HomeMy WebLinkAbout020612 Port Townsend Arts Commission
Meeting Minutes
February 6, 2012, 12:30 pm, Room 1, City Hall
Members: Stan Rubin (chair), Rosalind Russell, Kris Morris, Anne Kearson, Linda Okasaki, Tom
Scharf, Dan Groussman (minutes).
Excused: Erin Fristad
Guests: Brian Rohr, Wendy Ryals
Approval of minutes: LO moved to approve January 9t" minutes with minor narrative changes.
Motion was seconded by RR, approved unanimously.
Chair report: SR reports that the Commission is able to grant the use of two city buildings as
part of our support for local organizations and projects: The Cotton Building and the Pope
Marine Building. Stan informed us that Jeannette Best is interested in using the Cotton Building
for Art Port Townsend coming up in August—24t" and 25t"
Key City would like to employ the use of the Pope Marine Building for rehearsal and
performance space March 30, 31 and April 1st. SR informed commissioners that he intends to
give both requests our approval by sending them each an official letter on PTAC letterhead.
Following up on The Commission's prior discussion regarding repeat-funding, Wayne from The
Community Boat Project was notified by SR that our funding may not be available in the
following year. Wayne recently buttressed his proposal with supporting data which SR copied
and handed around for review by the other commissioners.
SR noted that Bill from the Jefferson County Historical Society contacted him regarding some 82
works to be bequeathed. LO offered additional information; the works will be featured on as
part of the County's virtual art museum collection.
Treasurer's report: LO reports that $7750 has been allocated so far this year, with $8,850 still
to be allocated. SR reported that an additional $3,000 may be added to our account for
dispersal and that he will be finding out more information after chatting with David Timmons
later this week.
Old Business: DG reported on his research into an NEA grant being offered to small
municipalities with the primary purpose of funding disadvantaged populations. The (up to)
$10,000 is a matching grant. Further information and follow up is forthcoming.
RR reported on the Seavey Jackson memorial plaque proposal. The Commission again
discussed the ideas presented by Frank Vane at January's meeting. RR stated she will bring a
recommendation to our March meeting. LO reported that she likes the quality and appearance
of the plaque made for the Salish Sea Circle work and is in favor of a similar aesthetic for the
new plaque(s). RR and LO agreed to work together on the new signage. Commissioners noted
that the original title of the space was The Wave Gazing Gallery.
Funding Report :
Arts to Elders: Harvey from Seaport Landing submitted his group's funding request and reports
that 74 people attended their recent event consisting of a performance group, music and
dancing. LO feels that Arts to Elders' intent to host once-a-month functions is an admirable
goal. She added that she likes the $200 stipend to performers is a good idea and is in line with
furthering our goal of supporting local artists and art events. She supports the proposal. RR
asked to what extent the events serve the larger community. DG expressed that the invitation
for the monthly events should be open to the entire community, not just the retirement
community. KM expressed her hesitation to support all of the events at Seaport Landing, as
many residents from other facilities would be limited in their ability to attend or arrange
transportation to the Seaport Landing location. TS and KM mentioned that they may be in
favor of exploring ways to fund the transportation to the events? LO noted that broader
funding of the Arts to Elders program may be able to support a larger community, rather than
primarily the Seaport Landing group. AK raised socioeconomic concerns relating to the various
residences and wants to see more equanimity in function hosting. TS agrees with AK about
sharing the venues. DG noted that he would prefer to see the events being spread amongst the
venues based on population...allowing for at least one at each location but the bulk of the
events at the venue with the highest population. RR raised questions about what services to
elders are offered according to Harvey's text (first page - bottom). LO is interested in seeing
Harvey provide programs at various venues as well. RR and other commissioners expressed
interest in having Harvey attend an Arts Commission meeting and speak to the group to help
answer some questions regarding how a larger populace can be reached. SR agreed to
recommend to Harvey that he attend March's meeting. No action taken regarding the funding
request until more information is obtained.
Public Art: KM reports that there is a delay in implementing the plan for the current artist call,
as the city staff is busy working on other projects Downtown and are not available to work on
the Uptown project at this time. Once the sidewalk project is complete, focus on the Uptown
Public Art project will re-commence. KM reports that Rick Sepler thinks it will be in April.
New Business: Brian Rohr, a storyteller in town, discussed the art form and it's positive impact
on the community. He reported that last Friday the event was packed at the Better Living
Through Coffee venue - 60 or more people attended. He is requesting funding support for
artist/storyteller honorariums as well as venue rental. LO raised concerns about paying rent to
a coffee shop when there are other venues like The Upstage that is trying to go nonprofit. KM
commended Brian on his work as a storyteller, but queried about being able to fund something
that would happen without our funding anyway. Brian said he often pays for his costs from his
own pocket. AK commented that this form of performance art is not funded in our past but is
important and deserves our support. DG expressed that he would rather see funding support
go to performers/storytellers rather than for venue expenses, since we could grant use of the
Cotton Building. Motion: AK to fund up to 600 for venue rental, seconded by KM. Motion
passed, 6 to 1 (DG opposed).
Wendy Ryals, brought the The Commission's attention to her efforts and interest in the area of
healing arts in nursing homes through Let Go Healing Works and her association with the
National Association of the Healing Arts. She informed us of her direct patient care background
and work as a hospital administrator. She reports that "art is healing' - a recently known fact
studied amongst researchers. She says studies find that art reduces the need for meds. She
also says staff turnover is lower in hospitals that accommodate healing arts. She requested
feedback- seeking people who want to serve in arts or medicine to sit on their board. She is
looking for referrals for community members that are interested - one hour a week over the
phone to get started, then one hour per month for meetings.
Angel/Patron of the Arts: Local arts supporter Bill Mawhinney was nomination by artist
Jeannette Best. Motion: AK moves to approve Bill as our Angel of the Arts for 2011. 2nd by TS,
approved unanimously.
Nominations for patron of the arts include Dr. Steven Scharf, an Uptown dentist who has
hosted many one-person art exhibitions in his office in support of local artists. George
Randels, nominated by KM as a champion of the arts during his work as Deputy Mayor of the
City of Port Townsen and Annette Huenke, the past owner of the recently closed Ancestral
Spirits Gallery and applauded her herculean efforts in keeping the gallery open for so long
during such hard times. The Commission excused our guests and entered into an executive
session for a blind vote: Unanimous for George Randels, 6-0 (Stan recused himself).
Meeting adjourned at 2:30pm.
Next meeting scheduled for March 12, 12:30pm —2:30pm, Room 1, City Hall