Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-10-2019 - CAC - Approved MinutesNewport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, December 13, 2018 Regular Meeting – 5:00 PM Newport Beach Central Library 1000 Avocado Avenue Newport Beach, CA 92660 I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER – 5:00 P.M. II. ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Arlene Greer, Chair Michelle Bendetti, Vice Chair Miriam Baker, Commissioner Wayan Kaufman, Commissioner Marie Little, Commissioner Commissioners Absent: Barbara Glabman, Secretary Grace Divine, Commissioner Staff Present: Natalie Basmaciyan, Library Services Manager Francine Jacome, Administrative Support Technician III. NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS Hoiyin Ip thanked the City Arts Commission for the grant in support of the Green on the Green Expo. She suggested the Green on the Green Expo be held in September 2019 in conjunction with Coastal Clean Up Day and be larger. V. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Approval of Minutes of the November 8, 2018 City Arts Commission Meeting 1. Draft of 11/08/2018 Minutes Chair Greer requested the second sentence of the final paragraph on page 5 be corrected to read "[i]f Council Members do not utilize the Film Festival tickets, they may be offered to City Arts Commissioners." The second paragraph on page 6 should read, "… Chair Greer indicated staff would report at a later date on the potential to extend Phase III of the Sculpture Garden." Motion made by Vice Chair Bendetti, seconded by Commissioner Baker, and carried (5-0-0-2) to approve the draft Minutes for the meeting of November 8, 2018 as amended. AYES: Greer, Bendetti, Baker, Kaufman, Little NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Glabman, Divine Newport Beach City Arts Commission Regular Meeting Minutes December 14, 2018 Page 2 B. Consent Calendar Items 2. Financial Report – Review of financial information Library Services Manager Basmaciyan reported the Programming account decreased to $26,800 with the payment of $500 for staffing of the Peninsula Park Concert. The Professional Services account currently totals $33,442. Staff paid expenses of $303 for an art installation, $180 for transcription of the minutes, and $825 for the cleaning of Sphere 112. The Cultural Arts Grants account decreased by $8,000 due to the processing of three grants. 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 Manager Basmaciyan advised that the art of Diana Ghoukassian is on display in the Central Library gallery. The exhibit of photographs will run through January 4, 2019. Motion made by Commissioner Baker, seconded by Vice Chair Bendetti, and carried (5-0-0-2) to approve the Consent Calendar. AYES: Greer, Bendetti, Baker, Kaufman, Little NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Glabman, Divine VI. CURRENT BUSINESS A. Items for Review and Possible Action 4. Festival Ballet Theatre – The Sleeping Beauty – The Performing Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee requests that the City Arts Commission approve two performances of The Sleeping Beauty by the Festival Ballet Theatre on Saturday, March 16, 2019, in the Central Library Friends Room. Library Services Manager Basmaciyan reported the Performing Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee recommends the City Arts Commission approve and fund two performances of The Sleeping Beauty by the Festival Ballet Theatre in the total amount of $1,500. Over the past few years, Festival Ballet Theatre has performed an abridged version of The Nutcracker for children at Central Library. Capacity crowds attended both performances on December 1, 2018. Chair Greer noted Festival Ballet Theatre's performances at Central Library are hugely popular and highly attended. In response to Commissioner questions, Library Services Manager Basmaciyan reported the capacity of the Friends Room is 200 people. Festival Ballet Theatre has performed in the Friends Room several times. Library Services Director Hetherton added that an outdoor performance was held in a previous year and attended by 200-300 people. Two Newport Beach City Arts Commission Regular Meeting Minutes December 14, 2018 Page 3 indoor performances would accommodate the same number of people. In addition, the outdoor performance was considerably more expensive than indoor performances. Chair Greer suggested an indoor performance would be better than an outdoor performance because of possible bad weather. She supported the proposal. Jim Mosher inquired whether the Festival Ballet Theatre applied for and received a Cultural Arts Grant. Chair Greer advised that Festival Ballet Theatre did not apply for a Cultural Arts Grant. Motion made by Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Little, and carried (5-0-0-2) to approve and fund two performances of The Sleeping Beauty by Festival Ballet Theatre. AYES: Greer, Bendetti, Baker, Kaufman, Little NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Glabman, Divine 5. Exhibition of Art in the Central Library Gallery – Under the recommendation of the Art in Public Places Library Gallery Ad Hoc Subcommittee, staff requests that the City Arts Commission approve the work of artists Sherry Marger, Lauren Mendelsohn-Bass, William Leung, Gail White, Agnes Schenk, and the Sierra Club (Hoiyin Ip) and Steve Rosansky for display in the Central Library. Library Services Manager Basmaciyan related that the Art in Public Places Library Gallery Ad Hoc Subcommittee recommends exhibitions in the Central Library Gallery by artists Sherry Marger, Lauren Mendelsohn-Bass, William Leung, Gail White, Agnes Schenk, and the Sierra Club with Hoiyin Ip and Steve Rosansky. Ms. Marger paints landscapes in acrylics. Ms. Mendelsohn-Bass' paintings depict the