HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-08-23 Arts Culture Commission MinutesEdina Art Center Board
August 23, 2001
Edina Art Center, 4:00 p.m.
Members Present: Gene Andersen, Sandra Clark, Mike Kelly, Linda Kieffer, George Kuebler, Delores Paul,
and Ruth Valgemae.
Members Absent: Dolores Dege, Liz Eisenbrey and Jim VanValkenburg
Staff Present: Diana Hedges and Phil Johnson
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 reported that donations had picked up in the last few days to the point that the total is within
approximately $200 of last year's level. Additional donations will be welcomed, of course. Artist entries have
increased to 290 from last year's 250. More volunteers are needed to help with Bring-In Day, Tuesday, August 28,
for any period of time between Noon to 8 pm. Judging is scheduled for Friday, August 31 by Jack Becker and
Anastasia. The food has been ordered for the reception Friday, September 6 from 5 to 8 pm. Volunteers are still
being sought for setup and cleanup duties. Linda Kieffer reported that letters had been mailed to local teachers
regarding scholarships. No responses had been received, probably because teachers had not returned to their
classrooms as yet.
MEDIA STUDIO REPORT
Phil Johnson reported that a cooperative program with Linhoff Photo will bring more revenue into the Media
Studios and offer a value-added service to our customers. A film drop-off counter will be located in the studios
where print and slide film can be left for processing and pickup. Edina Art Center will receive a commission on all
orders. Based on the success of last years event, a November family portrait day will be conducted in the studios
with sponsorship by Linhoffs.
OUTREACH EXHIBITS AND LIBRARY REPORT
Linda Kieffer reported that Art Center exhibits continue at Jerry's Supermarket. Currently showing are works by
Pat Greer. Linda recommended that no further exhibits be scheduled at the Southgate Office Building. Results were
very disappointing for George Kuebler's exhibit. It seems that there is not sufficient visitor traffic in this building
to justify the time and effort involved. Linda has had preliminary conversations with the owner of the Edina Grill
who is enthusiastic about the opportunity to display artwork in his establishment. This 50th and France location is a
popular venue with lots of family traffic. The available wall space is approximately the same as the Jerry's
location. She is also considering D'Amico's restaurant, possibly for an Art Academy exhibit. There are some
security concerns with the space being too close to entrances and exits.
Linda handed out a summary of progress on the Edina Art Initiative Project in the new Edina Library being
constructed in the Grandview Square development. From a list of six possible art initiative projects, she was
thrilled to say that an artist had been selected to make Art Glass Panels to create an interior focal point in the new
building. William SaltLilian, an Edina resident was selected from a number of qualified applicants. Mr. Saltzman
works with the Gaytee Glass Company in creation of stained glass works. Diana Hedges commented that Linda
should be commended for taking on the responsibilities of the chair for the Library Advisory Committee. Sandy
Clark added that Linda's energy and enthusiasm were wonderful contributions to the Committee's progress.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Diana Hedges reported the following items:
Classes
This is a record setting summer. Children's summer camps are full. The Fall class schedule advertises 150 classes,
many of them new classes. Our Fall schedule brochure was done in PageMaker by Priscilla Hill and we've had
many comments on how much easier it is to read.
.Ming Chiao Asian Brush Painting Show
This was one of our best openings of the year! We had a huge crowd — certainly one of the largest of the year. The
martial arts demonstrations were very informative and helped make the opening a big success. Special thanks to
Dodie Paul and Ruth Valgemae for helping to host this event. They were both wonderful ambassadors for the Art
Center. Thanks to Jennifer Wilkinson, we had front page photos in the following week's Sun Current.
Sept. 14 event - Sigrid Olsen
Heather Randall King, Liz Eisenbrey and Diana have completed the invitations to this "meet and greet" event for
the artist at the Art Center. Sigrid is a widely-known designer associated with Liz Claiborne who began her career
as a fine artist. She will be making a personal appearance at Marshall Fields in Southdale on September 15 and her
event here will tie in to publicity paid for by Liz Claiborne and Marshall Fields. Heather is co-chairing the event
with Liz Eisenbrey. Jennifer Wilkinson and Elizabeth Bragdon are working on the publicity. This event should
bring in many people who are new to the Art Center. Everyone is urged to attend and bring their friends. At the
conclusion of this discussion, Sandy Clark offered to sponsor the refreshments for the event.
September 15th Event — Silent No More 5K Run/Walk
It's that time of year when we are asking again for your help in handing our water to participants in the 5K
Run/Walk as they come by on the trail behind the Art Center. We have three volunteers signed up so far and could
use at least 5 more. It's an easy job but an important contribution for education and awareness of ovarian cancer.
Visit their website at if you are interested in learning more about their wonderful work or if you want to run/walk
in the race. Our thanks to Sandy Clark who once again offered to donate 600 bottles of water to supply our water
station.
Auction to Benefit Art Academy Tours
Helpers are needed for the Silent Auction, October 22-26, to raise funds for the 2002 Paris trip. Academy students
and parents are still seeking item donations. Please attend the next planning meeting on Tuesday, September 11th at
6 pm to find out how you can help.
OTHER BUSINESS:
No other business was offered.
ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 4:45 pm.
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