2008-05-13 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Returning Artist – Chairperson, Calla Smorodin Announced to the Commission her intentions to retire and requested that any interested Commissioner contact her regarding the chair of this committee. She has volunteered to mentor the next chair. Dominic Geinosky-Poiter, a literary educator at University City High School is excited about the prospect of the Returning Artist being a literary artist, so that the students can learn about the “range” of work available in the artist’s area of expertise. Sculpture Series – Co-chairperson, Julie Bianchi Meeting at the Washington University Sculpture Department; those present were: Ron Laux, newly appointed Dean of Fine Arts Ron Fondaw Calla Smorodin Adelia Parker-Castro Julie Bianchi Tom McCarthy. The group discussed ways of increasing funds for the series, and knowledge base of the Arts and Letters Commission. One suggestion was to resume notifying the Commission about up coming public lectures and presentations that educate the public about sculpture. A fall meeting is to be scheduled for the Arts and Letters Commission to meet in the Washington University Sculpture department; and further exploration about Julie’s idea of funding student projects for the series. Ron Fondaw suggests that Art magazine articles impress fund sources and that offering student stipends is a great idea. Barbara Santoro asked for clarification of questions put to students during portfolio presentation. It was noted that questions of student’s definition of sculpture is very appropriate. The committee will look at how we can select final viewing in the future, as next year; there will be 7 undergraduates, and possibly a new faculty member to fill Ron Laux’s vacancy. Ron Fondaw is looking into graduate student participation, which may bring the total number of student presenters to ten (10). The discussion that followed this report is as follows: Tom McCarthy suggested that perhaps the work could be installed for a longer period of time in the community. He has researched the possibility of making “Rhythm Section” by Emily Silbur a permanent work, which could be installed temporarily at Centennial Commons. He says the artist is willing to leave it an additional 6 months, and that $3260 is needed to make this sculptural instillation permanent. Calla states that there is $1876 available in the Returning Artist Funds and money available from this past year’s Photo Show that can be applied toward this purchase. Dan motioned to continue temporary exhibition of “Rhythm Section” here at Centennial Commons for 6 months, Julie seconded, motion passed. Tom will inform Emily Silbur on 5-14-08 of Commission decision and look into actual funds available for purchase. Tom also suggested that the Commission form a Fund Raising Committee and we discussed the issue of “fund raising”. Tom also provided copies of “Small Changes, Big Impact”, the 20-year Collaborative Public Sculpture catalogue for members of the Commission. Calla reiterated that Washington University is definitely committed to the relationship with University City. Suggested University City High School Alumni: