Commission on the Arts

HAMPTON COMMISSION ON THE ARTS MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY, May 2, 2024, 4:00pm THE CHARLES H. TAYLOR VISUAL ARTS CENTER Attending Present In Person: Dr. Karen Ward; Courtney Hampton; Martha Mugler; Aiya Williams; Rebekah Hill; Tekey Wallace Absent: Derrick Brooks; Cherelle Cotton; Brian DeProfio; Michael Hamar; Hope Harper Staff Present: Carena Novak; Terri Vander Vennet; Taiub Mohammad; Diana Blanchard-Gross; Jody Madaras; Cody Latpakdy Call to Order Dr. Karen Ward officially called the meeting to order at 4:07pm. Chairman’s Report – Dr. Karen Ward • Approval of Minutes o Quorum was met to Approve April Meeting Minutes. Art in School Grant Update – Carena Novak • Carena went over the grants for this year. There were three applications: KGC Show Choir Takes NYC, Concert Attire & Tshirts for Students with Special Needs, Farm Animal Piggy Bank Sculptures. The Show Choir went to New York and won prizes and got to see a show. The Concert attire has been used for multiple concerts. The Piggy Bank Sculptures have been created and were a huge success. Director’s Report – Jody Madaras • Upcoming Season o Jody Mr. Madaras said that his first few weeks were fascinating. His focus has been on exploring the theatre, from looking through storage to reorganizing the kitchen. He found a signed, framed Marcel Marceau poster and Indian artifacts that were discovered when the theatre was renovated. He has been reviewing/updating day-to-day protocols (including for emergencies), contracts, websites, the phone system, repairs by the City, efficiency (e.g. lights). He has spoken to the community about programming. o Categories for programming will include an American Theatre Reprise Series of musicals, concerts, and American music (e.g. Cole Porter); a Mainstage Series of star performers (the music of Aretha Franklin; performers Michael Bublé, Bruce Hornsby (local), and Susan Greenbaum (local); and Mr. Madaras’s “All Hands on Deck”); a Children’s Theatre Series, including a Kids’ Club complete with a popcorn machine; a Phoebus/Hampton Classic Cinema Series every other month with tickets and popcorn at $5 each; Movie Sing-Alongs; a Master Lecture Series featuring veteran celebrities; a Community Spotlight Series including the Peninsula Youth Orchestra, Riddick Dance, and The Phoebus Jazz Festival presented by Hampton Roads Jazz, Inc. (Jae Sinnett). Public Art Research Report – Dr. Karen Ward o Dr. Karen Ward said that she is a member of the Newport News Outdoors Arts Commission which runs yearly. Dr. Ward suggests having a subcommittee to create an objective, locating any legal issues, budgeting properly (reception, publicity, etc.) and coming up with the types of artists. 1  o Terri passes out a booklet containing a windmill project that can turn into furniture as an option for displaying public art. o Martha confirms that the Public Art budget started with $50K and $100K is added each year which rolls over. o A subcommittee was formed at this meeting including Aiya Williams, Courtney Hampton, Tekey Wallace, Rebekah Hill, Diana Blanchard Gross, and Dr. Karen Ward. New Business No new business. Old Business No old business. Next Meeting June 6th at 4pm Location Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 4:53 PM. 2