HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_ARTAB_08.19.2009Minutes of the Meeting of the
Arts and Culture Board
City of Georgetown, Texas
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Present: Charles Aguillon, Penny Plueckhahn, Steve Proesel, Georgene Richaud, Mandy Solin.
Absent: Melanie Dunham, Jane Paden
Staff Present: Eric Lashley, Library Director; Judy Fabry, Library Administrative Assistant
Others Present: Chris Dyer, Director, Williamson Museum; Cindy Thompson and Sandra
Montgomery, president and past president of Friends of the Georgetown Symphony Society; Bob
Kostka and Doug Smith, president and past president of the Palace Theater, Inc
A. Chair Charles Aguillon called the meeting to order at 3:08 p.m.
B. There were no announcements regarding upcoming events
C. Citizens wishing to address the Board - none were present
D. Consideration and approval of mmutes of last meeting.
Georgene moved that the minutes be accepted as distributed, seconded by Steve. Motion
passed unanimously.
E. Consideration of and possible action on
1. Presentation by Cindy Thompson, Friends of Georgetown Symphony Society (FOGSS),
regarding funding for children's programs - Charles Aguillon
Ms Thompson described the music enrichment programs FOGSS sponsors twice each year
for 4th and 5th grade students in the GISD. Their purpose is to give the students an
opportunity to learn about different musical instruments, performers, and performances so
that they may make informed decisions in 6th grade about taking up a musical instrument or
participating in a musical group. Ms. Thompson suggested that the Board could help, either
by volunteering at these musical programs, or by making a financial contribution. $4800
would sponsor one concert, $10,000 sponsor both.
2. Presentation by Doug Smith, Palace Theater, regarding request for funding - Charles
Aguillon.
Before the presentationby the Palace Theater supporters, Charles informed the Board that
they were hearing from these organizations today because of direction from the City Council
In a recent meeting the Council turned down the Palace's request for social service funding
and told their representative to see the Arts and Culture Board about a grant.
Bob Kostka, president of Georgetown Palace Theater, Inc. made the presentation. He
recognized the important contribution past President Doug Smith has made to their
organization. The Palace provides training in the performing arts for children during the
summer, at spring and fall workshops, and in a proposed after -school program They are
seeking $10,000, which would allow them to reduce tuition and increase the number of
scholarships they offer.
In answer to Steve's question about how much the Council granted the Palace for these
programs last year, Mr. Kostka said $5000. Charles asked how many of the participants in the
kids' programs are from Georgetown, but Mr. Kostka was not able to provide a percentage.
He said he could get that figure for the Board and he also added that the Board could
designate that any funding they provided be used only for children from Georgetown. Penny
asked how much HOT funding the Palace received and Mr Kostka said they had only
received enough to pay for one ad in Texas Monthly and that was two years ago. Mr. Kostka
emphasized the number of people who come from out of town to attend performances at the
Palace. He said he would get a copy of the audience survey they did recently to the Board.
3. Budget, including hghting for library, TSOS purchase, an.d possible grants - Judy Fabry,
Judy reported that the cost of replacing the canister lighting on the library bridge and
downstairs in the lobby had increased from $500 to $1000, due primarily to the cost of the
fixtures that are compatible with the wiring in these areas. She also statedthat she is
concerned about the effect on the general lighting in these areas that replacing the downward
focusing fixtures with ones focused on the brick walls will have. At night, with all
illumination focused on the dark walls, the area currently being illuminated will become
much darker.
After a brief discussion, Penny moved to drop the project; Georgene amended the motion to
say the project will be tabled but will be reconsidered if a better option comes up, and
added her second to the amended motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Regarding the purchase of one of the sculptures in the TSOS exhibit that is currently at the
library, Charles said he had decided that the Board should not use its funds for public art at
this time and he moved that no purchase be made. Steve seconded the motion. Much
discussion followed regarding how the Board's funding should be used when there is no
promise that there will be any funding in the future. Clearly, the Council wants the Board to
do grants to arts non -profits, but how much should be used for that purpose? [he plan that
the Board had put in place has been pre-empted by the Council. Eric pointed out the
importance of cultivating a good relationship with the TSOS since they will be contributing
works for the sculpture display in the park as well as a proposed permanent rotating display
at the library and future annual shows. Charles retracted his motion and made a new one
calling for the purchase of a large outdoor piece to place in San Gabriel Park Penny
seconded that motion. More discussion followed and when the motion was called, it failed
unanimously. Georgene moved that the Board tell TSOS that they might provide prize
money for next year's show at the library. Motion failed for lack of a second.
