Board Minutes Sep 2023

Board Meeting -- September 13, 2023, 10:30 am   
Our Mission is to develop, promote, and encourage an interest in the arts.
Board members present included Kristi Kuder, Ann Smith, Sue Kalseim, Mary Jo Wentz and Judi Celaschi.  Ex-officio members present were Donna Westerling, Debbie Ness, and Ann Hermes.  Absent were Shari Priggi, David Beddow
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The agenda was reviewed, adding the ongoing Board meeting schedule to new business.

Special guest, Paul Ness, Chair of the Battle Lake School Board presented an overview of the School Referendum Bond which will be on the November 7 ballot.

The Minutes from August 9 were approved by Ann S. and seconded by Sue.   Motion passed.

The Financial Report was presented by Debbie and Ann S. Mary Jo moved to approve the financial report, seconded by Sue.  Motion passed.

Administration Report:  Debbie reported that Rural MN CEF advised that they have a student who wants to work with AOTL. Debbie will follow up on the request.

 Committee Updates 

• Art & Craft Affair:  78 craft vendors participated, plus food vendors. An incentive for vendors to pre-pay booth fees for 2024 is being promoted.  Feedback for managing the AOTL booth includes:
  • Items for sale should be small items that are less expensive rather than large paintings (e.g., jewelry, cards, prints).
  • Jammie Niemeyer demonstrated wood burning, which was a good draw.  It is recommended that we arrange an art demonstration during the fair, and perhaps encourage Plein Air artists to participate.
  • There is a need to have a ‘booth committee’ with details on how to set up and work the booth for both the  Arts and Crafts Fair and Phelps Mills
• Building:  The front door needs to be refinished and Debbie has reached out to Cliff for a recommendation. The loan for the roof repair has been cleared.
• CAC:  Ann H reported the programming is proceeding for the culinary arts and performing events.  The locations are still to be determined since Bethel Church has renewed its lease for the building and costs have increased.   Debbie will follow up with Bethel to know the length of their lease and if they are able to sublet to AOTL.  
• Fundraising/Grants: 
  • A Project Grant has been submitted by Kristi for expenses for the creative writing initiative.
  • Ann  H is working on the LRAC legacy grant for the performing arts and theatre initiative for students.
  • The Midwest Arts Association grant request will be focused on ‘bees’, which will include beekeeping, culinary initiatives using honey, and encaustic arts using beeswax.
  • Kristi outlined the projected expenditures to use the Blandin Grant which has been extended to the end of May.  
• Gallery: 
  • The Gallery will close on September 28 to rehang the gallery and prepare for the  Plein Air event.  Displaying members will have a minimum of 2 pieces displayed.    The Plein Air exhibition will end Oct 28.  
  • The holiday market starts on November 3.  Sue and Shanna are working on an artsy Christmas tree vs. a traditional tree requiring canvases.    
  • The gallery will close for the season on December 16.  
  • AOTL will support “The Hunt is On”, a Battle Lake community initiative.
• Marketing: no update
• Membership:  Donna has written an article that will go into the Battle Lake Review next week aimed at encouraging non-artists to become members of AOTL.  The membership committee will review the membership levels and consider adding a donor level.
• Plein Air:  Ann S. moved to approve $3000 to be used for the awards.  Judi seconded.  Motion passed.  The PLPA committee will meet to plan the Collector's Preview/Reception.
• Studio Tour:  no action
• Workshops: The planning committee has met regularly to schedule workshops and special events for the fall and winter seasons.

Old Business 

• Mission Statement and By-Laws:  no update
• Google Workspace:  no update
• MN Give to the Max (platform for non-profit organizations to promote themselves online and secure donations)  scheduled for November 16.  
• LACC/AOTL Meetup:  Members from LACC met with AOTL board members on September 12.  They shared current challenges and brainstormed ideas.  LACC’s mission is to provide space for community events, similar to AOTL.   Collaboration to work together is a great opportunity. 
• Lease Proposal:  still in negotiation
• Volunteer Recognition: It was very successful and is recommended to be an annual event.
• Back to School Open House: Mary Jo and Ken Wentz, along with Kathrine McDowell worked the event.  It was well attended and successful.
• Harvest Festival: Kathrine McDowell and Mary Jo have volunteered to prepare the kid's activity.

New Business 

• Mural Proposal – no action
• Fall Project Grant – no action. 
• An Artist on Duty signage idea was presented by Mary Jo for the Spring opening.
• Kristi presented an analysis of the average tuition for workshops in our region which indicates that our workshop fees could be doubled.  However, there is a concern about remaining competitive.  Further discussion is required and establishing a scholarship program to be considered.
• Future Board meetings are scheduled for the second Wednesday of the month at 9:30 CST.

The Next Board Meeting will be October 11, 2023, at 9:30 CST
Mary Jo moved to adjourn the meeting.