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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-02-24 Arts & Commission Meeting PacketAgenda Arts and Culture Commission City Of Edina, Minnesota Virtual Meeting: WebEx This meeting will be held electronically using Webex software. The meeting will be streamed live on the City’s YouTube channel, YouTube.com/EdinaTV or you can listen to the meeting via telephone by calling 1-415-655-0001, access code 2455 941 8533 Thursday, February 24, 2022 4:30 PM I.Call To Order II.Roll Call III.Approval Of Meeting Agenda IV.Approval Of Meeting Minutes A.Minutes: Arts and Culture Minutes January 27, 2022 V.Reports/Recommendations A.2022 Work Plan Updates B.Pottery Forward Facility Report C.Annual Elections VI.Chair And Member Comments VII.Sta/ Comments A.Upcoming Meetings and Events VIII.Adjournment The City of Edina wants all residents to be comfortable being part of the public process. If you need assistance in the way of hearing ampli1cation, an interpreter, large-print documents or something else, please call 952-927-8861 72 hours in advance of the meeting. Date: February 24, 2022 Agenda Item #: IV.A. To:Arts and Culture Commission Item Type: Minutes From:Laura Fulton, Recreation Supervisor Item Activity: Subject:Minutes: Arts and Culture Minutes January 27, 2022 Action CITY OF EDINA 4801 West 50th Street Edina, MN 55424 www.edinamn.gov ACTION REQUESTED: Approve meeting minutes from January 27, 2022 Arts and Culture Commission Meeting. INTRODUCTION: Meeting minutes from the January 27, 2022 Arts and Culture Commission Meeting ATTACHMENTS: Description Minutes: Arts and Culture Minutes: January 27, 2022 Draft Minutes☒ Approved Minutes☐ Approved Date: Click here to enter a date. Minutes City Of Edina, Minnesota Arts and Culture Commission Virtual Meeting: WebEx Thursday, January 27, 2022 I. Call To Order Chair Sorensen called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. II. Roll Call Answering roll call were Commissioners Fram, Stemmler, Suckow, Chandler, Rubin, Johnson and Westlund; Student Commissioners Anand and Shen; and Chair Sorensen. Staff Present: Parks and Recreation Director, Perry Vetter, Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Tracy Petersen, and Recreation Supervisor, Laura Fulton. Commissioner Amlaw entered the meeting at 4:40 p.m. III. Approval Of Meeting Agenda Motion made by Chandler to approve the January 27, 2022 meeting agenda, seconded by Westlund. Motion carried. IV. Approval Of Meeting Minutes Motion made by Westlund to approve the December 16, 2021 meeting minutes, seconded by Rubin. Motion carried. V. Reports/Recommendations A. 2021 Work Plan Updates – Review and Evaluation of Virtual Gallery • Commissioners Fram and Stemmler presented an overview, results, key takeaways from the virtual gallery project and recommendations. • Committee reviewed and discussed project report. B. 2022 Work Plan • Initiative #1: Implement Year 2 of the Public Art Plan: the Mandala Digital Public Art Project and digital mapping. o Chair Sorensen discussed initiative timeline and mandala community art opportunity. • Initiative #2: Research and make a recommendation for a microgrant process for community driven Arts & Culture. o Chair Sorensen informed commission about meeting with Community Foundation representative Dick Crockett about initiative on February 8, 2022. • Initiative #3: As a new art space is pursued, the commission will provide the community perspective to the planning process. o Commissioner Chandler presented feedback on committee meeting with consultant, Sara Peterson. Draft Minutes☒ Approved Minutes☐ Approved Date: Click here to enter a date. o Director Vetter discussed that the consultant’s full report will be presented to commission at February meeting. o Commission Westlund offered feedback on consultant meeting. o Director Vetter discussed current Art Center closure and addressed email comments from residents. o Commissioner Westlund volunteered to address email correspondence about Art Center. • Initiative #4: Climate Change Public Art in the Parks for Earth Day 2022 o Chair Sorensen and Commissioner Johnson discussed initiative and meeting with Project Earth at the Edina High School to partner. o Student Commissioner Anand presented student vision of initiative. • Initiative #5: Joint Sponsorship of Performances on the Plaza Summer Concert Series 2022 o Chair Sorensen discussed that we are waiting for an update on programming at 50th and France in 2022. • Initiative #6: Review and comment on art and décor elements & programming for the Edina Theatre. o Commissioner Rubin will be reaching out to the new contact at the Edina Theater to discuss opportunities. • Director Vetter reminded Commissioners that timeline may need to be adjusted as operations have been impacted due to the pandemic and staff are stretched. Any clarity on initiatives should be sent early to ensure proper turn around time. VI. Chair And Member Comments • Chair Sorenson announced the return of the 50th and France Art Fair in 2022. • Charity Event “Art for Shelter” is looking for submissions. • Great Northern Festival is happening, innovative public art. • Morningside After Dark is virtual in January. • Commissioner Westlund requested information about covering utility boxes. o Director Vetter responded that he would research possibilities VII. Staff Comments • 2022 Meeting dates were presented. • Staff member Fulton presented upcoming art programming and attendance VIII. Adjournment Motion was made by Westlund to adjourn the January 27, 2022 meeting of the Arts and Culture Commission, seconded by Chandler. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:14 p.m. Date: February 24, 2022 Agenda Item #: V.A. To:Arts and Culture Commission Item Type: Other From:Laura Fulton, Recreation Supervisor Item Activity: Subject:2022 Work Plan Updates Discussion CITY OF EDINA 4801 West 50th Street Edina, MN 55424 www.edinamn.gov ACTION REQUESTED: The 2022 Work Plan is attached for discussion and updates. INTRODUCTION: Discuss and provide any updates to the 2022 Work Plan. ATTACHMENTS: Description 2022 Arts and Culture Work Plan Approved by City Council December 7, 2021 Commission: Arts and Culture Commission 2022 Annual Work Plan Proposal Initiative # 1 Initiative Type ☒ Project ☐ Ongoing / Annual ☐ Event Council Charge ☐ 1 (Study & Report) ☐ 2 (Review & Comment) ☐ 3 (Review & Recommend) ☒ 4 (Review & Decide) Implement Year 2 of the Public Art Plan: The Mandala Digital Public Art Project and digital mapping Deliverable Display artwork submissions within public locations throughout Edina. Leads Fram, Stemmler, Sorensen, Shen (s), Anand (s) Target Completion Date Progress Q1: Initiative # 2 Initiative Type ☒ Project ☐ Ongoing / Annual ☐ Event Council Charge ☐ 1 (Study & Report) ☐ 2 (Review & Comment) ☒ 3 (Review & Recommend) ☐ 4 (Review & Decide) Research and make a recommendation for a microgrant process for community driven Arts & Culture Deliverable Report to City Council. Leads Suckow (lead), Chandler, Amlaw Target Completion Date Progress Q1: Initiative #3 Initiative Type ☐ Project ☐ Ongoing / Annual ☒ Event Council Charge ☐ 1 (Study & Report) ☒ 2 (Review & Comment) ☐ 3 (Review & Recommend) ☐ 4 (Review & Decide) As a new art space is pursued, the commission will provide the community perspective to the planning process. Deliverable City staff will continue to provide a role for the commission on the pursuit of art space. Leads Chandler, Westlund, Amlaw, Suckow Target Completion Date Progress Q1: Feedback from initiative leads received in January. Program Study will be discussed at the February 24 ACC meeting. Program summary will then be discussed at the March 22 City Council Work Session. Initiative # 4 Initiative Type ☒ Project ☐ Ongoing / Annual ☐ Event Council Charge ☐ 1 (Study & Report) ☐ 2 (Review & Comment) ☐ 3 (Review & Recommend) ☒ 4 (Review & Decide) Climate Change Public Art in the Parks for Earth Day 2022 Deliverable Climate change messaging at Edina Parks timed to Earth Day Leads Sorensen (lead), Anand (s), Johnson Target Completion Date Progress Q1: Approved by City Council December 7, 2021 Initiative # 5 Initiative Type ☐ Project ☐ Ongoing / Annual ☒ Event Council Charge ☐ 1 (Study & Report) ☐ 2 (Review & Comment) ☒ 3 (Review & Recommend) ☒ 4 (Review & Decide) Joint Sponsorship of Performances on the Plaza Summer Concert Series 2022 Deliverable Advertise AAC initiatives or table at the concerts. Leads Sorensen (lead), Anand (s), Johnson Target Completion Date Progress Q1: Initiative # 6 Initiative Type ☐ Project ☐ Ongoing / Annual ☐ Event Council Charge ☐ 1 (Study & Report) ☒ 2 (Review & Comment) ☐ 3 (Review & Recommend) ☐ 4 (Review & Decide) Review and comment on art and décor elements & programming for the Edina Theatre. Deliverable Provide feedback on art elements using the Art and Décor rubric. Leads Sorensen, Rubin, Westlund Target Completion Date Progress Q1: Parking Lot: (These items have been considered by the BC, but not proposed as part of this year’s work plan. If the BC decides they would like to work on them in the current year, it would need to be approved by Council.) - Implement microgrant process for community driven Arts & Culture if recommendation is approved by Council. - Report and advise on procedures to include art and décor elements when opportunities arise in Edina public and commercial projects. Date: February 24, 2022 Agenda Item #: V.B. To:Arts and Culture Commission Item Type: Report and Recommendation From:Laura Fulton, Recreation Supervisor Item Activity: Subject:Pottery Forward Facility Report Discussion CITY OF EDINA 4801 West 50th Street Edina, MN 55424 www.edinamn.gov ACTION REQUESTED: Receive consultant report regarding a pottery forward facility. INTRODUCTION: Commission will receive and discuss the pottery forward facility recommendations and opportunities for future art in Edina. ATTACHMENTS: Description Staff Report review and consideration of a pottery forward facility Pottery Program Study Feb. 24, 2022 Arts & Culture Commission Perry Vetter, Parks & Recreation Director Review of Pottery Program Study Information / Background: The Edina City Council has tasked City staff with providing perspective and results on the pursuit of a pottery forward facility with attention to equity, inclusion and sustainability, so that it can next move to site selection. The Arts and Culture Commission is also a participant in this work as called for in the annual work plan to, “provide the community perspective to the planning process as a new art space is pursued”. This initiative effort has included Commissioners Amlaw, Chandler, Suckow and Westland, along with professional adviser Sara Peterson as our management consultant. The project goal is therefore to make a recommendation to the City Council on a model and space needs for a temporary, until permanent, facility solution for pottery that is an asset for Edina and the region. The attached report provides a wealth of information; including history related to past study efforts, observations of programming results, facility recommendations and supporting operating structures. While members of the community have followed these studies, it should be noted that these efforts have been ongoing since 2007. At heart of the issue is a facility that has operated inside a former residential home built in 1948, remodeled for use as an arts center in 1977, and expanded twice in the 1990’s. A continuing basic pattern has been repeated that 1) declares a need for new and remodeled space, 2) a process of vision and study, 3) choices to not invest in the current facility from a capital standpoint, and then 4) status quo due to a variety of factors that did not result in action. This cycle has repeated since 2007 and resulted in the current physical condition of the facility. Prior studies have focused on expansion, new opportunities and program growth. In 2019 it became apparent as staff changed over that, while the facility continued to function, some serious infrastructure issues were obvious. At that time, staff engaged an architectural firm to review the center, not from a space or programmatic needs as done in the past, but in compliance with the existing building code for safety and security. That inspection was completed shortly before the Covid-19 pandemic changed the course of what we consider “normal.” The Edina Arts Center, along with all other city recreational facilities were closed as part of that pandemic response in March of 2020. While we were grappling with new terminology such as social distancing, capacity limits, and air filtration, the Center’s infrastructure needs became more apparent. In addition to the limits to adhering to Covid protocols, the resulting building code analysis remained a problem. The facility is not ADA compliant; does not meet current fire codes for safety STAFF REPORT Page 2 ratings; has multiple hazardous areas; lacks proper ventilation; has electrical distribution and gas line penetration deficiencies. In addition to the lack of investments in the building envelope, the Center eventually reopened using the first floor (ADA Accessible) only for prior registration classes only. Use of the mezzanine and pottery area have not reopened for use due to the compliance issues mentioned above. Program Study The report includes a deep dive into the available information on how the Center has and how an alternate space could operate. Challenging the study is an acknowledgement that over the course of time multiple registration and financial systems created gaps and inconsistent pools of data. However, the best picture available for decision making is presented for analysis. Not only are we presented with summary data, financial modeling and staffing observations, we are provided analysis of local comparisons, field recommendations and program options. In summary, the report provides a direction on our purpose, brand model, desired site and facility specifications, and principles for success. As highlighted in the introduction of the report, this is both too much yet not enough information to draw precise conclusions. However, after studying the same concept since 2007, we must push through to create a programmatic model that meets the market needs for pottery. Discussion There have been a number of studies that have consumed time, financial resources and emotional capital over the years. Within the context of this effort, we have been focused on the City Council directive to: 1. Build a pottery asset for Edina and the region; 2. Identify a temporary, until permanent, facility solution for that asset; 3. Continue with a decentralized use of locations for other methods of art in the time being; 4. Pursue the potential of a purpose-built facility (maybe within Braemar Park) in the future. To ground the discussion, the City Council has removed from our study option at this time conducting art programmatically only, participating as a partner in a consortium or a pursuit of new full space or renovation. This report and subsequent discussion will be presented to Edina City Council members at their March 22 Work Session Meeting. At a minimum, the initiative members are invited to attend that meeting and further clarity on the meeting structure will be provided. Action Requested: For the review by Arts and Culture Commission Members, we ask you to provide notes and observations for the upcoming review by the Edina City Council. This could be with respect to the recommendations listed in the Facilities, Programming and Market Recap area, or observations in general. 1 FOR ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION DISCUSSION – FEBRUARY 2022 2 Introduction Contents This report is a compilation of information for the Project Planning Team to use in its discussions. As such it is both too much information and not enough. It is however an effort to have all the relevant information at hand for the questions we should anticipate from Committee, City Staff, and Council members. Specifically, questions related to: • Current facility users (demographics and residence) and related trends • Participation trends that comparison centers are seeing • The condition of existing equipment and ability to move it to a new facility • The operating cost of a new facility and its variables (ownership, location, scale of operation) • Opportunities for partnerships to leverage any investment The Project Project Planning Team Edina Parks & Recreation: Perry Vetter, Tracey Petersen, Laura Fulton, Jeanette Colby, and Susan Tarnowski ACC Initiative #4 leads: Kathy Amlaw, Susan Chandler, Steve Suckow, and Laura Westlund Advisors: Nancy Blankfard, HGA Architect; Sara A. Peterson, Management Consultant Parameters The Edina Arts & Culture Commission (ACC) has been charged with providing community perspective to the planning process as a new art space is pursued. The City Council is interested in: • Building pottery asset for Edina and region (the current cost exceeds benefit of $1.6 needed investment); • Identifying a temporary (until permanent) facility solution for that asset; • Continuing decentralized arts programming for the time being; • The potential of a purpose-built facility (maybe at Braemar) in the future Project Goal: Make a recommendation to the Council re a model/space needed for a pottery-focused facility (2nd priority other 2/3D) with attention to equity, inclusion and sustainability, so that it can move to site selection. INTRODUCTION Contents ............................................................. 