psychology of the mind's inner conflicts and struggles. Mr. Leung is an airbrush artist. Ms. White photographs the shore and marsh birds in and around Newport Beach. Ms. Schenk paints in oils and has exhibited in Central Library. The Sierra Club proposes the Youth Ocean Art Exhibition, which features art created by youth. Chair Greer noted the Central Library gallery is booked to September 2019 with exhibitions. Motion made by Commissioner Baker, seconded by Vice Chair Bendetti, and carried (5-0-0-2) to approve the work of artists Sherry Marger, Lauren Mendelsohn-Bass, William Leung, Gail White, Agnes Schenk, and the Sierra Club with Hoiyin Ip and Steve Rosansky for exhibition in the Central Library gallery. AYES: Greer, Bendetti, Baker, Kaufman, Little NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Glabman, Divine Newport Beach City Arts Commission Regular Meeting Minutes December 14, 2018 Page 4 6. Restoration of Metalphor Sculpture – Staff proposes that the City Arts Commission authorize the use of the Lenahan Estate fund to pay for the restoration of the sculpture Metalphor. Library Services Manager Basmaciyan proposed the City Arts Commission authorize the use of the Lenahan Estate Fund to pay for restoration of Metalphor. The artist, Bret Price, proposes to restore the piece and has provided a quote of $11,750 for restoration work. The sculpture was donated to the City in 1986 and was valued at $15,000 at the time. Chair Greer advised that the City Arts Commission had viewed Mr. Price's work, some of which is on display in San Antonio and Buena Park. Previously, Commissioners suggested relocating Metalphor. Given that Metalphor is the only public art on display in that part of the City, perhaps it should be restored and returned to its current location. In reply to a Commissioner's inquiries, Chair Greer related that staff investigated the pedestrian bridge project and determined Metalphor would not be impacted by the project. Display Inc. submitted a bid, but the bid is not competitive with Mr. Price's bid. Library Services Director Hetherton added that the piece could be relocated in the general area of its current location so that the public can better appreciate it. The City is obligated to maintain the sculpture or de-accession it. At some time in the past, the City painted the sculpture with automotive paint and painted over the rust damage. Mr. Price is willing to restore the piece to its original condition using his original process. The Lenahan Estate Fund is designated for items not contained in the regular operational budget. This is an opportunity to utilize the Lenahan Estate Fund as the family intended. Chair Greer was reluctant to lose the sculpture because the City has little public art and is not in a position to purchase public art. Perhaps a subcommittee can recommend a process whereby an endowment for maintenance is established when the City accepts artwork. Alternatively, perhaps the community in which public art is placed would be interested in helping with maintenance and repairs. Commissioner Baker suggested a Commissioner speak with Mr. Price and obtain an explanation of the costs. Library Services Director Hetherton offered to speak with Mr. Price; however, the costs appear to be fixed. Mr. Price has explained that the restoration work should have a lifespan of 10-15 years, and at the end of 10-15 years the sculpture should need only maintenance and painting. The sculpture has been on display for 32 years without proper maintenance. Commissioner Baker requested Library Services Director Hetherton seek an explanation of the line item for shop time and a recommended maintenance program for the piece. Chair Greer favored proceeding with restoration of Metalphor because funds are available for the restoration and the City Arts Commission will have additional pressing items for discussion in January. Library Services Director Hetherton suggested the City Arts Commission continue the item to January as Mr. Price would not begin work over the holidays. Commissioner Baker remarked that the piece deserves a location where the public can view and appreciate it. However, the public may be tempted to climb and hang on it. Library Services Director Hetherton reported a plaque could be installed near the sculpture Newport Beach City Arts Commission Regular Meeting Minutes December 14, 2018 Page 5 advising the public not to climb on the piece because of liability issues. Finding an alternative site for Metalphor could be a project for the City Arts Commission in 2019. Chair Greer announced the item is continued to the January 2019 meeting. 7. Phase IV – Sculpture in Civic Center Park Exhibition – The Sculpture in Civic Center Park Exhibition Development Ad Hoc Subcommittee makes recommendations to the City Arts Commission regarding funding for Phase IV. Library Services Manager Basmaciyan advised that the Sculpture in Civic Center Park Exhibition Development Ad Hoc Subcommittee recommends the City Arts Commission approve a request to the City Council to relax the conditions for Phase IV approved on April 11, 2017; approve a revised plan for funding Phase IV of the Sculpture in Civic Center Park Exhibition; approve a transfer of $19,711 from the Professional and Technical Services account to the Sculpture in Civic Center Park Exhibition Phase IV account; and accept a donation of $10,000 from the Newport Beach Arts Foundation to help provide artist honoraria for Phase IV. The City Council approved Phases III and IV on April 11, 2017. Phase III sculptures will be de-installed in September 2019. Phase IV can be funded with $100,000 from the Sculpture in Civic Center Park Exhibition account, $19,711 from the Professional and Technical Services account, and $15,000 from private funds. The Newport Beach Arts