On April 10th, the Fremont Arts Council (FAC) held its monthly meeting of the Committee Of the Whole (COW) at the Powerhouse (3940 Fremont Ave N.) FAC Board Secretary, Christie Wolf, recorded the meeting minutes and posted them recently on the FAC Yahoo e-group.
In addition, Wolf is organizing the FAC rummage sale, taking place on April 21st & 22nd. Go find some treasures and help raise money to bankroll the start of the 2012 Solstice Parade.
The meeting opened with remarks by newly elected FAC Board President, and local artist, Rodman Miller. Miller has also taken on organizing the FAC May Day celebration, on Tuesday, May 1st, at Lower Woodland Park starting at 5p. Fun and games, and the potluck meal, are open to all. Volunteers are needed to help prepare the ribbons (the weekend of April 27th & 28th,) and set the may pole.
Another long-term member of the FAC, Barb Luecke, reported that Peter Bevis recently donated some FAC historical documents – including photos, and old plans for the Powerhouse.
Mylinda Sneed, FAC Operations Manager, reported that during the parade preparation season, Parade Communications Manager Tessa Hulls will monitor phone and e-mail contacts. To reach Sneed, please use the e-mail address art@fremontartscouncil.org Balou de la Rosa has signed on as Workshop Coordinator for the 2012 Solstice Parade, and she will attempt to streamline the volunteer participation.
More parade news: the 2012 McKay Grant award receipients were announced, and they are –
- Jabberwocky
- Water Bottle Dragon
- Silk Road Dances Down Fremont
- Red Butt Baboon Troupe
- Ice Queenistas
- Molding Bioplastics workshops
This year, following the parade to Gasworks Park, several organizations will participate in a “We the People Festival,” a celebration and information fair about sustainability and citizen power.
Norma Baum has plans for an ensemble of clowns for the parade. She also has been talking with a wholesaler about getting a supply of “gee-gaws” for future FAC art projects, including the parade and Winter Feast headdresses.
The FAC has float bases for the parade, and four of these need homes immediately. Also, the FAC is losing some exterior float storage space – and will also need long-term storage for the float bodies after the parade as the current site is not permanent.
Fundraising for building the parade has begun with 1,080 letters going out to past or prospective donors. Please consider giving to make the parade a reality – and ask friends, family, employers and/or local businesses to give as well.
Finally, the Fremont Troll has earned some much needed funds from the sale of the Chia Troll. The $2,000 will be put towards maintenance and possible restoration of the sculpture. Thank you to all who purchased the novelty item this past winter!
For more information on the FAC, and the COW, attend the next meeting on May 8th at 7:10p at the Powerhouse – everyone is welcome!