be passed on to Werts. The Jazz Band doesn't play until January 2008. The concert at Edinborough Park on October 30 was well attended and well received. Kathawalla asked how many people are in the bands. Breidenbach replied 60-66 are in the community band and 19 are in the Jazz Band. The Community Band is looking for new members, especially low brass and trumpets. The Jazz Band needs substitutes,but is 100 percent full for regular players. Kathawalla asked if the bands charge to play. Werts replied the bands charge $150 - $200 to play. Werts said the bands try to charge when they can. Olson asked about playing at the Mall of America. Breidenbach stated they can play at the Mall of America,but the Mall does not pay and it is very difficult logistically to coordinate and the audiences are not always receptive. Olson asked about playing at Summit Place or The Colony. Rorem replied that Summit Place has a small place to play. Busack asked about the IDS rotunda. Werts replied in 2003 or 2004 the band played there. Werts said the Jazz Band played a dance at the YMCA. Werts said the band could charge more for a private party. McCormick asked if the band has contacted meeting planners to advertise their group. McCormick said she could look up the information. Werts said she had their magazine. Olson asked about playing in the large cafeteria in ADC. Busack stated Carlson Companies has lunch time concerts. Werts replied that the bands have been asked to perform during the day before, but the bands need to turn down those offers. Breidenbach said the band members work during the day. Olson asked if the bands have played at the Landscape Arboretum. Breidenbach stated it is a good idea. If they were playing inside, it would be a little loud for the trumpets. Olson said she was thinking about playing outside. V. OLD BUSINESS A. 2008 —2009 BUDGET PROPOSAL Werts referred to three handouts about the budget: an email from Scott Neal, a memo from Jay Lotthammer, and a memo from Sandy Werts. The email from Scott Neal discussed the 2008/2009 City Budget, including budget version 1.8. The memo written by Jay Lotthammer documents the Arts & Culture Commission response to the proposed budget cuts. The memo written by Sandy Werts documents the 2008-2009 budget proposal. ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION MINUTES November 5, 2007 Page 4 Werts stated the Arts & Culture Commission could choose to do nothing in response to the updated budget proposal or the Commission could make another motion. Kathawalla asked about the elimination of the additional hours for seasonal help. Werts said the additional hours will be cut. The number of hours currently budgeted will remain the same, but there will not be an increase in those hours. Busack questioned if there is any risk to the budget with Staring Lake Amphitheater being closed during 2008. Werts replied the same programs will be provided, but they will occur at another location. Werts said she currently turns away performers who want to play at the Staring Lake Amphitheater. Busack asked how the proposed budget cuts were determined. Werts stated she discussed various programs with Laurie Obiazor, then Obiazor and Lotthammer made the final decision. Olson asked if the Staring Lake programs will be moved to Purgatory Creek Park in 2008. Werts commented the wind is an issue at Purgatory Creek. Even the community Kite Fest might move to the new Community Center, due to the wind. Olson asked if it has ever been discussed to have a raptor release at Purgatory Creek. Werts stated it was thought about for the dedication,but there was already a raptor release on the same day elsewhere. McCormick asked if the budget cuts could be replaced with sponsors. Werts said it is hard to get sponsors. Requests for sponsors are sent out every year. The people who used to give $1,000 now give $500. McCormick stated she performed a very informal straw poll in her neighborhood. Many of her neighbors don't know about the events in the community or the barn. McCormick will try to share ideas to help promote the community events. Werts said she would be interested in hearing additional ideas. McCormick asked about having private sponsors and if they could promote themselves on the Arts & Culture Commission's website. This would be something new and different. Werts said this would be something to discuss with the communications department. Olson asked if the website is considered a government website. Werts stated the Arts & Culture Commission's webpage is considered a government website. Busack suggested on a page for the Arts & Culture Commission, there could be a page for the sponsors to be listed. Mosow asked what action should be taken. Werts stated it depends on what action the group wants to take. Rorem asked about the Target grant. Werts stated she applied for a Target grant and didn't get the grant. The grant is meant for children's activities. The grant application was for$3000 for KidStock. Shook stated that Gap/Old Navy has a Gap Giving program for community activities that may be worth looking into. Mosow stated the motion from the October 8, 2007 meeting was clear and he proposed the following motion. The Arts & Culture Commission stands by the position stated on October 8, 2007 and remains silent on Budget Version 1.8. ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION MINUTES November 5, 2007 Page 5 MOTION: Mosow moved, seconded by McCormick, to approve the motion as stated. Motion carried 7-0. Werts stated the motion will be sent to the City Council and the City Manager. B. REVIEW 2007 WORK PLAN Werts referred to a memo documenting the 2007 Commission work plan. The Arts & Culture Commission discussed the memo. Werts said the Resource Directory was given out at the October meeting. Werts said Janet Jeremiah will be asked to attend an Arts & Culture Commission meeting. C. REVIEW 2007 PROGRAM ANALYSIS Werts handed out the Arts Program analysis spreadsheet. The Arts & Culture Commission had representation on the Veteran's Memorial Task Force with Elizabeth Grant. It would be nice to have Elizabeth Grant give an update on the activities on the Veteran's Memorial Task Force. Werts handed out a card for the Veterans Day service. On November 11, at 11 a.m. there will be a service at Purgatory Creek Park. Rorem stated the T-6 Thunder will be flying over during the service. Busack asked if subsidy should be changed to city subsidy to take in account outside subsidies. Werts said this is reflected in income. Busack asked if this is the only source of income. Werts stated pony rides, concessions, money from vendors, and sponsors are additional sources of income. Busack asked if sponsorship and donations should be separated out to show where the money is coming from. Mosow stated it would help to show the vulnerability of the items. Werts stated it could be broken down. Olson asked why the Cemetery Walk is a level 5 for the level of effort. Werts said she personally recruits the actors. There is also script writing and luminaries to be set out. The high level of preparation is why the event is held every other year. Werts stated the items from the Eden Prairie Community band through Art on City Walls are filled with 2006 data. Werts said the expenses for the International Festival are not complete because some sponsors have not paid. Invoices have been sent out. No responses have been received. The subsidy will go down when the money comes in. Werts said the subsidy for Riley-Jacques Barn Twilight Specials should be 75 percent. ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION MINUTES November 5, 2007 Page 6 Werts said the expenses for the Staring Lake Concert Series should be $21,775. The subsidy will change due to the expense change. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. 2008 WORK PLAN The Arts & Culture Commission discussed adding the following items and discussion related to the 2008 work plan. The 2008 work plan will be finalized at a future meeting. 1. Revise Arts Directory 2. Assure the Arts & Culture Commission has a full roster • Werts stated current commission members, whose terms are coming to an end, and would like to remain on the Arts & Culture Commission need to reapply and interview. 3. Artist Network 4. Research grant ideas 5. Quarterly Arts • Mosow stated there could be a recurring monthly/quarterly/biannual event focused on an art with a program and/or workshop focused around the art. For example, January would be watercolor month, including a 2-hour program with the artist and a small workshop. Werts stated this event would depend on how much the Arts & Culture Commission would want to work on developing the idea. McCormick stated she would be willing to help to develop something for writing. • Rorem stated a poet or a book writer could have a calligraphy page of their work displayed. 6. Focus on Writing/Literacy • McCormick stated there could be an event centered around writing. Rorem asked if the library had an event. It could be a possibility to tie reading an excerpt or poem together. McCormick stated she knows a local screen writer. This could be a resource for an event. • Mayer commented there is a Bethel Writing Conference that students attend for enhancing their knowledge. There could be a local event to promote writing. Olson stated these could be workshops. Mayer stated the workshops could be 45 minutes to 1 hour long. Rorem commented the workshops could be rotated around. Mayer stated the workshops could be focused around learning different writing styles. Olson stated this could be applied to a MRAC grant. 