2 The Project ......................................................... 2 SUMMARY EDINA ART CENTER Observations ...................................................... 5 Historic Highlights............................................... 6 Financial Model .................................................. 7 Membership ....................................................... 9 Classes & Registration ...................................... 12 Facility & Grounds ............................................ 15 Equipment & Kilns ............................................ 17 Instructor Staffing ............................................. 17 FIELD STUDY Local Center Comparisons ................................ 18 National Examples ............................................ 20 Field Recommendations ................................... 22 OPTIONS TO CONSIDER Sites Explored ................................................... 25 Program Portfolio ............................................. 26 Supporting Structures ...................................... 28 ADDITIONAL PROFILE DATA Artistry Theater & Visual Arts ........................... 29 Fired Up Studios ............................................... 30 Minnetonka Center for the Arts (MCA) ............ 31 Northern Clay Center ....................................... 32 APPENDIX Glossary ............................................................ 33 Sources ............................................................. 34 Minneapolis Parks Board .................................. 35 The Introduction includes an overview of the project parameters and a guide for discussion. This is an overview of Planning Team recommendations for ACC and Council discussion. This section provides an overview of the Edina Art Center facility, its financial model, participation in its programs, and its history as context for discussion. The Field Study compiles key specifications of local comparison centers as well as images and inventories from two of the most respected crafts schools in the country. It compiles recommendations from the local centers including their recent market experience. Options to Consider compiles key specifications of the sites recently explored with observations as to their fit with the field recommendations Additional Profile Data presents deeper profiles of the five comparison centers. Given the complex history and work done to compile key documents, the Appendix provides a bibliography of sources used in the study. It also assists with technical language from the world of ceramics. FOR ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION DISCUSSION – FEBRUARY 2022 3 This requires: • Basic feasibility scan of the market potential for a pottery-focused facility • Outline of broad contours for a business model (goals, target markets, pricing) • Outline of min. (req. or pref.) specifications/characteristics to guide the search for a facility This stage does NOT include: • Creation of a business/strategic plan, pro forma, or architectural renderings for a facility • Identification of specific sites for consideration • Planning for the current Art Center or its programming • The change management/communication/engagement for the project or future implementation Process Steps Step 1 COMPLETE: Project Planning with the Project Team Step 2 COMPLETE: Information Gathering, Review & Summary: This report is the product of Step 2 Step 3a COMPLETE: Bring information to the Project Planning Team for discussion Step 3b IN PROCESS: Bring information to the ACC for discussion Step 4: MARCH 2022: Discuss in Council work session. Discussion Questions This is template for the Project Planning Team to use as it discusses the project going forward. It should also provide a guide for reading the report and considering the following: • Feasibility: From the information gathered to date the Team should answer the following: 1) How are we defining “feasibility” for a pottery-focused facility? 2) To what degree does a such a project appear to be feasible? 3) What parameters or variables would increase/decrease that feasibility? • Capacity & Function: The Team should also outline a preferred program model including at least the specifics to the right: Next Steps The Team will outline next steps for itself, City Staff, and City Council, answering key questions. Decisions What decisions will staff and Council need to make in order to move forward? Questions for City staff or Council What questions do staff and Council need to answer in order to move forward? E.g., • Is a 75/25 ratio of revenue to City support one the City considers reasonable? • If not, what would be? • Must City support come from entrepreneur funds? • Or may it come from general funds as well? Additional data/research (caveats if unavail.) Does the Team need additional data or analysis to formalize its recommendation? Planning Worksheet Purpose (Mission) What will it do? For whom? To what end? Broad Model Approach e.g., community education first or studio first Scale for staff/budget e.g., classes of x size and variety, open studio Target audiences/markets e.g., age, location, skill level, amateur/professional Membership model Pricing model? Site Specs Locations / characteristics e.g., proximity to public transit Building type e.g., retail, light industrial Parking access e.g., min spaces or distance, drop off access Green space e.g., x acres, adjacent, for y purposes Facility Specs Studio(s) Glaze Room(s) e.g., minimum size, capacity or safety considerations Kiln Room(s) and/or Shed(s) Storage requirements Success Principles Goal MUST include items e.g., commitment to equipment maintenance Equity and inclusion Sustainability FOR ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION DISCUSSION – FEBRUARY 2022 4 Summary Recommendations The Twin Cities has long been seen as a vibrant market for pottery and potters. It includes a high number of experts and instructors, access to university programs, the reputation of Northern Clay and its annual festival, access to Continental Clay and Master Kiln Builders, collectives and small studios, a culture of summer shows, and numerous pop-up, local and regional shows. This important as a baseline for this study. After review of the study and discussion within the Project Planning Team: What: The group would like Edina to have a fully developed pottery program once again in a place where all ages and families belong, a place experienced potters can call home For Whom As a City program, it should be welcoming, available, and accessible to the broadest possible public audience. To What End: Classes should emphasize beginner/introductory skills and experiences that create an interest in the art form, but it’s also terrific to introduce people to pottery and have at least one experience of working with clay and the wheel—it's okay if that's all that you do here! We could imagine something like a pyramid arrangement of classes, with a broad and solid base of introductory classes open to kids, seniors, and the public, no previous experience necessary, and then more select classes for students with advanced expertise, like workshops with particular teachers or on specialized techniques or kilns that might not bring in as many students but would keep experienced potters interested. Instruction should be supported by open studio access at a level that matches staff capacity and risk tolerance. Accessibility: Ideally, the facility would be conveniently served by public transportation in order to make it easily accessible. Public transportation in Edina is improving (the new Metro Line on France Avenue is a priority and significantly increases public transit on that major street throughout the city), but still limited. We need substantial and free parking on site to accommodate most visitors; the report indicates that three- quarters of adult pottery participants are not Edina residents. At an earlier meeting of this group, we also mentioned safety issues for children; in order to have camps and children’s classes, parents must feel comfortable dropping off children at the site, with no security concerns. Success will require commitments from the City to • The quality, maintenance, and safety of the facility and its equipment. This is a financial, human resource, and oversight commitment. o Exciting, creative programming for all ages coupled with concerted marketing efforts and staff to support that activity. o Staff the program with the skills it needs to manage the technical side of a studio, as well as the logistics/scheduling, programming, community relations, and maintenance. • A complete approach to financial sustainability that includes revisions to registration, membership, contributed, and other earned income. For example: o Membership Program: It’s a good sign that several of the other local pottery facilities have waiting lists now: that’s a strong indication of demand. After being closed during Covid, and having limited availability for pottery during the development of the new facility, some of the previous Edina pottery students might find other classes elsewhere, so I definitely think a revitalized and strong marketing effort here will be necessary to promote the pottery program and the Edina Art Center, bringing new attention to the center as well as renewing interest among people already familiar with it. This is an excellent time to reconsider what membership in the Edina Art Center means and possibly offer a new membership program that might encourage more residents to join, even if they do not take classes. But we have to offer benefits for membership, and that requires staff time and efforts, which also need to be realistically considered with all of these plans. o Naming & Donations: In order to emphasize that this is a public facility operated by the City of Edina, I would not support naming the center itself after a donor, whether individual or corporate. We could consider naming particular spaces within the facility, like a gallery or a specialty area (or we could name the kilns, I guess—some local museums have named elevators and stairwells). I strongly support that donations be directed toward scholarships: this helps with equity and inclusion goals and allows the classes to be experienced by a broader group. It would be wonderful to welcome school groups or groups like Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops to the facility, and contributing funds to support this would be a welcome contribution. o Retail and/or Gallery Considerations: Including retail space and a gallery along with classroom instruction areas and artistic workspace opens the pottery facility as a destination for people who are not taking classes and helps to promote art by students and local artists. I strongly support a retail space for the new facility that would sell pottery as well as supplies for classes; this could include pottery by students, instructors, and artists from the community, including those who exhibit at art fairs in Edina and the metropolitan area. A gallery would be wonderful, too, but both of these elements add to staff time and responsibilities, and the retail space might be the better option if we have to choose. If we are able to have a gallery, it would be great to feature prominent local potters, such as those in the St. Croix River Valley or faculty of college art department in the Twin Cities; this might attract more advanced potters to visit our facility and learn more about it. Retail space and a gallery can also provide opportunities for community events. FOR ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION DISCUSSION – FEBRUARY 2022 5 Edina Art Center Observations Open since 1977, the Center has grown into a program that has been 77% self-supporting (earned revenue as percent of total expense). Center membership has declined in recent years. This seems consistent with larger trends in the performing arts away from subscriptions and in favor of single ticket purchasing. In fact, while Edina’s memberships declined, registration revenue more than filled the gap. That said, the difference could also be the result of insufficient marketing or a benefit structure that needed revision. The current project follows on the heels of: • A 2007 plan to correct concerns and expand the center by 5,600 sq ft ($2.5 million) • A 2012 operational analysis that led to changes in center staffing • 2015 options for expanding the center by 12,000 sq ft or a significantly larger facility • A 2016 process developing plans for a larger facility in the Grandview area • Subsequent studies reiterating the need for more space as well as concerns regarding the facility. Over the course of almost 15 years, the message has not changed. There is support and opportunity for an arts facility, pottery is a cornerstone of that program, and the current facility has deficits. Edina codified its vision and support for the arts in its 2020 comprehensive plan. Now is the time to move forward. The remainder of this section provides data and details regarding the Center’s: • History • Financial Model • Staffing & Instructors • Membership & Registration • Facility & Grounds • Equipment This in turn provides a baseline for the comparison study and planning for the future. FOR ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION DISCUSSION – FEBRUARY 2022 6 Historic Highlights DEVELOPMENT 1948 Lee and Ros Miller built 4701 64th St. W. as a home on a 4-acre double residential lot by between 1948 and 1951. The family lived there with children and sold the property to the City in 1976. 1977 Edina Arts Center opens to the public after extensive renovation. 1990 First Expansion was a 1,700-sf single level addition (600 sf Main Wheel Room, 920 sf Studio 14). (Arthur Dickey Architects) 1997 Second Expansion added 3,560 sf of space on both the upper and lower levels of the west side of the building, and included the Peggy Kelly Media Studios at 1,420 sf, the Tea Room and Great Hall and handicap accessible bathroom at 440 sf, the Lower West Pottery & Painting Studios at 1,700 sf and an egress window in the Old Wheel Room. STUDY & QUESTIONING 2007 Expansion Feasibility Study and Code analysis (ATS&R Architects) was the first attempt to correct facility deficiencies and develop a plan for expansion. The City did not move forward with this work. 2012-13 Sutton + Associates Operational Analysis found that the Edina Art Center was a cherished community asset but had challenges to remain competitive in the market, including building design and size, ADA compliance issues, circulation, and location. Its primary finding was that “the Edina Art Center is in a unique position to redefine itself to meet the needs and expectations of a population that increasingly view the arts as an important community amenity that defines their city as a great place to live, work and raise a family.” It recommended that: • The City maintain its commitment to EAC and encourage its leadership to explore ways to expand its role in the community through programs and services that reflect growing ambitions and aspirations of community members committed to providing great cultural activities to residents of Edina. • EAC leadership play a vital role at the table as broader community initiatives are explored. • EAC work with the Edina Community Foundation to attract philanthropic support allowing it to serve residents of all ages with expanded offerings in both the visual and the performing arts. • The City and EAC transition from interim Director to Executive Director of the current lead staff. • The EAC Advisory Board assist City leadership to appropriately respond to increasing demands, participation and preserving EAC as a key community asset with relevancy to residents. Edina hired a center director (FT) and formed the Arts and Culture Commission following the Operational Analysis. This analysis led to the Schuler Shook work in 2015. 