HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Arts Commission - Meeting Date: 3/26/2015MINUTES
CITY OF GLENDALE
ARTS COMMISSION MEETING
MAIN LIBRARY BOARD ROOM - SECOND FLOOR
5959 WEST BROWN STREET
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015
6:OOPM
The meeting was called to order at approximately 6:09pm by Chairperson Carol Ladd. Vice
Chairperson Jessica Koory, Commissioners Anne Owens and Thomas Cole were in attendance.
Representing city staff was Mojgan Vahabzadeh, Public Arts Coordinator and Mike Beck, Chief
Librarian. Commissioners Graham, Yuhasz and Richards were absent and excused. Special
Guest in attendance was Glendale City Councilmember Gary Sherwood.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES — FEBRUARY 12, 2015 AND FEBRUARY 23, 2015
A MOTION was MADE by Commissioner Koory to APPROVE the Arts Commission
meeting minutes from the February 12, 2015 meeting as corrected. Commissioner Owens
SECONDED the MOTION, which carried unanimously.
A MOTION was MADE by Commissioner Owens to APPROVE the Arts Commission
meeting minutes from the February 23, 2015 meeting. Vice Chairperson Koory
SECONDED the MOTION, which carried unanimously.
BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR
There were none.
LOYALTY OATH OF OFFICE AND INTRODUCTIONS
Newly appointed Commissioner Thomas Cole from the Barrel District took the Boards &
Commissions Loyalty Oath of Office.
STEAM (SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING,ART AND MATHEMATICS)
EDUCATION
Mr. Martin Wesolowski, Co -Founder and past CEO of Mosaic Arts Center in Avondale, and the
current Founder and CEO of Martin Art Center, spoke about the success of Stem and Steam
programming and education in engaging youth and teens in creative thinking, activity and
problem -solving. STEAM blends science and the arts in public education to drive future
innovations.
He stated that in this climate of economic uncertainty, they were turning to innovation as the way
to ensure a prosperous future. He noted that innovation remains tightly coupled with Science,
Technology, Engineering and Math — the STEM subjects. Art + Design are poised to transform
the economy in the 21st century just as science and technology did in the last century.
Mr. Wesolowski explained that their mission was to have business leaders, arts professionals,
educators and others work together to educate governments, the public and the media to the need
for returning the arts to the national curricula. He said that Arts education was a key to creativity,
and creativity was an essential component of innovation.
Vice Chair Koory asked how their project was being funded. Mr. Wesolowski explained that
Martin Art Center is a 501c3 and it is privately and grant funded. Vice Chair Koory asked how
they were planning to advertise the program. Mr. Wesolowski responded that it would be
through volunteers and dispersing information to schools, neighborhoods and social media to get
the word out.
Councilmember Sherwood noted that the City of Glendale residents would benefit from this type
of program in their community. He talked about the four community centers in Glendale.
Ms. Vahabzadeh stated this was a very exciting project. She suggested partnering with the city's
Marketing Department to help market this venture to the right people. She noted the Arts
Commission and Library Department can be a partner in helping initiate this venture.
Everyone agreed this program would be a good addition to Glendale for the benefit of the
community.
CREATE • CONNECT • COLLABORATE —AN UPDATE ON WORKSHOPS HELD AT
THE LIBRARY CREATIVE SPACE
Mcjgan Vahabzadeh, Public Arts Coordinator provided details about the workshops and
activities that have resulted from this funding. As approved by the Arts Commission through the
FY 2014-15 Annual Arts Projects Plan, $4,000 was budgeted in support of free -to -the -public
creative workshops to be held at the "Creative Space" at the Glendale Main Library.
Ms. Vahabzadeh noted they had moved away from the workshop concept structured classes and
open four labs. She explained the open labs were not as popular as they had hoped so they
returned to one-time registration required structured classes. The following will be funded with
the remaining Arts Commission funding: Exhibiting in March, Found Object Reflections and
Sparking Necklaces and in April, Modern Calligraphy and Faux Stained Glass Classes. She
noted this was free programming for the public.
STAFF UPDATES
Gallery. Glendale
Mojgan Vahabzadeh, Public Arts Coordinator, stated that the Gallery's lease was up in May and
staff are waiting to see if it will be renewed. Upcoming events at Gallery Glendale:
March 6 - March 28 - The Fifth Annual Statewide Juried Exhibition of Fine Art
April 3 - April 25 - Young At Heart - Glendale Union High School District Student Art Exhibit
May. 1 - M4y. 30 - City of Glendale Employee Art Exhibit
Performing Arts Partner_sbip Program
Mojgan Vahabzadeh, Public Arts Coordinator provided an update and stated the application
deadline for the program was Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at 5 p.m. She added that on Wednesday,
April 8th, Arts Commission will conduct an evening meeting to review all applications.
COMMISSION COMMENTS
Vice Chair Koory thanked Estela, who takes the minutes, for doing such a great job.
Commissioner Owens commented on her recent trip to the Arts Congress. She encouraged
everyone to attend if they get a chance to. She stated this was a great way to represent the City
of Glendale and to get to know your representatives.
Chairperson Ladd asked for a motion to adjourn.
A MOTION was MADE by Commissioner Cole ADJOURN the meeting. Commissioner
Koory SECONDED the MOTION, which carried unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 6:55pm.
The next meeting of the Glendale Arts Commission will held on Wednesday, April 8, 2015,
meeting time: TBA, at the Auditorium, first floor, Glendale Public Library, 5959West Brown
Street, Glendale, Arizona.
Respectfully submitted,
-
Mojgan Vahabzadeh,
Public Arts Coordinator