06-20-1996 Minutes
SALINA ARTS AND HUMANITIES COMMISSION
June 20, 1996
The monthly meeting of the Salina Arts and Humanities Commission was held at the Smoky Hill
Museum on Thursday, June 20, 1996. In attendance were Jane Alsop, Mike Cloutier, Debora Cox,
Lou Ann Dunn, Randy Graham, Jack Henry, Jamie LoVullo, Trey Mowery, Abner Perney, Ann
Rollins and Clay Thompson. Staff members present were Martha Rhea, Lana Jordan, Sharon Benson,
Karla Prickett, Tom Pfannenstiel and Darlene Stottmann. Also in attendance was Carmen Wilson.
Henry called the meeting to order.
MINUTES
Mowery moved to approve the minutes of the May 16, 1996, meeting; Thompson seconded. Motion
carried unanimously.
Rhea introduced Jamie LoVullo, Central High senior, who was selected by the Mayor to serve as
student liaison to SAHC for one year as a result of participating in the Salina junior leadership
program. Commissioners and staff introduced themselves.
STAFF REPORTS
Jordan: Staff will be doing a Festival evaluation on Monday morning; from there will start to look
ahead to next year. Food area as a whole did quite well. Expect to be seeing new things in
entertainment for '97.
Rhea distributed a final draft of the plaques for new Oakdale Stage and asked Commissioners to take a
minute to proof. Perney said that not many realize that there are plaques on the footbridges at
Oakdale Park, listing those who built them. Rhea called attention to an invitation to the interactive
exhibit opening at the Salina Art Center on June 29th. This exhibit is the first project to come from
Organizational Advancement and Change grant. Deeply Rooted: Rhea and Williams made a
presentation about the statewide residency at the Kansas Arts Commission meeting today in
Concordia. Rhea shared the written presentation with Commissioners, saying KAC sends gratitude to
SAHC for its part in making the residency happen.
Benson said that during Eth Noh Tec's final performance on the Children's Stage they made
wonderful comments about Salina's commitment to community development through the arts. Also,
glassblowing reached a large and diverse group of people. Benson shared copies of AlE annual report
to USD 305 and a short report on Arts Infusion. This year the Infusion program had increased student
contacts by 1,000 students, which Benson attributed to Pam Jones getting into classrooms more
frequently. Benson is now working on the summer dance residency and Connections Collection
preparation.
Pfannenstiel: Three candidates for the SHM curator of exhibits position will be in Salina next
Tuesday for personal interviews. A reception is planned Tuesday, 7:30 p.m., at Boo Hodges' home-
opportunity to meet the three individuals, let them know about Salina (boards, commissions,
individuals they will be working with). Interviews will take place Wednesday, rotaÜng between
interviewing, touring Salina, and talking with SHM staff. Pfannenstiel said the candidates, from
Oregon, Philadelphia and Oklahoma City, have good experience and references and all come highly
recommended. Pfannenstiel thanked Graham and Alsop, as well as Debbie Treadway from the
Friends board, for their participation in the phone interview process. SHM has received the Joint
Resolution document from City Commission and Arts and Humanities Commission regarding
permanent status of the Museum; will be faxed to Washington. Pfannenstiel will call the first week of
July to see if SHM has received interim approval; if so, visiting committee will be on site this fall.
Henry: This process demonstrates a real commitment by city and community for SHM/the arts.
Prickett gave preliminary figures on sales as compared to Festival '95. '96 numbers were higher in
each area. She said this speaks to community support and the quality of the show itself. Purchase
Award pieces (selected by jurors) that will be part of the public art collection throughout the
community were displayed. Benches will be placed at the Fire Station on South Santa Fe, Shooters,
Post Office, Salvation Army, Medical Plaza, YWCA, Museum and the Bicentennial Center. There
were about 25 new art patrons; breakfast successful; program put energy in arts area on Saturday
mornmg.
SM 0 KY HILL RIVER FESTIVAL
Jordan gave some of the very preliminary figures comparing 1995 and 1996, both in dollars and
button sales. Rhea said the gate count was significant; close to 90,000. Irony is thaI: people perceive
Festival as making a lot of money, yet the Festival is not built to make money. Rather, takes into
consideration what's fair to artist, fair to people buying buttons-to have good, healthy participation.
Doesn't make a lot of money even in good years. Dollars accumulated have been over a 20 year
period. Graham thanked the staff for all the work they do and congratulated them on an excellent
Festival. Henry: Amazed at how it all comes together so well, really impressive. Rhea: The reason
what we do works is because of "all of you" -willingness to take on responsibility-no way it would
work without all of the support.
Rhea then asked for Commissioners' thoughts on what worked/didn't work with Festival '96.
Thompson: Felt it was one of the most impressive. Sunday service is something to build on, neat to
see all denominations together-planning needs to begin earlier, get ministerial alliance support.
Artists were so complimentary this year, i.e. support they get in Salina, volunteers, set-up/tear down
procedures. Heard the comment several times, "One show where I don't care if I make money-just
want to be here!" Thompson suggested changing the run on Saturday morning to 7:00 a.m.; thinks
would be preferred by most, and would not conflict with Art Patron Breakfast. Need more food
booths; lines are too long. Also Thompson heard criticism about slope on Oakdale Stage; crowds
large, those sitting in back couldn't see. Suggested solution would be to take out slab from Gazebo
and slope back further. Mowery: Regarding starting run earlier, coordinators of that start preparing
at 4:30 a.m. now. Maybe adjust start of run 1/2 hour earlier and breakfast 1/2 hour later. Need to be
aware of traffic situation also. Jordan will discuss with Bill Beckmeyer.
