With a full slate of officers and directors, four of them new, the Oliver Community Arts Council is ready for a creative 2017. The council starts the year with several new arts projects already in the works, a high rating of their year-end finances, and the highest ever performance award from the BC Arts Council with the operating grant totalling over $13,000. A local government grant of $4000 will be added to this total later in 2017.
In 2016, the arts council disbursed funds locally to arts and music programs in local schools ($5,000), contracted services for nine local arts events ($4500), and offered two bursaries to graduating SOSS students ($1000), in addition to administering its own arts events and maintaining the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre.
At their Annual General Meeting on Monday February 13, the arts council membership acclaimed directors Janet Bednarczyk, Andrea Gunnlaughson-Furlan, Brian Mapplebeck, Bernice Myllyniemi, Lillian Sim, JoAnn Turner, Caroline Whyte, and officers Penelope Johnson (President), Janice Goodman (Vice President), Diane Gludovatz (Treasurer) and Nathan Linders (Secretary). The gathering gave their appreciation for retiring directors Terry Irvine and Christine Seibeck, and also expressed their gratitude for departing Treasurer Arleyene Farnworth. Farnworth has been contracted for service as the external bookkeeper, maintaining the computerized system for the council.
The council has just completed a smooth transition to the new BC Societies Act and, at the AGM, approved a full set of new by-laws, based on the government’s Model By-laws.
During the meeting, plans for the Wine Capital Art Walk (May 11) and the Canada 150 Mosaic Mural Project (May 30 – June 1) were announced. A committee of arts council members, Oliver Tourism, Oliver-Osoyoos Winery Association, and the Oliver Business Association are already preparing for an evening art extravaganza on Main Street this spring, including exhibits, live demonstrations, wine tastings, live music, and other performance art. The evening concludes with art draws and refreshments at Medici’s. The arts council is also supporting the Town of Oliver in a community arts initiative to celebrate Canada’s sesquicentennial. This spring, all residents will be invited to paint one of 600 tiles in a mosaic mural, to be mounted in the downtown area later this year.
Following the business of the AGM, representatives from member arts groups shared their news for upcoming arts events. Three choral concerts, several music and dance performances, fibre workshops, a theatrical production, and some exciting Canada 150 exhibits are already being planned this spring.
The arts council has set dates for all its 2017 events. In addition to the Wine Capital Art Walk and the Mosaic Mural Project, the arts council will present the following events: Showcase of Talent (May 3), Music in the Park (every Thursday evening in July and August), the Fall Art Show & Sale (Sept 30 – Oct 1) and the Community Christmas Concert (November 26).
Membership in the arts council is a great way to keep current with local arts news, stay connected with artists, and show support for the arts. Membership at the group and business level includes free advertising in monthly newsletters, on the website, and at their public events. More information is at http://oliverartscouncil.org/?page_id=9604 and olivercac @ gmail.com
All Oliver Community Arts Council members and visitors are welcome to the OCAC’s Annual General Meeting on Monday February 27 at 9:30 a.m. at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre, 5840 Airport Road. Renewing and new memberships are welcomed at the meeting. Coffee, tea, and refreshments provided. The AGM is kept short, with a financial year-end report from the Treasurer, a report from the president, and the election of 2012 officers and directors.
Nominations for officers are: Penelope Johnson (President), Esther Brown (Vice President), Diane Gludovatz (Secretary) and Arleyene Farnworth (Treasurer). Ten additional nominees will stand for eight positions as directors of the Board, assuring a democratic election. Additional nominees for all positions are welcomed.
The 2011 Board gave a vote of thanks at its recent meeting for retiring directors Marilyn Marsel, Steve Staresina, and Roger Ulasovetz, and for officers Jack Bennest, treasurer, and secretary Shirley Corley-Rourke. Bennest and Corley-Rourke are both running for director positions in 2012.
Following the AGM is Arts Jam! the monthly gathering to share local arts news and views. Meet the creative crowd, and find out what’s coming up in the local arts scene!
The Annual General Meeting of the OCAC saw the acclamation of four new Board members, all of whom have joined the arts council within the last year. The new directors are Hella Prochaska, Shirley Nilsson, Darryl Mackenzie (of Oliver and District Heritage Society) and Craig Rusinek (of Nature’s Elements Jewelry). Returning OCAC president Esther Brown described the new Board as “a balance, a perfect mix” of experienced members and fresh ideas.
Prochaska, Nilsson, Mackenzie and Rusinek join returning Board members: Esther Brown (President), Penelope Johnson (Vice President), Jack Bennest (Treasurer), Penny Ruddy (Secretary), and directors Sally Franks, Brian Mapplebeck, Jennifer Mapplebeck, and Steve Staresina.
Retiring from the Board this year are Stephanie Salsnek (past Vice President), Heather Fink, Linda Blaschuk, and Jan Kreut. President Esther Brown thanked them for their years of dedicated service. All four remain active members of the OCAC, providing valuable contrinutions on many committees and projects.
In the photo above, the newly acclaimed president cuts the Volunteer Appreciation cake following the AGM. Sage Valley Voices Choir representative Linda Nunweiler looks on. A closeup of the cake is below. A BIG “thank you” to all our volunteers!
Photo credits: Thea Haubrich, of Twin Lakes Encaustic Art
Please join us at the OCAC Volunteer Appreciation celebration at the Arts Jam! gathering immediately following the
Oliver Community Arts CouncilAnnual General MeetingMonday February 22, 20109:30 a.m. Quail’s Nest Arts Centre
Thank you for the many ways you dedicate your time and energy to the arts council: all the various committees, OCAC programme volunteers, plant operations, repairs and cleaning, administration, and donations. Join us for a special cake and lots of toasting!
