HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Arts Commission 06-12-2025 Meeting AgendaCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
CITY ARTS COMMISSION AGENDA
Newport Beach Civic Center - Council Chambers
100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Thursday, June 12, 2025 - 5:00 PM
City Arts Commission Members:
Melissa Kandel, Chair
John Blom, Vice Chair
Heather Ignatin, Secretary
Maureen Flanagan, Commissioner
Barbara George, Commissioner
Vacant, Commissioner
Vanessa Moore, Commissioner
Staff Members:
Rebecca Lightfoot, Library Services Manager
Camille Escareal-Garcia, Cultural Arts Assistant
The City Arts Commission meeting is subject to the Ralph M. Brown Act. Among other things, the Brown Act requires
that the City Arts Commission agenda be posted at least seventy-two (72) hours in advance of each regular meeting and
that the public be allowed to comment on agenda items before the Commission and items not on the agenda but are
within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Arts Commission. The Chair may limit public comments to a reasonable
amount of time, generally three (3) minutes per person.
The public can submit questions and comments in writing for the City Arts Commission to consider. Please send them
by email to the Library Services Department at ArtsCommission@newportbeachca.gov by Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at
5:00 p.m. to give the City Arts Commissioners time to consider your comments. All emails will be made part of the
record.
The City of Newport Beach’s goal is to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all respects. If, as an
attendee or a participant at this meeting, you will need special assistance beyond what is normally provided, we will
attempt to accommodate you in every reasonable manner. Please contact Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director, at
least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the meeting to inform us of your particular needs and to determine if accommodation
is feasible at (949) 717-3801 or mhartson@newportbeachca.gov.
NOTICE REGARDING PRESENTATIONS REQUIRING USE OF CITY EQUIPMENT
Any presentation requiring the use of the City of Newport Beach’s equipment must be submitted to the Library Services
Department 24 hours prior to the scheduled meeting.
I.CALL MEETING TO ORDER
II.ROLL CALL
III.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
June 12, 2025
Page 2
City Arts Commission Meeting
IV.PRESENTATION
Presentation of the FY 2024-25 Cultural Arts Grants1.
The City Arts Commission presents the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 Cultural Arts Grant
awards:
- Backhausdance ($4,000)
- Balboa Island Improvement Association (BIIA) ($3,000)
- Baroque Music Festival, Corona del Mar (CdM) ($4,000)
- Emerald Magic Events, Inc. ($2,000)
- Friends of the Newport Theatre Arts Center ($5,000)
- Pacific Chorale ($3,500)
- Pacific Symphony ($5,000)
- South Coast Repertory ($3,500)
V.NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
The City provides a yellow sign-in card to assist in the preparation of the minutes. The
completion of the card is not required in order to address the City Arts Commission. If the
optional sign-in card has been completed, it should be placed in the tray provided.
The City Arts Commission of Newport Beach welcomes and encourages community
participation.Public comments are generally limited to three (3) minutes per person to allow
everyone to speak.Written comments are encouraged as well. The City Arts Commission has
the discretion to extend or shorten the time limit on agenda or non-agenda items. As a
courtesy, please turn cell phones off or set them in the silent mode.
VI.PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public comments are invited on agenda items. Speakers must limit comments to three (3)
minutes.Before speaking, we invite, but do not require, you to state your name for the record.
The City ArtsCommission has the discretion to extend or shorten the speakers’ time limit on
agenda items, provided the time limit adjustment is applied equally to all speakers. As a
courtesy, please turn cell phones off or set them in the silent mode.
VII.CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed under CONSENT CALENDAR are considered to be routine and will all be
enacted by one motion in the form listed below. City Arts Commissioners have received
detailed staff reports on each of the items recommending an action. There will be no separate
discussion of these items prior to the time the City Arts Commission votes on the motion
unless members of the City ArtsCommission request specific items to be discussed and/or
removed from the Consent Calendar for separate action. Members of the public who wish to
discuss a Consent Calendar item should come forward to the lectern upon invitation by the
Chair.
A.Approval of Minutes of the May 8, 2025, City Arts Commission
Draft of the 05/08/2025 Minutes2.
Draft of 05-08-2025 Meeting Minutes
June 12, 2025
Page 3
City Arts Commission Meeting
B.Consent Calendar Items
Financial Report3.
Review of financial information.
