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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes.WHLR.20230208.Regular1 Wheeler Advisory Board Meeting Minutes February 8, 2023, | 3:30 p.m. In Attendance: Wheeler Opera House Advisory Board Members: Chip Fuller, Chair; Amy Mountjoy, Vice-Chair Dr. Tom Kurt, Secretary; Daniel Benavent*; Nina Gabianelli; Richard Stettner; and Jennifer White* (ex-officio, MAA) * Attended via Zoom Wheeler Opera House/City of Aspen Staff: Lisa Rigsby Peterson, Executive Director, Alixandra Feeley, Business Manager; Karen McConnell, Administrative & Artistic Specialist Mia Valley from Valley Fine Art joined for public comment. Absent: Lauren Foreman (alternate) Meeting Recorder: Karen McConnell Chair Chip Fuller called the meeting to order at 3:33 p.m. Chair Fuller moved to approve the January minutes; Nina Gabianelli seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Public Comment Mia Valley of Valley Fine Arts requested the Board consider recommending to Council a 5-year lease extension; her current lease expires in November 2023. A long-time Aspen local, Ms. Valley felt very fortunate to be the City/Wheeler’s lease-space occupant for the past 17 years. With a museum-like quality and a collection highlighting Aspen and the American West, the gallery sees over 40 people a day during in-season traffic, a third of whom identify as local residents. Though fewer than 30% of visitors make purchases, items are priced starting at $60 to create an affordable entry to art ownership. Ms. Valley spoke enthusiastically about hosting shows that benefit community non-profits, who then receive a percentage of proceeds. Past beneficiaries have included the Right Door and Aspen Historical Society. She hopes Valley Fine Art can continue to provide a familiar storefront, contributing to that sense of community consistency visitors and locals alike enjoy. The Board determined to reconvene on this matter and discuss at the March meeting. 2 Wheeler Updates, Lisa Rigsby Peterson With exciting progress made on long-term projects, Ms. Rigsby Peterson had many updates to share with the Board. First, she noted the Vision Statement was in semi-final draft from and that a sharable version should be ready by March. For the City’s NorthStar Program, the Wheeler builds off the previous year to further develop the four points of its Compass Plan: 1. Welcome all to the Wheeler: Goal around Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility in programming, operations, etc. 2. Amplify the Wheeler Vision: Share internally and externally, guide decision-making 3. Celebrate the Wheeler: Highlights include the 40th Grand Reopening & 135th Anniversary of the Wheeler itself in 2024 4. Become a Leader in Sustainable Theatre Practices There was no formal financial update, but Ms. Rigsby Peterson noted that final year-end figures will be shared when available; 2022 books close February 15th, 2023. Looking at the Season-to-Date, Ms. Rigsby Peterson provided a comparison of Ticket Sales and Attendance from 2019 and 2022. In 2022, there were about 12 fewer performances, due to a handful of factors including building work and right-sizing as directed by City Council. Responding to questions, she provided additional context about aligning the programming calendar and staffing numbers as well as how and when we might revisit that conversation. Ms. Rigsby Peterson anticipates further developing the programming calendar to optimize that balance while pursuing high quality programming. Referring to notes from the summer of 2021, Ms. Rigsby Peterson invited Board members to think back to those initial programming requests: family-friendly shows, lots of variety, comedy, a few big names, one-offs, festivals. When building a season for our stage and our patrons, she emphasized that not everybody is going to want to see everything, but that everyone will want to see something. Chair Fuller noted that this is a unique programming model for a multi-genre arts center like the Wheeler compared to other venues in the community. Board members discussed influences on attendance and expanding programming opportunities, to which Ms. Rigsby Peterson emphasized expanding Spanish-language and student matinees in 2023, building our partnerships, and conducting a patron survey in the coming months to help identify gaps. On building updates, Ms. Rigsby Peterson shared that a 2025 capital project will be fast tracked in 2023 to expedite the replacement of the three gas boilers on-site. Other 2023 projects include a refresh of the Green Room and acoustic treatment and safety elements to the Box Office. She also touched on the Master Signage plan in review with the Historic Preservation Committee and highlighted some of the exterior signage options proposed. Regarding bar operations, she shared that an Intent to Award notification was delivered to Escobar, and that the agreement is being finalized. A 3–4-month backlog for liquor licensing at the State means Escobar cannot assume full operations until the spring. Escobar is currently providing as-needed bartending services for most events, with the Wheeler staff (including TIPS trained employees) covering smaller events, until the spring. 3 The Aspen Public House has renewed its lease option for the next 5 years. They anticipate the following hours of operation: Currently closed Tuesday; open for dinner 7 days a week and weekend brunch Beginning March 1st, they will be open for dinner 7 days a week, Beginning June 1st, they will be open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week Aspen Public House’s local proprietor Bill Johnson notes that they do not currently have demand for expanded lunch hours to make sense financially, and while they have struggled with staffing they anticipate and increase soon as staff members who had visas renewed and reissued return. Bill shared that capacity and fire code are top of mind during service hours. APH provides seating up to capacity. Chair Fuller inquired about World Cup week operations and the Wheeler; Ms. Rigsby Peterson shared that the Wheeler had offered its spaces to the race organizers for pass/bag pickup similar to that for Food and Wine, but that the organizers had to switch from the Wheeler to a sponsor-related location instead. Board members also inquired about other use options during that time. Board Discussion With all concerns and questions on the Wheeler Advisory Board Bylaws addressed, a motion to pass was made by Nina Gabianelli Dr. Kurt seconded. All Board members were in favor. The bylaws were adopted, and Board members anticipate that the approved Bylaws will serve for years to come. Ms. Rigsby Peterson reminded the Board that officer elections will be held at the March board meeting, and asked any interested in holding an officer position to email her and Chair Fuller by March 1st to express intention to run. Timing of Wheeler Board meetings is of concern and the Board determined to meet at 3:00 pm for (3) months beginning in March and further evaluate in May as summertime schedules are considered. Dr. Kurt moved to adjourn; Nina Gabianelli seconded. The meeting concluded at 4:57 p.m. Future Meetings Schedule March 8, 2023, 3:00 p.m. April 12, 2023, 3:00 p.m. May 10, 2023, 3:00 p.m.