Foundation donated $5,000 to the City Arts Commission in July 2018 and has agreed to donate an additional $10,000. The City Arts Commission can allocate this gift of private funds and the transfer of $19,711 to match the total of $50,000 in honoraria provided in previous phases. Chair Greer reported Councilman Herdman and Assistant City Manager Jacobs worked with the subcommittee and staff to develop the proposal. In answer to inquiries, Library Services Director Hetherton indicated he had not spoken with artists regarding extending Phase III. He spoke with the City Attorney's Office and learned that artists will have to agree to extending Phase III and the City Arts Commission will have to increase artist honoraria and revise artist contracts. Extending Phase III may not be possible because the City Arts Commission does not have funds for additional honoraria. Arts Orange County (Arts OC) could ask the artists to extend Phase III without additional compensation. As currently scheduled, Phase IV would be installed in May or June 2020. Chair Greer noted the Council is scheduled to consider the proposal on January 8. Arts OC could inquire with the artists regarding extending Phase III with the caveat that additional honoraria are not available. Commissioner Baker suggested an article thanking artists for extending Phase III could provide the artists with publicity. Motion made by Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Kaufman, and carried (5-0-0-2) to approve a request to the City Council to relax the conditions for Phase IV approved by the City Council on April 11, 2017; approve a revised plan for funding Phase IV of the Sculpture in Civic Center Park Exhibition; approve a transfer of $19,711 from the Professional and Technical Services account to the Sculpture in Civic Center Park Newport Beach City Arts Commission Regular Meeting Minutes December 14, 2018 Page 6 Exhibition Phase IV account; and accept a donation of $10,000 from the Newport Beach Arts Foundation to help provide artist honoraria for Phase IV. AYES: Greer, Bendetti, Baker, Kaufman, Little NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Glabman, Divine B. Monthly Reports 8. Performing Arts for Concerts on the Green Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Commissioner Michelle Bendetti, Commissioner Wayan Kaufman, Commissioner Arlene Greer Vice Chair Bendetti reported the subcommittee has been inundated with submissions. The subcommittee is reviewing and narrowing the submissions and is targeting popular local bands, a tribute band, a country band, and bands for different audience demographics. A list of recommendations should be ready for review in January. 9. Performing Arts for Balboa Peninsula Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Commissioner Barbara Glabman, Commissioner Marie Little, Commissioner Arlene Greer Chair Greer advised that the subcommittee will meet prior to the January meeting of the City Arts Commission. 10. Art in Public Places Library Gallery Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Commissioner Miriam Baker, Commissioner Grace Divine, Commissioner Arlene Greer Chair Greer indicated the subcommittee's report was provided in Item VI.A.5. 11. Cultural Arts Grants Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Commissioner Barbara Glabman, Commissioner Wayan Kaufman, Commissioner Arlene Greer Commissioner Kaufman related the subcommittee's work with Pacific Symphony regarding a family concert on the Green in 2019. The remaining funds from the Cultural Arts Grant could be used for projects similar to the Festival Ballet Theatre's performance of The Sleeping Beauty. 12. Publicity Liaison Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Commissioner Michelle Bendetti, Commissioner Arlene Greer, Commissioner Wayan Kaufman Vice Chair Bendetti stated the subcommittee could begin its work once decisions are made for the Sculpture Garden and Concerts on the Green. Because of the large attendance at the 2018 Concerts on the Green, more press outlets are willing to provide coverage. Chair Greer requested Commissioners reach out to the community and suggest community members contact the City Council in support of the Sculpture Garden proposal. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Regular Meeting Minutes December 14, 2018 Page 7 13. Newport Beach Arts Foundation Liaison Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Commissioner Wayan Kaufman Chair Greer reported the Arts Foundation was pleased by the success of Art in the Park. The Arts Foundation requested a list of City Arts Commission projects for which the Foundation could provide funding. In the past, the Arts Foundation has provided funding and volunteers for the Newport Beach Art Exhibition and the Sculpture Garden. Commissioner Kaufman noted the Arts Foundation holiday party is scheduled for December 18 at 6:00 p.m. 14. Sculpture in Civic Center Park Exhibition Development Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Commissioner Arlene Greer, Commissioner Marie Little, Commissioner Barbara Glabman Chair Greer referred to the report provided in Item VI.A.7. and named all seven Commissioners to serve on the selection panel for the Phase IV of the Sculpture in Civic Center Park Exhibition. VII. 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 requested future agenda items for maintenance of the bronze sculptures, restoration of Metalphor, the extension of Phase III of the Sculpture Garden, a Sherman Library and Gardens special exhibition, and formation of a subcommittee for museum bus tours. VIII. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Jim Mosher suggested the City Arts Commission reinstate museum bus tours. IX. ADJOURNMENT – 6:20 P.M. Chair Greer adjourned the meeting at 6:20 p.m. Approved by: