GULF ALLIANCE FOR LOCAL ARTS
Board Meeting
Thursday, March 18, 2010

In Attendance:  Don Ouellette, Amber Davis, Kim Harrison-Kerigan, Steve Kerigan, Michael McKenzie, Machell Bohannon, Blake Denton, Clay Keels, Dolores Lowery, Krichelle H. McGhee, Kelli Newman, Andy Smith, Pausha Player, Jen Bogaert

President Don Ouellette called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. EST.


I.    Old Business

The Annual Board Meeting Minutes on February 18, 2010 were reviewed and a motion was made by Dolores Lowery and seconded by Jen Bogaert.

Children’s Theater- Machell Bohannon
•    Machell has obtained a director, Bruce Tawes for the Fall production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.
•    Discussion among board members for an “Open Registry” or “Open Call” for children’s theater acting troupe.  Date still to be determined.
•    Members discussed the possibility of a $10 donation to be made by actors.
•    Don Ouellette suggested Machell Bohannon email out a copy of her notes to make people more aware of the Children’s Community Theater status.

Window Gallery Tour-Dolores Lowery
•    Waiting for approval of liability of contract for use of Brenda Ward building.
•    Supplies have been ordered and are ready to be use for 2-3 store fronts.

Art After Dark-Andy Smith/Dolores Lowery
•    To be worked on after Window Gallery Tour
•    SEA and/or 20-30 possible artists lined up already
•    Discussion of possible artist Heather Parker (downtown Panama City artist) and others to put work on display

First Friday’s-Andy Smith
•    Entertainment will be Cindy Cherry – singing
•    Verandas - catering
•    Christina McDermott - artist
•    Banners advertising catering and GALA will be created and displayed at GALA’s expense
•    GALA volunteers will man the free bar
•    Membership table to be set up and worked by GALA members to provide information about GALA membership and/or services.
•    Donation jar to be circulated during the event


Songwriters’ Festival
•    Songerwriters’ Festival s to be partnered with Florida Lodging and Restaurant Association (FRLA) and GALA.
•    Chair is needed and Don Ouellette suggested Andy Smith and Steve Kerigan act as liaisons while serving on FRLA committee.

Plein Air Art/Don Ouellette
•    Plein Air Art Day Wednesday May 12, 2010 student art day. 
•    Discussed need for food sponsors and volunteers to aid in the event.  Note that people will be solicited for help in the event.

Ghosts on the Coast Story Teller/Don Ouellette
•    Kim Harrison suggested Jodi Perez has offered to coordinate with the storyteller.

Creative Writing Seminars/Kelli Newman
•    Creative Writing Seminars are on hold. 
•    Kelli Newman suggested after discussing the date it would be more helpful to begin next fall by way of one big seminar with the help of Mary Gibson acting as an unlimited resource. 
•    Seminars are free and are not limited to just senior students though priority to be given to seniors and juniors.

Sponsorship Program-Steve Kerigan
•    Sponsorship will be website directed detailing sponsorship process and payment.
•    Don Ouellette mentioned the use of GALA cards for advertising and promoting memberships and sponsorships.

Community Theater/Blake Denton
•    Farndale Adult Community Theater to be presented on March 25th, 26th, 27th
•    Ticket sales report Saturday night sold out.
•    Blake Denton noted that advertising on programs was sold out.
•    A detailed budget of Farndale production was passed out and reviewed to show budget currently in the black.
•    Blake Denton asked for two volunteers per production to help at the door.  Emails will be circulated to solicit help.

II.    New Business

Funding Proposals for Arts and Education
•    Capital City Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet touring group.  Clay Keels and Krischelle McGhee proposed funding for Capital City Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet touring group to put on 40 minute adaptation of performance during Tuesday, May 4, 2010. The cost of touring group would be in the range $1,400- $3,000 depending on production choice. Discussion from the board to raise funds or get sponsor is being considered.
•    Duane Sabiston Artist in Residence Program-Dolores Lowery proposed Arts in Residence would benefit Port St. Joe High and Wewa High Schools.  The program targets two teachers with maximum of 60 students and possibly to include middle school students.  Time of program coincides with Plein Air Art. This would be comprehensive art classes lasting the week of Plein Air presented by artist Duane Sabiston.  The projected cost is $1,700 plus lodging and travel.  Possible additional cost of substitute teachers.  
•    The Board agrees they are equally committed to both proposals and willing to raise money for both projects to make it happen. 
•    Discussion of Steve Kerigan contacting sponsor(s) from GALA sponsorship program to raise funds.    Amber Davis made a motion for GALA to pursue each proposal and seconded by Don Ouellette, the board passed unanimously

Next meeting:  Thursday, April 15, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time at the Port Inn upstairs conference room, Port St. Joe.

Pausha P. Player
Recording Secretary