1. General Session
1.A. Call to Order
Chair Falco called the meeting to order at 5:32 pm.
1.B. Pledge of Allegiance-
Chair Falco led the Pledge of Allegiance.
1.C. Invocation
Chair Falco asked for a moment of silence.
1.D. Matters from the Audience
City Councilmember Steve Vargas stated that he is a member of the Masons, an organization that values education and the cultural arts. He expressed their interest in sponsoring or contributing to a cultural arts event.
2. Action
2.A. Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Price made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Commissioner Shay.
Motion passed 5-0.
Ayes: Falco, Bernal, Price, Schultz, Shay
Noes: None
5-0-0-0-0
3. Discussion
3.A. Follow-up on Impacts of Federal Legislation and Executive Orders to Cultural Arts Programming
Chair Falco inquired about the potential impacts of federal legislation and executive orders on cultural arts programming. Community Services Manager Jenn Colacion responded that, at this time, none of the programming is supported by federal funds.
3.B. Formation of Cultural Arts Commission Recognition Program
The Commission engaged in a discussion regarding the potential development of a Recognition Program. An Ad Hoc Committee was established, comprising of Vice Chair Bernal and Commissioner Schultz, to further explore the concept. The Committee will meet independently and present its findings to the Commission at a future meeting.
4. Reports
4.A. Gallery Committee
No updates.
4.B. Theatre Committee
Vice Chair Bernal stated the Committee had 17 submissions and they would be meeting again on April 23, 2025.
4.C. Site Awareness Committee
Community Services Manager Jenn Colacion stated the imagery is being fine tuned and then would be shared with the Commission.
4.D. Art in Public Places Committee
No updates but it was mentioned there is an upcoming meeting on April 28, 2025 at 5:30 pm.
4.E. Country Fair Committee
Vice Chair Bernal stated that sponsorships are ahead of schedule and the committee will be meeting monthly up until the event on July 4, 2025.
4.F. General Plan Steering Committee
No updates.
5. Informational
5.A. Correspondence
The Commission discussed both positive and negative feedback received regarding the Made in California exhibit and the Spring Boutique.
5.B. B. Information Memorandum/Staff Updates
Gallery Director Katie Chidester shared her excitement about the artist drop-off event last weekend for the Made in California exhibit, noting the opportunity to meet many of the participating artists. She announced that the opening reception will take place on Saturday, April 26th, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. She also provided updates on upcoming events, including the 50th Anniversary of the Art in Public Places exhibit this summer and the Yo Gabba Gabba exhibit scheduled for the fall.
Community Services Specialist Elliott Forrester reported that the Curtis Theatre has been very busy over the past six weeks with school rentals, welcoming over 3,000 students. He expressed excitement about the upcoming Amplify performance in April and shared that the Curtis Theatre is looking forward to the OC Theatre Guild Awards on April 28th, where 14 of its productions have been nominated.
Community Services Specialist Ashley Reid reported on the successful Spring Craft Boutique, which featured over 225 vendors and a full turnout. She also shared that staff recently concluded the 6th Annual Pet Expo, which welcomed over 1,200 attendees, included nine rescue organizations, and resulted in more than 51 pet adoptions. Additionally, she expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming Go. Serve. Brea. event and encouraged Commissioners to volunteer for one of the many available Community Services projects. She also mentioned the Special Events Team sat down and did a podcast with the Communications and Marketing Division recently.
Commissioner Shay commented on the low turn out of Brea residents at the Gallery in the month of March. Community Services Manager Jenn Colacion stated that staff has begun tracking how attendees hear about events.
5.C. Commissioner Requests
Chair Falco asked if there are any Commissioner requests. Commissioner Schultz suggested a Commission representative update the City Council at a meeting and the Information Memo be shared with them monthly.
6. Adjournment
Community Services Director Carrie Hernandez announced that she and Chair Falco will be attending the OC Theater Guild awards in support of staff.
Chair Falco adjourned the meeting at 6:11 pm.
The foregoing minutes are hereby approved
This 14th day of May, 2025:
______________________________________
Carrie Hernandez, Community Services Director