Interested in playing a leadership role? Nominations for all Board positions are still being accepted. Email olivercac@gmail.comand a member of the Nominating committee will contact you immediately.
OLIVER COMMUNITY ARTS COUNCIL
BOARD MEETING Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Quail’s Nest Arts Centre
Present: Esther Brown (President), Stephanie Salsnek (Vice President/ FCA Liaison), Penelope Johnson (Secretary/SOCS Liaison), Jack Bennest (Treasurer/FOTOL Liaison), Linda Blaschuk (Rotary Auction, Oliver Arts and Crafts Sale Liaison), Heather Fink (Sage Valley Voices Liaison), Brian Mapplebeck (Country Market A-Fair Liaison), Jennifer Mapplebeck (SOAP Liaison), Penny Ruddy (Finance Committee, Double O Quilters Liaison), Steve Staresina (Operations, Oliver Sagebrushers Liaison)
1. CALL TO ORDER : E. Brown called the meeting to order at 5:36 p.m.
2. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION: That the agenda for the Board meeting of July 15, 2009 be adopted as written.
Moved: J. Bennest Seconded: P. Ruddy Carried
3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
MOTION: That the minutes of the Board meeting on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 be adopted
Moved: J. Bennest Seconded: P. Ruddy Carried
4. CORRESPONDENCE
(a) Dorothee Birker, Assembly of BC Arts Councils representative for the Thompson Okanagan.
Request for submission of news/issues/concerns to take to the September Assembly of BC Arts Councils.
The OCAC has responded with an update of our programs and new business.
(b) Dorothee Birker, Arts Cultural Tourism Officer for Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission
Forwarded two sample letters written by the Central Okanagan EDC for use by other arts councils in responding to government cuts to arts and culture funding.
ACTION: P. Johnson will draft a letter from the OCAC Board, based on these samples, to be sent to various government representatives protesting the cuts in funding.
The Board will review before the letter is sent.
5. TREASURER’S REPORT
(a) Financial Statement
At the bottom of the Year-to-Date page: the BCAC will need to see that approximately $7219 is carried forward for the 2009-10 year. This reflects the amount they have granted to the OCAC for that period.
MOTION: That the Treasurer’s report dated July 31, 2009 be approved and further that the actions taken by the Treasurer on behalf of the Society be authorized and the bills be paid.
Moved: J. Bennest Seconded: L. Blaschuk Carried
The Treasurer asked for all receipts and revenue to be submitted to him before the end of the 12 month period, August 31, 2009.
(b) GST: Tabled to September
6. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES (a) Landscaping Presentation: Aaron Lester of Sunridge Landscapes presented a landscaping proposal. (Photos, layout and budget to be placed on file in office). His proposal focussed on the area south of Big Blue, but could be adapted for any space. He proposed installing a low-maintenance desert landscape including a pseudo- “dry creek bed” (using our round rocks), 3/8″ crush rock pathways (in a variety of natural colours), large boulders, and desert plants including yucca, sagebrush, antelope brush, rabbit brush, prickly pear cactus, and native grasses, or other silver-leafed plants with lacy foliage.
For the area south of Big Blue he proposed lowering the level of the ground between Big Blue and the parking lot and cutting a 2% slope sloping away to the south to drain water away from the building.
Landscaping could be done with or without drip irrigation. Watering is only important for the first year as plants become established. Watering could be done by hand once a week for the first year as an alternative to irrigation. Lester recommended early spring or fall to plant.
Budget for the proposed area with drip irrigation is $16,000 but he is prepared to be very flexible on price depending on size of area to landscape and plants installed.
The Board discussed removing the parking lot tarmac and replacing with crush rock for better drainage.
(b) Landscaping Invoice:
MOTION: That the OCAC Board draft a letter to John Birnie and that the OCAC pay the $200 invoice to accompany the letter.
Moved: S. Salsnek Seconded: P. Ruddy Carried
7. COMMITTEE REPORTS (a) Finance Committee:
DAP Status: the government has unfrozen funds from the Gaming Commission as of today, but no groups will receive 100% of funds requested, and some groups will not receive anything.
BCAC Grant Application: P. Ruddy, S. Staresina, and B. Mapplebeck are applying for the BCAC grant with assistance from the Treasurer and Secretary. Next Meeting: Tues Aug 25
Deadline: September 30.
ACTION: Esther will email Russell Work re: creating a 3 – 5 minute Power Point “advertisement” for the OCAC. she will then email the board for their opinions on his proposal.
(b) Fundraising:
(i) Kiwanis Market Mural: Progress is slow. The Sagebrushers will assist with repainting the sign. Scaffolding has been donated by Southside Builders. One or two volunteers will be required in September to paint the mural.
(ii) Ladies’ Wine and Life Workshop: Wednesday September 9 at 7:00 p.m. at Quail’s Nest Arts Centre, with life coach Beth Garrish. Entrance by Donation. All proceeds to the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre renovations. Val Stretch is placing posters.
(c) Operations:
(i) Security
MOTION: That the Board spend up to $500 on security lighting for Big Blue and the Studio Building.
Moved: J. Bennest Seconded: B. Mapplebeck Carried.
ACTION: S. Staresina will address the issue of the lack of security lighting from the street-side pole with the Town of Oliver.
ACTION: S. Staresina will check current outside lighting on the Studio Building and replace with photocell light bulbs.
To replace outside doors will cost $3000 for three emergency doors with panic bars, or $1000 for three outside house doors.
