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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-01-10 Park Board Packeto e 0 City of Edina EDINA PARK BOARD 7:30 p.m. Manager's Conference Room January 10, 1995 A G E N D A 1. Approval of the December 13, 1994 Park Board Minutes 2. Art Center Annual Report - Diana Hedges, Art Center Manager 3. Turf Management Plan - Matt Peterson, Chairman of the Edina Community Health Services Advisory Committee and John Keprios 4. Youth Athletic Association Staff Report - John Keprios 5. Van Valkenburg Park Plan - John Keprios 6. Other * These are agenda items that require or request Park Board action. City Hall (612) 927-8861 4801 WEST 50TH STREET FAX (612) 927-7645 EDINA, MINNESOTA 55424-1394 TDD (612) 927-5461 CITY OF EDINA PARK AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM DATE: January 4, 1995 TO: All Park Board Members FROM: John Keprios, Directo1�j SUBJECT: Staff report for upcoming Park Board meeting Enclosed you should find the following items: 1. January 10, 1995, Park Board Agenda. 2. Minutes from December 13, 1994, Park Board meeting. 3. Annual Art Center Report by Diana Hedges, Art Center Manager. 4. Edina Park and Recreation Department Turf Management Plan and Executive Summary. STAFF REPORT The following is the monthly staff report concerning each item on the agenda with the exception of approval of the minutes and other. "Other" is listed on the agenda in case last minute items come up between now and the Park Board meeting, plus, cover any other concerns of Park Board members and/or attendees. EDINA ART CENTER ANNUAL REPORT - DIANA HEDGES, ART CEN'T'ER MANAGER Manager of the Edina Art Center, Diana Hedges, will be present to give a brief overview of the Art Center's programs and accomplishments in 1994, as well as plans for 1995. This is an annual report that requires no motion for action. TURF MANAGEMENT PLAN - MATT PETERSON AND JOHN KEPRIOS Matt Peterson, Chairman of the Edina Community Health Services Advisory Committee (ECHSAC), will be present to share the concerns of the ECHSAC relating to the staff's proposed Turf Management Plan. I will be briefly reviewing and explaining the Turf Management Plan and answer any questions and concerns of the Park Board. If Park Board Members find that the proposal is too lengthy to act on at the January Park Board meeting, then staff recommends that the Park Board discuss the plan at the January meeting and place the item on the February agenda for adoption. In turn, staff will then request a one month extension from the Edina City Council on the issue. Therefore, the Turf Management Plan would then be placed on the City Council agenda in March as opposed to February, as originally proposed. -2 - If Park Board Members feel comfortable with adopting this Turf Management Plan at the January meeting, then it is staff's recommendation that the Edina Park Board propose to the Edina City Council to accept the proposed Turf Management Plan along with whatever changes the Park Board may suggest. Please note that this plan also requests contingency fund request in 1995 for $25,000. YOUTH ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION- STAFF REPORT As discussed at the November 8, 1994, Park Board meeting, there was a concern regarding the Edina Park Board's and Edina Park and Recreation Department's defined role and relationship with Edina's youth athletic associations. At the November 8 meeting, staff proposed to outline the role and relationship in the monthly staff report, which was included in the December 13, Park Board meeting packet. The issue was tabled at the December 13, 1994, Park Board meeting and staff was directed to include it on the January 10, 1995, agenda. Please refer to the December staff report for requested action. VAN VALKENBURG PARR PLAN - JOHN KEPRIOS The Edina Park Board directed staff to bring any plans for Van Valkenburg Park to the January Park Board meeting. Staff will have a park design plan to review, however, the plan is viewed by staff as being no longer feasible due to changes in wetlands laws. There is no request for action on this agenda item. Dear Park Board Members, Some of you have already received some of this information, but 1 have included this information for new members and as a review for all. If you have any questions regarding the Center please feel free to call me anytime at the Art Center at 929-4555 or at home at 920-5856. Thank you all for your support! History In the late 1960's citizens of Edina began expressing the need for a central place in the community where people of all ages could gather to pursue artistic interests or learn new creative skills. In 1970, Ken Rosland, our City Manager stated, V envision the Edina Art Center as a place for artists to interact ...a place for those with artistic talent to learn... we want a place with a lot of warmth and interaction." Finally in 1976 a beautifully landscaped residence was purchased by the city of Edina located on the west edge of Lake Cornelia Park. The home formerly belonged to Mr. and Mrs. Lee Miller who built the house in the late 1930's. Through the efforts of Marion Ward and Pat Greer, the former co- directors of the center and Bob Kojetin, former Director of Edina Park and Recreation and hundreds of volunteers, the home was renovated and transformed into painting studios and workshop areas. In the fall of 1977 the doors opened to the first classes. In 1978 Shirley Taylor created a beautiful nature center south of the building as a memorial to her son Jordy. Taylor Knoll is a popular place for artists to create their artworks. Also in 1978 the Margaret Foss Gallery was established with funds provided by the Foss Family as a memorial