HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-10-22 Arts Culture Commission MinutesEdina Art Center Board Meeting
October 22, 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, Bev Fischer-Soshea, Bill McCabe, Heather
Randall King, Megan Norman, Ken Rosland, John Swon, and Michael Whitt
Members absent: Sharanya Srinivasan, Rene Usem
Staff present: Diana Hedges and Phil Johnson
CALL TO ORDER: Heather Randall King, Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 4:35
pin.
APPROVAL OF MAY MINUTES
The minutes for the September 24th meeting were read and approved.
JURIED SHOW-Michael Whitt
Michael presented the final report for the 2009 Juried Art Exhibition. (The document is
attached) The highlights included:
Great attendance despite inclement weather and terrible traffic tie-ups.
High quality, impressive works of art perhaps the best ever.
- Special thanks to all the dozens of people who worked so hard and to the sponsors for
their generosity.
The publicity was well done with the Sun newspaper article especially well written.
- A complete list of the Winning Entries and the Awards given. Michael added that the
judging for the Marian Ward Peer Award ended in a tie which had never occurred before.
Both artists were awarded $75.
There were 272 entries. 97 were accepted.
Total donations of $9,660.
In Kind donations totaled $749.
- Expenses increased primarily to offer bigger awards and to properly celebrate the 25th
year anniversary.
Expense for postage and printing was reduced.
- Net revenue to the Art Center was $4,993 which is 18% more than last year.
- Michael produced a JS Project Plan to help in development of future JS events.
-2-
GREER GARDEN — Renee Usem and Bill McCabe
Bill reported that a sub-committee met on October 5th, to review progress and cost estimates.
They discussed seeking some help with funding the glass door and the electrical modifications
through the Art Center's capital budget. Bill is looking into several other possible funding
sources to make up the difference between the project design quotes and the amount of money
presently in hand. Possible sources are the Three Rivers Park District and the East Edina
Housing Foundation. The projected date of November 19th for the groundbreaking did not fit
with the Greer family's schedules and it will have to be rescheduled, possibly in the spring.
John Keprios had received several bid proposals and he forwarded one of them to the
committee. The quote was $43,700 for the landscaping and hardscaping but not including the
electrical work or the installation of the glass door. The committee will meet with all three
bidders on Monday to get more detail.
PRESS RELEASE POLICY- Michael Whitt
Michael brought for discussion a possible policy for press releases that would ensure adequate
review time before publication in either City of Edina media or outside media. At the present
time, various people working with the Art Center or the Board may author a press release or
request that a publicity piece be written by the Communications Staff. The finished draft
material is given back to the Art Center for final review mere hours before the submission
deadline. That turn-around time is plainly inadequate. After a thorough discussion of the
dimensions of the problem and possible solutions, the Board unanimously recommended that a
document of understanding be composed by Michael. The document will include metrics for
submission of publicity materials as well as turn-around times for review and approval (i.e.: a
minimum of 72 hours for Art Center authors and editors to receive and return copy to the
Communications department.) This document will be the subject for a meeting to be arranged
with Jennifer Bennerotte, Director of Marketing and Communications.
PUBLIC ART COMMITTEE (EPAC) Rick Fesler
Rick began by asking for Board approval of Bill McCabe to the EPAC. Ruth Valgemae has
been approached to join EPAC as a committee member. Heather suggested that Board approval
might await definite acceptance by these people. Rick stated that long-time EPAC member,
Betty Hemstad, had resigned. Rick next announced the results of the ballot-box poll on the
Edina Promenade. Only 1/3"i of the ballots were from people living in Edina. Half were from 20
different states and there were ballots from Canada and Great Britain. The Geer Family Circle
was the top-ranking vote-getter. The artist received a $1,000 award for this achievement. EPAC
is contacting Target Corporation to ask if they would like to purchase the sculpture for
permanent display near the Edina Super Target facility.
Rick stated that a funding request had been turned down by the City Council. EPAC will pursue
possible grants from Edina Rotary and The Edina Foundation. A progress report on the York
Avenue Bridge Mosaic project: One of the artists had dropped out but the Bicycle Task Force
continues to support the project. Diana reported that sculptor and instructor Adama Sow
continues to produce tiles and will have them ready in time. The materials are not costly and
-3
qualified people are ready to help. Rick will talk with Brad Benn to resolve some questions
about installation and weather sealing. Diana added that she had been told of a Sun newspapers
article about EPAC which did not include the obligatory mention that EPAC is a subcommittee
of the Edina Art Center Board. She stated that this copy had been provided by EPAC, but edited
out by the Sun newspaper people because of space considerations.
CONNECTING WITH THE SCHOOLS — Renee Usem
Diana reported for Renee. Monday's meeting with the facility principals had to be rescheduled.
The objective for the rescheduled meeting is to have the principals help plan the program to best
serve the schools.
FILM FESTIVAL — John Swon
John reported it continued to be difficult to communicate with the Edina Landmark Theatre
management staff. He had received a quote from the AMC Edina Theatre (Southdale) of $1,500
per day, any day of the week, for one of their theatres (screens). This was a lower amount than
the quote from the Landmark. He continues to talk to the staff at Centennial Lakes and
Edinborough Park. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. George Hadj*yanis talked with
the Edina High School staff about their theatre space. Initially, they expressed enthusiasm about
the synergism between this event and student activities but available dates are scarce and
probably unsuitable. Rick Fesler has contacted Gene Hoglund, owner of the Edina Landmark
Cinema building. He wants to help but feels his best influence would be as part of the 50th and
France Association effort. John is hoping that the location decision can be reached in the next
30 days.
NEW BUSINESS
There was no new business.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT — Diana Hedges
Diana reported that the Art exhibition at Park Plaza was a fun time and those Board members
who helped out did a great job. Eight Art Center artists participated. The traffic was a bit slow
but the artists were very happy with the ambiance and the response from the people visiting.
Beverly Fisher-Soshea commented that her Saturday stint was delightful with everyone so
pleasant and happy to be there. Heather said the bad weather on Friday reduced the traffic.
Hafed said that he was there both days. He thought the original space would have been more
conducive to good viewing as opposed to the vacant apartments that were available for display
of the artists' works. Diana commented that the exhibition was primarily a community outreach
effort with very little expectation of sales or revenues. The staff may or may not recommend
doing it again. Heather commented that Park Plaza was trying to market the building and they
accomplished that.
Diana went on to report that a grant request was being prepared to Edina Rotary for funds to
purchase an Emergency defibrillator. We are on a waiting list with the Edina Foundation but the
waiting list is very long.