TOWN OF EAST HARTFORD
FINE ARTS COMMISSION
October 14, 2010
Chair Howe 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; Karen Howe; Glynis McKenzie; Judy Okeson;
Maureen Rodgers; Betty Russell; Dan Russell; Florence Schroeter.
ABSENT: Regina Barall; (excused); Hilde Mayranen-O’Brien; John Ryan; (excused); Roberta Sweeney;
Sue Tukey; Prescille Yamamoto.
II. MINUTES
MOTION By Maureen Rodgers
Seconded by Betty Russell
To approve the minutes of September 9, 2010.
Two Corrections: Terry Blackstone stated that the frame that was donated to the library was the original frame from the Purchase Award in May 2010 because the painting was reframed by Hartford Fine Arts and Framing.
Also Under Music: Karen Howe reported that she had spoken (not spoke) to Pat Sirois.
Approved with noted corrections.
III. CHAIR’S REPORT
Chair Howe reported that she had a meeting with Mayor Currey and the Mayor is very concerned with the attendance or lack of for commissioners.
IV. CORRESPONDENCE
Correspondence received:
- St. Joseph’s announcing exhibits
- New Britain Museum of American Art
- Thank you from the Fire Department for the donation in honor of Cynthia Rozela
V. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Dance No report at this time.
Drama/Lecture/Poetry
Terrye Blackstone reported the presentation by Jeff Feldman was interesting. Mr. Feldman sent a thank you note to the Commission for sponsoring his program. He liked the idea of sending post cards with his work as an invitation and he will be using the idea in the future.
Music
Glynis McKenzie reported there will be an Organ Recital and vocalist performing at St. John’s Church on October 31. Glynis requested that the Fine Arts sponsor the program for $250 as well as do an ad in the East Hartford Gazette for $100.
MOTION By Glynis McKenzie
Seconded by Betty Russell
To sponsor the Organ Recital at St. John’s Church for $250 and to place an ad in the Gazette for $100 out of the advertising line item.
Approved.
Florence Schroeter spoke in reference to the Bisaccia performance and the promoting of the event. She will be receiving posters from Paul as well as his bio. Advertising will be done for this program. Glynis will do the program.
Karen Howe reported that Buffa is unavailable for an October performance. She will work on having them perform in February 2011.
Children’s Programs
Chair Howe stated that a grant did not come in from Willowbrook for a Buffa performance. The clerk will email the principal, Joanne LeBeau, to have her write a grant to have a Fine Arts performance at the school.
Chair Howe will contact Bea Piersa to see if programs are being scheduled over winter vacation.
Photography No report at this time.
Film Series
Glynis McKenzie reported that the viewing rights costs have increased and wondered if the Commission still wanted to have 4 films in the series.
MOTION: By Maureen Rodgers
Seconded by Dan Russell
To pay the additional viewing rights costs and to have 4 films in the series.
Approved.
Glynis further reported she will be purchasing films and donating the films to the library after viewing. Films featured will be from Uruguay, Sweden, Africa and France. Showings will be the second Saturday in January, February, March and April.
Art
Terrye Blackstone reported there will be an Art Demonstration (Oils) by a UConn student on November 7 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. in the Art League Room.
Terrye Blackstone passed a copy of the preliminary Art League website home page.
Goodwin College
Terrye Blackstone reported that she and Dan Russell will be presenting interested artists to create a painting of the Goodwin One-Room School House to be hung at Goodwin College at the next meeting. The Commission will make the decision as to what artist will be commissioned to do the painting.
EHSYF
Karen Howe reported that a website is being constructed for EHSYF and should be available January 2011.
She further reported the following:
- They will be holding a bake sale at Fall Fest
- There will be Strolling Carolers at the Holiday Fest Tree Lighting
- Christmas Karaoke will be performed during Holiday Fest.
- An Outreach Program will be done at assisted living facilities as well visiting shut-ins to sing holiday music.
- As a fundraiser EHSYF will be doing Christmas Caroling Cards.
Chair Howe further reported that East Hartford High School Drama Club will be doing “Guys & Dolls” in the spring of 2011.
East Hartford Public Schools Mini-Grant
Betty Russell reported that she worked with Karen Howe and Prescille Yamamoto to review the grants submitted. Betty stated that the committee was extremely disappointed in the applications and the requests. Only 2 proposals will be awarded this year. The other applications requested equipment for their classroom. Betty stated that it is not the Fine Arts Commission’s responsibility to purchase equipment for East Hartford Public Schools through the grant.
Those grants awarded are both for Sunset Ridge School totaling $925. The clerk will follow through with letters and payment.
Betty requested that the balance of the allotted money be used to plan programs at schools so children have the opportunity for fine arts programs.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
2010-2011 Budget (monies distributed to sub-committees)
Due to Prescille Yamamoto’s absence there was not a spreadsheet available.
Once monies are allocated, goals and responsibilities of sub-committees will be discussed.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
Chair Howe will investigate the possibility of having the Yale Whiffenpoofs or Chamber Groups perform as a program sponsored by the Commission. She will report further next month.
November 11, 2010 meeting
Because of Veteran’s Day, the EHCCC will not be opened. Discussion was held on having the Commission meet on a different day. Due to conflict of dates for those present, it was decided that the Commission will hold the meeting on November 11, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at Dan and Betty Russell’s home, 118 Oak Street. (Thank you Dan and Betty!)
VIII. APPROVAL OF BILLS
Two grant applications were received from Roger Moss. The following action was taken:
MOTION By Glynis McKenzie
Seconded by Judith Okeson
To award $800 for the Summer Series program and additional funding will be considered if and when monies are available.
Approved.
(Betty Russell will contact Roger Moss to give him the information on a performer that the Commission will sponsor for the Summer Series.)
MOTION By Glynis McKenzie
Seconded by Maureen Rodgers
To award $1500 for Podunk Bluegrass Festival program and additional funding will be considered if and when monies are available.
Approved.
Theresa Godreau $ 80.00
Podunk Bluegrass (grant) $1500.00
Summer Series (grant) $ 800.00
Glynis McKenzie (lecture postcards) $ 59.25
St. John’s (organ recital) $ 250.00
East Hartford Gazette (advertising) $100.00
East Hartford Public Schools (mini-grant) $ 925.00
MOTION By Dan Russell
Seconded by Terrye Blackstone.
To pay the bills as submitted.
Approved.
IX. MEMBER’S CONCERNS .
X. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION By Maureen Rodgers
Seconded by Terrye Blackstone
To adjourn the meeting at 8:25 p.m.
Unanimous.
The next Fine Arts Meeting will be held on Thursday, November 11, 2010 at the home of Betty and Dan Russell, 118 Oak Street, East Hartford.
Respectfully submitted,
Theresa A. Godreau, Clerk
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