HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-08-2005
City of Auburn Arts Commission
Monday, August 8, 2005
Minutes
Commissioners present: Bonnie Egbert, chair; Pam Smith; Herman Ansingh; Nancy Colson;
Steve LePenske; Pat Gallagher; Linda Elliott
Commissioners absent: Anne Baunach; Amanda Flanery; Barbie Sharrard; Don Gardner;
Kristen Brock
Staff present: Lori Patrick, Cultural Arts Manager; Laurie Rose, Cultural Arts Coordinator
Call to order
Commission Chair Bonnie Egbert called the meeting to order at 4:34 p.m.
I. Approval of July minutes
Commissioner Herman Ansingh moved the July minutes be approved as submitted.
Commissioner Steve LePenske seconded the motion. MOTION APPROVED.
II. Public Art Project Update: Auburn Way South and F Street Southeast
Cultural Arts Manager Lori Patrick reported the Auburn Way South and F Street Southeast
public art signage proposal was presented to the City Council's Public Works Committee
and its Planning and Community Development Committee for review. The Public Works
Committee expressed three concerns regarding the project as proposed: readability of the
lettering, supporting way-finding signage and lighting. Ms. Patrick said the proposal has
been tabled one more month before going to the council for approval in order to address the
above issues. Ms. Patrick reported staff is working with artist Ingrid Lahti and various
committee members to address the items of concern. Discussion followed.
III. Shades of Summer! Auburn Idol
Cultural Arts Coordinator Laurie Rose gave a progress report of the Shades of Summer
and Auburn Idol programs. Highlights of the Shades of Summer program so far are The
New Blues Brothers concert in conjunction with Comcast Outdoor Cinema and the
Paperboys concert. Both events drew good-size audiences and positive feedback.
Discussion followed regarding future programming that would build upon the success of
these two presentations. Ms. Patrick reported a special budget request has been submitted
for outdoor cinema presentations next summer. Discussion followed.
Ms. Rose continued with her report regarding Auburn Idol. The Auburn Idol auditions and
the Auburn Idol Jr. contest were held at the end of July during the annual Auburn
Downtown Association's (ADA) Sidewalk Sale. Auditions included a total of22 adults,
from which 15 finalists were selected, ranging in age from 17 to 61, for the final concert
on August 19 at Game Farm Park. The Auburn Idol Jr. contest featured 14 contestants,
ages 8 to 16. The 'winner of the contest was Stefanie Range, age 12, and an 8th grader at
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Mt. Baker Middle School. Mayor Lewis presented Ms. Range with a $100 cash prize,
courtesy of the ADA. Ms. Range will perform again as the opening act at the Auburn Idol
finalist contest. The adult auditions and the Auburn. Idol Jr. contest were both very
successful, attracting a large number of people to the Sidewalk Sale "Mural Stage." Staff
received enthusiastic feedback from all participants. Ms. Rose reported the partnership
with the ADA has been a very positive and constructive relationship.
IV. Shakespeare in the Park
Ms. Patrick reported the free Shakespeare in the Park production, fully sponsored by King
County Health Department's anti-smoking program, Art Patch, has been booked for
Sunday, August 28 at 6 p.m. at Game Farm Park. Marketing initiatives are under way,
which include an "ad" in the upcoming Parks and Recreation Fall Guide, due for
distribution the week of August 15. This is the first presentation of a Shakespeare in the
Park production in several years, and staff is anticipating a good turnout as a result.
V. King County Performance Network
Ms. Patrick reported three performances of the King County Performance Network
program, "Art is Everywhere" --a site-specific, non-traditional venue performance program
sponsored by 4Culture--have been booked at various locations throughout Auburn. The first
performance, Christian Swenson and Molten Vocals, ajazz vocal group, will perform on
October 23 from 10:30 to 11 :30 a.m. at the transit train station and Sunbreak Cafe to
entertain Seabawk football fans on their way to the game. The next performance, The Pony
Boy All Star Big Band, is scheduled for October 30 as part of Parks and Recreation
Halloween event, S'More Than You Imagined. The final performance by dance/theater
artist Kristen Tsiatsios is scheduled for November 11 at the SuperMall as part of its Santa's
Arrival event. The performance is a roving theatrical/movement piece with a message for
children about giving.
VI. BRAVO! Marketing Update
Ms. Rose gave a progress report regarding marketing plans and initiatives for the upcoming
BRA YO! season. The brochure will be ready for distribution the week of August 15. Press,
advertising, direct mail and some radio promotions are planned throughout the season. The
promotion for the first show, Russian American Kids Circus, will follow very shortly after
the season subscription push. Web page improvements are being worked out with the City's
Informational Services department that will better reflect marketing materials distributed.
Ms. Rose asked commissioners for "target audience" ideas for each show.
VII. Other Business
Chamber Luncheon, Aug. 15
October Retreat
Ms. Patrick reminded commissioners of the reservation deadline for the August 15 Chamber
of Commerce Luncheon sponsored by the City to promote the BRA YO! season. Staff has
prepared centerpieces with a circus theme, which include a certificate for 2 complimentary
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tickets to a BRA YO! performance and a season brochure for each attendee. The
centerpieces will be raffled off at the end ofthe luncheon to attendees.
Ms. Patrick announced the annual commission retreat has been set for Monday, October 10
from 4 to 6 p.m. at the White River Yalley Museum. The topic will be: Incubating and
sustaining local art organizations. Discussion followed. Ms. Patrick asked commissioners to
submit ideas for a speaker.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m.
The next meeting is Monday, Sept. 12 at 4:30 p.m. in the City Council Conference Room,
City Hall, 25 W. Main St.
Respectfully submitted,
Laurie Rose
Cultural Arts Coordinator
Sept. 7.2005
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