DRAFT

 

City of Lawrence

Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission

December 12, 2012

 

Members present:   Kathy Porsch-Chair, Jane Pennington, Eric Kirkendall, Patrick Kelly, Grace Peterson, Richard Renner, Christie Dobson, Katherine Simmons, John Hachmeister

 

Members absent:     Mandy Enfield

 

Also present:          Diane Stoddard- city liaison, K.T. Walsh, media

 

The November minutes were approved.

 

K.T. Walsh presented her plans to put a mural on the Poehler building.  She reported that the mural will not be painted on the bricks at all, but rather in an exterior archway area on the north side of the building.  Commissioner Dobson reported that she had received a call regarding concerns from a citizen.  It appeared that there was misunderstanding that the bricks on the building were proposed to be painted, but it was not the case.

 

Commissioner Pennington made a motion to approve the mural request as presented.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kirkendall.   The motion was unanimously approved.

 

Christie Dobson made a nomination of Patrick Kelly to serve as Chair, Kathy Porsch as Secretary and Grace Peterson as Vice- Chair. Commissioner Pennington made a motion to approve, seconded by Commissioner Hachmeister.  Motion approved unanimously. 

 

Commissioner Pennington reported that the Outdoor Downtown Sculpture Committee met.  Commissioner Hachmeister agreed to be the new Chair of the Committee.  Commissioner Peterson agreed to serve as a Co-Chair of the Committee.  At the meeting, there was a consensus developed to invite people within a 15 mile radius of Lawrence to submit for the ODSE.  There was a concern expressed about $750 and would there be additional funding available for this stipend.  Darin White and Maria Valasco agreed to serve as an ad-hoc committee on this.  Commissioner Pennington indicated that they discussed seeking business sponsorships to add funding for the stipend.  She wanted to seek feedback from the full Commission on this topic.  She indicated what could be offered would be recognition on signage, publicity on the brochure and introduction during the opening reception.  There would be a special emphasis on this year being the 25th anniversary.  Commissioner Kelly expressed some concern with having naming rights for the entire exhibition.  Commissioner Porsch expressed some concern about the sustainability of the fundraising for this.  Commissioner Kirkendall indicated that it was important to have expectations set and cautioned against taking on too much.  Commissioner Pennington indicated that she understood the concerns about the long term, but thought that this was a very important year and worth a try.  There was a motion made by Commissioner Porsch, seconded by Commissioner Renner, to request the City Commission provide $5000 to enhance the Outdoor Downtown Sculpture Exhibition in 2013 in recognition of the 25th anniversary.   The motion was unanimously approved.  It was also noted that Porter Arneil from Kansas City had agreed to be the juror for this year’s exhibition. 

 

There was a discussion about the 2013 retreat.  It was decided that the retreat will be held on Sunday, February 3, 1-4 pm.  More details about location will be forthcoming. 

 

Commissioner Peterson reported that the Percent for Art for the Library is meeting tomorrow to have a work session.  The committee has remained in place to work on this project with the artist. 

 

Commissioner Porsch presented that at today’s Lawrence Arts Roundtable meeting, there was discussion about bringing in the staff person for the City of Salina to visit with the community about their role in the arts in Salina.  Commissioner Kirkendall said that there was also an idea of having a City Commissioner and Chamber representatives there.  Commissioner Kelly indicated that he thought it was important to be strategic about who proposes a new position, specifically that it was important that the Arts Roundtable continue to be key.  There was discussion about possibly allocating some funding for an event in the budget.

 

Commissioner Peterson indicated that she desire to be the liaison to the Percolator.

 

KT Walsh requested to be on the January agenda regarding a proposed Cultural Arts District that has been discussed by the Lawrence Arts Center.  KT has been asked by the East Lawrence Neighborhood Association to gather information about what the benefit would be to the neighborhood about this designation.  There has also been an interest in a cultural plan. There was discussion about possibly requesting city staff time to support the development of a cultural plan.  Commissioner Renner thought it was important for East Lawrence to request this plan. 

 

The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:45 pm.