2014-16 Vision for a Community Building for the Arts (ACC): Edina will be a community where: • Everyday life is integrated with art, culture, expression, and creativity. • Community growth is coupled with arts and culture. • The number of people who appreciate, engage with and create art is increased. • Arts and culture are accessible and inclusive of all members of the community. • High value is demonstrated on arts and culture. • As a “creative city,” arts and culture positively impact livability, diversity, inclusion, and economic development. Schuler Shook options and analysis found that the Edina Art Center lacked sufficient size to meet its needs. This study and the options proposed led to the work of the Grandview Task Force. Grandview Task Force proposed a community center on the 3.3-acre site. That project featured a larger art center, along with a senior center, recreation spaces and underground parking. While the cost of the project exceeded the preference of many, the proposal clearly indicated the importance of a new art center. This process with Sutton + Associates included detailed design work with HGA Architects & Engineers as well as pro forma development by pros consulting. Embedded within a much larger community project that was not pursued, the arts center expansion was again put on hold. 2017-19 ACC Recommendation: The Commission requested that the City build a new Center focused on visual arts that will offer more space, inc. art studio and exhibition space, designed specifically with the arts needs in mind; be a fully accessible and ADA-compliant facility to serve all our community's residents; and be conveniently located with ready access to mass transit. Various reports completed: ADA Report & Brand Audit Report, System Renewal Report, Building Code Inspection, Facilities Management Report, Security Recommendations. 2020-21 Edina Comprehensive Plan 2018 (adopted in 2020) includes a commitment to arts and culture an essential objective for the City. It identifies Edina’s highest-priority objectives for arts and culture as: 1. Incorporate arts and culture across all of Edina to provide opportunities for people to come together, share experiences, and build an inclusive and cohesive community. 2. Improve/maintain dedicated spaces and venues for arts and culture; activate each with dynamic programming that includes a broad array of art forms and expressions that are accessible to all. The Center closed to the public in 2020 with the pandemic, prompting further discussion and 2021 report to the City Council leading to the current project. FOR ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION DISCUSSION – FEBRUARY 2022 7 Financial Model Reading the Data Data used for his summary was taken from 2016 Grandview Task Force reports and additional data generated in 2021. It is important to understand where pottery revenue IS and where it ISN’T in the numbers. Looking at the figure to the right: • Memberships & Registrations (all media) include all memberships and all class registrations (pottery and everything else). The bulk of pottery revenue is embedded here. We wish we could separate it out, but we cannot. However, looking at a sample year in the registration data further in this document we see that revenue from pottery classes plus approximately half of camp revenue makes up more than 50% of total revenue. 2016 Pottery Classes Revenue $ 141,473 Registrations 744 Summer Camps Revenue $ 46,509 Registrations 568 Other / Everything Else Revenue $ 130,047 Registrations 753 TOTALS ALL CLASSES / ALL ART FORMS – Revenue $ 318,029 Registrations 2,065 • Pottery Fees revenue includes the $4/week studio fee registrants paid along with separate firing fees, averaging 8% of revenue. This number is low across the board, but we expect that to be the case. • Gallery, Shop, Other Fees revenue is what it sounds like, averaging 8% of revenue. It includes pottery revenue to the extent that the pieces, supplies sold were related to that work. We can consider this in modeling if a new program were to include either gallery or shop space. • Finally, Donations & Interest are just that, averaging 3% of revenue. Observations • Both revenue and expense rose and fell from 2012-2019 with expenses 11% higher at the end of this period than at the beginning. The 2019 drop in revenue may be a result of tension related to an internal staffing change, a sign of decline in interest, or an aberration. With the pandemic coming the following year, it is difficult to know. Income %-ages are relative to total expense Donations & Interest 10,410 5,718 13,405 26,147 22,238 20,038 21,720 Gallery+ 78,028 73,928 57,317 49,428 43,157 47,707 35,258 Pottery Fees 39,280 41,552 82,605 54,464 58,118 61,464 38,649 Members & Reg (all media) 324,067 352,076 376,557 382,248 393,110 402,313 342,988 $451,785 $473,274 $480,124 $529,884 $512,287 $516,623 $531,522 $438,615 Expense 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Memberships & Registrations (all media)Pottery Fees Gallery, Shop, Other Fees Donations & Interest FOR ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION DISCUSSION – FEBRUARY 2022 8 • In general, the Center has earned enough to cover an average of 77% of its expenses each year (no depreciation). • There have been no capital improvements during this period • I would estimate that more than 50% of that revenue came from pottery-related activity (calculated as pottery fees + 50% of memberships, registrations, and retail). The remaining support provided by the City of Edina averaged $154,000/year. This ratio is similar to at least one nearby nonprofit center’s earned to contributed ratio. • While donations, sponsorships and related strategies are an important part of a healthy and comprehensive revenue model, it will always be secondary in importance to earned income. The table here provides more detail, and the revenue can be further explored by looking at membership and registration trends over time in the next section of this report. Data used for his summary was taken from 2016 Grandview Task Force reports and additional data generated in 2021 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 12-19 Ave Income Pottery Fees 4614 – Studio Fees 10,043 11,405 47,441 15,971 16,866 22,673 6,633 1,044 21,917 4608 – Firing Fees 29,237 30,147 35,164 38,493 41,252 38,791 32,017 5,817 37,143 Memberships & Registrations (all media) 4531 – Memberships 27,741 23,187 21,467 14,937 14,213 17,115 15,102 3,369 16,567 4607 – Class Registration 296,326 328,889 355,090 367,311 378,897 385,198 327,886 23,820 362,876 Gallery, Shop, Other Fees 4413 – Artwork Sold 16,478 13,419 8,292 17,236 13,216 23,295 16,454 5,297 15,484 4414 – Misc. Retail Sales 20,451 24,258 37,883 31,801 29,289 24,162 18,705 3,312 26,650 4521 – Concession Sales 559 442 113 391 652 250 100 - 358 4610 – Media Studio Fees 40,540 35,809 11,029 - - - - - 12,483 Donations & Interest 8020:8199 – Donations 9,844 7,341 11,303 24,168 20,138 17,272 15,425 13,714 15,070 8000:8011 – Investment 289 2,314 1,890 2,113 2,593 6,217 - 2,569 4609 – Enterprise over/short 566 (1,912) (213) 89 (13) 174 78 (88) (176) City Budget: Enterprise Funds 4805:4806 - Transfers 165,000 165,000 213,825 100,000 116,850 100,000 150,000 200,000 - 151,334 TOTAL 616,785 638,274 693,949 629,884 629,137 616,623 681,522 638,615 56,285 643,099 Expense People, Services & Occupancy 6000:6099 – Personnel 395,106 396,222 460,511 492,501 494,763 396,303 490,325 218,658 446,533 6100:6299 – Contractual 98,835 84,864 83,911 92,730 95,853 108,726 90,792 38,297 93,673 6800:6899 – Central Services 37,886 41,876 34,990 39,394 44,451 41,000 41,243 68,862 40,120 Supplies 6400:6699 – Commodities 39,152 49,596 68,438 77,502 68,689 58,925 54,665 10,931 59,567 5500:5599 – COGS 20,310 8,863 (146) 1,766 (1,581) 1,549 2,758 - 4,788 Capital 6901:6999 – Depreciation 26,287 26,228 25,717 23,930 22,032 13,895 5,890 6,000 20,568 TOTAL 617,576 607,649 654,310 673,421 727,823 724,207 620,397 685,673 342,748 663,882 Surplus (Loss) (791) 30,625 39,639 (43,538) (98,685) (107,584) 61,125 (47,057) (286,463) (20,783) Surplus (Loss) w/o Depreciation 25,496 56,853 (17,821) (74,756) (85,552) 75,020 (41,167) (280,463) (8,847) Total City Support $139,504 $108,147 $174,186 $117,821 $191,606 $185,552 $74,980 $241,167 $139,504 $154,120 Enterprise Funds + S(L) w/o Depreciation City Support as % of Expense 24% 19% 27% 18% 27% 26% 12% 35% 24% 24% Income by Group Pottery Fees 39,280 41,552 82,605 54,464 58,118 61,464 38,649 6,861 Memberships & Reg. (all media) 324,067 352,076 376,557 382,248 393,110 402,313 342,988 27,189 Gallery, Shop, Other Fees 78,028 73,928 57,317 49,428 43,157 47,707 35,258 8,608 Donations & Interest 10,410 5,718 13,405 26,147 22,238 20,038 21,720 13,627 City Budget: Enterprise Funds 165,000 165,000 213,825 100,000 116,850 100,000 150,000 200,000 unk. 616,785 638,274 693,949 629,884 629,137 616,623 681,522 638,615 56,285 Percentage Composition Pottery Fees 6% 7% 12% 7% 8% 10% 6% 2% 8% Memberships & Reg. (all media) 52% 58% 56% 53% 54% 65% 50% 8% 55% Gallery, Shop, Other Fees 13% 12% 9% 7% 6% 8% 5% 3% 8% Donations & Interest 2% 1% 2% 4% 3% 3% 3% 4% 3% City Budget: Enterprise Funds 27% 27% 33% 15% 16% 14% 24% 29% unk. Delta to 100% is Surplus (Loss) >> 100% 105% 94% 86% 85% 110% 93% 16% 74% FOR ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION DISCUSSION – FEBRUARY 2022 9 Membership Observations Membership is best seen as a way for community to “choose” and stick with its studio for the long-term v. nominal discounts. The trends seen here suggest a need for careful consideration of the price and benefits of membership when creating the new model. (See side-by-side comparisons on page 11 for peer centers.) Perhaps the most important note here and in the sections that follow is the importance of active marketing for success over time. Any program pricing or member model will need to be marketed heavily across communication media – not simply the City website and program brochures. General Trends Center membership has declined in recent years as is evident in the charts here and the tables on the following page. We see this decline in membership fee revenue as well. We know the reason for some of the 2019 decline was specific to specific relations. However, the overall trend could be a parallel to that seen in the performing arts for many years now – toward individual ticket purchases versus subscription ticketing. However, class registrations have made up the slack in revenue as depicted here. Here we see that the loss of approximately $12,000 in membership revenue has been replaced by more than $30,000 in registrations. Registration Growth Outpaced Membership Decline 2012 2013 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Memberships $27,741 $23,187 $21,467 $14,937 $14,213 $17,115 $15,102 Registrations $296,326 $328,889 $355,090 $367,311 $378,897 $385,198 $327,886 $324,067 $352,076 $376,557 $382,248 $393,110 $402,313 $342,988 2015 – 2019 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Type & Price $42 Individual 614 420 429 354 314 $60 Family * 132 100 79 64 45 $75 Contributing 5 1 3 3 4 $100-499 Sustaining 10 5 4 3 2 $500 + Patron 1 -- 1 -- -- Total # 762 526 516 424 365 Revenue $ 21,467 $ 14,937 $ 14,213 $ 17,115 $ 15,102 Ave $ Rev per >> $28 $28 $28 $40 $41 Type Composition Individual 81% 80% 83% 83% 86% Family 17% 19% 15% 15% 12% Contributing 1% 0.2% 1% 1% 1% Sustaining 1% 1% 1% 1% 0.5% Patron 0.1% -- 0.2% -- -- Residence Composition Edina Resident 270 186 177 131 103 Non-Resident 491 340 338 293 262 Residence Ratio >> 35/64% 35/65% 34/66% 31/69% 28/72% * Family membership includes parents and all children under 18 living under the same roof FOR ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION DISCUSSION – FEBRUARY 2022 10 Pottery Note It is worth noting that from 2012-2015 (calendar years), as much as 87% of pottery class registrations came from members. This suggests that membership has been a greater benefit for pottery users than other Art Center users. MEMBERS as % of Class Registrations 2012 2013 2014 2015 Open Studio Classes (drawing & painting, jewelry, pottery) 37% 45% 44% 22% Youth Classes (ages 3-18, all areas; clay on wheel at age 9) 44% 43% 46% 34% Pottery & Ceramics, Clay Sculpture 85% 83% 87% 60% Drawing & Painting 84% 82% 79% 55% Watermedia 70% 70% 66% 44% Media * 43% 39% 41% 16% Related * 49% 68% 58% 41% Summer Art Camps 27% 15% 17% 26% Totals 61% 56% 57% 43% * We assume the items in Media and Related include the following co-mingled and non-pottery offerings: 6000 — Photography (all levels, digital photography, no darkroom equipment) 7000 — Jewelry (metal, resin, recycled) 8000 — Literary Arts (poetry, free lectures) 9000 — Workshops — mainly pottery Member Residence Looking at the residence of members overall shows an average of 33% Edina resident to 67% non-resident over time. This makes sense given the tight geographic of the metropolitan area and variable offerings across the region. Parsing the data can reveal differences by program and demographic as in the charts below. It suggests that youth participants stay closer to home, and that potters are willing to travel. (These are the numbers presented to the Council in March 2021.) 2015 – 2019 April 1, 2019 – March 31, 2020 FOR ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION DISCUSSION – FEBRUARY 2022 11 Comparing Membership Models (All 2021-22 except for Edina, note Fired Up Studios in profile has a different structure. See “Field Study” for more about comparison centers.) Edina 2020 city ArtistryMN nonprofit in city facility Hopkins Center for the Arts nonprofit friends of city facility Northern Clay Center nonprofit Textile Center nonprofit Rates Individual Family Contributing Sustaining Patron $45 $65 $66-99 $100-$499 $500+ Individual Household $40 $55 $39 Regular ($35 Senior/Student) • Free Artist Talks and exclusive events • $5 off single concert tickets • Notification for events and exhibitions • Opportunities to exhibit your own work $100+ Salon Society • Gift cert. for tix OR artwork purchase • Recognition in concert programs • Special event invitations • 10% discount on art purchases Individual Student Senior $50 $35 $35 Pearl Cotton (Individual) Worsted Wool (Household up to 6) Fine Linen (Friend) Angora (Advocate) Hemp (Student) Bamboo (guild member) Ramie (Educator) $55 $85 $130 $250 $30 $35 $45 Classes Members: 10% off classes Residents: $5 off mbr/classes Discounts on most classes Discounts on our classes Discounts on > 150 classes, etc. a year Shop Gallery Café Sales… 10% off supplies Discounts do not apply to the artist-created work in the Gift Shop or purchases made in the galleries. 10% off art purchased 10% off in the Sales Gallery (except APF related) • 10% discount in the Shop • Special offers throughout the year • Higher commission rate as an artist in Shop Exhibits Other • $10 off Walker membership • Annual member exhibition • Event invitations • "Pay-as-you-Paint" studios • $10 off Walker membership • Annual member exhibition • Event invitations • Artists can have a 4-wk showcase (lobby) • 1-2 pc to inc. in all-member show (+ reg) • Submit to juried member show (+ reg) • Invites to special events and pre-sales • 1-year subscription to newsletter and exhibition announcements • Invitations to participate in members-only tours • Enter annual member exhibition • Borrowing/check out privileges in the Library • 50%+ discount on facility rental • Exclusive ability to rent Dye Lab • Discounts at participating retailers Donor & Sponsor Benefits While not marketed as such the Contributing, Sustaining, and Patron levels above are clearly intended to be donor categories, Monthly Sustainer: Membership benefits when annual totals $39 ($35 sr/sdt) or more Corporate Packages • $150 Level ($150-349): 1/8 p 4-color; print recognition, lobby, and web • $350 Level ($350-499): 1/4 p 4-color ad; 20% room rental discount; recognition as above; 2 guest passes to a concert • $500 Level ($500-999)… • $1,000 Level ($1,000+)… • Customized packages to fit your needs… Dual ($100/year, $50 tax-deductible) • 2 adult memberships + free adm to lectures Family ($150/year, $75 tax-deductible) • Benefits above for 2 adults and up to 3 minors + • Recognition in newsletter and annual report • Complimentary NCC exhibition catalogues Sustaining ($250/year, $150 tax-deductible) • Benefits above for 2 adults and up to 3 minors + • 2 tickets to opening night of the Patron ($500/year, $380 tax-deductible) • Benefits above for 2 adults and up to 3 minors + • Commissioned pot by NCC artist Leadership Circle • Silk Thread (Supporter) $500 includes recognition + complimentary membership, behind-the-scenes fiber experiences (up to 3) • Cashmere (Benefactor) $1,000, includes above + private studio tour with a fiber artist; commissioned, limited edition work of fiber art • Spun Gold (Patron) $2,500, includes above + an intimate event with an exhibiting fiber artist Similar NO memberships at: • Eagan Art House • Eden Prairie Art Center • For Minnetonka Center for the Arts see profile in report • White Bear Center for the Arts has a simple model Highpoint Center for Printmaking (similar to Northern Clay & Textile Center) • Supporting ($40 or$30 Students/Srs) 10% off select classes, sub newsletter, members-only events • First Edition ($100) + invitation to annual print collecting seminar or printmaking demo • Limited Edition ($250) + 10% discount on prints by Highpoint co-op artists (year-round) • Special Edition ($500) + first notice of new print releases and exclusive invitations