MOTION: That the Board spend up to $3000 total on three crash (panic) doors for the Studio and Big Blue Buildings.
Moved: P. Johnson Seconded: P. Ruddy Carried.
Covering windows with an angle iron frame and 1″ screening will cost approx. $100 per window. There are 16 windows in Big Blue and 5 in the Studio Building.
The Mapplebecks have offered some screening. S. Staresina will check its usability and report with his recommendation.
(ii) Volunteer Hours:
ACTION: P. Johnson will contact Marion Trimble (Cleaning Crew)re: new sheet for recording volunteer hours.
(iii) Big Blue Cleanup: Sunday August 23, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. and Monday August 24, 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. SOAP has been cleaning out Big Blue. OCAC volunteers are requested to help load and unload at the dump. A possible free home has been found for the pallets of Sonax cardboard. SOAP will request financial support for items dumped belonging to the OCAC and a contribution towards the Kiwanis donation for use of their truck and forklift.
(d) Publicity: (i) Oliver Chronicle:
E. Brown, H. Fink and P. Johnson met with Ray Wangen (Editor) and Susan Valentine (Publisher).The paper has agreed to enhance the arts coverage with a regular and consistent page dedicated to local arts. They require two 350 word articles or one 750 word article per arts page. The addition of a photo with cutline will reduce that word limit. This will require one co- ordinator to write or collect submissions.
Discussion about starting slowly with one monthly page on a specific week every month.
ACTION: E. Brown will seek clarification about space dedicated to the arts council vs other submissions from the wider community dealing with the arts.
(ii) Signage:
P. Johnson proposed a winter project of replacing the three sandwich board signs with new, uniform QNAC signs to match the colour and style of the existing sign on Big Blue. Two would be used at the gate, and one placed at the Fire Hall corner. Discussion of the possibility of installing a fourth arts centre sign on the municipal land at 97th and 346th.
She also suggested forming a joint committee with reps from other public services to propose directional street signs to the Town Council for all public facilities off Highway 97.
ACTION: P. Johnson will send a draft letter re: public signage proposal to the Board for review.
ACTION: H. Fink will contact the provincial government about the possibility of installing an arts centre sign on the highway.
(e) Performance: Tabled.
(f) Summer Studio
Due to illness and surgery the last week of Summer Studio has been cancelled. An advertising glitch at the Oliver Chronicle (lost/forgotten ad insertion) was also a factor in cancelling the week.
(g) Fall Art Show: A list for volunteers was circulated and will also be circulated at the upcoming Arts Jam!
(h) Nominating Committee: None.
(i) Membership:
General public interest has been expressed in forming Photography, Pottery, and Creative Writing groups.
ACTION: P. Johnson will write an article and notice for the Oliver Chronicle in September re: establishing new member groups.
ACTION: P. Johnson will provide signup sheets for new groups at the Fall Art Show membership table.
Discussion re: ways in which the OCAC can nurture new groups: e.g. free vouchers for QNAC rental, seeding groups with OCAC members for startup support and advice, locating workshop leaders and instructors skilled in those arts who are willing to assist with start up and training.
8. NEW BUSINESS (a) Policy Setting:
Members have been borrowing property from the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre. This has caused some disruption of programs and events at the arts centre.
MOTION: That the OCAC shall not lend any property belonging to the arts council unless consent has been granted by the Board.
Moved: J. Bennest Seconded: S. Salsnek Carried.
The OCAC has acquired many unsolicited, donated items which are not useful to the organization and which take up space.
MOTION: That the OCAC will not accept acquisitions except by approval from the Board.
Moved: P. Johnson Seconded: J. Mapplebeck Carried.
(b) Board Retreat: To be held on either:
Tuesday November 17 + Wednesday November 18
OR
Wednesday November 18 + Thursday November 19
ACTION: Board members will contact Esther re: their preferred adjacent dates for the retreat.
9. NEXT MEETINGS
Special GM / Arts Jam! Monday August 24 9:30 a.m. QNAC
Board Meeting Wednesday September 16 5:30 p.m. QNAC
Arts Jam! Monday September 28 9:30 a.m. QNAC
10. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: That the meeting be adjourned, at 8:31 p.m.
Moved: E. Brown Carried.
Members of the Oliver Community Arts Council are invited to attend a Special General Meeting of the OCAC on
Monday, August 24, 2009
Quail’s Nest Arts Centre
9:30 a.m.
The agenda consists of two items of business, which will then be followed immediately by the usual Arts Jam! for the month. Attendance is encouraged as a quorum of 25% of the membership is required for any special general meeting. The chair will endeavour to keep the business meeting brief and follow it with some lively arts jamming.
Treasurer Jack Bennest has been hard at work this year streamlining the duties of treasurer to make the job more manageable. As a result, the Board proposes two changes that will spread the tasks of the treasurer more evenly throughout the year and potentially increase funding to the arts council.
The Special General Meeting is required for the following proposed amendments to the OCAC bylaws.
Currently, ByLaw 3: Fiscal Year reads: “The Fiscal Year of the Society shall end on the 31st day of August in each and every year.”
With the fiscal year end on August 31, the preparation and audit of annual financial statements occurs in the middle of the busy programme season (between Music in the Park and the Fall Art Show) when both sides of the profit and loss sheet are very active. An annual statement at this time does not fairly assess the yearly cash flow. Also, financial preparation during the programme season is onerous for volunteers.
Granting bodies such as the BC Arts Council have received an unrealistically rosy picture of our cash flow, when revenue is high and the bills have not yet been paid. Some requests for funding have been challenged because of this misunderstanding. This affects whether we receive funding – or how much. Moving the fiscal year end to a quieter time of year when much of our annual resources have been spent will give granting bodies a clearer understanding of our need for funds.