7. Art Crawl 8. Treasure Hunt ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION MINUTES November 5, 2007 Page 7 B. NEW MRAC GRANT OPPORTUNITY Werts referred to a memo and a packet of information about a new MRAC (Metropolitan Regional Arts Council) grant opportunity, a Creative Intersections Grant. The grant proposal must include a public, nonprofit, and business connection to qualify. The purpose of discussing this now is to think about ideas for a grant, so the grant could be applied for during 2008 or a future year. Kathawalla suggested the Eden Prairie Murals! project could be an idea for the grant. Werts said a new project would be needed, and would need a monetary match. Mosow asked if it is a hard or a soft match. Werts said it can be a 50 percent in cash and 50 percent in-kind. Olson said part of the grant application needs to be for an artistic foundation. McCormick asked if we are looking for ideas for 2008. Werts said the deadline for applying for the grant is April 2008. Busack suggested the Art Hunt. Werts said she discussed the Art Hunt with St. Louis Park staff. The city didn't have much to do with the Art Hunt. Olson asked if the Art Crawl would work for the grant application. Werts said this could be looked into. Busack suggested a dance crawl. Mayer stated there was a Dance for Courage event at the Mall of America. There were a variety of Dance Studios involved in the event. Olson said she would really like to see an event at Purgatory Creek Park. Mosow suggested the Arts & Culture Commission members brainstorm for a nonprofit and a business partner and the nature of the partners. Rorem suggested sculpture as an idea to incorporate into the grant application similar to Charlottesville, Virginia. The sculpture could change every year. Werts said Janet Jeremiah needs to be invited to an Arts & Culture Commission meeting. Mayer said one of the dance studios in the area, Northland, will be performing at the Olympics. Busack asked how many MRAC grants a group can have at one time. Werts said the city could only have one creative intersections grant at a time; however, an organization can have other MRAC grants. VII. REPORTS OF STAFF AND COMMISSIONERS A. CEMETARY WALK UPDATE Werts stated the Cemetery Walk was on October 20 and was a fabulous night. There were pictures in the Eden Prairie News. In the online story there were additional pictures attached to the article. There were two buses of 35 people on each bus. There were six to seven high school volunteers that helped with setup. B. EDEN PRAIRIE PRAIRIE READS Olson attended the Eden Prairie Reads for the novel The Thinly Carried by Tim O'Brien. It is a semi-autobiographical book. There was a panel discussion with four veterans. They discussed how they are living as veterans. There was a man in his 80's, Wendal Anderson. He is committed to continuing peace. There ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION MINUTES November 5, 2007 Page 8 was a document signed about continuing peace that he would like to reemphasize in the community. VIII. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS A. UPCOMING EVENTS 1. CUMMINS HOUSE CHRISTMAS Werts discussed the flier about the Cummins House Christmas, on Sunday, December 2 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Werts said the International School Vocal Ensemble will be there. The Wonder Weavers, local Eden Prairie Storytellers, will also be there. B. ART ON CITY WALLS 1. Cynthia Fleury—Photo2raphy Cynthia Fleury's photography is currently on display at the City Center. Rorem said her art will be on display in the Senior Center and at a Boutique at Pax Christi in December. C. Honk Olson said Honk is the story of the ugly duckling. It is a show children would enjoy. The performances are at the Eden Prairie High School Performing Arts Center on November 8, 10, 15, 16, 17 at 7:30 p.m. and November 11, and 17 at 1:30 p.m. The tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for students. December 7 and 8 the Madrigal Group will sing and serve dinner for its shows. Shook said The Music Man is playing the weekend of November 10 and 17 at the International School. The tickets are $6. In April, the show choir will be touring in Disneyworld. IX. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Mosow moved, seconded by Olson, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 7-0. Rorem adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m. The next meeting will be on December 10, 2007.