Chambana Sun

City of Urbana Public Arts Commission met October 4.

Here is the minutes provided by the Commission:

Members Present: Erica Cooper-Peyton, Katie Harrell, Barbara Hedlund, Sara Jones, Jenelle Orcherton, Katie Harrell, Jason Patterson

Members Excused: Eric Jakobsson, Patricia Sammann, Jessica Snyder

Staff Present: Brandon Boys, Economic Development Manager; Rachel Storm, Public Arts Coordinator; Sukiya J. Reid, Recording Secretary

Others Present: Patricia Avery, Nathaniel Banks, Latrelle Bright, Lamar Browning, Ariana Rent, Corey Robinson, Janet Soesbe

1. Call To Order, Roll Call And Declaration Of Quorum

The Urbana Public Arts Commission was called to order at 4:30 p.m. by Mr. Patterson, who filled in as Commission Chair in Ms. Sammann’s absence. Ms. Reid took roll and a quorum was declared present.

2. Changes To Agenda

There were none.

3. Approval Of Minutes Of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the August 8, 2017 meeting were reviewed by the Commission. Ms. Harrell noted that the Grant Presentation heading under the Communications section should be changed from “Sarah Tavis” to “Kelly White”. Ms. Hedlund also noted that it should not be listed as “Arts in the Schools” either, but rather “Urbana Arts Grants Recipient” on that same heading. Ms. Hedlund moved to approve the minutes as corrected. Ms. Jones seconded the motion. All Commission members present were in favor of approval, and the minutes were unanimously approved as corrected.

4. Public Input

There was none.

5. Communications

• Presentation by 2016 Arts Grant Recipient: Erica Cooper-Peyton

Mr. Patterson introduced Janet Soesbe, Community Program Manager and Niki Hoesman, Community Program Coordinator from Urbana Park District. They presented on Ms. Cooper- Peyton’s behalf, as she is no longer employed with the park district. They gave a slideshow presentation of the 16th annual National Education Association Read Across America Day, held at Lincoln Square Mall that featured over 40 hands-on literacy related activities. The event took place on March 5, 2016 from 10:00am-1:00pm. Celebrity greeters, rotary members, and professional storytellers participated in the event in which over 3000 members of the community attended. Over 150 volunteers helped with the event. Ms. Soesbe and Ms. Hoesman thanked the commission for the grant received. At the conclusion of the report, questions and comments from the Commission were heard.

• Presentation by 2016 Arts Grant Recipient: Patricia Avery

Mr. Patterson introduced Patricia Avery, Executive Director of CUPD, and Coach Lamar “Marty B” Browning. She gave a background on her organization, Champaign- Urbana Area Project, which has been established for 11 years. She stated that CUperstar, a self-funded program, is a yearly talent show for the youths in the Champaign-Urbana area. They learn discipline, showmanship, and are given vocal training to sharpen their skills in preparation for the showtime later on in the summer. Ms. Avery shared that they had put on about 27 performances since receiving the grant funds from the City of Urbana. Coach Marty B then addressed the Commission and shared some of his experiences with CUperstars, one being a former winner of CUperstars himself. Mr. Browning then introduced Corey Robinson and Ariana Rent, current participants of CUperstars. They both sang a little snippet for the Commission. Ms. Avery and Mr. Browning thanked the Commission for the grant received. At the conclusion of the report, questions and comments from the Commission were heard.

• Presentation by 2017 Arts Grant Recipient: Nathaniel Banks

Mr. Patterson introduced Nathaniel Banks, Executive Director of BBL Fine Arts Academy. Mr. Banks stated that the Academy’s purpose is to provide enrichment to growing musicians, with an emphasis on low-income and under-represented students. He gave a slide-show presentation on their summer camp titled, “The Music of America”. The camp was held from June 12-17, 2017 at the School of Music Building, and 32 students attended. There were sessions available for beginning, intermediate, and advanced students ages 10-18 years old. The closing concert took place on Saturday, June 17th at Smith Music Hall. Mr. Banks thanked the Commission for the grant received. At the conclusion of the report, questions and comments from the Commission were heard.

• Presentation by 2017 Arts Grant Recipient: Latrelle Bright

Mr. Patterson introduced local artist, Latrelle Bright. She gave a presentation on her project titled, “The Water Project”, which was inspired by the issues in Flint, Michigan initially, and then Starving Rock. After a call for artists, an ensemble of 8 people was formed. Each with different backgrounds, talents, etc. There were 6 performers, 1 sound designer, and 1 researcher. After months of researching, brainstorming, and developing scripts for the project, there were performances given at the IMC. They were also invited to perform at Allerton Park. Ms. Bright thanked the Commission for the grant received. At the conclusion of the report, questions and concerns were heard.

• Presentation by Staff: Monthly Progress Report

Ms. Storm presented the City staff’s monthly progress report to the Commission, outlining projects in process, recent requests and recommendations from the public, staff activities, and upcoming events.

6. Old Business

There was none.

7. New Business

There was none.

8. Announcements

Ms. Hedlund announced Rachel Storm’s article that appeared in the September 24th News Gazette. Ms. Storm announced that Urbana Public Arts Program was nominated for an ACE Award. She stated that although our program did not receive the award, a reception was being held to honor all the nominees on Thursday, October 12th at the City Center.

9. Adjournment

Ms. Jones made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. Ms. Hedlund seconded the motion. With no further business, Ms. Sammann declared the meeting adjourned at 5:26 p.m.

http://www.urbanaillinois.us/sites/default/files/attachments/10-10-17_DRAFT.pdf