HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/10/2015 - City Arts Commission - 01 Draft MinutesDRAFT
Newport Beach City Arts Commission Study Session and Regular Meeting Minutes
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Regular Meeting – 5:00 PM
Friends Meeting Room, Central Library, 1000 Avocado Ave nue,
Newport Beach, CA 92660
I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER – 5:01 PM
II. ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Arlene Greer, Chair
Lynn Selich, Vice Chair
Judy Chang
Caroline Logan
Robert Smith
Commissioner Absent: Rita Goldberg
Staff Present: Tim Hetherton, Library Services Director (arrived at 5:15 PM)
Dave Curtis, Library Services Manager
Francine Jacome, Administrative Support Technician
III. PRESENTATION
1. Presentation of Cultural Arts Grants Checks
The City Arts Commission will present the 2015-2016 Cultural Arts Grants checks to the following
approved organizations:
Chair Greer announced the presentation of the City 2015-2016 Cultural Arts Grants. She thanked
those who participated in the program and addressed the evaluation process.
• Balboa Island Improvement Association
• Baroque Music Festival – Patricia Brill
• ExplorOcean
• Festival Ballet Theatre – Cathleen Hunter
• KOCI Radio – Brent Kahlen
• Newport Beach Film Festival
• Newport Beach Public Library Foundation
• Newport Mesa Unified School District
• Orange County Museum of Art – Kellie Webb
• South Coast Repertory
• Southland Sings – Ann Noriel
Chair Greer presented grant checks to the above-listed organizations/representatives that were
present.
IV. NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
Newport Beach City Arts Commission Study Session and Regular Meeting Minutes
November 12, 2015
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VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Jim Mosher asked about the $38,000 balance of the Sculpture Garden budget listed in the
Financial Report. He believed that the Commission should not tap into the Lenahan Fund, unless
the budget funds are exhausted. Additionally, he hoped that additional discussion will be held
regarding the Master Arts and Culture Plan.
Chair Greer noted that staff is compiling the information so that it can be presented during an
upcoming meeting.
Joy Brenner, Friends of the CDM Library, requested an update on the Rex Brandt mural at the
CDM Library.
Chair Greer provided a brief update on the mural.
VII. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Minutes of the October 8, 2015, City Arts Commission Meeting
2. Draft of Minutes
Chair Greer offered corrections to the minutes and acknowledged receipt of written corrections
submitted by Mr. Jim Mosher.
Motion made by Commissioner Logan, seconded by Vice Chair Selich, and carried (5-0-0-1) to
approve the City Arts Commission minutes from the October 8, 2015, meeting, as amended.
AYES: Chang, Greer, Logan, Selich, Smith
NOES: None
ABSTENTIONS: None
ABSENT: Goldberg
B. Consent Calendar Items
3. Financial Report - Review of financial information.
4. Cultural Arts Activities - Monthly review of cultural arts activities from the Library Administrative
Office for upcoming Library and City arts events and services.
Motion made by Commissioner Logan, seconded by Vice Chair Selich, and carried (5-0-0-1) to
approve the Consent Calendar, as presented.
AYES: Chang, Greer, Logan, Selich, Smith
NOES: None
ABSTENTIONS: None
ABSENT: Goldberg
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IX. CURRENT BUSINESS
A. Items for Review and Possible Action
5. Exhibition of Art in the Central Library: Staff recommends that the City Arts Commission
support the Fine Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee approval of artist Eva Malhotra for display in the
Central Library gallery space.
Chair Greer reported meeting artist Eva Malhotra, who was referred by the Consulado de Mexico,
and commented on her work. She added that Ms. Malhotra has offered her work to be exhibited
in the Central Library gallery space. The intent is to display her work during the time of the
Newport-to-Ensenada race, in April.
Motion made by Commissioner Logan, seconded by Commissioner Chang, and carried (5-0-0-
1) to accept staff's recommendation that the City Arts Commission support the Fine Arts Ad Hoc
Subcommittee approval of the artist Eva Malhotra for display in the Central Library gallery
space.
AYES: Chang, Greer, Logan, Selich, Smith
NOES: None
ABSTENTIONS: None
ABSENT: Goldberg
6. Cultural Arts Website: Marketing Specialist Katherine Mielke will present an overview of the
Cultural Arts website.
Marketing Specialist Katherine Mielke presented an overview of the Cultural Arts website. She
reported that it can be accessed through the City website, the City calendar, news and events,
generating a public art map, submissions and links included in the site.
Members of the Commission commented positively on the website.
Discussion followed regarding pieces that can be added to the list, the possibility of generating a
map of art displays within the City and a place where businesses are encouraged to participate
with the City in public art. Ensuing discussion pertained to publicizing the website and it was
suggested that the Communications/Publicity/Marketing Ad Hoc Subcommittee could help in that
area.
7. Sphere 112 Replacement: Staff recommends that the City Arts Commission authorize the use
of the Lenahan Estate funds for the installation of a replacement piece for “Sphere 112”.
Commissioner Smith provided a report addressing a history of the sculpture, the Newport Beach
Art Foundation's earmark for monies to purchase the sculpture, corrosion of the piece and
installing a replacement made of marine-grade stainless steel for durability. In terms of the
balance in the Sculpture Garden budget, Commissioner Smith reported that the City still owes the
artists their honorariums and staff feels those funds should be protected to ensure that the City
can meet its commitments to Sculpture Garden artists. He addressed the Lenahan Estate funds
to be used for the restoration and preservation of art in the City and addressed costs related to
the removal of the old piece and the installation of the new piece.
