PROVINCETOWN ART COMMISSION

 

NOVEMBER 14, 2005 - TOWN HALL

 

 Minutes

 

The meeting was called to order at 3 pm by Stephen Borkowski, Chairperson

 

Members Present:

Stephen Borkowski – Chairperson, James Bakker, Napi Van Dereck, Peggy Prichett, Georgia Coxe, Erna Partoll – alternate.

 

Approval of previous meeting minutes.

 

The minutes of the September 26, 2005 meeting were circulated for discussion.  Hearing none.

 

Motion  by:            James Bakker             Second:           Georgia Coxe

 

To approve the minutes of the September 26, 2005 meeting.

 

Yea:     5                      Nay:            0

 

Old Business

 

Current year budget review -

The Commission reviewed the current budget through end of fiscal year. There was a thorough discussion about the purchase and potential uses of a digital camera.

 

Motion  by:            Peggy Prichett             Second:           Napi Van Dereck

 

To purchase a digital camera for the use of the Art Commission.

 

Yea:     3                      Nay:            2

 

There was a brief discussion about having the artwork photographed professionally for high resolution digital and or transparencies, for preservation and promotional materials.

 

Motion by:            James Bakker             Second by:            Stephen Borkowski

 

Hire Jim Zimmerman to photo the 4 large Chaffee artworks on view at PAAM for high resolution digital images and instruct Amy to have postcards made as soon as possible to be sold at PAAM while the show is hanging and for subsequent sale in the Library.

 

Yea:     5                      Nay:            0

 

 

Press –

 

The Commission reviewed and discussed two pieces of local press from October 2005. After discussion, the Commission agreed that creating press releases for periodic, controlled flow of information is important. Stephen Borkowski will contact the Collections Manager about drafting press releases. Georgia Coxe will review press releases written by Amy Heller before they are circulated.

 

Creating conservation list and overview –

 

Peggy Prichett will meet with Kristina Bird and Amy Heller to create an assessesment for the remaining conservation and restoration of the collection so an overview can be prepared for the Board of Selectmen.

 

Re-use of the Freeman Street Building–

 

The Commission was presented with some recent press which stated that the Art Commission wishes to examine the possibility of utilizing the old library as an art museum. The Commission then revisited past discussions on this issue, which emphatically stated that the Art Commission would like to have some level of participation in whatever use/direction the Town may choose for the building and would simply like to utilize this space to hang selections from the Town Collection.  The Chair emphasized the need for the Commission to present a unified voice when individual members are asked about key issues particularly by members of the press.

 

New Business

 

Budget planning for next fiscal year

 

Tuesday 11/29/05 is the deadline to submit budgets for the next fiscal year. Peggy Prichett and Stephen Borkowski will meet with Town Manager approximately 2 weeks later to review the Art Commission budget as presented.

 

The Chair suggested an adjustment to the wording of the “Statement of Functions and Goals” and ask for a minimum of $20,000 for a budget.

 

A lengthy discussion ensued over the importance of increasing the conservation funds and placing the emphasis of their work on conservation and restoration. The Commission decided to create more specific wording to reflect all that is included in conservation work on paintings, to include;

 

            “Cleaning, conserving, re-framing, and applying plaques.”

 

Motion  by:            Georgia Coxe                Second:           James Bakker

 

To update the statement of functions and goals, and update the budget for the coming year as discussed.

 

Yea:                 5            Nay:            0

 

Gift Fund

 

The Chair submitted a proposal to use $5,425 of the gift fund for further conservation of paintings. This would leave approximately $2,500 in the gift fund. He explained the procedure for use of gift funds. A discussion ensued.

 

Motion  by:            Peggy Prichett             Second:            Stephen Borkowski

 

To use monies from the gift fund to conserve, reframe and plaque, the Pauline Palmer, the Edwin Dickinson and the Ada Gilmore paintings listed, and to reframe and plaque the Richard Miller and the E. Ambrose Webster, the amounts necessary not to exceed the estimate shown for each painting.

 

Yea:                 5            Nay:            0

 

Proposed donation to the Collection

 

Stephen Borkowski informed the Commission that artist, Thomas McCanna would like to donate a piece to the Town Collection, it is a marine-life based porcelain work.  Members discussed the reputation of the artist, the virtues of the piece, and possible locations for display.

 

Motion:            Stephen Borkowski                 Second by:        Peggy Prichett

 

To accept the donation from Thomas McCanna.

 

Yea:     5                      Nay:            0         

 

Stephen will arrange delivery by the artist.  Peggy Prichett will examine possible locations for display of the piece.

 

Next meeting

 

The next meeting will be scheduled for late January/February. The Chair emphasized that the budget process with BOS is very important. The Chair will keep members informed of the dates so members can attend the budget meetings.

 

Motion to Adjourn:            Peggy Prichett             Second by:        Napi Van Dereck

           

Yea:     5                      Nay:            0

 

Meeting adjourned at 4:45 pm

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Carla Anderson

Recording Secretary

 

 

Approved______________________________        Date: February 17, 2006

Stephen Borkowski, Chairperson