HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/10/2015 - City Arts Commission - 02 Draft MinutesDRAFT
Newport Beach City Arts Commission Study Session and Regular Meeting Minutes Thursday, August 13, 2015 – 4:00 PM
Friends of the Library Meeting Room, Central Library, 1000 Avocado Ave.,
Newport Beach, CA 92660
I. ROLL CALL – 4:05 PM Commissioners Present: Rita Goldberg, Chair
Arlene Greer, Vice Chair
Caroline Logan, Secretary Judy Chang
Lynn Selich
Robert Smith
Commissioner Absent: Charles Ware Staff Present: Tim Hetherton, Library Services Director
Dave Curtis, Library Services Manager Elaine McMillion, Administrative Support Specialist Francine Jacome, Administrative Support Technician II. STUDY SESSION BUSINESS
1. Master Plan for Arts and Culture – The City Arts Commission will provide an opportunity for public engagement as the City develops an arts master plan. In order to focus public
discussion, the City Arts Commission poses the question, "What is your vision for the arts in
Newport Beach?"
Chair Rita Goldberg explained that the purpose of the study session is to allow the public to weigh
in on the Master Plan. She addressed recommendations developed by Arts OC and invited the public to share their opinions and concerns.
Lila Crespin, Newport Beach Arts Foundation, stated that a Master Plan is way overdue.
Michael Magrutsche, Former Arts Commissioner, commented on technology and its effects on the
arts. He encouraged using things that the City has, improving arts communications, connecting with audiences, investing in promoting the arts and creating a Master Plan that is inclusive of all
cultures within City borders. Additionally, he opined there should be an emphasis on contemporary art and there should be increased efforts in supporting art education. Existing arts program must be nurtured and adapted to technology. He encouraged thinking out of the box
and integrating other groups within existing programs.
Commissioner Smith commented on the use of technology by children, on existing theatrical
programs and agreed with the need for increased promotion of arts programs. He noted the need to offer a wide variety of experiences for residents.
Chair Goldberg agreed with the need for an improved multi-faceted communications program.
Nick Komer spoke about using light poles to hang sponsored event banners. He expressed concerns that promotion of City events is lacking and suggested that the City should approach local businesses with sponsorship opportunities. Additionally, he commented on the possibility of
working with street artists to promote arts.
Newport Beach City Arts Commission Study Session and Regular Meeting Minutes August 13, 2015
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A public speaker commented in support of using banners to promote events and introducing arts
and culture to children.
Vice Chair Greer reported that the Commission is in the process of studying the use of banners to promote arts events in the City. She encouraged residents to contact the City with information or
to offer help or sponsorships.
Michael Magrutsche, Former Arts Commissioner, commented on the promotion of the Toshiba
Golf Tournament.
Chair Goldberg noted the need to "step-up" communications at all levels.
Discussion followed regarding increasing efforts at obtaining sponsorships, working together to
move forward, hearing what the public has to say and incorporating realistic ideas. Lila Crespin, Newport Beach Arts Foundation, commented on the importance of moving the
Master Plan forward, and getting things done.
Commissioner Selich noted that banners are expensive and agreed with the concept of getting
sponsors to fund same. She noted that many feel that investing in public art is not fiscally responsible and encouraged residents to let the City Council know how they feel about art and culture in the City.
Discussion followed regarding the Arts budget and the Sculpture Garden.
Diane Krieger commented positively on the Sculpture Garden.
Discussion followed regarding the possibility of developing an integrated/synchronized website for
all arts activities in the City and support of the arts by local businesses.
Sandra Manich, Gallery Director, Artist and Laguna Beach resident, reported on a travelling museum with which she is involved, on her education and background in the arts and commented on the possibility of having an art walk in Newport Beach.
Discussion followed regarding galleries for emerging artist.
Carmen Smith, President, Newport Beach Arts Foundation, commented on challenges with raising funds and obtaining corporate sponsors.
Discussion followed regarding offering various levels of sponsorships,
III. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Michael Magrutsche, Former Arts Commissioner, commented on discussions during the study
session.