to meet visiting artists • Collector ($1000+) + one annual 10% discount on a print FOR ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION DISCUSSION – FEBRUARY 2022 12 Classes & Registration Overview of Approach Prior to the pandemic, Center’s programs varied greatly in the number of hours the program ran, from 3-hour workshops to 36-hour classes. Some years had a heavier emphasis on one art form or another. For example, substantial number of digital photography classes were held in 2016-18. Other art forms never reached the full potential of the equipment on hand. For example, jewelry was never a large program, and member open studios (painting, drawing) enrollment/revenue was never insignificant. But those areas are not the focus of this work. Pottery is. Before the pandemic, the model for pottery classes included the following: • Individuals registered for 3-hour, 6-week classes at $11/hour for instruction plus fees ($4 studio/week, firing, and supplies). o The studio fee included bisque firing, glazes, and studio maintenance. o Firing fees were based on weight rather than volume: $2.20/lb. • Open studio was available whenever a class was in the space. A small amount was occasionally reserved. Student members then also had access to open studios. Data Limitations Parks & Recreation changed databases in 2015 and again in 2021. As a result, the data used here is incomplete and does not necessarily compare apples to apples from one year to the next. Past systems were also limited in what they tracked. They did not track demographic information or individual registration trends but rather focused on registrations as ticket sales. As a result, the data does not allow us to view how many individuals registered, only how many people are enrolled for each course. (Some enroll for just 1 class; others are continuing students who enroll for many sessions. This is true in across are forms: Painting and Drawing, and Pottery.) Observations The tables that follow present an overview of the Center’s class registration history. The 2012-2015 data was generated in early 2016 and included in Grandview Task Force documentation. It is based on the calendar year. While we assume it is complete, Edina changed its program software in 2016, and we cannot re-run that data today to confirm the assumption. The 2016-2019 data was generated as part of the current project. Of note, Edina’s experience with potter classes is that a significantly higher percentage of those planned actually run (compared with other classes). Similarly, summer camps (with a pottery component) have ahigh run rate. Both could be an indication or demand, better planning, or both. When we look at the side-by-side comparison of peers (page 14) we see that Edina’s class pricing might have been a bit lower than the market. This could be good or bad. There is an opportunity both to align prices with the market and to make clear that entry classes and shorter “taster” experiences are a priority by making them loss leaders. There is also an opportunity to normalize a few class models (number of sessions and durations) for consistency in messaging and expectations and ease of administration The Culture at Minnetonka Center for the Arts Being in Lee’s ceramics classes, you’ll recognize that she is keenly aware that everything is about the students and what they need. She watches, listens and gears the instruction to what they need and where they want to go. “It is their experience, their investment. They could be anywhere else doing lots of other things, yet they choose to be here [in the studio],” says Lee. “To me, it is a real blessing to help someone along on their journey and to be a part of that. Someone is allowing me to be part of their life and that is not a little thing.” Building community is the culture of the Ceramics Studio. “You’re part of something here. It’s your studio,” says Lee. “It’s about providing a safe environment and giving people the tools so they can push the boundaries of their own creativity.” She credits the studio’s team of Artist-Instructors for fostering the open, collaborative spirit. “They are all accomplished artists. They all have a really good sense of self. It’s not about I, it’s about we here.” Lee handles an incredible volume of work as Ceramics Studio Manager. In addition to teaching, Lee moves more than 30,000 pots through the kilns each year practically on her own, manages the inventories of clay, tools and glazes so students are never without, and keeps all of the equipment running. “It takes an accomplished set of skills and intense personal commitment to keep the studio running,” says Executive Director Roxanne Heaton. “Lee alone makes that happen. I think that’s a huge accomplishment. Excerpt from: //minnetonkaarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Persell_Lee-Fall-2016.pdf FOR ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION DISCUSSION – FEBRUARY 2022 13 Registration Data from 2012-2019 CALENDAR YEAR APRIL – MAY YEAR 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Notes Pottery Classes This section is ONLY pottery Classes Offered v. Run 94 v. 73 106 v. 74 92 v. 77 86 v. 79 2012-15 is all levels; 2016-19 is adult Percentage Run (average reg/class) 78% (8) 70% (8) 84% (9) 92% (10) The %age of classes run here is higher than in other areas Revenue $ 141,473 $ 174,667 $ 167,981 $ 156,910 Registrations 599 622 712 761 744 930 827 746 Without the number of classes held, it is difficult to interpret this trend. Ave $ Rev/Reg # $ 190 $ 188 $ 203 $ 210 Summer Camps This section includes ALL camps, not just pottery Classes Offered v. Run 73 v. 63 84 v. 79 86 v. 80 84 v. 80 clay camps = up about 50% of camps Percentage Run (average reg/class) 86% (8) 94% (9) 93% (9) 95% (9) Revenue $ 46,509 $ 49,007 $ 59,152 $ 38,833 Registrations 491 714 731 730 568 559 580 406 Ave $ Rev/Reg # $ 82 $ 88 $ 102 $ 96 Doesn’t include Art Academy, Art in the Park, or YouthTech Other / Everything Else This section is NOT pottery Classes Offered v. Run 374 v. 167 376 v. 161 391 v. 202 271 v. 158 Percentage Run (average reg/class) 45% (7) 43% (8) 52% (6) 58% (7) Revenue $ 130,047 $ 122,868 $ 125,377 $ 98,125 Registrations 1,228 1,230 1,269 1,134 753 716 692 582 $ 173 $ 172 $ 181 $ 169 (1000, 2000, P/drawing, W/C, Media, Related) * TOTALS ALL CLASSES / ALL ART FORMS – however 2016-19 do not match the financial trend data This section includes ALL classes, not just pottery Classes Offered v. Run 541 v. 324 566 v. 346 569. 374 441. 324 Percentage (average reg/class) 60% (7) 61% (7) 66% (7) 73% (8) Revenue $ 296,326 $ 328,889 unk. $ 355,090 $ 318,029 $ 346,542 $ 352,510 $ 293,868 The 2016-19 $$ here are $30-40K lower than in the financials Registrations 2,318 2,566 2,712 2,625 2,065 2,205 2,099 1,734 The 2019 numbers are clearly incomplete Ave $ Rev/Reg # $ 128 $ 128 $ 135 $ 154 $ 157 $ 168 $ 169 Registration Composition This section includes ALL classes, not just pottery Adult # 26% 24% 26% 29% 36% 42% 39% 43% Camp # 21% 28% 27% 28% 28% 25% 28% 23% 2012-15 is all camps; 2016-19 is clay Other # 53% 48% 47% 43% 36% 32% 33% 34% Revenue Composition This section includes ALL classes, not just pottery Adult $ 44% 50% 48% 53% Clay Camps $ 15% 14% 17% 13% Other $ 41% 35% 36% 33% * We assume the items in ”Other” above include the following co-mingled and non-pottery offerings: 1000 — Open Studio Classes (drawing & painting, jewelry, pottery) 2000 — Youth Classes (ages 3-18, all areas; clay on wheel begins at age 9) 4000 — Drawing & Painting (all levels, figure drawing, focus on realistic drawing & painting) 5000 — Watermedia (all levels, watercolor & Sunni-e) 6000 — Photography (all levels, digital photography, no darkroom equipment) 7000 — Jewelry (metal, resin, recycled) 8000 — Literary Arts (poetry, free lectures) 9000 — Workshops — mainly pottery Youth Programming Notes: 1) School Year Progs: The Center has offered a very limited number of programs for younger students during the school year. 2) Art Academy: A late afternoon program for advanced art students and/or those with a strong interest in art including ceramics, painting, drawing, and sculpture. Art Academy has been an important youth program serving approx. 20-25 students/year. These registrations and financial data are in the totals. FOR ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION DISCUSSION – FEBRUARY 2022 14 Comparing Pricing Models (All 2021-22 except for Edina, only NON-member prices provided here See “Field Study” for more about comparison centers) Edina 2020 ArtistryMN Minnetonka Center for the Arts Northern Clay Center Fired Up Studios Catalog 2020 saved in project folders //artistrymn.org/register-for-classes- winter //minnetonkaarts.org/classes/winter-2022-classes/ //www.nccshop.org/classes-for-adults-and-kids //www.firedupstudios.com/cla sses/ Cap. varies unknown, currently waitlists Range from 10-15 students per class varies Min. 4 / Max. 9 Tuition Usually $11 / instructional hour 1 session x 3 hours = 3 6 x 3 hours = 18 8 x 1.5 hours = 12 8 x 2.5 hours = 20 8 x 3 hours = 24 12 x 3 hours = 36 $45 $198 $154 $220 $264 $396 $14.14 / hour 4 x 3 hours = 12 $170 $13.50 to $20.50 / hour 1 x 2 hours = 2 2 x 2 hours = 2 6 x 2 hours = 12 7 x 3 hours = 21 8 x 3 hours = 24 $ 41 $ 73 $ 243 $ 284 $ 324 $11.67 to $13 / hour before fees 1 x 3 hours = 3 2 x 5 hours = 10 5 x 3 hours = 15 10 x 3 hours = 30 $40 $160 $195 $440 $15 to $30 / hour 1 x 2 hours = 2 6 x 2.5 hours = 15 8 x 2.5 hours = 20 $60 $225 $290 Fees $4/week (total $24-48) OR $10/workshop + Firing fees by weight + Supply costs Glaze firing tickets Clay costs (25 lb. bag) See additional profile data Fees from $20-70 included in registration See additional profile data Recent All Skills Monday or Friday Night Pottery Tuesday or Thursday Morning … Creating Sculptural Vessels Ceramic Sculpture Throwing on the Wheel Beginner – Intermediate Explore Clay Intermediate Beg. Pottery on the Wheel Wheel Throwing Skills Bowls, Bowls, Bowls! Saturday Afternoon Pottery Intermediate – Advanced Refining Your Skills Clay Studio Firing the Updraft Kiln Workshops Clay & Cabernet Scandinavian-Insp. Pottery Painting Creative Underglazing Hourly Lessons Minimum 5, maximum 10 As Above $45 Ceramics For Everyone Complex Clay Creations Ceramics For All Levels Expand And Explore Make It Yours Beginnings And Beyond includes 4 weeks of open studio valued at over $120 As above Beginning/Intermediate Ceramics Beginning/Intermediate Pottery Ceramic Sculpture Make It In Clay Pottery in the Making Exploring Clay Stoneware and Porcelain Introductory to Advanced Studio Lab $ 243 $ 284 $ 284 $ 284 $ 284 $ 324 $ 324 $ 324 Hand-Building & Pouring Guided Study 3 Graces Pouring Pots $430 $215 $215 Clay Date Beginning Pottery Beg. Pottery 2 $60 $290 $225 Wheel Throwing Beg. Throwing—201 Throwing Together Land of Round Pots—101 Intermediate Throwing—301 $400 $315 $215 $430 Glazing & Firing & Other Bountiful Bowls & Basic Glaze Chem. Soda-Firing Methods Combined Techniques Shino, What Do You Know Kiln Firing 101 $430 $430 $430 $430 $50-100 Eagan Art House $12.33 to $21.50 / hour 1 x 2 hours = 2 6 x 2 hours = 12 6 x 2.5 11hours = 15 Open Studio ($6/hour) 6 x 3 hours = 18 Capped at 8 $43 $165 $185 $108 1-2 Session All Level Workshops Ceramic Dish & Ornament (Families) Cheers to Winter (Families) Clay Penguins & Polar Bears (Families) Ceramic Piggy Bank (Multigenerational) $ 41 $ 41 $ 41 $ 73 1-2 Day All Level Workshops Clay for Couples Workshop Clay-Along Camp Kit May Your Mug Runneth Over Crafternoon & Crafterdark $80 $60 $25-60 $40 Open Studio / Punch Cards No open studio without a class registration Open Studio / Punch Cards Teens 8 x 2-hour classes Add 4 more $265 $135 FOR ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION DISCUSSION – FEBRUARY 2022 15 Facility & Grounds Overview of Current The current facility has 10,130 square feet, of which 2,180 are dedicated to pottery (though this does not include common space, administration, storage, etc.) (See table to the right.) Imagining the current facility as one pared down to pottery, it might be closer to 5,000 interior square feet (including storage, common spaces, reception, and an office or two). NOTE, of the facility’s 10,150 square feet, 52% (5,260) came from the 1990 and 1997 expansion projects (bold green). 2016 Plans (Grandview Task Force) Preliminary plans from 2016 are consistent with the above estimate at 4,830 square feet. However, to get to this size, the task force must have reduced the amount of equipment planned. At that time, staff estimated the footprint required simply to contain core studio and glaze room equipment at over 4,500 square feet. That did not include space without considering kilns, space around equipment for individuals to work and move, sinks, recycling buckets/troughs, safety stations, spray booths, grinders, nor storage for kiln furniture, cones, back stock. (Both the current and the planned facilities included more than 6,000 sq. feet for outdoor kilns and related needs.) Combining current and 2016 numbers to imagine a pottery-focused facility, probably comes closer to 8,000-10,000 sq. feet (interior) as well as additional exterior space. Current Needs & Deficits The need to correct deficiencies in the facility has been well-known since at least 2007. Clearly the combination of an adapted facility with multiple expansions, time, and capital funding got ahead of the Center as evident in the safety, accessibility, and deferred maintenance issues that lead to the following “bill” to reopen (bottom right). Even then it would be a crowded Center without flexibility to increase space, which would lead to questions of either: • Paring down what is inside the building (equipment/supplies) and/or its activity • Budgeting for another expansion of the facility OR tearing down (some or all) for a new purpose-built facility Costs for the latter options have not been estimated in recent years. However, the $2.5 million estimate in 2007 would grow to over $3.3 million using simple inflation. We know that the current building market is likely higher still. The Center as Currently Built INTERIOR Area # Net sf Capacity Upper Level (not ADA compliant) Misc. Loft 1 114 15' x 22' 12+ inst Main Level Admin Retail Reception/Clark Gift Shop 1 600 25 General Manager Office 1 114 1 Office Coordinator Off. 1 114 1 Gallery Margaret Foss Gallery 1 650 150 Main Gallery 500 115 Grand Hall 110 20 Vestibule 40 15 Drawing Painting Nichols Studio 1 660 20' x 30' 12+ inst Peggy Kelly Media Studios 1 1420 Studio 1 108 9' x 12’ Studio 2 108 9' x 12’ Studio 3 108 9' x 12’ Studio 4 108 9' x 12’ Blue Room 1 660 20' x 30' 12+ inst Art Storage 1 2 Art Storage 2 2 Art Storage 3 1 Lower Level (not ADA compliant) Pottery Pug Room 1 120 10' x 12' 3 Lower West Paint 1 550 16' x 36' 10+ inst Lower West Pottery 1 310 18' x 13' 8+ instr Glaze Room 1 600 8+ instr Main Wheel Room 1 600 30' x 30' Drawing Studio 14 1 920 30' x 30' 14+ OR 35 std Jewelry Red Door Room 1 290 8+ inst Misc. 1 3,088 12' x 24' TOTAL 10,150 EXTERIOR Entry and Parking 1 not inc. Total parcel = 0.42 acres, 18,391 sq ft Gathering, Greer Garden 1 1,200 Outdoor Kilns 1 5,190 TOTAL 6,390 Space Estimates from 2016 Sq F Expansion Est. Ideal Footprint # Tot Sq F Admin 368 754 Wheels 25 292 Retail & Common 440 400 Kiln Ware Carts (w. buffer) 4 384 Gallery 650 2,200 Glaze Bucket Carts 40 240 Other 2-3D Art 3,404 5,000 Class & Glaze Tables 26 612 Pottery 2,180 4,830 Class Shelves 14 2,688 Misc. 3,088 2,768 Rack Storage 10 320 Total 10,130 14,249 Equip-Only Space Est. 4,563 Compliance & Re-Opening Cost Estimates 2019 Not included 1. Building Code Compliance, Safety and Mandates $ 314,985 Inflation to 2022 2. Projects that protect people, property, infrastructure $ 352,370 Inflation to 2022 3. ADA Improvements (draft form, w/o needed elevator) $ 363,340 Elevator ($250K est.’19; $100K est. ‘07) 4. Improve operations, services, support programming $ 22,250 Inflation to 2022 Sub-Total $ 802,945 5. Infrastructure past due, aging or inefficient $ 569,163 Inflation to 2022 Grand Total $ 1,622,108 FOR ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION DISCUSSION – FEBRUARY 2022 16 The images here come from the 2007 expansion pla nning (left) and 2016 Granview community center planning (right) processes as examples of past visions for the Center. FOR ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION DISCUSSION – FEBRUARY 2022 17 Equipment & Kilns Equipment: The Center’s inventory of wheels, tools, kiln supplies, racks, and other furnishings represent a significant asset for starting up a new location not to be underestimated. Taken as a whole, the Center has the vast majority of what it would need for a small or large pottery program in the future with limited additional purchases. (The “National Examples” section of the Field Study provides inventories for comparison.) Wheels: With 24 electric wheels (including 9 left-handed; 1 adjustable/ADA accessible; and 1 lightweight, Japanese style kick wheel), the Center is well enough supplied