HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-06-25 Arts Culture Commission MinutesEdina Art and Culture Commission Meeting
Meeting Minutes
City of Edina, Minnesota
Edina City Hall Community Room
June 25, 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, Cheryl Gunness, Barbara La Valleur, Daniel Li, Ray Meifert, Anne Miller, Kitty
O'Dea, and Steve Suckow.
Commissioners Absent: Dana Lappin.
Staff Present: Michael Frey, General Manager, Edina Art Center
Student Representatives Present: Jack Ready
Student Representatives Absent: Sophia Munic
III. Approval of Meeting Agenda
Chair Meifert noted the meeting agenda had been circulated and asked if there were requests for additions or changes.
He requested to add an item under Reports and Recommendations titled Edina Film Festival.
Commissioner Suckow requested to add an item under Reports and Recommendations titled Bylaw Amendment.
Motion by Commissioner La Valleur and seconded by Commissioner Suckow that the Arts and Culture
Commission approve the June 25, 2015 Agenda as amended.
Ayes: Kandace Ellis, Cheryl Gunness, Barbara La Valleur, Daniel Li, Ray Meifert, Anne Miller, Kitty O'Dea, and Steve
Suckow. Motion carried.
IV. Adoption of Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes — Regular Meeting of May 28, 2015
B. General Manager's Report
C. Music in Edina
Chair Meifert asked if there were changes or corrections to the minutes of the Regular Meeting of May 28, 2015. No
changes voiced.
The consent agenda was approved as presented.
V. Community Comment
No comments made.
VI. Reports/Recommendations
A. 4th of July Parade
Chair Meifert provided details about the vehicle the Commission will use for the parade. He welcomed any available
Commissioners to ride on the vehicle.
Commissioner La Valleur stated that perhaps some of the Music in Edina posters could be placed on the vehicle.
Mr. Frey noted that some materials had been ordered publicizing certain events and if received in time could be
distributed.
B. Edina Film Festival
Chair Meifert stated that he did speak with John Swon who stated that he has no problem turning that group over to be
a working group of the Arts & Culture Commission, should the Commission desire.
Commissioner Ellis stated that she got the impression from the last meeting that the Commission did not want to move
forward with that idea because they felt that it could not be successful.
Chair Meifert stated that there would be additional avenues to explore in an attempt to lower costs.
Commissioner O'Dea agreed with Commissioner Ellis that the decision had been made not to explore further with that
idea.
Commissioner La Valleur stated that if the Grandview plans move forward, perhaps that would be good timing for
discussing that event.
Commissioner O'Dea stated that there had never been a determination if a lower cost for the theater could be
obtained if the City were to ask.
Mr. Frey stated that if the Commission decides that they would like to pursue the matter he could setup a meeting.
Commissioner O'Dea stated that perhaps if the theater was willing to work with the City that could be used for theater
space. She confirmed that she would be willing to participate in the meetings with the theater.
C. Bylaw Amendments
Commissioner Suckow stated that at the April meeting there was discussion regarding the bylaws and how some items
may not apply to how the working groups are currently run. He briefly highlighted the items he had noted or proposed
for change following the last discussion. He noted that under the bylaws this item is simply for review and can be
recommended for adoption at the next meeting. He asked that Commissioners review the bylaw information he
highlighted and provide any additional input to him.
Commissioner Gunness stated that there would also be a question regarding whether the bylaws should be amended or
whether the way the Commission runs should be amended to fit the bylaws, mentioning the budget items.
Commissioner Suckow explained that Public Art Edina existed prior to the formation of the Commission and therefore
runs independently from the Commission. He noted that Music in Edina was formed after the formation of the
Commission but also runs somewhat separately with updates given to the Commission from both groups.
Commissioner Ellis noted that the Commission was involved in approving and discussing the original formation of the
summer music series and therefore the group has been running in a similar format.