RECESS – 5:10 PM
IV. RECONVENE AT 5:00 P.M. FOR REGULAR MEETING – 5:20 PM
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V. ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Rita Goldberg, Chair Arlene Greer, Vice Chair Caroline Logan, Secretary
Judy Chang Lynn Selich
Robert Smith
Commissioner Absent: Charles Ware
Staff Present: Tim Hetherton, Library Services Director Dave Curtis, Library Services Manager
Elaine McMillion, Administrative Support Specialist Francine Jacome, Administrative Support Technician
VI. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
1. The City Arts Commission shall nominate and elect Commissioners to serve as Chair, Vice
Chair and Secretary for FY 2015/2016.
Motion made by Chair Goldberg, seconded by Commissioner Chang, and carried (6-0-0-1) to
approve Vice Chair Greer, as Chair of the City Arts Commission, Commissioner Selich, as Vice Chair, and Commissioner Logan, as Secretary.
AYES: Chang, Greer, Goldberg, Logan, Selich, Smith NOES: None
ABSTENTIONS: None
ABSENT: Ware
VII. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None VIII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - DRAFT Minutes - July 9, 2015
Chair Greer opened public comments.
Chair Greer closed public comments.
Motion made by Secretary Logan, seconded by Chair Greer, and carried (5-0-1-1) to approve
the City Arts Commission minutes from the July 9, 2015, meeting, as presented. AYES: Chang, Greer, Logan, Selich, Smith
NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: Goldberg
ABSENT: Ware A. CONSENT CALENDAR
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1. Correspondence and Press - Review of any Arts Commission correspondence and/or marketing materials that have been received.
2. Financial Report - Review of financial information.
Library Services Director Tim Hetherton reported that the Financial Report for July 2015, has
not been included because the City has recently moved to a new Financial System that is not ready to generate reports. The July report will be submitted together with the August report at
the September 10, 2015, City Arts Commission meeting.
3. 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 Hetherton reported that Shakespeare has been rescheduled to
Tuesday, August 18, 2015, in the Civic Green.
B. ITEMS FOR REVIEW AND POSSIBLE ACTION
1. Committee Appointments - The City Arts Commission Chair will appoint Ad Hoc Sub
Committees of one or more members for such specific purpose as the business of the
Commission may require from time to time. Chair Greer reported she will not make Committee appointments at this time, as she would like
to obtain additional information from the various Ad Hoc Sub Committees in terms of objectives and goals for next year. She listed existing Ad Hoc Sub Committees and asked for Commission
Members' input.
2. Selection of Alternate Sculpture to Replace Mama Crusty - Staff recommends that the
City Arts Commission approve the replacement of Tim Little's Mama Crusty with Edwin
Hamilton's Pebble Series in the 2015 Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park.
Commissioner Smith provided an update on the installation of the next ten sculptures in the
Sculpture Garden. He reported that the artist for Mama Crusty did not want to enter into a contract with the City and noted the need for a replacement. The Selection Committee chose a
sculpture by Edwin Hamilton, called Pebble Series, as a replacement and Commissioner Smith provided a description of the piece and explained its placement.
Motion made by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Secretary Logan, and carried (6-0-0-1) to approve the replacement of Tim Little's Mama Crusty with Edwin Hamilton's Pebble Series in
the 2015 Sculpture Exhibition in the Civic Center Park in accordance with the suggested
placement as shown in the staff report. AYES: Chang, Greer, Goldberg, Logan, Selich, Smith
NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None
ABSENT: Ware 3. Fine Arts Exhibition - Judit Laufer - The Fine Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee recommends that
the City Arts Commission approve an exhibition of artist Judit Laufer's sculptures in the gallery
space in the Central Library lobby.
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Chair Greer provided details of the staff report.
Motion made by Chair Greer, seconded by Secretary Logan, and carried (6-0-0-1) to approve an exhibition of artist Judit Laufer's sculptures in the gallery space in the Central Library lobby.
AYES: Chang, Greer, Goldberg, Logan, Selich, Smith NOES: None
ABSTENTIONS: None
ABSENT: Ware
4. Murals Under the Stars - Staff recommends that the City Arts Commission approve the
staging of a Murals Under the Stars program at a date to be determined in spring 2016.
Chair Greer provided the staff report including details of the program and the artist.
Motion made by Secretary Logan, seconded by Commissioner Goldberg, and carried (6-0-0-1)
to approve the staging of a Murals Under the Stars program at a date to be determined in spring 2016.
AYES: Chang, Greer, Goldberg, Logan, Selich, Smith NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None
ABSENT: Ware
5. City Arts Commission Relationship with Newport Beach Arts Foundation - Staff provides
a report on the formal relationship between the Newport Beach Arts Foundation and the City Arts Commission.
