by Kirby Lindsay, posted 18 November 2013
The Fremont Arts Council (FAC) mission is to build a stronger community that allows art as an integral part of everyday life. At its monthly meeting, called the Committee Of the Whole (or C.O.W.,) attendees discussed details, particularly volunteer chores, for creating everyday art and management of this volunteer-run, groundbreaking organization.
Operations & Treasury
While largely volunteer-run, and volunteer-driven, the FAC Board of Directors recently hired part-time, temporary help from Kudra Migliaccio. In her report, Migliaccio shared on her efforts to learn Wild Apricot, the software used by the FAC for membership, and volunteer, management. She’s also still learning the social media platforms the FAC uses to keep in touch, and has updated the website.
At the COW, the Board took a straw poll on putting the FAC on Twitter. Twitter is seen as a way to reach younger, more energetic volunteers, but when asked none of the attendees (of about 25 people) acknowledge using Twitter. The FAC does use Facebook, and members were encouraged to ‘Like’ and ‘Share’ postings to increase the reach of this medium.
FAC Treasurer Sonia Telesco gave a report, including news that the 2012 taxes have been finished and signed. The FAC currently has 97 paid members, she said, and the Troll account – money being donated through a donation box Telesco had installed at the Fremont Troll last January – has accumulated $5,300 so far.
With the approval of lead Troll artist Steve Badanes, the FAC Board gave $1,200 of Troll donations towards producing this year’s Trolloween – an amount matched with a City of Seattle grant. Information is being gathered on creating and installing a 24/7, internet-based Troll Cam, to allow visitors to see themselves, as well as – hopefully – deterring vandals. The donations do currently pay for a Troll Keeper, who regularly cleans and repairs the sculpture.
Attendees discussed other potential ways to raise money for other FAC events, and Telesco pointed out that she files an annual request with the Washington Secretary of State, which brings in approximately $275 a quarter in donation money. Also, the FAC is a 501(c)3 non-profit and registered with United Way, and can be recipient of employer matching donations.
Prez Report & Elections
FAC Board President Peter Toms also gave a report, expressing his pleasure with the current level of usage of the Powerhouse, the FAC year ‘round workshop. He wants to see the FAC get out into the community, and seeing the Powerhouse in use will help.
Toms attended the last Fremont Neighborhood Council meeting, and gave a report on the FAC (highlights can be read in the FNC Highlight Reel on Fremocentrist.com.) He reported that the residential representative organization seemed primarily concerned with large-scale developments proposed for the neighborhood, including one coming to Greenwood Ave N & N 36th St on the Solstice Parade route. Toms also has plans to meet with the City of Seattle Office of Arts & Culture.
Toms led next into a discussion on the election of the 2013 Board of Directors. The COW agreed to hold the election in February for several reasons including a process for a potential by-law change. A long-time proposal, this by-law amendment would stagger the terms of the Board. Each Board member would serve a two-year term, with only half elected each year. It would protect against a complete replacement of the Board, as well as giving some continuity through election times. As for the upcoming election, candidates are recommended to submit nominations now which must include a bio paragraph (with information on their past Parade participation) to parade@fremontartscouncil.org
Storage Stressors
In addition to the Powerhouse, the FAC currently maintains two storage sites – both overseen by Maque daVis. A ‘Float Yard’ has tarping recently destroyed, and daVis has been offered trees for planting to better obscure view of the area and, perhaps, cut down on future damage. The ‘Deep Storage’ area is an indoor, free space located in a building slated for future development. A recent inspection by the owner led to speculation that the development plans may be advancing.
Re-Cap On Troll’s Birthday Celebration
daVis also organized a recent celebration of the birth of the Fremont Troll. While grant money made it possible, this year, to pay artists that participated, he expects to return next year to seeking donations. He did ask for an additional $200 this year to cover an unexpected expense, and the COW approved. daVis also spoke briefly with Badanes, and got a positive response to creating another proposal to abate the erosion around the sculpture.
The celebration has, for the last decade or so, begun at the Troll and then moved, in a neighborhood haunt, to a covered area beneath the Fremont Bridge. While publically accessed by the City for Bridge maintenance, the area is privately owned and managed by a property management company for the adjacent tenants. The property manager demanded that the celebration end by 9:30p, gave no access for advance rehearsals, and forbade fire performances. daVis wants to look for a compromise to allow a return to this area next year, but he also acknowledged that another site may need to be found for the future.
An attendee pointed out that Nectar Lounge would like to partner with the FAC on a Troll related event, and daVis did suggest resurrecting TrollAGoGo. Susan Harper volunteered to explore and possibly organize this potential fundraising party, especially as the birthday falls on a Friday in 2014. However, Trolloween is an all-ages event, and TrollAGoGo would likely be 21+ only.
Planning On The Feast of the Winter Solstice
Final item on the FAC November COW agenda was the Feast of the Winter Solstice, an annual celebration held by the membership. This year, the organizers – led by Toms – seek a venue large enough to allow sales of 500 tickets to non-members/non-volunteers. Discussion continues on the cost ($25 – $50) of those tickets. Also, Toms reported, this year everyone must bring at least one dish per family – no exceptions. As of November 12th, no location had been determined but those under consideration were in Fremont, Shoreline, Georgetown and Bitter Lake.
A long discussion concerned filling the myriad volunteer positions of the Feast, with two full-pages of volunteer job descriptions. Surprisingly, many positions were filled from among meeting attendees. To find out more about the Feast of the Winter Solstice, attend an upcoming planning meeting – held weekly at the Powerhouse (3940 Fremont Ave N) at 7p on Tuesdays.
To find out more about the FAC, attend the next COW meeting on Tuesday, December 10th at the Powerhouse at 7p. These meetings are open-to-the-public and everyone is allowed to participate. Consider attending the next COW to find out more about this ground-breaking organization, and its support of art.
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©2013 Kirby Lindsay. This column is protected by intellectual property laws, including U.S. copyright laws. Reproduction, adaptation or distribution without permission is prohibited.