HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/14/2015 - City Arts Commission - Approved Minutes
Newport Beach City Arts Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
Thursday, May 14, 2015 – 5:00 PM
City Council Chambers
I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Chair Goldberg called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM.
II. ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Rita Goldberg, Chair
Arlene Greer, Vice Chair
Caroline Logan, Secretary
Judy Chang (Absent)
Lynn Selich
Robert Smith
Charles Ware
Staff Present: Dave Curtis, Library Services Manager
Elaine McMillion, Administrative Support Specialist
III. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Jim Mosher, Newport Beach resident, commented positively on the James Strombotne Exhibition but
wondered why it was repeated from last year, when there is a long list of artists wanting to exhibit.
Regarding the borrowed art from OCMA, he expressed concerns with delegating the matter to a sub-
committee as they are supposed to be "advisory only". He commented on the restoration of
"Metalphor" noting that residents do not like it and would be happy if it were removed altogether and
replaced with another sculpture. Additionally, he commented on the formation of a citizen's advisory
committee.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - DRAFT Minutes – April 2, 2015
Members of the Commission offered corrections to the minutes.
Motion made by Secretary Logan, seconded by Vice Chair Greer, and carried (6-0-0-1) to approve
the minutes of April 2, 2015, as revised.
AYES: Goldberg, Greer, Logan, Selich, Smith, Ware
NOES: None
ABSTENTIONS: None
ABSENT: Chang
V. CURRENT BUSINESS
A. CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Correspondence and Press - Review of any Arts Commission correspondence and/or marketing
materials that have been received.
2. Financial Report - Review of attached financial information.
Newport Beach City Arts Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
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3. Cultural Arts Activities - Monthly review of cultural arts activities from the Library Administrative
Office for upcoming Library and City arts events and services.
Motion made by Vice Chair Greer, seconded by Secretary Logan, and carried (6-0-0-1) to approve
the Consent Calendar.
AYES: Goldberg, Greer, Logan, Selich, Smith, Ware
NOES: None
ABSTENTIONS: None
ABSENT: Chang
B. ITEMS FOR REVIEW AND POSSIBLE ACTION
1. James Strombotne Exhibition – The Fine Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee will ask the City Arts
Commission to approve a Fine Arts exhibition of a selection of James Strombotne’s sculptures
and paintings.
Vice Chair Greer provided an update on the aforementioned item including background, and other
exhibits by Mr. Strombotne. She requested approval of the matter and stated the exhibition will be
held in June and July 2015.
It was noted that although he was featured in a prior exhibition, the proposed exhibition will be of a
variety of mediums. Discussion followed regarding the timing of exhibitions.
Motion made by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Ware, and carried (6-0-0-1) to
approve a Fine Arts exhibition of a selection of James Strombotne's sculptures.
AYES: Goldberg, Greer, Logan, Selich, Smith, Ware
NOES: None
ABSTENTIONS: None
ABSENT: Chang
2. Borrowed Art from OCMA – The Civic Center Art Placement Ad Hoc Subcommittee will ask the
City Arts Commission to review and approve a proposal to borrow art from the Orange County
Museum of Art for display in the Civic Center.
Secretary Logan provided details of the report. She addressed the Subcommittee's relationship
with OCMA, and Commissioner Ware's efforts with an inventory of City sites.
Commissioner Ware reported being in introductory stages of exploring an art-sharing relationship
with OCMA for potential display of art in City Hall. He reported completing an inventory of sites and
a detailed facilities report and noted that the Subcommittee is waiting for OCMA's review. If it is
decided to move forward with the matter, the Subcommittee will advise the Commission and obtain
public input regarding specific pieces to consider, for display.
Discussion followed regarding the importance of addressing insurance and liability in the proposal.
Motion made by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Vice Chair Greer, and carried (6-0-0-1) to
approve a proposal to borrow art from the Orange County Museum of Art for display in the Civic
Center.
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AYES: Goldberg, Greer, Logan, Selich, Smith, Ware
NOES: None
ABSTENTIONS: None
ABSENT: Chang
3. Restoration of "Metalphor" – Staff will request the City Arts Commission to review and approve
the restoration of the sculpture "Metalphor".
