Chambana Sun

City of Urbana Public Arts Commission met November 14.

Here is the minutes provided by the Commission:

Members Present: Katie Harrell, Barbara Hedlund, Eric Jakobsson, Sara Jones, Jason Patterson, Patricia Sammann, Jessica Snyder

Members Excused: Erica Cooper-Peyton, Jenelle Orcherton

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

Others Present: Dulce Ester, Cory Imig, Debra Larson, Morgan Orion Reisman, Cynthia Voelkl

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

The Urbana Public Arts Commission was called to order at 4:35 p.m. by Ms. Sammann. 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 October 10, 2017 meeting were reviewed by the Commission. Ms. Sammann noted that under the Adjournment section, she was listed as the one who declared the meeting adjourned. However, in her absence at that meeting, Mr. Patterson was the one who adjourned the meeting so that should be changed. Ms. Snyder also noted that she was marked as excused at that meeting, when she was in fact present. Ms. Snyder moved to approve the minutes as corrected. Ms. Hedlund 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 Recipients: Cory Imig and Dulce Ester

Ms. Sammann introduced artists, Cory Imig and Dulce Ester. They gave a slideshow presentation on their project titled, “Say Uncle” which was an experimental artist residency and nomadic exhibition program that helps to connect artists with existing artist communities. For this project, they invited artists from around the county to come and work in Urbana. While here for 2 weeks, the artists are commissioned to make temporary public artworks. Once the work is created, they travel the work around Central Illinois region for exhibition. The two artists chosen were Devin Balara and Jeffrey Michael Austin. Their projects culminated with an exhibition here in Urbana. There were about 300 people in attendance at each one. Ms. Imig and Ms. Ester 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: Morgan Orion Reisman

Ms. Sammann introduced singer/songwriter, Morgan Orion Reisman. He gave a presentation on his music video collaboration titled, “Genevieve”. He gave a little background on the project, and development team, which consisted of himself, Sam Ambler (videographer), and Gabrielle Reisman (playwright). He reported that there was a public call for extras for this video. Shooting was done all around Urbana with three of the biggest locations being the Cafeteria & Co, Carle Park, and the Sipyard. The video premier took place at the Sipyard on September 7th. The video premiered on the World Wide Web on October 20th. He 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: Debra Larson from Urbana Pops Orchestra

Ms. Sammann introduced Debra Larson, Board President of Urbana Pops Orchestra. Ms. Larson gave a slide-show presentation on their 8th annual season. The UPO offered three recitals and two concerts free of charge to the community. A concert entitled, Cartoons in Concert, took place on June 10, 2017 in the Urbana High School auditorium. On July 15, 2017, a concert entitled, Made in the USA, took place in the Urbana High School auditorium as well. There were approximately 225 people in attendance for each concert, and 35-80 at each recital. Ms. Larson 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: Cynthia Voelkl

Ms. Sammann introduced Cynthia Voelkl, Assistant Director of The Japan House at the University of Illinois U-C. After giving a background on the Japan House, she gave a slide-show presentation on her project titled, Matsuri Japanese Festival. The festival took place on July 4th, 2016 from 2- 8pm, and consisted of musical performers, martial arts, food, children’s activities, tea ceremony, and arts & crafts. There were about 4500 people in attendance. Following the festival, there was a fireworks display. Ms. Voelkl 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

There were none.

9. Adjournment

Ms. Sammann made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. Ms. Jones seconded the motion. With no further business, Ms. Sammann declared the meeting adjourned at 5:43 p.m.

https://www.urbanaillinois.us/sites/default/files/attachments/11-14-17_APPROVED.pdf