to Margaret. In 1981 an additional studio was donated by the Tede Nichols family. In the same year Ron and Sandy Clark renovated the porch area into a gift gallery for sales of original artworks. I History (cont.) In 1983 the Edina Foundation donated funds to build a new 40 cubic foot gas kiln to make our pottery department one of the best in the state. We have 12 electric wheels and two additional electric kilns. In 1988 we began talking about adding another studio. Our student population had grown from 1,600 students per year to more than 3,000 per year and very importantly we wanted to make our building accessible to people with disabilities. Currently (Jan. 1995) we have more than 4,400 students per year enrolled in classes. After careftil research and providing documentation to the Park Board and the Edina City Council, our plan was approved with the stipulation of paying back $50, 000 from our fundraisers to the city. Our Grand Opening Celebration for our new studios took place on October 21, 1990. Staff The Art Center has 6 part time office staff, a part-time Assistant Director, and one full time Director, 35 instructors, and more than 40 volunteers. Our volunteers come in on a daily basis and do everything from filing to cleaning to fundraising. In addition to the staff we have eleven board members who work in an advisory capacity to the Park Board and the City Council. Board members are made up of business people, art enthusiasts, and community supporters who are residents of Edina. Classes Diversity in visual arts education is the key word when describing the classes at the Art Center. We try to offer classes and workshops for all ages and abilities beginning at age 2 when the young children attend with their parents to the professional artist who is still learning and growing through our excellent faculty members. Although our emphasis is on fine arts, we also offer several classes in the craft area such as paper making jewelry, tie dye, and painting on wearable arts. . Classes (cont.) Watercolor is our most popular media. We also offer classes in portraiture, realistic painting & drawing, pastels, acrylics, landscapes, life drawing porcelain painting oils, pottery, design, bookmaking, sculpture, maskmaking, architecture, and more. A few years ago we began our Art for All Ages workshops where we actually put children in workshops with adults. Using the one -room school house type of learning, these workshops have been some of our most popular offerings. We have had classes where grandparents have come in with their grandchildren and last May we conducted a Mother's Day Surprise Workshop with 20 dads and their children. We see a growth in parent/child workshops, as parents continue to realize that they want quality activities with their children. Our classes are small. With our emphasis oil individualized guided education, our young people's classes are limited to 8 students for the preschool and kindergarten classes and 10 for the I st through 8th grade. We also have a special class for the highly motivated and talented student from 4th -8th grade. The Art Academy was formed in 1987 with Margaret Gust as the leader. Admittance to this program is by application only and is interviewed when openings arise. They bring in portfolios to be reviewed. We have quite a waiting list for Art Academy and always encourage prospective students to take other classes while waiting. Although our number of students continued to climb at an amazing rate over the years, we experienced a slight decline in enrollment in 1992, but increased again in 1993. In September of 1993, we started the Crosstown Camera Club, for all of the photography buffs in our area. As of January 1995, we have 48 paid members and meet once a month. We divided a storeroom in the lower level of the All Center and now have two darkrooms and one print washing room built with love and more than 660 volunteer hours by Bob Kojetin with assistance by Al Ward. Our new darkrooms will be ready for use by February. 0 Classes for students with varying abilities In the past four years we have initiated a program for students with differing abilities both in mainstreaming and in contained classroom settings as well as adding students into regular classroom settings. Working with Laura Lancrete, our area Therapeutic Recreational Specialist we have designed programs to meet the needs of all people and now have several students who are blind, hearing impaired, and mentally disabled attending classes. Outreach and Special Events You can hardly attend a City function without the Art Center playing a role in it somehow. Just some of the events: I. "Snippets and Sonnets" and "Baskets and Bunnies" are two of the Family events that were held in collaboration with the Edina Historical Society and the Edina Senior Citizen's Center. Both were wonderfid events at the Historical Museum which set a record for attendance! 2. Cultural Expo will held on March 19 this year when the All Center will provided visual art activities on the theme "Everyday Heroes." 3. No smoking poster contest working together with the David Velde and the Edina Health Board. 4. Outreach into the community at Rembrandt Retirement Community by offering an art lecture on "Healing Into Art" with Margaret McDowell. S. In connection with Arts & Kid's at Southdale and Mall of America, the Art Center is very visible during the Children's Art Festivals. These events take place twice a year. Scholarships Scholarships are available to any students both adults and children who have the need through the generosity of the Meredythe Anne Dasburg Foundation, the Edina Foundation, the Golden Kiwanis, Raymond Gormley Memorial Scholarship Fund, and Edina Rotary Morningside. The scholarship requests have grown steadily in the past few years, but fortunately we have been able to keep ahead of the demand. 