Mr. Frey explained that Public Art Edina has their own treasurer while he acts as treasurer for Music in Edina. He stated
that Public Art has funds at the Community Foundation in addition to the City, which Music in Edina does not.
Chair Meifert stated that he would like to see the Commission have more review over the budgets for the working
groups.
Commissioner Miller stated that perhaps the two working groups could create a spreadsheet with their budget
information for the Commission to review.
Motion by Commissioner Miller and seconded by Commissioner La Valleur that the Art and Culture
Commission review sections seven and nine of the bylaws, marking any proposed changes for discussion
at the July Commission meeting.
Ayes: Kandace Ellis, Cheryl Gunness, Barbara La Valleur, Daniel Li, Ray Meifert, Anne Miller, Kitty O'Dea, and Steve
Suckow. Motion carried.
D. Public Art Edina
i. Advisory Communication — Budget Increase
Commissioner La Valleur stated that the budget increase proposal will be moving on to the City Council for approval.
Commissioner Suckow questioned if it should be spelled out that the working group would be requesting assistance
from City staff regarding installation. He noted that it should be made clear as to what the group is asking for in full. He
also noted that a report should be given to the Commission in one year to determine if more or better quality
submissions are received as a result of the higher stipend.
Mr. Frey agreed that he would speak with Parks & Recreation Staff regarding installation assistance.
ii. Advisory Communication —1(9 Sculpture
Commissioner La Valleur stated that the sculpture would be modeled after Kodiak, if the artist is able to do that. She
stated that the Edina Women's Club donated $5,000 for the sculpture. She stated that the organization has an
additional $10,000 that they would potentially be willing to donate to the sculpture.
Chair Meifert stated that perhaps another member from that group should be consulted as well as an artist, such as John
Curie.
Commissioner La Valleur stated that there could be an open call for the item but noted that the Women's Club did
make a recommendation of an artist that is available and willing to complete the sculpture.
Chair Meifert stated that an open call would bring more attention to the item and elevate the level of work from artists.
Mr. Frey stated that part of the intent of this advisory communication was to determine if City Council would welcome
such a donation as every donation to the City needs to be approved by the Council. He noted that the artist Michelle
Recke will have examples of bronze dogs she has completed at the Edina Art Center's Art with a Bark! exhibit.
E. Handling Art Exhibit Requests from Developers and Public Places
i. Fairview Southdale Hospital Expansion Partnership
ii. 71 France Partnership
Mr. Frey stated that Commissioner La Valleur invited Chair Meifert and himself to a meeting with Larry Laukka to
discuss a partnership opportunity. He explained that Mr. Laukka would like to see the Edina Art Center and Public Art
Edina partner with Fairview Southdale Hospital to display local artwork to create a community space. Mr. Laukka stated
that there would be a 50-foot wall that could be used to display different types of two- and three-dimensional art. Mr.
Frey noted that he is being approached more with these kinds of requests, referencing 7I France, which has also
approached the Edina Art Center regarding a space where art could be hung. He stated a concern with adding
workload this would place on Edina Art Center staff. Mr. Frey stated that perhaps the Commission could create a new
working group for this purpose, as these would be wonderful opportunities to gain exposure and partner with local
businesses and organizations.
Commissioner Ellis stated that one of the missions of the Commission is to bring more attention to local artists and this
would be a great opportunity to do that. She agreed that the Art Center staff would not be able to handle that
responsibility.
Commissioner La Valleur stated that she attended a University of Minnesota event recently and obtained a contact from
a retired nurse that belongs to a group which meets twice a week and would be willing to offer their assistance if
possible.
F. Sculpture Selections for 2015-2016
There was a switch in agenda items due to commissioner's schedules.
Commissioner La Valleur presented a slide show of sculptures within the City.
Commissioner Miller commended Commissioner La Valleur and the Public Art working group for their efforts in
bringing great sculptures to the City.
