1 Vernice Hankins
From: Ruthann Lehrer <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 7, 2022 10:59 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Sue Himmelrich; Gleam Davis; Kristin McCowan; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Oscar de la Torre
Subject: Arts Commission appointment Item 5D
EXTERNAL
City Council Agenda March 8, 2022
Item 5D
Arts Commission appointment
Honorable Mayor Himmelrich and Councilmembers,
This letter requests that you reappoint Michael Masucci to the Arts Commission.
Mike Masucci is a dedicated, energetic and multi‐faceted arts practitioner, as evidenced by his manifold activities in the arts that are outlined in his application. My interactions with Mike came about as a result of the controversy over the City Hall murals, during which time we had a number of productive conversations.
He is not only a passionate advocate for public art, but has many innovative ideas about how to pursue interpretation and education that can add new levels of understanding. His own field is video and media technology, and his professional experience here can provide a pathway forward as we pursue the recontextualization of the City Hall murals. His insights and expertise into ways to harness technology’s resources to educate and involve the public in understanding public art are just what we need at this moment.
Along those lines, he informed me that he had created a Media Arts Subcommittee which, under his leadership, is ready to undertake new challenges.
His application describes an amazing array of interests and activities, from his own work as an artist, to wide‐ ranging community service, to engagement with issues of racism and social justice, over many decades. When a person with such incredible qualifications offers to continue to serve Santa Monica, we should all be grateful for his commitment. Reappointing him to the Arts Commission will allow his leadership and expertise to continue to advance our robust arts program in Santa Monica.
This letter represents my personal endorsement, not that of an organization.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Ruthann Lehrer
Item 5.D
03/08/2022
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1 Vernice Hankins
From: princeprints <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, March 4, 2022 5:01 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox
Subject: Support for Arts Commissioner Michael Missucci
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Himmilrich and Members of the Coounci,
This is a letter urging you to reappoint Michael Masucci for a 3rd term as Art Commissioner I am in an unique position to offer my ENTHUSiASTIC SUPPORT!!! I AM A FORMER ARTS COMMISSIONER. Prior to my re=appointment to the Landmarks commission I had the privilege of serving on the Arts Commission along side Michael for 3 years.
I found him to be a key member. His high degree of thorough analysis and intellect added tremendously to the discussions and the decisions.
At that time he was Chair of the Public Art Committee. This is the most important and all encompassing committee.
After Commission Chair Mike Myers termed out, Michael assumed the position of Chair, He has handled that position with equal skill.
With the loss of Mike Myers and his long institutional memory it is even more important to maintain that memory with the reappointment of Michael Masucci
Than you for your consideration.
Roger Genser
Former Art Commissioner
Current Chair of the Landmarks Commission.
Item 5.D
03/08/2022
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03/08/2022