Joplin Regional Artists Coalition
Board Meeting
June 11, 2019
Attending: Emily Rose, Angel Brame, Chadan Tomlin, Marta Churchwell, Sandra Parrill, and Brenda Sears Hayes. Guest: Jane Ballard.
A motion was made by Sandra Parrill and seconded by Chadan Tomlin to approve the minutes of the May board meeting. The motion was unanimously approved.
Angel Brame presented a treasurer’s report showing $7,830.14 in the treasury. A motion was made by Marta Churchwell and seconded by Angel Brame to approve the treasurer’s report. The motion was unanimously approved.
Emily Rose presented a membership update showing 111 members, which includes two renewing members and five new ones this month.
OLD BUSINESS
Angel Brame presented a report on the Artists’ Studio Tour scheduled for November. She noted that there is a hold on printing of post cards, posters and other marketing materials until the artist application deadline of July 1 when a full list of participants will allow printing of materials. Regarding security at the studios on the tour, it was suggested that artists have someone in addition to themselves to assist, and it was noted that there are Wyze security cameras for about $20 that may be worth investing in.
Marta Churchwell presented a report on the May JRAC Coffee Talk, noting that there was considerable discussion on the studio tour, including questions regarding security, as noted above.
Regarding a professional development workshop on social media marketing for artists, Marta Churchwell reported that she had attempted to contact a speaker with the Kansas Small Business Development Center, which had previously provided a similar workshop at Art Forms gallery in Pittsburg, Kan. That speaker was not longer with the KSBDC, so it was suggested that the Small Business Development Center at Missouri Southern be contacted.
Regarding the coming Front and Center exhibit at Maple Uncommon Guest House and Gallery at Columbus, Kan., Emily Rose reported that she will do a spreadsheet of pertinent information on the submitted artwork, and Brenda Sears Hayes will assist with creating the exhibit tags. Connie Miller has volunteered to assist with transporting the art to Columbus after the drop-off at the Joplin Pubic Library on Sunday, June 30. Emily and Andrew Batcheller will be responsible for hanging the exhibit. It was agreed that artists may submit up to two pieces for the exhibit, which runs July 1 through Aug. 31.
In a brief discussion on recruitment of JRAC volunteers for this year’s Joplin Arts Fest, Emily Rose suggested that in addition to recruiting through emails, phone calls should also be made.
Chadan Tomlin presented an update on the Rendezvous Joplin venue he is developing for events, artists’ studio and exhibiting space, and a gift shop. The venue is located immediately west of Empire Market. He said the gift shop will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. five days a week and artists will be charged a 30% commission. JRAC members will receive a discounted price of $10 per hour for studio space. A soft opening tentatively will be held during a summer solstice event of Empire Market.
NEW BUSINESS
Marta Churchwell reported that she had been contacted by Christine Bentley of the MSSU Art Department about a JRAC exhibit in the summer of 2020 at the university gallery. The exhibit would have a call for entries, it would be juried, and it may have a theme selected by the university’s art faculty. In view of JRAC’s annual exhibit in July and August at Maple Uncommon Gallery, it was agreed that May or June would be the best months for an exhibit at the university.
Regarding a proposed membership scholarship for a new artist, a motion was unanimously approved to table action until more information can be obtained on the artist. The motion was made by Emily Rose and seconded by Brenda Sears Hayes.
Next meeting of the board will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 9, at the Joplin Public Library.