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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-08-2021 CAC APPROVED MINUTES Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, April 8, 2021 Regular Meeting – 5:00 PM Civic Center Council Chambers (Via Zoom) 100 Civic Center Drive Newport Beach, CA 92660 I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER – 5:04 P.M. II. ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Marie Little, Chair Arlene Greer, Vice Chair Maureen Flanagan, Secretary Wayan Kaufman, Commissioner Ritch LeGrand, Commissioner Commissioners Absent: Miriam Baker, Commissioner Leonard Simon, Commissioner Staff Present: Tim Hetherton, Library Services Director Camille Escareal-Garcia, Cultural Arts Assistant III. NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC IV. PUBLIC COMMENT None. V. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Approval of Minutes of the March 11, 2021, City Arts Commission Meeting 1. Draft of 3/11/2021 Minutes Motion made by Chair Little, seconded by Vice Chair Greer, and carried (5-0-0-2) to approve the March 11, 2021, meeting minutes as written. AYES: Little, Flanagan, Kaufman, Greer, LeGrand NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Baker, Simon B. Consent Calendar Items 2. Financial Report – Review of financial information Library Services Director Tim Hetherton reported there was little spending because they have not executed programs. Expenditures are expected over the next month as the Cultural Arts Grants will be sent out in May. There was a small amount of program spending on prizes for the photo contest. The only other spending was on routine maintenance. Overall, they are well funded for the fiscal year. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes April 8, 2021 Page 2 Vice Chair Greer suggested that available funding be used to promote the Sculpture Exhibition and the fall programming. Library Services Director Hetherton stated that was acceptable so long as the money was used in this fiscal year ending June 30th. Chair Little stated she would speak with Vice Chair Greer regarding the issue. 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 explained that the City Arts Commission (CAC) was before the City Council twice in March. At the March 9, 2021 meeting City Council approved the CAC’s recommendations for the 2021 Cultural Arts Grants. At the March 23, 2021 meeting City Council approved the acquisition of Grandmother’s Spirit into the City Art Inventory. The upcoming Central Library Gallery exhibition of Fake or Fortune: Provenance and Attribution through Joe Lewis was canceled as the owner of the piece has decided not to display. Another artist will fill in the gap as there is a list. In response to Commissioner Flanagan’s question, Library Services Director Hetherton explained that no real reason was given for the cancelation other than the owner was no longer interested in the exhibition. Motion made by Vice Chair Greer, seconded by Commissioner LeGrand, and carried (5-0-0-2) to approve the Consent Calendar. AYES: Little, Flanagan, Kaufman, Greer, LeGrand NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Baker, Simon VI. CURRENT BUSINESS A. Items for Review and Possible Action 4. Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park Phases V and VI Grand Opening and Luncheon – Following discussions with Chair Little, staff recommends that the Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park Grand Opening event and luncheon, honoring both Phase V and Phase VI sculptors, be held on Saturday, September 18, 2021. Library Services Director Hetherton reported he met with Chair Little and discussed programming for summer 2021. With public gathering restrictions still in flux due to COVID-19, staff recommends the Sculpture Exhibition Phases V and VI Grand Opening and Luncheon be rescheduled to Saturday, September 18, 2021 from its original date on June 12, 2021. Rescheduling the event appears prudent as rental deposits and vendors might be lost if the June date was planned and then postponed. Commissioner LeGrand inquired about competing events in September. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes April 8, 2021 Page 3 Library Services Director Hetherton said there was no City sponsored event or use of the Civic Center Park or Community Room. With respect to competing events in the community, Library Services Director Hetherton stated that there also does not appear to be any conflicts. Vice Chair Greer thought it was wise to move the date for both logistical and weather reasons. Motion made by Vice Chair Greer, seconded by Commissioner Flanagan, and carried (5-0-0-2) to reschedule the Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park Phases V and VI Grand Opening and Luncheon to Saturday, September 18, 2021. AYES: Little, Flanagan, Kaufman, Greer, LeGrand NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Baker, Simon 5. Newport Beach Art Exhibition Date Change – Staff requests that the City Arts Commission reschedule the 56th Annual Newport Beach Art Exhibition for Saturday, October 9, 2021. Library Services Director Hetherton reported that moving the event to the fall ensures its success for the same reasons as the prior item. Vendors and rentals need to be secured and, by moving the date, the City is less likely to have to cancel or reschedule and therefore lose its deposits. Vice Chair Greer added that they would not be in competition