Arts Commission Minutes

Commissioners Absent: Arlene Catrett, Laurie Fowler, Sharon Rossow

Guests: Nicole Passmore (Liaison), Paul Vertrees, Mary Step, Eric Simmons, Kathleen McLallen, Mary LaPetz

Approval of Minutes: It was moved by Ann Brenner, seconded by Darcy Deneau and approved that the March 9, 2005 minutes be accepted.

Financial Report: To date, our NAC budget revenues exceed expenses by $10,000. However, we still owe $5,000 to PAR for Art House for current year in addition to paying for the Art House sign and approx. $1,000 for June concerts. Art House annual budget is $25,000; we have spent $7,000. To date, we have received $3,441 in memberships. We probably need a line item for Exhibits.

Art House Refurbishment & Grounds (Sue Taylor)

When NAC has a function, it is our responsibility to make sure we leave the building neat & tidy (coffee emptied, kitchen clean, trash removed, chairs & tables placed neatly). There is a check list in the kitchen of simple tasks to do after each NAC meeting & event.

Parks & Recreation has clean-up responsibility after their functions.

We received a check for $500 from the Northville Garden Club for an exterior light fixture, mail box and address numbers. The Committee will decide what to purchase.

Brian Ferriby has offered to install the red sculpture in front. The City has approved. This piece is being loaned to us. All Commissioners were in favor of having this piece installed.

Van Buren offer -- The offer for landscaping is on hold at this point. Mr. Van Buren has $2,000 from his brother's memorial which will be used either for Hutton Park or the Art House.

Programming (Sue Taylor)

The Library would like to collaborate with us regarding the DIA lecture series. Commissioner Rossow feels we should have these lectures beginning in the Fall and that they be held at night.

Art in the Box (Darcy Deneau)

Some additional entertainment would be nice to have. Ken is to look into this. All Commissioners are encouraged to sell tickets.

Exhibition (Arlene Catrett, Ann Brenner)

Camera Club will exhibit Historic Scenes of Northville during September in conjunction with Victorian Festival. The Chamber has been contacted. The American Association of University Women has also been asked if they would consider putting the Art House on their historic home tour since we will be exhibiting an historic art exhibit.

McCotter's people will volunteer during the time of their student show May 16-18.

Membership (Darcel Deneau)

We need to start a program to develop corporate sponsorships and members.

Volunteer (Kathy McLallen, mayormom@mac.com)

Kathy has offered to be our volunteer coordinator for the Arts Commission. A structured volunteer program should have the following elements: Mission Statement, Statement of Volunteer Purpose, Contact Chart, Code of Conduct, Job Descriptions, Tracking of hours, Orientation, Appreciation. A gathering for volunteers will be held Tuesday, May 3, at 7:00 p.m. at the Art House. Each Commissioner should email Kathy what their individual needs are for their programs before this May 3 meeting. Ken will help Kathy with defining these elements before the volunteer gathering in May. Commissioners are asked to bring refreshments for this meeting.

Michael Farrell Series (Sharon Rossow)

Michael Farrell would like to offer a luncheon and tour of his

house. Commissioner Rossow will work on this program. This should be a zero expense to NAC. In the future we might consider this event as a perk for our Members. There is one more lecture this season.

There was a profit of $250. We will discuss this series at another meeting. We should consider doing something for Genitti's for all their generosity.

There is one more lunch time lecture on May 6. Kathleen is talking to the Library to try to coordinate these lectures better for the Fall.

It was decided to send the newsletter to everyone on our mailing list in order to develop relationships and awareness. After about one year, we can let everyone know that if they want to continue receiving our newsletter, they should become a member. Ken wants the newsletter to be educational as well.

Most of the summer concerts have been booked for a total of $5,700. This season will focus on Classic Summer Concerts in honor of NAC's 25th anniversary. Ken has told the NCBA businesses that they can advertise their First Friday events.

Bridget is doing a great job with this event. Kathleen O'Brien is doing the reception. The Opening Reception is Friday, April 29, at 6:30. All Commissioners should try to attend.

Sculptor has reduced price to $19,750; $18,000 will come from DDA; $1,000 is needed for a plaque. The balance may come from the Van Buren offer.

Loaning of Arts Commission property

It's reasonable to expect that people who borrow our display panels be responsible for them if they are damaged or lost.

Community dialogue on future of downtown

(discussion tabled)

Commissioner attendance at events/ticket purchase

If there is a per person cost, Commissioners should pay the cost.

Standards should be flexible depending upon the event.

State of the Community Luncheon

April 20, 2005. Darcy may try to go; we will at least put out flyers.

The Post Office and Civic Concern want to use this building on May 14, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for their annual food drive. NAC will have a volunteer sitting for the Sandy Baughman exhibit from 11:00-3:00 p.m. Kathleen will coordinate.