GROVE PLACE ASSOCIATION May 19, 2002 4:00 PM
General Meeting Rochester Contemporary
Present: P. & S. Pineo, L. Garrenton, T. Burke, E. McDade, S. Davis, A. Havens, L. Fyles, M.L. & S. Schwartzberg, T. Belcher, K. & D. Parse, B. Keck, G. Weyerts, E. Saphar, C. Kowalski, R. McGrath, J. & F. Gregory, S. & J. Bovay, M. Buonocore
1. President Paul Pineo welcomed the group and shared announcements of interest which included a request from the City Schools looking for volunteers, an invitation from the City to Sector V neighborhood Chairs for a monthly meeting on May 23rd, from 7 to 8:30PM, and an invitation from RDDC for a meeting dealing with the new zoning plan on June 5, from 8 to 9:30AM. Also announced was the application for a liquor license for Rosie’s restaurant, newly sited on Main St.
Additionally, Paul called attention to the availability of refrigerator magnets listing the phone numbers for the City’s Environmental Services, and of informational materials from RoCo (Rochester Contemporary Gallery), the Downstairs Cabaret, and on rehab housing. Also announced was a 50th Anniversary celebration coming up on May 22nd for Rural Metro, and a card from Sue Bovay thanking the group for the gift book she was given on completion of her term as GPA President was passed around for viewing.
2. The minutes of the previous meeting were read by Secretary Judy Gregory.
3. Paul thanked Myra Buonocore and Kathy Parse for leading the neighborhood cleanup on May 4th. The second cleanup scheduled for May 18th was canceled due to rain, but has been rescheduled for June 1st at 9:00AM.
4. Myra asked for a volunteer to serve as conservator for the neighborhood; someone who would oversee the observance of City codes and contact City officials when there are violations of those codes. Paul said a walk-around with NET officials will be scheduled in the next few weeks and it would be most advantageous to have a GPA conservator in place for that event.
5. Membership Chair, Mary Lou Schwartzberg, related that updated GPA membership lists are available to anyone needing a copy.
6. Bob Keck reported that the GPA website has been slightly reorganized to recognize new opportunities in the area.
6. Officer Tom Belcher gave the police report for the time period of 4/17/02 to 5/14/02, which states that all crimes are down in the downtown area except car larcenies. The list of crimes committed included 4 narcotics arrests, 2 robberies, 3 burglaries, and 19 grand larcenies. Tom also thanked fellow Sector V NET officer, Laurie Fyles and congratulated her on her retirement, effective today. Jim Bovay added his thanks, saying Laurie was a “real pro” and that she’d be missed in the neighborhood. Paul presented her with a packet of Gloria Weyerts’ cards and said it was due to the fine efforts of officers like her that residents are able to live in the City. In return, Laurie declared her love for downtown and encouraged GPA to keep up their good work. The Sector V NET office was also congratulated for recently receiving a Unit Commendation.
7. Paul called attention to the petition GPA members are being asked to sign if they agree that the City’s zoning task force is being too rigid in their design guidelines and moving too quickly regarding the new zoning proposals.
8. Paul announced that the next scheduled General GPA Meeting will be held in September, as will the annual picnic, being chaired again this year by Kim and Mike Pier. He asked for additions to the list of presenters being considered for the fall meetings that so far includes the topics of the Eastman Theatre expansion and the Temple Building renovation, as well as a tour of the new Downstairs Cabaret facility on Main St.
9. Judy Gregory introduced Director Elizabeth McDade of the Rochester Contemporary Gallery (RoCo), formerly known as the Pyramid Gallery. Elizabeth has headed the organization for the past seven years and enthusiastically welcomed the group to their new East Avenue venue. This site represents the seventh location the gallery has occupied in its 25 years of continued presentations of non-commercial artwork to the Rochester community. RoCo’s focus on alternative contemporary art contributes to the “art pie” that forms a complete network of arts events in Rochester.
The gallery features topical work meant to challenge its viewers, examples of which include “Voices From The Arab World”, two popular film series that premiered after the tragic events of September 11th, and “The Playing Field”, an outdoor installation by artist Mary Giehl that deals with the subject of child abuse. Additionally, before RoCo found its new space, a group of satellite exhibitions were presented in sites throughout the community, a program that has since become a model for other arts organizations and will continue to be viable at RoCo.
The gallery is also excited about upcoming collaborations with other City arts venues such as the Memorial Art Gallery, George Eastman House, Downstairs Cabaret, and Visual Studies Workshop. Since their move to downtown, membership and attendance numbers have risen, and they are hopeful that this will be evident in the results of their fundraising auction on June 8th at the Sibley Building.
Elizabeth then introduced Tom Burke, Board member and Chair of RoCo’s Reconstruction Committee who restated the gallery’s commitment to downtown and to the neighborhood. He said that a reevaluation of RoCo’s mission 18 months ago led to the decision that they could and should serve the community and artists better. The East Avenue venue will create a larger stage on which to increase the visibility of and stimulate more discussion around the visual arts. RoCo will become a center for high caliber work in a curated setting that will strive for broader outreach and coalition building. Combining energies and partnering with others such as GPA, will contribute to the revitalization of downtown.
To meet their goals, RoCo must be fiscally responsible, continuing to add good talent to their Board and doubling their budget. Their biggest challenge is the renovation project currently underway. With a total area of 9,000 square feet, they have created their own financial infrastructure by refurbishing the 4,000 square feet of second floor space to house renters. These spaces are already providing income for the rehab of the 5,000 square-foot area on the first floor that will become offices and exhibition space.
Tom asked that GPA consider helping in the following ways: 1) become members, 2) attend the auction, 3) spread the word about this exciting new place, 4) support RoCo financially, and 5) help identify new donors. He said that the gallery could open only when its rehab project was complete, and that will take about $40,000.
The group was then invited to tour the building, and the meeting adjourned at 5:00PM. Everyone was invited to Bob Keck’s home for a reception.
Respectfully submitted,
Judy Gregory, Secretary