Tuesday, November 4, 2008

December Meeting Announcement & November Meeting Minutes

We will have our next WEA General Meeting
Thursday, December 4th, 7PM
at ??? (Stay tuned for details.)

Agenda:
(Stay tuned for details.)

Future meetings:
Monday, January 5,2009

Be sure to check out the current scene at:
http://westendartsscene.blogspot.com/

Minutes From our Last WEA General Meeting

Monday, November 3rd , 7PM at Bennett's Chop & Railhouse

I. "Scene, Be Seen, and Be Heard" Live Performance Showcase Update (Jason)
  • There hasn't been a good response to the flyers yet.
  • We may extend deadline for entries past 11/22/2008.
  • KFAI broadcast will not necessarily be simulcast, but will air post-performance date instead.
  • Everyone should reach out to performer friends and encourage them to submit an entry!
  • Those interested in hanging flyers along West 7th Street can pick up copies at Mad Hatter's or ask Jason.

II. Iron Pour Debriefing (Dave)
  • Overall, a fantastic and spectacular event. Nice art and a nice number of spectators. Firemen loved it.
  • Proceeds from scratch molds and some extra grant money can go into the WEA/Fort Road Federation account. Maybe as seed money for another iron pour next year.
  • We did not end up selling beer, but the discussion surrounding this was idea was dispersed and confused. We should discuss this more carefully next time, and if we decide to sell beer, contain it within a beer garden.
  • Staging could have been better, in terms of creating sight lines for spectators.
  • Look into scheduling training or workshops in advance.
  • Have people on-site clearly designated as explainers, so that people with questions would have someone to ask.
  • A mailing would have been good, to help to increase attendance.
  • More community outreach would have been good. Interacting with art classes at Monroe, interacting with businesses--suggesting they get their logo in a scratch tile. Now that we know the firemen love it, maybe make something for them specifically?
  • Iron Pour people talked about building a furnace that would remain in West Seventh neighborhood.
  • Consider other sites for the event. Roosters BBQ? Crosby Park? Wherever it is, we should publish/provide maps so people know exactly where to go.
III. Fort Road Federation Liaison (Mary)
  • Mary currently attends Fort Road Federation board meetings as needed, but she would like to delegate this duty to Jason.
  • Jason accepts and will plan on attending meetings for the duration of Mary's year-long term as Coordinator.
  • Aside from attending meetings, Jason will be in charge of "keeping Betty happy." That means that anyone working on a project needs to stay in touch with Jason so that he can keep Betty and Ed in the loop in terms of what's going on, what will be coming across Betty's desk in terms of grant proposals/funds, what insurance questions may come up, etc.
IV. Pilney Update (Mary)
  • Kim is no longer the point person for this project. Someone else will need to step up.
  • To simplify things, Mary suggests we find a new locale for "small shows," preferably a business that has regular "open to the public" business hours (e.g., Mad Hatter/St. Paul Gallery, salons, dental offices, real estate offices). We should clarify insurance issues with Betty.
  • Rachel suggests we maintain a positive relationship with the Boones at the Pilney, in hopes of having our annual visual arts show there. Jason points out that whoever works with the Boones needs Web/e-mail access, and the ability to reply quickly via e-mail.
V. Ideas for the Future (All)
  • Show of iron pour art
  • Wall of iron pour tiles
VI. Harvest Festival Nov. 15 at SOKOL (Joe)
  • Decorating help needed Nov. 12, 13, 14: Jason and Mary will be pitching in. Note that a decent-size disco ball will be available. John has a compatible motor.
  • Bartenders also needed. No license required, but must be 21 or older and have good judgement.