HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes.WHLR.20241009.Regular
Wheeler Advisory Board Minutes
October 9th, 2024 | 3:00 p.m.
In Attendance:
Wheeler Opera House Advisory Board Members: Chip Fuller, Chair; Amy Mountjoy, Vice-Chair;
Dr. Tom Kurt, Secretary; Ziska Childs; Nina Gabianelli; Richard Stettner*; Daniel Benavent; and
Kate Northfield Lanich.
Wheeler Opera House Staff: Mike Harrington*, Executive Director; Alixandra Feeley*, Business
Manager; Karen McConnell, Administrative & Artistic Specialist.; Michael Baca, Production
Manager; Cody Kosinski, Assistant Production Manager; Malia Machado, Programs
Administrator; Nicole Levesque*, Marketing Director; Peter Weiland, Ticketing Coordinator I and
Alex Glen, Front of House Manager.
Also in attendance was DJ Watkins of Aspen Collective.
Absent: * None.
*Attended via Zoom
Recorder: Karen McConnell
Chair Chip Fuller called the meeting to order at 3:05 PM
Chair Fuller asked for a motion to approve the September minutes. There were no edits. Dr.
Tom Kurt moved, Nina Gabianelli seconded, approving the September 11th, 2024, meeting
minutes. Motion passed unanimously.
Chair Fuller asked for public comment. There was none.
DJ Watkins of Artist Collective presented a PowerPoint presentation which contained links and
he offered to email the pdf to any interested parties. Mr. Watkins explained that the links in the
pdf contain artist Youtube talks. Ten (10) shows have been held since their opening in May
which highlight valley artists. DJ mentioned he has property on back of Aspen Mountain and is
interested in promoting artist/studio space and focusing on their work at Artist Collective. A
testimonial from Whit Boucher was read. Giving space to other local curators who have lost their
space(s) is also in the works for Mr. Watkins. His gallery contains local historical art, posters,
maps and books. Four (4) Aspen Art Walks (held the final Thursday of each month) have
occurred to great response and continue to bring vitality and action in town in conjunction with
APCHA. Press releases were shared. DJ’s also mentioned that in his original proposal for the
space, from a financial standpoint, the money goes back into the community helping artists live
and work here. Expect additional commercial and high-profile artists. All the Aspen Art Walks
parties are full with large variety of participants and generate and create community He’s
honored to be there and continue the work he’s doing. DJ then invited questions.
Chair Fuller inquired regarding the length of typical exhibit. 3-4 weeks was Mr. Watkins reply -
with the exception of Whit Boucher whose work sold out suddenly. His gallery offers a vast
range of prices. After Whit’s sold out show, DJ’s gallery quickly pivoted to historic art from his
archive when those items were sold. Mr. Watkins would like to hold one show every month to 6
weeks and include weekend shows for young artists.
Chair Fuller inquired of DJ if there is anything the board can do to support his gallery. Mr.
Watkins expressed overall happiness and added that he’d like to pursue additional partnership
events with the Wheeler and examine calendar bookings more closely such as with ski events.
DJ Watkins added that gallery hours in high season are 10 AM – 10 PM. Wednesday - Sunday 8
hours per day with focus on peak seasons. Per his lease the gallery is to be open 40 hours in
high season and 30 hours in off season. Over time they may take Monday or Tuesday off. Their
website, Aspen Collective.com, features powerful information and the ability to sell work through
the website. The gallery’s social media is up and running as well is being added.
Amy Mountjoy commented on signage for Fat City Gallery. DJ responded that it’s not open to
the public but rather functions as the gallery’s glorified storage unit. It is not staffed but
assistants have the ability to walk interested parties over to view pieces in the space.
Executive Director Mike Harrington thanked DJ Watkins and expressed anticipation to meet in
person and collaborate.
Mr. Harrington then greeted the board and participants and provided the following Wheeler
updates:
Mike Harrington expressed his appreciation for his role and absorption of new information. He
also shared what a great team the Wheeler has and we’re all looking forward to getting the main
stage reopened and the community back in. Mike attended his first event, the Aspen Airport
discussion, last Friday and expressed his desire to position the vault bar lobby as a community
living room. He loved the energy and opportunity to meet members of the community and looks
forward to more.