As a corollary to this, the Board has proposed that the month of the AGM be changed.
Currently, Bylaw 7.1 Meetings reads: “The Annual General Meeting of the Society shall be held in the month of October in each and every year, upon a date and at a time to be set by the Board of Directors.”
Changing the month from October to February will allow roughly six weeks from year end to prepare and audit the financial statements.
The two agencies which govern the arts council – the BC Arts Council and the Canada Revenue Agency – Charities branch have been informed of the arts council’s proposal to change the fiscal year end. Neither agency has expressed any objection to such a change.
To make the administration of this proposed change less onerous, our Treasurer has also recommended that the OCAC postpone their Annual General Meeting and run one long year of 16 months, rather than have two annual general meetings within four months of each other.
So, the proposed resolutions will read as follows:
ByLaw 3: Fiscal Year :
“The Fiscal Year of the Society shall end on the 31st day of December in each and every year.”
Bylaw 7.1 Meetings :
“The Annual General Meeting of the Society shall be held in the month of February in each and every year, upon a date and at a time to be set by the Board of Directors.”
Please join us for the meeting and stay on for arts news, discussion, and nibbles.
OLIVER COMMUNITY ARTS COUNCIL
BOARD MEETING Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Quail’s Nest Arts Centre
Present: Esther Brown (President), Penelope Johnson (Secretary/SOCS Liaison), Jack Bennest (Treasurer/FOTOL Liaison), Sally Franks (Rentals, Desert Sage Spinners & Weavers Liaison), Brian Mapplebeck (Country Market A-Fair Liaison), Jennifer Mapplebeck (SOAP Liaison), Penny Ruddy (Finance Committee, Double O Quilters Liaison),
Regrets: Stephanie Salsnek (Vice President/ FCA Liaison), Linda Blaschuk (Rotary Auction, Oliver Arts and Crafts Sale Liaison), Heather Fink (Sage Valley Voices Liaison), Steve Staresina (Operations, Oliver Sagebrushers Liaison)
1. CALL TO ORDER: E. Brown called the meeting to order at 5:39 p.m.
2. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION: That the agenda for the Board meeting of July 15, 2009 be adopted as written.
Moved: P. Ruddy Seconded: J. Bennest Carried
3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
MOTION: That the minutes of the Board meeting on June 17, 2009 be adopted with the following corrections:
#7. (c) Operations (iii) Volunteer Hours:
“ACTION: H. Fink and E. Brown will meet regarding the recording of volunteer hours.”
#7. (c) Operations (iv) Landscaping : Orion (not Ryan)Kendrick
#7. (d) Publicity: Robert Doull (not Doul)
# 9. Next Meetings: Board Meeting: Wednesday July 15 (not 22)
Moved: J. Bennest Seconded: J. Mapplebeck Carried
4. CORRESPONDENCE : None.
5. TREASURER’S REPORT (a) Financial Statement:
The Gaming Commission account is being held open with $93 because new revenue may be coming in from the DAP grant or other future fund raising activities.
The Advertising expenses line has not yet been broken down into programmes, which explains why the amount is inflated to 154% of budget. Many advertising expenses will be moved into Summer Studio and Performance budgets.
MOTION: That the Treasurer’s report dated June 30, 2009 be approved and further that the actions taken by the Treasurer on behalf of the Society be authorized and the bills be paid.
Moved: J. Bennest Seconded: S. Franks Carried
(b) BCAC Funds: Correction: The $5000 supplement from the BC Arts Council was rolled into a GIC/Term deposit, to be held for 2010 -11 programming. The $7219 from the BC Arts Council is designated for 2009-10.
(c) Insurance (Sound Equipment): The Board decided not to purchase a rider on the insurance or increase the insurance coverage for the new sound equipment. The deductible for additional insurance is very high ( approx. 50% of the purchase value).
(d) Fiscal Year End Resolution: MOTION: That the OCAC Board convene a special general meeting to change bylaws with regard to fiscal year and the date of Annual General Meeting, such that:
“The Fiscal Year of the Society shall end on the 31st day of December in each and every year.”
and
“The Annual General Meeting of the Society shall be held in the month of February in each and every year, on the fourth Monday or upon a date and time to be set by the Board of Directors.”
Moved: J. Bennest Seconded: S. Franks Carried
The special general meeting will take place on August 24 immediately before the August Arts Jam!
ACTION: P. Johnson will send out a general meeting announcement to the membership.
(e) Oliver Sagebrushers Donation: The fine art group has donated $762 to the OCAC from the proceeds of the sale of Robert E Wood paintings.
MOTION: That the OCAC designate the $762 to go towards improved lighting in the Studio Building.
Moved: S. Franks Seconded: J. Bennest Carried:
6. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES (a) Landscaping Presentation: Tabled to August meeting. Regrets from Aaron (Sunscape Xeriscaping)
S. Franks spoke to Lloyd Park re: $200 bill erroneously received for a contracted estimate. The bill has been withdrawn.
7. COMMITTEE REPORTS (a) Finance Committee: The Finance Committee will begin the BCAC 2010-11 application process, due September 2009. Funds received can be applied to general operations, not programme.
Arts councils can apply under different portions of the grant, including the basic grant (based on distance from Vancouver and population); the matching grant (requiring evidence of support from the local Parks and Recreation Society; and a portion that rewards innovative and culturally diverse programme activities. ACTION: J. Bennest will supply the committee with previous grant proposals.