Discussion followed regarding the original value of the sculpture, exposure of the piece to the
elements, the need to consider the suitability of future pieces to the outdoor environment, cost
related to restoration,
Motion made by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Vice Chair Greer, to approve the restoration of
the sculpture "Metalphor".
Discussion continued regarding ensuring that pieces will receive regular upkeep and be properly
maintained, the importance of taking care of what the City currently has, and, the possibility of
obtaining another bid for the restoration.
Library Services Manager Dave Curtis reported that another bid was received but it was
substantially higher than the suggested bid.
Ensuing discussion continued regarding the importance of regular maintenance and it was
suggested to inspect the City's public art, every two years and note recommendations in order to
avoid long-term maintenance responsibility issues. It was noted that the existing location does not
compliment the piece and that adding another piece near it would make it "more" acceptable".
Discussion followed regarding the costs of building a new foundation if another location is deemed
suitable.
Motion made by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Secretary Logan, and carried (5-0-1-1) to
approve the restoration of the sculpture "Metalphor" but, consider whether another location would
be better-suited, as well as related costs.
AYES: Goldberg, Greer, Logan, Smith, Ware
NOES: None
ABSTENTIONS: Selich
ABSENT: Chang
4. Formation of a Citizens Advisory Committee – The Cultural Arts Collaboration Subcommittee
will request that the City Arts Commission approve a proposal to create a Citizen’s Advisory
Committee to advise the Cultural Arts Collaboration Subcommittee on fundraising activities.
Commissioner Selich suggested future consideration of renaming the Subcommittee to
Public/Private Arts Alliance. She added that the Advisory Committee would advise the
Subcommittee on fundraising activities and public/private alliances. She reported that Janet Ray, a
local leader, Fred Page, Tom Monahan and Melissa Shriver have agreed to be on the Advisory
Committee. Commissioner Selich stated she would like to limit the Advisory Committee to eight-to-
ten people and hoped that it would be completely formed by the Arts Commission's next meeting.
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Discussion followed regarding the possibility of having a cross-section representation of the
community rather than just the private-donor world.
Commissioner Selich addressed the purpose of the Subcommittee and fundraising at a high level to
help in reaching long-term goals.
Discussion continued regarding the makeup and function of the Advisory Committee, the function of
the Subcommittee, sun-setting same when it completes formation of the Advisory Committee and
offering clarity in terms of the goals for each.
Motion made by Vice Chair Greer, seconded by Commissioner Ware, and carried (6-0-0-1) to
approve a proposal to create an Advisory Committee to advise the Cultural Arts Collaboration
Subcommittee (Public/Private Arts Alliance) on fundraising activities.
AYES: Goldberg, Greer, Logan, Selich, Smith, Ware
NOES: None
ABSTENTIONS: None
ABSENT: Chang
5. Sister Cities – Secretary Logan will make a presentation on Newport Beach Sister Cities
activities.
Secretary Logan provided information regarding the Newport Beach Sister Cities Association,
addressed the Newport Beach Sister Cities and provided an update on its activities. She
announced that the City of Ensenada is interested in rebuilding cultural relationships with Newport
Beach.
It was noted that the matter would be more-appropriate under "Monthly Reports" as no action is
needed.
C. MONTHLY REPORTS
1. Newport Beach Sculpture Garden Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Commissioner Robert Smith (Chair),
Chair Rita Goldberg, Commissioner Charles Ware
Commissioner Smith announced that "Red" was installed in April and that Phase 2 RFPs closed
with 81 sculptors submitting proposals of 94 images. He added that the selection committee will
meet next week to select 10, with three alternates, and addressed makeup of the committee. He
requested placing presentation of a slide show and report regarding selection of sculptures for the
Newport Beach Sculpture Garden on the Commission's agenda in June. Once approved,
installation will be in August and the ten sculptures will be unveiled on September 12th.
Discussion followed regarding encouraging bids from local artists and review of the matter by City
Council.
2. Civic Center Art Placement Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Secretary Caroline Logan (Chair),
Commissioner Charles Ware
No report at this time.
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3. Arts Master Plan Steering Committee - Chair Rita Goldberg (Chair) , Vice Chair Arlene Greer,
Secretary Caroline Logan
Chair Goldberg reported that the aforementioned Committee can be sun-setted.
