Art Center Update to Hopkins City Council Memorandum
To: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
From: Lynn Anderson, Hopkins Center for the Arts Executive Director
Date: June 12, 2017
Subject: Art Center Update to Hopkins City Council
STAFFING
At the end of April, we completed hiring of the administrative staff.
Full time staff -
o Lynn Anderson, Executive Director
o Mike Martineau, Building Supervisor
o Aaron Wulff, Development Director
Part time staff -
o Kelly Blau, Concert Coordinator
o Jim Clark, Visual Arts Manager
o Tricia Falk, Administrative Assistant
o Roxanne Wolfe, Rental and Events Coordinator
o Several Building Supervisors - evenings and weekends
With Janna Johnson's resignation last October, we reduced the full time position to two part time
positions for a total of 38 hours, saving on benefits.
I feel fortunate to have this team. They are talented, smart and dedicated to the Center's success.
2016 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Donations increased by 91% over 2015
Friends Membership improved over 2015 by 28%
Membership Revenue increased by 17% over 2015
Business Sponsorship Revenue increased by 93%
Exceeded 2016 budget goal by $46,724 - increasing revenue by $43,538 and reducing
expenditures by nearly $3,200
We continue to explore additional ways to increase donations through events, donor
cultivation, etc.
Art Center Update (June 2017)
2
PROGRAMMING
VISUAL ARTS
Management of ArtStreet has transitioned to Center staff
Six new ArtStreet Sculptures are in place, and one of the pieces from 2016/17 is staying for an
extended amount of time.
Jim Clark has played an active role - working with Economic Development on the Artery's
artistic elements.
A monthly open painting studio has been added
There is always more demand for exhibition space than what we can p rovide. We have
expanded Center’s exposure and the visual arts opportunities by partnering with local
businesses. One example is Morrie's Subaru of Minnetonka, which now has a rotating
exhibition of Center artists in their showroom, curated by Jim Clark.
The Artist's Social Club - a monthly meeting open to all artists has been revamped to
coordinate with exhibition openings. Artists are encouraged to attend the openings and then
meet afterward to discuss the art, their work, etc.
The 2017/18 Exhibition season is incorporating talks by exhibiting artists. It is an opportunity
for further engagement with the community, offering a chance to learn about the work from the
artists and provide an open conversation.
CONCERTS
As you know, we have been closely monitoring the concerts and working to make them as
financially successful as possible.
Two of the 2016-17 concerts exceeded 700 attendees - Asleep at the Wheel and David
Wilcox.
Overall, average attendance for the 2016-17 series was 434 per concert.
The 2016-17 concert series resulted in a net loss of $43,266. The is an improvement
compared to the 2015-16 net loss of $67,948, but there is still more work to do.
We have finalized the 2017-18 Concert season. We have two Tuesday concerts in the 2017-
18 season, however, long-term, we have made the decision to eliminate the Tuesday concerts
as they are not well attended. We have reduced the total number of concerts from 12 to 10.
Average Saturday concert sales for the 2016-17 concert series were 489. The Tuesday
concerts only sold an average of 324 tickets per concert.
Kelly Blau is managing the scheduling of artists on his own vs. working with Sue McLean and
Associates, reducing expenses.
Kelly has put together a strong line up of some favorite performers as well as new and
interesting choices. 2017-18 concert information is included.
Concert subscription invitations will be mailed by mid-June and tickets will go on sale to the
public August 1st at 12noon.
Art Center Update (June 2017)
3
Kelly is also programming Summerfest, a partnership between HBCA and Hopkins Center for
the Arts.
One area we are continuing to explore is how to leverage concert tickets to gain corporate
sponsorships or donations.
Any changes for the 2018-19 concert series, including the possibility of eliminating the concert
series entirely, need to be made by November 2017. Eliminating the concerts would most
likely result in losing the Minnesota State Arts Board grant funding in addition to other Center
sponsors. Loss of these funds would be very difficult to regain in the future.