(b) Fundraising: ACTION: J. Mapplebeck will book Tuesday December 8, 2009 for the Penticton Concert Band benefit concert once SOSS reopens August 31.
The South Okanagan Concert Society will advertise the event during their concert series.
(c) Operations:
(i) Roof: The roof is leaking in a new location: through the vent of the heater in Studio Bay 1. No water is coming in where the roof has been repaired.
(ii) Volunteer Hours: H. Fink and E. Brown met to discuss. A volunteer celebration will be held some time after the completion of the “programme” season each year. General thanks, but no certificates or awards, will be issued. ACTION: Committee heads are in charge of seeing that all hours of work (programme or administrative) by their committee are recorded. ACTION: All physical plant volunteer labour shall be recorded on the time sheet by the office door in the Studio Building. ACTION: H. Fink will renew the physical plant time sheet and record total hours.
(d) Publicity: The Publicity Committee will meet with Susan Valentine and Ray Wangen from the Oliver Chronicle on July 28.
(e) Performance: The Penny Buhr Johnson Coffee House generated $490 revenue. Music in the Park generated $212 in donations from the Penticton Concert Band concert.
(f) Summer Studio: The final week of Summer Studio will be an eclectic mix of art with Corinne de Sampaio (painting) and Enid Baker (quilting) confirmed, and Roger Gilchrist (carving) tentatively confirmed.
(g) Fall Art Show: Festival of the Grape committee meeting is next week. Sub-committees for Fall Art Show have been established.
(h) Nominating Committee: Leo Pedersen is contacting incumbent members of the Board to ask if they will stand for re-election.
(i) Membership: Discussion of possible new member groups. There is interest in developing a photography club. ACTION: S. Franks will contact Jim Beaudry to invite the Bluegrass Society to become a member of the OCAC.
8. NEW BUSINESS The June Arts Jam! BBQ was a resounding success, with good food, entertainment, and several guests.
9. NEXT MEETINGS Arts Jam! Monday July 27 9:30 a.m. QNAC – Studio
Board Meeting Wednesday August 19 5:30 p.m. QNAC – BB
Special GM Monday August 24 9:30 a.m. QNAC – Studio
Arts Jam! Monday August 24 following QNAC – Studio
10. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: That the meeting be adjourned, at 7:30 p.m.
Moved: E. Brown Carried.
OLIVER COMMUNITY ARTS COUNCILBOARD MEETINGWednesday, May 20, 2009Quail’s Nest Arts Centre
Present: Esther Brown (President), Jack Bennest (Treasurer/FOTOL Liaison), Heather Fink (Finance Committee, Sage Valley Voices Liaison), Sally Franks (Rentals, Desert Sage Spinners & Weavers Liaison), Jan Kreut (Member Group Publicity), Brian Mapplebeck (Country Market A-Fair Liaison), Jennifer Mapplebeck (SOAP Liaison), Steve Staresina (Operations, Oliver Sagebrushers Liaison)
Regrets: Stephanie Salsnek (Vice President/ FCA Liaison), Penelope Johnson (Secretary/SOCS Liaison), Linda Blaschuk (Rotary Auction, Oliver Arts and Crafts Sale Liaison), Penny Ruddy (Finance Committee, Double O Quilters Liaison)
1. CALL TO ORDER: E. Brown called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.
2. ADOPTION OF AGENDA:
MOTION: That the agenda for the Board meeting of May 20, 2009 be adopted as written.
Moved: S. Staresina Seconded: J. Mapplebeck Carried
3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES:
MOTION: That the minutes of the Board meeting on April 15, 2009 be adopted as written.
Moved: J. Bennest Seconded: S. Staresina Carried
4. CORRESPONDENCE
(a) Correspondence Requiring a Response None.
(b) Correspondence Sent: P. Johnson has written letters of thanks for generous donations to: ODCEDS, Kiwanis, Rotary Club, and Oliver Parks and Recreation Society.
E. Brown has written a letter to Terry Irvine in response to her concerns about the appearance and rental of the Quail’s Nest.
5. TREASURER’S REPORT
(a) Financial Statement
The Treasurer outlined the report to the end of April, 2009 with total value in all accounts of $39 359.25.
MOTION: That the Treasurer’s report dated April 30, 2009 be approved and further that the actions taken by the Treasurer on behalf of the Society be authorized and the bills be paid.
Moved: J. Bennest Seconded: J. Mapplebeck Carried
(b) Motion to Restrict Funding
MOTION: That $5000 received from the BCAC as a supplement be diverted into a GIC/Term and be notated as restricted for future use beyond the next fiscal year.
Moved: J. Bennest Seconded: S. Staresina Carried
6. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES (a) Sound Equipment: The Performance committee (S. Franks and H. Fink) recommended that a ‘Yamaha Stagepas 500’ be obtained.
MOTION: That the Board authorize a budget of $2000 and the portable sound system be purchased as soon as possible.
Moved: S. Franks Seconded: H. Fink Carried
(b) Assembly of BC Arts Councils Conference Report:
Verbal reports were given by J. Mapplebeck, S. Staresina, J. Bennest, and B. Mapplebeck. E. Brown read a written report submitted by P. Johnson..
7. COMMITTEES
(a) Finance Committee:
The DAP Grant Application Committee has handed over the application to a two-person Executive group of President and Secretary for final review and mailing of application. Total application request is for $13,187.00 for repairs to the roof and installation of a kitchen.
(b) Fundraising: Jan indicated Kiwanis needs letter of intent from OCAC regarding the proposed mural as soon as possible. Kiwanis has been thanked for their letter of support submitted with the DAP Grant application.
