Board Minutes October 16, 2024

​Board Meeting – October 16, 2024, 9:00 am – Creative Art Center
Our Mission is to develop, promote, and encourage an interest in the arts.
The Board Members present were Kristi Kuder, Ann Smith, Judi Celaschi, Shari Prigge, Sheryl Olson,  Sue Kalseim,  Vanessa Sellner and ex-officio member Debbie Ness.    Absent was David Beddow. 

The agenda was reviewed, and Purse Bingo was added under the new business.

Minutes:  Vanessa moved to approve the September board meeting minutes; Sue seconded; the motion passed. 

Financial report:  Ann and Debbie presented the financial report including a YTD update to the 2024 budget.  Sue moved to approve the financial report. Sheryl seconded; the motion passed.

​Old Business
Administrative Coordinator:  Shari moved to approve hiring Jane Kelly, at a salary of $20/hour, not to exceed $15,000 per year.  Sheryl seconded; the motion passed.  Jane will report to Debbie and begin training on October 22.
CAC and Gallery Hours: The gallery will be open Fridays and Saturdays from 10-5 through December 21.  January through April,  it will be open on Saturdays only from 11-4.  The CAC will be open Thursday, 1-7, and Sundays, 1-4.
CAC Lease Renewal.   Ann contacted the landowner regarding the renewal of the lease. Per their discussion, it was recommended that an addendum be added to the current lease., Sue motioned to add an addendum to the current lease stating “If Art of the Lakes  is unable to secure funding for the building, the lease may be terminated with sixty (60) days’ notice.”  Both parties must sign the addendum by October 31, 2024. Motion passed.  
Battle Lake Kid’s Art Program:  to date, total funding for the program has not been received.  If funding falls short, funds will be drawn from the Roger Parks Foundation.

New Business:
Holiday in the Gallery:  Members will be notified to bring in new artwork by Nov 1,   Volunteers will be solicited to decorate November 3rd from 1-4 pm.  The Holiday Open House is scheduled for Dec 7.
Board meetings will be scheduled for 10 am CDT on the third Wednesday going forward.  The Board will meet at the Gallery, and by Zoom for those offsite.
Fundraising:  Discussion was held regarding sending a donation request to members, contacts, and community leaders.  It was suggested that a separate message be sent to AOTL members, versus non-members.  The targeted mailing is scheduled for November.
Membership:  the committee will review the schedule for membership renewals.  

Committee Updates (5 min or less each)  
Gallery:  The TV is not working and needs to be replaced.  Arrangements have been made to repaint the front door.
CAC:
AOTL is working with LACC and the City of Battle Lake to schedule upcoming holiday events.  A Holiday tree will be where the bicycles are located, including a bonfire pit is being planned.
Events
Studio tour:  no update
Art & Craft Affair:  no update
Plein Air:  Debbie will work with Shanna on planning the event.  A judge for 2025 should be secured now.
Phelps Mill:  Val Martin contacted AOTL requesting them to take over the kid’s activity during the festival.  Deb will contact her to secure more information.
Purse Bingo:  the event will be scheduled for Friday, May 9, kick-off to fishing open.  Sue will chair the event and approach the Ottertail Lions and Thumper Pond to finalize plans.

Fundraising and Grants:
Grants Submitted or in Process:
T Mobile Hometown grant: due quarterly
Technology grant with Shavlik: due November 1
LRAC Fall Legacy Grant of $9,999 for summer events and performances has been submitted.
Operating Support Grant: due Dec 16.
Otter Tail Power grant due Nov 1 for $12,000 for programming will be submitted.
Bush Foundation grant application be submitted in the future 
An Arvig grant of $500, for the Battle Lake Kids Art Program was received.
The Artists on Mainstreet grant of up to $10,000 with a $2,500 match by the city is under discussion with Val Martin,  Battle Lake city administrator. 
Minnesota State Arts Board Accessible Arts for FY 2026  will be pursued.  This grant would be for Gallery improvement, making it more accessible for those with disabilities.

Membership:  A committee chairman to be secured.  Donna Westerling will join the committee.   

Education / Programming:  Shari noted that having articles in the Battle Lake Review does boost registration.  A schedule for fall/winter is underway.

Performance: “On the Verge”, through Andria Theatre is scheduled for October 29.  Ticket sales will be split between Andria and AOTL. Additional performances from Andria Theatre are scheduled for the fall-winter season. 
Nov 24: “Exit Laughing” @ 2 pm  Performance fee is $400.
Dec 19: Quad Squad Holiday Improve @ 7 pm Performance fee is $250.
Mar 30: “Don’t answer That!”
Feb TBA: Dr Seuss Jr
Other planned performance events: Feb TBA Cabin Fever Reliever, Feb 14 Line Dance by Eagle Lutheran Church
Vannessa moved to adjourn. The next Board Meeting will be on November 20, 2024.