HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-09-1999Auburn Arts Commission
Monday, Aug. 9, 1999
MINUTES
Commissioners present: Herman Ansingh, Cheryl Hosking, Steve LePenske, Bobby
Medina, Lynn Norman, Pam Smith, Gertie Sprenger, John Stanphill.
Commissioners absent: Paul Dodsworth, Bonnie Egbert (excused), Don Gardner and Barbie
Sharrard (excused)
Staff present: Lori Corso and Susan Sagawa
Chair Lynn Norman called the meeting to order at 4:42 p.m.
I. Introductions and approval of minutes
Chair Norman asked that the minutes be approved as mailed. Herman Ansingh moved that
the minutes be approved. Gertie Sprenger seconded the motion.
MOTION APPROVED
II. Commissioner's Report
A. Update on the meetings of the Auburn Arts fund-raiser
The commission discussed the outcome of two arts fund-raiser meetings (July 19 and
Aug. 2) at the home of Mrs. Leila Booth. After much discussion, the group that met at Mrs.
Booth's decided to parmer with the South County Journal on an arts fund-raiser the paper is
planning for fall 2000. Commissioners agreed to partner with the South County Journal in
pre~enting an arts fund-raiser to benefit South King County arts organizations. The paper
will"select South County Groups to perform. The groups that participate will benefit.
Although specific Auburn arts organizations may not benefit the first year, commissioners
agreed the increased exposure would help boost awareness of the arts in Auburn.
Commissioners discussed listing all Auburn arts groups in the fund-raiser program. Susan
Sagawa said the Eastside Journal (the South County Journal's sister paper) hosts a successful
arts fund-raiser for arts groups in East King County. Commissioners agreed to support a
fund-raiser with a proven track record, instead of launching its own Auburn arts fund-raiser
from scratch.
Herman Ansingh suggested the commission should also continue to offer its expertise to
help enhance the fund-raising efforts of groups such as the Evergreen City Ballet (ECB) and
' :t14"~ Auburn Symphony Orchestra. Susan Sagawa said one way to assist ECB would be to
present a full-length performance by the ballet in the 2000-2001 BRAVO! season.
Susan will continue talks with ECB and will draft a letter of thanks to Leila Booth for
hosting the arts fund-raiser meetings. Chair Norman will follow-up with the South County
Journal regarding the fund-raiser.
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Herman Ansingh moved that at the conclusion of two meetings held at Mayor and Leila
Booth's house, the commission accept the South County Journal's offer for the arts
commission to join the paper to expand its efforts in promoting the arts in South King
County. Gertie Sprenger seconded the motion.
MOTION APPROVED
III. Staff reports
A. RTA Update
Susan Sagawa said Sound Transit has yet to finalize the contract for Phase II of construction
of the Auburn Sound Transit Station. When the contract for Phase II is approved, artist
Vicki Scuri will begin work on Phase II with the landscape architect. The ground-breaking
ceremony for the station is Thursday, Aug. 12,
10 a.m., near the intersection of Main Street and C Street.
B. Vice-chair positibns
The commission agreed to appoint Paul Dodsworth vice-chair through the end of 1999. In
1999, he will become chair, and Cheryl Hosking will become vice-chair. In 2001 Cheryl
Hosking will chair the commission and Steve LePenske will serve as vice-chair.
C. BRAVO! brochure, marketing and sponsorship
Susan Sagawa said 12,000 BRAVO brochures were printed. 8,400 were drop-shipped to
Auburn homes, Thursday, Aug. 5. Staffsent about 600 brochures to people on the BRAVO!
mailing list and the Auburn Symphony Orchestra list. Staff are receiving a lot of good
feedback on the brochure.
Lori Corso said the South County Journal agreed to serve as the BRAVO! media sponsor.
In exchange for including the South County Journal's logo on all promotional materials and
programs, the paper will provide the Arts Commission with 13, free, quarter-page ads in the
weekend entertainment tab. The paper will also receive 10 complimentary tickets to each
performance. The ads are valued at about $4,500 (non-profit rate). Sparkletts also donated
12 cases of water for BRAVO! artists.
D. Shades of Summer concerts
Lori Corso said attendance has been strong. About 700 people attended the noontime
performance by the Gentlemen Jugglers, July 28. The Aug. 6 performance by Capoeira
Oxal~i, canceled due to poor weather, has been rescheduled to Aug. 27. Chair Norman
thanked commissioners who have attended the performances.
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E. Arts Commission retreat
The date for the retreat has changed to Wednesday, Sept. 22, 4 to 8 p.m. in Conference
Room 1. Miriam Barnett, former director of Allied Arts Network of Washington, will
facilitate. Food will be provided.
F. Visit to Nancy Mee/Dennis Evans' Studio
Because many commissioners can't attend the originally scheduled Sept. 11, it is hoped the
visit can be rescheduled to Monday, Nov. 8 at noon.
IV. Other business
A. New Program suggestions
Susan Sagawa said the city is preparing its 2000 budget with a baseline increase of 2.5
percent. Dick Deal, parks and recreation director, has asked each manager to propose two
program improvements, although funding for the proposed programs is not guaranteed.
Susan Sagawa said arts staffhas discussed a theater camp headed by arts assistant Melanie
White. Melanie finished a successful Shakespeare camp this summer. The camp could take
kids through a week-long program of acting and design followed by a performance at
Auburn Avenue Dinner Theatre. Susan Sagawa will follow-up with Auburn Avenue Dinner
Theatre.
To dovetail with the South County Journal's fund-raiser, the arts commission could
distribute a master calendar (Sept. 2000 through Sept. 2001) or a yearly planner of arts
events in Auburn. The calendar could be distributed at the South County Journal's fund-
raising gala. The calendar could include visuals by members of the Auburn Valley Art
Association and/or an artist(s) selected to show in the City Hall Gallery. Commissioners
agreed the community is in need of a master calendar to prevent scheduling conflicts. A
calendar would also serve as a nice gift to the community. If money is allocated for a
calendar, the commission could form a committee to develop a design concept. The
calendar could also included tear-out discount coupons to performances.
B. BRAVO! volunteers
Cheryl Hosking, volunteer coordinator, said Boeing leadership training groups are willing to
volunteer at BRAVO! performances. Pam Smith said the commission only needs to provide
volunteers to work the box office at Auburn Riverside Theatre.
C. Puyallup sculpture garden
Steve LePenske suggested the commission and representatives from the Auburn Chamber of
Commerce visit a rotating sculpture garden in Puyallup. Commissioners discussed
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the possibility of designating a rotating sculpture display in Aubum. Possible locations
could include the City Hall plaza and the transit station.
There was no other business. The meeting adjourned at 6:13 p.m. The next regular meeting
is Monday, Oct. 11, 4:30 p.m. in Conference Room 1. The commission will meet on
Wednesday, Sept. 22, 4 to 8 p.m., in Room 1, for its annual retreat.