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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-02-1998 Auburn Arts Commission Monday, February 2, 1998 MINUTES Commissioners present: Herman Ansingh,' Ron Carson, Paul Dodsworth, Bonnie Egbert, Bobby Medina, Lynn Norman, Barbie Sharrard, Gertie Sprenger Commissioners absent: Paul Fouhy, Pam Smith Staff present: Josie Emmons, Susan Sagawa II. Chair Norman called the meeting to order at 4:35pm. She asked the minutes be approved as mailed. Commissioner Ansingh moved the minutes be approved. Motion seconded by Commissioner Dodsworth. MOTION PASSED Chair Norman reported that Arts Day in Olympia is February 25. A group from Auburn will be going. Those commissioners who are going need to let staff know. Commissioner Dodsworth volunteered to contact local elected representatives to set up appointments to visit them. Arts Day is organized by the Washington State Arts Alliance. Its purpose is to bring awareness to the good things the arts do for a community. III. Commissioner Gardner reported that the BRAVO! committee met and has reviewed the statistics from the last couple of years' performances as well as giving a critical review of this year's season to date. The most popular performances were those like Peking Acrobats followed by orchestra, Nutcracker, musical theatre, opera, and modern dance. The committee has requested that staff look into the possibilities of modern dance/jazz combined programs. Discussion proceeded as follows: the Commission agreed with the committee's recommendation to take a year's respite from presenting the Seattle Opera. It was discussed as to whether or not to continue with two performances of the Auburn Symphony. It was agreed that the Symphony provide "bookend performances" for the 1998/99 season with one of the performances being targeted towards families. Some Commissioners felt that although Peking Acrobats were popular, it was preferred to have a group like Flying Karamozoff Brothers fill that slot. Staff was given direction to negotiate with Village Theatre to bring this company back next year. It was acknowledged that the type of performance Village would be touring was very important and staff is to update the Commission. Inquiries were made as to whether a Shakespeare play would be a IV. good addition. Again, staff was given direction to explore the possibility and report back. Consensus was to keep the series at 5 types of performances, although a special "Subscriber bonus" performance could also be added. Chair Norman noted that Auburn is held up as a model in the region for presenting and for the BRAVO! series. It was suggested by the committee that the evening programs next year should begin at 7:30pm rather than 8:00pm. Staff reported that they are working with a volunteer, Frank Catalano to develop a marketing plan. Mr. Catalano is a professional writer whose specialty is marketing. The Commission will be given this plan for review as it takes form. Staff reported that the Call for Artists for the Library Project has gone out. It was mailed to over 75 artists. There will be a site tour on Monday, February 9 at 3:00 for interested artists and a representative from the King County Library System. There is a very tight time frame for this project. This Commission will again meet on February 23 to review slides. The Downtown Plan, RTA Station, and 3rd Street ramp are simultaneous projects which will require an artist on the design teams. Staff met with Carol Valenta from the RTA regarding art. It was recommended that Vicki Scuff's work be reviewed to possibly hire her as the artist to work on the downtown plan. Staff will make a studio visit to Ms. Scuri and report back to the Commission. The artist residencies are being organized at the four middle schools and will take place in March and April. Staff is working with two actors who have formed a company named "Variety Plus" to conduct an arts camp during spring break in April. This camp is the outcome of a goal established by the Commission to create an arts camp program during a time when school is out. This year it will be conducted in lieu of Festiva del Sol. The youth will put together a production of the musical Pinocchio and the performance will be flee. and open to all. It was discussed whether or not to charge for participation in the program and it was decided that in order to create a program of this nature, it would need to at least partially support itself through revenues. It was also agreed that it is within the norms in other communities to charge a fee for arts camps. The camp will be 5 hours per day, for five days. Staff recommended a fee of $40 and stated that if possible, less could be charged. Children who could not afford the program could be covered by the Parks Department Scholarship program. Commissioner Dodsworth moved that a fee of not more than $45 be charged for the camp. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Sprenger. Motion passed Commissioner Carson mentioned that the camp should be documented. It was agreed by many other commissioners that this would be appropriate and a useful tool to explain our programs. Commissioner Carson thought it would be appropriate to video the program and that perhaps a student could do this project. He will ' meet with teachers to discuss the idea. Vo Chair Norman asked Commissioner Ansingh to give a report on the Auburn Symphony. The Auburn Symphony has obtained an office donated by Way Scarff in the Arcade. They will have a telelphone this week. Catherine Champion was offered the position of general manager of the Symphony and accepted. Commissioner Ansingh stated he would like to report more on the organization at the next meeting. Chair Norman reported that Puget Sound Musical Theatre may be moving into the Penny's building. She told company representatives to contact Commission staff for assistance. There was no other business. The meeting adjourned at 5:50pm.