PROVINCETOWN ART COMMISSION

PROVINCETOWN TOWN HALL

JUDGE WELSH ROOM

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2008

Members present: Stephen Borkowski, Chairperson; James Bakker; Georgia Coxe; Erna Partoll ; John Dowd. Absent member: Napi Van Dereck.

Other Attendee: Doug Johnstone

Recorder: Cynthia Curran

Stephen Borkowski called the meeting to order at 3:03 p.m. He noted that since the last meeting, Peggy Prichett had left the Art Commission due to term limits. Erna Partoll has been appointed by the BOS as a regular member and John Dowd is now the alternate member.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The minutes for the previous meeting were distributed for review.

A motion was made to accept the minutes of the November 2, 2007 meeting.

Moved by:Jim Bakker Seconded by: Erna Partoll

Yea: 4 Nay: 0 Abstain: 1 (JD)

HISTORY PROJECT UPDATE

Doug Johnstone said that they have been working on transferring the Art Commission site to the History Project site. The information has been transferred but they are still checking to make sure that they have all the information and that it is in the correct format. It should be finished in the next month. The web site address is: www.provincetownhistoryproject.com

The art site will remain on the Town's web site for a while also, but eventually there will be a link which transfers one directly to the History Project site. There will be thumbnails of all the paintings, so if one clicks on an artist, all the relevant thumbnails will be shown. Mr. Johnstone said to call or email him with any questions.

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

Stephen Borkowski said he had asked the Cultural Council to send a representative to discuss their art in public places program and a proposed commissioned artwork. Any such piece would have to be approved by the Art Commission. Erna Partoll said that while watching the BOS meeting on television, she saw that there is some talk of moving the sculpture, “Homage to the Fishermen” by Richard Pepitone from the Harbor Park. Any change would have to be approved by the Art Commission.

Stephen Borkowski said that he had received a request from the Groton School in Massachusetts about loaning part of the collection to the school. They would like 30 to 40 pieces for an exhibit in October. The school will absorb all costs associated with such a loan. After some discussion a motion was made.

A motion was made to recommend the loan of the paintings to the Groton School for the exhibition.

Moved by: James Bakker Seconded by: Georgia Coxe Yea: 5 Nay: 0 Abstain: 0

Stephen Borkowski said that he had discussed the upcoming budget with the BOS. They suggested cutting this year's budget by 10%. Although Mr. Borkowski did not agree with such a cut, this is the figure which will be reviewed by the Finance Committee.

The members discussed some pieces which needed re-framing and other conservation. It was suggested that perhaps the Art Commission should produce a booklet of some of the Town's art collection. It could be sold to raise funds. The members were enthusiastic about the idea. Mr. Borkowski suggested that they should come up with a preliminary list of works to be included. He also said that the Library Director is working on a plan to have laminated sheets prepared with information about the works of art in the Library.

A motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 3:47 p.m.

Moved by: Jim Bakker Seconded by: John Dowd Yea: 5 Nay: 0 Abstain: 0