HomeMy WebLinkAboutArts Commission - 06/09/2008 APPROVED MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRIE ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION
MONDAY,JUNE 9, 2008 7:00 P.M., CITY CENTER
8080 MITCHELL ROAD
PRAIRIE ROOM
COMMISSION MEMBERS: Ann Rorem, Chair; Heather Olson, Vice Chair; Ana
Armstrong, Farida Kathawalla, Rita McCormick,
Steve Mosow, Elizabeth Petry-Lee
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES: Amber Mayer, Nicole Garbowicz, Katy Johnson
CITY STAFF: Sandy Werts, Recreation Coordinator
RECORDING SECRETARY: Katie Hood
I. ROLL CALL
Rorem called the meeting to order 7:10 p.m. Commissioner Kathawalla was excused.
Commissioner McCormick was absent.
II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
VI. NEW BUSINES was changed to VI. NEW BUSINESS
MOTION: Mosow moved to approve the corrected Agenda, seconded by Armstrong.
Motion carried 4-0.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MAY 12, 2008 MEETING
The following changes were made to the May 12, 2008 minutes.
1. Petry-Lee was added to the Commissioners who were excused from the meeting.
2. In Section VIIL PETITIOS was changed to PETITIONS.
The minutes were not approved due to there not being a quorum present, of Commission
members who we in attendance of the May 12, 2008 meeting.
IV. EDEN PRAIRIE PLAYERS and COMMUNITY BAND UPDATE
Breidenbach said the Community Band raised over $650 at their garage sale. The band is
preparing for their trip to Greece in July. The schedule for when and where the band is
playing in Greece is currently being set. The summer concert schedule is finalized. The
weather was Okay for Jazz Fest, and it worked well to have the Rib Fest and Jazz Fest
together. The band did their highway clean up, and they played at Art and Antiques.
Breidenback thanked Werts for coordinated to have the show mobile at the Jazz Fest. It
was nice to have a little shelter.
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Olson arrived at 7:25 pm.
Breidenback said the band schedule can be found at www.epcommunityband.org. There
is also a link from the Eden Prairie website to the band's website.
Werts said the Eden Prairie Players are trying to make a decision on the winter show.
There are auditions next week for the One Acts.
V. OLD BUSINESS
A. Art Center Update
Werts distributed a memo updating the Commission on the Art Center. The Report of
the Parks and Recreation Directory from the City Council Agenda was distributed to
the Commission. The Parks and Recreation memo includes a timeline of what has
occurred to date.
Werts said plans are moving ahead on the Eden Prairie Art Center. Dan O'Brien, the
architect on the project, has completed some preliminary drawings showing how the
building can be used
Werts shared the plans for the Art Center renovation with the Commission. Werts
said the parking lot will be extended into the hill. There will be room for around 26
cars after the expansion. The parking lot expansion was previously approved.
Werts pointed out the different areas on the drawings of the Art Center. The garage
would be the glass studio. There is a separate utility area. The large room would have
dividers where a pottery area, teaching station, chairs with easels, and storage would
all be located. Armstrong asked if the wider hallway could be used as a gallery.
Rorem said the hallway is wide,but not too wide. Petry-Lee asked if there is any
money which could be used for expansion. Werts said there is not money for
expansion at this time. The Mayor said he doesn't want to see city money used for the
running of the Art Center. There will be two bathrooms and two classrooms.
The Commission asked the following questions about the drawings.
• Since painting and pottery are located in the same area,how is the pottery
work going to be contained? Pottery is very dusty by nature.
• How many lockers will there be?
• Is there shelving to leave the art work?
• Could room 104 have shelving? The shelving could be wire racks like they
have in the High School.
• Could paintings for display go into the corner where there currently isn't
anything?
• What can be done with the large table with the new top? Is there storage
underneath?
• Where is the storage for wet clay and other supplies?
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• What is the process for making decisions on the floor plan?
• Since there are curtains, do these help with the noise and dust? If not,how
will noise and dust be addressed?
• Could there be tables and collapsible easels, instead of the chairs and
easels? It may work better to have some standing easels. With tables, four
people could fit at each table.
• Will there be stools or chairs or both? Maybe have a variety of stool and
chairs at different tables of various heights. Maybe the tables could be
adjustable.
• Would it be better to leave the preschool classes at the Community
Center?The needs for small children, older children, and adults are
different for table height and type of seating.
• What is the process for deciding on classes, tables, easels, etc.?Who are
the contacts and decision makers?
Werts said the architect has visited and talked with various other art locations. Werts
said she could try to have Dan O'Brien come to a Commission meeting to talk about
the plans.
Olson said the Metro Regional Arts Council might have a contact for help with some
of the questions and decisions.
Werts said the applications closed for the Art Center Coordinator position on May 23.
57 applications were received. Six people went through the first round of interviews
on May 30. Two finalists were interviewed on June 5. There has been an offer made
and it is being considered. The plan is to bring the coordinator on staff by early July.
Werts said Jay Lotthammer is planning a meeting on aspects of fundraising. There
should be an individual from the hockey association, who can discuss how their
fundraising has been done. The Council is interested in having as much outside
funding as possible. The Council would like this to be a citizen driven committee. It
is envisioned that a sub-committee similar to the Veterans Memorial Committee
could be set up to work under the Eden Prairie Foundation.
