Home » FAC Highlight Reel: Before The Feast Begins

FAC Highlight Reel: Before The Feast Begins

by Kirby Lindsay, posted 12 November 2014

 

The FAC COW meeting for November 2014 discussed a great number of issues, not just the Feast of the Winter Solstice...  Photo by K. Lindsay
The FAC COW meeting for November 2014 discussed a great number of issues, not just the Feast of the Winter Solstice… Photo by K. Lindsay

The November 2014 Fremont Arts Council (FAC) Committee Of the Whole (COW) meeting had a large, strong and engaged turnout – particularly compared to meetings held earlier this year.

Peter Toms, the FAC Board President, began by introducing the organization as a 501(c)3, chartered in the State of Washington and using a somewhat, leaning toward, sort of consensus model.

As with all FAC meetings, the first order of business were one-minute announcements.  Maque daVis announced the upcoming Fremont Player’s production of an original British Panto ‘Beauty & The Beast’, with original music by the Fremont Philharmonic.  The show will run December 13th – January 11th at Hale’s Palladium, with tickets priced at $13 for adults.  The first show, at 1p on December 13th, will be a fundraiser for B.F. Day Elementary School.

The Fremont Players, originally formed among members of the FAC, will be producing another original British Panto in December 2014.
The Fremont Players, originally formed among members of the FAC, will be producing another original British Panto in December 2014.

Also, the new cider house in Fremont – Schilling & Co – has launched a weekly fundraiser for the FAC called ‘Drinking & Drawing.’  On Monday nights, from 6p – close, gather for creative expression and a few alcoholic ciders.  For each Schilling cider purchased during the event – and no drawing need be done – the FAC will receive $1.

Officers Report

The meeting then officially began with reports from Board Officers, starting with a thumbs-up from Treasurer Jerry Smith, and a “no news is good news” report from Board Secretary Kudra Migliaccio.

Board Member Susan Harper announced the formation of an ‘Operations Committee’ which will hold open meeting on the third Monday of every month.  The meeting will take place at 7p, starting in December, but on November 17th it will be at 6p.  This group will discuss the meaty topics of the FAC such as the social media presence, membership details, and creating a three-year strategic plan for the FAC.  Harper promised to send out an agenda in advance of the meeting, on the FAC Yahoo e-group.

Toms was less optimistic in his President’s Report.  He sees the FAC as short of cash, and hopes that the upcoming Feast of the Winter Solstice and a potential Mardi Gras celebration in February can bring in funds.  He acknowledged that, “the Fremont Chamber has been super helpful lately,” and has brought in a lot of outside help on funding, from other community members including area businesses.  “I keep hearing how much people love what we do,” he said.

Representatives of the Solstice Cyclists presented FAC Treasurer Jerry Smith (holding check) with a donation for $4,000.  Photo by K. Lindsay, Nov '14
Representatives of the Solstice Cyclists presented FAC Treasurer Jerry Smith (holding check) with a donation for $4,000. Photo by K. Lindsay, Nov ’14

Long-time Board Member Barb Luecke reframed the idea that the FAC is short of money by submitting that the leadership has big goals and a grand vision for growing the non-profit, volunteer organization, and that takes money.  A three-year plan, and some focused fundraising, could make it possible to hire staff to do broader fundraising that could hire more staff to facilitate future growth for the FAC.

Toms announced that elections for new/returning Board Members will take place during the February 10, 2015 COW meeting.  “We’re encouraging people to join because it’s cool,” he said, “our organization can benefit from your input.”  To vote, it is necessary to be a paid member ($25 for individuals,) of the FAC for 30 days prior.  To become a Board Member, submit your nomination by January 13, 2015 to FAC Administrator Annie Tran at arts@fremontartscouncil.org

A Gift Of The Solstice Cyclists

Three of the organizers of the Solstice Cyclists attended this COW, and delivered a donation check of $4,000 to the FAC.  The Solstice Cyclists organize and ride before the FAC Solstice Parade each year, and their participants all donate to help fund the ride, and the parade.  “It is so important for us to play nice together,” Migliaccio, one of the organizers observed, smiling, “we want to honor and acknowledge what the FAC does for us.”

An art installation from the 2013 FAC Feast of the Winter Solstice.  Photo by Lee Zuhars, provided by the FAC Facebook page
An art installation from the 2013 FAC Feast of the Winter Solstice. Photo by Lee Zuhars, provided by the FAC Facebook page

A need to collaborate, and share notes, closer to the Parade/Ride (in June,) was agreed to by all.  One FAC member did ask for an estimate of the number of riders.  The Solstice Cyclists counted 750 in 2013 and 1,000 in 2014.  Yet, all three organizers acknowledged that people ride on their own, and the Solstice Cyclists want help to get word out about the rules of the ride – as posted on the official website.  “Our challenge,” Migliaccio summed up, “is how to have all these bodies go down the street safely.”

Planning A Feast

In December, the FAC celebrate the Winter Solstice with a Grand Feast for their community of supporters and artists.  The Winter Feast will be open to volunteers, with a limited number of tickets available (it does sell-out) for purchase by the general public.  This year the party will take place on December 20th, in a former U.S. Post Office building located at 23rd Ave & E Union St.

Maque daVis gave a re-cap of the 2014 Trolloween celebration, including his annual threat to stop producing it - but only after next year's 25th Anniversary Celebration.  What else did you miss by not attending the Nov '14 FAC COW?  Photo by K. Lindsay
Maque daVis gave a re-cap of the 2014 Trolloween celebration, including his annual threat to stop producing it – but only after next year’s 25th Anniversary Celebration. What else did you miss by not attending the Nov ’14 FAC COW? Photo by K. Lindsay

The FAC like to use a large, unoccupied building (this year they have 12,000 square feet,) that they can transform with decorations and creative lighting into a feasting hall filled with art installations.  The building will be converted into a jazz club in 2015, but the FAC – along with the Punk Rock Flea Market – will have full use of it for the month of December.

Learn more details of the Feast at a planning meeting, currently taking place at FAC headquarters – The Powerhouse – on Monday nights at 7p.  Or, attend the opening, building ceremony on December 4th at 7p at the site.

The next FAC COW meeting will also concern itself with the Feast, elections and possibly a parade.  It will take place, however, at the Feast site, on December 9th, at 7p.  Come learn more about this arts organization – no need to join the Board, yet – and share your input, by becoming another strong, engaged member of the COW!

 

 


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©2014 Kirby Lindsay.  This column is protected by intellectual property laws, including U.S. copyright laws.  Reproduction, adaptation or distribution without permission is prohibited.

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