HomeMy WebLinkAbout050712 Port Townsend Arts Commission
Meeting Minutes
May 7, 2012, 12:30 pm, Room 1, City Hall
Members: Stan Rubin (chair), Rosalind Russell, Kris Morris, Linda Okasaki, Erin-Fristad, Dan
Groussman (minutes).
Excused: Nancy Rody
Guests: Jonathan Safir, Will Nolan, Frank Vane
Approval of Minutes: KM moved to approve minutes with some small changes,SR seconded, passed
unanimously.
Chair's Report: SR began by bringing to the group's attention the definition of"Monument"from the
public art policy and procedure manual. SR announced that RR is to be reappointed to the Commission
for another term. SR invited commissioners to contact Nancy Rody and invite her to return to the The
Commission and our meetings after her recent family loss. SR noted Anne Kearson's invaluable service
to The Commission on the occasion of her recent term completion.
SR presented Art Wave literature which shows our logo. SR announced that Judith Kate Friedman and
Songwriting Works will be applying for future funding. SR reiterated that The Commission is to receive
$3,000 from The City—he presented a document in support.
SR discussed the issue of liability for City-sponsored events—a hold harmless clause for future PTAC
events. SR submitted to The City the PTAC-sponsored events from the last two years along with a
notation of the venue and his assessment of our risk per event. As an example, he explained that the
Wooden Boat Project involves kids using tools.
SR relayed Lo's research into whether both the Wave Gazing Gallery and Tidal Clock were both de-
accessed at the public hearing. LO reported that both works were de-accessed.
Treasurer's Report: LO reports unallocated funds currently amount to$6,100. LO also wanted to note
that Coquille Knudsen joined the board for Let Go Healing Works—the newly formed arts organization
in town founded by recent Commission meeting attendee Wendy Ryals.
Old Business: RR did some research on monuments, memorials, markers and plaques and presented her
findings to the group. Her research brought her to the conclusion that a minimal approach to historic
plaques is preferred. Concerns about listing extended family members' names on plaques raised the
issue of The City needing to update plaques as family members passed on. L0, KM and EF like the idea
of including a partial quote from Ruth's will. EF proposed and subsequently moved that her
recommendation for the reading of the Seavey Viewing Gallery plaque be:
The Seavey Viewing Gallery
Dedicated to the pioneering Seavey family
as requested in the will of Ruth Margaret Seavey Jackson:
"...a memorial to my grandparents, my parents, and their children."
- March 18, 1981
Motion seconded by KM, passed unanimously.
Funding Support: The Paradise Theatre School applied for funding support on April 30. After
commissioners reviewed the application, it was decided to re-visit the application at a later date. KM
noted that the application specifically states that it is seeking funds to raise money for building
improvements,which prevents The Commission from lending support(as we are precluded from
funding capital projects and fundraisers that support them). SR ruled that we cannot fund this proposal
as it is written.
Northwest Arts Alliance,Jeannette Best,submitted info for our review for their August event: Studio
Tour. LR reported a big turnout last year with attendees from many different states and countries. KM
says in 2011 we funded $1,000, $800 in 2010,$2,000 in 2009 and $700 in 2008. Commissioners
questioned the need to print literature in today's digital age but ultimately determined that the map
and associated graphics were an invaluable tool for participants to use to navigate the event. LO noted
the event has moved up into August to better serve the tourists population in town then. KM moved,
RR seconded to fund up to$1,000. Passed unanimously. SR noted that the printer for the handout does
not need to be local.
Jonathan Safir from Brainstorm for Education introduced himself and handed out literature supporting
his funding support request. He proposes using commission support for his group's upcoming photo
and video exhibit: Local Food, Fresh Ideas. The exhibit(to be held at a new cafe Apothecarium)would
help to generate funds to print a field book documenting our local food industry, land stewardship and
youth involvement. Seventeen students, 6 instructors and 30 organizations are involved. Student Will
Nolan spoke in support of the group. All commissioners present reflected that there is a lot of merit to
the proposal and the group's goals and affiliations. KM would like to see more information given to
PTHS students. DG would prefer to see more events being sponsored at city facilities instead of private
ones. LO moved to allocate up to$1,200 for printing and framing, seconded by EF, passed unanimously.
Public Art: KM reports that Rick Sepler says projects downtown will allow for resumption of the public
art process in late June. KM noted that Kathy Howard has left Port Townsend and that a new PAC
member is needed. EF volunteered for the seat and SR subsequently appointed her. KM will work on a
new timeline to get the PAC process going again for the Uptown public art project.
Old Business(cont...): Frank Vane arrived at the meeting at 1:45. He presented a drawing of his vision
for the viewing platform and how it should be arranged. He discussed his idea for chimes, a coin-
wishing well and memorial plaques noting the extended Seavey family. SR noted that the Public Art
Committee does not process or participate in the establishment of monuments. The Commission
informed Mr.Vane that a motion already passed earlier in the meeting regarding the plaque verbiage.
DG read the commemoration from the minutes. Mr.Vane requested a copy of the minutes as a step
towards appealing the vote to City Council at a later date. DG agreed to send a copy to him.
SR closed by thanking RR for her help with the minutes last month, LO for her research on monuments
and plaques, DG for taking minutes.
A new meeting time was discussed and decided on.
Meeting was adjourned at 2:25.
Next Meeting: Wednesday,June 6, 1:30—3:30, Room 1, City Hall (although we may need to meet
upstairs).