Arts Commission

Meeting Minutes

October 2, 2003

Jim Palmer, Chairman, called the meeting to order and welcomed those present. 

IN ATTENDANCE:  James L. Palmer, Jr., Chairman, Margaret Dear, Doris Taylor, Gayle Newcomb, William Cox.

Jim Palmer reported that James Lee, The Journal, has been very diligent in posting the Town’s meetings in the paper.  Jim will do a story about the Arts Commission’s need for more participation from the community.  Kathy Murdaugh (who conducted a summer workshop for children) will also assist in spreading the word about the Arts Commission’s need for more participation. 

There were no formal minutes from the last meeting.  

Margaret Dear recapped a discussion regarding participation in the Nativity Craft Show on October 18. Volunteers are needed to help relieve those working the information booth. The time of the show is from 9-3 p.m. Several members volunteered to assist in this worthy cause.

Committee Reports:

Artscape:  Doris Taylor reported on the Artscape exhibits and noted that it would be a good idea for the newspaper to do a story on the artwork that is displayed at Town Hall.  Each month two or more James Island artists exhibit their work.

Margaret suggested that a bio of the person be done and given to James Lee for The Journal’s “Do You Know” section of the paper. Doris commented that a bio and photo of the artwork is displayed each month. Gail Newcomb suggested that a photo book of the artists work be created. This would be great starting point for some type of history in the future.  Everyone thought this was an excellent idea.

November’s exhibitor will be Margaret Dear.  One other person is needed to exhibit in November, as two people for the month of December.  For additional information, contact Doris Taylor.

Old Business:

Jim reported that Marie Copeland, Clerk-Treasurer for the Town, will put together the Arts Commission’s running balance.

New Business:

Discussion was held about the time of the Arts Commission meeting and whether there is a need for an additional meeting during the month.  Margaret commented that the time of the meeting, 5:00 p.m. is good for the members on the Commission, however, it may be a difficult time for others wanting to attend who get off work at 5:00 p.m.  Margaret suggested that it would be good to rotate the meetings and meet some time in a social setting, (i.e. a local restaurant/coffee shop.) This may encourage more participation from local artists.  Other members thought that meeting once per month was fine because of their membership in other affiliations.

Doris suggested that another art show be planned.  She stated that the first show turned out very well.  This brought people together.  Other members of the group felt that it would be good to begin thinking about a spring arts show. This would give more time to plan the event, to think about where it could be held, whether or not to charge an entry fee, lining up vendors, etc.

Margaret stated that another idea is to begin to think about having some sort of activity during the winter doldrums (Jan-Feb-March).  We should provide some type of service to the community, what they would like to see from an Arts Commission.  In addition, offer services to them such as how to become a part of an Art Guild, how to get in touch with other artists, etc. These services would be beneficial to the community and are things we need to begin thinking about in order to move forward.  We must have something to offer in order to get participation from the community. Jim thanked everyone for their ideas and suggestions and agreed that these are some things the Commission should begin to plan to do.

Gail Newcomb shared information about a program sponsored by the Gibbs Art Gallery that has been quite successful for the last several years. She offered a suggestion called “meet the artist”.  This would be another way to meet local artists.

Another suggestion offered by Margaret was to get with Bobby Hucks ( Hucks Produce) during the time he sells Christmas trees and ask if the Arts Commission could place some of their items there for sale at his place of business. Or, perhaps we could have a few  children or church choir sing Christmas carols while Christmas trees are being sold.

These are simply ideas are to promote the Arts Commission within the community and to encourage more people to participate.  Jim thanked everyone for their ideas and suggestions. 

There being no further business to come before the Arts Commission, a motion to adjourn was made by Gail Newcomb, seconded by Doris Taylor and unanimously approved.