Arts Commission Minutes - 05/20/1982 MINUTES OF
WICHITA FALLS ARTS COMMISSION
MAY 20, 1982
The Wichita Falls Arts Commission met in session at 4 P.M.
on May 20, 1982 at the Activities Center. The following people were present:
Mary Honoure Wolverton Wichita Falls Museum & Art Center
Dorcas Chapman At-Large
Gwen Jackson At-Large
Dr. Don Maxwell MSU Music Department
Bob Arnold Backdoor Theatre
Travis Dews At-Large
Gloria Lyday Midtown Fine Arts League
Don Burkman City of Wichita Falls
Martha Steimel Times Publishing Co.
Jerry Estes Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra
George Sugarman Sculpturer
Carolyn Sanders Wichita Falls Ballet Theatre
Jan Morrison At-Large
Dr. Jennie Louise Hindman At-Large
Madge Muehlberger At-Large
David Murray At-Large
Carol Russell City Council
Chairman David Murray called the meeting to order at 4:05 P.M.
After determining that a quorum was present, he called for nominations for
Chairman and Secretary of ad hoc committee whose purpose was to consider and
act upon the acceptability of George Sugarman's model of outdoor sculpture
commissioned for the Centennial. Jerry Estes was nominated as Chairman by
Bob Arnold, seconded by Madge Muehlberger. Betty Wagner was nominated as
Secretary by Dr. Hindman, seconded by Bob Arnold.
Estes introduced Sugarman to the Committee with a brief biographical
sketch, followed by Sugarman's response as to his conception of the "outdoor
scupture" which he wanted to be both 'understandable and enjoyable." He called
it "A Crepe Myrtle Abstraction". ."an interplay of arches, curves, circles, and
the vertical playfulness of crepe myrtles". .further to be viewed "not only as a
work of art, but to symbolize a sense of hospitality and an invitation to people"
to enjoy. Pertinent information surfacing from the ensuing discussion reminded
the Committee that the sculpture would cost $100,000 which included its transpor-
tion from Connecticut to Texas and installation under Sugarman's supervision.
One-half of this sum would be funded by the National Endowment of the Arts, and
the other half through the hotel/motel tax which is restricted to this purpose.
Dr. Hindman moved that the model of the sculpture be approved and recommended to
the City Council. Dr. Maxwell seconded the motion. There was unanimous approval
by the members of the Commission (14 eligible voters present) .
The function of the ad hoc committee being served, the meeting of the committee
adjourned.
Page 1 of 2 Pages
Agenda Item No. 7.c.
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Minutes of Wichita Falls Arts Commission
May 20, 1982
Page 2
In response to Sugarman's question, "Can I go back and ask
Lippincott to order material?", the City representatives said they would
get Sugarman "a letter as soon as possible." They added that the
sculpture should be up by the end of August, that the original grant
stipulated that the piece be completed by first of July, but that the NEA
had extended the date to first of September, and that it "must be installed
by that time."
Preceding the final adjournment of the Fine Arts Commission meet-
ing at 4:40 P.M. , Chairman Murray introduced Travis Dews, member-at-large,
newly appointed by the City Council. The Chairman also addressed welcoming
remarks to Sugarman with special recognition to Jerry Estes for "conceiving
the idea and furthering it" (to this point.)
RebpeLtfully submitted,
Betty Wagner, Secretary
BW/s
Page 2 of 2 Pages
Agenda Item No.7.c.