Board Minutes August 21, 2024

Board Meeting – August 21, 2024, 9:00 am – Creative Art Center
Our Mission is to develop, promote, and encourage an interest in the arts.
Board Members present: Kristi Kuder, Ann Smith, Judi Celaschi, Shari Prigge, Sheryl Olson, David Beddow, Vanessa Sellner and ex-officio member Debbie Ness.    

​The agenda was reviewed with two additions.

Minutes:  Ann moved to approve the July board meeting minutes; Sheryl seconded; motion passed. 

Financial report:  Ann and Debbie presented the financial report with the Board.  David moved to approve the financial report. Sheryl seconded; motion passed.

Administrative Report:  Debbie advised the Board on the following items:
It has been recommended that the Gallery computer should be upgraded. Ann made a motion to purchase a new computer and arrange for the transfer of data if the cost is under $1K.  Sheryl seconded; motion passed.  
Several of the art bins at the Gallery need repair or replaced.  David made a motion to approve the purchase of four new bins.  Sue seconded; motion passed.    
Debbie has requested that we install reverse osmosis at the Gallery. She will obtain a price and present to the Board for approval.
The sink at the Gallery is leaking, needing repair.  No action taken.
Debbie requested a meeting regarding staffing.   Kristi will schedule a meeting.
 
Old Business:
Administrative Coordinator.  A committee of Debbie, Sheryl, Vanessa, and Kristi met and created a job description for administrative coordinator.  A candidate has submitted a resume will be interviewed.  A grant will be pursued to support the cost of the position.
The phone system has been upgraded to include a new line for CAC with voice mail. The phone number for CAC is 218-862-8607.   The website will be updated with the details.
Welcoming Week, a national campaign which celebrates the work in communities to showcase their values through events and initiatives and foster connections between immigrants and non-immigrants is scheduled September 14-22. The West Central Initiative grant of $2,000 will cover expenses.  Kristi has been working with community volunteers to schedule activities.  Registration for several of the scheduled events will be done through AOTL web site. 

New Business:
Vanessa Sellner and Steve King met to determine the needs to establish a stained-glass studio in the CAC.  The Roger Parks donation will be reviewed to define how it can be used for this initiative.  Judi moved to designate the upper northwest classroom in the CAC as the Roger Parks stained-glass studio.  David seconded; motion passed.
Ann recommended a 3% cost of living increase for Debbie Ness.  Sheryl made the motion to approve the 3% increase. David seconded; motion passed.  
A survey will be provided at the member recognition dinner. Members can complete it there or use the QR code to complete it online.  Data collected will be reviewed as the Board looks at scheduling future events.
January through April winter hours for the Gallery and CAC was discussed.  It was recommended that the Gallery be open on Saturday, and that the Sunday Social be at the CAC. 

Committee Updates:  Note:  Board members are to be copying in on all email communications regarding events for their awareness. 
Gallery:  It was recommended that a separate email be sent to displaying artists regarding the rules for displaying art at the Gallery and other potential locations
CAC:  
The open house had  good attendance, and several enjoyed the activities.  
Galloping Goose has donated $500 to AOTL, however has also charged AOTL $1,024 for lawn care. Sheryl and Vanessa will pursue alternative options for CAC building and property support.
Studio tour:  $7,321.57 commission received from 41 artists which was close to the same revenue in 2023. The feedback was positive, though the use of the CAC felt crowded.   
Art & Craft Affair:  83 vendors participated with positive feedback from vendors and customers.  Discount on registration for 2025 is already in place and being taken advantage of.  Over 60 kids participated in the kid’s craft area thanks to Dan and Sandy Thimgan.  
Prairie Lakes Plein Air (PLPA):   27 have registered for the competition.  Marketing and planning for the collector’s reception is needed.
Fundraising and Grants: 
LRAC grant, is due Sep 5 for $3,000, less $600 matching requirement from AOTL.
Legacy Grant, is due Oct 3 for $12,500 for art learning, cultural workshops, etc.
Operating Support Grant is due Dec 16.
Arvig donation request for $5,000 is for the kid’s art program will be applied for.
Ottertail Power grant is due Nov 1
Battle Lake Lions will be contacted to help fund the kid’s art program
The Fundraising Committee consisting of Kristi, Sue, Ann and Shari will meet to review financial need and establish a strategic plan.
Marketing:  Art of the Lakes has been nominated as a finalist in the art business category for the Best of Ottertail County.  Vanessa made a motion to participate by enrolling in the basic package, plus texting options.   Ann seconded; motion passed.   Makenna will be assigned to promote the program.  
Membership:  there are 151 paid members, and our contact list is over 1200.
Education: 
Shari presented the scheduled fall workshops and the process for managing the workshops.  Assistants to the instructors qualify for 50% off the registration fee.  
It has been recommended that we not offered as many independent workshops and focus on workshop categories (e.g., culinary, ceramics, fiber arts, visual arts).     
Sue will request teachers for the kid’s fall program.  It was recommended that we contact home-schooled parents for the kid’s program.
Performances:  no update

David moved to adjourn. The next Board Meeting will be on September 18, 2024.