East Hampton Arts & Culture Commission elects officers, awards $500 grant and green-lights parade plans

Christine Cachuela, library director, called the Town of East Hampton Arts & Culture Commission to order at 6:07 p.m. on May 14 at the East Hampton Public Library and opened proceedings by adopting the agenda and approving the April 9 minutes.

The commission elected Alex Bridgemohan as chair, Mindy Maynard as vice chair and Joni Maxwell as secretary. Motions to elect the officers were recorded and carried by voice vote.

In one of the meeting’s formal actions, the commission approved a $500 grant to Stacey Gibson to support the Memorial School pre-K program. Joni Maxwell moved the award and Alex Bridgemohan seconded; the motion carried. Joni Maxwell will notify Stacey Gibson by email.

Commissioners reviewed three grant applications. Members noted there was not a quorum to approve two Art Association grant applications and that those applications required additional criteria; Mindy Maynard will advise applicant G. Yocher of the outstanding requirements.

Members discussed a fall Gallery Night, tentatively to be held in Sears Park, and suggested food trucks and vendors. Mindy Maynard will contact Ellen at the Park & Recreation Department about park use and logistics. The commission also agreed to seek artist submissions for an artwork purchase (River-East call for entries) to acquire a framed and matted 18-by-24-inch piece for the Senior Center; the budget for the purchase is $300, submissions are due June 5, and the commission will vote on purchase selections at its June 11 meeting. Mindy will reach out to Holly at the Senior Center to confirm preferred artwork styles; Christine Cachuela will draft the press release.

The commission reviewed and approved the budget with no changes recorded during the meeting.

On outreach and events, the commission discussed recruiting two sophomore student members from East Hampton High School. Mrs. Lupacchino, the school’s art teacher, reported two interested students; the commission requires letters of intent from the school principal and superintendent before students can be appointed. Mindy Maynard will follow up with Mrs. Lupacchino.

The commission committed to participate in the Old Home Day parade on July 11. Plans include handing out sidewalk chalk and paint brushes. The group approved ordering giveaways through Amazon ($350 allocated), and Alex Bridgemohan is to design t-shirts and a banner (an additional $350 allocated). The commission estimated total costs for giveaways, shirts and the banner at $800 and set aside a $50 printing contingency; Christine Cachuela will provide local banner-printing contacts. Alex moved the motion to approve the allocations and Betty Sennett seconded; the motion passed.

Betty Sennett shared details about the Art Association show on May 16. Members were reminded a key fob will be required for the next meeting due to Christine Cachuela’s absence. The meeting adjourned at 7:36 p.m.

The commission’s next regular meeting is scheduled for June 11, 2026; the body will vote on artwork purchase selections and continue outstanding grant reviews.