May Financial Report
Cultural Arts Activities4.
Monthly review of cultural arts activities from the Library Administrative Office for
upcoming Library and City arts events and services.
Cultural Arts Activities
VIII.CURRENT BUSINESS
A.Items for Review and Possible Action
Student Poetry Contest5.
Review and discuss the Music and Live Entertainment Ad Hoc Subcommittee
suggestions for creating a student poetry contest.
Student Poetry Contest Staff Report
Ben Did Go 10.0 Paddle Event Concert6.
Review, discuss, and approve the Music and Live Entertainment Ad Hoc
Subcommittee suggestion for selecting a band to perform at the Ben Did Go 10.0
paddle event on Saturday, September 13, 2025.
Ben Did Go Paddle Out Concert Staff Report
B.Monthly Reports
Monthly reports will be provided by active ad hoc subcommittees.
Art in Public Places Ad Hoc Subcommittee7.
Vice Chair Blom, Commissioner Flanagan, Commissioner Moore
Art Week Ad Hoc Subcommittee8.
Chair Kandel, Secretary Ignatin, Commissioner Moore
Music and Live Entertainment Ad Hoc Subcommittee9.
Chair Kandel, Secretary Ignatin, Commissioner Flanagan
Newport Beach Art Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee10.
Vice Chair Blom, Commissioner George, Commissioner Moore
Public Relations and Marketing Ad Hoc Subcommittee11.
Chair Kandel, Vice Chair Blom, Secretary Ignatin
June 12, 2025
Page 4
City Arts Commission Meeting
Sculpture Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee12.
Chair Kandel, Vice Chair Blom, Secretary Ignatin
Student Art Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee13.
None
Newport Beach Arts Foundation Liaison14.
Commissioner Moore
Historical Resources Liaison15.
Vice Chair Blom
IX.CITY ARTS COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERS
WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION, ACTION OR
REPORT (NON-DISCUSSION ITEM).
X.PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Public comments are invited on non-agenda items generally considered to be within the subject
matter jurisdiction of the City Arts Commission. Speakers must limit comments to three (3)
minutes. Before speaking, we invite, but do not require, you to state your name for the record.
The City Arts Commission has the discretion to extend or shorten the speakers’ time limit on
agenda or non-agenda items, provided the time limit adjustment is applied equally to all
speakers. As a courtesy, please turn cell phones off or set them in the silent mode.
XI.ADJOURNMENT
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
CITY ARTS COMMISSION MINUTES
Newport Beach Public Library
1000 Avocado Avenue, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Thursday, May 8, 2025 – Regular Meeting
City Arts Commission Members:
Melissa Kandel, Chair
John Blom, Vice Chair
Heather Ignatin, Secretary
Maureen Flanagan, Commissioner
Barbara George, Commissioner
Wayan Kaufman, Commissioner
Vanessa Moore, Commissioner
Staff Members:
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
Camille Escareal-Garcia, Cultural Arts Assistant
DRAFT
I.CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Chair Melissa Kandel called the City Arts Commission Regular Meeting to order at5:00 P.M.
II.ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present:Chair Melissa Kandel Vice Chair John Blom Secretary Heather Ignatin Commissioner Maureen Flanagan
Commissioner Wayan Kaufman Commissioner Vanessa Moore
Commissioners Absent: Commissioner Barbara George (excused)
Staff Present: Rebecca Lightfoot, Library Services Manager
Camille Escareal-Garcia, Cultural Arts Assistant
Staff Absent: Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
III.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chair Kandel led the Pledge of Allegiance.
IV.NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC - Waived
V.PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
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City Arts Commission Meeting May 8, 2025
Page 2 VI. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Approval of Minutes of April 10, 202, City Arts Commission Meeting 1. Draft of 04/10/2025 Minutes Chair Kandel requested edits, changes, or deletions of the minutes. There were none. B. Consent Calendar Items 2. Financial Report Review of financial information. 3. Cultural Arts Activities Monthly review of cultural arts activities from the Library Administrative Office for upcoming Library and City arts events and services.
Chair Kandel opened the item for discussion. Hearing non, she opened the item for Public Comment.