Mike Harrington shared what he’d been doing since arriving in Aspen. Getting to know staff and
city policies and understanding the cultural landscape of Aspen and the valley. He’s met with
members of TACAW and Michael Goldberg of Belly Up as well as the Manager of the District
Theatre. Many more meetings are coming up. Mike will be meeting with Jed Bernstein of
Theatre Aspen while in New York and will Zoom with Allan Fletcher of Aspen Music Festival &
School at the end of the week as well. Mike mentioned that he arrived just in time for the annual
budget process which Lisa Rigsby-Peterson did a lot of the “heavy lifting” on. Slideshow will be
presented to City Council on Friday and the Wheeler budget presentation is Monday, October
21st. Mike Harrington, Alixandra Feeley and Michael Baca will be present. Chair Fuller has
presented a letter to Council in support of new Wheeler staff positions.
Mike Harrington proceeded to identify the priority of monitoring the rigging project (along with
Michael Baca, production manager, Pete Hajdu, building manager, the team, vendors and
contractors) in the coming months. Everything is on schedule. There is a need to submit for a
small increase for 3 motorized curtain motors to the project in order to capitalize on the current
access.
Regarding programming – Ms. Rigsby-Peterson completed some programming for
Winter/Spring 2025 which Mr. Harrington is looking to supplement and he’s working entirely on
Laugh Fest bookings March 11th -15th. Mike has been having exciting conversations
surrounding Laugh Fest. Nothing he can fully disclose now. Please stay tuned.
Marketing team conversations are underway regarding refining, reenergizing marketing and
promotional efforts and a manageable cadence to further promote ticket sales.
Mr. Harrington went on to share discussions regarding redefining the local program (former
Wheeler Wins) and exploring different names “Insiders” or “Wheelies” for intent and definition of
program. We’ve referenced some other city programs for locals. The relaunch should occur
when comedy festival lineup and supplemental programming is announced on November 18
(date has since changed to November 14). Please mark your calendars for that for more
information.
Mike Harrington shared that he’s keen on giving AspenShowTix a boost and to increase
promotion for community use as a service to local organizations. With our new ticketing system,
it’s the perfect time. We’re talking to vendor Vatic to allow our community partners to more
readily maximize revenues and fulfill their goals related to dynamic pricing.
Last, but not least on Mike’s list of priorities, is to more clearly articulate the venue use policies
and procedures. No changes will be made to rate schedules. The board may have thoughts on
adjustments and perhaps questions regarding appropriate staffing before the Wheeler re-
opening January 13th. Mike would like to take the information and place it into a cohesive
document to share with our partners to approve communication and make the space more
appealing. Questions were invited from the board prior to moving on to budget.
Dr. Tom Kurt promotes reinstatement of former Wheeler Wins and would like to see loyalty with
visitors and supported marketing through the local airport.
Nina Gabianelli – inquired regarding ticket sales for Consensual Improv which are currently
between 30-40. Promotions are underway throughout the valley now for the October 25th event.
Ziska Childs thanked Mike for looking at locals programs and expressed gratitude for Mike
exploring local programs and synergy with tickets and performing arts entities throughout the
valley. Opportunities abound to maximize revenue for programming partners which all sounds
great. Change Orders for the rigging project is a great idea and Chair Fuller added support and
expressed the board will support additional efforts to do all possible now.
Ms. Childs mentioned Zoom meeting she was involved in that morning for USA 829 and also
with the Interlocal Group. Her hope is to and would like more in depth conversations to expand
local opportunities regarding sustainability and showcasing the Wheeler. Great work has been
done on the rigging project including recent Aspen Times articles but information can be
expanded regarding technical space and sustainability.
Mike Harrington responded on sustainability, mentioned that the team had made improvements
and invited Michael Baca, Production Manager, to speak. Michael Baca shared that production
has converted our theatre to all new LED fixtures, the Wheeler was awarded a $25K grant,
we’ve recycled materials and rehomed components to the best of our abilities, as well as
donating equipment to Glenwood Springs high school, Rifle high school, Ute Theatre, Thunder
River, District and all performing arts throughout the valley and we’ve made extraordinary efforts
to keep items out of the landfill.
Ms. Childs spoke that in committee they’re seeking a dedicated Sustainability Manager to keep
data documenting how much is going into the dump especially in light of city-county
responsibility. As a high level example, reports from the Mayor’s Conference in New York
reported 20,000 tons being deposited into NYC landfill per week from the 80 area productions.
