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HomeMy WebLinkAbout6-9-22 CAC Approved Meeting Minutes Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, June 9, 2022 Regular Meeting – 5:00 PM 1000 Avocado Avenue Newport Beach, CA 92660 I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER – 5:04 P.M. II. ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Arlene Greer, Chair Marie Little, Vice Chair Maureen Flanagan, Secretary Leonard Simon, Commissioner Wayan Kaufman, Commissioner Barbara George, Commissioner Commissioners Absent: Meghan McNulty, Commissioner, excused Staff Present: Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director Camille Escareal-Garcia, Cultural Arts Assistant Staff Absent: None III. PRESENTATION 1. Presentation of 2021-22 Cultural Arts Grants Chair Greer explained that the City of Newport Beach and the City Council provided the City Arts Commission (CAC) with grant funding annually to support arts and culture in the community pursuant to the General Plan Amendment and I-10. The committee that reviewed the grant applications was chaired by Commissioner Kaufman and included herself and Commissioner Simon. The grants were presented to arts organizations that provide arts and cultural programming for students, seniors, and community of Newport Beach. On behalf of the CAC, Chair Arlene Greer presented the following 2021-22 Cultural Arts Grant Awards and checks to members of each organization as follows: • Backhausdance ($4,000) • Balboa Island Improvement Association ($3,000) • Baroque Music Festival, Corona del Mar ($5,000) • The Laguna Playhouse ($5,000) • Pacific Chorale ($5,000) • Pacific Symphony ($5,000) (Note – not in attendance) • South Coast Repertory ($3,000) IV. NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC V. PUBLIC COMMENTS None. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes June 9, 2022 Page 2 VI. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Approval of Minutes of the May 12, 2022 City Arts Commission Meeting 2. Draft of 5/12/22 Minutes Chair Greer called for revisions or amendments to the minutes but heard none. Motion made Secretary Flanagan, seconded by Commissioner George, and carried (6-0-0-1) to approve the May 12, 2022, meeting minutes as presented. AYES: Greer, Little, Flanagan, Simon, Kaufman, George NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: McNulty B. Consent Calendar Items 3. Financial Report – Review of financial information Chair Greer invited the new Library Services Director, Melissa Hartson, to give the report. Library Services Director Hartson stated that the financials were steady and stable. She noted that there was a negative balance in the special events category since they issued refunds for the Newport Beach Art Exhibition artists. They are awaiting a check from Western States Arts Foundation (WESTAF), the company that runs Callforentry.org (CaFE), which will balance the account. Commissioner Simon asked if the income came in the last fiscal year. Library Services Director Hartson explained the Call for Entries began in December 2021 which was part of the current fiscal year. The WESTAF check was not yet reflected in the system. Chair Greer called for further questions on the Financial Report, but there were none. She stated that the CAC had $7,000 remaining in its programming budget. She asked if there were expected expenses and if the funds would cover the public event for the Sculpture Garden Phase VII opening. Library Services Director Hartson stated that some expenses for the public event were paid from the current fiscal year, such as the children’s activities, photographer, and balloons. Everything would be reflected in the July Financial Report, which she would provide at the next meeting. The current numbers were valid through the end of May. Chair Greer noted that the sound production services for the Catch a Wave concert was already reflected in the numbers, as were the band’s fees. Cultural Arts Assistant Camille Escareal-Garcia indicated that was correct and that both the sound production vendor and the band would be paid on the day of the concert. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes June 9, 2022 Page 3 Chair Greer indicated that they might still be missing items such as security for the concert. Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia explained they did not pay for security, but people would be there to ensure the crowd did not get out of hand. Commissioner Kaufman noted that there was a balance in the grants section, in which the award of $5,000 for Laguna Playhouse was not reflected in the financial report. Cultural Arts Assistant Camille Escareal-Garcia explained that the amount would be reflected the following month as the organization submitted their paperwork later than the other grant winners. The organization was notified that they would receive a mock check at the presentation, and the real check would be mailed out when it was processed. Chair Greer said that if the CAC had any remaining funding closer to the opening of the Sculpture Garden exhibition it should be used for publicity, specifically in The Daily Pilot and The Orange County Register. The exhibition has been publicized in The Navigator, rack cards, and by banner. Cultural Arts Assistant Camille Escareal-Garcia stated a banner would be set up in the Bamboo Courtyard. Currently there is a banner up for the concert series and that banner would return after the Sculpture Exhibition opening. Chair Greer noted that they were asked to submit all the requisitioning two weeks prior. Anything staff could do to augment the publicity would be appreciated. She called for further CAC comment on the financial report but heard none. 