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HomeMy WebLinkAboutArts Commission - 01/14/2008 APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2008 7:00 P.M., CITY CENTER 8080 MITCHELL ROAD PRAIRIE ROOM COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Ann Rorem, Chair; Heather Olson, Vice Chair; Rita McCormick, Steve Mosow COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Kelly Brandon, Karen Busack, Farida Kathawalla STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES: Amber Mayer, Nicole Garbowicz, Katy Johnson CITY STAFF PRESENT: Sandy Werts, Recreation Coordinator RECORDING SECRETARY: Katie Hood, Recording Secretary I. ROLL CALL Rorem called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. Tina Breidenbach attended to report on the Community Band. Tara Demmer attended to report on the Eden Prairie Players. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Olson moved, seconded by McCormick, to approve the agenda as stated. Motion carried 4-0. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 5, 2007 MEETING Page 4, second paragraph, second sentence change "Obiazor, than Obiazor" to "Obiazor, then Obiazor". Page 4, sixth paragraph, change "the last motion was" to "the motion from the October 8, 2007 meeting was". Page 7, first paragraph, first sentence "opportunity." To "opportunity, a Creative Intersections Grant." Page 7, fourth paragraph, first sentence change "brainstorm for the two other partners, and the nature of the partners: dance, sculpture, etc." to "brainstorm for a nonprofit and a business partner and the nature of the partners". Page 7, fourth paragraph, second sentence change "application." To "application similar to Charlottesville, Virginia". MOTION: Olson moved, seconded by Mosow, to approve the minutes of the Arts and Culture Commission meeting held on November 5, 2007, as corrected. Motion carried 4-0. ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION MINUTES January 14, 2008 Page 2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF DECEMBER 10, 2007 MEETING The December 10, 2007 meeting was not held, due to lack of a quorum. IV. EDEN PRAIRIE PLAYERS and COMMUNITY BAND UPDATE A. UPDATE ON CURRENT PROJECTS OF THE EDEN PRAIRIE PLAYERS Demmer introduced herself as a co-chair of the Eden Prairie Players (EPP). The planning for Jake's Women is going well. The director is Liz Michaelson and the play will be performed at Eden Prairie High School. Postcards and business cards are being handed out for publicity. This method of publicity has been successful in the past for letting people know of the event. Demmer is playing Jake's sister in Jake's Women, with Steve Schmalz playing Jake. There are nine people with only one male in the play. Demmer reported that there would be a change in the location for the summer musical due to the construction at Staring Lake Amphitheater. The musical will be a musical review starting in the 1920's and 1930's though 2004. There will be 25 songs and will involve adults and children. The summer musical will be at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in the fellowship hall. The musical will be held the last two weeks in June. Breidenbach asked if the Community Band would be needed for the musical. Demmer said she did not think so,but there are some unknowns with the musical. There will be a piano and small instrumentation. Scripts are being reviewed for the Eden Prairie Player's Summer Children's Theater Workshop. A decision will be made in the next week. Werts said a show with many children's roles is being considered. The Eden Prairie Players is looking for five directors for the Collection of One Acts. The search is posted on Twin Cities Theatre and Film website. The application asks the potential directors to submit ideas for shows they would like to direct by February 1, 2008. Werts said they are open to original plays. Olson suggested the search should be promoted at Eden Prairie High School. McCormick asked if the Loft was contacted. Werts replied the Loft is mostly writers. Many directors direct work they have written or their friends have written. Demmer reported that the EPP looked into the old barn on Pioneer Trail for the possibility of acquiring it to use as a theater. The property will not be available to be used as they would have liked. The building will most likely be torn down due to the construction on Pioneer Trail. Eden Prairie Players needs to review at their long-term vision. They will be looking for a permanent home, but are in the infancy stages. ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION MINUTES January 14, 2008 Page 3 B. UPDATE ON CURRENT PROJECTS OF COMMUNITY BAND Tina Breidenbach stated the Community Band is working on setting their summer concert season. They would like to play at an indoor venue in the next couple of months. The Arboretum would be perfect for a chamber group. Werts said the band could look into playing at the Arboretum. Olson asked what the past few years have consisted of in terms of concerts at this time of year. Breidenbach said they have played at Edinborough early in the year. Werts said that Edinborough has had staffing changes recently, which affected the planning for this year. Werts suggested the Eden Prairie Center might be an optional venue in the winter. She would call the Center about the Community Band playing there. Breidenbach said the band has no performance planned after the Greece trip. Olson suggested Minnesota's sesquicentennial, the 150"' anniversary,being celebrated in 2008 could provide an opportunity to play. There is a website to look up information about the Sesquicentennial. While discussing other venues, Werts said Chanhassen has not started planning their concert season. Olson suggested playing at the State Fair. McCormick suggested the band could look into playing at Valleyfair. Rorem suggested the county fairs. Breidenbach said they usually play at the Raspberry Festival,but this year they will be in Greece during the same time. McCormick asked if the band has talked to trade groups or meeting planners. Breidenbach said they have not talked to Meeting Planners Minnesota. McCormick said they could be searched for on Google. McCormick suggested the band could offer to perform as a silent auction item or play for hire and the recipient could purchase a private concert. In reply to Werts' question, Breidenbach said she talked to the band and they are open to playing in churches. Rorem stated Pax Christi has an event and other churches would most likely have events where the band could possibly play. What does the band charge? Werts stated the band charges $200-$250 per event or a reasonable price. The income supports the costs of having a community band. Rorem asked how far the band is willing to travel. Breidenbach stated the band preferred not to travel outside the metro area. Breidenbach stated the band exists to play for people and they would like to have performances scheduled. Breidenbach will talk with the publicity group to call churches. Breidenbach stated the band is still recruiting for Greece. Olson asked what instruments are needed. Breidenbach said they are looking for all instruments, but they especially need trumpets. Breidenbach said 32 people are going,but their discount price quote is ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION MINUTES January 14, 2008 Page 4 for 35 people. The cost of the trip is $3,200 and includes the flight, food,hotel, cruise, and transportation. The last payment is due in April. Werts said she received an email from a person who plays the tuba and was curious if the person came to a rehearsal. Breidenbach said no one new has joined in a while. The band can use trombone players and a bassoon player would be a nice to have. Breidenbach stated the only performance missing from the Jazz band's schedule is Chanhassen. Werts said that Chanhassen, Bloomington, and St. Paul have not started booking their outdoor concerts. Breidenbach stated Como Park and Chanhassen would be nice for both bands. The Jazz band will play at Edinborough on two Tuesdays. The Jazz band will have the new uniforms for the All District Jazz festival. V. OLD BUSINESS A. 2008 —2009 BUDGET UPDATE Werts referred to a memo discussing the 2008-2009 budget proposal. The memo states the City Budget was approved at the December 18, 2007 City Council meeting. The memo states some of the money for the arts programs was reinstated. Werts said that increased fees for some of the recreation programs would generate additional revenue. So in the end the 2008 budget for Arts and Culture programs wasn't cut as much as previously planned. The Riley-Jacques Barn Twilight Special performances were intended to be reduced by $1000,but the $1000 was reinstated for 2008; although will probably be eliminated for 2009. The Staring Lake Concert Series budget proposed reduction was to eliminate eight of 24 concerts, but these concerts were added back in 2008. The Purgatory Creek Concert Series will be eliminated. The $1500 that was to be reduced for the Arts and Special Events seasonal program assistant will be reinstated for 2008,but will be eliminated in 2009. KidStock will have $600 reinstated for 2008, and the number of concerts will move back to nine. The original number of concerts was ten. KidStock 2008 will be at Riley Lake Park. Parking could be a problem during the day at Purgatory Creek. Riley Lake Park has the added amenities of a playground, picnic area, and swimming. A concert will not be held during the week of Safety Camp. Mosow asked if the Arts & Culture Commission presentation to the City Council had any impact on the budget changes. Werts said she did not think so. Rorem asked how many of the Staring Lake Concert Series performance were added back. Werts said most of them;however, there are only two concerts in June and the rest start in July. B. REVIEW 2007 PROGRAM ANALYSIS Werts distributed a copy of the 2007 Arts Program Analysis. The spreadsheet displays the activities for 2007 and the audience participation, income, expenses, and subsidies among other thing. ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION MINUTES January 14, 2008 Page 5 The subsidy came close for Riley-Jacques Barn Twilight Specials. The subsidy was 77%. The target is 75%. Werts said she was surprised the subsidy for the Cummins House Christmas was 82%. The subsidy for Staring Lake Concert Series was 94%. The revenue for the Staring Lake Concert Series is generated by donations from businesses in the community. The concerts for 2008 are booked. Fridays at Purgatory Creek had the best season for attendance during 2007. Purgatory Creek does not generate income. A donation for KidStock was given by a local Mom's Club. The expenses for the Eden Prairie Community Band include the band uniform costs, which was covered by a $1,400 grant. Olson asked why the audience is only 75 for the Community Band. Werts said 75 is the number of members because an accurate count cannot be obtained for the band audiences. The summer musical had more attendance than the children show. Art on City Walls does not have expenses outside of the administrative costs. Olson noted under the event column the visual arts programming is minimal and it should be increased. Mosow asked how we increase the visual arts. Werts asked what could be done for the visual arts that does not cost money. Mosow asked how the murals were developed in Uptown. Werts stated businesses helped pay for it. Mosow stated there could be a mural contest and the building owner could subsidize the cost, perhaps something at ADC. Olson stated the art crawl is still a good idea. Rorem stated an Art Crawl could be held between buildings. Olson stated an Art Crawl could be between studios. Mosow asked about the Community Center. Werts replied the Community Center would be accessible,but is not sure if an artist would feel secure leaving their work there. Mosow said the observation of needing more visual art is worth pursuing. Werts mentioned the sculpture idea for the new Eden Prairie downtown area. Janet Jeremiah should be invited to talk to the Commission about the new downtown. Mosow suggested coffee shops as a place to display art. Rorem said the Dunn Brothers in the Smith-Douglas More house does not have any artwork left. Werts stated the new managers had the Historical Society remove their items. Mosow suggested an Art Crawl could go to coffee shops in June or July. There could be a card and the participants could get stamps on a card and turn them in for a prize. Werts said a grant could be used for increasing the visual arts. C. 2008 WORK PLAN Werts referred to the outline of the 2008 Work Plan and suggested the Commission add substance to the ideas. Rorem suggested the artist network could have a social and ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION MINUTES January 14, 2008 Page 6 could hire the Community Band. Rorem said an art crawl and sculpture could be added for ideas for grants. Rorem suggested the artist network could be tied into revising the Arts Resource Directory. The artists could have a gathering or it could be suggested, during the revising of the Arts Resource Directory, to have the artist network meeting during 2009. Olson said it might be better for the people to gather first. Mosow suggested the artist network could gather in coffee shops. There could be coffee and a program of some kind talking about art or there could be an art crawl with a theme. The purpose would be connecting people together. Rorem asked if the coffee would be brought to people or if the people would go to the coffee. The coffee shops are not designed to have large crowds. Mosow stated the first gathering probably would not be very large, so the venue size may not be a problem. An art crawl is usually at an artist's home or at their studio. Rorem suggested that an award could be given for the winner. Werts questioned if the award would be monetary or something else. Rorem suggested a plaque or a statue. Mosow suggested a peer review award. Werts suggested a people's choice award. Werts stated participants would receive a card and they could vote for a favorite piece. Each artist would have a main piece for voting. Olson inquired about the Dunn Brothers being empty with no artwork. Rorem stated Dunn Brothers does not have any art and only has chairs and tables. Rorem said she was there in December and there was not much in the coffee shop. Rorem stated Dunn Brothers has a learning center in the upstairs. There is a sign out front for the learning center. Werts said previously there were two pieces of an artist's work stolen from Dunn Brothers. Rorem said Dunn Brothers has live music. Olson said Dunn Brothers is the largest coffee store, so the artists could meet there. Rorem said the Dunn Brothers has the most open space. Werts commented Starbucks has donated coffee at past events. Rorem said there is a Starbucks in Tower Square, by Pier One and McDonald's, and it is more open and has more space. Olson asked when the gathering should be held. Werts said we have email addresses, the directory, and a list for the Art on City Walls to use to contact people. Rorem asked how many