by Kirby Lindsay, posted 17 February 2014
The February 11th meeting of the Fremont Arts Council (FAC) Committee Of the Whole (COW) had a strong showing of familiar faces who showed a strong enthusiasm for staging yet another Solstice Parade, in four short months.
Business Before Parade
Before discussion turned to parades, and art, the COW heard details about operating a community-based arts organization, including a report from its Operations Manager, Kudra Migliaccio. Among other things, Migliaccio requested approval for a new bulletin board to be installed on the front of the FAC workshop, The Powerhouse. Michael Clark, a FAC member (and Board candidate,) offered to build one using primarily materials already stored at the Powerhouse. He estimated he would need $120 for plywood and Plexiglass (to protect the board, and postings.) Another option under consideration was buying a pre-made board to be delivered and hung. Discussion revealed a favoritism for an in-house-made board, created (and potentially maintained) by a local craftsman. The COW approved the idea, and the Board Members on-hand approved the expenditure.
The COW then discussed paying $60 per hour for a website expert to help Migliaccio and Solstice Parade Director Leslie Zenz make the redesigned site more user friendly. The Fremont Chamber of Commerce Executive Director recommended the expert chosen. The COW approved the move, and the Board approved the expense.
While slightly off-topic, the COW then heard from Keeper of the Troll Wayne Richards. The Fremont Troll has had fewer incidents of graffiti/vandalism lately, Richards reported, but a homeless and/or possible drug camp has been established immediately behind the sculpture. Richards was encouraged to contact the Seattle Police Department Community Policing Officer. He also remarked on the damage the campsite, and heavy visitor traffic, has caused on the landscape around the sculpture. Plans to reinforce and restore the area are underway.
From there, FAC Board President Peter Toms gave a brief report. As co-founder of the Solstice Parade, he encouraged early efforts people have shown towards organizing and building the 2014 parade. He also praised the recent increased use of The Powerhouse. Susan Harper has been working on a Powerhouse use policy, and she remarked that efforts to frame a formal document continue to raise more questions. Maque daVis also remarked on efforts to clean and organize the Powerhouse, and that items long abandoned may be tossed, if not useful for future art projects.
Such items had, previously, been sold at an annual Rummage Sale, often held in April. A question on whether there would be a Sale this year went unanswered. No one has, yet, stepped forward to volunteer to organize this potential fundraiser for the Solstice Parade.
2014 Solstice Parade
Zenz launched her discussion of the Parade by announcing the date as Saturday, June 21st (the actual summer solstice,) at 3p. The Parade will end again at Gas Works Park, but this year festivities will start there at 3p. The Honk Fest West festival will have a part in the Parade again this year, but bands that are considered inappropriate for the parade will perform at the park during it.
In addition to the return of Zenz as Parade Director, Richards will return this year as Studio Coordinator. Migliaccio will serve as Communications Manager. A big change this year will be that instead of holding one big weekend-long retreat on parade planning, the FAC will host public meetings every Monday, until June 21st, at 7p at The Powerhouse. Come learn more about how you – yes you! – can participate.
Finally, the Fremont Chamber has expressed a sincere interest in helping fundraise for the Parade, including launching a donation matching fund. They also might be able to help the FAC find another workshop space for parade building. Zenz also asked everyone to identify artists to be invited to teach and/or share their skills on the parade. Contact her at leslies@fremontartscouncil.org
The Smaller Solstice
Jen Bay has spoken at previous COW meetings about her desire to organize a petit parade inspired by the ‘tit Rex Parade held in New Orleans. She will hold her Petit Troll parade as a flash mob-style event during the Fremont Sunday Market in early March, before Mardi Gras. This procession features very small floats – shoe box sized, and no bigger than a wine box – possibly as models of those to be seen in the Solstice Parade. Bay asked that all floats be people-powered, no live animals and no logo/commercial decorations.
The COW discussed the possibility of making this an official FAC event. The requirements for permit and insurance might slow the progress of this simple stroll. The COW decided to only encourage Bay, and Toms announced, “We’re behind you!”
Elections, Then More Parade
The February COW meeting ended with a presentation on the historic and cultural traditions of parades in Spain, by Sarah Cimorra. Before she took the floor, the election of Board Members started. The election will take place over the week following the COW, by electronic ballot, however paper ballots were distributed to paid FAC members at the meeting.
The candidates officially running are (in no particular order):
- Barbara Luecke
- Susan Harper
- Jerry Smith
- Rodman Miller
- Maque daVis
- Leslie Zenz
- Ricky Gene Powell
- Kudra Migliaccio
- Peter Toms
- Michael Clark
Write-in candidates were also eligible. The eight candidates who get the most votes will be elected, along with any other candidates (up to 13 total) who get more than 50% of the ballots cast. As a 501(c)3 organization, the FAC is required to have a Board, which also will select a President, Secretary and Treasurer at its first meeting after the election is final.
To learn more about the FAC, and the new board, attend the next COW meeting on March 11th at 7p at The Powerhouse. The Committee Of the Whole consists of everyone who attends a meeting – and everyone is welcome. Those looking to help with the Parade can attend one of the upcoming Monday meetings – and the COW. It is the best way to learn about this unique, arts-based organization. Hope to see you there!
Related Articles
- FAC Highlight Reel: Contemplating Change
- by Kirby Lindsay, January 20, 2014
- How To Build A Solstice Parade
- by Kirby Lindsay, May 16, 2011
- ‘What Are You Doing For The 25th Solstice Parade?’
- by Kirby Lindsay, June 19, 2013
©2014 Kirby Lindsay. This column is protected by intellectual property laws, including U.S. copyright laws. Reproduction, adaptation or distribution without permission is prohibited.