HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Arts Commission - Meeting Date: 5/21/2015 MINUTES
CITY OF GLENDALE
ARTS COMMISSION MEETING
GLENDALE MAIN LIBRARY AUDITORIUM
5959 WEST BROWN STREET
WEDNESDAY, MAY 21, 2015
6:00 PM
The meeting was called to order at approximately 6:11 pm. Chairperson Carol Ladd, Vice Chairperson
Jessica Koory and Commissioners,Anne Owens,Nadine Yuhasz, Tom Cole and Carrie Richards were in
attendance. Representing city staff was Mojgan Vahabzadeh, Public Arts Coordinator, and Erik Strunk,
Director, Community Services Department. Commissioners Joan Graham was absent and excused.
Special guests in attendance were Glendale Police Chief,Debora Black, Deputy Chief,Matt Lively.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A MOTION was MADE by Commissioner KOORY to APPROVE the Arts Commission meeting
minutes of March 26,2015 as corrected. Commissioner Cole SECONDED the MOTION,which
carried unanimously.
A MOTION was MADE by Commissioner Owens to APPROVE the Arts Commission meeting
minutes of April 8,2015 as written. Commissioner Richards SECONDED the MOTION,which
carried unanimously.
BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR
There was none.
THE ART OF FIRST RESPONSE—A PHOTOGRAPHIC PROJECT UPDATE
Mojgan Vahabzadeh,Public Arts Coordinator,provided a brief summary of the objective of this agenda
item. Glendale Police Chief,Debora Black, Deputy Chief,Matt Lively, and artist,Roni Ziemba presented
photographs to be considered by the Commission for final selection to complete the project. They
described the very unique nature of this project and emphasized that generations of first responders will
enjoy the display. A book of all of the images was presented for the commission members' review.
Ms. Ziemba stated it had been an honor to work with the Glendale first responders. She was grateful the
city has recognized her work. She cited the sources of the images,the unique aspects of the project and
the personal nature of the art of capturing the men and women in the line of duty. She explained the
medium of the collection in general and offered alternatives for choosing the number of images and the
images themselves for the final display. The show will be open for the month of July at the Gallery
Glendale and thousands will appreciate and honor Glendale's first responders. The permanent installation
at GRPSTK will be open in August.
Both the Police and Fire departments had narrowed the choices down from thousands of pieces to an
exceptional few. Ms. Vahabzadeh explained that the Arts Commission having the final selection of the
photos that will be displayed equalizes the selection process. Arts Commission members and staff
discussed the option of purchasing seven pieces of the same size by spending additional funds. Mr.
Strunk explained how this could be accomplished. After discussion, it was the final decision of those in
attendance that the seven pieces in the 30"x 40" size would be purchased. Commission members
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selected their top priorities and their decision was to authorize Ms. Ziemba to make the final selection
from their highest priorities based on what looks best. Ms. Ziemba encouraged everyone to attend the
Gallery opening.
FY 2014-15—GALLERY GLENDALE AT WESTGATE END OF YEAR REPORT
Mojgan Vahabzadeh, Public Arts Coordinator,provided the Arts Commission with a summary of gallery
events and activities, which have taken place over the last 12 months. She also provided the Commission
with an overview of potential third year gallery activities. In June 2015 the library staff will do a program
for the gallery. The current employee art exhibit will remain in place until the end of June. The Art of
First Response will be displayed in July, and Ms. Ziemba will be present for a reception and book signing.
PRESENTATION OF DRAFT DEPARTMENT BUDGET
Erik Strunk, Director, Community Services Department,provided the Arts Commission members with a
brief historical overview of the department's budget,what is planned for the upcoming FY 15-16 year and
how it may result in new community partnering opportunities. He presented information specific to the
Public Arts budget and answered the Commission's questions about the process. He explained that
effective July 1 the Arts Commission and the city's Public Art Depaitment would join the Library as the
Library and Arts Division. He thanked Ms. Vahabzadeh for her dedication and exemplary efforts to serve
the depai tilient. Ms. Vahabzadeh said it has been great working with Mr. Strunk and appreciates the
support he has demonstrated for Glendale's Public Art Program.
STAFF UPDATE
Mojgan Vahabzadeh,Public Arts Coordinator, stated that the performing arts agreements approved by the
commission in April would be presented to City Council for approval on June 23. She stated that she
would be updating the program's policies and procedures, which were last updated in 2005. She will add
a best practices section and would like to create a more detailed document. She will work with the
Commission Chair and Vice Chair on this project.
COMMISSION COMMENTS
Vice Chairperson Koory said she went to see the Little Women production at the Brelby Theatre and
thought it was an excellent performance. She encouraged others to attend the performance.
Chairperson Ladd reported that she,Ms. Richards and Ms. Owens met for the Teen Summer Art Activity
project review and selection. Artist Kristine Kollasch was selected upon review of all proposals. She will
work with group home teens in Glendale to enhance parts of the Sensory Garden in Elsie McCarthy Park.
It is a six to eight week program. The project will take place in this summer with final installation of
artwork planned for August 2015.
Chairperson Ladd asked for a motion to adjourn.
A MOTION was MADE by Commissioner Richards to ADJOURN the meeting. Commissioner
Cole SECONDED the MOTION,which carried unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 7:45 pm.
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The next meeting date of the Glendale Arts Commission is Thursday, June 25, 2015 at 6 p.m. The
meeting will be held on the first floor, Glendale Public Library, 5959 West Brown Street, Glendale,
Arizona.
Respectfully submitted,
Mojgan ahabza eh
Public Arts Coordinator
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