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
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