Arts Commission Regular Meeting

Mural Jury Appointment

• The Vice Chair presented a proposed seven-member jury panel for the Pixies General Store mural.
• Commission members discussed ordinance requirements regarding maintenance and artist residency.
• The motion to accept the panel and allow member substitutions passed.

Education Seminar Stipends

• Commissioner Brown reported on upcoming enrichment seminars scheduled for the Ojai Valley Museum.
• The Commission discussed authorizing standard stipends for the identified speakers.
• Approval was granted for the education seminar stipends.

Reports and General Discussion

• Grant program updates included 25 recipients and a plan for online-only submissions by June.
• City Collection issues regarding funds and space will be addressed during Strategic Planning.
• Copyright policy restrictions will be reviewed by the new City Attorney during February training.
• A detailed Public Art Fund accounting report is expected to be presented at the next meeting.

Meeting Summary: Arts Commission

1. Call to Order and Agenda Approval

• Discussion: The Chair called the meeting to order. Roll call was conducted, confirming the presence of all Commission members. A motion was made to accept the agenda.
• Action: A motion was made and seconded.
• Decision: The agenda was accepted.
• Vote Outcome: Passed.

2. Discussion Item: Mural Jury Appointment (Pixies General Store)

• Discussion: Vice Chair Steiner presented a proposal regarding an application for a mural at the Pixies General Store and Forage Ojai. The Vice Chair outlined the Mural Ordinance requirements, noting the jury must consist of seven members: an Arts Commission member, a Planning or Historic Preservation Commission member, the owner or representative, two arts professionals, an artist, and a community member.
• Proposed members included the Chair (Arts Commission), Jonathan Chesley (Planning Commission), the business owner representative, Barbara Hirsch (arts professional), Vice Chair Steiner (arts professional), Linda Taylor (artist), and Michael Graves (community member).
• The Commission discussed the location (110 East Matilaha), the ad hoc nature of the jury, and the distinction between this private commission and Public Art programs.
• Issues regarding maintenance, ownership, and ordinance criteria were addressed. It was confirmed that artist residency is not restricted to local artists.
• Action: Vice Chair Steiner moved to accept the proposed jury panel and to authorize the Chair to substitute members in the event of unavoidable absences. The motion was seconded.
• Decision: The Commission accepted the panel and authorized substitutions.
• Vote Outcome: Passed.

3. Discussion Item: Education Seminar Stipends

• Discussion: Commissioner Brown reported on upcoming enrichment seminars to be held at the Ojai Valley Museum. Speakers identified were Colleen O'Mara (January) and Cassandra Jones (March). The discussion focused on authorizing stipends for these speakers, noting that a standard amount had been previously established.
• Action: Chair West moved to approve the stipends for the upcoming seminars. The motion was seconded.
• Decision: The Commission approved the stipends for the education seminars.
• Vote Outcome: Passed.

4. Reports and General Discussion

• Grant Program: Commissioner Wright reported on the recent grant cycle, noting 25 recipients. Plans were discussed to update the application process by June, including moving to online-only submissions, clarifying instructions, and modifying essay questions. A potential future agenda item was identified regarding the evaluation criteria for individual artists versus arts organizations. The Commission was advised to consider budgetary impacts before the June timeline.
• City Collection: Several members addressed the City Collection. It was noted that there are currently no funds for acquisitions, no dedicated space, and insurance and appraisal questions remain. Suggestions were made to rotate the collection and host viewing events. It was decided to address these issues within the upcoming Strategic Planning process.
• Copyright Policy: A concern was raised regarding a staff handbook policy on copyright that restricts broadcasting constituent work. It was suggested that the new City Attorney address this issue during a scheduled training session in February.
• Public Art Fund Accounting: Chair West and Liaison Bridget reported on progress with the Finance Department regarding a detailed report on Public Art Fund accounting, expected for the next meeting.
• Minutes: It was reported that minutes from the previous meeting were not completed in time for approval and would be addressed at a future meeting.
• Closing: The Chair thanked the members and adjourned the meeting until February.