to have 2-3 classes taking place at a time. That number exceeds the current inventory of the comparison centers. (See p. 16.) Kilns: Until recently the website reported 16 kilns on site, however there are actually only 12 as listed to the right. Specifically, when last assessed, the Center had: • Electric kiln – 7 o Good working order – 2 o In need of repair – 3 o Ready to decommission – 2 • Gas & Specialty – 5 (all built to site (see p. 32 for example, all in need of repair) The Center’s kilns, long touted as its prized attraction, need attention. Interviewees routinely mentioned that Edina’s specialty kilns (e.g., soda, raku) as differentiators and items students are looking for. Taking that interest and current kiln condition together suggests that Edina may want to repair the electric kilns and include one or more specialty kilns newly built to site. The conclusion is that the Center has approximately 9 viable kilns. If the goal is to provide an interim pottery program now OR a substantially reduced program in the future, it could use the 2-5 electric kilns for this purpose with some investment in repairs. If it is to return to a “full” pottery program portfolio with specialty kilns, regardless of location, it will have to replace/rebuild the gas and specialty kiln at the new site. Instructor Staffing The 2012 Operational Analysis suggested that “Over-reliance on a network of many parttime employees working few hours makes management of the operation more difficult.” In response, Edina expanded the Director to full time, eliminated several part time positions, and replaced them with a half time Office Coordinator and a half time Customer Service Specialist. To the degree this might have been referring to instructors, it appears to run counter to common practice (and probably preference) for instructors in art centers such as this. The table below shows both the number and overlap of instructors in the area. A closer look might reveal that some of this is a product of availability or churn as individuals advance in their careers. We counted a total of 51 instructors across the centers reviewed. Ten of whom teach at 2-3 of the centers. • 5 at Minnetonka Center for the Arts (2 overlap with others) • 6 at Fired Up Studios (1 overlaps) • 8 at Artistry (6 overlap) • 14 at Edina Art Center (3 overlap) • 28 at Northern Clay (9 overlap) Any concern that this leads to lesser quality instruction should be allayed by the high caliber list of instructors here. In fact, this model opens the door to “guest” instructors of even higher caliber. Inventory, Use & Repair Status of Center Kilns Kiln Role/Use Status Conclusion Electric 1 LL Kiln e23T-3-240 Primary Bisque Repair Replace elements 2 Km-1222-3” Backup Bisque/04; Kid’s Camp Keep Works well 3 Skutt Km-1027 Bisque/Cone 6; infrequent use Keep Use in place of Olympic 4 Km-1027-3” Main Glaze fire / Cone 10 Repair Replace elements; works well 5 Skutt Km-818 Repair Re-wire or replace circuit board 6 Olympic Oval (Bartlett ctr) Decommission 7 Km-1027-3 Decommission No longer used Gas & Specialty 8 Gas Indoor Kiln Primary Cone 10 lg, fire every 2 wks Unclear Venting disfunction; built to site 9 Gas Updraft Kiln (outdoor) Debated Built to site 10 Soda Gas Kiln (outdoor) Repair Still viable, built to site 11/12 Raku (outdoor) Unclear Center Instructors 2018-2020 Angelica, Marion https://www.marionangelica.com Bosley, Katie http://www.katiebosley.com Doan, Siiri https://siiriuspottery.com Dowling, Caitlin http://www.hollytreestudios.com Fiess, Benjamin http://bfiess.com Gunelson, Erin https://www.eringunelson.com Lutterman, Brandon https://www.instagram.com/luttermanart/?hl=en Meer, Jacob https://jacobmeer.wixsite.com/mysite Monahan, Brett https://www.brettmonahanpottery.com Nagy, Kelsey https://www.etsy.com/shop/kelseynagy Shaughnessy, Sandra https://sdspotter.wordpress.com Sow, Adama https://ceramicsow.com Teegarden, Kathy https://sewardarts.org/meet-seward-artist-kathy-teegarden/ Veigel, Catherine https://fireonthegreenway.wordpress.com/about/catherine-veigel/ FOR ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION DISCUSSION – FEBRUARY 2022 18 Field Study Local Center Comparisons Data Sources At the start of the project, the team identified five local ceramics programs for this field study, listed below. • Artistry Theater & Visual Arts (Bloomington), • Fired Up Studios (Minneapolis), • Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Board, • Minnetonka Center for the Arts, and • Northern Clay Center (Minneapolis). While research into the Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Board was part of this study (see Appendix), those facilities are not included here. They are simply too different from the others reviewed. Highlights include: • Fees and tuition fit individual centers v. cost / instruction hour • Current class offerings vary from 1-15 days and 2-44 hours • Some classes fill up quickly with long wait lists (Powderhorn) • Some centers focus on classes, others have open studio access • Classes and studio / punch card access are available across ages This section summarizes that work, drawing from interviews with their managers supplemented with public information. Observations Taken as a whole, my observations from the five comparison centers are that: • There appears to be a healthy market interest to support Edina stepping back into this work • Its equipment, wheels and kilns are sufficient in number and variety to support a program • Some of Edina’s kilns will be distinct draws for local potters (soda, reduction, raku) • This confirms that a new program needs substantially more space than it currently has • The project team has a number of programmatic choices to make in order to right size a facility • Historically, the Edina program is most similar to the Minnetonka program Side-by-Side There is more information regarding each of the centers reviewed at the end of this report (“Additional Data”). Those profiles vary by the information available, providing class listings, fee schedules, studio policies and other details. The table below focused on information central to the current project, information that describes the facility as well as its equipment, staffing, and audiences. Northern Clay Center Minnetonka Center for the Arts Artistry Theater & Visual Arts Fired Up Studios Basics Source K Rudy-Kihlhepp, Exec. L Persall, Mgr Chris Singewald Mgr B Robinson, Owner Website //northernclaycenter.org //minnetonkaarts.org //artistrymn.org www.firedupstudios.com FYE2020 Expense $1,558,602 $1,344,864 $1,529,131 unknown Business Structure Nonprofit Nonprofit Nonprofit Small Business Facility Ownership Nonprofit owned Nonprofit owned Government owned Leased Interviewees Interviewees included 4 managers, 3 of whom are accomplished potters. Kyle Rudy-Kohlhepp, Executive Director, Northern Clay Center: Kyle is a fiber artist and a potter. He spent 3+ years as Head of Retail for Continental Clay Company before joining Northern Clay Center. There he has been Manager of Education & Studio Artist Programs, Deputy Director of Operations, Director of Learning, Interim Co-Executive Director, and now Executive Director. //kylerudy.blogspot.com Lee Persell, Ceramics Manager. Minnetonka Center for the Arts: Lee is a former student of Warren McKenzie. She has been teaching at the Center since 1998 and is also the ceramics studio manager. Her work can be seen at art fairs and galleries in the upper Midwest. //www.instagram.com/lee.persell/ Chris Singewald, Studio Manager, Artistry: Chris has been a Resident Artist and Materials/Glaze Technician, the Outreach and Studio Technician, and the Outreach Manager at Northern Clay Center. During his tenure, the Outreach program reached 10,000-14,000 people each year. “I have extensive experience leading clay workshops with children and adults; I am passionate about bringing positive clay experiences to elementary students.” //www.claycoyote.com/meet-chris-singewald/ and //www.purpledoorpotters.com/artist-profiles/chris-singewald/ Beth Robinson, Owner/President Fired Up Studios: Beth started Fired Up in 1998 after taking pottery classes at Northern Clay. She became aware that many students were taking classes just to have a place to work. Beth is not a potter and believes this helps her stay true to mission "for our customers to have fun and leave in a better mood than when they arrived." //www.firedupstudios.com/about/staff.php FOR ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION DISCUSSION – FEBRUARY 2022 19 Northern Clay Center Minnetonka Center for the Arts Artistry Theater & Visual Arts Fired Up Studios Nonprofit NTEE Visual Arts Org (A40); Arts Educ/School (A25); Arts Service Activity/Org (A90) Arts Educ/School (A25) Arts, Cult. Org-Multi. (A20); Theater (A65) Small Business Location Seward Neighborhood Suburban residential Bloomington, gov. Golden Valley, light ind. Building Commercial Commercial-Preferred Commercial-Preferred Industrial-Preferred Parcel 0.97 ac, 42,378 sq ft 5.66 ac, 246,637 sq ft 15.44 ac, 672,585 sq ft 9.99 ac, 434,959 sq ft Property Value 2012 sale $99,944 not assessed not assessed 2021 $12,000,000 Size Built 1915, $1M full HVAC 5-6 years ago, most recent reno. 2018; 22,000 sq ft: divided artist, teaching, public; 3 teaching studios Built 2002 $6.5; 31,000 sq ft; 3 clay rooms = studio, glaze, kiln; storage in all rooms+ back stock space Built 2001 Built 1984; approx. 7,000 sq ft suite; 1 large, open space with racks used to divide Wheels & Kilns Electric Wheels Up to 22 (reduced during covid) 17 (unclear if kicks inc.) 16, always working on… 19 "haven't counted lately" Kick Wheels In storage since covid 3 motor assist, 1 without n/a 1 kick Oxidation Kilns 10-11 in main kiln room, 2 larger in other 4 Electric (inside) 2 electric 4 Electric 27 cu ft along back wall to vent out Reduction (gas) 1 x 100 cu ft Cone 10 Gas reduction n/a Atmospheric (soda) 2 soda 28 and 38 cu ft 1 Soda (outside) n/a n/a Raku & Other Blaauw 30 cu f, closed syst. 2 Raku (outside) Raku n/a Firing Details Bisque At least 3 days/week not discussed not discussed 1-2/wk (18 hr + 2-d cool) Cone 6 Glaze 100 cu ft / wk glaze + stu. not discussed 1 x month (electric) 2-3/week Cone 10 Glaze not discussed Raku varies weekly-mo 1 x month, closer to holidays 2x (gas) 1-2/week Glaze Mixing & Kiln Maintenance In house Studio manager Studio manager Continental clay Target Audiences Theirs (self) Studio prog = 18-19; Semi shared = mix of prof. and intense hobby; approx. 6 making living Fair amount of retired, Evenings for workers, weekends are important Beginners and hobbyists, not prof. All sorts provided able to function on their own in the studio Overall age mix was coming down, now creeping up again; Smallest age group is 20s, financial accessibility Diverse from older teenagers into 80s-90s; kids/family – summer camps, family workshops Lean a little older with some younger (20s) good experience and spread Adults only Perceptions of Peers Beginner and Professional not discussed by others Fit and offerings as differentiators, as long as welcoming (e.g., Edina offered soda) not discussed by others Service Numbers Studio Capacity 14-16 in studios (6-8 per.) 14 in hand-building studio Classes capped at 15 Limited only by rack space Pre-Covid Audience Consistently higher and higher registration levels History of sold-out classes Rebuilding program in 2017, 3-5 in classes; 2019 over 50 across 7 classes, slowly growing Didn’t have waitlists as do now Current Audience Wait lists for every class Not yet known Working up –restarted teaching on a few weeks’ notice, no wait list yet but fully booked Approx. 200 members (60 studio, rest firing) Studio waitlist (12-14) Perception of Demand Right now, there is a demand Pent up demand after covid; open studio interest is huge, people need access, can’t just come and go for class So much interest, we don’t feel competition with other centers etc. Market is the middle, classes in demand with huge wait list What Changed Some result of reduced capacity, some Edina coming to them because of soda kiln, particularly with reduced capacity Found home studio limiting, want to be with other people and learning from each other not discussed Covid led to spacing, which reduced capacity, other centers closing shifted users Other 2018 Numbers: Enrollment 1,700+, Camp 367 ($69K), Creative aging 4,900 seniors; Artists: 101 exhibit ($17k), 123 teaching; 60 resident; 94 studio/grant; 199 volunteers 2018-19 Numbers 476 exhibition artists 8,000 served (10% growth from prior year) FOR ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION DISCUSSION – FEBRUARY 2022 20 National Examples This section is inserted as a reality check of sorts, providing images and inventories from two of the most respected crafts schools in the country. On the one hand, the committee could see this as “we don’t have to” list. This is likely true for wheels and kilns – of which Edina already has many. However, for many of the other items it may be more accurate to see the list as one describing “what it takes to run a complete ceramics studio.” In the words of many of the local comparison managers, “ceramics programs are not cheap.” Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts Penland School of Craft Nonprofit organization in Gatlinburg, Tennessee https://www.arrowmont.org/studio-inventories/ Nonprofit organization in Penland, North Carolina https://penland.org/about/studios/clay-studio/ FYE 2019: Earned Revenue 23%; Contributed Revenue 77% • Revenue $10,832,499; Expenses $4,765,516; Net $6,066,983 • Total Assets $31,886,412 FYE 2018: Earned Revenue 48%; Contributed Revenue 52% • Revenue $7,648,257; Expenses $6,390,739; Net $1,257,518 • Total Assets $47,925,760 Rooms Rooms (Picture: Pottery Studio) Upper clay = 30′ x 45′, capacity 20 students. Adjoined by a large 21′ x 39′ glazing room (incl22′ x 9′ mixing lab, separately ventilated) Lower clay = 30′ x 45′, capacity 18 students (an additional glazing and plaster- room = 15′ x 39′) Wheels (43) • 21 Shimpo Banding Wheels – varying sizes • 21 electric Brent wheels • 1 treadle wheel Wheels (40) • 6 Brent CXC electric wheels, reversible • 16 Brent C electric wheels • 5 Shimpo whisper wheels, reversible • 1 Pacifica GT 400 wheel, reversible • 2 Pacifica GT 800 wheels, reversible • 2 Shimpo M-1 “Mini Master” electric wheels • 4 treadle wheels • 1 Brent motorized kick wheel • 1 Lockerbie motorized kick wheel • 2 Randall motorized kick wheels The Best Places to Take Ceramics Classes across the U.S. //www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-best-places-ceramics-classes FOR ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION DISCUSSION – FEBRUARY 2022 21 Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts Penland School of Craft Equipment (1 Studio) • Canvas covered tabletops • Large Plaster slabs • 2 Extruders with attachments • 2 Slab rollers • 4 Plaster wedging tables with wire cutters (2/studio - 1 red, 1 white clay) • 7 Ware carts • Bat pins, Putty knives and scrapers • Spray bottles, Towels • Assorted wooden paddles • Wooden slats • Plaster press and hump moulds • Wood slump moulds • Rolling pins • Bats – 12”, 14”, 20” • Ware boards – various sizes • Gypsum boards – various sizes • Plaster Equipment: o Coddle boards - various sizes o Commercial Molds - assortment of types and sizes o Mold straps and rubber bands • Polymer Clay Equipment: o 3 Faberware Convection Ovens Toaster Oven o 8 Pasta Machines Equipment (2 Studios) • 18 – 3′ x 6′ canvas-covered tables • 3 – 3′ x 6′ wooden tables • 1 – 4′ x 8′ canvas-covered table • 1 – 4′ x 8′ wooden table • 1 – 3′ x 5′ canvas-covered table • 25″ x 8′ canvas-covered cement wedging table • 28″ x 78″ plaster wedging table • Huge plaster wedging table • Plaster working area • 8′ x 7′ x 2′ dry cabinet (2) • Bailey slab roller (2) • North Star, Bailey, and Brent extruders • Bluebird clay mixer • Laguna spray booth • 24″ x 24″ sand blaster • Bandsaw • Assorted rolling pins; banding wheels; plaster and bisque molds; coddle boards; canvas work-boards; Plasti-bats and Masonite throwing bats; bat pins; banding wheels; studio buckets; towels Glaze Room Equipment & Supply: • Ball mill with accessories • 2 scales – 10lb cap. 2 triple beam bal. • 3 digital scales • 2 spray booths • Air compressor • High-speed blunger • Measuring cups and spoons • Sieves with assorted meshes • Talisman hand-cranked sieve • Spray guns • Drill with mixing bit • Dipping tongs • Buckets - various sizes (Picture: Pottery Studio) Glaze Lab • Amaco ball mill • 1 Ohous digital scale • 6 Ohaus triple beam scales • A dumb waiter (Picture: Kiln Shed) Atmospheric Kilns (3) & Equipment: • Soda Kiln • Salt Kiln • Train Woodfire kiln • Kiln shelves - silica carbide • Stilt/Brick posts • Silica Carbide Shelf Scapers • Garden sprayer with metal tips • Angle grinder • Masonry chisels • Pyrometer • Thermocouples – salt, soda, wood Kiln Room (8) & Outdoor Equipment: • 2 small electric test kilns (Paragon and Skutt) • 5 Medium electric kilns – 9 cu ft (Skutt, Amaco) • 