PROVINCETOWN ART COMMISSION
PROVINCETOWN TOWN HALL
JUDGE WELCH ROOM
WEDNESDAY JUNE 21, 2006 2:00 P.M.
Members present: Stephen Borkowski- Chairperson, Georgia Coxe, Erna Partoll, Peggy Prichett. Collections Manager Amy Heller was present by invitation.
Members absent: James Bakker, Napi Van Derek with notice.
The meeting was called to order at 2:00 pm by Stephen Borkowski, Chair.
The minutes for the April 20, 2006 minutes were distributed for review. Minor corrections were noted.
Approval of previous
meeting minutes
Motion: Peggy Prichett Second: Georgia Coxe
To approve the minutes of April 20, 2006 as corrected.
Vote: 4-0-0
Chairman’s report
The current status of the budget was discussed and a financial report distributed with anticipated expenses thru the end of the fiscal year. It was noted that there would be no need for encumbrances this fiscal year. It was noted that the Edwin Dickinson had returned from conservation and would be brought for framing sometime in July. It was also noted that no conservation work would be schedule for July and August and that work would resume in September, the Chair circulated a list of works to be conserved and this was discussed with no objection to these being the first candidates for conservation. The Commission would later view the works in the vault later in the meeting.
It was further discussed that the Collections Manager would continue to work the maximum number of hours allowable weekly during July and August in order to finish the previously discussed work on the website. At the September meeting the Commission would review the progress of the work and make a determination about other work and the prioritizing of such continuing work. The budgetary impact of such work was also discussed.
Also noted for discussion at the September meeting, was the issue of responsibility for the maintenance of the outdoor sculptures. Georgia Coxe agreed to draft a memorandum to the Selectmen regarding this issue. The reuse of the Freeman Street building would also be discussed with Peggy Prichett volunteering to draft another letter to the Selectmen outlining a more concrete plan for the Art Commission’s desired use of the space.
The issue of term limits for Commission members was discussed and the Chair agreed to clarify with the Town Clerk the actual expiration dates of the terms for Coxe and Prichett.
Georgia Coxe updated the Commission about the status of the reattachment of the plaque on the Richard Pepitone Sculpture.
New Business
A sample of the postcard financed by the “Supporters of the PPL” of the Mary Spencer Nay was given to each member of the Commission. The Chair expressed his pleasure at the quality of the work. The sale of such cards will benefit the Art Commission after costs are recouped by the “Friends”. The postcards will be sold at the library.
The Chair presented a letter from a group regarding “Art Spirit” a documentary film outlining the history of the Provincetown Art Colony. The group was seeking permission to use still photographs of works in the Town Collection. After lengthy discussion, the Commission agreed to allow such photographs to be taken with the Chair arranging to be present while the digital photographs were taken.
Motion: Stephen Borkowski Second: Peggy Prichett
To grant permission for the photographs to be taken and used in said documentary film.
Vote: 4-0-0
The Manor and it’s July 1 transition date into private hands was discussed as to the disposition of the artwork there. It was agreed to table any discussions until the September meeting after research was done as to the moving of such work out of the Manor.
The Chair apprised the Commission of an incident that had occurred that week where a town employee had removed 2 works of art from their work area in order to hang materials of personal interest. The 2 works of art were later returned to the vault pending action by the Commission. After some discussion, the Commission unanimously agreed that a memorandum will be circulated in the fall reminding all employees that at no time are they to move any work of art. The Commission will be apprised of any request for changes and a decision will be rendered by the Chair in the absence of a vote by the full Commission. All work will be moved under supervision by the Chair or the Collections Manager. Once the memorabilia is taken down by the employee the original choices will be rehung.
The Chair asked Ms. Heller to give a report on her progress with the updating of the website which she did, at the conclusion of which she presented her thoughts on other projects that would enhance the recordkeeping of the collection.
The Commission with Amy Heller went to the Storage Vault and reviewed the previous circulated list of artworks pending for conservation, prepared by the Chair. It was agreed that the Chair will begin the process of selection a work for conservation if the ability to begin work is prior to the meeting in September.
The next meeting will be in September. We will schedule no meetings in July or August.
Motion to adjourn: Peggy Prichett Second: Erna Partoll
Vote: 4-0-0
The meeting adjourned at 3:55
Respectfully submitted by
Stephen Borkowski,
Acting as Secretary
Approved by ______________________________ at the meeting of ______________.
Stephen Borkowski, Chairperson