FUNDRAISING
Art from the Attic, in its third year, is taking place Saturday, June 17 from 10am - 3pm. We
have received a large donation of over 400 pieces from Cargill, and have accepted donations
from others. Because of the number of pieces this year, we will most like use the sidewalk
along Mainstreet and the JC Studio for the sale.
Individual memberships are strong, and we are currently working on Business Sponsorships
for the 2017/18 season.
We also received a large donation of $25,000 from the estate of Hazel Marsh. Mrs. Marsh,
originally from Story City, IA was a long time resident of Wayzata and supporter of the arts.
She was a member of the Center from 2001 to 2013. She passed away in 2015 a t the age of
98.
May Day on Main was held Saturday, May 6. The event was a partnership of the Hopkins
Center for the Arts, Hopkins Activity Center, Hopkins Depot and Blake Road Corridor
Collaborative. The day began at 3pm with outdoor music, a beer garde n, food, and outdoor
activities. More than 70 items were donated to a silent auction that began at 3pm and closed
after intermission of the evening concert. Jefferson Starship performed and the concert began
with a short program. $10,400 was raised through the silent auction, fund a need, heads or
tails, food and sponsorship. Concert revenue was $15,512, surprisingly low. Total Revenue:
$26,413. Total expenses: $29,896. The loss of $3,483 is largely due to poor ticket sales. The
event was met with very positive comments and has potential to build into a larger and more
successful fundraising event. At the time of this report, the partners have not been able to
meet to evaluate the merit of repeating the event and continuing the partnership between the
Arts Center, Activity Center and the Depot.
RENTAL/LEASING
Ari and I are working with the Hopkins Schools on a renewal of their lease agreement
beginning fall 2017, which will be brought to Council for final approval. The lease has
remained unchanged for twenty years. We are proposing to increase the annual fee and
incorporate an annual 3% increase for each year consistent with Stages Theatre Company's
lease.
Art Center Update (June 2017)
4
Rental of the Center continues to be strong. We are developing some marketing material to
promote rental of spaces and will look for avenues of distribution.
BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS
The new HVAC system was installed at the end of May. The company is working through
some final adjustments of the system, however installation went very smoothly and we were
fortunate to have cooler weather while the units were shut down. We are looking forward to a
more energy efficient system and lower heating and cooling costs.
We have some upcoming repairs and improvements happening in the JC Studio, which will
remove it from availability for about one week in August, which tends to be a quieter time.
Hopkins Center for the Arts 2017-18 Concert Season
Saturday, 11/4 John Paul White
He is an American singer-songwriter, and was a member of Grammy award-
winning duo The Civil Wars. He restarted his solo career with his 2016 release,
"Beulah". It’s the title of John Paul White’s new album, his first in nearly a
decade, a remarkably and assuredly diverse collection spanning plaintive folk
balladry, swampy southern rock, lonesome campfire songs, and dark acoustic
pop. Gothic and ambitious, with a rustic, lived-in sound, it’s a meditation on love
curdling into its opposite, on recrimination defining relationships, on hope finally
filtering through doubt. Folk / Americana
Saturday, 10/14 Laura Caviani Trio w/ Karrin
Allyson: 100 years of Thelonious Monk
The Laura Caviani Trio featuring, 5-time Grammy
nominee, Karrin Allyson on vocals performing
brand new arrangements of Thelonious Monk's
compositions to celebrate what would have been
his 100th birthday on Oct. 10th, 1917. Jazz
Saturday, 12/16 Four Freshmen Holiday Show
The Four Freshmen are America’s most enduring vocal group. From the
moment they step on stage The Four Freshmen will get your heart pounding
and your feet moving. With pure energy and great songs from the past and
present, The Four Freshmen deliver a world of music that will take listeners
back to the bygone era of their youth while introducing others to a brand of
vocal harmony entertainment unique to the legendary Four Freshmen. A
Four Freshmen concert is one you will never forget! Vocal Jazz / Christmas
Art Center Update (June 2017)
5
Saturday, 1/27 Ruthie Foster
With a naturally expressive voice that has drawn comparisons to greats
like Aretha Franklin and Ella Fitzgerald, Texas-based singer and
songwriter Ruthie Foster has a wide palette of American song forms --
gospel and blues to jazz, folk, and soul -- and her live performances are
powerfully transfiguring. An engaging live performer, Foster continued
to tour regularly, wowing audiences with her powerful voice and
stylistic range. Blues / Soul
Saturday, 2/10 JD Souther
Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2013, Grammy-nominated Souther
has penned countless hits for the Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, Roy Orbison, James
Taylor, Don Henley, George Strait, Trisha Yearwood, Brooks and Dunn and found
success as solo artist. Produced by Larry Klein, JD’s latest album
Tenderness connects “LA’s ‘70s golden age with the Great American Songbook,”
writes Uncut, with songs that sound “like standards themselves.” Legendary
Songwriter
Saturday, 3/17 Marty Stuart
Marty Stuart is a five time GRAMMY-winner, platinum recording artist, Lifetime
Achievement Award recipient from the Americana Music Association, Grand Ole
Opry star, country music archivist, photographer, musician, and songwriter.
