TOWN OF EAST HARTFORD
FINE ARTS COMMISSION
Meeting of February 19, 2009
51 Chapman Street, East Hartford, CT 06108
Hilde Mayranen-O’Brien was appointed the Acting Chair in the absence of Chair Prescille Yamamoto and Vice Chair Karen Howe. Acting Chair Mayranen-O’Brien called the meeting of the Fine Arts Commission to order at 7:00 p.m. in Room 103 of the Cultural Center.
I. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Terrye Blackstone; Eileen Driscoll; Hilde Mayranen-O’Brien; Glynis McKenzie; Judy Okeson; Dan Russell; John Ryan.
ABSENT: Regina Barall (excused); Karen Howe (excused); Maureen Rodgers; Betty Russell (excused), Florence Schroeter; Sue Tukey; Prescille Yamamoto. (excused).
II. MINUTES
MOTION By Judy Okeson
Seconded by Eileen Driscoll
To approve the minutes of January 8, 2009.
Approved.
III. CHAIR’S REPORT
Acting Chair Mayranen-O’Brien reported on behalf of Chair Yamamoto. Chair Yamamoto received a letter from Mayor Currey stating that all future expenditures must be approved by her office. Chair Yamamoto will write a letter to Mayor Currey requesting these expenditures prior to contracts being signed.
IV. CORRESPONDENCE
The following correspondence was received:
- $860 check from the State of CT (grant award from CT Commission of Tourism & Travel) for Magic Lantern program held in October 2008
- Grant application request for Podunk Bluegrass Festival - $2500
- Grant application request for East Hartford Art League to produce a website - $500
- Information from New Britain Museum of Art
- Invitation from Woodland School to attend performance (Mini-grant money) (past date
December 2008)
- Information from Pelham Art Center
V. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Photography
John Ryan reported that Goodwin College has agreed to host a Photography Exhibit in June 2009. He is working on advertising, securing awards, etc.
Student Music and Art Award
Chair Yamamoto and Betty Russell are to meet with Emil Kopcha.
Film Series
Glynis McKenzie reported that 40 people attended the showing of the film “Wedding Director”. The next film is titled “The Aura” and will be shown on March 1, 2009 at 2:30 at the Cultural Center.
Glynis is requesting that she place a paid ad in the Gazette to announce the next film. She feels it is important the Commission support Bill Doak and the town newspaper during this transition of the Gazette. It was agreed this request would be added to the letter to Mayor Currey.
Art
Terrye Blackstone reported on the Grant Application from the Art League. The Art League would like to produce a website which can be used by the Fine Arts Commission to promote programs and promote visual arts throughout town.
MOTION By Eileen Driscoll
Seconded by Dan Russell
To approve $500 grant to the East Hartford Art League to produce a website.
Approved.
NOTE: Chair Yamamoto will request this expenditure for approval to Mayor Currey.
Terrye Blackstone further reported that Emil Kopcha had scheduled Donald Boudreaux to do a master class at EHHS on February 12, 2009.
Dan Russell reported he and Betty attended an Ansel Adams and Georgia O’Keefe exhibit in Norton, Florida.
Children’s Programs No report at this time.
Dance No report at this time.
EHSYF
Glynis McKenzie reported that EHSYF will do an “Evening of Songs” on April 4, 2009 at Hilltop. There will also be a silent auction. Program will begin at 7:30 cost is $5.00 in advance and $8.00 at the door.
East Hartford Public Schools Mini-Grants No report at this time.
Holiday Fest No report at this time.
Drama/Lecture/Poetry
Terrye Blackstone requested that Hilde Mayranen-O’Brien resurrect “Poetry in the Park”. Hilde will begin working on this.
Music
Dan Russell reported on the student in high school, Thomas Smith, who is an organist studying with the organist at the Cathedral. (Dan heard him play in Westbrook.) He is auditioning at Julliard in New York. Dan has spoken with First Church requesting an organ concert be held there. They are in agreement. Dan will report next month as to the date. A token honorarium can be given to Thomas Smith.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
Glynis McKenzie is looking for ads for Beethoven.com
VII NEW BUSINESS
Terrye Blackstone discussed the iTowns cover of the Hartford Courant. She will contact Jim Ferrell to find out how the visual arts are chosen for the cover.
Terrye Blackstone invited the membership to attend the Art League program on Sunday, February 22 from 1-3 p.m. Jeff Feldmann will feature a slide show presentation.
VIII. APPROVAL OF BILLS
Theresa Godreau – clerk (February meeting) $ 80.00
Jeff Feldman (Art League Slide Presentation) $ 100.00
Luciana Heineman (Art Demonstration Art League) $ 100.00
Donald Boudreaux (Master Class) $ 500.00
MOTION By John Ryan
Seconded by Glynis McKenzie
To pay the bills as submitted.
Approved.
IX. MEMBER’S CONCERNS
Glynis McKenzie reported she attended the Luciana Heineman art demonstration and enjoyed it.
Discussion was held on the Mayor’s directive informing the Commission that approval must be done prior to spending money. Budget items that have been approved by the membership will go forward, additional programs must be approved by Mayor Currey prior to signing a contract.
X. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION By Dan Russell
Seconded John Ryan
To adjourn the meeting at 7:45 p.m.
Approved.
The next Fine Arts Meeting will be held on Thursday, March 11, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at the Cultural Center in Room 12, EHCCC.
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