HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-05-24 Arts Culture Commission MinutesEdina Art Center Board
May 24, 2001
Edina Art Center, 4:00 p.m.
Members Present: Gene Andersen, Sandra Clark, Dolores Dege, Liz Eisenbrey, Linda
Kieffer, Mike Kelly, George Kuebler, Delores Paul, Ruth Valgemae, and Jim
Valkenburg,
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Diana Hedges, Phil Johnson and John Keprios
Guest: Linda Masica
CALL TO ORDER
Meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of last month's meeting were read and approved.
JURIED SHOW REPORT —RUTH VALGEMAE
Ruth reported that she and Brad Benn had met for initial planning for the September
show. Linda Kieffer, Gene Andersen and Dodie Paul are also on the committee which
will guide this event. Ruth and Diana will meet to review the list of _??
MEDIA STUDIOS REPORT
Phil Johnson reported that revenue improvement continues with children's classes filling
up and video editing projects increasing. He mentioned that more requests are being
received for new technologies such as creation of video CD's and DVD's. This
technology has been far too costly and difficult until recently. The cost of needed
equipment is coming down and the complexity is improving to the point where we should
consider installing these capabilities next year.
OUTREACH EXHIBITS — LINDA KIEFFER
Linda reported further progress in arranging outreach sites for exhibiting Art Center
works. Four sites are presently set: Southgate Business Center — the Kueblers; Edina
Library — varied artists in June; City Hall — Pat Greer; and Jerry's SuperMarket — Brad
Benn. She had contacted Northland Insurance which declined to participate at this time.
A suggestion was made to contact Byerly's Grocery in St. Louis Park. Dodie Paul
suggested contacting banks located in Edina and Mike Kelly suggested Fairview
Southdale Hospital.
Linda also reported that she is serving on the committee for relocation of the Edina
Library to the Grandview Square project. The committee is helping to plan a multi-
purpose room in the new Library which might benefit from a monetary grant from
Hennepin County. John Keprios added that an outdoor space also may be available in
Grandview Square for an Art Park.
INTRODUCTIONS — LINDA MASICA
Newly elected City Council Member, Linda Masica, was in attendance and was
introduced to Board Members and staff. She was at this meeting as part of her plan to
attend one meeting of each of Edina's commissions and boards during the year and
commented that the Art Center is a special place of great value to the City.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT — DIANA HEDGES
Presentation of Plaque: Ms. Hedges called on John Keprios who presented Jim
VanValkenburg with a plaque as, an honored City of Edina Volunteer.
Discussion of Referendum Results: Board members commented on the voters'
rejection of the latest referendum to fund recreation and arts improvements. The
consensus was that voters had a variety of reasons to oppose it — timing, the large dollar
amount, City government vs school district feelings, etc. Linda Masica suggested that the
citizenry had spoken and now it is time to heal hard feelings and move on to find the right
way to improve facilities and services.
Business Planning: Ms. Hedges reported that Assistant City Manager, Eric Anderson,
had presented a business plan at a recent City Council meeting. Copies of the plan will be
distributed to board members. Several Council Members had suggested ideas such as
expansion of pre-school children's programs and discounts for Edina residents at the Art
Center. Ms. Hedges commented that the pre-school teacher previously employed had
stopped teaching and she was seeking a replacement. Board members discussed the
discount concept in relation to the present member/non-member pricing policy. What
would be the message communicated to people outside of Edina by a resident discount
versus a membership discount? Would that be consistent with pricing at the swimming
pool and the golf course? This subject will be continued at future meetings.
Nature Center Exhibit and Sales: Ms. Hedges reported that Art Center works will be
exhibited and wares sold at the 20`" Anniversary Celebration at t e ?????? Nature Center. R
4th of July Parade and Open House: Gene and Ken Andersen are the Honorary
ChairPersons for the Art Center's participation in the parade. This years theme is Stars
and Stripes Forever. Marchers are encouraged to sign up and ideas for signs and banners
will be appreciated. Bring something to wave. The Art Center will be open from 5 to 9
p.m. preceding the fireworks display in the park.
Classes: Enrollment is going well with summer camps receiving a flood of early
registrations.
Tours: Art Academy students are planning fund raising programs to finance their
participation in next year's tour to France. They will sell T-Shirts, hold silent auctions
and raffles, and work at the Renaissance Festival to raise money.
Gift Shop: To boost revenues from the Gift Shop, a special sale for members was held
in April. Revenues are now slightly above last year's level.
Thank You to Sandy Clark: Ms. Hedges voiced appreciation on behalf of the board for
the wonderful Volunteer's luncheon hosted by Sandy Clark. The food was fabulous, as
usual, and the glass flower gifts were beautiful.
Student Show: The EAC Student Show opening today promises to be the best ever.
Quality of the art works is very impressive with a wide representation from adults and
children.
OTHER BUSINESS
Dee Dege reported that Homewood Studios was hosting a showing of art by students
from North High. The public is invited.
Dodie Paul reported that the Pastel Society will open an exhibit at the Hopkins Center for
the Arts on Friday, May 25th. This is always an excellent show.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 4:55 p.m.