HomeMy WebLinkAboutArts Commission minutes 041414FROM: Orange County Arts Commission
SUBJECT: Monthly Meeting
DATE: April 14, 2014
LOCATION: Century Center, Carrboro
MEMBERS PRESENT: Kate Dickson, Brian Finch, Doris Friend, Deborah Hepp, Kathleen Ponder, Allison Reavis,
Devra Thomas
MEMBERS ABSENT: Lindsey Alexander, Geoffrey Hathaway, Emily Lees, Alice Levinson, Ashley Nissler,
Cher Tuskey,
STAFF PRESENT: Martha Shannon
Meeting called to order at 6:30 PM
Topic A
Topic B
Topic C
NO QUORUM
Discussion Point: Review of Oct., Nov., Dec., 2013; Jan., Feb., Mar. 2014 Minutes
Decision /Vote(s): In the absence of a quorum, no vote was taken to approve these minutes.
Action Item: None
Discussion Point: Director's Report
Decision /Vote(s): Geoffrey Hathaway, Ashley Nissler, and Devra Thomas were all re- appointed for
another term by the BOCC at their March 18, 2014 meeting. Volunteer Applicants Allison Reavis and Brian
Finch were also appointed to the OCAC by the BOCC at their March 18, 2014 meeting. Debbie Hepp has
volunteered to serve as our judge for the 4th US Congressional District High School Art Competition
judging on April 16, 2014 at United Arts in Raleigh. The District -wide Reception will be held on April 23,
2014 at the NC Museum of Art in Raleigh. The EverWondr Network contract (for our online arts calendar
ExploreChapelHillARTS.com) will expire in August, 2014. We can renew for another 3 years at
$1,800 /year. Debbie Hepp recommended looking a usage statistics (they have been compiled). County
visitors' bureaus have been somewhat reluctant to use it. ExploreChapelHillARTS.com has a community
component. It gives local groups (book clubs, libraries, schools, etc.) the opportunity to post their events
(which would not normally be promoted by CVB's) as well as the usual arts events posted by artists and
arts organizations, etc. The OCAC will not be able to apply to the Hillsborough Tourism Board for a
tourism grant (deadline April 16, 2014) for our proposed public art project in River Park (behind the
Justice Facility) because no one will sign it on behalf of the county. This project has not gone before the
BOCC yet, and no one would sign contingent on their approval. It could be possible to apply next year.
This may not affect Arts Commission funding for this project.
Action Item: None
Discussion Point: New Applicants for OCAC Board
Decision /Vote(s): Doris Friend suggested the name of Melina Smither, who has owned /operated Smither
Staffing Associates and is also a painter /sculptor. She has expressed interest in board membership.
Topic D
Topic E
Topic F
Action Item: Doris Friend will encourage Melina Smither to send in her Volunteer Application.
Discussion Point: Conflict of Interest Policy for NC Arts Council
Decision /Vote(s): This item was tabled until next meeting because of no quorum.
Action Item: None
Discussion Point: Committee Updates
Decision /Vote(s): Debbie Hepp has volunteered to serve as our liaison to the Visitors Bureau. She
attended their March meeting, and will be replacing Gordon Jameson, who is not eligible for re-
appointment to the OCAC advisory board at this time. Primary discussion at their March meeting was our
public art project request. The Visitors Bureau was amenable but does not want to be the primary funder
of public art. They can justify funding part of it because it would go into a public space near a possible
tourist attraction. The Visitors Bureau board voted to fund 40% up to a maximum of $8,000. They
suggested the Arts Commission ask the County Commissioners to pay the balance. Since the Visitors
Bureau's March meeting, Devra Thomas and Martha Shannon met with Michael Waller (one of the artists)
at the proposed site. His new estimate is $25,000 - $35,000 (bigger scale for this site and increased
material costs). Also, Devra Thomas and Debbie Hepp met with Commissioner Penny Rich (who is also on
the Visitors Bureau board), to discuss approaching the Commissioners for these funds. Funding isn't likely
to happen quickly. She suggested we approach the BOCC in October, 2014. Arts Commission members
should advocate for funding of the piece and public art in general with our elected representatives.
Private funding is also possible but not likely to be significant. After approval by the County
Commissioners, this project would also need to be approved by the Hillsborough Historic District.
Action Item: Chair Devra Thomas asked for volunteers to serve on a Public Art Committee. Debbie Hepp
and Kathleen Ponder volunteered to serve on this ad -hoc committee.
Discussion Point: Agenda Additions /New Business /Old Business
Decision /Vote(s): There is a meeting tonight about the proposed new ArtsCenter building. The OCAC's
Spring 2014 grants deadline is 5 pm on May 23, 2014. Our May OCAC board meeting will be at the
Century Center (Room 2 -3) in Carrboro. Our June OCAC board /grants meeting will be at the OWASA
Community Room in Carrboro.
Action Item: None
Meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM