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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAC 03-09-23 Approved MinutesCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH CITY ARTS COMMISSION MINUTES Newport Beach Public Library 1000 Avocado Avenue, Newport Beach, CA 92660 Wednesday, March 9, 2023 – Regular Meeting City Arts Commission Members: Arlene Greer, Chair Maureen Flanagan, Vice Chair Leonard Simon, Secretary Wayan Kaufman, Commissioner Marie Little, Commissioner Barbara George, Commissioner Staff Members: Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director Camille Escareal-Garcia, Cultural Arts Assistant I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER Chair Greer called the City Arts Commission meeting to order at 5:00 P.M. II. ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Chair Greer Commissioner Little Commissioner Kaufman Commissioner George Commissioners Absent: Vice Chair Flanagan (excused absence) Secretary Simon (excused absence) Staff Present: Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director Camille Escareal-Garcia, Cultural Arts Assistant III. NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC – Waived IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS None V. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Approval of Minutes of the February 08, 2023, City Arts Commission Meeting 1. Draft of 2/08/2023 Minutes Chair Greer called for edits to the draft minutes of the February 8 meeting. City Arts Commission Meeting March 9, 2023 Page 2 Commissioner Little noted the following correction: • Handwritten Page 21, paragraph 6: “Vice Chair Flanagan” should have been “Commissioner Little”. Commissioner Kaufman noted the following correction: • Handwritten Page 15, sentence 8: “Commissioner Kaufman” should have been “Chair Greer”. Chair Greer noted the following correction: • Handwritten Page 21, paragraph 9, sentence 8: The paragraph should read “Chair Greer also requested that a future agenda include the proposed offer of purchase for two sculptures: Migration of My Dreams by Marisabel Bazan and Woodpeckers by Michael McLaughlin, as well as the proposed donation of Celestial Carousel by Adrian Susnea Litman. All artists are from Phase VI of the Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park.” Motion made by Commissioner George, seconded by Commissioner Little, and carried (4-0-0-2) to approve the edits to the minutes of the City Arts Commission (CAC) Special Meeting on February 8, 2023. Motion made by Commissioner Little, seconded by Commissioner George, and carried (4-0-0-2) to approve the edits to the minutes of the City Arts Commission (CAC) Regular meeting on February 8, 2023. AYES: Greer, Little, Kaufman, George NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENCES: Flanagan, Simon B. Consent Calendar Items 2. Financial Report Review of financial information. Library Services Director Melissa Hartson reported the Programming balance of $10,000, and Professional Services balance of $14,000, have been transferred to the Sculpture Exhibition Budget for Phase VIII. Entry fee submissions for the Art Exhibition have begun, which is noted in the Financial Report. In response to Chair Greer’s question regarding Professional Services balance listed on pages 23 and 24, Library Services Director Hartson confirmed the $5,425.68 will be used for the restoration of the Sunset Years bench, and the work has been scheduled for the following week. City Arts Commission Meeting March 9, 2023 Page 3 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 Melissa Hartson reported the floral photography exhibit by Sandra Pipkin has left the Central Library gallery. In February, Phase VIII recommendations for the Sculpture Garden were approved by City Council. Call for entries for the Art Exhibition will remain open until May 26, and the event will be held on June 24 at the Civic Center Community Room. All the artwork from the Student Exhibition has been taken down and participants have been returning to the library to retrieve their art and certificates. The next CAC meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 13. The Sculpture Exhibition installation and removal is scheduled for the beginning of June. The Cultural Arts Grant award ceremony will be held on June 8 during the Regular meeting. Motion made by Commissioner George, seconded by Commissioner Little, and carried (4-0-0-2) to approve Consent Calendar as submitted by City staff. AYES: Greer, Little, Kaufman, George NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENCES: Flanagan, Simon VI. CURRENT BUSINESS A. Items for Review and Possible Action 4. 2023 Concerts on the Green Staff recommends that the City Arts Commission select two performers and one alternate performer for the 2023 Concerts on the Green series. Library Services Director Melissa Hartson reported that the City Arts Commission reviewed bands for consideration of the 2023 Concerts on the Green, and six of the eight bands chosen from the February meeting were not feasible due to availability and/or budget constraints. The two groups that were booked from the previous choices are The Sully Band, booked for the July concert, and Tiffany Dennis and Cruise Control who is booked for Marina Park in October. Chair Greer stated the Commissioners have not conferred on the item and it will be opened up for public comment if any members of the public have recommendations. The Commissioners listened to a sample of the band The MVPs upon Commissioner George’s suggestion. City Arts Commission Meeting March 9, 2023 Page 4 Commissioner Kaufman commented that the City will