by Kirby Lindsay, posted 17 October 2011
The Fremont Arts Council (FAC) has by-laws, a Board of Directors and membership dues, yet often the casualness of its meetings lead one to believe that deep down (but not very deep) the Arts Council is a group of friends gathered together to play. That sense of friendship certainly pervaded the monthly committee of the whole (COW) meeting on October 11th.
During introductions Mylinda Sneed asked attendees to share their costume plan for Halloween. Board Member Balou de la Rosa will be a unicorn named Charley, Board President Michael Clark is considering a clown, and Ricky Gene Powell has pondered Phoenix Jones, an idea everyone hopes will be very popular this year. Christie Wolf excelled in her creativity as she will be a stick figure. Finally, at her turn, Sneed admitted to being undecided.
Several Seconds For Serious Matters
Even once the meeting began, the friendly, casual atmosphere persisted and while the meeting contained several items of serious import, most were barely acknowledged. For instance, what might have been the most significant announcement – the Board has officially signed a contract with Sneed to serve as the organization’s operations manager – took less than two minutes to pass through on the agenda.
As the fourth contract worker hired by the FAC to oversee day-to-day operations, Sneed has already proven her capability having served as a diligent volunteer, and a Solstice Parade staffer. Her greatest stumbling block may come from the FAC members as they expect someone else – particularly the person paid – to single-handedly do all work.
The FAC Board of Directors does remain active. Clark reported their success in getting a long sought by-law change passed unanimously by the membership. The change makes it possible to vote for other changes to the by-laws by approval of a majority of the members voting (rather than a majority of the entire membership as was the case.) If the membership does not vote (abstains,) the Board can pass a by-law amendment using the consensus model.
Clark mentioned some changes already proposed, including a few that would bring the organization in line with laws governing non-profit organizations, and another that would reorganize the board elections.
This meeting also officially opened nominations for the 2012 FAC Board of Directors. Maque da Vis and Michael Clark both announced their intentions to run for another term, and Ricky Gene Powell submitted his nomination. Further nominations can be submitted to Michael Clark – at volunteers@fremontartscouncil.org – up to the election, on November 8th (at the next COW meeting.) Clark reminded everyone that the board can have up to 13 members.
He also warned that pressing issues face the board in the coming year, including matters of fundraising and long-term storage. What the FAC no longer will deal with is development of Wetlands Trail Park. During the meeting, Clark gave a short, cryptic report about a recent hearing over City of Seattle citation the FAC received about the sign once installed at the proposed park. The FAC had served as the umbrella for the grassroots effort to build the park. The Hearing Examiner waived the citation, and the fine, after testimony from FAC representatives. Clark concluded his report by saying, “we’re not going to be involved in that project.”
Several Minutes for Events
Items that took more time included a discussion to decide the date of the 2012 Solstice Parade. The actual solstice happens next year on a Wednesday, leaving the FAC the choice of parading either June 16th or 23rd. According to da Vis, the Fremont Fair organizers (Bold Hat Productions) will follow the choice of the FAC. Attendees’ comments showed a preference for June 23rd – and the board members present promised to consider this input, and take more, before making the final decision.
Several upcoming shows were announced at the meeting, including a visit by The Cabiri to promote their upcoming Winternacht, an evening of dessert theater and aerial acrobatics, at the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. da Vis reported that Moisture Festival has chosen the FAC as beneficiary for one of their fundraising shows next March, and Sneed mentioned the Dia de los Muertos Festival at the Phinney Neighborhood Center on November 4th, “it’s usually a good party!”
Also, Powell shared a few details – and handouts – about Drunk Puppet Nite at Hale’s Palladium, from Nov 3rd – 12th. In partnership with Monkey Wrench Labs, over six performances Seattle area puppeteers will expand audiences’ definition of puppetry, with the content changing slightly night to night – so Powell recommended attending more than once. All shows are for audiences 18 and over, and tickets can be purchased through Brown Paper Tickets, for $15, with proceeds going directly to the artists involved.
The meeting ended after discussion about the Fremont Troll’s upcoming birthday celebration, and a call for clowns. Find out more by attending the Troll clean-up on Sunday, October 23rd starting at Noon – or at the next FAC COW meeting on Nov 8th.
Meetings take place at the Powerhouse (3940 Fremont Ave N) on the second Tuesday of each month and start sometime after 7:10pm-ish…so bring your willingness for foolishness, and friendly banter! (Is there a difference?)
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©2011 Kirby Lindsay. This column is protected by intellectual property laws, including U.S. copyright laws. Reproduction, adaptation or distribution without permission is prohibited.