Arts Commission

MINUTES OF THE MEETING Middletown Commission on the Arts, Public Art Committee February 10, 2023 11:00 a.m., Middletown, CT Arts and Culture Office, Room B11, Municipal Building In attendance: Kate Ten Eyck, Charlotte McCoid, David Wolfram Also in attendance: Kisha Michael No members of the public present 1. Call to order: Meeting called to order at 11:09 a.m. 2. Public Session: None 3. Assign Secretary: Charlotte McCoid 4. Approval of Agenda: Agenda approved unanimously 5. New Business: a. Public Art acquisition was discussed. Comments made during our regular meeting by MCA Chair Godburn about “how do we attach worth to our artwork?” There was further conversation about this topic and elicited a question about where are we going to hang new acquisitions. More importantly, we are not a gallery and have no staff, curators, storage or security. It was suggested that we purchase a digital copy of an artist’s artwork for $200. Through purchasing a copy, we elevate our community with the acquisition and gives us more flexibility. b. Discussion about the work of Kat Owens. Her materials deteriorate over time, especially those that are exposed to light. We agreed to purchase a digital copy of her work. c. The senior center requested new artwork for display. Staff will take care of this. d. A new display system for the municipal artwork was explored. K. Ten Eyck suggested we pilot it in the basement area. We reviewed the space and measured its length. The system will not deteriorate the walls and will be easier to remove and change out. We placed an initial order. 6. Old Business a. Thanked D. Wolfram for his contribution of the revisions for de-accessioning. b. Need to review the latest revision of Public Art Policy before the next meeting on donations, loans, purchase and acquisitions, appraisals, rights and ownerships. c. Reviewed assignments to committee members; Ten Eyck – Purchasing Wolfram – De-accession McCoid – Maintenance Art Office – Will provide clear guidelines for donation of artwork, the process, limitations and or stipulations. d. Did a walk around the building to review current city art collection for decommissioning and maintenance. 7. Adjournment: Meeting was adjourned at 1:00 p.m. Submitted by, Acting Secretary, Charlotte McCoid CC: Mayor’s Office