Arts Commission

Middletown Commission on the Arts Minutes of the Meeting, Wednesday, June 23, 2021 7:01 PM, Via WebEx Present: Pam Steele, Chair; Joyce Kirkpatrick, Julia Faraci, Charlotte McCoid, Ed McKeon - Common Council, David Wolfram, Dominique Thornton Also Present: Kisha Michael, Staff Absent: Lee Godburn Ed Ford Barbara Arafeh Kate Ten Eyck 1. Call to Order - Chair Pam Steele called the meeting to order at 7:01 PM 2. Public Session – this session was moved to such a time when the member of the Public attempting to sign in would be connected, following a motion by David Bauer, seconded by Joyce Kirkpatrick and unanimously adopted by the Commission. 3. Approval of Minutes: the May 26, 2021 Minutes were unanimously adopted following a motion by Ed McKeon, seconded by David Bauer. 4. Approval of Agenda:,the Agenda was approved unanimously, following a motion by Joyce Kirkpatrick, seconded by David Bauer 5. Remarks from the Chair a. Secretary assignment – Joyce Kirkpatrick volunteered to serve as secretary for the meeting. b. MCA’s Summer Sounds Music Series is launched with wonderful music and good crowds at the new location, Speare Park. Pam had made opening remarks at the first concert; Dave Bauer and Dominique Thornton will do so at the next 2 concerts. David Wolfram was thanked for his graphic design of the series’ poster and flyer. Beginning July, it seems that City meetings will be in person, although the City will also make them available through the internet live-stream. 6. Old Business a. Staff Report - Kisha reported on many activities, and again invited all Commissioners to sign up for the digital arts newsletter and Facebook page that contain much information essential for them.   Summer Circus is underway and at full capacity. Because of Covid, the program is smaller; there is a real need to expand the program – perhaps with an arts component – next year. The Music Committee needs to recommend a new Music Ambassador.  1st Fridays: A group of downtown businesses (Matt’s Music, Cinder & Salt, Ekklesia Dance, etc.) are beginning to hold downtown events – a wonderful development. Middletown’s celebration of the first national Juneteenth was held at Vets Park on Sunday, under the guidance of Ujima; about 1,000 attended; local art, music, karate, etc.  Matt Lefebvre worked with Kisha on Make Music Day, June 21, with the best line-up yet!  Friday Farmers Market on South Green now has music as well as vegetables with help from Kisha and the MCA budget.  Vaccine Clinic on Saturday’s Community Day at MacDonough School;  NOTE: Fireworks will take place September 4, instead of July 4. Two MCA Grant Awardees 2020 were able to hold their grants projects that were postponed because of Covid-19: Joe Fonda presented his Composers Festival at the Buttonwood on Friday; J. Cherry held the Middletown Music Festival project. Wadsworth Mansion is seeking local theater people and musicians for a new presentation of “The Christmas Carol” based on Charles Dickens’ novel. Suggestions were made for contacts. (2.) Public Session – At this point, Tanya Nicole Sutherland, was digitally connected: She is an educator and is interested in working with the MCA and would like to promote reggae music in Middletown. She also discussed the Juneteenth celebration, with ideas for the next one. b. Committee Reports i. 50thAnniversary Discussion Pam Steele asked all Commissioners to prepare a list of artists and art groups to approach to bring to the July 28 meeting that will be devoted to planning for the MCA 50th Anniversary celebration. Visual, performing, written, spoken, etc. arts should be included. Kisha will send out a list of MCA Grants recipients and those who have received Arts Awards. Suggestions: Involve potential collaborators i.e.:Russell Library, MXCC, Mx Hospital, CHC, who might present anniversary-related events.  Get sponsors for other events.  Involve WESU for publicity.  Include the schools’ arts programs.  Have 1 major celebration in June ii. Tomorrow the public hearing for the Charter Revision proposals will be held. Attendance by Commissioners is suggested. 7. New Business – There was no new business. 8. Announcements After being closed throughout the pandemic, Kidcity children’s museum opened today, now that Airflow has been installed. The Middletown Press featured a Dance Program for At Risk Youth The Connecticut Commission on the Arts has awarded Stephan Allison, former Coordinator of the MCA, a Lifetime Achievement in the Arts Award 9. Adjournment Adjournment was at 8:04 PM following a motion by Charlotte McCoid, seconded by David Bauer. Respectfull submitted, Joyce Kirkpatrick