TOWN OF EAST HARTFORD
FINE ARTS COMMISSION
Meeting of June 11, 2009
51 Chapman Street, East Hartford, CT 06108
Chair Yamamoto called the meeting of the Fine Arts Commission to order at 7:00 p.m. in Room 12 of the Cultural Center.
I. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Terrye Blackstone; Eileen Driscoll; Karen Howe; Hilde Mayranen-O’Brien; Glynis McKenzie;
Dan Russell; John Ryan; Florence Schroeter; Prescille Yamamoto.
ABSENT: Regina Barall; Judy Okeson (excused); Maureen Rodgers; Betty Russell (excused);
Sue Tukey (excused).
GUESTS: Donald Boudreaux, East Hartford Artist
Roger Moss, Director Park and Recreation
Brian Hall, President Podunk Bluegrass Festival
II. MINUTES
MOTION By Glynis McKenzie
Seconded by Karen Howe
To approve the minutes of May 14, 2009
Approved.
IV. CHAIR’S REPORT
Chair Yamamoto welcomed the guests.
Chair Yamamoto reported there is a balance of $6273 in the 2008-09 budget. The 2009-2010 budget is $22543.
Chair Yamamoto commented on the Paul Bisaccia-John Thomas concert and the wonderful performance it was. She is requesting that Florence Schroeter contact Paul to schedule
a program for next year.
At this time, Chair Yamamoto turned the meeting over to Roger Moss. Roger Moss introduced Brian Hall, President of Podunk Bluegrass. Roger reported that this year East
Hartford residents will be given the opportunity to attend the festival free-of-charge for the four days. Roger thanked the Commission for their continued support of the program. He stated a new company is one of the main sponsors, U.S. Hauling and Recycling Co.
The Sound of Summer Series begins on July 2 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on the Town Green. Nine concerts are planned and the Commission sponsored the Brian McDonald
performance. He thanked the Commission for their support.
V. CORRESPONDENCE
Correspondence was as follows:
- Thank you note from Sunset Ridge and EHMS (Mini-Grant)
- Riverfront Calendar for June – September 2009
- St. Joseph College Art Gallery calendar
- Chris Hyland Photography Exhibit at New Britain Museum of Modern Art
VI. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Children’s Programs
Hilde O’Brien introduced Donald Boudreaux. Mr. Boudreaux informed the Commission that he will be doing a program at the Raymond Library over the summer with children in
grades K-12. At the end of the program there will be a student exhibit. Cost is $1000 for this program and he is looking forward to working with the children in town.
Dance No report at this time.
EHSYF
Karen Howe reported that there have been call-backs for those who did well for try-outs for the musical “Footloose”. EHSYF will be casting this week and rehearsals will begin.
She thanked the Commission for their support and grant award.
Karen Howe stated that the high school has not had a musical or drama club for many years. EHSYF directors will donate their time and work with the fine arts teachers at the
high school to begin a program. Some of the profit from the summer performance will go towards developing a program.
East Hartford Public Schools Mini-Grants
Chair Yamamoto spoke with Betty Russell. Betty is hoping the Commission will continue with this program for the next fiscal year.
Holiday Fest No report at this time.
Drama/Lecture/Poetry
Hilde O’Brien reported that “Poetry in the Park” is scheduled for August 14 at the Veteran’s Memorial Clubhouse. Further information will follow next month. It was
recommended that humorous poetry or limericks be highlighted.
Music
Florence Schroeter reported the Bisaccia/Thomas program was successful. She will begin working on scheduling a performance for next year.
Glynis McKenzie reported that Paul Bisaccia will be performing at Trinity College and the New Britain Museum of Modern Art.
Glynis McKenzie reported there was an Organ Concert at St. John’s Church. The organists did a fine performance.
Photography
John Ryan reported that photo collections will begin on Monday, June 15. The reception is scheduled for June 22 at Goodwin College beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Film Series No report at this time.
Art
Terrye Blackstone reported that the glass from the Purchase Award had cracked and requested that the painting get reframed.
MOTION By Glynis McKenzie
Seconded by Hilde Mayranen-O’Brien
To reframe the Purchase Award (at Hartford Fine Arts & Framing)
NTE $350.
Approved.
Terrye Blackstone had brought a photo album from the Raymond Library with all the pictures from the Purchase Awards to share with the Commissioners. John Ryan gave her
prints from the 2009 Purchase Award.
Terrye Blackstone recommended that the Commission support a Barn and Stone Wall project in town. This will be discussed at a future meeting.
VII. OLD BUSINESS
A. Art League Website
There are many websites that the Art League can view for ideas. It was recommended that the Art League contact Jeanne Webb in the Economic Development office at town
hall for suggestions. This will be discussed under approval of bills.
B. East Hartford Public Schools Fine Arts Grant
Emil Kopcha emailed Chair Yamamoto with recommendations for the grant awards. This will be discussed under approval of bills.
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
A. July 9, 2009 meeting
Karen Howe stated she is available to chair the July 9, 2009 meeting in the absence of Chair Yamamoto.
MOTION By Glynis McKenzie
Seconded by John Ryan
To have the July 9, 2009 meeting and not have an August 2009 meeting (as past practice)
Approved.
IX. APPROVAL OF BILLS
Theresa Godreau – clerk (June meeting) $ 80.00
Ken Lawhorn (piano tuning-Bisaccia Concert) $ 95.00
John Ryan (Photography expenses) $ 100.00
Beethoven.com (advertising) $ 600.00
Hartford Fine Art & Framing (Purchase Award) $ 350.00
Discount Trophy (plaque for Purchase Award) $ 20.00
Donald Boudreaux (Children’s Program) $1000.00
East Hartford Gazette (Ad for Photography exhibit $ 100.00
MOTION By Hilde Mayranen-O’Brien
Seconded by John Ryan
To approve bills as submitted.
Approved.
Discussion was held on recommendations for distribution of the balance of the budget for 2008-09 fiscal year.
The following was discussed:
East Hartford Public Schools Fine Arts Department Grant $1500
Podunk Bluegrass $ 750
Summer Series $ 500
Art League (seed money to develop a website) $ 500
EHSYF (seed money to assist in EHHS drama/musical production) $ 500
MOTION By Glynis McKenzie
Seconded by Hilde Mayranen-O’Brien
To distribute the following grant money as noted above.
Approved.
X. MEMBER’S CONCERNS
None.
XI. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION By Terrye Blackstone
Seconded Hilde Mayranen-O’Brien
To adjourn the meeting at 8:06 p.m.
Approved.
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