Since starting out singing gospel as a child, Stuart has spent over four decades
celebrating American roots music. His teenage years on tour with bluegrass
legend Lester Flatt in the ’70s were followed by six years in Johnny Cash’s band
in the ’80s, and a chart-topping tenure as a solo artist in the ’90s. Stuart hosts a
Late Night Jam at The Ryman, a yearly tradition which kicks off the CMA Music
Festival, with recent guests including Dolly Parton, Jerry Lee Lewis, Neko Case,
Eric Church, Chris Stapleton, Maren Morris, Dan Auerbach and many more.
Country
Tuesday, 3/20 Monroe Crossing
Named in honor of Bill Monroe, “The Father of Bluegrass Music,” Monroe
Crossing dazzles audiences with an electrifying blend of classic bluegrass,
bluegrass gospel, and heartfelt originals. Their superb musicianship and on-
stage rapport have entertained audiences across the United States, Canada and
Europe. Based in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, Monroe Crossing plays an
average of 150 shows a year in intimate rooms, at major venues, and outdoor
festivals. They are favorites among bluegrass connoisseurs and non-bluegrass
audiences alike. They love introducing newcomers to bluegrass music!
Bluegrass
Art Center Update (June 2017)
6
Saturday, 3/24 Quebe Sisters
When the Quebe Sisters from Texas take a stage, and the triple-threat fiddle champions
start playing and singing in multi-part close harmony, audiences are usually transfixed,
then blown away. It’s partly because the trio’s vocal and instrumental performances are
authentic all-Americana, all the time, respectful of the artists that inspired them the
most. And whether the Quebes (rhymes with “maybe”) are decked out in denims and
boots or fashionably dressed to the nines in makeup, skirts and heels, the fresh-faced,
clean-cut sisters, all in their 20s, look as good as they sound. Country Swing / Fiddle
Music
Tuesday, 4/24 John Scofield / Joe Lovano Quartet
It’s often said that history repeats itself but in the instance of making music, a
reunion of two performers will not necessarily bring about the sounds of
their collective past. Grammy-winning saxophonist/composer Joe Lovano
and the equally lauded guitarist/composer John Scofield are preparing
another turn together in the public eye. One of the most popular groups of
the early 1990’s, the satisfying musical coalition of Joe Lovano and John
Scofield kept their mutual fans waiting almost 20 years for their reunion until
2008 when the two masters reconvened for a critical and commercially
acclaimed tour of Asia and Australia. Every audience on their 2008 tour
enjoyed the next level in their partnership – the sum of their collective years
of experience, creativity and technique presented with intensity, skill and
fun. For 2015/16 Scofield and Lovano will showcase a dynamic new ensemble
for their North American fans with Ben Street on bass and Bill Stewart on
drums. Modern Jazz Giants
Saturday, 5/12 John Gorka
A singer/songwriter famed for his rich, expressive baritone, New Jersey
native, Gorka was one of the leading lights of the new folk movement.
