2015-01-13 FAC Minutes
Minutes of the Fine Arts Commission held on January 13, 2015.
Members present: Susan Ackley Victor Bruce
Janet Goodman Neil Kodsi
Michael Stock
Members absent: Alan Poppe Miryam Rojas
Also present: Jerry Estep, Recreation Director
Leslie Rackl, Executive Assistant
The meeting was called to order at 6:05 p.m.
Mr. Stock made a motion to approve the minutes of the November 18, 2014
meeting. Motion seconded by Ms. Goodman and unanimously approved.
Correction to the minutes of the December 9, 2014 meeting. Page two, paragraph four,
line one; change ‘Unity’ to ‘Unite’. Mr. Kodsi made a motion to approve the minutes
of the December 9, 2014, meeting with correction. Motion seconded by Mr. Stock
and unanimously approved.
Mr. Estep reported that the Commission has $4546.44 remaining in the FY 2015 budget.
Ms. Ackley said that during the December meeting the Commission forgot to approve
funds for the January Egret ad and artist invitations for Gallery Night. Jean Corona is
doing the graphics for posters and invites for Commission events. It was also noted that
$75 was approved for flowers for Elizabeth Esper’s retirement party, but the actual cost
was $162. Mr. Stock made a motion to approve additional funds to cover the
expenses for Gallery Night and Elizabeth Esper’s flowers. Motion seconded by
Ms. Goodman and unanimously approved.
Discussion turned to grant applications. The Commission is drafting two grant requests
for Unite Miami Shores; one for the spring concert for $5600 and one for art in public
places for $3000. Ms. Goodman related that the Bonarue Art/Music Festival in
Tennessee has grants available that the Commission could apply for. It was also noted
that the Miami Shores Community Alliance has $36,000 available for grants. A
suggestion was made to apply for three living room concerts in the amount of $3000 and
$450 for three library receptions from the MSCA.
It was noted that the Muppet Christmas Carol was poorly attended; this was not a unique
event since the Miami Theatre Center is now running monthly movies. It was suggested
revisiting the movie again next year. Ms. Goodman suggested having a talent show.
It was noted that the Phone Doctor has agreed to provide, at no charge, a wifi link
between Village Hall and the Library so that music can be piped into both locations for
Gallery Night. It was suggested that the north lawn sculpture be kept ‘in the dark’ and
F.A.C. mtg., 1/13/15, pg. 2 of 2
then illuminated for the ‘unveiling’. It was suggested that the Commission apply for a
$2000 grant from the MSCA for lighting for the art in public places sculpture.
Discussion turned to the living room concert featuring Gary Frost and Debbie Tassone.
Mr. Stock made a motion to approve Debbie & Gary for a Friday night live
performance on February 20th for $300. Motion seconded by Mr. Kodsi and
unanimously approved. Mr. Stock made a motion to approve a February Egret ad
along with associated artwork for $400. Motion seconded by Ms. Goodman and
unanimously approved.
Discussion turned to Unity Day on March 7. It was noted that it would cost $295 for spin
art which includes the supplies and paint for 100 people. A suggestion was made to hire
a musician to walk around the event. Mr. Bruce suggested having a ‘live’ artist and the
progression of the art work can be viewed throughout the day. An art wall could be
constructed and the piece could be raffled off at the end of the day. A subcommittee
consisting of Ms. Ackley, Ms. Goodman and Mr. Bruce was formed to further discuss
Unity Day.
It was reported that the cost for the March 22 spring concert featuring the Livesays is
$1500, which includes the performance and sound/sound engineer. It was noted that
the date of the April library exhibit has yet to be decided; it will be either April 17 or 24
with a preference of April 17.
Discussion turned to the MS Chamber photo contest. The Commission would agree to
facilitate/help with the contest which, would be advertised in the Egret and have online
voting. A suggestion was made to see about getting a free Egret ad in exchange for the
Commission’s involvement.
Discussion turned to a community outreach project which would involve the possibility of
a Commission event in Biscayne Park. Ms. Ackley noted the Chamber likes to promote
events in Biscayne Park and El Portal. Mr. Estep does not feel that the Commission’s
budget should be allocated for this project. Mr. Kodsi said he is on the committee for
this outreach project and will report at the February meeting.
Ms. Goodman said that she does music reviews and has hundreds of CDs and inquired
if the Commission could sell the CDs for $1/each and put any money raised into the
donation account. It was decided to table further discussion until the February meeting.
A subcommittee consisting of Mr. Stock and Ms. Goodman was formed to discuss the
CD surplus.
The meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.