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2014-02-11 FAC Minutes Minutes of the Fine Arts Commission held on February 11, 2014. Members present: Susan Ackley Maria Echevarri Taddeo Miryam Rojas Abbie Salt Michael Stock David Traupman Also present: Jerry Estep, Recreation Director Leslie Rackl, Executive Assistant Cheryl Gowing Daniel Fiorda Alex Bonet The meeting was called to order at 6:05 p.m. Artist Daniel Fiorda was introduced to the Commission. Mr. Fiorda, also a gallery director, has a totem series which would be appropriate for outside display. The pieces are 12 foot skinny sculptures, and there are three available pieces which are currently on display in an indoor gallery in Naples. A pedestal could be built to elevate the sculpture. It would take about ten days to bring back and recondition (paint/polish) the pieces. At this time Cheryl Gowing made a presentation to the Commission. John Camp has approached the library about decommissioning the parking meters on the south side of the library and decorating them, with the money generated from the meters donated back to the library. Ms. Gowing said the library has no budget for this project. It was noted that the University of Miami has parking meters that are Britto designed with a simple message. Ms. Gowing suggested that local schools could be brought in, and the meters could be continually refreshed. Schools could enter a competition to see who would decorate the meters. Ms. Gowing suggested that the library and the Commission could jointly decide on a type of design. Mr. Stock suggested that since there are eight meters that each school could decorate one. Council approval will be needed to decommission the meters. It was suggested that a task force be formed for this project in coordination with the library. Ms. Gowing suggested that local schools be given the first opportunity for this meter project and then in two years decide if professional artists should be given a chance at this project or let it remain within the local schools. Mr. Stock made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 14, 2014, meeting. Motion seconded by Ms. Rojas and unanimously approved. Mr. Estep noted that there is $800 left in the Commission’s 2014 budget, minus $499 for the March Egret ad. The donation budget remains at $2913. Discussion turned to the Dance Now event. The Chamber will send out an e-blast for this event for $100. There are about 1400 people on the email list. Ms. Salt made a motion to approve $100 for the Chamber e-blast for Dance Now, $78.75 for color flyers to distribute for Dance Now, $135 for April artist invitations F.A.C. mtg., 2/11/14, pg. 2 of 2 and $220 for the April Egret ad. If the balance exceeds the Commission’s FY 2014 budget, the balance will be taken out of the Commission’s Donation account. Motion seconded by Mr. Stock and unanimously approved. At this time Alex Bonet was introduced as a potential Commission member who was observing the meeting. It was noted that The Muppet Movie was an outstanding success; it was noted that a second popcorn station was needed. O Cinema expressed interest in having additional movie nights with the Commission. They would like to utilize the Commission’s email list for advertising. Miami Shores PTA would also like to partner with the Commission to have monthly movie nights. It was also noted that attendance at Gallery Night was disappointing. The featured artists did not have as good a following as previous artists. At this time the Commission discussed Mr. Fiorda’s sculpture. Commission members liked the linear aspect of the sculpture. It was noted that artist would like to create an elevated base for the piece. It was suggested that a PAC be convened for their approval. Mr. Traupman made a motion to accept Daniel Fiorda’s sculpture and to proceed with convening a PAC for approval. Motion seconded by Mr. Stock and unanimously approved. A task force committee to discuss the future of the parking meters project with the library will be formed which will include Commission members Michael Stock and Maria Taddeo. The upcoming photo op contest needs to be advertised with Facebook, an e-blast and on the 96th Street marquee. It was noted that Ms. Ackley will put together the grant application to submit to the Miami Shores Community Alliance. Turning to new business, Ms. Ackley would like the Commission to have an art show next fiscal year. The first preference is to have the exhibit at the Sand Box with artists/curator from The Bakehouse. There could be a one-day exhibit to promote more traffic for the exhibit featuring an opening night reception. Commission members are concerned an exhibit like this would take away from the exhibits offered at the library. It is difficult at times to generate an audience for the current art exhibits. It was noted that the Commission did not have library art exhibits when they sponsored the large art show at the Comm. Center. The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.