TOWN OF EAST HARTFORD
FINE ARTS COMMISSION
Meeting of November 11, 2010
Vice Chair Schroeter called the meeting of the Fine Arts Commission to order at 7:03 p.m. at the Russell residence, 118 Oak Street (due to the holiday closing of the East Hartford Community Cultural Center).
I. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Regina Barall; Terrye Blackstone; Glynis McKenzie; Judy Okeson;
Maureen Rodgers; John Ryan; Betty Russell; Dan Russell; Florence Schroeter;
Prescille Yamamoto.
ABSENT: Karen Howe (excused); Hilde Mayranen-O’Brien (excused); Roberta Sweeney;
Sue Tukey.
II. MINUTES
MOTION By Prescille Yamamoto
Seconded by John Ryan
To approve the minutes of October 14, 2010.
Approved.
III. CHAIR’S REPORT
No report at this time.
IV. CORRESPONDENCE
Correspondence received:
- Hartford Fine Arts and Framing
V. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Music
Florence Schroeter spoke in reference to the Bisaccia performance. She had posters for distribution throughout town. Betty Russell told Florence that they could be distributed with the Holiday Fest posters this month.
Florence reported that the Organ and Opera concert at St. John’s Church had approximately 40-50 people in attendance.
Photography
John Ryan reported that he had investigated the cost for a Gallery Mounting System at EHCCC. It would cost thousands of dollars to have this equipment installed.
Film Series
The clerk received 2 invoices from Glynis McKenzie. One was for the purchase of films and the other was for the public viewing rights for 2 of the films. Payment will be approved under Payment of Bills.
Art
- Plan Purchase Award/Ahl Exhibit
Terrye Blackstone announced that this exhibit will not be possible because the art work is wrapped for the planned library expansion.
- Goodwin One-Room Schoolhouse Project
Terry Blackstone announced that this project is being put on hold until a commitment can be made by Mark Scheinberg, President of Goodwin College, to begin the process.
Terrye Blackstone reported there was an Art League Demonstration by a town artist on contemporary art.
Terrye Blackstone had the calendar from Hartford Fine Arts and Framing of events happening at their facility. She also had information on the Wadsworth Festival of Trees and suggested a group of Commissioners attend this event.
Dan Russell reported he will be doing a Book Binding workshop in the Spring of 2011. He will be doing a demonstration in January 2011 for the Art League.
Children’s Programs
Prescille Yamamoto reported in the absence of Hilde Mayranen-O’Brien. Donald Boudreaux was scheduled to do a summer program at the library for children. This never took place. He will be doing a program on December 11 with the funds given him.
Prescille further reported there is an issue with getting cooperation from the library to schedule children’s programs. She and Hilde will continue to contact Bea Piersa.
EHSYF
No report at this time.
East Hartford Public Schools Mini-Grant
Betty Russell reported that she had written a letter to Laura White with the concern the Commission had on the applications. Laura White requested that the Commission reconsider doing the grant again. Betty Russell spoke with her subcommittee (Karen Howe, Prescille Yamamoto) and it was agreed the grant application would go to Laura White with a deadline application of December 10, 2010. The subcommittee will get together to review them. There is still $1575 in the budget to be awarded.
Dance
Regina Barall stated that she will be doing a program in April 2011 entitled “Around the World”. This program will feature performers from East Hartford, Hartford, Middletown and New Britain. Regina stated that the Commission has given her $1000 for the past many years and costs have gone up to put on a successful program. Regina Barall has submitted a grant application requesting additional money. This grant application will be sent to all Commissioners for their review and discussion will be held at the December 9, 2010 meeting.
Betty Russell suggested to Regina Barall to approach Roger Moss for her dance program to do a performance during Summer Series.
Drama/Lecture/Poetry
Maureen Rodgers reported she will be contacting Jane Schneeloch to do a performance on her poetry writing about Georgia O’Keefe paintings.
Betty Russell stated that MCC has a wonderful poetry program and students perform for the public.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
2010-2011 Budget (monies distributed to sub-committees)
Prescille Yamamoto distributed a spreadsheet of the budget. Discussion was held and it was brought to the attention of the Commission that the line item for Summer Series was overspent by $300. Last year the Summer Series received a total of $800 from the Commission even though only $500 was allocated.
Regina Barall requested that the Commission re-allocate funds for the Dance subcommittee because the $1000 has been the amount for many years and programs are costly when using experienced, talented artists.
Goals and Responsibilities of Sub-Committee
Florence Schroeter stated that it is the responsibility of the sub-committees to plan events throughout the year for the citizens of East Hartford. Discussion was held on the types of programs that are successful.
John Ryan stated that a survey should be done, asking the residents in town what type of programs they would like to see. This survey could be done during a Summer Series concert when there is a very diverse group. John Ryan will handle this survey. He further recommended that the Commission utilize Channel 5.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
Meeting dates - 2011
A draft of the memo to Sharon Miller, Town Clerk, was distributed. Two dates were corrected.
MOTION By Prescille Yamamoto
Seconded by Maureen Rodgers
To approve the dates as corrected for the 2011 Fine Arts Commission meeting dates.
Approved.
VIII. APPROVAL OF BILLS
Theresa Godreau $ 80.00
Paul Bisaccia (music) $ 800.00
Piano tuning (NTE) (expenses) $ 150.00
Glynis McKenzie (film series $ 95.46
Willowbrook Grant (Children’s Program) $ 500.00
Film Movement (film series) $ 750.00
MOTION By Betty Russell
Seconded by Prescille Yamamoto.
To pay the bills as submitted.
Approved.
IX. MEMBER’S CONCERNS .
Terrye Blackstone announced that Podunk Bluegrass Festival received national recognition.
Judy Okeson reported that her young nephew did a music and movement program at the University of Hartford.
It was decided not to do a Holiday Basket for Park and Recreation Department.
The clerk will place a flyer in the mailing asking Commissioners to bring an appetizer for next month’s meeting for a social gathering for the holidays after the meeting.
X. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION By Prescille Yamamoto
Seconded by Florence Schroeter
To adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m.
Unanimous.
The next Fine Arts Meeting will be held on Thursday, December 9, 2010 at the EHCCC, 50 Chapman Place, Room 12.
Respectfully submitted,
Theresa A. Godreau, Clerk
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