art galleries are in Eden Prairie. Werts said T Williams by Timberlodge Steakhouse. Olson said she does not think T Williams is there anymore. Werts stated T Williams was framing,but it also sold art. Mosow asked about the art store in the new building on Mitchell Road. Rorem said Kids Create Studio is in the new strip mall. Mosow stated there are no art galleries in Eden Prairie. Mosow suggested an inquiry could be sent out stating the Arts and Culture Commission is interested in holding a gathering and there would be a short program. This could be used as a beginning step in promoting visual arts in Eden Prairie. Olson said it would be good to say you are invited. Rorem suggested a return postcard could be included. Werts suggested this be held in April. Rorem asked where would be the best place to host the gathering. Werts said she could work on it. Werts mentioned the Cambria Room at the newly renovated Community Center. Mosow asked if the Commission would have to pay to use the Cambria Room. Werts said this would be a city program ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION MINUTES January 14, 2008 Page 7 and we would not have to pay for the room. Werts said developing the artist network will be added to the February Commission agenda and this will be worked on during 2008. Olson suggested the Arts and Culture Commission's events could be tied in with the events in Community Education or the city events. Werts stated there are very few art programs held though Community Education. MOTION: Olson moved, seconded by McCormick, to move ahead with the revised 2008 Work Plan; Revise Arts Directory, Assure the Arts & Culture Commission has a full roster, Artist Network, Research grant ideas, and creating a quarterly arts focus. Motion carried 4-0. D. 2008 MRAC GRANTS Werts referred to a memo discussing the MRAC Grant Opportunities. The Community Arts Grants are for art activities. There is another cycle later in the year, other than the Cycle II deadline of January 7, 2008. There are six criteria for the grant: artistic qualify, artistic challenge, ability, community need/support, diversity and access. Werts said it takes a lot of time to write a grant proposal. The Arts Activities Support grant offers up to $7,500. Suburban areas are being considered, although this grant generally goes to more established art programs. VI. NEW BUSINESS 2008 Commission Appointments Werts referred to a memo on the 2008 Commission Appointments. Werts stated the application deadline is February 15, 2008. The application can be found on the city's website. Werts can send out the application materials, and can answer additional questions if needed. The candidate open house is Tuesday, January 29, 2008. The candidate interviews will be Tuesday, February 26. The appointment of the candidates and the designation of the Chairs and Vice- Chairs is Tuesday, March 4, 2008. The Commission member orientation is Wednesday, March 19 or 26. The terms begin April 1, 2008. The Board and Commission Recognition Banquet will be in April or May 2008. Werts stated Karen Busack's intentions are unknown for the next term. Kelly Brandon's first choice is for the Human Rights and Diversity Commission. Olson asked if recruiting would be needed. Werts said that the Commission would probably need to fill at least one position. Werts stated she knew a woman in the Community Band was interested last year. Olson replied she could tell someone she knows about the opening. Rorem stated the candidates need to live in Eden Prairie. Werts said Commission members would have to resign if they move out of Eden Prairie during their term. VII. REPORTS OF STAFF AND COMMISSIONERS ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION MINUTES January 14, 2008 Page 8 A. CUMMINS HOUSE CHRISTMAS UPDATE Werts referred to the final report for Christmas at the Cummins House. Around 200 people attended. There was a reindeer-led sleigh, and the International School music ensemble performed. Some merchants gave gifts cards to the City to purchase supplies. The Wonder Weavers and Santa Claus were there. It seemed like the public enjoyed the event. Werts said there were great volunteers from Eden Prairie High School. B. MEETING SCHEDULE FOR 2008 Werts distributed an Arts & Culture Commission meeting calendar for 2008. Mosow stated the day the Commission meets could be reevaluated if a potential new member has a conflict. Werts stated the meeting day in September might be moved one week earlier. C. RECOGNITION OF OUTGOING STUDENT MEMBERS Frank Bi and Jessie Shook were invited to the January meeting to be thanked for their work during 2007. VIII. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS A. ART ON CITY WALLS 1. Art on City Walls—Minnesota Artists Association A variety of artists' work is displayed during December and January. IX. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Mosow moved, seconded by Olson, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 7-0. Rorem adjourned the meeting at 8:53 p.m. The next meeting will be on February 11, 2008.