1 Large oval electric kiln – 35 cu ft (Olympic) • Geil up-draft gas kiln – 18 cu ft • Stilts – from 1⁄4” to 16” • Shop vac • Bench Grinder • Hot box • Safety Goggles, Welding gloves; High temperature fiber gloves; Face shields; Welding goggles Potter-Designed Hand-built Kilns (10) • 1 – 3-chamb. anagama/noborogama hybrid wood • 1 – small-ish tube wood • 1 – 65 cu ft sprung arch/down-draft salt/soda • 1 – 16 cu ft cross-draft soda • 1 – 16 cu ft down-draft salt/soda • 1 – 65 cu ft down-draft/sprung arch reduction • 1 – 15 cu ft down-draft/sprung arch reduction • 1 – 2 cu ft down-draft reduction test • 2 – 3′ x 3′ x 3′ fiber-lined raku All gas kilns listed are powered by propane, with Ransome venturi style burners that include a Baso valve safety system. Our electric kilns include (19): • 1 small test kiln • 1 – 18″ round kiln • 6 – 23″ round kilns • 3 – 26″ round kilns • 3 large oval kilns FOR ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION DISCUSSION – FEBRUARY 2022 22 Field Recommendations Facilities This section is a recap of specific advice provided by the interviewees on all things from studio design to program policies. Choice of Facility Some of the themes that emerged when we asked about choosing a location were predictable: convenience (access for users) and plenty of parking. Another might be less obvious: stand alone is best. Why? Green space for outdoor events and as buffer especially if atmospheric, raku, or pit firing is planned. • Type of building. Notably, the worry was not about the aesthetics of the space but rather the function, flexibility, and control. One emphasized this with: “Get over the building. The people and programs make it. It has to function.” “As much control of the facility as possible is huge” for safety and success. o From that perspective industrial or warehouse is more flexible (fewer partitions), allowing the space to adapt to changing need and offerings. o When we specifically discussed strip mall and retail settings, one said to avoid them. To elaborate, another said that “most strip malls may have the space but not the function.” That function includes a number of the interior items that follow (e.g., ventilation, lighting, high ceilings, wet space). • Security. Finally, carefully consider security. Location impacts exterior security concerns. And if you plan on open studio access your approach to door locks and staffing will need to tighten. Design Process Three of the interviewees expressed strong views about the design process, regardless of location. • Focus on function. The first was the importance of involving those running/using the space as early as possible versus leaning on the architect. This ties to the aesthetics mentioned above but more importantly the need to focus on function and avoid common design mistakes. • Focus on the business too. The second emphasized the importance of a business or operations eye to any project versus (or maybe in addition to) that of the potter. (Notice how this pairs with the prior view.) • Take care when retrofitting. Finally, a warning that “retrofitting existing space is extremely difficult.” Interior Spaces As with choice of facility some of the themes that emerged when we asked about interiors were predictable to someone engaged in ceramics but may be less obvious to others. The most important of these included: • Wet clay splatters; dry is dusty; and the dust is bad for you. A functional studio must be set up for daily wet mopping or spray-down. That means LARGE utility sinks, wall spigots, floor drains/troughs, concrete or similar floors, washable walls, movable furniture (everything on wheels that can be), proper ventilation (not ceiling fans blowing dust). • Kiln rooms need to attend to electricity, heat, ventilation, fire suppression, and access controls. Insufficient electric capacity is a common mistake that will lead to blown circuit breakers and risk fire from overload. The heat generated by gas, reduction, and related kilns will be too much for the computers in electric kilns, which means that they should be in separate rooms (also a common mistake). The heat and exhaust can trigger a sprinkler system, so other fire suppression measures are recommended. Different types of kilns and fuels exhaust different chemicals and need to be vented accordingly. For all of these safety reasons as well as quality control over the firing process, kiln rooms should be off limits unless loading/unloading is part of a class. Taken a step further, kilns should be in rooms by themselves (no racks etc.) if at all possible. • Glaze rooms depend on your approach to mixing. These should be adjacent to studios for convenience of moving dedicate pieces. The “mistake everyone makes by at least 50%” is • making this space too small (example of 12’ x 15’ room as one such mistake). It needs room for movement, for spraying, and now for distancing. Without enough space, it becomes a congestion point that slows down students and potters which leads to accumulation of works in progress. The glaze process could require as many as three spaces: a mixing room with separate ventilation, a work room, and secure storage for back supply of chemicals. If a center decides to only allow glazes that have been pre-mixed off site (purchasing commercial glazes or having Continental Clay mix to the center’s recipe) the need for space and separate ventilation goes down. Common Mistakes • Ambitious retrofitting • Insufficient lighting and sink size • Gas and electric kiln in same room • Not having separately locked and ventilated kiln, glaze, and grinder spaces • Prioritizing design/pretty over function/safety • Not having floor drains • Not building for flexibility • Underestimating: o Glaze and storage space needs o Cost of equipment maintenance o Electrical and HVAC needs o Safety needs, especially open access o Marketing needs Industrial Hygiene in The Pottery Studio Understand the health risks in the pottery studio and learn best practices for making a comfortable space to create. Links to other safety resources in Appendix. FOR ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION DISCUSSION – FEBRUARY 2022 23 • Everyone always wants more studio space. Design with enough space for the equipment you have, the types of classes you want, the right number of studio potters, and all of the tools, supplies, clean up, and movement they need. This should include both throwing, hand-building, and pouring methods. However, do not assume that the current demand suggests doubling or tripling capacity. We won’t know what the “real” demand is for a year or two after things settle down again. • Take care calculating storage needs. Each stage of creation, glazing, and firing requires separate rack space. Clay and glaze chemicals need space, as do mixed clays, kiln furniture, tools, etc. • Each of the above items suggests that higher ceilings are better. They dissipate heat, provide space for ventilation systems, and have more room for lights. • Speaking of light… There can never be enough lights, industrial lights, not office lighting. Northern exposures are likely better than southern ones when you consider heat as well as light. Garage doors to open for more light are fun ideas, but think through the HVAC implications as well as dust, critters, and security. Last, avoid basement studios if you can. No one likes them. • Think carefully about the “pretty” parts of design. A wall of glass is pretty, opens up a space, and allow pedestrians to see the work taking place – good marketing. But if they are close to wheels or sinks, they will get splattered. There is nothing inherently wrong with that, but it is one example of the need to think things through. Outdoor Space Considerations related to outdoor space include but are not limited to the following: • Ventilation of fumes from the building, and a sufficient perimeter for outdoor kilns considering smoke/fumes as well as heat and combustion • Plans for outdoor workspace; classes, sales, or other events; future expansion, gardens, or seating areas; public art; or tie ins with other parks and recreation amenities Programming Interviewees described a range of approaches and program choices to consider, each with facility, staffing, and marketing implications. Those choices include at least: Purpose The centers describe their purpose in various ways, that focus their approach and programming as either a community center, a teaching institution, a professional studio, or other model: • Advance the ceramic arts for artists, learners, and the community • Make the visual arts available and accessible to people of all ages, interests and abilities • Foster a collaborative environment where talented artists from multiple generations and career stages can mentor and learn from each other • Provide the space and equipment to allow clay artists and potters of all levels to explore their creativity and work in a supportive environment The current Edina mission is to provide the community with a place to view exciting exhibitions, enjoy artistic and cultural events and a place to learn how to express their creativity through artmaking. Dedicated Studios The center providing dedicated studio space for individuals discussed the importance of its shift from leases to licenses in maintaining control over the spaces, especially during the pandemic. Open Studio Access There are mixed views about open studio access, tied to purpose above. All agree that it is in high demand. However, it brings a number of (primarily safety, liability) considerations: • The need for more specific use and safety policies • The need for reservation / sign up systems • Decisions regarding staff monitoring or unstaffed access • Control over who has access (adult only, orientation only, a certain skill level) • Control over types of clays and glazes allowed; Control over cleaning and rack, glaze, or firing mistakes; Access to glazes and kilns Fired Up provides 24/7 key card access, while Northern Clay depends on staff to monitor. (“We have open studio as much as we can with staff in building 6-6 and weekends 9-6.”) MINNETONKA CENTER FOR THE ARTS only allows open studio for current students, and Artistry has just added open studio access to its program. Glaze Mixing Historically, the Edina Center has mixed its own glazes on site. Doing so requires additional space, ventilation, and safety measures. Many of the comparison centers do this as well. However, Fired Up’s focus on consistent user experience with limited staffing and overhead has led them to have Continental Clay do their mixing. It is a pragmatic business decision that might disappoint users. Kiln Maintenance Kiln maintenance has two elements. FOR ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION DISCUSSION – FEBRUARY 2022 24 • First, most need periodic part replacement (controls, elements, thermocouples). The comparison centers emphasize this point when they note that they are “always working” on a few and urging that Edina make the up-front commitment to actively maintain kilns. Fired Up goes a step further by replacing all elements in a kiln if one needs replacement (similar theory to tires on a car). • Second, is the more regular maintenance of cleaning/grinding kiln furniture and walls, and kiln wash of shelves. This takes time, skill, and equipment. Most do it in house. Narrowing kiln offerings reduces this work (e.g., no soda). And Fired Up has Continental Clay do the rest. Cleaning Studio cleaning is an important piece of the puzzle. Centers should wet mop daily to contain clay dust in addition to spraying areas down and other equipment cleaning. Using the wrong clay or glaze can also result in additional cleaning or racks or kilns. Safety Certainly, most safety protocols are universal. And even professionals can make dangerous mistakes. However, there are some choices that the Center will need to make. For example, some centers do not allow students/members to touch kilns (or grinders or glaze) at all. One interviewee mentioned that it was their impression is that “we [comparison center] keep a shorter leash on the soda kiln and what folks can do” elsewhere. Program Staffing With the obvious exception of Northern Clay, the comparison centers have limited staff dedicated to their ceramics programming. However, they benefit from centralized administrative and facility maintenance staff, and employ hourly instructors as discussed. The conclusions to draw here are that • Any ceramics program should have at least a studio manager, evening/weekend assistants, daily maintenance, and part time instructors. • If the City is concerned that a studio manager cannot do all of the following, then it would need to consider a larger staffing model: 1) overseeing the enterprise as whole (budget, facility, etc.); 2) programming and scheduling, including recruiting and managing instructors; 3) safety; 4) marketing; and 5) managing the technical aspects of the studio (firings, equipment maintenance, supplies). • Some of the technical elements could be contracted out to a company such as Continental Clay or Master Builders (e.g., kiln maintenance). Others could be supported by local experts. Market Overwhelmingly, those interviewed describe an active and consistent if not growing interest in ceramics across the Twin Cities. Some caution against overbuilding to the moment but do not discount the overall demand. “There is always a list of folks looking for access to kilns and equipment” in part because they do not, cannot, or are afraid to have them in their homes. The general message is that providing the equipment in a welcoming, safe place with access will draw users. That doesn’t mean staff can avoid marketing. In fact, some Centers have been aggressively upping their marketing capacity (staff, skill, social media) to keep things going during the pandemic. Those providing classes online or sales have had to do even more. When asked specifically about the Edina Arts Center and programming, they admitted concerns about the facility and its safety. “Either invest in maintaining the equipment or exit.” Future programming needs financial and administrative support before restarting. It is expensive programming that requires hard work and time investment. In addition, they pointed out that: • Their centers have gained past Edina users during the shut down • The only negatives they have heard about the Edina program was about distance to drive, especially in the snow. • Individuals sometimes feel more constrained at other centers than at Edina • Individuals particularly value access to specialty kilns In the end, there are two sets of users to consider: 1) serious clay program users who get attached to their preferred Center and commit for the long term; and 2) users more focused on periodic education, of which there are several subsets. Staffing Clay Northern Clay Entire organization dedicated to clay Minnetonka Center for the Arts Studio Manager + assistants (apprentice model) Artistry Studio Manager (30 hours/week) Fired Up Studios 3 PT (1 admin, 2 clean/stock/monitor) FOR ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION DISCUSSION – FEBRUARY 2022 25 Options to Consider Sites Explored This section provides an overview of the sites that have been explored in 2021, largely based on site visit observations. While some are no longer available, each is a standard Edina area location type. Each of the sites have advantages and disadvantages, some apparent in the table above and others less so. Here is an initial summary from my perspective. I would be hesitant to recommend Retail 1 or 3 or similar sites. (Note that delayed access – if plan is for a full program – suggests developing an interim plan to keep people interested and access to at least some experiences.) Observations Fire Station Retail 1 Retail 2 Retail 3 Pros Owned, control; Lower operating costs; Significant green space; Links to trail and YMCA; High visibility Some green space; Link to trail Flexible interior; High ceilings, square feet Natural light; High pedestrian traffic Quirky space; High pedestrian traffic Cons Retrofitting space; Delayed access Leased, low control; Retrofitting space; Lose access in short time Leased, low control, high $; No green space; High pedestrian traffic Leased, low control; Small, quirky space; No green space; High pedestrian traffic Unknowns Square footage, Current condition Square footage, Current condition Availability Public response to parking/drop off Side-by-Side Comparison Basics, Cost & Time Considerations Location Next to YMCA Near Southdale Centennial Lakes area 50th & France area Building Traditional fire station Multi-tenant strip mall Commercial-Preferred Commercial-Preferred Parcel (Interior) 4.55 ac / 198,118 sq ft (Various suite sizes) (12,000 or 18,000 sq f) 0.18 ac / 7,907 sq ft Facility Ownership City-owned Commercial Lease Commercial Lease Commercial Lease Anticipated Cost Renovation & Ops only $$ $$$ $$ Availability Delayed access 2-3 y Limited duration 3-5 y Competitive market