HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-09-24 Arts Culture Commission MinutesEdina Art Center Board Meeting
September 24, 2009 4:30pm at EAC
Edina Art Center Mission Statement
The Edina Art Center mission is to provide facilities, programs and services that meet and
reflect the needs of our residents and neighbors for participation, education and enjoyment in
the Arts with emphasis on fine arts.
Members present: Hafed Bouassida, Rick Fesler, Bill McCabe, Heather Randall King, Megan
Noiiiian, Ken Rosland, John Swon, Rene Usem, and Michael Whitt
Members absent: Bev Fischer-Soshea, Sharanya Srinivasan
Staff present: Diana Hedges and Phil Johnson
CALL TO ORDER: Heather Randall King, Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 4:30
pm.
APPROVAL OF MAY MINUTES
The minutes for the August 27th meeting, as amended, were read and approved.
CONNECTING WITH THE SCHOOLS — Renee Usem
Renee reported that she had submitted a proposal to her contact who will meet with the facility
principals on September 30th. The objective for that meeting is to have the principals help plan
the program to best serve the schools. Renee will have a progress report at the next Board
meeting.
GREER GARDEN — Renee Usem and Bill McCabe
Renee distributed a drawing showing two design variations and a construction cost estimate
(Attachment A). The latest designs were produced after feedback from the survey was given to
City staff. Their turnaround response was just great. The revisions include reducing the size of
the deck, inclusion of a concrete walk and ramp for handicapped access, and regrading the
entire area so it is flat. A retaining wall will border the area and the surface beyond the deck
will include plantings and contoured area containing pea gravel. Provision is also made to route
rainwater from the roof below the deck and out to drain tiles and rain barrels. A stickwall fence
on the East border will shield the garden from the kiln area. The existing steel fire exit door is to
be replaced with a full height glass door. Both designs meet City requirements for handicapped
access. The main difference between the two designs is the size of the deck. The smaller deck
will allow retention of the full-grown maple tree presently in the area. The larger deck would be
built if the decision is made to remove the tree. The goal is to have a completely welcoming
area that could be used during major events. Future enhancements might include lighting and a
speaker system for music. Renee also had good news: the City staff is so excited about this
project that they have agreed to cover the architect's fees. Michael Whitt asked if the decision
between the two alternative plans will hinge strictly on the health of the Maple tree. Renee
replied that was the key issue. f JAPFT-4)
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Ken Rosland asked about the items not in the construction quote. These include electrical
modifications and the cost of the glass door. He also suggested that relocating a water tap would
be important to avoid having hoses draped over the area. Renee asked that the Board approve
Plan B with the understanding that Plan A might be approved if the Maple tree cannot be saved.
That approval would also include the concept of a phased development as funds become
available. Michael asked where the money is coming from. Diana responded that twenty-one
thousand dollars was in-hand or committed. An additional five or six thousand would be needed
to complete the project. Bill McCabe offered the motion to approve Plan B, with the
understanding that it would be done in three phases as funding and weather conditions dictate.
Ken seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
FILM FESTIVAL — John Swon
John reported that progress had been slowed because of difficulties contacting the Landmark
Cinema in Edina. An initial quote had been received. Four nights for one theatre would cost
$5,600. That quote for the facilities provided would not be viable. In the mean time, productive
discussions continue with the 50th and France Association and the committee continues to look
at alternative sites such as the Edina High School and the AMC Theatres at Southdale. Rick
Fesler had encountered a film festival in Colorado that might furnish a template for what EAC
is planning to do. John passed around a brochure from that festival as a model for an
infoimational/promotional piece.
FALL INTO THE ARTS — Ken Rosland
Heather preceded this report by citing the many compliments she had received about the Fall
IntoThe Arts events. The Board gave Ken a round of applause for his work to make this event a
huge success. Ken reported that the artists were very satisfied with their results and, as usual,
were pleased with the amenities available to them. The Director and Assistant Director are
leaving so next year's event will be a challenge. Anticipating this change, Ken involved more
staff this year. He stated that credit is due the artists because they are the backbone of the show.
Net proceeds to the Edina Crime Fund will be a bit lower this year primarily because several
sponsors dropped out at the last minute. Advertising was very effective with the large ad in the
Minneapolis Star Tribune and the Stadia publication drawing a lot of interest. Diana added that
the Art Center tent positioned in front of the Centrum building was just wonderful. Nearly 400
class schedules were passed out and a lot of people signed up to the mailing list. Kids and their
families enjoyed the recycled art projects and it was a wonderful way for the Art Center staff
and volunteers to live our mission. Heather added her thanks to everyone who volunteered and
hung in there despite the hot weather.
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JURIED SHOW-Michael Whitt
Michael reported that Bring-in day had gone very smoothly with plenty of people there to help.