4 Fundraising and Finances When I came to Edina Art Center more than 8 112 years ago, I was under the assumption that I would not have to be concerned with so much intensive fundraising! After all this is Edina! From my research on nation wide Art Centers similar to Edina, if the facility raised 60-70% of the revenues it was a wonderfid fete! These 1993 figures indicate how much each city contributes to the Arts: Bloomington: $68,500 to Fine Arts Council and additional $29, 000 per year for Bloomington Art Center for use and maintenance. Owatonna: $40-50, 000 for Owatonna Art Center. Rochester: $53, 000 for Rochester Art Center. Of course there are some cities like Hopkins who are in the process of building an Art Center, and Maple Grove who do not budget a single dollar for the Arts. Our operating budget has increased from $100,000- $280, 000 in the past 7 years and we are happy to say that in 1989 & 90 we were completely self-sustaining. At this time approximately 64% of our revenues come from class registrations, 15% from private & business donations, 15% from sales in our supply and gift shop area and 5% in memberships. Although we believe in "user fees" as the major contributor to our budget, we did not want to raise class prices too high, so began to think of alternative ways to raise money. Sandy Clark and Sharon Hale, two of our Board Members decided to raise funds with an event entitled, "Celebrate the Arts". This one event has raised almost $90, 000 in the last eight years. 5 Fundraising and Finances (cont.) In addition to "Celebrate the Arts" every year we have a Juried Show which raises approximately $3,000 in contributions from Patrons such as First Bank Edina, Rembrandt Retirement Community, and the Kelm Foundation who each contributed $500 to the show. We have a Benefit/Garage Sale each year also that raises another $1,500. In November of 1992, we held our first "Fireside Suppers" that raised $3,000. This idea was initiated by Heather Randall King. Simply, we have Art Center Supporters, who have a supper at their home and ask each guest to donate to the Art Center. Suggested "ticket" prices: $25, $35, or $50. The hosts, of course, donate the food/drink The Fireside Suppers begin at the Art Center for the opening of the Holiday Show with a wine and cheese reception. We will have a silent auction at the Art Center May I8 -June 1. Our gallery will be filled with fine art, jewelry, gift certificates, food, theatre tickets, clothing, home and family treasures, and much more! In 1991 we are created a tile donor wall which we believe is a creative and fun way for people to donate in a personal and lasting way. Tiles sell for $100 each and the patrons can either have our artists create or they can do their own 'painting" on the tile. Memberships Memberships are available for $25 per year for an individual and $35 for a family membership. You do not have to be a resident of Edina to belong. Membership entitles you to special event invitations, a chance to participate in the Juried Show, an opportunity to work in OPEN STUDIO when class room space is available and the knowledge that you are supporting an enriching organization. Memberships have steadily increased in the past 6 years growing from 324 members in 1986 to almost 600. This growth in membership is partially due to our membership chair, Liz Eisenbrey, and her efforts in writing personal notes on each of the renewal letters. 6 • Exhibits During the year, we sponsor.• Juried Show Student Show Faculty Exhibit (Now showing Jan.S- Feb. 16, 1995) Holiday Sale Exhibit Outreach exhibits- Braemar Arena, Arneson Acres Edina Scene Contest Edina Library Edinborough Park Gallery Exhibits (now showing Suzie Kelm's photography...don't miss it!) Hours: Edina Art Center Open 9am-9.30pm Monday through Thursday 9am-3:30pm Fridays 9am-I:00pm Saturdays Open Sundays for special events. December 28, 1994 Edina Art Center Wish List 1. Fax machine. $1,000-$1,500 2. Roof repair by kitchen and gallery. Leakage caused by ice dams New downspouts needed. $1,000-$1,500. 3. Sculpture stands. $600. 4. Display hardware for gift shop and shrinkwrap case. $500. 5. New carpeting on stairs going up. $200 6. Additional cleaning help. $3,500 per year. 7. A part-time additional administrative assistant. $6, 000 per year. 8. Video instructional tapes for library 10 @$25 each =$250. 9. VCR Need for instructional tapes. $300. 10. Video camera. $800. 11. Remodel downstairs jewelry room (old wheel room) to make it more inviting as a classroom. $2,500. 12. Print rack for gift shop. $500. 13. New stools. $200. 14. Completely re -do windows upstairs to make them energy efficient. $4,000. 15. Construct colorful banners to alleviate the audio problems in lower level studio. $400. 16. New air conditioning in the Nichols studio. Right now they sound like b -57's taking off. $1,200. 17. Update our 7 year old computers. Most are slow and inefficient. Stephanie has info on this: $2,500. 18. Fix outdoor sprinkling system. Replace hose. Has not worked in last 3 years. ??? on $$$. 19. Replaster walls in gallery and kitchen area. $500. 20. Extruder for pottery department. $275. 21. New pottery wheel. $750. 22. Giffin grip for trimming. $150. 23. Electric kiln. $1,300. 24. Replace wooden ware carts. $900 for three. 25. Auto firing kiln controllers $1, 000 for two. 26. Hand rail for back door steps. $300. 27. Motion sensor for gallery lighting. $200. 28. Widen stairs to lower level. $2,500. 29. Separate thermostats for lower level studios. $400. 30. Automatic door. $1,200. 31. Handrailings on back steps. $250.