HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-11-19 Arts Culture Commission MinutesEdina Art Center Board Meeting
November 19, 2009 4:30pm at EAC
-k)cX1
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, John Swon, Renee Usem and Michael Whitt
Members absent: Ken Rosland, Sharanya Srinivasan
Staff present: Diana Hedges, Phil Johnson and John Keprios
CALL TO ORDER: Heather Randall King, Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 4:35 pm.
Heather asked John Keprios, Edina Park and Recreation Director, to say a few words. John opened his remarks
by stressing the uniqueness of the Edina Art Center Board. This Board is much more of a working board than
other similar boards. Where other boards might make recommendations to be carried out by City staff, EAC
Board members are much more task oriented. Board members get personally involved in planning and
implementing shows and events as well as fund raising. The Art Center is a very special place and the Park
Board and City Council very much appreciate Board Members stepping up to the plate in the way they do. John
emphasized that this Board is not subordinate to the Park Board and Board recommendations go directly to the
City Council. The Council needs and listens to input from the EAC Board.
APPROVAL OF OCTOBER MINUTES
The minutes for the October 22 meeting were read and approved.
PUBLIC ART COMMITTEE (EPAC) _ Rick Fesler
Rick reported that EPAC had not met in November; the next meeting will be December 3rd. He will be able to
update to the Board following that meeting. EPAC Chair Linda Kieffer had phoned him to say that Ruth
Valgemae has provisionally accepted an appointment to EPAC. She will attend their January meeting to
consider further. Rick went on to report that several sculptures on the Promenade had been vandalized and
police reports were being submitted. Approximately twelve spaces remain for additional art works. Brad Benn
is contacting artists and a formal call for sculptures is being prepared. There has been no response from the
Edina Super Target regarding purchase of the Geer Family Circle sculpture. A matching gift proposal to the
EPAC was made by a party who asks to remain anonymous. The gift of $1,075 can be matched by contributions
from EPAC members, EAC members or others to purchase the Minnesota Eco Turtle; a work by Kathy
Gustafson, Michael asked how widely the appeal for funds would be made. Rick responded that $500 had
already been pledged so the remaining few hundred should not require a wide-spread campaign. These
matching donations should be made to the Edina Fund and administered by the Edina Foundation.
GREER GARDEN — Renee Usem and Bill McCabe
Renee reported that she, Bill, John Keprios and Heather had met several times. After meeting with contractors,
4Quarters Build and Design was selected. Rene distributed an updated sketch (attached as Attachment 1). The
4Quarters design offers a larger deck with provisions for saving the existing tree. The plan and budget will be
submitted to the City Council on December 1, to be followed by start on construction immediately after
approval. Approximately 80% of the project will begin at that time with the remainder to start in the spring. The
first phase includes: retaining wall and grading; installation of low voltage electrical; decking, railing and a new
glass door. The items to be completed in the spring include: concrete walk, rain barrels, plantings and mulch,
lattice fence by the air conditioner and a willow fence by the skylight roof.
Michael responded that it will be wonderful to use the deck for next years events, perhaps even have some
exhibits there for the Juried Show. He asked if the low voltage electrical would support more lighting in the
future. Renee responded that the electrical service might present some capacity limitations. The initial lighting
would include required items such as on the steps and the walkway. Additional design work could be done in
the spring. Michael asked about cost and budget. John Keprios that there is $21,000 in the budget. He covered
the architect's fee from his operating budget. The total cost is $29,000. The contract will be written with the
contractor for the entire $29,000 with their understanding that the work will proceed as the funds are available.
Renee added that their subcommittee has a list of some individuals who might contribute to this project. Hafed
asked about access for handicapped visitors. Renee responded that the concrete walkway and new door were
designed for access by disabled persons. Michael asked if the fountain would have to be moved. Renee replied
that it would remain in the current location. Michael asked how high the willow fencing is to be. Renee replied
that a designer would have to come out in the spring to see that the masking would be effective yet attractive.