Gorka began his career while attending college in Pennsylvania in the
early '80s, appearing at open-mike nights at a local coffeehouse before
eventually forming his own group, the Razzy Dazzy Spasm Band. Soon
he hit the road, performing up and down the Eastern Seaboard before
finally settling in Texas and winning the Kerrville Folk Festival's
prestigious New Folk Award in 1984. In 1987, Gorka cut his debut
album, I Know, for the Red House label, winning acclaim for his songs'
subtle wit and acute character observations. Singer-Songwriter / Folk
Prepared by AKL
6/7//2017
Hopkins Center for the Arts Financial Update
SUBJECT TO CHANGE
TABLE 1: OPERATING & CAPITAL BUDGET & PROJECTIONS
Revenues 2016 2016 2017 2017 2018
Budgeted NON-AUDITED Budgeted YTD Projected
Rents, Leases, Facility Fee $ 404,017 $ 396,133 $ 404,017 $ 136,813 $ 426,506
Levy $ 140,000 $ 137,501 $ 250,000 $ 104,167 $ 250,000
Ticket Sales $ 85,000 $ 125,605 $ 125,000 $ 70,640 $ 120,000
Communications Fund $ 86,920 $ 86,920 $ 86,920 $ 36,217 $ 86,920
Grants $ 35,967 $ 34,968 $ 35,597 $ 12,423 $ 41,000
Fundraising & Donations $ 11,000 $ 22,926 $ 13,200 $ 555 $ 15,000
Art Sales $ 5,000 $ 8,423 $ 6,000 $ 3,830 $ 6,000
Membership/Sponsorship
Corporate $ 8,000 $ 7,688 $ 7,000 $ 250 $ 15,000
Memberships Individual $ 8,000 $ 7,013 $ 8,000 $ 6,477 $ 10,000
Other Revenue $ 2,000 $ 2,265 $ - $ 1,307 $ 5,200
Total Revenue $ 785,904 $ 829,442 $ 935,734 $ 372,679 $ 975,626
Expenditures 2016 2016 2017 2017 2018
Budgeted NON-AUDITED Budgeted YTD Projected
Personnel $ (430,057) $ (414,703) $ (420,760) $ (175,535) $ (440,000)
Commodities $ (39,783) $ (33,588) $ (39,600) $ (13,635) $ (33,600)
Contracts $ (370,074) $ (356,422) $ (375,945) $ (156,954) $ (367,469)
Capital $ (106,800) $ (138,816) $ (398,200) $ (236,651) $ (147,500)
Total Expenditures $ (946,714) $ (943,529) $ (1,234,505) $ (582,775) $ (988,569)
Net Income (Loss) $ (160,810) $ (114,086) $ (298,771) $ (210,096) $ (12,943)
This is a projection, it does not include inflation and is subject to change.
*These are projections for one quarter revenue, actual revenue not received yet.
Prepared by AKL
6/7//2017
TABLE 2: FUND BALANCE
Fund Balance 2016 2016 2017* 2018 2019
Budgeted NON-AUDITED Budgeted Projected Projected
Deficit Beginning of the year $ (1,182,956) $ (1,182,965) $ (997,042) $ (1,295,813) $ (1,308,756)
City Levy for deficit $ -
Loan Forgiveness (EDA) $ 300,000 $ 300,000
Year end net (loss) $ (160,810) $ (114,086) $ (298,771) $ (12,943) $ 12,972
Fund Balance $ (1,043,766) $ (997,042) $ (1,295,813) $ (1,308,756) $ (1,295,784)
This is a projection, it does not include inflation and is subject to change.
*Starting fund balance based off non-audited 2016 numbers, actual balance is subject to change.
Note: Last October, we had a tentative separate levy amount shown starting in 2018 to pay off the deficit. After reviewing
the Financial Management Plan further, the increased levy amount would not be possible to start until 2020. Stacy can
provide more information about paying off the deficit at the June 20 meeting.