TOWN OF EAST HARTFORD
FINE ARTS COMMISSION
Meeting of September 10, 2009
51 Chapman Street, East Hartford, CT 06108
Chair Yamamoto called the meeting of the Fine Arts Commission to order at 7:05 p.m. in Room 12 of the Cultural Center.
I. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Terrye Blackstone; Karen Howe; Hilde Mayranen-O’Brien; Glynis McKenzie; Judy Okeson;
Betty Russell; Dan Russell; Maureen Rodgers; John Ryan; Florence Schroeter;
Prescille Yamamoto
ABSENT: Regina Barall (excused); Eileen Driscoll (excused); Sue Tukey (excused).
Guests: Holly Reid, President of East Hartford Art League; Meredith Olints, Website designer.
II. MINUTES
MOTION By Betty Russell
Seconded by Hilde Mayranen-O’Brien
To approve the minutes of July 9, 2009
Approved.
At this time Chair Yamamoto turned the meeting over to Holly Reid and Meredith Olints to discuss a possible website for the Art League and the Fine Arts Commission.
Holly Reid thanked the Commission for the opportunity to speak in reference to a website. She strongly feels this would be an effective way to disseminate information about the arts to the citizens of East Hartford. She introduced Meredith Olints to discuss the proposal.
Meredith Olints, owner of Chameleon Designs, reported that there would be a minimal cost of $500 to design a website 5-10 pages long. Web presence is important in this time of a technology driven society. Cost to update the site would be $40 per hour.
Questions were asked by the membership in reference to having a user friendly site for members to update the site to announce the various events throughout the year. One suggestion was to have a main page and link it to a blog.
A concern was having the Art League the main owner of the site with a link to the Fine Arts Commission. The intent must be clear. It was decided another company come in and discuss the fees involved so a decision can be made.
III. CHAIR’S REPORT
Chair Yamamoto reported that five commission terms will be ending on December 31, 2009. She requested the commissioners contact their district chair to inform them of their intentions. The commission should have 15 members. The Commission has been down one member for quite a while. Chair Yamamoto is working with Mayor Currey to get the slot filled.
Chair Yamamoto announced that this is the odd year, it is time for elections. She appointed the following people to the Nominating Committee: Terrye Blackstone, Judith Okeson and Betty Russell. Nominations will be in November with the vote in December.
Chair Yamamoto reported she will not be in attendance at the October 8 meeting. She will be out of the country. Vice Chair Howe will oversee the meeting.
IV. CORRESPONDENCE
Correspondence was as follows:
Wadsworth Atheneum
Big Moe
NSP Update
Hudson River School information at St. Joseph’s College
V. REVIEW AND ESTABLISHMENT OF 2009-10 BUDGET
Chair Yamamoto led a discussion of the 2009-10 budget. Total budget is $22543. It was agreed Special Events budget will remain as submitted.
V. COMMITTEE REPORTS
EHSYF
Karen Howe reported that “Footloose” was a success. She feels the Sterner-Hallquist philosophy has returned. The financial report is not complete at this
time. She will report this information at a later date.
Karen further reported that the EHSYF production staff is working with EHHS music department. “Bye-Bye Birdie” will be produced in March 2010. The seed
money given by the Fine Arts Commission helped begin this process for EHHS.
East Hartford Public Schools Mini-Grants
Betty Russell reported the new grant application is ready. The clerk will email it to Mr. Kopcha, he in turn will get it to his staff. Deadline is October 2. Mr.
Kopcha will get all the applications to the clerk and she will submit them to Betty for review and awarding. Betty stated for the record she is very fond of this
project and the impact it has on many students and staff in the East Hartford Public Schools.
MOTION By Maureen Rodgers
Seconded by Hilde Mayranen-O’Brien
To allocate $2500 for the Mini-Grant Fine Arts Awards
Approved.
Holiday Fest
Betty Russell reported that the Beautification Commission is beginning the process for Holiday Fest. The Fine Arts Commission will sponsor a holiday program by “Buffa”. Cost will be no more than $500.
Drama/Lecture/Poetry
Hilde Mayranen O’Brien reported there was a small group at the program in August. She would like to build on this program with the Children’s programs at the
East Hartford public library.
Terrye Blackstone stated it was a lovely evening.
Chair Yamamoto recently met former East Hartford English Teacher, Jane Schneeloch. Jane has published a poetry book using the Georgia O’Keefe paintings. She recommended that Hilde contact Jane (through Maureen Rodgers) to investigate the possibility of having a program using her published work.
Music
Florence Schroeter reported she has booked Paul Bisaccia and John Thomas for May 16, 2010 at First Church.
Karen Howe reported Greater Hartford Opera Express will be performing on September 20 at the Community Cultural Center at 2:00 p.m.
Karen Howe has scheduled “Buffa” for a comedy program on October 17, 2009 at the Cultural Center at 7:00 p.m.
Photography
John Ryan is hoping to have a program at Goodwin College in January 2010. He is hoping that extensive advertising in November and December will bring in a
successful exhibit.
Terrye Blackstone thanked John for photographing the 2009 Purchase Award.
Film Series No report at this time.
Art
Terry Blackstone reported the Art League is in the process of scheduling a program in October.
Children’s Programs
Hilde Mayranen O’Brien reported the program with Donald Boudreaux was successful. He enjoyed working with the children at the library. Parents were very
pleased with this program. Hilde stated that Bea Piersa is hoping this collaboration with Donald Boudreaux will continue.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
A. Discussion of Budget Line Item for Advertising
Chair Yamamoto stated that we must note advertising on invoices being submitted so monies can be removed from the proper account.
Discussion was held as to whether the commission should use Beethoven.com again. It was recommended that people attending events be surveyed as to how
they heard about the event.
B. Website for Art League
The membership was concerned with the updating of only 4 times per year. There are many unanswered questions.
Motion By Karen Howe
Seconded by Dan Russell
To table discussion until more information is received.
Approved.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
Hilde Mayranen O’Brien reported that Circle of Life is having a Great Gatsby program on October 3, 2009.
Terrye Blackstone reported that Podunk was well attended. She went to programs and met a woman from France and a gentleman from Alaska.
Terrye Blackstone discussed the possibility of having photographs of East Hartford hang at Goodwin College. She stated it would be a wonderful project for the Commission to undertake. She recommended having photos of the existing barns in East Hartford as well as stone walls. Paintings would also be welcomed.
The items that will be exhibited should have a historical narrative. She will make an appointment with the president of Goodwin College to explore this
recommendation. She further requested that this be a permanent Agenda item.
VIII. DISCUSSION OF BUDGET
Budget was reviewed and will remain as submitted.
IX. Approval of Bills
Theresa Godreau (clerk fee for September 2009) $ 80.00
Beethoven.com (Photography Program-June 09) $300.00
Gazette (Poetry in Park Advertising) $ 79.32
Gazette (GHOE Advertising) $132.20
MOTION By Hilde Mayranen O’Brien
Seconded John Ryan
To approve payment of the bills as submitted.
Approved.
X. MEMBER’S CONCERNS
Florence Schroeter reported there will be a University of Hartford Alumni bus event going to the Clarke Museum. Cost is $60 which included lunch. Move
information is on the University of Hartford website.
XI. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION By Karen Howe
Seconded Maureen Rodgers
To adjourn the meeting at 8:37 p.m.
Approved.
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