Discussion followed regarding allowing the possibility of re-engaging the Committee in the future;
not sun-setting the Committee in order to have the Master Plan be in the fore-front.
Chair Goldberg explained that the Committee worked with Arts OC to create the Arts Master Plan.
Since it has accomplished its function, it would be appropriate to sun-set same.
It was noted that No. 10, within the Master Plan, has been eliminated. Discussion followed
regarding City Council seeking additional guidance from the Arts Commission.
Chair Goldberg stated that in light of Council's direction, the Arts Master Plan Steering Committee
will continue to function.
4. Arts Foundation Liaison Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Commissioner Robert Smith
Commissioner Smith announced that during the last City Council meeting, the Arts Foundation was
presented with a check for $175,000 from the Balboa Performing Theater Foundation. He noted
that the money must be used for performing arts with some focus on the Balboa Village. He added
that the next meeting of the Arts Foundation will be on Tuesday, May 19th at Honey Hofstadter's
(CHECK SPELLING) home. Work will continue on the "Art in the Park" program, scheduled for
October 11th.
Chair Goldberg reported that the Arts Foundation wanted to present the check directly to the Arts
Commission, but could not, as they had to give it to a 501.C3 entity.
Commissioner Selich thanked that Foundation for their contribution and asked that staff provide a
report regarding the status of the funds and use of the money by the Arts Commission. She asked
that an item be placed on a future agenda for consideration of creating an endowment with part of
the funds to facilitate access of the funds by the Arts Commission.
5. Fine Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Vice Chair Arlene Greer (Chair), Commissioners Judy Chang
and Lynn Selich
Vice Chair Greer provided an update of Fine Arts exhibits in the Central Library as well as an
upcoming lecture by the featured artist. She announced upcoming exhibitions and artists
scheduled for the Library through January, 2016.
6. Performing Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Chair Rita Goldberg (Chair), Vice Chair Arlene Greer,
Commissioner Lynn Selich
Chair Goldberg noted looking forward to an exciting summer and stated that the first event will be
on June 7th.
7. Cultural Arts Collaboration Subcommittee – Commissioner Lynn Selich (Chair), Vice Chair
Arlene Greer, Commissioner Judy Chang
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Commissioner Selich reiterated that the aforementioned Subcommittee will be sun-setted once the
Advisory Committee is formed.
8. Newport Beach Art Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Vice Chair Arlene Greer (Chair),
Commissioner Judy Chang, Secretary Caroline Logan
Vice Chair Greer provided an update of the Newport Beach Art Exhibition addressing the number of
participating artists and works of art. She reported that the Ad Hoc Subcommittee will meet next
week to consider additional works and send out acceptance letters. The event will be held on June
13th and Vice Chair Greer listed the various elements and features of the exhibit. Additionally, she
addressed publicity and hours of the exhibition and thanked the Arts Foundation and National
Charity League Volunteers for their assistance.
9. Art Site Suitability Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Secretary Caroline Logan (Chair), Commissioner
Charles Ware No report at this time.
VI. CITY ARTS COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERS WOULD LIKE
PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION, ACTION OR REPORT (NON-DISCUSSION
ITEM)
Commissioner Smith requested placing presentation of a slide show and report regarding the
proposed second phase of the sculpture exhibition in the Newport Beach Sculpture Garden, on the
Arts Commission's agenda in June.
Commissioner Selich asked that an item be placed on the Commission's June agenda for
consideration of creating an endowment with part of the funds from the Arts Foundation to facilitate
access to the funds by the Arts Commission. Additionally, she would like consideration of a date in
2016 for the performance of the Pacific Symphony and allocation for a commissioned piece by Phil
Marshall.
VII. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Jim Mosher reported that Policy I-11 was presented to City Council along with others and was
made official as of May 12th. He addressed the location of the June meeting of the Coastal
Commission and suggested the Arts Commission may need to change its meeting venue.
Vice Chair Greer reported that on June 9th, the Gene and Diane Crain acceptance of paintings will
be on City Council's agenda.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT – 6:22 PM
Submitted by: Chair Rita Goldberg
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