HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-02-2012 (2)City of Auburn Arts Commission, City Hall Annex, One Main, Conference Room 1
Tuesday, October 2, 2012 Meeting Minutes
Present: Greg Watson, Nickole Evans, Heidi Harris, Patricia Judd, Colleen Maloney, DeNae McGee,
Leslie Moore, , Dan Norman, Ronie Schwend Arts Coordinator Maija McKnight, Arts Assistant Ashley
Schalow Wagner Excused: Alan Abdulkader, Cary Davidson, Tanya Rottle
I. Call to Order, Approval of Minutes, Introductions and Approval of Minutes:
Chair Greg Watson called the meeting to order at 4:31 pm. Heidi Harris moved to approve the August
2012 meeting minutes. Patricia Judd seconded the motion. All approved. Motion approved.
Guests Barbara Jamison, Education Director for the Seattle Opera
II. Seattle Opera — Opera in Schools Program
Barbara Jamison provided an overview of Seattle Opera's Opera in Schools program. This program is
possible in Auburn through a collaboration between the Seattle Opera, City of Auburn and the Auburn
School District. The program is designed to integrate arts in the existing elementary curriculum.
Seattle Opera returns yearly to Auburn for the residency to honor longtime Auburn arts advocate
Gertrude Sprenger. "Gertie" as she was familiarly called, was deeply committed to arts education and a
devoted patron of opera. She was a founding member of the Auburn Arts commission. She also was
one of only four life -time members of the Seattle Opera Board of Trustees and a driving force behind the
creation of the Seattle Opera's Education Department, of which the Young Artist Program and Opera in
Schools is a large part.
Seattle Opera's 2012 program "Our Earth" guided students as they explored issues of conservation and
earth science through opera. Ilalko Elementary third graders created their own operas by writing their
own stories and composing their own music to perform as part of an assembly. These operas were an
extension of their science curriculum, particularly on the unit of study about Tide Pools. In 2013, Opera
in Schools will work with a different elementary school and experience writing, producing and performing
their own opera around a curriculum theme and also have the opportunity to invite professional singers in
to the school for a fully- staged performance.
III. Public Art
Centennial Park Staff provided an update to the fabrication of "The Long Look" by Brad Rude. Contract
for the artist is in process and going through Mayor and Council for approval.
Outdoor Sculpture Gallery Staff provided an overview and update of the Outdoor Sculpture Gallery
program. The artwork was selected at the September Arts Commission meeting and presented for
members who where not present. The commission discussed programming and promotional goals and
strategies and discussed the "people's choice" process. Discussion continued.
IV. Updates /Announcements /Upcoming Events
At the November meeting the Commission would be asking for nominations for Vice Chair. The Vice
Chair position will serve as Commission Chair in 2014. Voting will be held at the December meeting.
Three commissioner's terms are expiring at the end of the year and include Patricia Judd, Leslie Moore
and Tanya Rottle. Their service and expertise will be truly missed. Commissioner Norman inquired on
Term Limit policies. Term Limits are 2 terms of 3 years each (6 years total) and were implemented 7
years prior. Discussion continued.
• Commissioner Schwend noted that the Auburn Valley Creative Arts (AVCA) open house was a
success and the group is planning for a holiday event /wine tasting on Friday, November 9.
• Commissioner McGee noted that the Auburn Symphony Orchestra was holding a concert on October
21 st which serves as a fundraiser as all of the musicians donated their time for the concert and will be
a compilation of familiar favorites.
• Commissioner Watson noted that the Outlaw Days final performance at the Mary Olson Farm will be
on October 6 and 7.
• Staff McKnight noted a City Hall Gallery artist reception on Thursday, October 4
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:56 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Maija McKnight
Next Arts Commission Meeting Tuesday, November 6, 2012, 4:30 — 6 pm Annex Conference Room 2