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 Director Hartson reported that they kicked off the Concerts on the Green season in May with a great turnout for Mark Wood and the Parrot Head Band. The children’s activities were a great addition to the program. The current exhibit at the Central Library Gallery was installed at the beginning of May and is “Flying Flowers and Butterfly photography.” Motion made by Commissioner Simon, seconded by Commissioner George, and carried (6-0-0-1) to approve the Consent Calendar. AYES: Greer, Little, Flanagan, Simon, Kaufman, George NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: McNulty Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes June 9, 2022 Page 4 VII. CURRENT BUSINESS A. Items for Review and Possible Action 5. Sculpture Exhibition Phase VII Grand Opening and Artist Luncheon Staff provides an update to the City Arts Commission regarding the Sculpture Exhibition Phase VII Grand Opening and Artist Luncheon, scheduled on Saturday, June 25, 2022. Chair Greer introduced the item and called for the staff report. Library Services Director Hartson stated that the Grand Opening for Phase VII would happen on Saturday, June 25, 2022. Installation of the pieces was scheduled for completion later in the week. The updated brochure features Phases VI and VII. The luncheon will be hosted by the Newport Beach Arts Foundation (NBAF) and the public grand opening will follow. The public is invited to tour the garden and participate in children’s activities. The NBAF requested to do a fundraising appeal during the ceremony, but former Library Services Director Hetherton worked with the City Attorney’s Office and was informed that the NBAF would not be allowed to make the fundraising appeal. Additionally, Council Policy B-17 prohibits the use of donor plaques. Library Services Director Hartson has already advised the NBAF of the City Attorney’s findings. Chair Greer asked if they could mention that the Foundation was the fundraising arm of the CAC and if the NBAF could still address the guests and thank them for coming considering they were hosting the luncheon. Library Services Director Hartson indicated that she was still waiting to hear from the City Attorney about that. Chair Greer stated that the CAC would observe the City’s policies and guidelines. She thanked the leadership committee for their help in planning the grand opening. She stated that they were looking forward to Mayor Pro Tem Blom giving the dedication. Commissioner Simon inquired about damage to one of the selected sculptures. Chair Greer explained that the sculpture Got Juice was damaged in transition. It will be pushed out as an application for Phase VIII as it received the most votes in the public online survey for Phase VII. To the Moon by Alex G has replaced Got Juice in Phase VII. Alex G is a three-time artist in the Sculpture Garden. Chair Greer called for the public comment. Jim Mosher reminded the CAC that while commissioners will be present at the Sculpture Garden grand opening, it is not a regularly scheduled meeting of the CAC, therefore, they should avoid speaking amongst themselves about CAC business. Chair Greer clarified that the Civic Center Park was a 14-acre site, and the Commissioners would attend to greet the community, ensure the event ran smoothly, and provide direction to attendees. Commissioners would be busy with hosting duties and probably unlikely to speak much with each other, but she thanked Mr. Mosher for the reminder. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes June 9, 2022 Page 5 B. Monthly Reports 6. Newport Beach Arts Foundation Liaison Commissioners Maureen Flanagan and Arlene Greer Chair Greer called for the report. Secretary Flanagan reported the NBAF met on May 18 and discussed the Lila Crespin Scholarship and the Sculpture Exhibition donation plaques. The NBAF was disappointed to hear about not being able to use donation plaques for Phase VIII of the Sculpture Exhibition. They also discussed Art in the Park which, is scheduled for October 22. Chair Greer asked if President Carmen Smith had anything to add. Carmen Smith, President of NBAF, repeated that Art in the Park was scheduled for October 22. She handed out rack cards to the Commissioners for dissemination. The next meeting of the NBAF was scheduled for the following week. Chair Greer announced that several Commissioners attended the Balboa Art Walk and met the artists. They encouraged the artists to register and participate in Art in the Park. The CAC programming directly benefits from the funds raised at Art in the Park. She asked the CAC to reach out to any artists they knew and encourage participation accordingly. The Balboa Island Parade was amazing, and the Business Industry Association of Balboa Island agreed to hang the Summer Concert series banner on the bridge. The banner will remain through the concert series end in October. 