2024-06-11 FAC MinutesMinutes of the Fine Arts Commission meeting held on June 11, 2024
Members present:
Kristen Adsit
Victor Bruce
Anne Camille Hersh
Ian Peter Hosfeld
Clarissa Rodriguez (via telephone)
Tara Strickstein
Members absent:
Michael Stock
Also present:
Angela Dorney, Recreation Director
Leslie Rackl, Executive Assistant
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.
Mr. Hosfeld made a motion to approve the minutes of the May 29, 2024 meeting. Motion seconded
by Ms. Strickstein and unanimously approved.
It was related that the Miami Shores Community Alliance awarded a grant of $3700 to the Commission.
Discussion turned to the removal of the Streetscape signs on 109th Street. Ms. Rodriguez related that she
had a meeting with Mr. Scott. It was noted that Canor Pato had a private meeting with Mr. Scott; Mr. Scott,
upon advice of the Village Attorney, said he took responsibility for the removal of the signs on 109th Street.
Ms. Rodriguez would like to reach out to the Village Attorney to see what issue on 109th Street prompted the
removal of the signs. Ms. Hersh feels that the decision was poorly made and that the Commission was
entitled to make the decision on the signs. The Commission said that the Village Manager has made a
decision that creates a precedent. Mr. Hosfeld said the Commission needs to establish a policy for future
projects. Ms. Rodriguez added that the Commission also needs to decide if a project is temporary or
permanent in nature; include updates to Council based on advice of Village Attorney.
Ms. Rodriguez will present a Fine Arts board report at the July Council meeting.
Discussion turned to the financial report. Ms. Dorney indicated that there is $6700 in the Miami Shores
Community Alliance line item.
Discussion turned to the 9900 building. Ms. Dorney noted that repair work is needed in the kitchen and
bathrooms. The Commission would like to sponsor a Gallery Night Exhibit at the 9900 building. The idea is
for the artwork to remain up for three or four months. There would be the opening night for the exhibit, a
storytelling event night and finally a closing night for the exhibit. Mr. Hosfeld suggested a three month
exhibit; artists may lose out on other exhibits if their artwork is kept for four months. Mr. Hosfeld added it is
a great idea to use the 9900 building for this exhibit. Ms. Strickstein suggested that a group exhibition would
be better than a single artist exhibition. Ms. Rodriguez made a motion to form a subcommittee for the
Call to Artists for a Fall exhibit comprised of Ms. Rodriguez, Mr. Hosfeld and Ms. Strickstein. Motion
seconded by Ms. Adsit and unanimously approved. Ms. Dorney related that Mr. Stock has a storyteller
for the exhibition. Ms. Rodriguez said that the Call to Artists should include all the exhibition events,
including performance artists. It was suggested tying in storytelling with the exhibit. Mr. Hosfeld said that
the closing night is a good opportunity to delve deeper into the works of the artist(s). Mr. Bruce suggested
including a climate change aspect into the Call. Ms. Adsit also suggested including the timeline of the entire
event.
Discussion turned to Art in Public Places. Ms. Dorney said that Art in Public Places is part of the Parks
Master Plan. The Commission will be able to identify sites, such as the area on NE 6th Avenue, so that it
becomes part of the Parks Master Plan. There will be many opportunities, such as public charrettes, to give
suggestions.
Ms. Hersh suggested partnering with the Miami Light Project and/or MTC for one of their events. Ms.
Rodriguez noted that the Commission is a volunteer board with a limited budget.
Ms. Rodriguez suggested having a meeting to discuss the goals of the Fine Arts Commission; possibly
reduce the number of activities offered in order to reach more people in the community. Ms. Adsit agreed
that this is an idea worth exploring. It was suggested discussing ideas for the upcoming year, including the
mission statement, at the Commission's August meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.