Competitive market Condition In use as designed unknown Stripped interior Recent renovation Room for Growth Yes Maybe No No User & Marketing Considerations Street Visibility Easy to find; High potential visibility Easy to find; Low street visibility Need to know area Low/No Need to know area; Low/No Accessibility 2 story Single level 2 story, elevator Multi-level, partial elevator Transit Stops Routes 537, 538 Routes 6, 537, 538, 578 1-2 block walk Routes 6, 46 Foot Traffic From trail only Trail, low bus density Trail, mid bus density Neighborhood; high bus. Pick Up / Drop Off City trail access; Adjacent parking lot City trail access; Adj. parking lot City trail access; Adj. parking garage Busy street; Lacks drop-off sight lines Parking Capacity Moderate - surface Moderate – surface Significant – garage Moderate – nearby ramps Drawing on Field Recommendations Flexibility of Space Mix large/small spaces Unknown Large open space Awkwardly divided Control High Likely low Likely low Likely low Ceilings & Light Mix height; Windows and bays Average retail height; Limited at present Very high; Window across 3 sides Average retail height; Street, alley, skylight Ext. Ventilation All sides To back, low ped. traffic To trail or parking Only to ped. walkways Exterior Kiln Space Various Adj. to trail or rear Adj. to trail or parking None Green Space Large Small Large None FOR ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION DISCUSSION – FEBRUARY 2022 26 Program Portfolio Classes, Camps & Workshops The base of any pottery program is instruction. This can be the primary focus of the studio simply an element of it. Classes typically run for 4, 6, or 8 weeks at a time with 2–3-hour sessions. Workshops are generally 1–2-day offerings from 2-4 hours at a time. They can be based on projects (bowls), techniques (hand building or wheel throwing), stages of pottery (glazing or firing), specialties (raku or soda), even on theory or chemistry. They can be all ages or designed for youth, adults, or seniors. They can be for individuals, couples, families or groups. They can also be accessible to beginner, intermediate, advanced, or all skill levels (definitions left as used by Edina). Experience in the field is that there is interest in all of these versions, particularly if offerings include evenings and weekends in addition to during the weekday. And of course, summer camp offerings for youth are a mainstay of any parks and recreation program, arts included. Open Studio Access This provides individuals with time in the studio, use the space, tools, and equipment to work on projects and develop skills. It is usually self-directed time; though some models have a teacher present to assist similar to study hall in high school. There are models in which individuals have access without monitoring and ones that are always monitored – from unscheduled 24/7 access to scheduled access within specific time blocks. To the right is an example of the Center’s schedule before the pandemic. There are good reasons for each version based on the skills of the users, the supportive or independent culture of the program, and the risk tolerance of its operators (are policies sufficient for safety?). As Edina considers its approach going forward, it is clear that some open studio access is a necessary element for all but the shortest, most basic classes. This allows students to practice class skills or complete homework. As students progress, classes advance learning but only practice advances technique. For this reason, studio access is always in demand by everyone from the beginner to the advanced potter. They can fill the demand by creating an at home studio, but this is costly, can be risky, and can have permit implications. So, they seek out other options. When they do, they are looking for an affordable, well supplied, welcoming, safe place to work alone or with friends. Sharing practice tips is always an interest among artists. FOR ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION DISCUSSION – FEBRUARY 2022 27 One-Off & Value-Add Elements Once instruction and studio elements are in place, a program is limited only by its capacity and creativity regarding other program elements. For example: • Open House or Taster events can invite the community in to see the studio, handle equipment, and see demonstrations to build interest. • Guest “masterclass” or “one night only” events with acclaimed artists can attract students who want to see an expert in action and advanced potters who want to interact. • Private parties can be opportunities for youth birthdays or corporate team building while creating something like the Wine & Canvas model for painting. • Fully equipped facilities can be rented out on a regular schedule for: o Independent instructors to provide private lessons without having to invest in a studio to support that part of their income. o Groups of potters get together as would a knitting circle or book club. • The community can come together the way Empty Bowl (http://emptybowls.com) events have shown across the country – making bowls to support food or housing charities. • Sufficiently large and well-staffed facilities might be able to provide dedicated space for individuals. Of this list, this is the only one that doesn’t seem to fit the City goals because it is about limited versus expansive access. Community education, access and engagement combined with access for serious users (v. professional studio infrastructure) would align. Gallery & Retail Finally, there is always talk of whether or not to include gallery or retail space. The truth is that most programs benefit from being able to sell tools and materials (retail) in support of classes. This may only require some extra storage space and additions to the point-of-sale system. The gallery space can be a year-round element of a program with all the bells and whistles. It can also be display cases along a wall or clearing out the studio for a week or two now and again and using it as the gallery for exhibit or sale. Pop up shops are certainly plentiful around the holidays for many communities. To the right is one such example with close ties to the Center (https://www.purpledoorpotters.com). A sample of others: • Artists Circle Festivals • Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center • Lake Minnetonka Studio Tour • Minnesota Art Pottery Association (MAPA) • Minnesota Pottery Festival • Northrup King Building (various studios) • River Valley Potters • The Workshops Minneapolis FOR ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION DISCUSSION – FEBRUARY 2022 28 Supporting Structures Volunteer Board: In 2012, the Edina Art Center had a volunteer board that supported its work in a variety of ways. (See description to the right, excerpted from the Sutton + Associates report.) That board has since become the Arts & Culture Commission. Edina could consider ways in which the ACC re-engages in some of those support tasks. Nonprofit “Friends of”: Alternatively, Edina could consider creating a supporting nonprofit. This was considered in 2012 and put on hold while other changes were made. (See table to the right, excerpted from the Sutton + Associates report.) There may now be an opportunity to revisit that model. Hopkins has done so in recent years as described below. Friends of Hopkins Center for the Arts (HCA) 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 This is a volunteer run nonprofit organization that builds awareness of and supports a vibrant Center. The mission is reached by: • Reaching out to partner/collaborate with the community • Sponsoring, planning and organizing events and projects that support building and engaging Center members • Serving as ambassadors of the Center through personal and social media marketing to build awareness and ‘buzz.’ Revenue Membership $19,850 $22,363 $17,503 Contributions $42,133 $61,947 $16,049 $26,578 $23,847 Program Fees $4,610 $3,990 $7,436 $6,463 $5,461 Spec Evts (net) $5,750 $9,482 $18,591 $10,139 Misc. $4 $6 $7,007 $9,759 $12,301 Total $52,497 $75,425 $68,933 $75,302 $59,112 Expense Grants to HCA $39,809 $30,250 $38,971 $40,001 Everything Else $16,824 $12,110 $19,324 $20,942 $31,254 Total $56,633 $42,360 $58,295 $60,943 $31,254 Surplus (Deficit) ($4,136) $33,065 $10,638 $14,359 $27,858 Balance Sheet Assets $28,551 $61,616 $72,254 $86,613 $115,824 Liabilities $ 1,353 //www.hopkinsartscenter.com/165/Become-a-Member Form 990 data: //projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/411778283 Doing so could provide a pottery-focused program with marketing support as well as volunteers to engage in fundraising activities. However, we would assume that program staff would need to spend at least some time supporting the organization as well. The question is whether or not the potential gains would exceed the time spent. FOR ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION DISCUSSION – FEBRUARY 2022 29 Additional Profile Data Artistry Theater & Visual Arts https://artistrymn.org/clay-lab, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington, MN 55431 Clay Lab (Open Studio) Clay Lab is not instructor based. Instead, students will be able to sign up for a 3-hour time slot during open building hours to independently utilize the clay studio in a safe way, with proper social distancing. Sign up/registration will close 12 hours before the start of each individual session. Time slots are reserved at $35/per 3-hour session/student, and we will be placing a very serious emphasis on safety, with guidelines below, so you can focus on your art, without worry. • A limited number of students will be allowed in the studio at any given time to allow for proper social distancing. We will not allow for the studio to get "overbooked," so you won't have to worry when you come to your Clay Lab. • Artistry will be following a strict, regular sanitizing regimen, as well as provide access to cleaning products for students to sanitize their space before and after use. • All students will be required to wear a face covering that fully protects the nose and mouth, per the City of Bloomington's mandatory policy, which will be enforced in any part of the building at all times. Participants should expect to ultimately book 2-3 sessions in order to have time to throw, trim, sculpt, refine, glaze, and otherwise finish their work. Clay and glaze firing tickets will be additional purchases thru the Clay Studio Office, adhering to social distancing guidelines. To reiterate, this a new style of programming which will not be class-based, but rather will be an open studio style opportunity. Instructors will not be present for demonstrations. Chris Singewald, Clay Studio Manager, will be available for clay sales and firing ticket sales, as well as to answer any technical questions about studio clay, studio glazes, and firing timeline. Classes Four offered during fall 2021: 1) A Beginning, 2) Dusting Off The Rust, 3) Stretching And Warming Up, and 4) Welcome Back Cancellation Policy • Artistry cancelation due to lack of enrollment: 100% Refund • Participant cancelation within 2 weeks of program: NO Refund • With at least 2 weeks’ notice: FULL Refund less a $15 processing fee All materials for adult classes, unless otherwise noted, must be supplied by students at their own expense. FOR ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION DISCUSSION – FEBRUARY 2022 30 Fired Up Studios https://www.firedupstudios.com; 1000 Boone Ave N Suite #380, Golden Valley, MN Membership Policies & Benefits Membership is designed for ceramic artists who need access to equipment and a place to work. Memberships include: • 24-hour, 7-day-a-week access • Cone 06 Bisque firing • Use of numerous Cone 6 and 10 glazes and slips (approx. 30 glazes). • 24-hour, 7-day/week access to glazes, spray booth, and banding wheels • Display space (up to 10 pieces, 60% of sales credited to account) • Space in annual holiday open house Not Included in Your Membership • Cone 6 / 10 glaze firing: charge for the sq ft put through the glaze firings • A few types of clay available for purchase in 25 lb. bags, may buy your clay from other sources • Kiln Shelf Accidents $1 min per offending piece. • $50 min for damage to the kiln shelf if the clay body "melts down" • Most of the common tools you will need, you should purchase yourself • Spray Booth users wear a respirator that is rated to catch organic vapor • A fee of $35/person/day for guest whether are watching or helping Membership Requirements • Fired Up Studios is an adults-only facility, must be at least 18 years of age. • Unless enrolled in one of our classes, must have taken at least one pottery class outside of high school. • You need to know basic skills in order to … be able to work independently without instruction. • If you use clay or glazes that are not provided at Fired Up, you must guarantee that the clay and glazes ... • You must clean up after yourself, leaving all areas you have used clean and ready for the next person. • You must respect other members' work, time and space. • We request that you pick up your work (bisque and finished) in a timely manner (preferably within week). Fee Structure Studio Membership Firing Membership One-time Set-up Fee $50 new members, $25 returning members same Key Deposit $50 same Membership Fee • $125 Basic Membership (1/3 of a rack) • $190 Advanced Membership (1 full rack) • $210 Shared Semi-Private Studios • $250 Semi-Private Studios $50 monthly $540 annually Glaze Firing • Base Rate: $12 per square foot (maximum size: 2 feet in any dimension) • Add $5 per item over 9" tall but under 12" tall • Add $10 per item over 12" wide/tall but under 18" wide/tall • Add $15 per item over 18" wide/tall but under 24" wide/tall • Stuffers (items under 3" in any dimension): ¼ sq. allowed at no fee, add $1 / addl ¼ sq. ___ Monthly rate includes 1/3 of a rack (one full shelf plus 1/3 of the top and bottom shelves; max 3 people/rack). May rent an entire rack or a semi-private studio space when one becomes available. Semi-private studios may be shared by two members. Semi-private studios are special sections of the studio area that include several racks, a worktable, and space for a wheel. FOR ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION DISCUSSION – FEBRUARY 2022 31 Minnetonka Center for the Arts (MCA) https://minnetonkaarts.org, 2240 North Shore Drive, Wayzata, MN 55391-9347 From its beginning more than sixty years ago, the purpose of the Minnetonka Center for the Arts has been to make the visual arts available and accessible to people of all ages, interests and abilities. We believe in the value of art making and art appreciation. Art not only transforms materials – wet clay and paint, blank paper and dusty stone, molten bronze and rusty metal – it transforms lives. Financial History (entire Center) 2018 2019 2020 Revenue Program Fees $875,389 $986,273 $751,315 Membership $57,480 $60,560 $49,995 Contributions $155,133 $185,099 $348,839 Government Grants $117,710 $78,748 $88,996 Investment/Interest $7,714 $8,649 $5,639 Special Events (net) $1,833 $9,353 Rentals $1,500 $1,000 $1,000 In kind / Non-cash $2,793 $613,048 $11,480 Misc. $63,601 ($72,142) $58,008 $1,283,153 $1,870,588 $1,315,272 Expense Program $1,091,132 $1,209,816 $921,959 Administration $326,645 $319,935 $372,213 Fundraising $56,096 $86,181 $50,692 $1,473,873 $1,615,932 $1,344,864 Surplus (Deficit) ($190,720) $254,656 ($29,592) Balance Sheet Assets $4,749,812 $5,131,770 $5,042,472 Liabilities $180,948 $302,535 $241,921 Net $4,568,864 $4,829,235 $4,800,551 Grant Details MSAB Operating $67,430 $78,748 $79,216 MSAB Wells Fargo $1,090 Sources: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/410804989a Memberships & Fees Basic Friend Sponsor Patron Memberships $60 ($55 62+) $100 $250 $1,000 10% class discount, all household members x x x x Invitations to special exhibit openings and events x x x x Eligibility to enter Members’ shows and exhibits x x x x Higher commissions on member-events art sales x x x x $10 discount on membership at the Walker Art Center x x x x Coupon for a free coffee and baked good in the Cafe x x x Free lunch for 2 in the Cafe x x Free use of the Henrietta Murphy Room once a year x Special acknowledgement on our Patron’s Plaque x Discounts New Student (10% off first class) Non-member, never taken a class Does not apply to materials, fees, summer camp, birthday parties, or subsidized classes Early Registration ($5 on a 4-wk; $10 on a 5-wk or+) Currently enrolled students, 1x, next session only, before reg deadline Member (10% every class) Walker (5% off membership) Walker Art Center members Fees Member Non-Member Birthday parties $145 (1-10) / $270 (11-20) $165 (1-10) / $300 (11-20) Exhibition / Consigned Works • 60% of the net retail selling price will be paid to the Artist if the Artist is a member (throughout the run of the exhibit) or 50% if a non- member. • Percentages do not include sales tax, which will be collected by the Art Center. • For 60 days following the end of exhibit, any