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10-9-08 Fine Arts Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
TOWN OF EAST HARTFORD
FINE ARTS COMMISSION
                                Meeting of October 9, 2008
51 Chapman Street, East Hartford, CT 06108

Chair Prescille 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; Glynis McKenzie; Maureen Rodgers; Betty Russell; Dan Russell; Florence Schroeter; Prescille Yamamoto.  

ABSENT: Regina Barall (excused); Hilde Mayranen-O’Brien; Judy Okeson (excused); John Ryan; Sue Tukey.
  
II.     MINUTES
MOTION  By Maureen Rodgers
                Seconded by Betty Russell
To approve the minutes of September 11, 2008            
                Approved unanimously.

III.    CHAIR’S REPORT                                  
Chair Yamamoto reported she received information from the CT. Commission on Culture and Tourism.        They are sponsoring a workshop on grant writing.
                        
IV.     CORRESPONDENCE                                          
           Chair Yamamoto received the following correspondence for the Commission:
  • Thank you from Podunk Bluegrass Festival Committee and Roger Moss for the support that the Commission gives the event
  • New Britain Museum of Modern Art
  • Distributed program from the Magic Lantern Victorian Halloween program.
V.      COMMITTEE REPORTS                               
        
        East Hartford Public Schools Mini-Grants
        Betty Russell, Florence Schroeter and Prescille Yamamoto met prior to the meeting to    review and recommend those schools that submitted a mini-grant.  Ten schools    participated.  Those schools receiving money are as follows:
                Sunset Ridge    School Mural on Plywood         $250.00
                EHHS            Master class w/artist                     500.00
                Goodwin West African Ensemble Drums      500.00
                Woodland        Drumming Performance             500.00
                Langford        Hoffman Discovery Concert                 150.00
                Hockanum        New Britain Museum                        440.00
                EHMS            Bus for Bushnell                         180.00
                                 Phantom of the Opera               $2520.00

        

MOTION          By Betty Russell
                        Seconded by Eileen Driscoll
                        To increase the Mini-grant by $20.00
                        Approved unanimously.
                                
        Holiday Fest                                            
        Betty Russell reported that there will be 4 days of events.  Fine Arts will be sponsoring       BUFFA.  The  EHSYF will also do a performance during Holiday Fest on Friday     evening.

Drama/Lecture/Poetry
        Glynis McKenzie reported that the Magic Lantern Tour went to Sunset Ridge School and    did a performance for approximately 350 students.  A Halloween show was done that       evening at the Cultural Center.  There were about 50 people in the audience.
        
        Maureen Rodgers reported the Gillettes performance took place on September 19.          Attendance was minimal.
        
        Music                                           
        Florence Schroeter reported that Paul Bisaccia, along with John Thomas will be  performing at First Church on May 17, 2009 at 2:00 p.m.  Total cost will be $1200 ($600         each).  Florence will be contacting Jerry Scheinfeld to recommend a tuner for the piano.        The program is: 4 Hands One Piano

        Karen Howe reported GHOE will perform on February 7, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at the   Cultural Center.

        Photography
        Terrye Blackstone reported that Judy Okeson is taking pictures of barns in East Hartford.       Terrye has been working diligently to find a venue for Judy’s exhibit.  Terrye spoke with       Mayor Currey hoping that the old Council Chambers would be available.  Due to the       construction being held at town hall, the Assessor’s office will be temporary located in        that area.  It was recommended that Terrye contact Goodwin College. Other suggestions   for the venue should be directed to Terrye.

       Film Series                                                     
        Glynis McKenzie reported the first film will be on January 4, 2009.

Student Music and Art Award                                     
        Betty and Dan Russell along with Chair Yamamoto will meet with Emil Kopcha to   review the process.

Art
        Terrye Blackstone stated that Judy Okeson had found an article in the paper in reference        to CPTV doing a New Musical Journey Program.  The article spoke of Dr. Feierabend of    the University of Hartford and the work he is doing with 3-7 year old children.  The    article did not mention the Commission and the Music and Movement program they  sponsored over the years working closely with Dr. Feierabend.  It was recommended that  a letter be written to the Courant stating the Commission supported Music and Movement  for many years.
                
        Children’s Programs                                     No report at this time.
        
Dance                                                   No report at this time.
                
        EHSYF   
        Karen Howe reported that the IRS will be reviewing the EHSYF books.  This is the first  time in 3 years being audited.

         A fundraiser will be held on November 15 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the New Covenant     Church.  There will be a pasta dinner and holiday gift basket auction.

        EHSYF Selection Committee for the upcoming show is awaiting word from NY for    rights to do “Joseph and the Technicolor Coat.”

                
VI.    OLD BUSINESS                                    
                Completion of 08-09 Performance Schedule
        The following programs are scheduled:
                Buffa                                   December 2008 – Holiday Fest
                Film Series                             January, February, March 2009
                Greater Hartford Opera Express  February 7, 2009
                Paul Bisaccia                           May 2009
                
    VIII.      APPROVAL OF BILLS
Theresa Godreau – clerk (October meeting)                       $    80.00
        Glynis McKenzie (Magic Lantern Tour posters)            $    24.00
        Bethoveen Radio (WCCC) (advertising)                    $  300.00       

MOTION  By Maureen Rodgers
                Seconded by Glynis McKenzie
                To pay the bills as submitted.
                Approved.

IX.     MEMBER’S CONCERNS
        Glynis McKenzie reported that the CT.  Commission on Culture and Tourism will   reimburse the Commission $860 towards the Magic Lantern Tour.

        Glynis McKenzie informed the members that the Wadsworth Atheneum is holding a CSI       film series and information is on their website.
        
Glynis McKenzie reported that two programs will be taking place at the Wood Memorial    Library and Museum, South Windsor.  Watercolors by Peter Wlochowski – Exhibition        and Sale being held now until November 14.  There will be an artist reception on October        26 from 5-7 p.m.

        Paul Bisaccia will be performing “Starts and Strips Forever – the Great American Piano!”        on Sunday, October 19 at 2:00 p.m.

        New Britain Museum of Modern Art holds a “First Fridays” program free of charge.

        Karen Howe reported that Emil Kopcha had nominated her and the EHSYF for the    Greater Hartford Arts   Council.  She will be going to the celebration with him and was         pleased represent the community.

X.      ADJOURNMENT
MOTION  By Terry Blackstone
                Seconded Betty Russell
                To adjourn the meeting at 8:05 p.m.
                Unanimous.

The next Fine Arts Meeting will be held on Thursday, November 13, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the Cultural Center in Room 12.

Respectfully submitted,



Theresa A. Godreau, Clerk