HomeMy WebLinkAbout020613 Meeting Minutes
Port Townsend Arts Commission
Feb 6, 2013, 3pm, Upstairs Meeting Room, City Hall
Members Present: Stan Rubin (Chair), Kris Morris, Erin Fristad, Rosalind Russell, Laureen Martin, Nancy Rody,
Linda Okazaki, Dan Groussman (minutes).
Guests:Denise Winter, KCPT; Brian and Sarah Rohr, First Friday Story Night.
Motion for the approval of minutes by DG, seconded by NR, unanimous approval.
Chair Report: SR recognized LO's show being held at the Max Grover Gallery.
SR updated the Commission on his follow-up with Annie Welch and the WESTAF (Western States Arts Federation)
public art database project;John Watts said we can digitally reproduce the works in our collection as we have 2D
rights to do so. SR forwarded the City Attorney's response on to Welch.
SR clarified an accounting issue regarding the$300 disbursements to the public art finalists after an error caused
the money to come out of the PTAC budget rather than the public art fund. He said a communique from The City
reassured that they will closely monitor such disbursements in the future.
Regarding waiving use fees at city facilities(Cotton Building, Pope Marine Building), SR conveyed that such waivers
should result only from activities/events that offer a significant public purpose. SR reports that we have received a
request from Artist Trust's Nichole DeMent requesting the Pope Marine Building for their EDGE program
presentation and awards reception-open to the public-scheduled in August.
Funding Support:The Boiler Room requested support for their benefit/performance, "Bite Me!," later in the month
of February. KM offered appreciation for The Boiler Room and their programs but noted that the PTAC cannot
monetarily support a fundraiser. NR agreed that we are essentially being asked to fund a fundraiser, inhibiting our
ability to fund them. SR said he would contact them and recommend approaching The City to request discounted
hourly rates for non-profits($20/hr for city residents, max$200/day). LO suggested that a PTAC a liaison contact
them to offer advice on what can and cannot be funded; DG subsequently offered to connect with Ahren Howard,
the General Manager in addition to SR's response to Executive Director Amy Smith.
KCPT's Denise Winter discussed One Act Plays. She says she's interested in integrating more PTAC activities with
the playwriting activities. She reports that this year's playwright is Jack Heifner,who produced the long running
Broadway play Vanities. He'll be in the region towards the end of the month and a visit to Port Townsend seemed
fortuitous. Denise requested funding support at 2012's level, $750. SR conveyed his high regard for KCPT's
playwrights of the past and said this year's choice is no exception. KM moved to fully support Jack Heifner coming
to PT by approving up to$750. Seconded by NR,approved unanimously.
Brian and Sarah Rohr would like to thank the PTAC for funding support given to First Friday Story Night in 2012.
He is requesting$1200 for 2013's programming,for facility rental and artist honorariums. Brian reports that on
average there are 35 to 40 people at each event, held at Better Living Through Coffee. They suggest a donation at
the door of$10 but post a "no one turned away for lack of funds" sign; Rohr said their collection at the door
averages around $5 per person, or around$170. DG suggested awarding city-facility use instead of allocating
funds to pay for rent at a private facility, noting the programming was not facility-dependent and could be held
elsewhere; NR concurred that she would prefer to see the event at a city venue. KM moved to approve up to$500
for facility rental, seconded by LM. Passed 6:2, DG and NR voting"against."
PT Summer Band. After clarifying some prior questions regarding their submitted budget and inquiries as to
where their rehearsal space is located,The Commission revisited their funding support request. With a sentiment
towards the acquisition of printed music, RR moved that we fund up to$400 for rehearsal space to free up funds
for music acquisition, seconded by DG, motion failed 2:6, RR and DG voting"for." A subsequent, less restrictive
motion by NR to fund up to$400 for rehearsal space and seconded by LO passed unanimously.
Community Boat Project coordinator Wayne Chimenti followed up on an earlier request for support in the amount
of$1,000 that lacked some budgetary data. Sentiments amongst commissioners were supportive and several
commented on the high value this program brings to the community,especially for youth. KM noted that it truly is
a community project, incorporating many facets of our local marine trades and maritime history. KM moved to
approve up to$,1000 for paint,canvas and supplies, seconded by NR, passed unanimously.
RainShadow Chorale requesting funding support in the amount of$1,000 for printing, advertising, rehearsal and
performance space expenses. KM noted how accessible the performances are, having no gate charge. LO
commented that she likes that they have an honorary conductor. RR mentioned that anyone can audition for the
group. KM moved to approve up to$800 for publicity programs and rehearsal and concert venue,seconded by LO,
unanimous approval.
Commission Operations: Election of Officers
Chair: NR nominated SR for Chair, seconded by KM,vote=approved 8:0.
Vice Chair: DG nominated KM, seconded by RR; KM: "I'm honored but decline."
Vice Chair: LO nominated EF, seconded by KM; EF: "Thank you but I decline."
Vice Chair: EF nominated LO,seconded by KM; LO accepts,vote=approved 8:0.
Secretary: DG nominated by NR,seconded by KM; DG accepts,vote=approved 8:0.
Public Art: KM re-appointed by SR.
Public Art Panel: EF re-appointed by SR.
NEA"Our Town"grant—NR to discuss at future meeting.
Public Art: EF did not connect with Rick Sepler prior to the meeting but will report again at the next meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 5:10pm.
Next Meeting, Wed, Feb 27, 3-5pm Downstairs meeting room, City Hall