ARTS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Meeting of Tuesday, 08 January 2008

Mansfield Community Center (MCC) Conference Room

 

MINUTES

1. The meeting was called to order at 7:03p by Acting Chair Jay Ames.  Members present: Jay Ames, Kim Bova, Joan Prugh, and Blanche Serban.  Members absent: Anita Bacon, Scott Lehmann.  Others present: Jay O’Keefe (staff), Irmgard Rees, Ellen Marshall, Kris Plimpton.

 

2. The agenda was reordered to accommodate the artists present at the meeting, Ms. Rees, Ms. Marshall, and Ms. Plimpton. They proposed a collective exhibition encompassing crochet objects, laced bead jewelry, and fused glass creations. Ms. Rees asked for more specifics regarding the criteria for art display. Jay Ames explained that the Committee follows an art policy that is currently in the process of being reviewed by the Town Council. Jay Ames and Jay O’Keefe summarized the exhibition application process at the Community Center, underlying the particular factors taken into account, such as the family-oriented setting, the priority of arts versus crafts, and the 3-month duration of exhibitions.

Ms. Plimpton and Ms. Marshall showed the concrete pieces and photos of artwork that they proposed for the exhibition. Even though some of the work incorporates already-made elements (such as beads), the committee agreed that the originality of the design and technique gives the pieces artistic value. In conclusion, Jay Ames said that the committee encourages the artists to choose the most sculptural and original pieces for the show. Ms. Rees expressed concerns about the policy asking for a review of all the art pieces proposed for display. Jay Ames explained the circumstances that led to the present art display policy. He also explained that photos or digital images are acceptable ways to show the artwork to the committee.  The three artists agreed for a collective show, and they stated that they would contact the committee via e-mail, if needed. They would bring the artwork and statements on January 15th. The artists left the meeting.           

            The discussion ensued on concerns that the bead jewelry would open the door to craft exhibition. The committee agreed that the January show would be a collective display with sculptural values, in which the beads are only a component. Also, the committee proposed to debate in privacy exhibition values.

 

3. The minutes of the 04 December 08 meeting were approved as written.

 

4. Jay O’Keefe reminded the committee that the annual report is due, and showed copies of the last year report. Jay Ames summarized the 2007 tasks: the written art display policy, the display schedule, the exploration of new ways to connect with the community such as creative writing workshop and possibly musical events, the input in the downtown partnership. Jay O’Keefe volunteered to write the 2007 report. The next town meeting is scheduled for January 28th, and Scott Lehmann has plans to attend it as a representative of the A.A.C.

 

3. High School arts.  Jay Ames has spoken with art teachers at E.O. Smith, but he had no definitive commitment for a student exhibition at the Community Center this spring. Jay A. Provided Kim with two contact names in the art department, and Kim would call and inquire about putting together an exhibit of ceramics and jewelry by students for the display cases for the 15 Apr to 15 Jul.

 

4. Non-visual arts at the MCC.  Joan P. will contact Curbstone Press to see if it might be interested in organizing a reading by its authors. 

 

5. In response to an inquiry from Leon Bailey, Cynthia van Zelm from the Downtown Partnership wrote that there are no plans about art space at this time. The partnership is aware that the community has an interest in such a space. Cynthia suggested meeting again with the committee to continue the dialogue.

 

6. MCC art displays.

  1. Faith Montaperto has applied to exhibit works in a variety of media – acrylics, oils, photographs, digital art; she submitted 50 photos.  Jay A. talked with Faith and encouraged her to put together a 20 piece show with a common theme. Jay A. will let Faith know when the committee meets, in case she wants to present the work chose for display.
  2. Judith Meyers informed Blanche that she has enough pieces for the lower space in the sitting area, and she would prepare the pieces for a spring show.
  3. Kim B. will come to the Community Center on Tuesday, January 15th, at 7 a.m., to help Laurie Smolin remove her artwork from the display.
  4. Blanche will contact Patty Vinsonhaler to remove the ceramic art from the glass cases before January 15th.

 

 

Exhibit Period
Entry cases

Sitting room

Hallway

Double-sided

Shelves

Upper

Lower

Long (5)

Short (2)

Fall

15 Oct – 15 Jan

Patty Vinsonhaler

(ceramics)

Laurie Smolin

(watercolors)

Winter

15 Jan – 15 Apr

Irmgard Rees, Kris Plimpton, Ellen Marshall

(fabric, bead, glass)

Sarah Winter

(mixed media)

Spring

15 Apr – 15 Jul

E.O.Smith ceramics & jewelry?

 

Judith Meyers

(oils)

 

 

Summer

15 Jul – 15 Oct

 

 

 

Faith Montaperto

(various media)

Fall

15 Oct – 15 Jan

 

 

 

John Manfred?

(photos)

 

7. Adjourned at 8:25p.  Next meeting: Tuesday, 05 February, 7:00p.m.

 

Blanche Serban, Acting Secretary, 08 January 08