TOWN OF EAST HARTFORD
FINE ARTS COMMISSION
Meeting of December 11, 2008
51 Chapman Street, East Hartford, CT 06108
Chair Prescille Yamamoto called the meeting of the Fine Arts Commission to order at 7:10 p.m. in Room 12 of the Cultural Center.
I. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Terrye Blackstone; Glynis McKenzie; Maureen Rodgers; Judy Okeson; Betty Russell; Dan Russell; Sue Tukey; Prescille Yamamoto.
ABSENT: Regina Barall; Eileen Driscoll (excused); Karen Howe (excused);
Hilde Mayranen-O’Brien (excused); John Ryan (excused); Florence Schroeter (excused).
II. MINUTES
MOTION By Maureen Rodgers
Seconded by Terrye Blackstone
To approve the minutes of November 13, 2008
Approved.
III. CHAIR’S REPORT No report at this time.
IV. CORRESPONDENCE
Chair Yamamoto received the following correspondence for the Commission:
- Information from New Britain Museum of Modern Art
- Greater Hartford Arts Council
- ArtReach at a Glance Bulletin
At this time Terrye Blackstone read a letter from the East Hartford Art League inviting Commissioners to attend a meeting on Sunday, December 14, 2008 from 1-3 p.m. in Room 12 at the Cultural Center. Ned Lomerson will be the guest speaker and refreshments will be served.
V. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Drama/Lecture/Poetry No report at this time.
Music No report at this time.
Photography No report at this time.
Film Series
Glynis McKenzie distributed informational posters for the Film Series. The following films will be shown:
January 3, 2009 Of Love & Eggs
February 1, 2009 Wedding Director
March 1, 2009 The Aura
April 4, 2009 Black
Glynis presented the bills for the fees charged for public viewing. She also will submit bills for the technical services prior to the films being shown. The cost will be $250 per viewing. Glynis purchased two of the four films and will get the invoice to the clerk.
Chair Yamamoto commended Glynis McKenzie for all her hard work for the Film Series. The members applauded her.
Student Music and Art Award No report at this time.
Art
Terrye Blackstone requested that an art program be done for Black History Month. She will contact Donald Boudreaux to do a demonstration/program for the Commission. Terrye will report on her findings next month.
Terrye Blackstone recommended that the Fine Arts Commission support a field trip to the Mark Twain House in Hartford for high school students reading Huck Finn. Chair Yamamoto informed Terrye Blackstone to contact Marsha Huddy, Supervisor of Secondary Curriculum, and Melissa Giglio, Department Head of English at EHHS, to discuss the possibility.
Terrye Blackstone reported that she had spoke with the Wadsworth Atheneum on membership costs for the Fine Arts Commission. The Wadsworth agreed to give us an organizational
membership for $200 a year.
MOTION By Glynis McKenzie
Seconded by Sue Tukey
To join the Wadsworth Atheneum for $200.
Approved.
Terrye further reported that she attended the “Festival of Trees” at the Wadsworth and East Hartford Public Schools had two entries. She also stated that the East Hartford Garden Club had a decorated tree at the exhibit.
Dan Russell reported that 6500 people attended the Cheney Exhibit in Portsmouth, NH.
Glynis McKenzie reported that the Main Street Singers would be performing on December 14 at the New Britain Museum from 3-4 p.m. Judith Leiber is exhibiting her purses at the Museum also.
Children’s Programs No report at this time.
Dance No report at this time.
EHSYF
Glynis McKenzie reported that EHSYF made $313 on the dinner and are awaiting the figures on
the Silent Auction proceeds.
Glynis informed the members of an additional fundraiser taking place at this time – The Ultimate Cloth. Cost is $6 for one and $10 for two.
Glynis further reported that Karen Howe performed during Holiday Fest.
East Hartford Public Schools Mini-Grants No report at this time.
Holiday Fest
Betty Russell reported that the BUFFA performance was wonderful. Unfortunately only 20 people were in attendance. Betty will be contacting them for availability in the late winter (March) for another program sponsored by the Commission.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
CT Commission and Culture and Tourism – Glynis McKenzie reported they are awaiting additional information on ethnicity of those who attended the performance to complete the paperwork for the check to be issued. Chair Yamamoto will take care of this.
Beethoven.com – Glynis requested other programs for advertising. There are three more spots that need to be done. It was agreed that the Paul Bisaccias performance be advertised. Two others will be discussed at a future date.
VII NEW BUSINESS
-2009 MEETING DATES
MOTION By Glynis McKenzie
Seconded by Maureen Rodgers
To approve the meeting dates of 2009 as distributed and discussed.
Approved.
The clerk will submit the memo to Town Clerk Sharon Miller.
VIII. APPROVAL OF BILLS
Theresa Godreau – clerk (December meeting) $ 80.00
Technical Services for Film Series $ 250.00 (each film)
Glynis McKenzie (Film Series) NTE $ 60.00 (purchase of films)
MOTION By Maureen Rodgers
Seconded by Betty Russell
To pay the bills as submitted.
Approved.
IX. MEMBER’S CONCERNS
Terrye Blackstone had articles and information on the Commission from previous years. She shared them with the members and gave them to Judith Okeson, Historian of the Commission.
Dan Russell reported he will not be at the January 2009 meeting because he will be on a business trip in India. He also stated that he and Betty will not be at the February 2009 meeting because they will be out of state.
Chair Yamamoto received information from the Finance Director Michael Walsh in reference to the 2009-10 budget. The town is recommending a 5% reduction in the budget.
MOTION by Dan Russell
Seconded by Betty Russell
To reduce the requested budget by 5%
Approved.
Chair Yamamoto will speak with the Finance Director Walsh to discuss the paperwork needed to submit the budget.
X. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION By Maureen Rodgers
Seconded Sue Tukey
To adjourn the meeting at 8:05 p.m.
Unanimous.
The next Fine Arts Meeting will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at the Cultural Center in Room 12.
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