HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_ARTAB_01.16.2018Minutes of the meeting of the
Arts and Culture Board
City of Georgetown, Texas
January 16, 2018
The Arts and Culture Board met on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at 4:30 p.m. in the Small
Conference Room of Georgetown Public Library, 402 W. 8th Street, Georgetown, TX.
PRESENT: Jane Estes, Tim Fleming, Wes Odell, Laura Sewell, Sharon Snuffer and Linda
Wilde.
ABSENT: Carol Watson
STAFF PRESENT: Eric Lashley- Library Director.
OTHERS PRESENT: Jim Copps with St. David's Hospital, Impressions Gallery.
Chair Estes called the meeting to order at 4:30 pm.
A. Citizens wishing to address the Board. — Jane Estes, Board Chair. As of the
deadline, no persons were signed up to speak on items other than what was
posted on the agenda.
B. Announcements regarding arts and culture in Georgetown. Jane Estes, Board
Chair. Board members discussed local arts and culture events, exhibits and
projects. Odell introduced Jim Copps to the board. Copps is the curator of the
Impressions Gallery located in St. David's Hospital.
Lashley reported that the proclamation for Paul Gaffney will be rescheduled. A
local business owner approached Lashley about the process of having the Arts
and Culture Board commission a mural on their building on Rock Street. The
board has a number of potential mural projects in the future and will need to
develop policies and procedures to select future mural locations.
Texans for the Arts will sponsor an arts advocacy day in Austin sometime in
April. No action required.
C. Review of minutes from the December 12, 2017 Arts and Culture Board meeting.
— Jane Estes, Board Chair. Motion by Odell; second by Sewell to approve
December's minutes. Approved 6-0 (Watson absent).
D. Review of monthly report from Georgetown Art Works. — Eric Lashley, Library
Director. The monthly report was not provided to the board from GAW.
Lashley announced that the City requested GAW vacate artists from the second
floor of Georgetown Art Center so the legal department could utilize that space
during construction of the new City Hall. The City will reimburse GAW for lost
revenue and will share the cost of utilities which should be a financial benefit to
GAW. During this time, GAW will have an opportunity to assess their policies and
procedures regarding artist studios which can be implemented once the legal
department moves into the new City Hall. No action required.
E. Update on the Arts and Culture coordinator position. —Eric Lashley, Library
Director. Lashley reported the Arts and Culture Coordinator position will close on
January 19. So far there have been a number of very strong candidates. He will
coordinate interview and hopes to offer the position to a selected candidate by
the first week in February. No action required.
F. Update on recycled street sign project. —Eric Lashley, Library Director. Lashley
explained that the remaining street signs needed for the recycled street sign
public art project have not been removed yet. Karen Frost from the Planning
Department has contacted the company in charge of the sign removal several
times. Unfortunately, the project has been delayed due to change in personnel.
This public art project will be on hold until the remaining signs are procured. No
action required.
G. Report on meeting between Nancy Manning, Executive Director of the
Georgetown Palace Theatre and Eric Lashley regarding increasing diversity in
arts organizations. —Eric Lashley, Library Director. Lashley and Manning met to
discuss ways to increase diversity within the arts organizations. Manning
explained that the Georgetown Palace Theatre has funds designated for low-
income and minority students for their after-school and summer programs but are
having a hard time getting students to apply for these funds.
Lashley reported that he set-up a meeting on February 9 with members of the
African American and Hispanic communities, as well as with representatives of
the GISD Fine Arts Department to try and brainstorm ways to increase diversity.
Sewell noted that transportation is a major barrier for students. GoGeo and the
Boys and Girls Club should be explored as options. Discussion followed
regarding the obstacles in engaging diverse audiences and how to change that
pattern. Odell suggested the interview for the Arts and Culture position include a
question on increasing diversity. No action required.
H. Consideration and possible action regarding the recommendation for public art at
the new Municipal Court building. —Eric Lashley, Library Director. Lashley
distributed a drawing of a wall within the main entrance of the new Municipal
Court building. Lashely requested feedback from the board as to the type of art
that could go on the wall. Discussion followed about installing a hanging system.
Mural or one large piece or art. The board wanted to see the other locations
within municipal court and City Hall in order to make a decision. Lashely will bring
back more details at the February meeting. No action taken.
Consideration future meeting dates. — Jane Estes, Board Chair. The next
meeting will be held February 20, 2018 at 4:30 p.m. No action taken.
Chair Estes adjourned the meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
9CaWatson, Secretary
Jane Estes, Chair