with other art exhibitions by moving the event to the fall. Additionally, the county might have changed tiers by then, which would allow for larger attendance. Motion made by Commissioner LeGrand seconded by Vice Chair Greer and carried (5-0-0-2) to award the Sculpture Photo Contest Winners as listed above. AYES: Little, Flanagan, Kaufman, Greer, LeGrand NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Baker, Simon 6. Proposal for Student Art Exhibition – Staff presents a proposal for a student art exhibition. Library Services Director Hetherton commended Cultural Arts Assistant Camille Escareal-Garcia for developing the proposal and writing the report. The purpose of the student art exhibition is to engage younger residents in the fine arts. The exhibition will be held over four weeks from August 1st to the 28th. Artists will be split by age in the following categories: very young to third grade, third grade to eighth grade, and eighth grade through twelfth grade. There will be an award for each age category. Original two-dimensional works of art will be displayed at the Central Library and online. Winning entries will be selected by jury with a ceremony at the October 9, 2021 Newport Beach Art Exhibition. This is intended to be another activity for students over the summer along with the summer reading program and fulfills the City Art Commission’s charter. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes April 8, 2021 Page 4 Commissioner Flanagan thought the proposal was great and that children would be excited about it. Chair Little said that she and Vice Chair Greer agreed. Motion made by Chair Little, seconded by Vice Chair Greer, and carried (5-0-0-2) to hold the student art exhibition as proposed in August. AYES: Little, Flanagan, Kaufman, Greer, LeGrand NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Baker, Simon 7. Proposal for Plein Air Event – Chair Little presents a proposal for a Plein Air event. Library Services Director Hetherton stated that, in a brainstorming session with Chair Little, they discussed the idea of hosting a plein air event. He admitted that while he had little experience in planning a plein air event, he thought it could be something that would become an annual event. The staff proposal details the necessary planning, and one consideration is to contract a plein air arts group or association to run the event. He suggested that the Chair direct staff to investigate the possibility of contracting someone to do the event and then return in May with a more fully formed proposal. Chair Little stated she thought this would be a fun event and that she was sure other Commissioners had attended similar events in the area. She has attended many plein air events on Catalina Island. The event will be a lot of work and the City needs to determine the feasibility of doing the event on its own as opposed to contracting it out. She suggested staff return in May with more information. Commissioner Flanagan stated she belongs to the Newport Bay Conservancy and every two or three years they do a Paint the Back Bay with a plein air group, the Southern California Plein Air Painters Association (SOCALPAPA). Chair Little agreed and stated that organization was discussed in her session with staff. Seeing no further comments, she announced that staff will present a formal proposal at the May CAC meeting. Commissioner Kaufman stated that she had questions about the expenses of running the event but was sure those concerns would be addressed in the staff proposal. 8. Central Library Gallery Exhibits – The Art in Public Spaces Library Gallery Ad Hoc Subcommittee recommends that the City Arts Commission approve exhibitions by Rob Williams, Shant Beudjekian, and Helen Polins- Jones in the gallery space in the Central Library lobby. Library Services Director Hetherton reported that submissions from the public were received to display in the Central Library lobby. There is about 38 feet of linear wall space and other places for the exhibit. The artists apply, an ad hoc subcommittee approves the work, and staff notifies the artists and has the works hung. He felt the three selections recommended by the ad hoc subcommittee were fantastic. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes April 8, 2021 Page 5 Chair Little called for comments and questions, but there were none. Motion made by Vice Chair Greer, seconded by Commissioner Flanagan, and carried (5-0-0-2) to approve the display of the named exhibitions in the rotating library gallery located at the Central Library. AYES: Little, Flanagan, Kaufman, Greer, LeGrand NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Baker, Simon Chair Little and Library Services Director Tim Hetherton conferred aside – Meeting paused between timestamp 30:36 – 31:06. Chair Little called for the public comment on all five items discussed and apologized for overlooking the appropriate time initially. Library Services Director Hetherton stated he should have caught the oversight. Jim Mosher was confused by the staff report on the Sculpture Exhibition and luncheon. The luncheon is a non-public event, but the report states that the Newport Beach Arts Foundation funds the luncheon for the artists and the Arts Commission also hosts City Council, Arts Foundation leadership, and key City staff. He asked for clarification of the funding since the event is not open to the public. Chair Little confirmed that the luncheon was not open to the public and would not be funded with public funds. It is funded privately through the Newport Beach Arts Foundation, but it is hosted by the CAC and attended by City Council members. B. Monthly Reports 9. Art in Public Places Library Gallery Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Commissioners Miriam Baker, Arlene Greer, Marie Little Chair Little reported that she met with Library Services Director Hetherton and Vice Chair Greer several weeks ago and drove around the Balboa Peninsula to seek out suitable placement options for Chairman of the Board. They should have a location selected to vote on at the May CAC meeting. 