Jim Mosher reported from the Finance Committee’s meeting there are no changes to the City Arts Commission budget proposed other than an increase of close to $200,000
related to the Sculpture Exhibition. He reported there are two-line items missing from the Commission’s budget, one for $4,248 for Maintenance and Repair and another for $1,000 for Publications and Dues that are both included in the City’s budget. He reported hearing staff was deferring art maintenance and expressed his concerns over if the funds have in fact been allocated. Library Services Manager Rebecca Lightfoot thanked Mr. Mosher for asking this of her during the Finance Committee’s meeting in advance so she could research it. She reported the $1,000 for Publications and Dues is an internal fund used for their Orange County Arts annual membership while also paying for public performance music licenses. She could not explain why it is not listed and pledged to ask Library Services Director
Melissa Hartson upon her return. She added the $4,248 has traditionally been used to clean sculptures, noting it is a small amount they regularly exceed and dip into the Professional Services budget to cover the remainder. She could not explain why this line
is missing either but added the funds have been used in the past. In response to Commissioner Flanagan’s inquiry, Library Services Manager Lightfoot confirmed staff is working on standardizing the cleaning schedule. She confirmed the funds are still available in their Fiscal Year 2024/25 budget because they are not moving it out of Professional Services. Commissioner Flanagan stated there should be a clearer representation of how cleaning and repair works in their budget. Library Services Manager Lightfoot agreed. Chair Kandel closed Public Comment.
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City Arts Commission Meeting May 8, 2025
Page 3 Motion made by Secretary Ignatin seconded by Chair Kandel to accept the Consent Calendar and carried 6-0-0-1 (with Commissioner George absent)
VII. CURRENT BUSINESS A. Items for Review and Possible Action 4. Sculpture Exhibition Phase X Timeline
The Sculpture Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee recommends the City Arts
Commission approve the timeline for Phase X of the Sculpture Exhibition in Civic
Center Park.
Library Services Manager Lightfoot reported this item is for the Arts Commission to approve the timeline as written in the staff report and not the details of it. She added a timeline needs to be approved so staff can bring the matter to City Council as planned on July 8th for approval of a contract with Arts Orange County (ArtsOC). She added the timeline is similar to those from previous years with an exception being an earlier period
for the public survey so it can close before the December holiday season and hopefully generate more participation.
In response to Chair Kandel’s inquiries, Library Services Manager Lightfoot confirmed the survey ends on December 5th. She confirmed it has historically ended 2-3 weeks later. In response to Vice Chair Blom’s inquiries, Library Services Manager Lightfoot clarified she is not part of the contracting process but stated her impression the City has been working with ArtsOC for Phase X. She confirmed the event skipped a year. She confirmed ArtsOC did not perform any work this year because there were no sculptures to be installed. Cultural Arts Assistant Camille Escareal-Garcia clarified ArtsOC did perform other work during the year such as contacting artists, handling honorariums, and assessing the condition of the Sculpture Garden. She added this work was part of last year’s sculpture exhibition funds.
In response to Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia’s inquiry, Vice Chair Blom clarified his questioning is because Phase IX was extended.
ArtsOC Vice President Patrick Brien confirmed they notified the artists their pieces will be kept longer than planned because of the exhibition skipping a year, adding all artists were amenable to this change. He added ArtsOC worked with City staff on extending the contractual agreements. He reported they walked the Sculpture Exhibition as Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia stated. He added ArtsOC did not seek additional compensation for any of this work as they considered it part of Phase IX and an extension of their responsibilities. In response to Chair Kandel’s inquiry, Vice Chair Blom clarified his quandary was whether the Commission paid ArtsOC additional funds to perform these tasks over the past year. In response to Vice Chair Blom’s inquiries, Library Services Manager Lightfoot stated the City Attorney’s office is working with ArtsOC on next year’s contract. She was unable to confirm whether the Commission has input on what goes into the contract.
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City Arts Commission Meeting May 8, 2025
Page 4 In response to Chair Kandel’s inquiry, Vice Chair Blom stated he would like to see changes
made to the ArtsOC contract around who is approached to submit sculptures. Library Services Manager Lightfoot clarified the ArtsOC contract is not for the submissions but rather for the scope of work. She added they can still change stipulations for submissions regardless of the contract, noting it is a matter for the Sculpture Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee to bring to the full Commission for consideration. In response to Vice Chair Blom’s inquiry, Chair Kandel stated, if the result of this discussion creates extra work for ArtsOC, they would have to see if there is need for a corresponding fee change. Library Services Manager Lightfoot agreed it could conceivably call for an amendment to the contract.
