TOWN OF EAST HARTFORD
FINE ARTS COMMISSION
Meeting of September 8, 2011
Chair Howe called the meeting of the Fine Arts Commission to order at 7:02 p.m.
I. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Regina Barall; Terrye Blackstone; Karen Howe; Glynis McKenzie; Judy Okeson; Maureen Rodgers; Betty Russell; Dan Russell.
ABSENT: Hilde Mayranen-O’Brien; John Ryan (excused);Florence Schroeter (excused); Roberta Sweeney; Sue Tukey; Prescille Yamamoto.
GUEST: Candy Guastamachio (EHHS Band Teacher)
Chair Howe turned the meeting over to guest, Candy Guastamachio. Candy reported on the program that was made possible by the Fine Arts Commission. She reported that the grant money paid for 2 UConn students to work with the EHHS band drum line. This program was very successful and Candy was extremely pleased with the outcome. She was grateful to the Commission for their support.
II. MINUTES
MOTION By Glynis McKenzie
Seconded by Maureen Rodgers
To approve the minutes of July 14, 2011.
Approved.
III. CHAIR’S REPORT
Chair Howe reported the following:
- Letters were drafted to two members who have not been in attendance over the past year. Discussion was held. It was agreed that a response date would be put on the letter. Further, Mayor LeClerc as well as Pat Gately, Chair
of Democratic Town Committee and Joe Kronin, Chairman of the Republican Town Committee will receive copies of the letters.
- Chair Howe distributed the business cards and note cards to Commissioners.
IV. CORRESPONDENCE
- St. Joseph’s College is hosting a Italia Bella exhibit September 9 – December 11, 2011
- An exhibit is being held at Clare Gallery at St. Patrick’s-St. Anthony’s Church
V. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Music
Chair Howe reported in the absence of Florence Schroeter. Paul Bisaccia will be performing during Holiday Fest 2011. He will perform Classic Christmas Jazz on Saturday, December 3 at 2:00 p.m. Cost will be $800. ($500 from Holiday Fest, $300 from Music line items under Special Events.)
MOTION By Maureen Rodgers
Seconded by Regina Barall
To have Paul Bisaccia perform during Holiday Fest 2011.
Approved.
Photography
Chair Howe received an email from John Ryan. He is planning to have a nature photographer hold a presentation.
Further, John Ryan contacted Roger Moss in reference to training on the equipment in the Cultural Center that can be used to show the Film Series.
Film Series
Glynis McKenzie spoke with Roger Moss about the equipment to be used for the Film Series. His concern was the security of the equipment as well as the proper use of the equipment.
The Film Series is scheduled: January 14, February 11, March 10 and April 14. The movies to be presented are Korean, Jordanian, Moroccan and Russian. She presented the invoice for 3 of the DVDs purchased.
Art
Terrye Blackstone is looking into having Sculptor Marilyn Thrall do a Master Class. She will report further on this next month.
Terrye Blackstone also reported that the Art League will be having illustrators, artists, etc. to do workshops during the year. She will keep the Commission informed.
Children’s Programs
Regina Barall reported that she has scheduled a Dance/Movement at Willowbrook for the full year. She stated the teacher cost will be $1000 and will go through the Circle of Life. The teacher will begin with the 3-4 year olds.
Further discussion will be held on Children’s Programs next month to see if additional programs or funding will be needed.
Dance
A fundraiser is being planned, “The Gatsby Gala” being held on 9/25. In the spring, the “Around the World” program will take place, featuring dance talent from various ethnic groups.
Reggie reported that Circle of Life is now doing a visual arts program with “at-risk” students.
EHSYF
Chair Howe reported “The Wiz” was successful and was truly a youth program. During rehearsals, on Fridays, teaching programs took place for the cast. The classes featured performance, make-up, costuming, etc.
A fundraiser will be held on Veterans Day, featuring a cast of 5 performing “You’re a good man, Charlie Brown.”
Drama/Lecture/Poetry No report at this time.
Mini-Grant – East Hartford Public Schools
Betty Russell reported she will be contacting Laura White, Director of Performing Arts. The applications will go out on Monday, September 12 to Ms. White for distribution to the entire Performing Arts department. The application deadline is October 24. A committee, consisting of Regina Barall, Judith Okeson, and Betty Russell will review applications and award the grants at the November meeting.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
Town of East Hartford Pamphlet No report at this time.
Terrye Blackstone stated this project would promote the Fine Arts Commission as well as the Economic Development Commission. This pamphlet will show various destination points in East Hartford.
Distribution of sub-committee monies
Tabled until next month due to the absence of Prescille Yamamoto.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
Chair Howe began discussion on what programs will be featured this year, looking for recommendations. The following are scheduled:
September Gatsby Gala
October
November EHSYF “You’re a good man, Charlie Brown.”
December Holiday Fest – Paul Bisaccia
City Singers
January Film Series
February Film Series
March Film Series
April Film Series
“Around the World” dance program
May
June
Discussion was held on various programs such as, Buffa, Trinity Pipes, Hartford Symphony.
It was recommended having a teacher’s art exhibit in town.
Chair Howe informed the Commission that within the next few years it will be the 50th anniversary of the Commission. A celebration should be planned, and requested Commissioners recommend programs.
VIII. APPROVAL OF BILLS
Discussion was held on line-item funds in Special Events.
MOTION By Judith Okeson
Seconded by Betty Russell
To disperse the Special Events line items for Podunk BlueGrass, EHSYF, Summer Series and Dance.
APPROVED.
Theresa Godreau (clerk fee) $ 80.00
Karen Howe (expenses-ink/envelopes) $ 29.01
Glynis McKenzie (expenses-DVDs) $ 47.47
Podunk BlueGrass (Special Events) $1500.00
EHSYF (Special Events) $1000.00
Summer Series (Special Events) $ 500.00
Dance (Circle of Life-Special Events) $1000.00
MOTION By Dan Russell
Seconded by Betty Russell
To pay bills as submitted.
Approved.
IX. MEMBER’S CONCERNS
X. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION By Glynis McKenzie
Seconded by Maureen Rodgers
To adjourn the meeting at 8:33 p.m.
Unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Theresa A. Godreau, Clerk
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