10. Newport Beach Art Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Commissioners Maureen Flanagan, Arlene Greer, Marie Little Chair Little reported they continue to receive new entries weekly. There are exceptional entries this year and the ad hoc subcommittee is pleased. Vice Chair Greer added that they would have more time to plan now that the event has been moved to the fall and that she was pleased with the date change as it would allow for greater attendance. 11. Newport Beach Arts Foundation Liaison Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Commissioner Maureen Flanagan. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes April 8, 2021 Page 6 Commissioner Flanagan stated that the last meeting focused on Chair Little and her explanation of the community survey. As she reported in March, Carol Lee resigned and the new person taking over is Leslie O’Rourke. There is also a new Board Member, Sunny Kim. VII. CITY ARTS COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION, ACTION OR REPORT (NON-DISCUSSION ITEM) • Announcements: ° Chair Little activated the Summer Concert on the Green Ad Hoc Subcommittee: Commissioners Greer, Simon, Little. ° Chair Little activated the Performing Arts on the Balboa Peninsula Ad Hoc Subcommittee: Commissioners Greer, LeGrand, Little. ° Chair Little implemented The Student Art Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee: Commissioners Greer, Kaufman, Little. ° The CAC was contacted via email by the president and C.E.O. of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, Steve Rosansky. He informed the CAC that the owner of several Rex Brandt paintings was looking for an appraiser and buyer, as well as to exhibit in the gallery space at the Central Library. The Art in Public Spaces Library Gallery Ad Hoc Subcommittee will wait for an application to be received before moving forward with a recommendation for exhibition. Vice Chair Greer stated that usually the Art in Public Spaces Library Gallery Ad Hoc Subcommittee would view the works. She hoped that they would be able to do so again. Rex Brandt paintings have been well received in the past and she thought they would be again, as Mr. Brandt was from Newport Beach, was a library trustee, and a nationally known artist. The last time his work was displayed in the library was 2015. Chair Little responded to Steve Rosansky’s email and advised him that the owner of the paintings would need to complete an application. She had no recommendation for an appraiser or buyer at the time. Library Services Director Hetherton and Vice Chair Greer know an appraiser that she will recommend to Mr. Rosansky. • Future Agenda: ° Staff will present a formal proposal of the Plein Air event. ° Recommendation for permanent site for the sculpture Chairman of the Board. VIII. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Jim Mosher stated he had comments on the Cultural Arts report on the Consent Calendar. The report mentioned the City Council’s March 23rd acceptance of the painting recommended by the CAC. Although Council Policy I-11 has required that any art recommended by the CAC for acquisition by the City needs to be approved by the Council, this was the first time a painting had been presented to them for consent to his knowledge. Secondly, the item appeared on the Consent Calendar and those who watched only the beginning of the meeting might have the impression it was unanimously approved, but at the end of the meeting Council Member Brenner changed her vote to no without explanation. He thought the change was over the discrepancy in the value of the painting. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes April 8, 2021 Page 7 The staff report stated the painting was worth about $10,000, but similar paintings by the same artist at auction sell under $200. Library Services Director Hetherton said the $10,000 figure came from the owner who was the brother of the artist. It was not a financial transaction between the City and the donor. The donor receives a letter from the CAC stating that the work was accepted into the Art Inventory. The letter is used for tax purposes and any value that the painting has must come from an appraiser. Chair Little stated that the City was unaware of whether the owner would write the painting off or not. However, they did request a copy of any appraisal the owner would seek for those purposes. Vice Chair Greer stated the City had accepted three paintings before so there was a precedent. The transaction was in 2016 and it was two Rex Brandt paintings. The value was determined by the donator and a former CAC member. The paintings were submitted to the City Council as per procedure and were accepted unanimously. ADJOURNMENT – 5:58 P.M. Chair Little adjourned the meeting at 5:58 P.M. Approved by: Marie Little