In response to Chair Kandel’s inquiries, Library Services Manager Lightfoot confirmed today’s vote is only for the proposed timeline. She confirmed the only change from
previous years is the public survey window being earlier. Chair Kandel opened the item for Public Comment and there were none.
Motion made by Vice Chair Blom, seconded by Secretary Ignatin, to approve staff’s recommended Sculpture Exhibition Phase X timeline and carried 6-0-0-1 (with Commissioner George absent) B. Monthly Reports 5. Art in Public Places Ad Hoc Subcommittee Vice Chair Blom, Commissioner Flanagan, Commissioner Moore Commissioner Moore stated there is nothing to report. In response to Commissioner Moore’s inquiry, Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia reported she is still working on the frame in question.
6. Art Week Ad Hoc Subcommittee Chair Kandel, Secretary Ignatin, Commissioner Moore
Secretary Ignatin reported visiting many local businesses who are excited about the Art Week idea. She requested assistance in crafting a formal proposal for City Council
consideration. Chair Kandel reported the Subcommittee met and decided to gauge interest. She added a next step is continuing to find interested parties, exploring when the event could best fit on the calendar, and creating a rough plan like the timeline they just saw for the Sculpture Exhibition. She added this can be brought to the Commission for a vote to then be presented to City Council. 7. Music and Live Entertainment Ad Hoc Subcommittee Chair Kandel, Secretary Ignatin, Commissioner Flanagan
Secretary Ignatin reported there was no meeting.
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City Arts Commission Meeting May 8, 2025
Page 5 8. Newport Beach Art Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee
Vice Chair Blom, Commissioner George, Commissioner Moore Commissioner Moore reported they continue to receive entries with upcoming rounds on Friday and Monday. In response to Chair Kandel’s inquiries, Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia reported they have received about 180 entries so far with the final number potentially reaching 220. She confirmed this is about the right number to fit the space. She reported it is too soon to discuss volunteering for the event, but volunteer needs will be discussed by the Subcommittee when the time is appropriate.
Commissioner Moore noted the Newport Beach Arts Foundation meets next week and they should see if the attendees want to sign up for something.
Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia stated she can have a sign-up sheet available for potential volunteers to sign at the meeting.
In response to Chair Kandel’s inquiry, Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia added they have also previously reached out to the Youth Council for volunteers. She added they often find the most attention is needed when the artwork is being returned to the artists. She added a common complaint from artists is the length of the line to get their work back and suggested more helpers could be beneficial. Chair Kandel recommended not only generally calling for volunteers at places like the Arts Foundation meeting but also calling for volunteers to work in specific areas and at specific times to help ensure they have enough people to cover all times of day. Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia confirmed the sign-up sheet can be arranged in a
manner including specific areas and times of interest. In response to Chair Kandel’s inquiry, Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia confirmed
she could have something ready for the next Arts Foundation meeting on Wednesday. 9. Public Relations and Marketing Ad Hoc Subcommittee
Chair Kandel, Vice Chair Blom, Secretary Ignatin Secretary Ignatin reported there was a meeting with continuing discussions. 10. Sculpture Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee Chair Kandel, Vice Chair Blom, Secretary Ignatin Secretary Ignatin reported meeting to review the timeline approved by the Commission in Item No. VII-A-4. 11. Student Art Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee
Commissioner Kaufman Commissioner Kaufman stated there was nothing to report. She reported this will be her
last Commission meeting. She noted the City has been holding $10,000 in a restricted
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City Arts Commission Meeting May 8, 2025
Page 6 fund for over six years designated for youth arts programming. She encouraged the Commission to use those funds for a Student Art Exhibition.
Chair Kandel thanked Commissioner Kaufman for her service. 12. Newport Beach Arts Foundation Liaison Commissioner Moore Commissioner Moore reported they will meet again next week and she did not attend their previous meeting that had been rescheduled. 13. Historical Resources Liaison Vice Chair Blom
Vice Chair Blom reported attending the annual Corona del Mar community meeting along with Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia and another library staff member. He
reported, along with the staff members, promoting the Commissions’ musical options this summer, receiving significant interest in the Pacific Symphony’s upcoming performance. He cautioned there could be an overflow crowd for the event and encouraged advance
discussions on how to handle it. He reported also sensing community enthusiasm for the Tijuana Dogs’ scheduled performance. He added the event’s attendees were rather knowledgeable about the Sculpture Exhibition. In response to Chair Kandel’s inquiries, Vice Chair Blom and Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia reported they did not take any pictures of the event. She reported Stu
News Newport Beach attended and took a picture of their table along with another library staff member. VIII. CITY ARTS COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION, ACTION, OR REPORT (NON-DISCUSSION ITEM) None.