New York has incentives to reduce waste which we should consider in our local landfill for
policies management and production - bottom up and top down for policy implementation. Data
collection is encouraged regarding what is bought, kept, recycled and dumped. The Wheeler
has a great start on the rigging project but consideration should also be given to Figaro, and
additional events to create momentum in the industry which can be highlighted on our website.
The work implemented by the sustainability manager position may seem like something
additional, however, it will pay off and Ms. Childs encouraged reporting on the Wheeler website
of same. Michael Baca, Production Manager, expanded on the topic that we are definitely
headed in that direction with the Wheeler’s careful decisions on hardware, equipment
purchases. We purchase from companies who are in the forefront of those business practices
and have been fortunate to keep copper and aluminum out the landfill. The aforementioned
items went to Green Zone Recycling in Silt. Total c ontributions to Green Zone Recycling and the
LED grant netted the Wheeler an approximate $27,000 in income.
Ms. Childs mentioned a Sustainability Committee for global sustainability which will meet in
Greece the following week and invited those present to present a hard copy to her to present in
regard to production design. Dr. Tom Kurt inquired of Ms. Childs if she had an example of other
theatres, and how their accounting functions. Ms. Childs responded that the process is in the
works and listed hurdles of present silo committees. Strategy is being engaged moving forward
for a more cohensive process. The main questions center around “do we have time to do it?”
and “is it financially viable?”
Chair Fuller invited additional comments, there were none.
Mike Harrington, Executive Director- moved forward to the financial update which was pulled up
for viewing as well as being emailed earlier to board members and provided comments.
Nothing in Mr. Harrington’s opinion is particularly concerning on the financial report. We’ve only
had vault programming of late since the rigging project began. We expect a few additional vault
performances to take places prior to the end of the year. Request was made going forward for
hard copies of financials for the board meetings. Chair Fuller remarked that the financials look
good and raised questions about FTE’s in green. Alixandra Feeley, Business Manager, spoke to
Chair Fuller’s question and explained that some employees are costed in two or multiple lines
which is why you might see the “2.4.” For example, Ms. Feeley explained, a given employee
may only have 40% of their payroll costed to a certain line. What’s important for us, Ms. Feeley
explained, is the total number when all the math is tallied for total Wheeler employees. For
example, Natalie Blumentritt, who works on City of Aspen grant funding is costed at 30% within
the Wheeler fund. Chair Fuller expressed appreciation of the explanation and understanding
was made that temp labor holds the same explanation.
Mr. Harrington explained that this budget does not include expenses for the Red Brick and then
shared to the screen the “shared” Arts and Culture Fund page of the financials which has RED
BRICK items highlighted in red. Shared items are listed by separate tab. Dr. Tom Kurt and board
members agreed they’d like to see financial reports at least quarterly with comparison to
previous years. Mr. Harrington agreed and shared that is his usual approach with presentations
to boards of the past. Chair Fuller finds the “notes lines” extremely useful in answering his
questions. Ms. Childs inquired of Mr. Harrington again if anything jumps out to him in the
financials and he replied in the negative and shared that he’d spoken with Alixandra Feeley,
Business Manager, prior because staffing was his initial struggle to understand how it was
divided. A great deal of this is what he’s inherited and supports. For Mike, he stressed the
importance on going through a full year cycle and when we hold this conversation at this time
next year, he’ll have a lot more feedback.
Amy Mountjoy had quick question regarding wrap up of construction at the Red Brick for new
hallway gallery lights and new bathrooms or if it was still ongoing. Mike Harrington mentioned
he’d met with Sarah Roy of the Red Brick, she hadn’t mentioned it, but will certainly seek an
answer. Ms. Gabianelli commented that there is a new show in progress at the Red Brick and
that they’re actively using the space.
Mike Harrington went on to quantify the Change Order for the rigging project. Its approximately
$150,000, which is small in light of a 3.5 million dollar project. Secondly the FY25 request is
about 3% + 7K or $106,000 higher than in 2024.
Chair Fuller invited any further questions. There were none.
Mike Harrington stated that he welcomes feedback and input from the board for the future. He’s
open to that guidance.
Dr. Tom Kurt mentioned he’d explored in previous board meeting(s) a summer intern program
for local college students seeking theatre management experience and shepherding. Ms.
Gabianelli mentioned that TACAW has a similar program. Applications are being accepted for
local high school students. Michael Baca, Production Manager, continued to speak to that.