Judy said she would talk to Dar Richardson about how much prize money would be
appropriate for next year's show.
Charles suggested it is very important to establish a budget so that they can make spending
decisions more easily Steve and Mandy volunteered to serve with Charles on a budget
subcommittee. They agreed to meet as soon as possible
4. Update on Fme Arts Festival on the Square, October 17 & 18 — Charles Aguillon.
Charles said that the plans for Georgetown Art in the Square are on schedule and that most
logistics have been figured out. Non -profits will sell drinks and all of the restaurants will
have sidewalk stands set up in front of their businesses to sell inexpensive food items. Mandy
asked whether there would be stands for GISD and SU. Charles said they had not been
planned for at this point but he would ask Lynette about doing this. Everyone agreed this
would be a good way to bring local artists into the mix of those who are selling their works.
There will be a reception for the artists the evening of October 16.
5. Meeting with Paul Brandenburg — Charles Aguillon.
Charles has not met with Paul yet, but he spoke by phone with Keith Brainard and will be
meeting with him soon. He also expects to see Dale Ross soon.
6. Progress report on San Gabriel Park Sculpture Garden — Charles Aguillon et al.
Georgene gave a slide presentation of the trip she and Penny made to Marble Falls to look at
that town's sculpture exhibit. Dan Pogue and his wife, who have been the primary facilitators
for the exhibit in Marble Falls were their hosts. Georgene then presented slides showing the
five proposed locations in San Gabriel Park where Georgetown's rotating sculpture exhibit
will be. Eric had taken this presentation to the Parks Board meeting on August 13 and.
received "enthusiastic support' for the proposed sculpture project. The Parks Board also
suggested that additional benches for the proposed sculpture sites may already be available.
Georgene outlined the steps that she believes must take place for the first sculptures to be in
place by mid -October (1) create/ and place the pedestals; (2) install mounting plates on the
pedestals; (3) acquire and place the benches; (4) contact artists about applying to display their
work. She said the application process Marble Falls uses is very simple and she
recommended adopting their form and process.
Steve moved to proceed with the sculpture project for a cost not to exceed $3000, which
includes the purchase of ten pieces of stone and purchasing and installing mounting plates on
each pedestal. Georgene seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Charles is going
to pursue getting the stone donated by Texas Crushed Stone. Mandy inquired about whether
lighting would be available for the sculpture sites. Eric said it might be possibility in the
future.
7. A Summit of the Arts in 2009? - Penny Plueckhahn.
Penny and Charles agreed to serve on a subcommittee to set a date for the Summit of the
Arts. At this event, which will only be one session this year, the Board will announce their
grant program and will set a deadline for applications, probably in December 2009.
8. Art Works banner project - Eric Lashley
The Board unanimously agreed on the ' Art and Culture" banner that has a pewter strip at
top and bottom Nick Ramos needed this information before movmg ahead with printing of
the banners.
9. Plaque for Mules sculpture - Judy Fabry
Judy showed a proof of the plaque, the cost of which is $333. It will be ready the first week of
September. Bob Coffee said he would install this plaque when he does the repair work on the
date he engraved on the sculpture.
10. Wording for Council Proclamation for October Art Month - Eric Lashley
The Board agreed that the City Council proclamation for Arts Monthshould not include the
names of specific organizations or events. Eric said Jessica Hamilton, City Secretary, will
prepare the final proclamation.
11. Potential future projects: arts and culture outdoor events area near library - Eric Lashley
Item postponed until the September meeting.
12. Items for September agenda -Judy Fabry
Charles proposed and the Board agreed to hold two meetings in September, one on
September 9 and the other on the regular meeting date, September 16. Agenda items for the
9th include the Summit of the Arts, the budget, future outdoor events area near the library,
and the sculpture pads.
Charles adjourned the meeting at 5:45.
Respectfully submitted,
eorgene Richaud, Secretary Charles Aguillon, Chair