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Discussion followed regarding developing a plan that would allow other entities to contribute, the
possibility of purchasing some of the sculptures, indicating that even though there is a balance in
the budget, commitments have been made, and defining the responsibility for costs associated
with removal of the pieces.
Commissioner Smith reported that the Newport Beach Arts Foundation is interested in raising
funds from corporations or private individuals to see if they can keep "Big Wet Dog".
Discussion followed regarding the need to establish a systematic program for purchasing
sculptures and it was noted that it would be an appropriate topic for the Sculpture Garden Ad Hoc
Subcommittee to address. Ensuing discussion pertained to establishing a proactive system of
identifying upcoming opportunities for public art.
It was noted that the Arts Commission should approach the Newport Beach Arts Foundation for
funding opportunities.
Motion made by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Chair Greer, and carried (5-0-0-1) to
authorize the use of up to $1,000 of the Lenahan Estate funds for the installation of a replacement
piece for “Sphere 112”.
AYES: Chang, Greer, Logan, Selich, Smith
NOES: None
ABSTENTIONS: None
ABSENT: Goldberg
B. Monthly Reports
8. Fine Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Chair Arlene Greer (Chair), Secretary Caroline Logan,
Commissioner Judy Chang.
Chair Greer addressed a current exhibit in the Central Library lobby by artist Joe Lewis, called,
"American Alchemy". She added that Mr. Lewis will be at the Central Library on November 21st,
at 1:00 PM where he will speak about his work. She referenced upcoming exhibits and deferred
to Commissioner Logan who provided information regarding the Antibes, France exhibit and on
the activities of a recent delegation from Antibes.
9. Newport Beach Sculpture Garden Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Chair Arlene Greer (Chair).
Commissioner Robert Smith.
Chair Greer reported the Subcommittee has not had the opportunity to meet but will do so in the
near future to discuss opportunities for Phase 3. More will be reported at the next Arts
Commission meeting.
Discussion followed regarding opportunities and the possibility of reducing costs by using in-
house staff.
Chair Greer addressed a Cultural Arts grant received by the City and commented on a delegation
of students from the University of Guadalajara who recently participated in a tour of the Library
and of the Sculpture Garden.
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10. Arts Master Plan Steering Committee - Chair Arlene Greer (Chair), Secretary Caroline Logan,
Commissioner Rita Goldberg.
Chair Greer noted nothing to report, as the Committee is in the process of compiling information
and developing its mission, goals and objectives, which will be presented to Council, in the future.
11. Cultural Arts Grants Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Secretary Caroline Logan, Commissioner Rita
Goldberg.
No report at this time.
12. Communications/Publicity/Marketing Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Vice Chair Lynn Selich,
Commissioners Judy Chang and Rita Goldberg.
Chair Greer commented on establishing the Subcommittee and reported the desire to have a
booth that would provide information regarding the City's arts programs. Additionally, she asked
for the development of a presentation to provide information regarding the City Arts Commission
and related activities.
Vice Chair Selich commented on working with KOCI radio to communicate the various activities
happening in the City.
13. Civic Center Art Placement Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Secretary Caroline Logan (Chair),
Commissioner Rita Goldberg.
Commissioner Logan reported that in honor of Veteran's Day, a framed American flag will be
hung in the Corona del Mar Library Conference Room and stated that it was donated by Newport
Beach resident Gunnery Sergeant George J. Tepich, USMCR (Ret.).
14. Newport Beach Arts Foundation Liaison Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Chair Arlene Greer (Chair),
Vice Chair Lynn Selich, Commissioner Robert Smith.
Commissioner Smith provided an update of the Newport Beach Arts Foundation noting that they
are considering the purchase of "Big Wet Dog". Additionally, he reported they are planning a
Christmas Party and that the Arts Commission will receive invitations to attend.
Discussion followed regarding becoming involved with the Arts Foundation, location of the
Christmas party and whether it is open to the public.
15. Performing Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Chair Arlene Greer (co-Chair), Commissioner Rita
Goldberg (co-Chair), Vice Chair Lynn Selich.
Chair Greer commented on a youth theater program by the Laguna Playhouse and on the
possibility of setting up a children's production on the City Green.
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Newport Beach City Arts Commission Study Session and Regular Meeting Minutes
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17. Cultural Arts Collaborations Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Vice Chair Lynn Selich (Chair),
Commissioner Judy Chang.
Vice Chair Selich commented on the recent Marine Ball hosted by the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines,
1st Marines Division. They participate in the Wounded Warrior Project which establishes a
significant music program. They would welcome the Arts Commission support for a City
performance, and asked the issue be considered in an upcoming meeting.
X. CITY ARTS COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERS WOULD
LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION, ACTION OR REPORT (NON-
DISCUSSION ITEM)
Chair Greer asked that the Cultural Arts Grants be sun-setted in the next meeting . Additionally,
she requested that an item be included to establish a date for the Newport Beach Art Exhibition
for next year.
Commissioner Logan requested a donation of a Joan Irving-Brandt painting, "Big Corona, Under
the Lifeguard Stand", be considered for the City art inventory.
XI. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Jim Mosher asked regarding an app recommendation made by former Commissioner Magrutsche
and felt there is a conflict of interest regarding the Arts Management Consultant position
recommended in the Master Arts and Cultural Plan. He reported that one of the applicants for the
position is a member of Arts OC, which prepared the Master Plan.
XII. ADJOURNMENT - 6:10 PM
Submitted by: _________________________
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