IX. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Mr. Mosher reported the Special Collections section of the Newport Beach Public Library’s
website notes the Commission helps maintain several Special Collections related to the
City’s history and development, including the Local History Collection and the Nautical
Collection. He stated he was unaware of the Commission’s role in maintaining Special
Collections despite many years of attending meetings. He encouraged the Commission to
investigate its role in maintaining the collections.
X. ADJOURNMENT – 5:27 P.M. Chair Kandel adjourned the meeting.
10
As of June 1, 2025
ACCT NAME BUDGET DATE VENDOR EXPENSES AVAILABLE NOTES
Programming 60,500.00$
07/11 DJE Sound and Lighting 4,337.67 56,162.33 COTG Sound -07-21-2024 (Radio Rebels)
07/11 Rebel Music Entertainment 3,250.00 52,912.33 COTG Band - 07-21-2024 (Radio Rebels)
07/25 Mr. Rock N' Roll Inc.3,250.00 49,662.33 COTG Band - 08-11-2024 (Wilbury SuperGroup)
07/25 DJE Sound and Lighting 4,337.67 45,324.66 COTG Sound - 08-11-2024 (Wilbury Super
Group)
07/31 Paul's Flowers 258.60 45,066.06 2024 Art Exhibition - Flowers
07/31 FEDEX Office 90.47 44,975.59 Concerts on the Green signs
08/01 Alliant Insurance Services 2,506.00 42,469.59 Insurance for Concerts on the Green
08/01 Tracy Kiggen (ARTovator)958.00 41,511.59 Children's Activities - 07-21-2024 (Radio
Rebels) & Business License Fee
08/01 Tracy Kiggen (ARTovator)615.00 40,896.59 Children's Activities - 08-11-2024 (Wilbury Super Group)08/08 Amazon.com 26.93 40,869.66 Concerts on the Green supplies
08/08 Amazon.com 19.66 40,850.00 Concerts on the Green supplies
08/23 WESTAF (CallforEntry.org)525.00 40,325.00 CallforEntry.org 2024 Art Exhibition Processing
Fee08/23 Tracy Kiggen (ARTovator)615.00 39,710.00 Children's Activities - 09-22-2024 (AbSOULute)
08/30 DJE Sound and Lighting 4,337.67 35,372.33 COTG Sound -09-22-2024 (AbSOULute)
08/30 Leon Chalnick 3,250.00 32,122.33 COTG Band - 09-22-2024 (AbSOULute)
10/03 Kleenway Services Inc.134.70 31,987.63 COTG Dayporters 07-21-2024 (Radio Rebels)
10/03 Kleenway Services Inc.134.70 31,852.93 COTG Dayporters 08-11-2024 (Wilbury Super
Group)10/03 Kleenway Services Inc.134.70 31,718.23 COTG Dayporters 09-22-2024 (AbSOULute)
10/17 Amazon.com 14.97 31,703.26 Halloween Spooktacular supplies
10/17 Amazon.com 37.60 31,665.66 Halloween Spooktacular supplies
10/17 Amazon.com 34.90 31,630.76 Halloween Spooktacular supplies
10/17 Amazon.com 114.20 31,516.56 Halloween Spooktacular supplies
10/17 Amazon.com 23.97 31,492.59 Halloween Spooktacular supplies
10/24 Amazon.com 63.88 31,428.71 Halloween Spooktacular supplies
10/24 Amazon.com 28.00 31,400.71 Halloween Spooktacular supplies
10/31 Gotprint.com 48.44 31,352.27 Halloween Spooktacular banner
10/31 Trader Joe's 467.16 30,885.11 Halloween Spooktacular supplies
10/31 Costco 39.98 30,845.13 Halloween Spooktacular supplies
10/31 Amazon.com 10.71 30,834.42 Halloween Spooktacular supplies
10/31 Creative West 60.00 30,774.42 CallforEntry.org Account Renewal
10/31 Creative Market 10.20 30,764.22 Font for Spooktacular Banner
12/05 Amazon.com 171.29 30,592.93 Art cleaning supplies
12/05 Amazon.com 33.27 30,559.66 Library Gallery exhibit supplies
03/27 Amazon.com 25.20 30,534.46 Art Exhibition Supplies
03/27 Amazon.com 10.69 30,523.77 Art Exhibition Supplies
03/27 Amazon.com 28.03 30,495.74 Art Exhibition Supplies
03/27 Amazon.com 14.52 30,481.22 Art Exhibition Supplies
03/27 Amazon.com 17.76 30,463.46 Art Exhibition Supplies
03/31 Creative West 350.00 30,113.46 CallforEntry.org E-blast Marketing Package
04/03 Bene-Marc Insurance 1,322.00 28,791.46 Art Exhibition Event Insurance
04/04 Arts Orange County 300.00 28,491.46 SparkOC e-mail blast package
05/09 James Samimi 834.00 27,657.46 Art Exhibition Guitarist
05/23 Karen Pino (Arts in Motion)650.00 27,007.46 Art Exhibition children's activities
05/23 Capture Imaging Inc 825.00 26,182.46 Art Exhibition Photographer
05/23 Art Installation Remedies 2,357.00 23,825.46 Art Exhibition Exhibit Installer
TOTAL $60,500.00 $36,674.54 $23,825.46
City Grants 30,000.00$
05/01 Friends of the Newport Theatre Arts Center 5,000.00 25,000.00 FY 2024-25 Cultural Arts Grant Recipient
05/01 Baroque Music Festival, CdM 4,000.00 21,000.00 FY 2024-25 Cultural Arts Grant Recipient
05/01 South Coast Repertory 3,500.00 17,500.00 FY 2024-25 Cultural Arts Grant Recipient
05/01 Balboa Island Improvement Association 3,000.00 14,500.00 FY 2024-25 Cultural Arts Grant Recipient
05/01 Pacific Symphony 5,000.00 9,500.00 FY 2024-25 Cultural Arts Grant Recipient
05/01 Pacific Chorale 3,500.00 6,000.00 FY 2024-25 Cultural Arts Grant Recipient
05/01 Emerald Magic Events 2,000.00 4,000.00 FY 2024-25 Cultural Arts Grant Recipient
TOTAL $30,000.00 $26,000.00 $4,000.00
FY 2024-25Cultural Arts Division
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As of June 1, 2025
ACCT NAME BUDGET DATE VENDOR EXPENSES AVAILABLE NOTES
FY 2024-25Cultural Arts Division
Professional Services 23,000.00$
08/15 TAVD Virtual Assistant 159.75 22,840.25 Transcription of Minutes (07/11)
08/23 Svartifoss Corp 75.00 22,765.25 Art Installation (Indivisible - Sister City Artwork)
08/23 Svartifoss Corp 400.00 22,365.25 Art Installation (Christopher Evans exhibit)
08/30 Crown Building Services 825.00 21,540.25 Sculpture Maintenance (Sphere 112)
09/13 TAVD Virtual Assistant 76.50 21,463.75 Transcription of Minutes (08/08)09/27 Svartifoss Corp 350.00 21,113.75 Art Installation (Shant Beudjekian)
10/17 TAVD Virtual Assistant 85.50 21,028.25 Transcription of Minutes (09/12)
10/31 Image360 186.62 20,841.63 Plaque for Indivisible artwork
11/22 TAVD Virtual Assistant 85.50 20,756.13 Transcription of Minutes (10/10)
11/29 Svartifoss Corp 250.00 20,506.13 Art Installation (Faro Mohajedi exhibit)
12/12 Crown Building Services 825.00 19,681.13 Sculpture Maintenance (Sphere 112)12/19 TAVD Virtual Assistant 130.50 19,550.63 Transcription of Minutes (11/14)
01/16 TAVD Virtual Assistant 33.75 19,516.88 Transcription of Minutes (12/12)
01/30 Svartifoss Corp 325.00 19,191.88 Art Installation (Tianyi Wang)
02/21 Crown Building Services 825.00 18,366.88 Sculpture Maintenance (Sphere 112)
03/13 Gerard Basil Studios 2,025.00 16,341.88 Annual bronze sculpture cleanings
03/27 Lisa Mackenzie 112.50 16,229.38 Transcription of Minutes (02/13)04/03 Svartifoss Corp 350.00 15,879.38 Art Installation (Liberty Dickinson)
04/03 Lisa Mackenzie 75.00 15,804.38 Transcription of Minutes (03/07)
05/08 Lisa Mackenzie 37.50 15,766.88 Transcription of Minutes (04/10)
05/22 Svartifoss Corp 225.00 15,541.88 Art Installation (Joan Gladstone)
05/29 Restoration ARTechs 2,385.00 13,156.88 Bronze Sculptures Restoration Cleaning 1
05/29 Lisa Mackenzie 75.00 13,081.88 Transcription Minutes (05/08)TOTAL 23,000.00$ $9,918.12 13,081.88$
Sculpture Exhibition 135,000.00$
TOTAL $135,000.00 $0.00 $135,000.00
Advertising $ 1,340.00
07/31 Gotprint.com 181.41 1,158.59 COTG rack card07/31 Gotprint.com 120.78 1,037.81 COTG banners
