HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-09-2019 - CAC - Approved MinutesNewport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, May 9, 2019
Regular Meeting – 5:00 PM Newport Beach Central Library
1000 Avocado Avenue
Newport Beach, CA 92660 I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER – 5:01 P.M.
II. ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Arlene Greer, Chair Michelle Bendetti, Vice Chair
Barbara Glabman, Secretary
Miriam Baker, Commissioner (arrived at 5:04 p.m.) Wayan Kaufman, Commissioner
Marie Little, Commissioner
Commissioners Absent: Ritch LeGrand, Commissioner
Staff Present: Tim Hetherton, Library Services Director Natalie Basmaciyan, Library Services Manager
Francine Jacome, Administrative Support Technician III. NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Pat Jorgensen, Newport Beach Arts Foundation President, advised that the City Arts Commission's request for funding should be addressed at the next Arts Foundation meeting. Arts Foundation officers are Pat Jorgensen President, Carmen Smith Secretary,
Juanita Holley Vice President for Membership, and Dan Weddell Treasurer. Artist positions for Art in the Park are almost filled. The Arts Foundation is considering additional
fundraising events. Ms. Jorgensen asked the City Arts Commission to request funding for
the 2019-2020 fiscal year early in the fiscal year so that the Foundation can plan its events and budget.
Chair Greer indicated the City Arts Commission will submit a request for funding at the Foundation's next meeting.
V. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Approval of Minutes of the April 1, 2019 Special Meeting and April 11, 2019 Regular Meeting 1. Draft of 04/01/2019 Special Meeting Minutes Chair Greer corrected the Motion at the top of page 3 to delete "as an alternate selection."
Newport Beach City Arts Commission Regular Meeting Minutes May 9, 2019
Page 2
2. Draft of 04/11/2019 Minutes
Chair Greer revised the motion on page 4 to add "… funding of $6,000 for two performances … ." On page 5, the final paragraph of Item VI.B.8 should conclude with
"The subcommittee chose September 29 for the concert." In the final paragraph of Item VI.B.9, Chair Greer should be Mr. Mosher.
Motion made by Commissioner Glabman, seconded by Commissioner Baker, and carried (6-0-0-1) to approve the draft Minutes for the Special Meeting of April 1, 2019 and the draft
Minutes for the Regular Meeting of April 11, 2019 as amended.
AYES: Greer, Bendetti, Glabman, Baker, Kaufman, Little
NOES: None
ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: LeGrand
B. Consent Calendar Items
3. Financial Report – Review of financial information Library Services Manager Basmaciyan reported $3,757 for insurance, advertising, and
marketing has been expensed to the Programming budget, leaving a balance of $22,728. In the Professional Services budget, $800 has been expensed for transcription services, leaving a balance of $9,491. The balance of the City Grants budget remains $14,500.
After an expense of $6,000, the Sculpture Garden budget has a balance of $116,711. Chair Greer remarked that expenses for the Newport Beach Art Exhibition and Concerts
on the Green will likely exhaust the Programming budget. Payment of $6,000 to Laguna Playhouse for two performances has reduced the Cultural Arts Grants balance to $8,500.
If the remainder of the Cultural Arts Grants funds are not used for programs, they may be
needed to support the Newport Beach Art Exhibition. The City Arts Commission will ensure all schools receive a tear sheet regarding the Newport Beach Art Exhibition and
the Sculpture Garden opening as the events are geared toward families and children's
activities.
In reply to Commissioner Glabman's inquiry, Chair Greer explained that the Sculpture Garden budget contained $134,750 at the beginning of the fiscal year. After expenses, the balance is now $116,711.
4. Cultural Arts Activities – Monthly review of cultural arts activities from the
Library Administrative Office for upcoming Library and City arts events and
services Library Services Manager Basmaciyan indicated Joe Cladis' "OC Coast Print Series" was
on display in the Central Library Gallery through May 3. "Folded-Unfolded" by Raphaele Cohen-Bacry is on display through July 5.
Motion made by Vice Chair Bendetti, seconded by Commissioner Baker, and carried (6-0-0-1) to approve the Consent Calendar.
Newport Beach City Arts Commission Regular Meeting Minutes May 9, 2019
Page 3
AYES: Greer, Bendetti, Glabman, Baker, Kaufman, Little
NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: LeGrand
VI. CURRENT BUSINESS
A. Items for Review and Possible Action
5. Consideration of Fake or Fortune Exhibition and Lecture – Under the
recommendation of the Art in Public Places Ad Hoc Subcommittee, staff requests that the City Arts Commission approve the exhibit and panel
discussion of Fake or Fortune: Provenance and Attribution by Professor
Joe Lewis of UCI Claire Trevor School of the Arts.