E. Handling Art Exhibit Requests from Developers and Public Places (Continued)
iii. Fairview Southdale Hospital Expansion Partnership
iv. 7I France Partnership
Commissioner La Valleur stated that some of the members of Public Art are willing to contribute their time rather than
place that burden on the Art Center staff. She noted that items placed on display would be available for sale and
suggested that a portion of the sale price be donated to the Art Center and Arts and Culture Commission. She
believed that this would be an exciting opportunity. She believed that Mr. Laukka was hoping to have the art in place
for the August opening, noting that perhaps a group could meet and setup some initial items for the opening.
Commissioner Ellis agreed that it would be excellent to be involved but had concern with selecting artists by the August
opening.
Chair Meifert stated that information was provided in the packet as to what could be done initially with the opening. He
agreed that a plan would need to be in place to follow.
Mr. Frey noted caution in hanging certain types of artwork in hospital settings. He provided an example where he was
invited to display portraits at the Penny George Institute and was called a few days later to remove them as people were
uncomfortable.
Chair Meifert agreed that it can be hard to gauge whether people would be offended by certain items.
Commissioner Miller questioned who would have the final say on what art would be selected.
Commissioner La Valleur stated that a working group could be created that would make that decision.
Commissioner Gunness questioned if the working group would be specifically for the hospital or whether that working
group would deal with all similar requests.
Chair Meifert stated that the working group should handle all requests from outside organizations.
Commissioner La Valleur stated that there are artists that she knows that would be willing to be a part of the working
group.
Commissioner Ellis questioned who would actually install the art.
Mr. Frey stated that the working group assembled would work out those details. He agreed that hanging art for display
is a difficult job. He stated that the key to the success for this group would be finding individuals that would be
knowledgeable and available to hang and light the exhibition.
Commissioner La Valleur stated that it would be the decision of the working group whether the art be rotated on a 6-,
9- or I2-month period.
Motion by Commissioner Ellis and seconded by Commissioner La Valleur to authorize the creation of a
working group that will explore partnership opportunities and alternative exhibition space.
Ayes: Kandace Ellis, Cheryl Gunness, Barbara La Valleur, Daniel Li, Ray Meifert, Anne Miller, Kitty O'Dea, and Steve
Suckow. Motion carried.
Commissioners Ellis and Gunness and Chair Meifert stated that they would like to be on the working group.
Commissioner O'Dea stated that she would assist when available.
Commissioner La Valleur stated that she will follow up with an email to organize the activities.
Commissioner Suckow stated that the creation of the working group should now be published and welcome interested
individuals in the community.
VII. Correspondence and Petitions
Chair Meifert asked if there was any correspondence or petitions. None voiced.
VIII. Chair and Board Commissioner Comments
Commissioner O'Dea stated that there has been discussion regarding the creation of a calendar that features art and
culture events. She noted that she would be willing to begin the work on the calendar by gathering information and
surveying the Commissioners. She stated that she can bring a draft back to the Commission for review and input.
Commissioner Ellis stated that the Music in Edina group had also discussed that and noted that she has a spreadsheet
available through the working group that she can share which lists the music events.
Commissioner Gunness stated that she applied for and received approval to for a TED-X permit, noting that the event
will be held on Saturday, October 24th.
IX. Staff Comments
Mr. Frey referenced the donation and sponsorship brochure and stated that he has a meeting the following week with
staff to move this item forward. He stated that any document will need to be a citywide document. He stated that the
Arts and Culture Commission had desired their own brochure and he will mention that at the meeting. He noted that
he will update the Commission in July as to what occurs during the meeting.
Chair Meifert stated that he could see that brochure to be a sales document and would like to provide input to Mr.
Frey.
Mr. Frey welcomed input from the Commission.
X. Adjournment
Motion by Commissioner Li and seconded by Commissioner Suckow that the Art and Culture
Commission adjourn the meeting at 6:1 I p.m.
Ayes: Kandace Ellis, Cheryl Gunness, Daniel Li, Ray Meifert, Anne Miller, Kitty O'Dea, and Steve Suckow. Motion
carried.