HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-06-04; Arts Commission; MinutesMINUTES
Arts Commission Meeting
June 4, 1998 • 4:30 p.m.
City Council Conference Room
The Meeting Was Called To Order at 4:30 p.m.
Present: Commissioners Wood, Kacher/Dolnick, Lignante, Willis, Chattier, Batter
Commissioner Pynes arrived at 4:40 p.m.
MINUTES FOR APPROVAL
Commissioner Batter requested the April 2, 1998 Minutes be amended to note that she was
absent from the meeting.
On Motion by Commissioner Willis, the Minutes of April 2, 1998 were approved as
amended.
AYES: Wood, Kacher/Dolnick, Lignante, Willis, Chartier
ABSTAIN: Batter
OLD BUSINESS
Art Gallery Report
Mrs. Beardsley explained to the Commission that during the planning stage, the Library
Building Review Committee recommended a 2,000 sq. ft. arts gallery be included in the new
Library. The Arts Commission recommended that a gallery committee be established to
develop policies about the gallery. The committee was formed in 1990. The committee
consisted of: Dona Meilach, Jackie Wrench, Pat Hansen, Marje Howard-Jones and Evelyn
Camp. When the construction of the Library was put on hold, the gallery committee was
put on hold.
There is now a new committee consisting of: Steve Sieger (Arts Associates), Carol Tico
(Library staff), Richard Keely (arts education), Connie Chartier(Gallery Committee Chair),
Ann L'Heureux (Library Board), Bill Lignante (Arts Commission), Bunny Kacher/Dolnick (Arts
Commission), and Connie Beardsley and Cliff Lange. The Mission Statement of the gallery is:
"The Carlsbad Municipal Gallery, located in the Cor/shod Library, is dedicated to featuring excellent
quality traveling, curated or juried exhibitions of arts and culture for public enjoyment and
education."
When the 1998-99 budget was presented to the Manager's office, it concentrated on a six
month budget. The committee felt a good quality first show would be an asset for the
following reasons: I) The gallery reflects the high standards of the Library; 2) First
impressions are important to visitors; 3) It communicates the City is interested in arts and
culture, and 4) has the potential to attract future sponsors. The Fieldstone Exhibition will
open the new gallery. It is estimated that a minimum of 5 shows will rotate through the
gallery per year. The committee suggested having a local craft show of items for sale from
Thanksgiving through the new year with funds going towards funding new shows. The Arts
Associates have donated funds towards the gallery. Staffing is an issue. The Arts Office feels it
is important to have full time staff. Staff has been denied, but the Arts Office budget was given
$21,000 to get the gallery off the ground, and with that the Arts Office will be able to hire a
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curator for the first show. Fundraising will be a very important aspect of the gallery. The City
has indicated it will be uncomfortable funding the entire gallery program, but could possiblly
fund operations and staff. The Arts Office is looking for a sponsor for $250,000 to name the
gallery. Commissioner Lignante has been active in fundraising for the gallery. Commissioner
Kacher/Dolnick has been active with the decent program.
Commissioner Batter asked what kind of staff was needed for the gallery. Mrs. Beardsley
replied that a gallery director/public art director is what she would recommend. Staff is also
checking into interns from local universities. Ms. Batter asked how the sponsorship issue
was being advertised. Mrs. Beardsley responded that she is working on a brochure, and will
also look outside the City for sponsors.
Commissioner Willis asked what the cost per show was. Mrs. Beardsley replied that each
show varies widely - some travelling shows can cost up to $100,000. Staff estimated $6,000
per show in the budget not including insurance and shipping.
Artwork by Ellen Ziegler for the Carlsbad Library
Mrs. Beardsley explained that artist Ellen Ziegler contacted her and wanted to make a few
minor changes to her artwork. She is requesting to change the shape of the basin in the rock
which will allow the water to flow more gently. Ms. Ziegler also wants to eliminate some of
the words surrounding the inside of the basin.
Commissioner Batter stated that the changes make the artwork look aesthetically better. She
asked if these changes necessitate further safety approval. Mrs. Beardsley replied that the
changes will not require further safety review - the depth of the basin is not changing.
Commissioner Wood asked if water will flow over the entire work and wants to know how
the water is channelled.
Commissioner Chattier asked if the size of the letters remaining in the basin will be
increased. Mrs. Beardsley replied that the size of the letters probably would not change, but
the spacing between the words might.
On Motion the Commission adopted the changes to Ellen Zieglers artwork for the new
Library.
AYES: Wood, Batter, Pynes, Kacher/Dolnick, Lignante, Chartier, Willis
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Manager's Report
Mrs. Beardsley reported that registration for the summer Creative Arts Camps is going well.
The photography program at Valley Junior High was very successful. The golf course artwork
proposals are on exhibit in the Library through June. RFQ's have been sent on the gate to the
sculpture garden and are due June 10. The first show in the .sculpture garden will be a curated
local show.
Arts Education Report
Commissioner Pynes reported that the 3rd grade arts contest was successful. St. Patrick's
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school contributed for the first time. She has passed the project on to Geoff Armour, staff
liaison to the Historic Preservation Commission.
Mrs. Pynes further reported that an arts education presentation on what programming was
currently available and what was needed in the schools, was made to the CUSD Board of
Trustees on May 27 by Richard Keely, Kevin Johnstone, Kathy Niehouse and herself.
Although funding is an issue, the presentation was well received by the Board. The Board
instructed CUSD staff to review the budget more thoroughly to locate funding for
programming. The item should be returned to the Board with staffs recommendation
sometime in July. Mrs. Pynes asked each Arts Commissioner to write a letter to the CUSD
Board of Trustees supporting this arts education plan.
Golf Course Report
Commissioner Lignante gave an overview of the May 14 golf course presentation that the
Commission attended.
Commissioner Pynes asked if the artwork would be on the Commission's July agenda. Mrs.
Beardsley replied that no decision will have been made by the Golf Course Art Selection
Committee by that time.
Commissioner Willis asked about the process. Mrs. Beardsley replied that public comments
are being gathered. The artwork will then be presented to the Golf Course Art Selection
Committee. That Committee will make its recommendation and the recommendation will
go forward to the Golf Course Steering Committee, and then to the Parks Commission and
Planning Commission and then return to the Arts Commission for approval and
recommendation to City Council.
Commissioner Chattier noted the Arts Commission does not have the opportunity to
choose the artwork for the golf course and suggested Commissioners send their comments
to Commissioner Lignante.
Mrs. Beardsley reminded the Commission to review the process on the selection of artwork.
Commissioner Chattier pointed out that with regard to the golf course artwork, the three
finalists presented very different proposals offering an interesting selection.
Arts Associates Report
The Arts Associates are gearing up for the opportunity drawing and sale of t-shirts, wine
glasses, portable picnic tables and cookbooks during the jazz concerts. The Associates will be
working on membership and defining policies this coming year.
The meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m.
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