Werts said as program plans are developed for the Art Center, they will be brought to
the Commission for review.
B. Discussion of Studio Tours
Olson said it was impressive there is so much established for glass blowing in the
area; however, the safety while glass blowing could be a real issue. Werts said Rine
has stated he doesn't like to teach more than six people at one time. Armstrong said it
doesn't appear glass blowing could be done in the space provided due to space needs
for safety. Werts said the area dedicated for glass blowing is a little bigger than a two
car garage.
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Rorem said she doesn't wand to see the glass blowing facility to be a satellite glass
blowing facility. She does have concerns for the space. Armstrong asked how long
the glass blowing lessons are. Werts said maybe two hours. Rorem said sometimes
there are two day intensive classes for glass blowing. Petry-Lee asked what type of
insurance the City would need for glass blowing. Petry-Lee thought it could be
potentially too costly for the safety risk. Werts said she was sure the risk manager for
the City would be involved in the decision.
Petry-Lee said glass blowing is a unique opportunity for Eden Prairie. Werts said
Edina does not have glass blowing. Fused glass would probably be the first glass
classes offered unless there is a donation specifically for glass blowing, due to the
need for supplies. Rorem said stained glass could be offered.
Petry-Lee asked what the Commission needs to do for the next step. Werts said
fundraising would be needed. The new director would probably do the grant writing.
Werts said she will see if Dan O'Brien could come to the next meeting.
C. Revision of Art Resources Directory
Rorem asked if the Commission had been reaching people for the updating of the Art
Resources Directory. Werts said she needs the corrections by September. Rorem told
the Commission to have the corrections by the next meeting.
D. Annual Report
A copy of the Annual Report was distributed to the Commission.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
A. Staring Lake Amphitheatre Renovations
Werts distributed a memo about the Staring Lake Amphitheatre renovations. Werts
said the staff is working with the engineering firm who originally prepared the plans
for the amphitheatre seating to prepare the plans for the seating renovations. The
timber walls will be taken out, and the new walls will be a type of concrete block. At
the same time, the stage will be redecked and the building resided. Electrical updates
should be able to be incorporated at the same time. The electrical updates would
make it easier to set up sound for the concerts and the musical. The project will be bid
some time in June with construction starting in middle to late July and completion at
the end of September.
Mosow asked if there will be a difference in sound quality. Werts said she didn't
think so. Rorem asked if the number of seats will be increased. Werts said the seating
will stay the same, with the same number of rows.
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VII. REPORTS OF STAFF AND COMMISSIONERS
A. July/August Meeting Schedule
The Arts & Culture Commission will have one meeting, for the months of July and
August, on July 21, 2008.
B. International Festival
Werts said the plans are underway for the fifth annual International Festival. The
Committee had the third meeting on Monday, June 9. The Committee walked around
the site to determine where the activities could be set up. The Committee could use
some additional members, as some Committee members have resigned this year.
There will be a meeting next week to make decisions. Applications have been sent
out to around 50 people for Cultural Arts and Crafts. Sponsors are currently being
worked on. To date there are two sponsors.
The booth/tent costs $35 for a profit vendor and $25 for a non-profit vendor. The tent
is $65 for food. In addition, they need a license from the state which is $40-$45.
Electricity and propane are extra. The City has also charged a fee in the past. While
evaluating the costs, the City has a recovery fee to keep in mind.
C. Commission Rosters—Private and Public Data
Werts will email the Commission Roster to the Commission.
D. Plymouth Fine Arts Councils—Art Banner Competition
Werts distributed a memo and a flier for the Plymouth Fine Arts Council's 2008 Art
Banner Competition. Werts said the artists prepare a scale drawing which they would
paint onto a banner if they are the winner. This contest has gone on for a number of
years, and isn't very expensive. Werts said the Commission may want to look into the
idea.
Werts said she is not sure if the banners are placed inside or outside. The banners are
around 2 feet by 4 feet. They are a little smaller than what is placed on light posts.
There doesn't appear to be a theme or topic for the contest. Mosow said there could
be a banner competition for the Art Center open house. Werts said the banner could
go inside. Rorem suggested the banner could go in the hallway.
VIII. PETITIOS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
A. Upcoming Events
1. Arts and Antiques in the Garden
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Werts said there were less people this year who attended Arts and Antiques. There
were around 350-360 people. Werts said the event was on the same weekend as
last year.
2. Festival of Jazz on the Prairie
Werts said the event went very well. Werts said there were not enough ribs for
everyone who wanted them. The Jazz groups were good. The location was a good
location for attracting people.
3. Art on City Walls—Watercolor students of Ann Rorem
Rorem said she is pleased with the artwork on display. The artwork is a selection
of artwork from different classes, which are held at the Community Center.
4. Riley-Jacques Twilight Special—Middle Spunk Creek Boys
5. Summer Concert Series
The summer concert series will be at Riley. Parking was the reason for the change
in venue.
6. 4th of July Celebration
IX. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Mosow moved, seconded by Olson, to adjourn the meeting. Rorem
adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m.