The Penticton Concert Band has offered to perform a benefit concert for the OCAC at the Venables Auditorium. Volunteers will be needed to organize and publicize the event (date: December 11 or 12). E. Brown will talk to South Okanagan Concert Society and report at the June Board meeting. Volunteers will be solicited at this month’s Arts Jam.
(c) Operations:
MOTION: That the priority of capital projects be: Roof Repair, Security, Landscape Plan, Kitchen Renovation, Site Clearing and Landscape completion.
Moved: J. Bennest
Seconded: J. Kreut
Carried
Volunteers are needed for the various capital projects.
H. Fink volunteered to receive – by email or telephone – and keep a record of volunteer workers’ hours on a month by month basis.
S. Staresina indicated spring work party would take place during the week of June 8th
(d) Publicity
The Oliver Chronicle has issued the annual Oliver Visitors Guide that features an Arts Council display ad and arts events. A meeting with the publisher Susan Valentine is yet to be scheduled (to develop an arts page in the Chronicle).
All programme ads should carry logos and acknowledgements of our patrons.
(e) Performance
Coffee House – Penny Johnson performs June 25 at the Studio Building at 7:00 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door (refreshments included)..
Showcase of Talent (part 2) occurs June 11 at the Studio Building.
Music in the Park: The Penticton Concert Band kicks off the concert series Thursday July 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the CPR Station.
MOTION: That B. Mapplebeck be paid $50 for tuning the piano in the Studio Building .
Moved: S. Franks
Seconded: S. Staresina
Carried.
(f) Fall Art Show
Registration forms are available at Handworks Gallery and have also been widely distributed.
8. NEW BUSINESS
(a) Search and Rescue
MOTION: That the Treasurer be empowered to continue preliminary talks with Oliver Osoyoos Search & Rescue, Town of Oliver/RDOS for the outside security storage of two licensed road vehicles, any contract arrangement subject to final approval by OCAC Board.
Moved: S. Staresina
Seconded: H. Fink
Carried
(b) Grad Decorations Donation: The OCAC is offering the SOSS Grad Decorating committee the decorations from the Rotary Auction. Sally reported that an offer had been made but there has been no response yet.
9. NEXT MEETINGS
June Arts Jam! is Monday June 29 at 6:00 p.m. (Note time change.) This is a BBQ with invited guests.
S. Staresina and J. Bennest will prepare dinner and present a budget at next Board. (Potluck on certain items.)
Arts Jam!: Monday May 25, 9:30 a.m. @ QNAC
Board Meeting: Wednesday June 17, 5:30 p.m. @ QNAC
Arts Jam!: Monday June 29, 6:00 p.m. @ QNAC
10. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: That the meeting be adjourned, at 8:35 p.m.
Directors Penelope Johnson and Diane Gludovatz are pleased to announce the cast for the South Okanagan Amateur Players’ summer production of Sand Mountain at Tinhorn Creek Winery Amphitheatre.
Sand Mountainis a pair of original Appalachian folk tales written by American playwright Romulus Linney. These humorous tales are set at a rustic cabin in the plateaus of Alabama. The characters are simple mountain folk full of practical wisdom. Each tale has different characters but are set at the same location, are meant to be performed together. Both tales have a sweet unconventional charm and some good belly laughs. They have a decidedly cock-eyed view of the world and should leave audiences thinking – and smiling.
The first act is “Sand Mountain Matchmaking”. A young widow-woman is keen to remarry but not so keen on her over-eager suitors. She obtains advice from the local wise woman, who gives the young widow a piece of eyebrow-raising folk wisdom audiences are unlikely to ever forget.
The second act is “Why the Lord Come to Sand Mountain”. Jesus and Saint Peter, dressed as poor wayfaring strangers, decide to pay a visit to Sand Mountain. Saint Peter can’t wait to get down to the rich valley full of God-fearing folks. The Lord has other ideas. He’s much more interested in meeting the young couple with fourteen children (all played as one child actor) who keep their mountain cabin in a foul state and drink moonshine. To Peter’s horror, the Lord declares he wants to bide a while, and Jesus spends the whole night swapping outrageous tall tales with his hosts.
Three newcomers to SOAP, all from Osoyoos, join the cast. Paul Everest plays the suitor Sam Bean in “Sand Mountain Matchmaking” and the title role of The Lord in “Why the Lord Come to Sand Mountain”. “Paul conveyed strength and calm from the moment he spoke his first lines at the audition,” says Johnson, “and both these roles call for a certain quiet power in the character. He has theatre background in Ontario, so although he’s new to us, he’s definitely not new to the stage.”
Wendy Mellace, another SOAP newcomer, takes on the role of the matchmaker Lottie Stiles in “Sand Mountain Matchmaking”. Lottie provides guidance to the young widow Rebecca in her quest for a new husband, and gives her some eyebrow-raising but canny advice.
Kaleb Mailey charmed the directors and won the role of Vester Stiles, the matchmaker’s young grandson in “Sand Mountain Matchmaking”. Kaleb, only eight years old, initially had to master the Appalachian slang as it appeared in the script. “But once you got him to memorize a line, and act it out,” says Johnson, “you could see he had real understanding of the character.” Gludovatz adds: “And of course, being cute as a button, he’s going to just steal every scene he’s in.”
The directors are especially pleased to see relative newcomers move from small roles in The Sound of Music into larger roles that display their talents.
Aimee Grice, a member of the nuns chorus in The Sound of Music, takes the romantic female lead, Rebecca, in “Sand Mountain Matchmaking” and plays Jean in “Why the Lord Come to Sand Mountain”.
