April 7, 2008 Meeting Announcement

When: 7 pm
Where: Fort Road Federation Offices, 974 West 7th/Fort Road

February 4, 2008 Meeting Minutes

West End Arts Meeting Minutes
Feb. 4, 2008
Chez David and Paulette

Ideas for our Inaugural Event
West End Arts ... a flushing out of artists in the community.
To this end, our first priority will be an open call, non-juried show.
Mary Esch presents sample calls for entries. She just curated a show at St. Kate's so has recent and direct experience with this kind of thing.


Approach:

• Mary suggests a simple approach for an inaugural event. David seconds.
• Rotate show. Put some stuff up at first, then other stuff.
• Mary, Ann, Becca promote idea of artist "mixer" in the space, whatever it is, separate from the show.
• Volunteers could watch over space/show during exhibit hours.
• TBD: Would call be open to non-West End artists?

Locale:

• Inquire at for rent/vacant spaces. Perhaps Dave Wick. can help us find these spaces.
• Pilney building is currently vacant.
• Remember that there would be a tax deduction for donations of space, food, beverages, etc. (Truly? Even if we're not offically a non-profit organization?)

Resources:

• Dave Thune said city may be able to provide ad budget.
• Marcus Young, current St. Paul Artist-in-Residence, is good liaison to city. He's currently looking for space in the West End. He loves it here.
• West End Business Association, which has recently reformed, may be interested in providing resources. Nance is joining.
• Becca suggests establishing West End Arts membership dues of $5-$10.

Other Business

• Nance would like to develop a structure for the West End Arts group: a leader, etc.
• Paulette suggests Kent Aldrich as potential graphic designer/logo developer.
• Community Reporter ran an article about the proposed artist live/work spaces at the Brewery. Paulette mentions that tax credit for such spaces is in jeopardy, and this may impact development.

Action Items

• Becca will get together with Dave Wick. to find out about potential space for West End Arts inaugural show.
• Nance will pursue ad budget possibilities (by talking to Dave Thune).