2024-12-10 FAC Minutes
Minutes of the Fine Arts Commission meeting held on December 10, 2024.
Members present:
Kristen Adsit
Beth Boone
Victor Bruce
Anne Camille Hersh
Ian Peter Hosfeld
Tara Strickstein
Members absent:
Clarissa Rodriguez
Also present:
Angela Dorney, Assistant Director
Leslie Rackl, Executive Assistant
Mark Weiser
Michael Stock
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.
At this time Commission members discussed the election of a Chair and Vice Chair. Ms. Adsit and Ms.
Boone both expressed interest in these positions. Ms. Adsit noted that she is interested in creating a
rhythmic calendar and creating a vision that can flow automatically year after year. Mr. Bruce nominated
Ms. Adsit as the Commission Chair and Ms. Boone as the Commission Vice Chair. Motion was
seconded by Ms. Hersh and unanimously approved.
Ms. Boone made a motion to approve the minutes of the November 19, 2024 meeting. Motion
seconded by Ms. Adsit and unanimously approved.
The Fine Arts Spring concert series dates are as follows: January 24 (Country), February 21 (TBD) and
March 14 (Irish Folk). Mr. Weiser will contact the artists that he works with to check their availability. A few
of Mr. Weiser’s suggestions were J Howard N The Experience (rock/soul/jazz); Afrobeat All Stars (10 piece
band/funky); Cortadito (Cuban music); Luis Bofill (classic bolero style); Loray Mistik (Haitian/Funk/Voodoo);
Ike & Val Woods (Blues/R&B/Gospel); Magala Hererra (Afro Jazz/Cuban). Ms. Boone suggested that the
Commission consider bands that go against the typical stereotype. Commission members said their first
choice for the January concert is 18 Wheelers (County Honky Tonk). It was noted that last year Mr. Weiser
paid $600/per concert for sound; the Commission would like to increase this fee to $750-$1000 per concert.
It was suggested that the Commission spend money for the most visible events to the community such as
the concerts with a solid artist fee and good sound.
Ms. Boone made a motion to approve up to $3500 per concert, including sound. Motion seconded
by Ms. Hersh and unanimously approved.
Mr. Bruce noted that the Fine Arts Commission is not concert driven; art in public places is also a
component, noting that the Commission discussed upgrading the mural wall at Village Hall last year.
Ms. Boone made a motion to move forward with the band 18 Wheelers for January 24th with an
aggressive commitment deadline of 1pm the following day. Motion seconded by Ms. Hersh and
unanimously approved. A subcommittee was formed for the January concert comprised of Ms. Strickstein,
Ms. Adsit and Ms. Hersh.
Commission members selected the following options for the three spring concerts; January (18 Wheelers or
Ricky Valido); February (Magaly Hererra or Afrobeat All Stars); March (Papaloko and Loray Mistik or
Cortadito).
Discussion turned to the Streetscape Signs. It was noted that the artist is willing to repair the signs . Ms.
Dorney noted that many of the works have missing or damaged pieces. The Commission owns the pieces
and will need to decide what to do with them; the cost to repair them would need to come out of the
Commission’s budget or returning them to the artist may be an option. Ms. Adsit said the condition of all the
pieces needs to be assessed prior to the January meeting.
It was noted that the Commission is still interested in pursuing the Miami Shores Presbyterian Chapel as an
exhibit space, but they still need to tour the space to see its’ viability.
Ms. Adsit said that she would like the Commission to do something beyond the concert series this year. Ms.
Strickstein suggested having art-related talks which engage the community; conversations between artists in
everyday life. Ms. Boone said that Miami Light Project would be happy to collaborate with the Commission
and provide use of their space. Ms. Hersh suggested collaborating with schools; Ms. Strickstein likes the
idea of having an open call or working with one of the Miami Shores schools.
Ms. Boone related that Arms Around America performed by Dan Froot & Company portraying the gun
culture in the United States. Ms. Boone noted this will be a ‘kitchen-table’ conversation (Miami Light Project)
facilitated between the audience and those performing.
A subcommittee comprised of Mr. Bruce, Ms. Rodriguez and Mr. Hosfeld was previously formed to create a
letter of interest for the 9900 building. It was noted that Mr. Hosfeld created a google document.
Commission members were invited to add their comments within the document. Mr. Bruce suggested
waiting until the new Council is elected in April 2025 to pursue this further.
The meeting adjourned at 7:55pm