Library Services Manager Basmaciyan advised that Professor Joe Lewis has submitted
an application for an exhibit entitled Fake or Fortune: Provenance and Attribution. Professor Lewis proposes a panel discussion and a display in the Lobby Gallery, which is
booked through November 2020. Staff requests the City Arts Commission approve the application and scheduling the display in the Lobby Gallery for the next available time.
Joe Lewis reported the Fake or Fortune exhibit would address issues associated with provenance and attribution. Sandy Weiss has been collecting works by famous artists; however, none of the works have been attributed. The lack of attribution raises the
question of whether the works are real. Lawsuits have been filed about alleged fake artworks. A panel discussion may include foundation and museum representatives and
artists.
In answer to Commissioners' questions, Mr. Lewis indicated artworks will be on display
with the owner's permission. The paintings can be secured with wires and locks. Security
is not a concern because the artworks have not been attributed. The number of paintings to display has not been determined.
In reply to Jim Mosher's inquiry, Chair Greer related that the paintings will be on display for two months.
Motion made by Commissioner Glabman, seconded by Chair Greer, and carried (6-0-0-1) to approve the exhibit and panel discussion of Fake or Fortune: Provenance and
Attribution by Joe Lewis of UCI Claire Trevor School of the Arts. AYES: Greer, Bendetti, Glabman, Baker, Kaufman, Little
NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None
ABSENT: LeGrand
6. Proposal for Super Diamond Concert at Marina Park – Based on the
fees and specific needs of Super Diamond, staff recommends the
Performing Arts on the Balboa Peninsula Ad Hoc Subcommittee identify and recommend an alternate Neil Diamond tribute band for the
September 29, 2019, peninsula concert at Marina Park.
Newport Beach City Arts Commission Regular Meeting Minutes May 9, 2019
Page 4
Library Services Manager Basmaciyan reported she has confirmed the date of September 29, 2019 for a concert at Marina Park. The band manager for Super Diamond has indicated the fee will be $7,500 plus expenses for seven hotel rooms, specific food
and beverages, staging and sound engineering, a private dressing room, and equipment. The staging and sound engineering requirements are beyond the services Triskelion Event Services usually provides. Triskelion Event Services is reviewing the band's indoor
stage layout to determine whether it can replicate the layout in a park setting. Local Neil Diamond tribute bands do not have the requirements and expenses of Super Diamond.
In reply to Commissioners' questions, Library Services Manager Basmaciyan agreed to provide links to other Neil Diamond tribute bands for review. Chair Greer indicated the
cost for a band ranges between $2,500 and $5,000 or $6,000. Library Services Director
Hetherton clarified that negotiations with bands typically begin at $3,250 and end at $3,500, but some bands have been paid more. The City Arts Commission has time to
explore other acts. Motion made by Chair Greer, seconded by Commissioner Baker, and carried (6-0-0-1) to
approve a concert at Marina Park on September 29, 2019 with the Performing Arts on the Balboa Peninsula Ad Hoc Subcommittee to identify and recommend an alternate Neil Diamond tribute band for the concert.
AYES: Greer, Bendetti, Glabman, Baker, Kaufman, Little NOES: None
ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: LeGrand
B. Monthly Reports
7. Newport Beach Art Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Commissioner
Arlene Greer, Commissioner Miriam Baker, Commissioner Marie Little
Chair Greer reported an event planner has been retained for the City Arts Commission.
Library Services Manager Basmaciyan advised that the owner of unoaked Event Planners
has experience with corporate events, bar and bat mitzvahs, weddings, and other events. Staff's interactions with the owner have been very good.
Chair Greer added that the vision is to take the event to the Civic Green with the Pavilion
for dining and a meet-and-greet area. John DePadie will likely provide music. Art will be exhibited in the Community Room and on the Plaza. A variety of activities will be held on
the Plaza. Children's activities will be available. Commissioner Baker will be sculpting during the event. The event begins at 1:00 p.m., but the Pavilion will be open for lunch. Attendees can view more than 200 works of art, the Sculpture Garden, and the Lobby
Gallery and enjoy music on the Green. Volunteers are needed on Friday and Saturday. Cassandra Coblentz, Orange County Museum of Art Curator, will be the juror. Mayor
Dixon will provide artist awards, and Ms. Coblentz will provide the juror's award.
Commissioners will distribute information about the Newport Beach Art Exhibition at the Beverly Hills art show and the Balboa Peninsula art walk.
Newport Beach City Arts Commission Regular Meeting Minutes May 9, 2019
Page 5
Administrative Support Technician Jacome added that entries currently total 115 pieces
of art by 62 artists. The deadline for entries is May 27, 2019. 8. Performing Arts for Concerts on the Green Ad Hoc Subcommittee –
Commissioner Michelle Bendetti, Commissioner Wayan Kaufman,
Commissioner Arlene Greer
Vice Chair Bendetti had no update.
9. Performing Arts for Balboa Peninsula Ad Hoc Subcommittee –
Commissioner Barbara Glabman, Commissioner Marie Little, Commissioner Arlene Greer
See Item VI.A.6.