7. Newport Beach Art Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee Commissioners Arlene Greer, Marie Little, Maureen Flanagan Chair Greer reported that the leadership committee met and agreed the Newport Beach Art Exhibition guidelines should be revised and shortened to increase artist participation. A small number of artists applied to the Art Exhibition than in previous years, and they attributed that to COVID. Accordingly, they postponed the event as it would have been too small and insignificant and unfair to artists hoping to sell their works. The committee will reduce the guidelines and discuss increasing the artist awards to be more consistent with the industry standard in Southern California. Currently the awards stand at $300 for first prize, $200 for second prize, and $100 for third in four different categories. There is also a juror’s award and an award for the most popular work. In the future, they would invite artists through personal phone calls to participate rather than sending a blast email. Artists love being personally invited, so that was a strategy the CAC would follow moving forward. There has been no decision made regarding the new date for the Art Exhibition. The latest the program could occur would be Father’s Day weekend (June 24) in 2023. In the past Father’s Day weekend has been the most successful time for the Exhibition. The event is held outdoors and would most likely have to wait until Spring 2023. The committee would study the matter and bring it back to the CAC at the next meeting. She called for questions about the Art Exhibition but heard none. She called the public comment, but there was none. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes June 9, 2022 Page 6 Chair Greer announced all the ad hoc subcommittees were active. Art in Public Spaces would meet the following week to consider applications and a donation. The committee includes herself, Vice Chair Little, and Commissioner McNulty. With respect to the Cultural Arts Grants committee, she suggested it could be sunsetted until the next round of grants. Commissioner Kaufman suggested the committee remain open until they could meet and conduct a debriefing. Chair Greer confirmed that was acceptable to staff and indicated the committee would not be sunset. The Newport Beach Art Exhibition committee is made up of herself, Vice Chair Little, and Secretary Flanagan. The Balboa Preforming Arts on the Peninsula committee is comprised of herself, Vice Chair Little, and Commissioner George. They selected Stone Soul for the Marina Park concert on October 2, 2022, but the committee is still engaged in planning. The Summer Concert Series on the Green has concluded most of its business but is not a subcommittee as the CAC meets in public and makes the decisions. In the fall, staff would announce a call for concert artists so the CAC would have the information to study prior to their January decision for Summer 2023 concerts. Finally, the Historical Resources Liaisons are herself, Commissioner McNulty, and Commissioner George. That committee had no business at present. She indicated that concluded the ad hoc subcommittee reports. The Surf Exhibition ad hoc subcommittee was comprised of herself, Vice Chair Little, and Secretary Flanagan and would meet the following Tuesday. The Newport Beach Student Art Exhibition committee included Commissioner George and she invited her to provide an update. Commissioner George reported that the public did not know much about the Student Art Exhibition, and she wanted to make sure children knew about the opportunity. Prior to the end of the school year, at a school open house she spoke with a member of the School Board and requested help publicizing the program in the schools. Vice Chair Little said that the previous year Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia had reached out to all the schools. She thought getting the School Board involved would draw more people, but she wanted it on the record that they had reached out to all the schools in Newport Mesa School District and the private schools in Newport Beach. Cultural Arts Assistant Camille Escareal-Garcia said that the Library’s Marketing Specialist created flyers about the website specifically for programs for students and containing information about the Student Art Exhibition. The last Student Art Exhibition had about 90 total submissions, but she thought there was an opportunity to increase that number. Vice Chair Little reminded the CAC that the 2021 Student Art