HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-14-2017 - CAC - Approved Minutes1
Newport Beach City Arts Commission Regular Meeting Minutes Thursday, December 14, 2017
Regular Meeting – 5:00 PM City Council Chambers
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660 I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER – 5:02 P.M.
II. ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Arlene Greer, Vice Chair Miriam Baker, Commissioner
Grace Divine, Commissioner
Barbara Glabman, Commissioner Marie Little, Commissioner
Commissioners Absent: Judy Chang, Chair Michelle Bendetti, Secretary
Staff Present: Tim Hetherton, Library Services Director Francine Jacome, Administrative Support Technician
III. NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Rick Stein, Arts Orange County, reviewed the process for selecting the artwork for Phase
III of the Sculpture Garden. The photography contest, social media, and events in the Park will maintain public momentum for the exhibit. Currently, Phase IV is planned to open in Autumn 2018, if approved by the City Council. Temporary art installations are the
current trend in public art, and Newport Beach's Sculpture Garden is on the cutting edge.
Vice Chair Greer thanked Mr. Stein and Arts OC for the sculpture garden public art update.
Vice Chair Greer also thanked the City Council and library staff for their efforts to light Burnt Matchstick
Commissioner Divine stated the sculptures in the Sculpture Garden have a feel-good, family-oriented approach. She thanked Arts OC for their assistance with the Sculpture
Garden. Susan Cramer advised that the Minutes for the October meeting omitted her comments
regarding Pacific Symphony.
V. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Approval of Minutes of the October 26, 2017 City Arts Commission Meeting
1. Draft of 10/26/2017 Minutes
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Vice Chair Greer reported that the first sentence of her comments on page 3 of the Minutes
refers to the Baroque Music Festival. Commissioner Little indicated the motion to approve $7,500 for the Newport Beach Film
Festival should include her vote in favor of the motion. Motion made by Vice Chair Greer, seconded by Commissioner Baker, and carried (5-0-0-
2) to approve the draft Minutes for the meeting of October 26, 2017 as amended.
AYES: Greer, Baker, Divine, Glabman, Little
NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None
ABSENT: Chang, Bendetti
B. Consent Calendar Items
2. Financial Report - Review of financial information.
Library Services Director Hetherton reported a deposit of $25,500 from the Cultural Arts Grants Program into the programming budget. Professional services expenses are within budget even with the expenses for lighting Burnt Matchstick. Honorariums for the
Sculpture Exhibit have been paid. Sufficient funds are available for planned activities. 3. Cultural Arts Activities - Monthly review of cultural arts activities from the
Library Administrative Office for upcoming Library and City arts events and services.
Library Services Director Hetherton advised that Chip Fesko's work is on display at Central Library. Phyllis Paxton's work will be on display beginning in January 2018.
In response to Commissioner Glabman's inquiries, Library Services Director Hetherton stated Council Policy I-13 funds were utilized to buy real property for the new fire station.
Proceeds from the sale of the current fire station property will not reimburse the I-13 funds
because Policy I-13 has been eliminated. The program whereby 2 percent of developer fees support cultural arts facilities has been abolished. The City Arts Commission could
suggest the Council reinstate funding for cultural arts. Commissioners as individual residents can speak to Council Members on the subject.
Motion made by Commissioner Glabman, seconded by Commissioner Divine, and carried (5-0-0-2) to approve the Consent Calendar.
AYES: Greer, Baker, Divine, Glabman, Little NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None
ABSENT: Chang, Bendetti
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VI. CURRENT BUSINESS
A. Items for Review and Possible Action
4. Appoint an Art in Public Places Ad Hoc Subcommittee to Review Art at the Library – Staff requests that the Chair appoint an ad hoc
subcommittee to review and recommend art for display in the Central
Library gallery space.
Vice Chair Greer related Chair Chang's appointment of herself, Vice Chair Greer and
Commissioner Baker to an Art in Public Places Ad Hoc Subcommittee.
5. Appoint a Performing Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee for 2018 Spring/Summer Concert Series – Staff requests that the Chair appoint an ad hoc subcommittee to review and recommend performers for the 2018
spring/summer concert series.
Vice Chair Greer related Chair Chang's appointment of herself, Vice Chair Greer and
Commissioner Bendetti to a Performing Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee. 6. Sculpture Exhibition Photography Contest – Staff requests approval for
a proposal for a photography contest intended to create further interest in
the Sculpture in Civic Center Park Exhibition.