Preliminary discussions were held with CMC regarding getting an internship started; however,
the crux was CMC has to provide credit etc. The Wheeler has done everything we can to date
on our side and are waiting for response from CMC. Ms. Gabianelli remarked that what TACAW
is doing is for high school students outside of any credit, but an educational opportunity.
Michael Baca, production manager, remarked that this last season we were engaged supporting
our partners, Aspen Music Festival & School nearly 7 days a week this summer, focusing on
locals so there was no need for housing. Question was raised by Ms. Childs if there was
resistance in the past working with high schoolers and if that was getting better. Michael Baca,
production manager, responded that he’d only heard of individuals over 18 years of age and
deferred to Mike Harrington or someone with the City to speak to this question. Mr. Harrington
replied that this was the first time he’d heard of the advisory board’s interest, will explore and
gather additional information. Mike Harrington sees the value with younger or emerging career
individuals in all areas.
Mike Harrington will return the following Wednesday from New York and Chair Fuller will
coordinate an informal get together between him and board members at a local coffee shop.
Ms. Mountjoy referenced the Joshua Redmond poster seen during the backstage tour last
month and asked if there is a comprehensive list of everything that’s happened at the Wheeler.
Mike Harrington replied that this is one of the first action items within two weeks of beginning his
position and explained that members of the Box Office team are currently working on this
project. A program from the 10th Anniversary event in 1994 has been found and we’re using that
as a starting point. Box Office members are also examining past ticketing reports to pull
together a comprehensive list. It’s fun seeing artists who appeared in the 1980’s and 1990’s and
it has sparked ideas – Mike is reaching out to explore options of having artists return who may
have been in the beginning of their careers then and near the end of their careers now. Mike
will make information available when the project is completed.
Mike Harrington went on to introduce Peter Weiland, new full-time member of Box Office staff
and introduced staff currently in attendance. Cody Kosinski, Assistant Production Manager,
Michael Baca, Production Manager, and Malia Machado, Programs Administrator. All were
thanked by Chair Fuller for their attendance.
Ms. Gabianelli mentioned a great article in the October 13th newspaper regarding all big arts
organizations who sent a letter in opposition to the community to adding another festival (all for
profit, on public property) in the middle of summer. Seemingly Wheeler historic dates such as
Laugh Fest haven’t been considered, which is why the Wheeler had to move their long standing
dates.
Chair Fuller touched upon the Wheeler’s desire to coordinate local events with a comprehensive
calendar and collaboration. Ms. Childs mentioned currently KDNK radio has the best by far with
their weekly report.
Mr. Harrington commented:
(1) He was not consulted regarding the letter. He’s the new guy and is still developing those
relationships;
(2) He’s planted the seed with Diane Foster to create a centralized portal tentatively called
“Aspen Arts” which would be a central location where everyone could be directed to all the
various cultural organizations and concert promoters and everything that’s happening all in one
spot. Ms. Foster felt there may be interest in it as Mike builds relationship across the
community and talks will continue.
(3) In regard to Belly Up and Michael Goldberg specifically, he shared that he had a
conversation with him the previous evening about the new Laugh Festival dates of which Mr.
Goldberg said he had not been apprised. Mr. Harrington interpreted Mr. Goldberg open to
finding ways to help the Wheeler promote the comedy festival. Determining the cadence of
dialogue between himself and Mr. Goldberg in the coming weeks is another priority of Mr.
Harrington.
Nina Gabianelli said it was no surprise the organizations hadn’t reached out to Mike Harrington,
Wheeler’s new Executive Director, because for some time it has been non-profit organizations
vs profit organizations so Wheeler falls into a gray area.
Kate Northfield Lanich agreed that Lisa Rigsby Peterson, former Wheeler Executive Director at
the Wheeler, also wasn’t a part of discussions in the past either and expanded that the point of
the group letter was that they didn’t oppose but a scheduling ecosystem for summer and
encouragement was expressed to discuss and collaborate in mutual existence.
Dr. Tom Kurt suggested the Wheeler take over Wagner Park for Opera to which Mike Harrington
replied that he was speaking his language i.e. Shakespeare in the Park.
Ms. Childs revisited previous discussions of over 2 years to creating a message board to share
needs/wants throughout the valley. Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened. All board members
were in agreement that’s a great idea.
There being no further items, Dr. Kurt moved to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Gabianelli seconded.
The motion passed unanimously and the meeting concluded at 4:11 PM
Future Meetings Schedule
November 13th, 2024 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
December 11th, 2024 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
January 8th, 2025 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm