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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes.WHLR.20231213.Regular1 Wheeler Advisory Board Meeting Minutes December 13, 2023, | 3:00 p.m. In Attendance: Wheeler Opera House Advisory Board Members: Chip Fuller*, Chair; Amy Mountjoy, Vice- Chair; Dr. Tom Kurt, Secretary, Nina Gabianelli; Ziska Childs; Richard Stettner, Lauren Forman, Daniel Benavent; and Kate Northfield Lanich of Aspen Music Festival & School. Wheeler Opera House/City of Aspen Staff: Lisa Rigsby Peterson, Executive Director; Alixandra Feeley*, Business Manager; Karen McConnell, Administrative & Artistic Specialist; Michael Baca, Production Manager, Pete Hajdu*, Building Maintenance Supervisor. Absent: None *Attended via Zoom Recorder: Karen McConnell Chair Chip Fuller called the meeting to order at 3:05 p.m. and observed presence of a quorum. Chair Fuller mentioned November minutes had been presented to the Board and there were no edits. Nina Gabianelli moved to approve minutes from the November 8, 2023 Board meeting, Daniel Benavent seconded, and Board members unanimously approved adoption of same. Public Comment: Chair Fuller requested public comment. None was offered. Wheeler Updates, Lisa Rigsby Peterson Ms. Rigsby Peterson announced that earlier in November the results of the RFP for the gallery space were announced and lease approved for DJ Watkins for his Aspen Collective gallery. Daniel Joseph Watkins (commonly called DJ) then shared his background and vision for the space. He shared he’d run approximately a dozen pop-ups through town the last decade and has written three books on Aspen history and was fortunate to work with long-time local George Stranahan who shared what a special place this is and he treasures this locale as his home. He’s honored to be selected and looks forward to showcasing local artists to aid in their careers and create a 2 reason for people to visit the gallery to see what is on display and keep the exhibitions rotating frequently. He plans events and talks to include locals such as Pete McBride, focusing on rivers and incorporating art and partner with local artists and curators in the area. His goal is to keep the gallery exciting and engaging in the space. He shared he’s humbled and honored to work in this beautiful building and give people reason to come by to see what’s happening. DJ then welcomed questions. Prior to questions from the Board, Ms. Rigsby Peterson mentioned the approval of the current lease to Mia Valley of Valley Fine Arts, recommended by the Board and approved by City Council, had been extended through mid-April through ski season which would then provide opportunity for Mia to move her inventory the last few weeks of April with DJ taking over the lease May 1, 2024 with plans that his gallery be open by Memorial Weekend which should coincide with the true 40th anniversary of the re-opening weekend of the Wheeler in 1984. DJ shared he’s been working with Ms. Valley to ensure a smooth transition, maintain the flooring and keep it clean, neat and classy with focus on the art on the walls. Board members encouraged DJ, shared their excitement for what he’s doing and shared they’re looking forward to it and expressed their desire for DJ to ask if there is anything they can assist with. In closing, DJ shared he’s always approachable and invited the Board to stop by with any concerns or comments and thanked the Board for this opportunity. Ms. Rigsby Peterson provided ticket sales update which had been sent to the Board the previous evening and also shared the breadth of the work coming up and provided analysis comparing the 2019-2020 Wheeler season (pre-Covid) to current season (which she’ll distribute to Board members soon) comparing positive season numbers for Wheeler presents and rentals and demonstrated the Wheeler is very close to where we were pre-pandemic which sets the stage for greater growth as we move forward. Daniel Benavent made mention of the December-January, jam-packed schedule which reveals a diverse schedule as programming strategy which includes interesting, compelling programming for everyone. Board Chair Fuller shared the Board’s pleasure and excitement in upcoming programming and looks forward to community involvement which Ms. Rigsby Peterson then mentioned her hope for a ripple effect which would lead to further ticket sales for patrons for other events. Recent amazing events from Native Pride production the previous weekend which captured the spirit of the Wheeler for young and old alike was shared by Ms. Rigsby Peterson who then moved on the programming updates and further shared that the rigging project garnered support of City Council the previous evening and credited Michael Baca and Cody Kosinski of production as well as the city asset department. During the rigging project in-house work, Barbizon and Aspen Constructors and our production team will be at work from end of August to end of November 2024. Programming for the holiday week of 2024 will be examined and excitement is building for this long-anticipated project and remains within the original budget with slight increase to the contingency. Ms. Rigsby Peterson then provided a financial update with year-end projections showing that the Wheeler will come in below budgeted expenses and a bit over in budgeted revenue. Ms. Rigsby Peterson shared that Pete Strecker will attend the January 10, 2024 Board meeting to answer Board questions about city budget and finance information as it relates to the Wheeler. Invitation was made of the Board to please send any questions for Pete Strecker to Chair Fuller 3 and Ms. Rigsby Peterson in advance of the January Board meeting. Ms. Rigsby Peterson will not be present at that meeting as she’ll be attending the APAP conference in New York and Diane Foster, assistant city manager, and Nicole Levesque, marketing director, will be in attendance at that meeting. Ms. Rigsby Peterson ended her updates and expressed thanks and appreciation to everyone for support and growth the past year in many wonderful ways and focused on wonderful, talented, dedicated staff which make working at the Wheeler such a pleasure. Ms. Mountjoy inquired and received response from Ms. Rigsby Peterson regarding the Escobar bar contract which has been going well since July or August. Ms. Gabianelli asked about status of Bill Johnson, owner of Aspen Public House restaurant, plans and Ms. Rigsby Peterson shared that he’ll speak to council on February 5th. Board Discussion Chair Fuller shared that Monday, February 5, 2024 the Wheeler Board will have it’s first one on one meeting with City Council in a number of years. He then led discussion of possible topics based upon the information received from Board members, asking members to approve and prioritize topics based on Board consensus. The following topics were raised by Board members: 1. Role of the Wheeler Opera House Board and expectations of City Council. 2. Direction, variety and diversity of programming at the Wheeler. 3. Construction of a building or more active use of the parcel lot next door. After discussion, this topic did not garner Board consensus to pursue. 4. Wheeler staffing support and attraction and maintenance of staff. 5. The Wheeler’s role as a leader in the arts community throughout the Roaring Fork Valley. Chair Fuller commended Board members for their excellent feedback and expressed encouragement for further discussion at the January 10, 2024 Board meeting in anticipation of the February 5 meeting before City Council. Ms. Mountjoy inquired about feedback from rental clients and how the new fee structure is working for them. Ms. Rigsby Peterson agreed that a survey to current clients could result in constructive feedback. Ms. Childs asked if the Wheeler had demographic information about its patrons. Ms. Rigsby Peterson replied that the Wheeler does have this information but that it will take some time to compile it for the Board. When the new ticketing system is moved to Spektrix in January, it should be easier to compile audience demographics moving forward. Chair Fuller inquired if there were any additional topics to be discussed by the Board. None was offered. The Wheeler Board voted to adjourn the meeting. The meeting concluded at 4:43 p.m. Future Meetings Schedule January 10, 2024 3:00 p.m. February 14, 2024 3:00 p.m. March 13, 2024 3:00 p.m.