Minutes for the Cultural Arts Commission

1 Civic Center Circle, Brea, California 92821

February 12, 2025

 

Roll Call: (The following members were in attendance)

  • Beverly Falco, Chair - Cultural Arts
  • Erika Bernal, Vice Chair - Cultural Arts
  • Robyn Price, Cultural Arts Commissioner
  • Benjamin Schultz, Cultural Arts Commissioner
  • Linda Shay, Cultural Arts Commissioner

1. Call to Order

Chair Falco called the meeting to order at 5:32 pm.

2. Pledge of Allegiance

Chair Falco led the Pledge of of Allegiance.

3. Invocation

Chair Falco asked for a moment of silence for those in need.

4. Informational

None.

5. Matters from the Audience

None.

6. Action

6.A. Commission Reorganization

Vice Chair Schultz nominated Chair Falco to remain as Chair, seconded by Commissioner Shay.

Motion carried 5-0

Ayes: Falco, Schultz, Bernal, Price, Shay

Nays: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None.

Vice Chair Schultz nominated Commissioner Bernal as Vice Chair, seconded by Commissioner Price.

Motion carried 5-0

Ayes: Falco, Schultz, Bernal, Price, Shay

Nays: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None.

6.B. Approval of Minutes-

Commissioner Schultz made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Commissioner Shay.

Motion carried 4-0-1.

Ayes: Bernal, Price, Schultz, Shay

Nays: None

Abstain: Falco

Absent: None

6.C. 2025/2026 Curtis Theatre Season Offerings-

Theatre Director Kris Kataoka provided a robust presentation of the upcoming Curtis Theatre season.

Commissioner Price made a motion to approve, seconded by Vice Chair Bernal.

Motion carried 5-0

Ayes: Falco, Bernal, Price, Schultz, Shay

Nays: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None.

6.D. Cultural Arts Commission Goals Matrix Amendment Consideration

Community Services Manager Jenn Colacion presented proposed amendments to the Cultural Arts Commission's goals matrix. She reported that Commissioner Shay had suggested additional potential goals for consideration:

  • Expanded Community Outreach: To increase engagement with nonprofits, local artists, and community groups beyond city-run facilities. Staff proposed language for a goal focused on connecting the community to arts offerings throughout Brea via city promotion platforms.
  • Arts & Humanities Month Campaign: To initiate a comprehensive campaign during Arts & Humanities Month (October), encompassing city facilities and community outreach, with collaboration from the Communications and Marketing team. This would include existing initiatives and potentially a Cultural Arts Commission recognition program for artists, nonprofits, businesses, volunteers, and private studios.

Commissioner Schultz proposed developing a list of community events and happenings. He suggested inviting attendees of those events to Commission meetings and acknowledging their presence. This approach could organically initiate a process of recognizing individuals and groups for their cultural impact within the community.

The Commission appreciated the thought and work that went into creating these goals. 

7. Discussion

7.A. Cultural Arts Commission Subcommittee Appointments-

Following discussion, the Commission made the following appointments:

  • Chair Falco: Gallery Committee
  • Vice Chair Bernal: Country Fair Committee, Theater Committee
  • Commissioner Shay: Arts in Public Places (APP) Committee, Gallery Committee
  • Commissioner Price: General Plan Steering Committee, Site Awareness Committee, Theater Committee
  • Commissioner Schultz: Site Awareness Committee, General Plan Steering Committee (Alternate)

8. Information Memorandum

8.A. Information Memorandum-

9. Reports

9.A. Theatre Subcommittee-

The Committee had met and reviewed the preview the Commission just saw.

9.B. Gallery Subcommittee -

No updates.

9.C. Site Awareness Subcommittee-

No updates.

9.D. Art in Public Places Subcommittee-

No updates.

9.E. Staff-

Gallery Report from Community Services Specialist Kathleen Fenstermaker:

  • Kathleen Fenstermaker provided a recap of the "Bitter/Sweet" gallery opening.
  • She announced the upcoming artist-in-residence program.
  • A poet laureate from West Hollywood will be present at the gallery, creating personalized poems for guests.
  • Over 4,000 art submissions were received for the "Made in California" exhibition, and staff are currently reviewing them.

Theater Report from Theatre Director Kris Kataoka:

  • Kris Kataoka reported that the youth theater production had concluded, and "Beautiful" is opening this weekend.
  • The theater has a busy spring schedule with school rentals and is currently finalizing the spring brochure design.

Community Services Report from Community Services Supervisor Kristin Steyerman:

  • Kristin Steyerman reported that the Sister City student exchange program with Korea and Japan has concluded after hosting over 70 students.
  • The spring boutique is scheduled for March 14-15.
  • The Pet Expo will take place on April 5.
  • The "Go. Serve. Brea." event, formerly known as "Love Brea," will be held on April 26.

10. Adjournment

Chair Falco adjourned the meeting at 6:51 pm.

The foregoing minutes are hereby approved

This 12th day of March, 2025:

______________________________________

Carrie Hernandez, Community Services Director