Commissioner Goldberg provided details of the report.
Motion made by Commissioner Goldberg, seconded by Vice Chair Selich, and carried (6-0-0-1)
to approve the formation of an Ad Hoc Committee to review documentation that governs the relationship between the Newport Beach Arts Foundation and the City Arts Commission to
ensure that it is current, useful and defines the relationship. Chair Greer invited public comments.
Michael Magrutsche, Former Arts Commissioner, suggested looking at similar foundations and
organizations to use as examples.
Chair Greer closed public comments.
Commissioner Goldberg indicated that at this point, the Committee will review existing documentation to ensure that it is up-to-date.
AYES: Chang, Greer, Goldberg, Logan, Selich, Smith NOES: None
ABSTENTIONS: None
ABSENT: Ware
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C. MONTHLY REPORTS
1. Newport Beach Sculpture Garden Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Commissioner Robert Smith
(Chair), Chair Rita Goldberg, Commissioner Charles Ware
Commissioner Smith reiterated that installation of the sculptures is underway and announced that the opening event is scheduled for September 12, 2015, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM in the Community
Room. He added there will be docent tours, addressed other elements of the event and stated
that the Arts Foundation will host a luncheon from 12:00 to 1:30 PM in the Friend's Room to honor last year's and this year's sculptors. Invitations will be sent to Council, the Arts Foundation
and the Arts Commission. 2. Civic Center Art Placement Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Secretary Caroline Logan (Chair),
Commissioner Charles Ware
Secretary Logan reported being in contact with the Orange County Museum of Art and that
updates will be provided at subsequent Commission meetings.
3. Arts Master Plan Steering Committee - Chair Rita Goldberg (Chair) , Vice Chair Arlene
Greer, Secretary Caroline Logan
4. Arts Foundation Liaison Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Commissioner Robert Smith Commissioner Smith commented on the Arts Foundation spring event and reported they would
appreciate help from the Arts Commission.
Carmen Smith, President, Newport Beach Arts Foundation, reported the Foundation is in need of
a graphic artist to design their event promotions. They would like Katherine Mielke to help, if
possible.
Library Services Director Hetherton expressed staff's willingness to help the Foundation.
Discussion followed regarding having a consistent "brand" look, existing materials and graphics
available and advertising. Ms. Smith added that she updates and maintains the Arts Foundation Facebook page once a
week.
Commissioner Smith noted that when someone requests a tour of the Sculpture Garden, the Arts
Foundation tries to accommodate them.
5. Fine Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Vice Chair Arlene Greer (Chair), Commissioners Judy
Chang and Lynn Selich
Chair Greer reported on a recent meeting of the Subcommittee and reiterated plans for the
exhibition of artist Judit Laufer's sculptures in the Central Library. She addressed the current exhibition and hoped that in the future, there can be tracking of outreach and visitors to the
exhibits. Plans have been completed to the end of the year. Updates will be provided during
subsequent meetings.
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6. Performing Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Chair Rita Goldberg, Commissioners Arlene
Greer and Lynn Selich Commissioner Goldberg reported on the cancellation of Shakespeare, because of rain and noted that it was rescheduled for Tuesday, August 18th at 7:00 PM. She announced the Kelly Rae
Band on August 23rd.
7. Cultural Arts Collaboration Subcommittee - Lynn Selich (Chair), Arlene Greer and Judy
Chang
Vice Chair Selich reported on a conversation with Gary Sherwin of Visit Newport Beach,
regarding potential collaborations with the organization.
IX. 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 pointed out the front page of the Orange County Register regarding sculptures in the County and where the Newport Beach Civic Center Sculpture Garden was
prominently featured. Chair Greer asked that a link to the article be provided on the Arts Commission Facebook page.
Discussion followed regarding the importance of social media.
Chair Greer encouraged Commissioners and the public to visit Murals Under the Stars and listed other programs occurring in surrounding cities.
Commissioner Chang commented on art walk events put on by other organizations. She suggested adding the topic on the next Arts Commission agenda. It was noted that the matter
can be assigned to a Subcommittee.
X. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS – None
Chair Greer thanked former Chair Goldberg for her leadership and service to the Arts Commission.
XI. ADJOURNMENT – 6:05 PM
Submitted by: _________________________
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