MINUTES Town of Provincetown Art Commission Meeting ‑ Wednesday, June 9, 1999

Present: Nyla Ahrens, Neva Hansen, Julie Heller

Guest: Burton Wolfman, Treasurer PAAM

Absent (Excused): Sandy Fay, Rosemary Hillard

Meeting was held in Town Hall. Chairman called the meeting to order at 5:15 pm.

I. TOWN CLERK

The presentation by the Town Clerk was postponed since the full membership could not be present.

II. PAAM STORAGE OFFER

A letter and accompanying documents from the Executive Director of the Provincetown Art Association and Museum were distributed and read by members. Burt Wolfman explained that PAAM members were concerned about the safety of Town‑owned art works now stored at the Heritage Museum. The PAAM Board, through the Director, was offering storage space in their vault for those potentially endangered pieces. Art Commission members asked questions for clarification and expressed gratitude for the offer. JH noted that the Commission also is concerned about this matter and that discussions are underway about use of other Town property for storage.

III. ALTERNATIVE TOWN STORAGE SPACE

JH reported that RH had talked informally with the DPW director and learned that space might be available within another municipal building. JH outlined the basic requirements for protective storage and believes that they could be met without great difficulty. Commission funds probably would be adequate to cover the cost or supplementary grant money could be sought.

JH agreed to urge the Town Manager to set up a meeting in the near future to discuss art storage and related issues.

IV. TOWN ART LOANS

Members were sent copies of a letter from Town Counsel regarding the Loan Agreement with PAAM. NA asked if the FAWC loan documents had been received.

JH will contact Vose Galleries in Boston to ask if they will serve as appraisers and recommend current valuations on paintings to be loaned to FAWC and PAAM. If any cost is involved, members agreed that it was an appropriate use of Commission funds.

NH will call Hunter O'Hanion to determine how FAWC loan agreement paperwork is proceeding and tell him about the insurance addenda recommended by Town Counsel for the PAAM agreement.

LOANS ‑ Continued

JH noted that RH is taking care of photo reproductions to use when paintings are out on loan.

V. COUNCIL ON AGING

JH will review slides to recommend a large piece for placement at the COA as per Diane Corbo's request.

VI. BROCHURE

Members were sent copies of the application for VSB funds. It appears that VSB is going to recommend that the Selectmen approve our request.

NA reported that the first 1,000 copies have been printed and distributed sample copies. She will write a letter for the Chairman to sign, sending copies to each of the Selectmen and Town Manager. Subsequent copies will be given to Town Clerk and to other Town officers. Copies for distribution will be given to the Town Clerk for the municipal information table and to the Chamber of Commerce, library, PAAM, FAWC and Pilgrim Monument. A larger quantity will be given to the above when the grant is received and additional copies printed.

Members agreed that NA should do a press release now about publication of the brochure. Other releases can be issued when there is more to report on restoration projects, etc.

VII. LABELING OF PAINTINGS

NA reported on the card holder system she and NH had investigated for use in labeling paintings in Town Hall public areas. Julie moved that the Commission authorize the purchase of cast brass holders as shown in the Crown City Hardware catalog. NH seconded. Unanimous approval.

VIII. COMMITTEE VACANCIES

The Town Clerk's office forwarded applications from four candidates. Committee now has power to fill vacancies since deadline for Selectmen to fill has passed. (One candidate is not going to pursue the application since other candidates are now available.) Committee members present did not feel they could vote on candidates since they did not know them. The tentative plan now is to determine whether the full membership, or at least a quorum, will be present at the next meeting. If so, the three candidates will be invited to appear (at different times) to meet and talk with Commission members.

IX. MINUTES

Minutes of the meeting of May 19, 1999 were read and one correction noted. NH made motion to accept; NA seconded. Approved 3‑0.

X. NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 14, at 5:00 p.m. in Caucus Hall unless an emergency meeting needs to be scheduled in the interim.

A motion to adjourn was made, seconded and passed 3‑0. The meeting adjourned at 6.55 p.m.

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Julie Heller, Chairman

Nyla Ahrens

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Neva Hansen

Minutes by NA.