10. Art in Public Places Library Gallery Ad Hoc Subcommittee –
Commissioner Miriam Baker, Commissioner Arlene Greer
See Items V.B.4. and VI.A.5. 11. Cultural Arts Grants Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Commissioner Barbara
Glabman, Commissioner Wayan Kaufman, Commissioner Arlene Greer Commissioner Kaufman shared her experiences escorting Harbor View second graders
to a Class Act program, attending a concert performed during Family Night at the school, and attending a concert performed for all schools at the Concert Hall.
Chair Greer advised that she and Commissioner Glabman attended the performance of Island of the Blue Dolphins at Mariners Elementary School. The performance was
amazing. Laguna Playhouse will submit an application for a Cultural Arts Grant for
programming.
Commissioner Glabman noted the children were engaged in the performance, and perhaps 90 percent of the audience had read the book and 20 percent had seen the film. After seeing the production, the faculty and student reactions, and the interactions
between the cast and students, she felt the cost of the two productions was worthwhile. 12. Publicity Liaison Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Commissioner Michelle
Bendetti, Commissioner Arlene Greer, Commissioner Wayan Kaufman Vice Chair Bendetti had no report.
13. Newport Beach Arts Foundation Liaison Ad Hoc Subcommittee –
Commissioner Wayan Kaufman
See public comments.
14. Sculpture in Civic Center Park Exhibition Development Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Commissioner Arlene Greer, Commissioner Marie Little,
Commissioner Barbara Glabman
Newport Beach City Arts Commission Regular Meeting Minutes May 9, 2019
Page 6
Chair Greer indicated the subcommittee is arranging the luncheon scheduled for June 22 and hosted by the Newport Beach Arts Foundation. The City Council, City Arts Commission, Arts Orange County, Dave Barton, Jeffrey Frisch, and artists have been
invited. Following the dedication ceremony at 1:30, events include a tour of the Sculpture Garden and a presentation of Sculpture Garden Phases I, II, III, and IV.
Library Services Director Hetherton reported staff has requested Arts Orange County contact the five Phase III artists chosen for retention in Phase IV and submitted amended
contracts to the City Attorney's Office for review.
Chair Greer advised that Popsicles, Be Still and Know, and Flight will be de-installed and
Slices of Heaven, Contender, and Chairman of the Board will be installed beginning
June 3.
VII. CITY ARTS COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION, ACTION OR REPORT (NON-DISCUSSION ITEM)
Chair Greer requested two Commissioners join her on the Ad Hoc Subcommittee for Future Funding of the Sculpture Garden Exhibition and Other Programming.
Commissioners Baker and Little agreed to serve on the subcommittee.
Library Services Director Hetherton indicated Metalfor has to be relocated because the
City will construct a pedestrian bridge on the site. He suggested the City Arts Commission form an ad hoc subcommittee for Metalfor. The Corona del Mar Business Improvement District (BID) has proposed replacing the topiary dolphins with a dolphin sculpture. The
City Arts Commission will need to review the proposal to ensure it complies with Council Policies I-9 and I-11.
In answer to a question from the Commission, Library Services Director Hetherton suggested the City Arts Commission can request the BID maintain the dolphin statue after
its installation.
Commissioner Kaufman suggested the City Arts Commission consider storing Metalfor
until the City Arts Commission can decide whether to refurbish or de-accession it. Library Services Director Hetherton preferred to store the piece on City property so as not to incur storage expenses. He receives about an email a week inquiring about maintenance or
restoration of the sculpture. Commissioner Baker suggested staff prepare a survey as to whether the public wants the piece. Metalfor with its bright color would be nice in the Sculpture Garden.
Chair Greer understood the City Arts Commission would need to seek funding for the acquisition of Burnt Matchstick from the Arts Foundation. Alternatively, someone could
purchase the piece and donate it to the City. Library Services Director Hetherton suggested the City Arts Commission could also propose a site for Burnt Matchstick if it
chose to recommend acquisition of the piece. Commissioner Glabman suggested the City
Arts Commission obtain Council approval for retaining Burnt Matchstick prior to seeking funding and selecting a site for it. Chair Greer believed the price could be reduced to
Newport Beach City Arts Commission Regular Meeting Minutes May 9, 2019
Page 7
$50,000. She suggested the City Arts Commission schedule a study session to discuss
all aspects of Burnt Matchstick. Chair Greer requested items for repair of the Ronald Reagan sculpture,
restoration/relocation of Metalfor, the BID proposal for a dolphin sculpture, a recommendation from the Future Funding of the Sculpture Garden Exhibition and Other Programming Ad Hoc Subcommittee, the concert on the Balboa Peninsula, and
acquisition of Burnt Matchstick.
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
None.
IX. ADJOURNMENT – 6:37 P.M.
Chair Greer adjourned the meeting at 6:37 p.m.
Approved by: