Arts Commission

Minutes of the Meeting Middletown Commission on the Arts Wednesday, October 23, 2024 5:00 p.m., Middletown, CT Hybrid Meeting by WebEx 245 DeKoven Drive, Room 208 Commissioners In attendance Anthony Pandolfe, Chair David Wolfram, Vice Chair Sari Rosenblatt, Secretary Pamela Steele Richard Pelletier Gary Wallace Sharon Riley Bob Santangelo Amber Michael, Youth Representative Council Member Steven Kovach Commissioners Absent Phil Pessina Council Member Jon Pulino Also in Attendance: Kisha Michael, Arts Coordinator, Staff 1) Meeting Call to Order: 5:04 p.m. 2) Public Session: A member of the public, Kate Ten Eyck was in attendance and delivered her report on “what’s been going” on with Mosaics on Main. They have had 3 shows since April on Main St. The Glacier opening is scheduled for November 16th on Main St. Storage has been secured in the Keating Building until the city is ready to do a permanent installation in the tunnel. The project awaits city authorization to move forward. By the end of December the entire budget from the DBD will be expended to include 500 square feet of mosaics completed. The project has received lots of positive public feedback and support. 3) Approval of Minutes: P. Steele made a motion to approve the minutes from Wednesday, August 28, 2024 seconded by D. Wolfram. No discussion. P. Steele and R. Pelletier abstained. Motion passes. 4) Approval of Agenda: S. Rosenblatt made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by R. Pelletier. Approved unanimously. 5) Remarks from the Chair: A. Pandolfe, Chair reported that the Executive Committee met in lieu of the last meeting to help move the business of the commission forward. This was done within the guidelines of the MCA bylaws. Welcome to new commissioner Bob Santangelo for taking the time to serve again. 6) Old Business a) Staff Report: K. Michael gave report on commissioner appointments and absences, leaving two seats of the eleven open. The MCA checking account balance is $12,559.95 with no outstanding checks nor activity. In discussion with the Executive Committee, Staff recommends transitioning from giving proclamations to actual trophy awards for the Arts Advocacy, Music Ambassador and other MCA Accolades. This would reduce the impact and time constraints that the proclamation creates. Staff reported on upcoming ARPA activities that have been planned with Arts for Learning CT and Art Excursions to the Bushnell. Staff is planning a Professional Development Series for Middletown Artists and Poetry Month activities focused on literacy. Of note, FREECENTER is in a new space located by Perkatory. Early voting is open. Wendy Black Nasta sent a note of thanks to the MCA for their support. Anne Marie Canatta’s husband Mike has suddenly passed and his services are scheduled for Sunday at the Buttonwood Tree. b) Committee Reports i. Planning & Projects – no report ii. Public Art – no report iii. Nominating – no report  c) Arts Advocacy Award Nominations Vote: The Executive Committee brings forth Kate Ten Eyck and the Mosaics on Main Team receiving three nominations, and Ekklesia Ballet receiving two. P. Steele moved that the MCA bring forth the nominations that have been presented, seconded by S. Rosenblatt. Chair reported on the process of bringing forth constituent votes by taking the greatest nominations that were received. D. Wolfram and A. Pandolfe explained how they allowed the public to decide by taking the most nominations and their comments. Staff explained how Kate and the team will be awarded accordingly, to include the community of support that was contributed. Approved unanimously. 7) New Business i. Arts Advocacy Award Ceremony Date: Staff delivered proposed dates for the commission to join in celebration in the council chamber on Tuesday, November 19th at 6pm. ii. MCA FY25 Projects Support Grant Review Panel Recommendations: Staff explained the process of the Executive Committees review of the grants, workshop interviews conducted, rubric scoring and recommendations brought forth to the full commission for a vote. S. Rosenblatt brought forth a motion to approve all the grants in the amounts listed, seconded by P. Steele. D. Wolfram mentioned that GOS grants are of concern for the winter and they want to make sure there is enough funding to support that effort. Some grantees did not get their full ask. S. Kovach questioned the zero amount of a grantee. Chair questioned the feasibility of the project and suggests more work to be done before awarding. S. Rosenblatt recommends that the grantee reapply with a more fully flushed out idea. Staff ensured that a follow up email is sent to those not awarded to include a recommendation to reapply and any other suggestions for a successful application. Approved unanimously. Organization Amount New Haven Symphony Orchestra, Inc. $2,500.00 Connecticut Storytelling Center $2,500.00 Salt Marsh Opera $4,500.00 Michael Pestel $1,500.00 Kat Owens $4,500.00 Joe Fonda/Kaleidoscope $1,500.00 Gilead Community Services, Inc. $2,550.00 Every Note Counts $4,500.00 TOTAL $24,050.00 iii. Poet Laureate: Staff gave an overview of the efforts of the call for the Poet Laureate and admits that is was an exercise that did not produce interest. Staff presented a revision of the Poet Laureate efforts to change into a celebration of Poetry month in April by spearheading poetry slams, literacy activities and publicizing youth literacy. Let’s revisit the past and make Middletown a stage for poetry and from there cultivate a poet laureate and interest here in Middletown. Staff is currently planning ARPA Poetry month’s activities with Arts for Learning CT. Discussion and feedback ensued in support of the staff’s vision. 8) Announcements: S. Rosenblatt announced that Kisha was on Stephan Allison’s show River Valley Rhythms reading the poetry of Susan Allison. 9) Meeting Adjournment: 5:51 p.m. Attachments: Arts Advocacy Award Criteria; Arts Advocacy Award Nomination Submissions; MCA Fy25 Grant Recommendations