08/31 Gotprint.com 67.38 970.43 Large Concerts on the Green banner
09/30 Gotprint.com 115.56 854.87 Marina Park rack cards
09/30 Gotprint.com 85.59 769.28 Marina Park banners
09/30 Gotprint.com 74.34 694.94 Large Marina Park banner
01/31 Gotprint.com 104.35 590.59 Central Library Gallery rack cards01/31 Gotprint.com 109.69 480.90 Central Library Gallery rack cards
05/15 Gotprint.com 105.24 375.66 Art Exhibition rack cards
TOTAL $1,340.00 $964.34 $375.66
REVENUES
Special Events (NBAE)$0.00
04/29 Creative West (990.62)$990.62 Art Exhibition entry fees
Creative West (2,592.64)$3,583.26 Art Exhibition entry fees
TOTAL -$3,583.26 $3,583.26
BUDGET EXPENSES AVAILABLE
Cultural Arts Totals $249,840.00 $69,973.74 $179,866.26
06/02/2025 2 of 2 12
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH CITY ARTS COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
June 12, 2025
Agenda Item No. 3
CENTRAL LIBRARY GALLERTY EXHIBITS
The Newport Beach Central Library is pleased to have on
display the giclées of artist Joan Gladstone. Joan Gladstone
paints the California Dreamin’ lifestyle. She uses bold colors,
clean lines, and minimalist compositions to portray coastal
scenes in a contemporary style. Her favorite compliment is
when people say her work is “beautiful, colorful, and happy.”
This summer, the Newport Beach Central Library debuts three
paintings in Joan’s new series dedicated to historic Route 66.
Joan and her husband Ed have traveled most of the road in
search of iconic motels and cafes, just like millions of travelers
who found adventure on America’s first great highway. Sadly,
many of these historic stops have disappeared or are fading
away. To help preserve memories of the Mother Road, Joan’s
paintings imagine beloved signs as they may have looked in
their heyday. Route 66 celebrates its 100th birthday in 2026.
An oil painter for over 25 years, Joan was honored to have eight paintings on exhibition at the Hilbert
Museum of California Art. Her work has appeared in scores of juried art shows including John Wayne
Airport, Crystal Cove Conservancy, City of Laguna Beach, and Huntington Beach Art Center. She exhibits
at the Sawdust Art Festival in Laguna Beach each summer.
Joan’s artwork is Route 66 Centennial Certified. The sale of paintings and prints will support an official
Route 66 Centennial grant program designed to help revitalize and sustain Route 66 as a national icon and
international destination.
Upcoming Installations
2025
•June 30 - August 22: Kathy Bambeck (Puzzle Paintings)
•August 25 - October 17: Joe Cladis (Lithographs)
•October 20 - December 12: Susan Neas (Watercolor Paintings)
•December 15 - February 6, 2026: Hugo Zhang (Photography)
TO:
FROM:
PREPARED BY:
TITLE:
CITY ARTS COMMISSION
Library Services Department
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
(949)717-3801, mhartson@newportbeachca.gov
Rebecca Lightfoot, Library Services Manager
Cultural Arts Activities for May 2025
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CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH CITY ARTS COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
2 of 2
COUNCIL RESOLUTION TO CREATE A HISTORIAN LAUREATE
At their May 27, 2025, meeting, the Newport Beach City Council passed a resolution to create a Historian
Laureate position. The Historian Laureate will collaborate with the Arts Commission to identify meaningful
event opportunities, helping to bring awareness of the rich history of Newport Beach to the community
and visitors alike.
CULTURAL ARTS CALENDER OF EVENTS:
City Arts Commission (CAC) meetings are held at 5 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month.
• 2025 CAC Regular Monthly Meetings: o January 9, 2025 (canceled)
o February 13, 2025
o March 13, 2025
o April 10, 2025
o May 8, 2025
o June 12, 2025
o July 10, 2025
o August 14, 2025
o September 11, 2025
o October 9, 2025
o November 13, 2025
o December 11, 2025
• 58th Annual Newport Beach Art Exhibition: Saturday, June 28, 2025
• Summer Concerts on the Civic Green:
o July 27, 2025 – Cassie B
o August 17, 2025 – Pacific Symphony
o September 14, 2025 – Tijuana Dogs
• Fall Concert at Marina Park
o October 12, 2025 – 805 Social Club (The History of Pop)
NOTICING:
This agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at
which the Board of Library Trustees considers the item).
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CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH CITY ARTS COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
June 12, 2025
Agenda Item No. 5
RECOMMENDATION:
Review and discuss the Music and Live Entertainment Ad Hoc Subcommittee suggestions for creating a
student poetry contest.
DISCUSSION:
The Music and Live Entertainment Ad Hoc Subcommittee has recommended that the City Arts Commission
review and discuss the following overview for an Annual Student Poetry Contest.
There will be four categories: grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Submissions will be collected by staff and
distributed to a judge chosen by the Ad Hoc Subcommittee. A winner in each category will be selected
and the winning poems will be reviewed and approved by the City Arts Commission. Student winners will
receive a ribbon and can read their poem at a City Arts Commission meeting. The Ad Hoc Subcommittee
will meet to discuss the timeline, specific guidelines for entry, and potential themes. The Ad Hoc
Subcommittee will bring these items to the City Arts Commission for its approval at an upcoming regular
meeting.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Costs would be minimal. Funding would be required for marketing and supplies.
NOTICING:
This agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at
which the Board of Library Trustees considers the item).
TO: CITY ARTS COMMISSION
FROM: Library Services Department
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
(949) 717-3801, mhartson@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Rebecca Lightfoot, Library Services Manager
TITLE: Overview for Creating a Student Poetry Contest
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CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH CITY ARTS COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
June 12, 2025
Agenda Item No. 5
RECOMMENDATION:
Review, discuss, and approve the Music and Live Entertainment Ad Hoc Subcommittee suggestion for
selecting a band to perform at the Ben Did Go 10.0 paddle event on Saturday, September 13, 2025.
DISCUSSION:
On July 6, 2014, Newport Beach Lifeguard Ben Carlson tragically passed away while performing a rescue.
Ben was the first and only Newport Beach lifeguard to die in the line of duty since the inception of the
department in 1923. The Ben Carlson Memorial & Scholarship Foundation was started to honor his
memory and help raise funds for scholarships for student athletes as well as supporting lifeguard
operations throughout the world. Every year the foundation hosts a 30-mile paddle from Catalina to
Newport Beach to raise funds to support their mission.
Staff is seeking the City Arts Commission to approve moving forward with the Music and Live
Entertainment Ad Hoc Subcommittee’s recommendation that the City Arts Commission select a band to
play a concert at the Ben Did Go 10.0 event on Saturday, September 13, 2025.
The Music and Live Entertainment Ad Hoc Subcommittee will choose a band and return to the City Arts
Commission meeting on July 10, 2025, for approval, in order for staff to take this recommendation to City
Council for approval at the July 22, 2025 regular City Council meeting.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding for the live band, stage, sound, and marketing will be expensed to the Cultural Arts Division
Programming Budget for FY 2025-26.
NOTICING:
This agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at
which the Board of Library Trustees considers the item).
TO: CITY ARTS COMMISSION
FROM: Library Services Department
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
(949) 717-3801, mhartson@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Rebecca Lightfoot, Library Services Manager
TITLE: Ben Did Go 10.0 Paddle Event Concert
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