HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-05-2013 (2)City of Auburn Arts Commission, City Hall Annex, One Main, Conference Room 1
Tuesday, March 5, 2013 Meeting Minutes
Present: Nancy Colson, Cary Davidson, Heidi Harris, Colleen Maloney, DeNae McGee, Dan
Norman, Ronie Schwend, Greg Watson, Laura Westergard, Council Liaison Rich Wagner, Arts
Coordinator Maija McKnight, Arts and Events Manager Julie Brewer. Excused: Nickole Evans -
Buck, Patricia Judd, Leslie Moore,
Guests: Scot Pondelick, Gerald McBreen, Striped Water Poets and Marjorie Rommell,
Northwest Renaissance Poets, Debby Deal, past commission member
I. Call to Order, Approval of Minutes, Introductions and Approval of Minutes:
Chair Ronie Schwend called the meeting to order at 4:30 pm. Commissioner Harris moved to
approve the February 2013 meeting minutes. Commissioner Westergard seconded the motion.
All approved. Motion approved.
II. Poetry in Auburn
Maija McKnight introduced Gerald McBreen, Striped Water Poets and Marjorie Rommel,
Northwest Renaissance Poets. As recent recipients of re -grant funding to present public
programming, as well as planning activities for National Poetry Month in April, guests were
asked to attend the commission meeting to provide an overview of their organization, overview
of upcoming program, and discussion of the literary arts in Auburn. Striped Water Poets and
Northwest Renaissance Poets provided a comprehensive overview of the wide variety of
programming that is currently planned as well as initial ideas for the future. Discussion
continued.
III. Arts Workshops /Classes /Events
Maija McKnight initiated a discussion about art workshops, classes and events noting that
efforts had been made in the past to offer more educational arts opportunities several years
prior. The "Art with Artists" class series was cancelled when staff layoffs occurred.
ArtRageous Festival, originally planned as a one -time event was received very well, and
became an annual event. This past year, in order to accommodate growth of attendance, the
festival was moved downtown and the results were not as expected. As a follow -up to the
evaluation of the ArtRageous festival, the visual arts committee discussed in detail potentially
redirecting funds and staff efforts to re -offer learning opportunities and strategies to be able to
offer art making experience to a wide audience.
ArtRageous Festival's core was a variety of artists offering hands -on- quality art experiences.
Staff and the Visual Arts Committee bring forth a proposal to implement "ArtRageous Zone"
within the variety of festivals and well- attended events throughout the summertime. This would
allow both for a much broader audience reach, as well as to interact with members of the public
who might not self - select to attend an "arts only" festival. The money would be redirected to
secure hand -on art activities under the direction of an artist at the existing festivals to include
Petpalooza, Kids Day, 4t" of July, Summer Sounds and Cinema, and Kids Summer Stage.
In addition to the ArtRageous Zone at popular festivals, additional classes and workshops will
be offered that focus both on medium -based intensive workshops as well as professional
development opportunities for practicing artists.
Commissioner McGee shared her support for the new direction, but commented on the unique
and special qualities of ArtRageous as it was in the inaugural year. Commissioners discussed
and supported this proposal to direct finances toward ArtRageous Zone at existing festivals and
offer adult art educational opportunities.
IV. Updates and Upcoming Events
Staff McKnight provided and overview of the variety of Pride and Prejudice performances and
events that had occurred and what was coming up. "80s at 8 Film Series" began with an
attendance of 60 individuals" Rainbow Dance Theatre will be held on March 23 and is the last of
the PAC performances for the 2012 -13 season. Commissioner Greg Watson shared that he is
serving as the guest curator of the next exhibition at the White River Valley Museum that will
feature incredible Asian American visual artists from the region. The opening for the exhibit will
be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2013.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:55 pm
Respectfully submitted, Maija McKnight