HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-02-26 Arts Culture Commission MinutesEdina Arts and Culture Commission Meeting
Meeting Minutes
City of Edina, Minnesota
Edina City Hall Council Chambers
February 26, 2015
4:30 P.M.
I. Call to Order
Chair Meifert called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.
II. Roll Call
Commissioners Present: Kandace Ellis, Dana Lappin, Barbara La Valleur, Ray Meifert, Anne Miller, Kitty O'Dea, and
Steve Suckow.
Commissioners Absent: None.
Staff Present: Michael Frey, General Manager, Edina Art Center; and Kaylin Eidsness, Senior Communications
Coordinator.
Students Representatives Present: Jack Ready
Student Representatives Absent: Sophia Munic
III. Approval of Meeting Agenda
Chair Meifert noted the meeting agenda had been circulated and requested to consider the Reports/Recommendations
in an amended order: Music in Edina, Public Art Edina, Grandview Update, Edina Film Festival Update, followed by the
Ways and Means Update.
Motion by Commissioner Suckow and seconded by Commissioner La Valleur that the Arts and Culture
Commission approve the February 26, 2015 Agenda as amended.
Ayes: Kandace Ellis, Dana Lappin, Barbara La Valleur, Ray Meifert, Anne Miller, Kitty O'Dea, and Steve Suckow. Motion
carried.
IV. Adoption of Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes — Regular Meeting of January 22, 2015
Chair Meifert asked if there were changes or corrections to the minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 22, 2015.
No changes voiced.
Motion by Commissioner Suckow and seconded by Commissioner La Valleur that the Arts and Culture
Commission approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Ayes: Kandace Ellis, Dana Lappin, Barbara La Valleur, Ray Meifert, Anne Miller, Kitty O'Dea, and Steve Suckow. Motion
carried.
V. Community Comment
No comments made.
VI. Reports/Recommendations
A. Music in Edina
Commissioner Ellis reported that Music in Edina has had a very successful and exciting start beginning with the Music in
the Park series, which took place over the summer of 2014. She stated that intent was to continue the music series
throughout the year, which transitioned from music in the park to the Minnehaha Music event this past November. She
stated that the kickoff event for 2015 was the collaboration with Braemar Golf Course for the February 14 event, which
featured the Rockin' Hollywoods. She highlighted future events and thanked the City Council and the community for
their continued support. She hoped to see additional sponsorships and partnerships in the future to continue these
activities.
Commissioner La Valleur stated that she attend the Braemar event and was very pleased with the event. She
commended the Music in Edina group for their excellent and continued hard work.
B. Public Art Edina
Commissioner La Valleur highlighted the 2014 year in review for Public Art. She stated that early in 2014 the name of
the group was officially changed from the Public Art Committee to Public Art Edina. She stated that two long-term
members of the group resigned this past year and thanked them for their contributions and also thanked the student
member for her contribution. She reported that the first public utility box wrap occurred. She stated that the group
applied for grant funds to apply towards the painting of a mural at the aquatic center and noted that contributions from
community youth would be incorporated into the project. She stated that members of Public Art Edina attend many
other meetings within the City in order to provide artistic input on proposed projects. She highlighted upcoming
collaborations and donations as well as local publicity that were garnered throughout the year. She stated that the
group is hoping to create a map, which would identify the locations of sculptures and other public art features within the
City. She thanked Mayor Hovland and the City Council for their continued support.
Commissioner O'Dea referenced the utility box wrap project and stated that she finds it a welcome addition that brings
a smile to her face when she passes.
Commissioner La Valleur thanked Commissioner O'Dea for her comments and stated that she has received much
positive feedback for that item.
C. Grandview Update
Commissioner Suckow provided background information on the Grandview project and the project location. He
referenced the existing Edina Art Center and its limitations and compliance issues and noted that the Grandview facility
is a great opportunity to incorporate a community arts building. He stated that the current Art Center centers more
around visual arts and writing while additional space could also incorporate other aspects of the arts such as
performance arts. He advised of the public meetings, which were held to garner public input for the project, noting that
there are still two more meetings including a discovery session on March 11 th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the current
Public Works Facility and an open house from 5:30 to 7:30 at the Senior Center on April 22nd. He encouraged all
interested residents to attend the meetings.
Chair Meifert referenced comments that had been made regarding the need for a performing arts center and asked for
additional clarification.
Commissioner Suckow explained that the current performing arts center is completely filled with use by the School
District.
Commissioner Ellis stated that she has been involved in discussions with the School District and Community Education
and there is not space available because of all the great activities and use the schools have.
D. Edina Film Festival — Commissioner Meifert
Chair Meifert stated that he and Mr. Frey reached out to John Swon and the Edina Film Festival Committee, who have
requested to appear on the March agenda for the Commission in order to discuss possibilities. He stated that the group
is having issues regarding the venue and overall direction of the festival. He stated that the Committee is looking for
new members and also desires a closer relationship with the Arts and Culture Commission in order to determine
partnership opportunities. He stated that the Committee will create a presentation package for the Commission to
review prior to the March meeting.
Commissioner La Valleur asked how interested residents could make contact.
Chair Meifert referred interested individuals to Mr. Frey at the Edina Art Center.
Commissioner Ellis noted that the Music in Edina group is also welcome to any interested residents and advised that
contact for joining that group could also be made through Mr. Frey at the Edina Art Center.
E. Ways and Means
Commissioner Miller reviewed the purpose and duties of the Ways and Means Committee. She reviewed the City
policy, which was recently approved by the Council, and relates to donations, advertising and sponsorship.
VII. Correspondence and Petitions
Chair Meifert asked if there was any correspondence or petitions. None voiced.
VIII. Chair and Board Commissioner Comments
No comments.
IX. Staff Comments
A. General Manager's Report
Mr. Frey thanked all the members, past and present, of the Commission for their time spent volunteering on this
Commission as well as working groups. He commended the Art Center staff for their continued hard work as well. He
reported that the Art Center had a great year with increased registration and membership income as well as artwork
sold. He stated that the center has a great reputation for the pottery studio and reviewed the income garnered for that
area. He highlighted some upcoming exhibitions including "The Art of T" featuring work on the 20th letter of the
alphabet, and "Art with a Bark". He reviewed his involvement for "Fall into the Arts Festival", which was held in
Centennial Lakes Park and advised that he will continue on in a leadership position for that event. He stated that the
Art Center also hopes to expand literature offerings in the next year and highlighted some of the other activities, which
were a success during 2014 including Music in Edina and dance lessons. He stated that he is pleased with the changes
and growth the Art Center continues to see, noting that it is exciting to be involved in the discussions regarding the
Grandview project because of the limitations of the existing facility.
Chair Meifert thanked Mr. Frey for all of his hard work and for his openness.
Commissioner Suckow referenced the change in the revenue highlighted in the report and noted that is another reason
to have flexibility in space for the arts. He questioned the biggest demand that Mr. Frey receives that he is not able to
fill.
Mr. Frey stated that there has been a lot of interest in beginner level classes in many different areas, which demonstrates
a new interest in art activities.
Commissioner O'Dea acknowledged the contribution of Paul Peterson in the creation of the Music in Edina working
group.
X. Adjournment
Motion by Commissioner La Valleur and seconded by Commissioner Suckow that the Arts and Culture
Commission adjourn the meeting at 5:18 p.m.
Ayes: Kandace Ellis, Dana Lappin, Barbara La Valleur, Ray Meifert, Anne Miller, Kitty O'Dea, and Steve Suckow. Motion
carried.