“Aimee really impressed me whenever she was called upon to fill in for someone else’s part during rehearsals for Sound of Music,” says Johnson. “She could immediately grasp a character and convey very clear, strong emotion. Then she would quietly resume her place in the chorus, and I would think “The audience will never see this, will have no idea how good she really is.””
David Badger, last seen as Captain von Schreiber in The Sound of Music, plays a chilling suitor in “Matchmaking” and the moonshine swilling father Jack in “Why the Lord Come to Sand Mountain.” The two different characters will give Badger an opportunity to flex his acting muscles.
“He blew me away as the icy Nazi captain. My first thought? “We need to give this fellow some more stage time!”” Gludovatz agrees, and so does her dog Pookie. “When David auditioned for the aggressive suitor, Pookie, who had been lying at my feet, stood up and started growling at him.”
Patrick Turner worked as a stage hand when not performing his small role as Nazi sympathizer Herr Zeller in Sound of Music. Now he plays two characters in Sand Mountainwith similar personalities . He takes on the role of Radley, a Bible thumping suitor in “Matchmaking”, and the church-going Prosper Valley Farmer in “Why the Lord Come”. Although the Farmer is a small role, Turner will get to deliver the play’s final hilarious punchline, one audiences will not forget. “He just makes me laugh,” says Gludovatz.
Two more actors who had larger roles in The Sound of Music return to play quite different characters in Sand Mountain.
Darryl Mackenzie starred as Georg von Trapp in the musical, but makes a departure from that austere character. MacKenzie plays a lusty, swaggering suitor in “Matchmaking” and the complaining Saint Peter in “Why the Lord Come”.
“So far, Darryl has played rather emotionally reserved characters with SOAP,” says Johnson, “The naval captain Georg in Sound of Music, and before that, the upper class Charles in Blithe Spirit. We were delighted with his comedic talents. He has a mobile expression and a wonderful drawl. ”
Wesley Frederick, who played Kurt von Trapp in last year’s musical, is rolling up his sleeves to play the scrawny scruffy Fourteen Children in “Why the Lord Come”. This unusual but highly entertaining role requires Wesley to argue and fight with his thirteen imaginary brothers and sisters.
Diane Gludovatz, a SOAP veteran, will step away from the assistant director’s chair to take on the pivotal narrator role in “Why the Lord Come”. She plays the Sang (Ginseng) Picker, a wise woman who has seen it all on Sand Mountain, and entertains the audience with her stories.
Sand Mountain is slated for production on Saturday July 18. Other dates earlier in that week, are currently being negotiated.
Present: Esther Brown (President), Stephanie Salsnek (Vice President/ FCA Liaison), Jack Bennest (Treasurer/FOTOL Liaison), Penelope Johnson (Secretary/SOCS Liaison), Linda Blaschuk (Rotary Auction, Oliver Arts and Crafts Sale Liaison), Heather Fink (Finance Committee, Sage Valley Voices Liaison), Sally Franks (Rentals, Desert Sage Spinners & Weavers Liaison), Brian Mapplebeck (Country Market A-Fair Liaison), Jennifer Mapplebeck (SOAP Liaison), Penny Ruddy (Finance Committee, Double O Quilters Liaison), Steve Staresina (Operations, Oliver Sagebrushers Liaison)
Regrets: Jan Kreut (Member Group Publicity)
1. CALL TO ORDER: E. Brown called the meeting to order at 5;35 p.m.
2. ADOPTION OF AGENDA:
MOTION: That the agenda for the Board meeting of April 15, 2009 be adopted as written.
Moved: S. Staresina Seconded: H. Fink Carried
3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
(a) March 2009:
MOTION: That the minutes of the Board meeting on March 18, 2009 be adopted as written.
Moved: H. Fink Seconded: P. Ruddy Carried
(b) Annual General Meeting 2008:
Roberts Rules recommend that AGM minutes be adopted by committee before waiting a year to adopt at the following AGM.
MOTION: That the minutes of the Annual General Meeting on Monday October 20, 2008 be adopted as written.
Moved: P. Ruddy Seconded: S. Salsnek Carried
In following years, the AGM minutes shall be adopted promptly at the first meeting of the Board.
4. CORRESPONDENCE
(a) Correspondence Requiring a Response
ACTION: P. Johnson shall write a letter of thanks to ODCEDS for their $400 contribution to the Van Dop Guide on the OCAC’s behalf.
ACTION: P. Johnson shall write a letter of thanks to the Kiwanis Club for their $400 donation to Showcase of Talent.
ACTION: P. Johnson shall write a letter of thanks to the Rotary Club for their donation of $5000 from the Rotary Auction proceeds.
ACTION: E. Brown shall write a letter to Terry Irvine in response to her concerns about the appearance and rental of the Quail’s Nest.
5. TREASURER’S REPORT
(a) Financial Statement
Monies received: $7219 (BCAC), $3500 (Oliver Parks and Recreation), $5000 (BCAC bonus), and $5000 (Rotary Auction donation)
MOTION: That the Treasurer’s report dated March 31, 2009 be approved and further that the actions taken by the Treasurer on behalf of the Society be authorized and the bills be paid.
Moved: J. Bennest Seconded: L. Blaschuk Carried
ACTION: J. Bennest will check with Terasen re: installing a remote control receiver.
(b) Motions to Restrict Funding
MOTION: That the restricted Building Fund be increased to $15,000 and that the BC Arts Council be notified of this update to the motion of the August 2008 Board meeting.
Moved: J. Bennest Seconded: S. Franks Carried.
MOTION: That a restricted fund of $1000 be established for an SOSS Scholarship/Bursary fund.
Moved: J. Bennest Seconded: P. Ruddy Carried.