Edie Fesler had coordinated the volunteer signups and Heather had called each volunteer to
remind them. Bob Kojetin worked from morning until evening and seemed to be everywhere he
was needed. Two hundred and seventy-two entries were received (one more than last year). On
judging day, the judges worked until well into the late afternoon taking great care to give
careful attention to every entry. They expressed appreciation for the art being hung rather than
the more common situation where entries are stacked against the wall making them more
difficult to view and evaluate. Michael found it was interesting to observe the judging process.
They were strict while being consistent and fair. He expects thoughtful commentary from them
at the opening reception. Sixty to seventy works were selected for display. Overall, quality of
the artwork is very good, perhaps the best show ever.
Donations total nearly $7,000 and there is still time for additional donations. Board members
are reminded to arrive early for the October 1st Reception and Awards Ceremony. Volunteers
will be here to begin setting up before that and more hands will be appreciated. Next steps
include finalizing the printed program and printing it. Michael will have a report at the next
meeting summarizing the budget numbers and also an updated project plan that incorporates
this years learning added to the plans and learnings from past years. An example of the new
things done this year was Anne Spooner's idea to send thank you letters to donors prior to the
opening with a reminder to attend the opening. Heather asked Michael to review the role of
Board members at the Opening Reception. In general, members are expected to circulate, make
people feel welcomed and to make the event as waiin and pleasant as a party in our own homes.
Hafed asked if the winning entries will be known prior to the opening. Diana responded that the
winners will be known but kept secret until the day of the opening reception. Hafed suggested
that the winners might be eager to invite their friends and family to the reception if they knew
that they were to receive awards. Michael responded that he will make sure that the winners are
at the reception.
EDINA PUBLIC ART COMMITTEE (EPAC) -Rick Fesler
Rick began by showing an article in Edina Magazine. The copy submitted to the magazine did
include a paragraph describing the relationship of EPAC to the Art Center Board. That copy
was lost in the editorial process. Another publication had an article which had been submitted
prior to the recent discussions involving the importance of this subject when generating
publicity. Rick stated that the issue of requirements for attendance ( or the lack of such
requirements) had been discussed at the recent EPAC meeting and he felt this issue had been
fully clarified. They are actively looking for more committee members and Bill McCabe is
invited to attend their next meeting. Also, EPAC has identified a need for a liaison person to the
Edina schools. Renee Usem's initiatives for the EAC Board have stimulated interest on the
EPAC committee to do something similar. Heather asked how many people EPAC is looking
for. Rick replied that they are looking at the various missions and opportunities to do more and
have concluded that they need more help in a number of areas.
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DIRECTOR'S REPORT — Diana Hedges
Diana reported that the Tile Conference held at EAC over the weekend of September 19&20
was fabulous. One hundred twenty people attended workshops and had a great social mixer.
Sales in the gift shop and gallery totalled over $5,000. Sandra Shaughnessy coordinated the
event with the national tile association and did a great job. We were thrilled with all the positive
feedback from participants and workshop leaders. Diana distributed the Fees and Charges
proposal for 2010. Approval by the Board is required before submission to the City. An
increase of approximately 3% to class tuition and no increase to memberships is the staff
recommendation. Ken commented that he thought the fees, although on the high side, were in
the right ball park. Michael asked if any complaints had been made during 2009. Diana replied
that additional requests for scholarships had been made but no complaints about fees. More half
scholarships are being granted and that seems to be working well. John asked if membership
levels had been impacted by the current economic downturn. Diana said that membership
revenue was down about $1,500 so far this year. Enrollments are holding steady with very few
cancellations. Michael made a motion to approve the staff recommendation on 2010 Fees and
Charges for submission to the City. John seconded. The motion was passed unanimously.
BOARD ATTENDANCE/ PARTICIPATION — Ken Rosland
Ken summarized the discussion from the last Board meeting. His proposal: Restore the
December Board meeting to bring the meeting total to nine per year. This would normally be
the third Thursday but the date could be changed to suit the members' schedules. Michael asked
what effect a cancelled meeting or a meeting lacking a quorum would have on the formula for
missing missing meetings. Diana and Ken commented that a cancelled meeting would not count
as a missed meeting for an individual member. Michael moved to add the December meeting as
a regular business meeting. John seconded. The motion was passed unanimously. C
Ken next returned to the topic of events that Board members are encouraged to attend. Diana
had prepared a list. The remaining 2009 events are the Juried Show reception on October 1st, the
Art Walk at Edina Park Plaza on October 16 & 17, the Gifts, Gifts, Gifts setup on November 3,
4 and 5 and the Family Fund Workshops on December 6, 12 and 20. The early 2010 events are
the Faculty Exhibit Opening on January 8 and the Potters Games on Martin Luther King day,
January 18. •
NEW BUSINESS
Michael reported that he had accessed the EAC web pages and he did see the updates he had
given to the Communications department.
Hafed asked to clarify the meeting schedule in that the Board will not meet in January, February
or March. There will be only 9 regular business meetings in 2010. Heather and Diana responded
that this was necessitated by there being too few members present in the "snowbird" months to
have quorums in those months.