Provincetown Art Commission

Meeting of

December 20, 2004  3:00 p.m.

Judge Welsh Room

Town Hall, Provincetown, MA 02657

 

 

Members Present:  Stephen Borkowski, Chair; Peggy Prichett, Treasurer; Georgia Coxe, James Bakker,

Napi Van Dereck, and Erna Partoll, Alternate member.

 

Stephen Borkowski, Chair, called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.

 

Minutes

 

The minutes of the previous meeting were presented for review.  A motion was made to accept the minutes of November 22, 2004 with a minor correction.

 

Moved by: Peggy Prichett                                Seconded by: James Bakker                                 Yea: 5  Nay: 0

 

Erna Partoll thanked the Commission for electing her as Alternative Member and was welcomed by the Commission.

 

Chairman’s Report

 

The Chair circulated a list from the Director of the Cahoon Museum, of approximately 20 paintings to be considered for loan to the museum for an exhibit in March, 2005.  Peggy Prichett raised the question of insurance while the paintings are on loan.

 

Old Business

 

Stephen Borkowski initiated a discussion concerning the filling of the position of Collection’s Manager.  Immediate needs call for the paintings to be removed from the Library for storage. It was thought that contractual labor could be used for various tasks that need to be done by the Commission.

 

Jeffory Morris, Curator of the PM&PM arrived with two paintings and it was decided to go out of order and discuss their acquisition. The two paintings, portraits by Henry Hensche, are of Frank and Mary Rowe.  The paintings are from the estate of their son, William, who wanted them to be kept in Provincetown.  Peter Lowell of Maine originally offered them to the Monument Museum, but the Collections Committee of the PM & PM felt the Town collection was a more appropriate place for them. A motion was made to accept the paintings.

 

Moved by: Georgia Coxe                                Seconded by: Stephen Borkowski                                Yea: 5   Nay: 0

 

A photograph of a painting by Karl Young, entitled “Land’s End.” was circulated and its merits discussed.   The painting is being offered as a gift by the artist.  A motion was made to accept the painting.

 

Moved by: Peggy Prichett                                Seconded by: Georgia Coxe                                Yea: 5   Nay: 0

 

There was a short discussion on the rules surrounding future acquisitions.

 

Peggy Prichett asked Georgia Coxe about the status of the plaque which needs to be re-attached to Richard Pepitone’s sculpture. Ms. Coxe said that she has asked Mr. Pepitone to state in writing what needs to be done, but has not heard from him.  Napi Van Dereck said that he will try to assist in getting the plaque put back on the sculpture.

 

The discussion returned to the position of Collection’s Manager.  It was acknowledged that Ms. Watson had accomplished a lot  It was noted that further scrutiny of the paintings which may need restoration and adding images which are missing from the web site was a priority.  Peggy Prichett stated that she would like to see someone working on more publicity of the collection, such as writing articles for the Banner  .It was felt that it would be difficult to find the skills exemplified by Robyn Watson in one person, and that different people could be hired on a contractual basis to fill specific needs of the Commission for the balance of the fiscal year.

 

New Business

 

Napi Van Dereck brought forth the idea of using the old Library as a gallery space for the Town’s art collection.  He stated that this should be presented as a way to help the economy of Provincetown, especially in the off-season.  Other members were in general agreement with this idea and thought that Mr. Van Dereck could be a liaison from the Art Commission to explore this idea with the Committee for Re-Use of Town Buildings.  He and James Bakker will write up a proposal to bring to the next meeting.

 

The Chair requested that the members bring a “punch list” of possible projects for the new year to the next meeting. .

The date of the next meeting was set as January 14, 2005 at 3:00 p.m.

 

A motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 4:40 p.m.

 

Moved by: Peggy Prichett                                Seconded by: James Bakker                                Yea: 5   Nay:  0

 

The meeting was adjourned at 4:40 p.m.