Bev asked about railings. Renee referred to the small squares on the sketch to denote railings for the steps as
well at the perimeters of the deck. Hafed asked about lighting for the fountain. Renee replied that electrical
layouts would be specified during the landscaping phase even though the actual installation of additional
circuits might have to wait for future funds. Heather commented that many, many hours of hard work had gone
into this project. Hafed commended the sub-committee members. Michael thanked members for taking this on
and getting results in such a short time. Heather asked if a dedication could be planned for the spring. Renee
replied that it might be advisable to schedule the dedication a bit later to ensure that the foliage is in full bloom;
perhaps connected to the solstice in June. That would avoid potential damage from a late frost. The goal is to
have a groundbreaking of a completed garden spot. Diana added that she had contacted Robin Greer asking for
dates that would ensure family members could attend. A Sunday evening, perhaps June 20th, might offer a
lovely experience for everyone.
FILM FESTIVAL — John Swon
John reported that contacts continue with the 50th and France Association while exploring options and ruling
some things in and some things out. AMC Edina Theatre (Southdale) has been ruled out. They were very
accommodating but a corporate policy forbids selling tickets
from their cashier booths for outside events. That would require selling tickets in advance similar to a charity
event or some such. This would severely limit attendance at the Film Festival. He is looking at a couple of other
options with the Westin Hotel in Edina as well as the Sheraton Hotel and the Sofitel Hotel. The first choice is
Edina Landmark Theatre with all others far down the list. Two new players have joined the committee. Bob
Pariseau is a promotions professional who brings a wealth of experience to the project. Rick Fesler had a three-
hour conversation with Bob DeForrest, who is the foremost collector and archivist of old movies in the U.S. He
is excited about the Film Festival and his contacts throughout the film industry should be very valuable. John
had also met with Kevin Shaw, President of the 50th and France Business Association. They discussed a
possible Walk of Fame with stars in the sidewalks around the 50th and France area. There could be a possible
tie-in to the Film Festival. It is simply a concept at this time but will be explored further.
Bev mentioned she had recently attended a Jewish Film Festival at the Oak Street Theatre. It was a rainy Friday
evening with a Gophers basketball game almost next door producing traffic jams. The film was three hours long
and the choice of the film was not good. All of those factors probably contributed to the sparse attendance.
COMMUNICATIONS MEETING — Hafed Boussida
Hafed reported that he had met with Jennifer Bennerotte, Edina Communications Director, to discuss a
modification of the recently published policy on Submitted Photos. The policy requires getting a release form
from any person submitting images for use in any City publication or media. The release form stipulates the
images may be used by the City of Edina for any purpose now or in the future and the photographer will not
receive credit or compensation for the submitted images. During the October Board meeting, members
concluded that artists and photographers would not grant use of their art works and images if rights were
transferred on an open-ended basis and credits and bylines were not given to the authors. Hafed discussed with
Jennifer some modified language that would allow flexibility based on the Art Center's unique relationships
with artists and photographers. Their meeting was extremely productive. A policy variation now allows the Art
Center to get a one-time release and also to give credits and bylines in Art Center publications. All rights stay
with the artist, author or photographer. Hafed added that Jennifer Bennerrotte had offered to come to a future
Board meeting to answer any questions. Heather thanked Hafed for his quick response to this important matter.
FINANCIAL RECAP —Diana Hedges
Diana distributed a three-page document (attached) comparing revenues and expenses for the January through
November period in 2008 and 2009. Also in this document were her thoughts on various issues that come up
from time to time. She suggested that everyone read the document for discussion at the next meeting.
The financial comparisons should be read in the context of the five percent goal for deficit reduction (i.e. the
funds contributed to operating expenses from liquor store profits). Another item to note is that donations listed
on this document are down from last year but that does not include $16,000 remaining in the account
maintained by the Edina Community Foundation in the general fund, the Peggy Kelly Family Fund and the Pat
VanValkenburg Fund. Despite the economic downturn, the Gift Ship and Gallery sales are $7,000 ahead of last
year. Renee asked what the increase could be attributed to. Diana responded that her theory that people are
taking more care in what they are buying, it is important that the gifts are locally made and they want to support
local artists and the Edina Art Center.
Renee asked if more people are visiting the Art Center. Diana replied that it is hard to say, but the number of
students in classes has increased slightly as has the business in the Media Studios. Media Studios revenues are
up $12,000 primarily because of the article that appeared late last year in the Star Tribune. That was inspired by
Heather King who suggested contacting Kim Ode to write a human interest article. Clients are still referring to
that article nearly a year later. Memberships are down a bit. Registrations have remained steady. The numbers
in the report do not include online registrations. Supply expense is a bit lower but other expenses, such as
central services are higher. There will be no cost of living salary increases for City of Edina employees in 2010
and City full-time employees will take three days mandatory time off without pay as well. Contractual services
expenses are reduced primarily due to the closing of the EAC School of Realism and larger class sizes in some
workshops.
John Keprios clarified that the mandatory time off mentioned by Diana is City wide and is necessitated by a
severe economic downturn caused by levy limits, reduced revenues from building and use permits, delinquent
taxes from foreclosures and a number of other factors.
Some staff restructuring is necessary. Cathy Gager is leaving and we have decided not to replace her at this
time. We will close the Art Center at 8 pm instead of 9:30 pm. The early closing will save about four thousand
dollars yearly. We have been one of the only Art Center in the Twin Cities that is open that late; most close by
5:30 or 6 pm. Anne Spooner will change her hours in order to work 4 to 8 pm and will continue the Gallery and
youth programming. Diana will take on more adult programming work. Bev asked if volunteers could help fill
the gaps. Diana replied that volunteers could help with many tasks.
Another topic of concern is the need for a membership chair. That topic is fully developed in the document.
Other areas of need are helpers for the Gallery setup and Gift Shop.
The last area is the upcoming Board vacancy when Ken Rosland's term is up. If you know of anyone who might
be a good Board member, please contact them and ask them to go the City Website www.CityofEdina.com and
continue to the Boards and Commissions section.
Heather asked for other comments. John Swon offered kudos to Diana for the incredible amount of work she
did to prepare the information in her report. He then suggested that the Board form a sub-committee to look into
ways to increase donations through fund raising programs. Given the current economic situation, it will not be
easy. Perhaps the options could be studied for whatever vision the Board has for the future when the economy
recovers. John Keprios clarified the City Manager's view of fund raising by the Art Center Board. The Board is
not responsible for raising funds to cover operating expenses. If the Board feels a passion for certain projects
(such as the Greer Garden) or if there is a capital project which is not currently affordable, those
are the types of things the Board could target.
-5-
John Swon added that it is a great deal easier to raise money for a very specific purpose rather than simply
asking for donations to the Art Center. The time between now and the April meeting could be used to explore
and define some opportunities. Michael commented that he had studied some of the strengths of other art
centers in the area and there is something to be learned from their facility campaigns. Heather asked for a
motion regarding the proposed sub-committee. John Swon offered a motion that a fund raising exploratory sub-
committee be formed to return recommendations at the April Board meeting. Michael seconded. The motion
passed unanimously. Hafed clarified that the City favors fund raising for specific projects so the committee
should be tasked to identify those projects Heather suggested that since it is to be an exploratory committee that
we should not limit their scope of exploration at the outset. Michael suggested that everyone bring their
calendars to the December meeting in order to get started quickly thereafter. The members of the sub-committee
will be determined at the December meeting.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT — Diana Hedges
Diana reported that she and Eddi Fesler had met with Lindsey Danhouser, Art Center Coordinator for the City
of Eden Prairie. Her notes on that meeting and her impressions of their facility and programs are attached.
OTHER BUSINESS
Michael asked if consideration should be given to broader appeal to the community by including our class
schedule in other City publications. John Keprios replied that the City is cutting back on publications by going
online and going "green". As one example, they used to print 20 thousand calendars and they have cut way
back. Diana added that the current class schedule has fewer pages than past brochures.
Heather reminded that a party will follow the December Board meeting and that topics at that meeting will
include needed volunteers and the composition of the fund raising sub-committee.
COMMUNITY COMMENT
No members of the community were present.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 5:55 pm.
Next Board Meeting will be December 10, at 4:30pm.