Commissioner Glabman reported the subcommittee suggested a Sculpture Exhibition Photography Contest to engage the public. News releases regarding the contest can
include rules and examples of appropriate entries. Winning photographs may be
published in the Pilot, and winning photographers will receive dinner at a local restaurant.
Library Services Director Hetherton advised that the Pilot has agreed to publish the
winning entries. Examples of entries can also be placed on the website.
Vice Chair Greer suggested the City Arts Commission's official photograph be taken in
front of Sculpture Garden artwork and published on the website and social media as a means to feature the Sculpture Garden.
Library Services Director Hetherton offered to promote the contest in libraries and email blasts. Staff suggests submissions be accepted January 1 through March 1. Staff is
reluctant to allow the public to vote on winners because there is no way to ensure individuals vote only once.
Motion made by Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Glabman, and carried (5-0-0-2) to approve the Sculpture Exhibition Photography Contest.
AYES: Greer, Baker, Divine, Glabman, Little NOES: None
ABSTENTIONS: None
ABSENT: Chang, Bendetti
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7. Proposal for Shakespeare on the Balboa Peninsula – The Shakespeare
on the Balboa Peninsula Ad Hoc Subcommittee recommends that the City Arts Commission approve a proposal to stage Shakespeare performances on the Balboa Peninsula in autumn 2018.
Library Services Director Hetherton reported the City Arts Commission can utilize the Balboa Performing Arts Theatre Foundation Fund to provide performing arts on the Balboa
Peninsula. The City Manager has previously indicated he would ask City Council to approve expenditure of funds for a compelling program developed by the City Arts
Commission. Commissioner Glabman has given staff the names of four potential vendors
for performances of Shakespeare. Of the four, Alchemy Theatre is the most viable vendor because of cost, logistics, and availability. Alchemy Theatre can provide costumes, sets,
and crew. The City Arts Commission will likely have to contract for sound engineering.
Alchemy Theatre has quoted a cost of $7,000 for two performances, one tragedy and one comedy, in Newport Beach at the end of September or beginning of October. Based on
the cost, good reputation of Alchemy Theatre, and fulfillment of Charter requirements,
Library Services Director Hetherton believed this is a good program to recommend for funding. Alchemy Theatre's performances are professional.
In response to questions, Library Services Director Hetherton suggested holding performances in Peninsula Park or Marina Park. Peninsula Park may be the better choice
because the area is flat and has parking and nearby restaurants. He will provide Commissioners with information about Alchemy Theatre. If the program is successful, it can be repeated for several years at a reasonable cost.
Commissioners concurred with viewing facilities at Peninsula Park and reviewing Alchemy
Theatre information and performances prior to the January meeting.
Jim Mosher remarked that if the program continues for several years, the City Arts
Commission should consider a variety of performances.
B. Monthly Reports
8. Shakespeare on the Balboa Peninsula Ad Hoc Subcommittee --
Commissioner Barbara Glabman, Commissioner Arlene Greer,
Commissioner Michelle Bendetti
Commissioner Glabman had nothing further to report.
VII. CITY ARTS COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERS
WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION, ACTION OR REPORT (NON-DISCUSSION ITEM)
Vice Chair Greer requested a January agenda item regarding a partnership with OC River Park for a screening of the documentary "Tony" and subsequent panel discussion of homelessness in Marina Park in February 2018. There is no cost to the City Arts
Commission. In addition, appointment of a Newport Beach Art Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee is needed in order to begin planning the June 2018 Art Exhibition.
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VIII. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Jim Mosher hoped the goals of new ad hoc subcommittees for Art in Public Places and Performing Arts will be to make more recommendations than they have spots to fill so that
the City Arts Commission will have choices. He suggested an agenda item to approve an artist or artists for exhibition in the Central Library during March and April 2018.
Vice Chair Greer clarified that there is a list of artists wishing to exhibit in Central Library. Library Services Director Hetherton added that the artist scheduled for March had
withdrawn. He has several applications for the Art in Public Places subcommittee to
review.
In reply to a Commissioner's question, Library Services Director Hetherton explained that
anyone in the community may submit an application to exhibit their artwork through the website. There is no age limit.
Vice Chair Greer recalled prior discussions concerning a separate area of the Newport Beach Art Exhibition for high school art.
IX. ADJOURNMENT – 5:59 P.M.
Vice Chair Greer adjourned the meeting at 5:59 p.m.
Approved by: Judy Chang