City of Lawrence

Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission (LCAC)

August 8, 2012 minutes

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Kathy Porsch, Eric Kirkendall, Jane Pennington, Mandy Enfield, Richard Renner.

ALSO PRESENT:  Diane Stoddard, Emily Kotay, Kristen Crawford, Amanda Monaghan, Linda Baranski, Grace Peterson. 

NEW BUSINESS:  Discussion of retroactively approving the already painted mural in the alley behind the 1109 Gallery.  Eric moved that we  retroactively approve the 1109 mural.  Kathy seconded.  The mural was approved.  The Art Guild would like to paint more alley murals and plans to follow proper procedure in the future. 

Grace Peterson introduced herself.  She is possibly a new LCAC member. 

The minutes were approved. 

Public mural discussion continued and led into the unfortunate future of the “Pollinator” mural that will be destroyed when the building at 9^th &New Hampshire is razed.  The LCAC hopes the mural can be replaced but agreed that it is not something we can decide.

There was a discussion of Final Friday funding provided by the LCAC and managed by the Lawrence Arts Center.  In the past, carryover funds were used to support a position through the LAC to manage FF.  We no longer have those funds, so future funding may not be possible.  Kathy added that the LCAC has put $17,000 towards FF and has not received any reports on the use of those funds.  If we are to provide future support, we will need to require reporting by the recipient.  Diane is going to check into reporting requirements. 

Kathy asked if we can modify our member policy to allow members who live outside the city limits.  This is in regards to John Hachmiester, a potential LCAC member who works in Lawrence, owns property in town, but resides out of town.  We believe the LCAC would benefit greatly from his membership.  Diane said it is up to the Mayor. 

Kathy asked Diane for an update on the 2013 budget request.  Diane reported that we have been awarded the same amount as last year and the arts position was denied. 

Members discussed the Downtown Sculpture program.  Diane reminded the group that next year is the 25^th year for the program.  Kathy added that the maintenance report for the public art will be ready in September. 

GRANTS:  Kathy asked if we have received all the reports.  Diane has all but the LAC report.  She will email them about it. 

PHOENIX AWARDS:  Mandy reported on the Phoenix Awards.  Sally Piller is the award artist and is working on the pieces.  Susan Tate will speak at the event. 

% FOR ART:  The group discussed the award amount and the process.  Committee members expressed dissatisfaction with being left out of the discussions leading up to the announcement of the award amount.  We should have been given the opportunity to advocate for a higher amount.  Ideas to prevent this in the future included adding a minimum percentage to the resolution, expressing our dissatisfaction in a letter to the mayor, and being more aggressive on future projects.  Kathy asked members to email her some thoughts and she would draft a letter to send to the City Commission.  Discussion of the Library project continued…

ARTS ROUNDTABLE:  Kathy reported that Marla Jackson, an LCAC grant recipient, presented about her quilt show currently on display at the Spencer.

The meeting adjourned.