need to increase the budget for the selection of the bands if they want to compete with other cities that also do summer concert series. Chair Greer inquired if the budget parameters were provided to the bands in the call for artists. Library Services Director Melissa Hartson replied that in prior calls the budget and schedule parameters were not included, and staff intended on making that change in future call for artists. Each commissioner chose three bands from the provided lists. Commissioner George chose Tijuana Dogs, The MVPs, and Flux Capacitors. Commissioner Kaufman chose Tijuana Dogs, Gypsy Dreams, and Electric Vinyl. Commissioner Little chose Alias Brass, Band X, and Boys of Summer. Chair Greer chose Gypsy Dreams, Boys of Summer, Tijuana Dogs, and Classic Journey. Chair Greer invited public comments. Jon Blom, Newport Beach resident, stated that the budgeted amount for the bands was going to make it difficult to find bands for the concerts. Chair Greer and Library Services Director Melissa Hartson explained that the total amount budgeted is closer to $8,000 due to the cost of the sound engineer and equipment. Regina Keith, a Barbra Streisand singer interested in performing for the Concerts on the Green, inquired if the bands have their own sound technician, could the funds for the sound engineer be used towards the cost of the band. Library Services Director Melissa Hartson explained that the sound engineer is contracted for the entire series season and if that changed for one concert, it would change the contract for the entire season. Additionally, the sound engineer is familiar with both the Civic Center Green and the Marina Park venues. Commissioner George added that she spoke to former Library Services Director Tim Hetherton and another reason the City contracts a sound engineer is due to their knowledge of the venue proximity to residences and their ability to contain the music within the parameters of where the venue is held so not to disturb surrounding neighbors. Regina Keith commented that even if a city provides their own sound engineer, her band brings their sound technician to gigs to ensure the band’s needs are met. The commissioners expressed interest in listening to a sample of the Michael Bublé and Barbra Streisand band. City Arts Commission Meeting March 9, 2023 Page 5 Jim Mosher, Newport Beach resident, provided comment that if only two bands were booked out of the prior eight selected, perhaps two alternates should be selected. Jon Blom, Newport Beach resident, questioned what time the concert starts and if other cities are contacted for references on the bands. Chair Greer answered the Concert on the Green begins at 6:00 p.m. and the concert at Marina Park begins at 4:30 p.m., and suggested staff work with the sound engineer about seeking references for the bands and possible recommendations for next year’s bands. After listening to requested samples, the commissioners voted for their favorite picks among the list. Commissioner Little’s top 4: • Boys of Summer • Alias Brass • Electric Vinyl • Feelin’ Good Commissioner George’s top 4: • Tijuana Dogs • The MVPs • Electric Vinyl • Alias Brass Commissioner Kaufman’s top 4: • Tijuana Dogs • Gypsy Dreams • Boys of Summer • Electric Vinyl Chair Greer’s top 4: • Tijuana Dogs • Gypsy Dreams • Boys of Summer • Classic Journey Based on the top four choices of each Commissioner, the votes for each band were as follows: • Boys of Summer – 3 votes • Tijuana Dogs – 3 votes • Electric Vinyl – 3 votes • Alias Brass – 2 votes • Gypsy Dreams – 2 votes • Classic Journey – 1 vote • Feelin’ Good – 1 vote • The MVPs – 1 vote City Arts Commission Meeting March 9, 2023 Page 6 Motion made by Chair Greer, seconded by Commissioner George, and carried (4-0-0-2) to approve Tijuana Dogs as the first band choice, Boys of Summer as the second choice, and Electric Vinyl as the third-choice band, with Alias Brass and Gypsy Dreams as the alternate bands. AYES: Greer, Little, Kaufman, George NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENCES: Flanagan, Simon 5. De-installation of Steven L. Rieman’s Birdman Staff recommends that the City Arts Commission approve the removal of Steven L. Rieman’s sculpture, Birdman, from Civic Center Park. Library Services Director Melissa Hartson reported that the Project Manager for the Sculpture Exhibition, Rick Stein, informed staff that the Birdman sculpture had been sold. The artist has requested an early de-installation. Newport Beach Resident Jon Blom provided public comment that this is a good reason for de-installation, however, the Commission should be cautious regarding setting a precedence. Chair Greer replied that early de-installation is generally discouraged and this is an exception and there is another work by the artist displayed in the garden which will help lessen the effects of removing Birdman. Commissioner Little added that the artist has assured staff that there will be no cost to the city for de-installation, and had there been an added cost, the Commission would not approve the request. Chair Greer requested staff relay the discussion back to Mr. Stein. Motion made by Commissioner George, seconded by Commissioner Little, and carried (4-0-0-2) to approve. AYES: Greer, Little, Kaufman, George NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENCES: Flanagan, Simon B. Monthly Reports 6. Newport Beach Art Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee Commissioners Arlene Greer, Maureen Flanagan, and Leonard Simon. Chair Greer reported that the first batch of artists have been approved to include 12 artists with 22 artworks. The second batch of artists has been approved which includes eight artists and 13 artworks; for a total of 20 artists and 35 artworks approved to date. The 2023 Newport Beach Art Exhibition Call for Artists is available online on the City of Newport Beach website under Cultural Arts, and applications will be accepted through May 26, 2023. Artists can apply by creating a free account on CallForEntry.org. The event City Arts Commission Meeting March 9, 2023 Page 7 is currently in the planning process and is scheduled for Saturday June 24, 2023. The CAC will accept art drop-off in the afternoon between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on June 23, and on Saturday, June 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. The Newport Beach Art Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee will be requesting funding for this year’s event. A written proposal will be provided by staff to the Newport Beach Arts Foundation, the request being proposed is $2,500 to offset the budget shortfall due to significant inflationary increases in costs to hold the event. The Pavilion on the Green will host a reception from noon to 6 p.m., and a celebration will be held with the hope that the Mayor will present the artist awards, along with City Art Commissioners, at 4:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. The categories for the awards include paintings which are oil, acrylic, water colored, and pencil and charcoal drawings; photography; and 3-D art from mixed media. The first prize for each category is $300, the second prize awards are $200, and the third prize awards are $100 dollars. There will be a Juror’s Choice award for $200 and a People’s Choice award for $100 dollars. Students from the National Charity League will attend to help collect ballots from the public that will be tabulated 30 minutes before the awards ceremony. The music for the exhibition event will be John DePatie. Catering will likely be provided by Bistro Express, with tables and chairs set up on the Civic Center Green. Twenty percent of the money collected from the event will be contributed to the Newport Beach Arts Foundation for the programming of the City Arts Commission, specifically for the Sculpture Garden. Arts in Motion will be providing children’s activities. A bar for wine and beer is also planned. Phase VIII of the Sculpture Garden will be completed for the event, and it will be the first day the public will be able to use their handheld devices to hear information about each item in the exhibit. Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia confirmed staff were successful in reaching John DePatie and they include two pieces and a percussionist. 7. Art in Public Spaces Ad Hoc Subcommittee Commissioners Arlene Greer and Marie Little Chair Greer appointed Commissioner George to serve on the Art in Public Spaces Ad Hoc Subcommittee and reported there will be an Agenda available at the next meeting. 8. Newport Beach Arts Foundation Liaison Commissioners Maureen Flanagan and Arlene Greer. Chair Greer reported that the Newport Beach Arts Foundation had a full meeting the previous evening and former Commissioner Meghan McNulty was voted in to serve on the Board of Directors, and she has already begun an Instagram account to publicize their Art in the Park program. The nominating committee is in the process of making nominations for the officers of the Board. They have hired consultant Andrew Brosche for this year’s Art in the Park event scheduled for Saturday September 23, 2023 at 10 a.m. at the City’s Civic Center Green Community Room and Plaza. Mr. Brosche comes with extensive experience in local large event planning and will manage all duties relating to the event to include advertising, communication with artists, exhibitors and sponsors, event set up and tear down, funds collected, along with many others. This will be their eighteenth annual event for Art in the Park. Over 150 artists and artisans will join together to sell their work. Funds raised at the event will benefit Newport Beach Art’s Commission Sculpture Garden program. City Arts Commission Meeting March 9, 2023 Page 8 Commissioner Little was asked to attend two NBAF meetings with ad hoc Board members for the Surf Film Exhibition. They are seeking the assistance of Jeff Parker, who presented a proposal to the Foundation on Monday. The Board will decide on the proposal after the induction of the new Board members in June. VII. CITY ARTS COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION, ACTION OR REPORT (NON-DISCUSSION ITEM) The following current business items were recommended for the April CAC agenda: • Art in Public Spaces Ad Hoc Subcommittee and the consideration of artwork into the City Art Inventory. Two sculptures are available for purchase, Marisabel Bazan’s The Migration of My Dreams and Michael McLaughlin’s Woodpeckers. A third sculpture will be considered for donation, Adrian Susnea Litman’s sculpture, Celestial Carousel. • Commissioner Simon’s initiative for painting utility boxes, though Chair Greer reported there is a funding issue for the initiative. VIII. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Mr. Robert O’Leary, Newport Beach resident, thanked the Commission for allowing him to attend the meeting and was glad to hear about the children’s activities that will be provided at the Sculpture event. Mr. Jon Blom, Newport Beach resident, thanked the Commission for allowing him to attend, it was very eye opening to see the amount of work the Commission does. IX. ADJOURNMENT – 6:55 p.m. The next meeting for the City Art Commission is scheduled for April 12, 2023. Approved by: Arlene Greer