(c) Gaming Commission Funds:
Residual amounts in the Gaming Commission Account total approximately $700. The Commission has authorized the OCAC to spend the money following the criteria laid out for the original funding applications.
MOTION: That the residual balance in the Gaming Account be transferred to the general operating account, and that it be applied towards the eligible costs under Performance and Summer Studio programming.
Moved: J. Bennest Seconded: H. Fink Carried.
DAP Grant Application: see #7 a) Finance Committee
6. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES (a) TONAC Meeting Report
Reports from those attending TONAC (Thompson-Okanagan Network of Arts Councils)will be emailed to the Board for their information. The meeting stressed the need for arts councils to form partnerships within the public and private sectors.
(b) Board Retreat:
The Board reviewed priorities for strategic goals in preparation for the April retreat with Beth Garrish. Most focussed on the development of the Quail;’s Nest property.
April Retreat: Wednesday April 29, 5:00 p.m. at Steve Staresina’s home.
ACTION: S. Staresina will email directions to his house and will purchase the lasagna.
7. COMMITTEES
(a) Finance Committee: Heather Fink and Stephanie Salsnek are stepping down from the Finance Committee. Penny Ruddy will remain and is joined by new members Steve Staresina and Brian Mapplebeck. The agenda for the next meeting will be to complete the DAP grant application form and to develop some terms of reference for the committee.
(b) Fund Raising:
MOTION: That the OCAC write a letter to the Rotary Club of Oliver defining the priorities of the partnership prior to accepting their invitation to participate in the preparation and proceeds of the 2010 Rotary Auction.
Moved: S. Franks Seconded: L. Blaschuk Carried
Discussion of new fund raiser tabled until May 2009.
(c) Operations:
MOTION: That the OCAC purchase three electronic pest barrier devices.
Moved: P. Johnson Seconded: J. Mapplebeck Carried
Steve Staresina presented a report on repairs to the Studio building, as per strategic goals, including the roof repairs, kitchen renovations, flooring, and landscaping.
ACTION: S. Staresina, E. Brown, S. Franks and either P. Johnson or J. Mapplebeck from SOAP will be on the committee to review priorities for (small capital) building renovations.
(d) Publicity:
i) E-News Publicity:POLICY: The Publicity committee recommended that as is currently done for the Creative Minds newsletter, the priority of arts news shall be : 1. OCAC Business, 2. OCAC Programmes, 3. Member Group News, 4. News from Individual and Business members, and then 5. General Arts news at the discretion of the editor/secretary. E-News length shall be restricted to two letter-size pages (one side) per month, as an aid to prioritizing news items. ii) Van Dop Guide
ODECEDS has paid for a page of advertising in the glossy Van Dop BC Arts and Culture Guide. One sixth of the page (worth $400) is devoted to the OCAC.
iii) Website:J. Bennest, with the help of web technicians, has moved the existing domain to a new hosting, installed Wordpressblog software, imported the blog template, and set up an independent joint email account for the OCAC (olivercac@gmail.com) All registrations, passwords, and account names will be in the name of the OCAC. The website is still www.oliverartscouncil.orgJ. Bennest and P Johnson have written articles for the blog and begun the process of organizing the site. MOTION: That the OCAC authorize the payment of $200 to Jack Bennest for recent changes to the hosting of the OCAC website / blog.
Moved: S. Salsnek Seconded: J. Mapplebeck Carried
(e) Arts and Culture Week (April 19-25): Poster and programme listing for the week was distributed.
(f) Showcase of Talent: The Kiwanis Club has donated $400 to the Showcase of talent. It will be held during Arts and Culture Week.
8. NEW BUSINESS
(a) Conferences and Meetings:
i) SOSS User Groups Meeting Report: P Johnson reported that funding has recently become available to save the south wing of the high school. The representative from Bevanda Architecture, and professional theatre consultant were in attendance and reviewed the priorities for renovation to the auditorium and adjacent spaces. The front lobby is deemed of historical value and will not be renovated, making access to / egress from the balcony sub-standard and use of the balcony unlikely. The high school drama teacher recommended that the fine arts lab be moved from the stage area to the rehearsal hall (current library area). The theatre consultant strongly advocated for an independent House Manager to be responsible for bookings and access and a House Technician to maintain and supervise all technical equipment. The renovations (school, auditorium and south wing concurrently) will likely proceed in July 2010 and be completed in the fall of 2011.
ii) Assembly of BC Arts Councils Conference (May 1-3) Kelowna:
ACTION: P. Johnson will email information to the membership and ask members to RSVP their attendance at the BC Arts Councils Conference.
9. NEXT MEETINGS
(a) Dates: Arts Jam Monday April 27 9:30 a.m. QNAC
Board Retreat Wednesday April 29 5:00 p.m. Staresina Home
Board Meeting Wednesday May 20 5:30 p.m. QNAC
Arts Jam Monday May 25 9:30 a.m. QNAC
ACTION: S. Salsnek will email P. Johnson the programme for the April Arts Jam.
10. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: That the meeting be adjourned, at 8:25 p.m.
With a full slate of officers and directors, four of them new, the Oliver Community Arts Council is ready for a creative 2017. The council starts the year with several new arts projects already in the works, a high rating of their year-end finances, and the highest ever performance award from the BC Arts Council with the operating grant totalling over $13,000. A local government grant of $4000 will be added to this total later in 2017.
OLIVER COMMUNITY ARTS COUNCIL
Members of the Oliver Community Arts Council are invited to attend a Special General Meeting of the OCAC on
OLIVER COMMUNITY ARTS COUNCIL
