Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission
Minutes
August 12, 2009
Present: Amy Kelly, Susan Craig, Kathy Porsch, Christie Dobson, Jane Pennington, Joanne Renfro, Diane Stoddard (Staff Liaison) and one member of the public
Absent: John Reeves, Dave Loewenstein, Grant Fitch, Donna Griffin, Matthew Herren
The June 10 minutes were approved.
Joanne asked about the flyer to publicize where local artists display their work. It was requested that Diane collect information from the Arts Commissioners about this.
Amy announced that John Reeves has resigned. The opening on the LCAC has been forwarded to the Mayor for filling the position.
Regular Agenda items:
1. Art Survey: Amy indicated that the survey would be open until the end of August. Several Arts Commissioners indicated that they would be sending out the survey link to more people. The preliminary survey results were discussed. It was noted that the Phoenix awards had rather low support compared to other programs. The results confirmed the support for the grants. Christie mentioned that there needed to be a community information bulletin online. Christie asked why the Arts Center doesn’t have this. Perhaps there would be a way to link up better and create a better partnership. It was thought that this could be communicated with them while they were looking for new leadership. A possible meeting with the Arts center was discussed. Susan volunteered to contact Bill Carswell, the incoming chair of the board of the Arts Center, regarding these ideas. Jane reported that the Arts Roundtable had discussed an arts calendar. Seed money to start a calendar was discussed with thoughts that advertising could pay for it after it gets going. There was a consensus to pursue something related to improving communication and awareness about the arts for the remaining 2009 budget funds left over from the savings on this year’s Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition, based upon the results received from the survey thus far. There was concern about duplication of existing resources. It was decided to invite Bill Carswell to the September meeting. Jane volunteered to put together an RFP requesting proposals for ideas to improve arts communication. Jane made a motion that Diane put together a consent agenda item to request that the City Commission approve the reallocation of the unused ODSE funds for this purpose, the motion was seconded by Kathy. Motion approved.
2. Strategic Plan: There was a consensus to schedule this item for discussion at the November meeting.
3. Phoenix Awards: Jane passed around an address list for invitations to the ceremony and requested Commissioners to identify people who should be invited. Jane has penciled in 2 pm on October 25 for the Phoenix Award Ceremony, which was the only available date for the Arts Center. Jane suggested either checking December or January dates, or possibly moving up the October meeting. It was suggested that the Spencer Museum might be a venue. Jane requested that any thoughts on alternative locations and asked people to forward any ideas to her. There was concern about the time between making the selections and the scheduling of the event to ensure adequate time to get out invitations to the awardees list. Jane indicated the subcommittee had met and recommended Vernon Brejska as the artist to make the Phoenix Awards. Susan made a motion to approve this recommendation. The motion was seconded by Christie. Motion was approved. Jane indicated that a total of five awards would be ordered, one to be kept by the Cultural Arts Commission and the other four to be awarded to recipients.
4. Burroughs Creek Trail Project: Diane explained that a designee was sought to work with the neighborhood and other local stakeholders to identify potential art opportunities associated with this trail project. Kathy made a motion to appoint John Reeves to a committee to look at potential art associated with this project. The motion was seconded by Jane. Motion approved.
5. Lied Center letter: August 21 is an arts fair at the Lied Center and they requested if the LCAC were interested in participation. It was decided to acknowledge this invitation but respectfully decline.
6. Announcements from Chair: None.
7. Subcommittee Reports:
a. Outdoor Sculpture: It was noted that John was chair, so it was suggested that Donna be vice-chair.
b. Web Site development: It was noted that bios from some of the Arts Commissioners were needed for the website. Susan indicated she would contact Andrea regarding what software she used for the website and to train on updating the site.
8. Commissioner Items.: None.
9. Staff Liaison Items: Diane passed around some correspondence that was received.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane Stoddard
Staff Liaison