Exhibition was the first one they ever hosted. They were open to suggestions and were hopeful to draw in more students. Chair Greer commended staff as it was difficult to engage students over the summer. She asked Commissioner George if her five children were aware of the 2021 Student Art Exhibition opportunity. Commissioner George indicated that they were not aware of it, and she spoke to other parents who were also unaware. She understood it was a work in progress and thought the CAC would accomplish amazing things and engage more children in the future. The Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes June 9, 2022 Page 7 children love the idea of an exhibition and were excited to hear that there were prizes available. Chair Greer said that the CAC was all about outreach. She noted that the Student Art Exhibition had more entries than the delayed Newport Beach Art Exhibition. She thanked Commissioner George for reaching out to the School Board member. Commissioner Simon remembered that last year at the Pageant of the Masters, they had a separate exhibition of student art. He suggested including the student art in the Newport Beach Art Exhibition as an adjunct to the main theme. That could be another incentive for children to participate in their exhibition. Chair Greer thought that was an excellent idea. Vice Chair Little noted that she had previously suggested the idea. Chair Greer said that they had tried and learned that space was an issue. However, there was space down the plaza and the committee would look into it. There was another seat open on the committee and she asked for a volunteer. Commissioner Simon volunteered. Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia explained that they had intended to have last year’s winners of the Student Art Exhibition be awarded at the Newport Beach Art Exhibition. However, because it was postponed, they held ceremony at a CAC meeting. Commissioner Simon suggested that not only should the students receive their awards, but the works could also be displayed at the Newport Beach Art Exhibition. Chair Greer agreed and stated that the ribbons could be put on the student work the same as for the adult works. She called for comments from the CAC, but there were none. She thanked Commissioner Simon for volunteering and announced that the Student Art Exhibition committee was comprised of herself, Commissioner George, and Commissioner Simon. The committee would meet soon so that Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia could commence work. They will start with a timeline and a date for the awards ceremony. The Surf Exhibition committee was assigned and included herself, Vice Chair Little, and Secretary Flanagan. They will meet and return to the full CAC with the date of the Surf Exhibition event. She called for the public comment, but there was none. VIII. CITY ARTS COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION, ACTION OR REPORT (NON-DISCUSSION ITEM) • Announcements: • Future Agenda: ° Marine 1/1 Band for a concert in 2023 celebrating the 20th anniversary of their adoption by the City of Newport Beach ° Timeline for the 2022 Student Art Exhibition Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes June 9, 2022 Page 8 ° Date of 56th Annual Newport Beach Art Exhibition ° Revisions to the Newport Beach Art Exhibition entry guidelines ° Date/timeline of the 2022 Surf Film Exhibition ° Art at the Library Artists Applications ° Council Policy 1-11 Policy Revisions ° Public Art in the Lobby Gallery Chair Greer stated that the CAC looked forward to taking a more active role in publicity in the future. Commissioner Simon brought up the utility box public art idea that had been previously discussed by the CAC and asked if it could be agendized. Library Services Director Hartson indicated that she would look into the matter and report back to the CAC. Chair Greer stated that Costa Mesa had a good program and that someone who used to work at the Newport Beach Public Library was now the Costa Mesa Arts Manager. She suggested reaching out to that individual for help. She called for further comments from the CAC but heard none. IX. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Jim Mosher stated that the City Council had agendized the confirmation of nominees to the City’s boards and commissions for June 14. The appointments from the nominations would be made at the June 28 City Council meeting. Commissioner Kaufman’s term is ending, and she has applied for reappointment, which he supported. Her reappointment was not certain as there were other applicants and he noted Commissioners were welcome to reach out to Council Members with their support. Chair Greer asked Library Services Director Hartson to make a recommendation on how the CAC members could reach out to Council so as not to violate the Brown Act. Library Services Director Hartson indicated she would get back to the CAC with that information. Chair Greer called for further public comment, but there was none. ADJOURNMENT – 5:56 P.M. Approved by: Arlene Greer