HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/14/2011 - City Arts Commission - Minutes(Item 1)
City of Newport Beach
Newport Beach City Arts Commission
Thursday, July 14, 2011 – 5:00pm
Central Library Friends Room
Convened at 5:01pm
Call to Order and Roll Call:
Commissioners Present: Robyn Grant, Arlene Greer, Rita Goldberg, Robert Smith
Christopher Trela
Commissioners Absent: Carole Boller, Gil Lasky
Staff Present: Cynthia Cowell, Library Director; Jana Barbier, Cultural Arts Coordinator
Public Present: Barbara Higgins
Public Comments: Barbara Higgins introduced the Arts Commissioners to a new gallery in
South Coast Metro called Reflective Image Gallery and, in particular, an
upcoming show titled “Assisting Ansel; Insights and Images by Alan Ross”.
Higgins explained that Mr. Ross will discuss his many years assisting Adams
and tell the story of the artist as a person; with interesting insights on the
making of some of the most recognizable images in contemporary
photographic art. The exhibition will begin on August 15, and Ms. Higgins
distributed information on the exhibit and related events for Arts
Commissioners to participate in.
Approval of Minutes: It was MSP (Smith/Goldberg) to approve the June 9, 2011 minutes.
Continued Business:
Staff Report /Calendar/Correspondence – Reviewed and filed.
Correspondence/Press – Reviewed and filed.
Committee Updates – Grant postponed committee updates so that she could first welcome and introduce
the newest Arts Commissioner, Arlene Greer, to the commission. Commissioner Greer gave a brief
overview of her extensive background in the arts and with the City. Commissioners and staff introduced
themselves to Commissioner Greer.
Commissioner Goldberg discussed the summer events and thanks all around for another successful
Shakespeare by the Sea festival. Her preference was “Much Ado about Nothing”. She also discussed plans
to move forward with a museum tour to the Norton Simon Museum on September 22.
Commissioner Trella reminded the Arts Commission that he is able to assist with City generated press
releases related to Arts Commission events.
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Staff updated the Commission on Fine Art Exhibitions and noted that Elizabeth Stahr had loaned some
items related to English Royalty to the library for the current case display. The Ruth Hynds collection will be
on display in the coming months.
Staff distributed an Arts Commission budget worksheet provided by the library. The worksheet included
the summer event expenses for the new fiscal year. Arts Commissioners discussed the budget at length
and asked for the Finance Director to attend the next Arts Commission meeting for clarification.
New Business
Cultural Arts Grant program was discussed and dates were considered for 2011-12. It was MSP
(Goldberg/Trella) to move the Cultural Arts Grant Award review meeting to October 13. Staff indicated that
the deadline for grant applications would then be September 30.
Skydivers Sculpture Discussion and Potential Vote: Commissioner Smith discussed public art and in
particular, the “Skydivers” sculpture owned by the Irvine Company. Smith noted that the sculpture was 25’
tall and was in crates at Fashion Island; also noting that the Irvine Company was anxious to move forward
with this donation. He discussed that the Board of Library Trustees would discuss placement of this work
on library grounds at their August 1 meeting, followed by further discussion at the Arts Commission’s
August 11 meeting. It was tentatively scheduled to place the “Skydiver” sculpture on City Council’s August
23 Agenda for consideration.
Election of Officers: Commissioner Grant discussed that Arts Commissioners would have the opportunity to
sign up for specific committees in the weeks ahead. At this time Commissioner Grant opened the floor for
the Election of Officers:
Chair: Robyn Grant was nominated by Robert Smith. It was MSP (Smith/Trella) to elect Robyn Grant as
Chairperson for the Arts Commission for 2011/12. Vote was unanimously in favor.
Vice Chair: Robert Smith was nominated by Rita Goldberg. It was MSP (Goldberg/Greer) to elect Robert
Smith as Vice Chairperson for the Arts Commission for 2011/12. Vote was unanimously in favor.
Secretary: Rita Goldberg was nominated by Robert Smith. It was MSP (Smith/Trella) to elect Rita Goldberg
as Secretary for the Arts Commission for 2011/12. Vote was unanimously in favor.
Future Agenda Items – “Skydivers” sculpture discussion and potential vote.
Commissioner Announcements – none
Adjournment – Meeting was adjourned at 6:48pm