Rollins brought up the concern of fights between young teens. Rhea said several arrests were made on
Thursday night. Cloutier: Some concern expressed to gate workers; he suggested to police that they
stand by the groups, which then broke up. Rhea: This is first year a sense of discomfort has
occurred. Something staff has talked about; feels concern; issue worth exploring, realizing it's an
issue that's important to be "ahead" of. Have talked about involving artists to develop projects for
teens; also, possibly Know-It-All's (men) who would be available to wander around. A lengthy
discussion ensued, with the suggestion to invite Jim Hill to the July meeting to help the Commission
talk about and understand the issues. It was agreed that Festival is a perfect place to start getting with
some of the people, talking about teen issues. Cloutier: Have always been crowds; different feeling
in several situations, occasionally. Doesn't see need to overreact. Simply having police aware, not
making major issue. Critical that we keep an open attitude.
Mowery also remarked that the crosswalk from the Bi-Center to park needs something to identify it
more clearly; people walk in front of cars without realizing. Alsop: Could it be closed for those three
days? Rhea: That is an idea to bring up to Chief Hill.
SMOKY HILL RIVER FESTIVAL 25TH ANNIVERSARY
Dunn said there have been two meetings for the 25th anniversary of SHRF. Ideas: Some kind of
public art for park for year-round use. Should be a group effort, not elitist. Dunn spoke about the
N ALAA conference which she attended recently. Regarding public art, officials are looking at new
ways of putting art in their communities; realize art brings interest, personality, pride to the
community, gives it character. City of Salina is a great art community, but on the surface we don't
look like it. Committee wants 25th project to be the start of something great. Rhea said committee
members, Dunn, Graham, Alsop, John Divine, and Paula Wright, suggest bringing in Bill Keens, who
knows Salina and communities nationwide, to work with this group and then move into a retreat for
the Commission in September. Would be his third year here. Rhea asked for thoughts on that.
Dunn: Have been exposed to wonderful "art"; group realized how limited we are, need someone to
bring more perspective. Cloutier: Is he the right person? What about resources from other
communities? Rhea: He would be just a beginning, then research communities. Cloutier: Concept
of "big" not just one big piece of art, but smaller and spread out through the community. Alsop:
Committee realized that we need someone to stretch us in our thinking. Rhea shared a comment from
John Divine: SHRF has changed the community; let's look at doing something five years from now
that will create a shift, be remembered in another 25 years as changing the community. Thompson:
Don't change Festival itself, just use it as an avenue. Graham invited any others to join in the
meetings to give input.
NALAA CONVENTION
The National Assembly of Local Arts Agencies annual meeting was held in St. Louis in May. Dunn,
Henry, Morgan, Burket, and Rhea attended. Henry commented on the importance of art as well as
technology in today's culture. Rhea said it was an interesting time to be gathered, because of changes
occurring nationally. Those attending also met John Villani, author of 100 Best Small Arts Tmvl1S in
America, who will be in Salina June 22nd. She encouraged Commissioners to try to attend the book
signing at the Bluestem or the reception at Harold Milner's loft.
l'ŒW COMMISSIONERS
Dunn reported that Jack Henry and Ellen Morgan are eligible for reappointment and will accept
another term. There are two vacancies on the Board: Thompson has served two terms, and Clark
declined to serve another. Rhea said with two spots available, it is wise to develop a list of four to
five names. That list is submitted to the Mayor; appointments are made in August. When submitting
names, Rhea said to keep in mind that when someone is appointed to A & H Commission, they
become trustees of the Foundation-great deal of responsibility, working with fundraising, volunteers,
within City structure, etc. She suggested looking beyond the usual, think in terms of leaders in areas
not usually connected with the arts. Thompson: From the demographics of the current board, under
35 and over 65 age categories are needed, in areas other than east Salina. A number of suggestions
were made and discussed. If other names come to mind, let Rhea know.
(Dunn left the meeting at this point.)
CITY BUDGET
Rhea reported that city budget goes to the City Commission on Monday. A & H requested $10,000 to
increase contractual services, with commitment to raise $20,000, as way to make up KAC loss. Will
be presented at the July 8 study session. Museum is requesting educator and curator of collections
positions, full time on city dollars (currently funded % city, 1A IMS grant). IMS has begun a policy
of only two 2-year cycles. SHM won't receive notification until September 6. Recommendation made
by City Manager: If IMS dollars are forthcoming, will continue to pick up that 1A. Policy statement
will be that if dollars are not there, City will fund the additional 1:4. Very important policy decision
for us. At this point things look good; if anything gets off track, Commissioners will be informed.
SUMlVIER PROJECTS
Deeply Rooted will be in residency July 19 through August 2. Salvation Army summer camp runs
two weeks in mornings for two age levels. Also involved with the Salina Art Center, Salina
Community Theatre (improvisational workshop) and other activities, YMCA Camp Swat, YWCA
yoga class, Friendship Center, as well as master classes. Will send schedule when available.
OTHER
Alsop invited Commissioners to the next Horizons 50 gathering, Saturday, July 13, .5:45 (light dinner
\virh medieval theme), at Oakdale Park formal gardens. Two Horizons projects. Lovewell Institute
and Shakespeare in the Park, are happening that evening.
The next SAHC meeting is scheduled for July 18.
There being no further business to discuss and upon proper motion, the meeting \vas adjourned.
/dms