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2023-04-11 FAC Minutes Minutes of the Fine Arts Commission meeting held on April 11, 2023. Members present: Susan Ackley Victor Bruce Anne-Camille Hersh Clarissa Rodriguez Michael Stock Members absent: Beth Dunlop Also present: Angela Dorney, Recreation Director Leslie Rackl, Executive Assistant Kim Flowers The meeting was called to order at 6:05 p.m. At this time the Downtown Stakeholders Committee was discussed with Commission members. It was noted that Ms. Ackley and Mr. Bruce are Chamber board members as well as part of the Downtown Committee. It was related that a merchant collective of store owners was originally formed to bring activity to NE 2nd Avenue. The Downtown Committee provides a blank canvas with store owners to vitalize downtown Miami Shores. The Committee has been tasked with finding problems and solutions; for example, looking for input on what the message and branding should be to create an identity for the downtown area. The suggestion was made to collaborate with the Fine Arts Commission f or downtown Miami Shores. Ms. Flowers, Cristina Butler, Denise Hoetze, Carla Peters, Erin Halloran, Christine Pacheco are also members of The Downtown Committee. Ms. Flowers explained the mission statement of the committee includes discussing the needs of the store owners; namely, seating, trash, landscape and lighting. The committee’s immediate objective is for tiered lighting, signage, welcome signs, marketing downtown and lighting on the trees and streets. Additional suggestions include an interactive art installation and lighting for all holidays. Ms. Flowers noted that the Miami Shores Theatre needs a marquee. Ms. Hersh explained her idea of bringing activity to empty storefronts. Ms. Flowers said an area could be designated as an arts overlay district with different zoning permissions with pop up artists, live performances, artist galleries, art shows and food trucks. It was noted that Council approval would be needed. It was related that it is important that the Commission work together with the Downtown Committee. Store owners are struggling and it is important to figure out how to promote foot traffic in the area. Ms. Flowers added that branding will be essential. Ms. Ackley suggested having a brainstorming meeting on a Saturday. At this time the Fine Arts Commission discussed Gallery Night. Ms. Rodriguez made a motion to approve $1000 for Village Hall artist Jonathan Brooks for Gallery Night. Motion seconded by Mr. Bruce and unanimously approved. It was noted that Mark Weiser has secured instrumental guitarist Kenzy LaFrance for Gallery Night. It was noted that NW 2nd Avenue art in public places artist Daniel Marosi has indicated that it would take his manufacturer twelve days to create his pieces. In regards to a Green Day booth, it was related that Kenerly Wright of KidCreate has agreed to offer a children’s art activity area, sponsored by the Commission. Ms. Rodriguez made a motion to approve an additional $100 for KidCreate, $400 in total, for the activity. Motion seconded by Mr. Stock and unanimously approved. Ms. Hersh requested that the Commission change the start time of meetings to 6:30 p.m. due to the challenges of the earlier timeframe. Ms. Hersh made a motion to begin Commission meetings at 6:30 p.m. beginning in May 2023. Motion seconded by Ms. Rodriguez and unanimously approved. The meeting was adjourned at 7:33 p.m.