commission resulting from the display or a referral by MCA entitles it to a 20% referral commission. Cancellations / Refunds • The Art Center charges a $5 fee for each cancellation or transfer to cover administrative costs. • 100% refund (minus administration fee) for cancellation one week or more prior to the class start date. • 50% refund (minus administration fee) for class cancellation less than one week prior to a class start. FOR ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION DISCUSSION – FEBRUARY 2022 32 Northern Clay Center https://northernclaycenter.org, 2424 Franklin Avenue East, Minneapolis, MN 55406 Opened in 1990, Northern Clay Center is now an established ceramic arts organization. Through special programs, lectures, symposia, and publications, we reach a national and international audience, as well as a direct audience of regional participants. Other programs, …, bring national artists to the region ... Ongoing programs include exhibitions by contemporary regional, national, and international ceramic artists, as well as historical and architectural ceramics; classes and workshops for children and adults at all skill levels; studio space and grants for artists; and a sales gallery representing many top ceramic artists from the region and elsewhere. Facility • Affordable studio space for resident ceramic artists for one to ten years • 24-hour access to facility and equipment, including kilns (gas, soda, electric), glaze-mixing room, wheel classrooms with 44 wheels, hand-building classroom with slab roller and extruder • Private studios: 95-210 sq ft; 1-year licenses, renewed annually; on a competitive, juried basis • Shared Community Studio: 35 – 72 square feet of vertical storage space and use of common worktables, wheels, slab roller and extruder. Artist Studios The facilities are designed to allow ceramic artists to work in an environment that encourages individual expression and artistic growth. NCC strives to include a mix of artists, spanning different stages of experience and specific expressions in clay. We aim for a lively working environment, where artists are encouraged to develop and exchange ideas with their peers. One of the ways NCC facilitates growth is through a unique accountability agreement which promotes activity in areas of professional development, advancement, and service. To: • Address the needs of individual professionally-minded ceramic artists by providing working space and facilities, artistic development, income from their profession, and public exposure • Support a creatively rigorous atmosphere, which fosters critical dialogue in a dynamic community Eligibility: Northern Clay Center encourages applicants who represent the full range of artistic styles, and is committed to supporting a diverse pool of artists whose work demonstrates strong artistic merit and initiative. Accordingly, we strive for our studio program to represent, as possible, artists that are diverse in genre, expertise, gender, race, ethnicity and geography. A college degree or professional training are NOT required to apply for this, or any NCC program or grant. We encourage applicants who would like to make clay and creativity a continuing part of their lives and development, even if they do not or have not pursued it in a post-secondary institutional setting. Selection Process: Applications submitted for space within the shared studio are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. While applications may be submitted at any time, it is common for there to be a waitlist for a space to become available. Should there not be an opening at the time of your applications submission, you will be placed on the waitlist and contacted when you are next in cue for space in the shared studio. Applications for private and semi-private studio spaces are juried on an as needed basis. Consisting of current representatives from the studio program, NCC staff, and professionals working in the field, panelists convene to discuss and select applicants to occupy vacant studio spaces within the program and alternates for those that become available before the next jury date. During the review process, panelists will collectively review all of the submitted materials and discuss each application to determine the strongest candidates and the greatest potential impact on both the artist and NCC community. FOR ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION DISCUSSION – FEBRUARY 2022 33 Appendix Glossary Definitions from //ceramicartsnetwork.org/Resources/Glossary and //www.jnevins.com/glossary.htm Products / Stages of Work • Clay: Widely occurring aluminum silicate mineral resulting from natural decomposition of feldspar and granite. • Greenware: Unfired pottery, very fragile • Bisque or Bisqueware: Pottery which has been fired once, without glaze, to a temperature just before vitrification • Earthenware: Low-fired ware, usually still porous after firing—must be sealed with vitreous glaze to be functional. • Stoneware: High-fired vitreous ware, literally as hard and durable as stone. Matures from 2200-2400° F. (cone 5–11). Types of Firing • Bisque Firing: Initial kiln firing in which clay sinters without vitrifying, and though very porous, will no longer soften in water. • Glaze Firing: Kiln firing in which glazes are melted to form a smooth glassy surface. • Atmospheric or Vapor Glazing: Any glaze process where the glaze results from vapor deposited within the kiln—includes salt glazing, soda glazing, fuming and wood firing (where fly ash is deposited on the ware and melted into a glaze). Levels of Firing • Low Fire: Low-temp. firing range, usually below cone 02, for most bisque-firing and for glaze-firing terra cotta and whiteware • Low Mid-Range: Firing range usually cone 01 to 3, useful for functional earthenware, refractory sculpture bodies, and outdoor terra cotta work • Mid-Range: Glaze-firing range usually including cone 4 to cone 7, very popular with electric kilns • High Fire: High temperature firing range usually including cone 8 to cone 12, for firing stoneware or porcelain. Types of Kilns • Downdraft Kiln: Kiln where exhaust gases exit through flue at floor level. • Updraft Kiln: Kiln where the flame is introduced at or below floor level, and exhausted out the top • Oxidation: Firing with a full supply of oxygen. Electric kilns fire in oxidation. Oxides show bright colors. • Reduction: Firing with reduced oxygen in the kiln • Pit Firing: A type of bonfire-firing where wares are buried in sawdust in a pit in the ground and a bonfire is built on top. • Salt Firing: Vapor-glazing process where salt (sodium chloride) is introduced into kiln firebox at high temperature. Kiln Parts & Supplies • Cone – Pyrometric: A pyramid composed of clay and glaze, made to melt and bend at specific temperatures. It is used in a kiln to determine the end of a firing or in some electric kilns it shuts off a kiln setter. • Firebox: The part of a fuel-burning kiln where fuel gases combust before contacting wares. • Kiln Furniture: Refractory posts and shelves used for stacking pottery in the kiln for firing. • Kiln Wash: Coating applied to the top surface of a kiln shelf to protect it from glaze runs, drips and other accidents that occur in red hot kilns, ... It is also used to protect shelves from volatiles in atmospheric kilns like wood ash, or … soda kilns. … • Spray Booth: Open-front enclosure with exhaust fan at the rear, designed to draw off overspray and other toxic dust/fumes • Thermocouple: Temperature probe that produces variable current dependent on heat exposure—used in pyrometers and Baso valves. Belger Crane Yard Studios, Kansas City (Top: studio, Bottom: glaze room) https://belgerarts.org/facilities FOR ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION DISCUSSION – FEBRUARY 2022 34 Sources Internal Sources Naming protocol: Year Mo Title _Source .extension 2007 Nov Expansion Feasibility _AST&R .pdf 2012 Jan Operational Analysis Proposal _Sutton .pdf 2012 May Operational Analysis Proposal v2 _Sutton .pdf 2012 Sep Operational Analysis _Sutton .pdf 2014 Dec Vision Doc _ACC .pdf 2015 Apr Space Plan Options _Shuler Shook .pdf 2015 Aug ACC BYLAWS .pdf 2015 Sep Grandview Update _Unk .pdf 2015_16 Grandview Timelines _HGA .pdf 2016 Apr EAC Mega Packet _HGA_Sutton .pdf 2016 Apr Grandview Advisory Meeting Packet _ Sutton .pdf 2016 Apr Site Options_HGA _Sutton .pdf 2016 Dec Pottery Department Layout Sketch .pdf 2016 Dec Pottery Equipment Sizes Handwritten .pdf 2016 Feb Grandview Poject Midpoint _HGA_Sutton .pdf 2016 Feb Space Plan _HGA .pdf 2016 Jan Compilation for Grandview TF .pdf 2016 Mar Space Plan Review _HGA_Sutton .pdf 2016 May Grandview Market_ OPS Analysis _pros consulting .pdf 2016 May Space Plan _HGA .pdf 2017 Jul Other Art Center Site Visits .pdf 2017 Oct New EAC Feasibility Recommendation _ACC .pdf 2018 Jul Grandview Analysis HRA Mtg (Pro Forma) .pdf 2019 Aug-Dec Binder EAC Facility Reports .pdf 2019 EAC Camps Programs .pdf 2020 EAC Program Catalog .pdf 2020 Mar Open Studio Grid .pdf 2020-23 City of Edina Public Art Plan .pdf 2021 Mar Council Retreat Art Center Discussion .pdf 2021 Work Plan _ACC .pdf External Sources Comparison Centers Local Artistry Theater & Visual Arts, //artistrymn.org Fired Up Studios, //www.firedupstudios.com Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Board, www.minneapolisparks.org Minnetonka Center for the Arts, //minnetonkaarts.org Northern Clay Center, //northernclaycenter.org The Workshop Minneapolis, //the-workshop-mpls.square.site National The Best Places to Take Ceramics Classes….: www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-best-places-ceramics-classes Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, Gatlinburg, TN: www.arrowmont.org Belger Crane Yard Studios, Kansas City, MO: //belgerarts.org Penland School of Craft, Penland North Carolina: //penland.org Ceramics Sources General Ceramic Arts Network: //ceramicartsnetwork.org Field Guide for Ceramic Artisans: //ceramicsfieldguide.org The Spruce Crafts: //www.thesprucecrafts.com/what-kind-of-kiln-is-it-2746127 Sample Policies – Como Pottery Studio: //www.thecomo.org/pottery-studio-handbook Kiln-Specific Continental Clay: //www.continentalclay.com Master Kiln Builders: //www.kilnbuilders.com Safety-Specific Alfred Grinding Room: //www.alfredgrindingroom.com CPSC Arts & Craft Safety Guide: //www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/pdfs/blk_media_5015.pdf Digital Fire Reference Library: //digitalfire.com Hazards in Ceramics: //www.goshen.edu/art/DeptPgs/Hazards.html Princeton EHS: //ehs.princeton.edu/health-safety-the-campus-community/art-theater-safety/art-safety Technical Information for Potters: //tim-thornton.com/tikiwiki/tiki-index.php Interviewees Mimi Kalb, Recreation Centers & Programs Director, www.minneapolisparks.org Kyle Rudy-Kohlhepp, Executive Director, //northernclaycenter.org : Lee Persell, Ceramics Manager, //minnetonkaarts.org Beth Robinson, Owner/President, //www.firedupstudios.com Chris Singewald, Studio Manager, //artistrymn.org : FOR ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION DISCUSSION – FEBRUARY 2022 35 Minneapolis Parks Board The information that follows includes all of the Fall 2021 ceramics offerings through the Minneapolis Parks Board. While research into the Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Board was part of this, those facilities are not included in the side-by-side for the body of this document. They are simply too different from the other programs reviewed. Highlights include: • Fees and tuition appear to fit individual centers rather than a standard cost (doing the math shows a range as low as $1 and as high as $12 / instructional hour) • Current class offerings vary from 1-15 days and 2-44 hours • Classes at some centers fill up quickly and have long wait lists (Powderhorn) • Some centers focus on classes while others have significant open studio access • Classes and open studio / punch card access are available to a variety of age groups Age Key: A = adult, F = family, S = senior, T = teen, Y = youth (Data as of September 22, 2021) Rec. Center Class Capacity Fees Age Day/Hr MinMax Enrolled Waitlist Res. Non-R. Supply Keewaydin A 121906 (6:30-9 M) 7/17.5 1-8 8 $140 $210 121907 (3:30-6 T) 8 121908 (6:30-9 T) 8 121910 (12:30-3 M) 8 126679 (6-8 F) 1/2 2-8 126631 (6-8 F) All 127615 (take home kit) 1/4 3-30 127615 (take home kit) 5-30 Powderhorn A 122538 (5:30-9:30 M) 10/40 1-6 6 17 $145 $217.50 $50 122549 (5-9 T) 11/44 6 15 $160 $240 $50 122550 (5-9 W) 6 16 122641 (5:30-9:30 M) 6 15 MLK Y 117571 (3:15-4:15 Th) 7/7 4-8 $30 $45 117572 (3:15-4:15 Th) 117575 (4:30-6:00 T) 7/10.5 117580 (4:30-6 Th) 3-5 117582 (4:30-6 Th) 3-5 F 117573 (9:30-10:45 S) 6/7.5 0-10 $10 $15 117574 (11-12:15 S) S 117576 (10-12 W) 15/30 5-12 3 $30 $45 117576 (10-12 W) 3 T 122638 (5-8 F) 7/21 4-8 2 122639 (5-8 F) 1 A 117579 (6:30-9 Th) 7/17.5 0-7 2 $100 $150 117571 (6:30-9 Th) 6/15 2 117583 (6:30-9 Th) 7/17.5 0-7 $100 $150 117584 (6:30-9 Th) 8/20 0-7 $100 $150 117577 (6-9 T) open studio 6/18 1-7 $40 $60 122658 (6-9 T) open studio 122130 (3-8:30 W,Th,F) punch c. 44/242 1-15 3 $70 $105 Fuller Y 122430 (5:15-6:15 T) 6/6 2-6 6 $30 $45 $10 A 122433 (6:30-8:15 T) 6/10.5 1-4 5 6 $75 $108 $15 126904 (6:30-8:15 T) 1-6 6 A/T 122435 (6-8 M) open studio 6/12 3-8 6 $62 $93 122436 (6-8 M) open studio 2 122437 (6-8 M) open studio 122439 (6-8 M) open studio 18/36 3-24 8 122827 (12-6 S) open studio 36/72 3-8 122828 (12-2 S) open studio 6/12 122828 (2-4 S) open studio 3-6 122830 (4-6 S) open studio 3-8 122831 (12-2 S) open studio 122832 (2-4 S) open studio 122833 (4-6 S) open studio A 122129 (3-8:30 W,Th,F) priv. stu. 45/247.5 1-15 3 $70 Logan A 124431 (6:30-9 T) 16/40 0-14 $60 $90 Van Cleve Y 118104 (4-5:30 M) 6/9 2-8 $20 $30 118105 (4-5:30 M) Date: February 24, 2022 Agenda Item #: V.C. To:Arts and Culture Commission Item Type: Other From:Laura Fulton, Recreation Supervisor Item Activity: Subject:Annual Elections Action CITY OF EDINA 4801 West 50th Street Edina, MN 55424 www.edinamn.gov ACTION REQUESTED: Elect Chair and Vice Chair for the Arts and Culture Commission for 2022 INTRODUCTION: Annual Elections Timeline Each Board and Commission is required to annually elect a Chair and Vice Chair. As outlined in all Board and Commission bylaws, Boards and Commissions are asked to hold their annual elections in February. Election Process A quorum must be present in order to hold elections (a quorum is half of the voting members plus one). At the regular scheduled meeting selected for annual elections, the current Board or Commission Chair opens the floor for nominations. Nominations will be first accepted for the Chair and a vote will take place. Then nominations will be accepted for a Vice Chair and a vote will take place. Once all members have had the chance to nominate a member or themselves, the Commission can take a vote. Vote will be by hand and not by paper ballot. A member may nominate him/herself for a position. There must be a second for each nomination. In the case of a split vote, a Board or Commission could table their annual elections to the next scheduled meeting to allow more member input. Office Terms Per City Code, each appointed Chair and Vice Chair shall serve a term of one year. The term of Chair and Vice Chair will begin on March 1 of each year. No person shall serve more than three consecutive one-year terms as Chair of a Board or Commission. A Chair elected to fill a vacancy shall be eligible to serve three full terms in addition to the remainder of the vacated term. Duties of the Arts and Culture Commission Chair are: Prepare agenda with staff liaison Lead meeting and facilitate discussion Date: February 24, 2022 Agenda Item #: VII.A. To:Arts and Culture Commission Item Type: Other From:Laura Fulton, Recreation Supervisor Item Activity: Subject:Upcoming Meetings and Events Information CITY OF EDINA 4801 West 50th Street Edina, MN 55424 www.edinamn.gov ACTION REQUESTED: Receive the list of upcoming 2022 Arts and Culture Commission Meetings INTRODUCTION: Attached is a list of upcoming meetings and events. ATTACHMENTS: Description Upcoming Meetings and Events February 24, 2022 Arts and Culture Commission Laura Fulton, Recreation Supervisor Upcoming 2022 Meetings and Events Date 2022 Meetings Time Location Thurs. March 24 Regular Meeting 4:30 pm TBD Tues. April 19 Joint City Council and ACC Work Session 5:30 pm TBD Thurs. April 28 Regular Meeting 4:30 pm TBD Thurs. May 26 Regular Meeting 4:30 pm TBD Thurs. June 23 Regular Meeting 4:30 pm TBD Thurs. July 28 Regular Meeting 4:30 pm TBD Thurs. Aug. 25 Regular Meeting 4:30 pm TBD Thurs. Sept. 22 Regular Meeting 4:30 pm TBD Thurs. Oct. 27 Regular Meeting 4:30 pm TBD **Thurs. Nov. 17 Regular Meeting 4:30 pm TBD **Thurs. Dec. 15 Regular Meeting 4:30 pm TBD * Location change – Commission meetings have been assigned to virtual meetings during the month of February due to the increasing pandemic cases. The City Council will revaluate in February. ** Meetings adjusted due to holiday schedule.