HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_ARTAB_10.21.2014Minutes of the Meeting of the
Arts and Culture Board
City of Georgetown, Texas
October 21, 2014
The Arts and Culture Board met on Tuesday, October 21, 2014 at 4:30 p.m. in the small conference room of
the Georgetown Public Library, 402 W. 8th Street
MEMBERS PRESENT: Gary Anderson, Philip Baker, Shana Nichols, Betty Ann Sensabaugh, Liz Stewart,
Amanda Still and Melissa Waggoner
Regular Session — Chair Philip Baker called the meeting to order at 4:35 p.m.
A. Citizens who wish to address the Board - None were present.
B. Announcements of upcoming events — Liz Stewart informed the Board that Sunday, October 26, Fei
Fei Dong will perform at the Klett Performing Arts Center at 4:00 p.m. for the Georgetown Symphony
Society. Eric Lashley noted that Dar Richardson will replace the sculptures at the library and Council
Chambers this month. Lashley also explained that Dar expressed a desire to communicate with the
Board about the pieces he rotates throughout the city. The Board decided to invite Dar to address
the board as a citizen at the monthly meetings whenever he deems it necessary.
C. Consideration and approval of minutes of the September 16, 2014 Board meeting - Liz Stewart
moved to approve the minutes as distributed. Betty Ann Sensabaugh seconded the motion, which
passed unanimously.
D. Report regarding the operation of the Georgetown Art Center from September 16, 2014 through
October 20, 2014 — Eric Lashley, Gary Anderson. Lashley handed out an Art Center monthly report
created by President Diane Gaume of Georgetown Art Works. The Operating Agreement between
the City of Georgetown and Georgetown Art Works states that Georgetown Art Works will provide a
monthly report on the Art Center, this is the first one presented to the board. Diane would like
feedback from the board regarding the format of the report. The Art Hop pieces were hung on
October 3, at the Georgetown Public Library, Cianfrani's Coffee Company, Artisans Connect, and
the Art Center. They will come down on October 31. Melissa Waggoner reported an underwhelming
opening reception. Sarah Parent -Ramos will display her sculptures from November 7 through
December 14. Lashley expressed concern about possible damage to the sculptures during the
reception because they are very fragile. The opening reception will be held on November 15 at 7:00
p.m. There will also be an artist talk on November 16, from 1:30 — 3:00 p.m.
E. Report and possible action regarding expenditure of funds from the Arts and Culture Board budget —
Judy Fabry, Eric Lashley. Judy Fabry informed the board that there was only about $100 left in the
account at the end of the 2013-2014 fiscal year. Fabry noted the expenses that had been paid during
the previous month: $882 for ads in the Williamson County Sun, $600 to Pokey Park to display her
sculptures in the city, $30 for the plaques that go on those sculptures and $1,162 to the Williamson
County Sun for a group ad that will promote downtown businesses during the holidays. The cost of
the ad will be shared by Main Street and the Convention and Visitors Bureau.
F. Report on Art and Wine in the Square event survey of artists — Eric Lashley, Gary Anderson.
Anderson discussed results from the survey he gave the artists from the Art and Wine in the Square
event held September 26-28, 2014. Anderson reported that most artists were disappointed in the
sales and attendance of the event but were very happy with the wine and ambiance of the venue.
Lengthy discussion ensued; the board felt that a change of venue and marketing to the correct
audience could bring a more positive outcome to future events.
G. Consideration and possible action regarding proposed mural and mural subcommittee for library
plaza - Eric Lashley. Lashley reported that Faith Clark, owner of The Co -Op, is open to having a
mural painted on the side of her building that's part of the library plaza. The Historic and Architectural
Review Commission (HARC) does not have to approve the alteration of a downtown building if paint
is the only material used. If the board decides to add 3D elements to the proposed mural, then
HARC would have to approve it. A subcommittee will be formed in order to choose an artist to create
the mural and decide what the mural will look like. Lashley, Faith Clark, Rob Reddick of Double Wide
Decor, Marci Urban from the Main Street Advisory Board, and up to three Arts and Culture Board
members will make up the subcommittee. Stewart, Waggoner and Amanda Still volunteered to serve
on the subcommittee. If the proposed mural is approved, the board will pay a $3,000 stipend to the
artist, in addition to reimbursement for a UV/ anti -graffiti coating and materials purchased to create
the mural. Funding for this project will come from the Arts and Culture Board's regular budget for
public art. No motion was made in regard to the mural.
H. Review of final reports submitted by the nonprofit arts organizations who received grants in 2014 -
Judy Fabry. Fabry presented to the board the final reports from 2014 grantees, which include: The
Festival of the Arts, Palace Theater, Georgetown Symphony Society, Williamson County Symphony
Orchestra, East View High Percussion Group, and Community Montessori School.
Report concerning the Texans for the Arts legislative initiative for funding the Texas Commission on
the Arts Cultural District — Eric Lashley, Amanda Still. Lashley announced that Georgetown Art
Works member, Jane Estes, was nominated by Jim Bob McMillan to sit on the board of Texas
Commission on the Arts. Still discussed what she learned from a workshop titled, "Developing a
Fundraising Board and the Seven Faces of Philanthropy." She provided a Powerpoint to the board
which included notes from Still's experience at the workshop, as well as slides created by Diane
Gaume regarding Gallery Georgetown.
J. Consideration and possible action to fund a public art project in November 2014 — Eric Lashley.
Lashley asked the board to consider funding the Letters of Sacrifice memorial to be displayed on the
splash pad of the Art Center during November 2014. Lashley showed a short video about the
memorial, so the board could see what it looks like. Lashley explained that the memorial, created by
veteran Jenn Hassin, will go to the Pentagon in December and then will reside in Arlington
Cemetery. If approved, the board will pay $1,200 to the artist and $800 to promote the memorial.
Funding for this project will come from the Arts and Culture Board's regular budget for public art. The
board discussed concerns about graffiti and weather damage to the memorial but felt those reasons
were not detrimental enough to decline displaying the piece. Stewart made the motion to approve
funding $2,000 for the Letters of Sacrifice memorial and promotional materials and Sensabaugh
seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
K. Consideration of dates of coming meetings - Eric Lashley. Betty Ann Sensabaugh said she will not
be able to attend the meeting next month. All other members present said they would be able to
attend the regularly scheduled November meeting.
Chair Baker adjourned the meeting at 6:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Liz Stewart, Secretary Philip Bak r, Chair