Fremont Arts Council

Fremont Arts Council’s Fremont Solstice Parade
Parade Staff Positions Announcement
Contact: Leslie Zenz lesliez@fremontartscouncil.org

The Fremont Arts Council (FAC) is seeking qualified and spectacular individuals to staff the 2012 Fremont Solstice Parade. The Fremont Solstice Parade is the defining event of the FAC. We celebrate the longest day of the year through profound street theater, public spectacle, and a kaleidoscope of joyous human expression. This handmade parade consists of human-powered floats and community-based ensembles.

Three position announcements are listed below for Parade Communications Manager, Workshop Manager, and Studio Coordinator. All of these positions require flexibility in work times. Evenings and weekends are when we build the parade. Most of what makes the parade come to life are the many volunteers that generously give their time and passion. Parade staff, however, must provide the framework, encouragement, and support of our volunteer base. The single most important attribute of all parade staff will be the ability to keep it fun and enjoyable for everyone.

Applications are now being accepted. Interviews will commence on March 8th, and positions will remain open until filled. Please consider becoming a part of the team stewarding this beloved Seattle event. All questions concerning the Fremont Solstice Parade, or the job descriptions below, may be directed to Leslie Zenz, Parade Director at lesliez@fremontartscouncil.org . For more information about the Fremont Arts Council, please visit our website at: www.fremontartscouncil.org
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- Parade Communications Manager -
The Communications Manager provides administrative support; manages communication and outreach; and coordinates volunteers for the 2012 Fremont Solstice Parade. Work period begins March 10 and will be part-time March and April, and full-time May-June.

The ideal candidate will have the following attributes:
Excellent verbal communication.
Excellent writing skills.
Ability to thrive in chaotic environments.
Familiarity with community art parades.

Requirements:
- Proficiency in electronic communications, including e-mail (Gmail), Facebook, Twitter, WordPress (website)
- A current WA State driver’s license, and a reliable vehicle. Running errands is very common.
- Ability to herd cats and be assertive.
- Ability to be “presidential” in the face of conflict.
- Flexibility in work schedule. On-site studio hours are required May- June.
- Professional conduct and “Can-Do” attitude.
- Ability to work as a team player.

Specific duties:
- Work in close collaboration with Parade Director, and all parade staff to facilitate parade operations.
- Coordination of Volunteers: Post regular announcements; Conduct outreach; Provide on-site signup sheets and opportunity descriptions; Maintain on-going communications during parade season; Maintain volunteer list.
- Manage all incoming e-mail during parade period (May-June);
- Manage phone communications during parade period (May-June)
- Ensure web upload of parade materials and information in a timely manner.
- Provide periodic parade updates, artist highlights to the membership and volunteers via web networks.
- Maintain/create parade records and shared documents.
- Host and post minutes for weekly planning meetings from May-June.
- Participate in all staff planning meetings
- Coordinate post-parade party one week after the event.
- Create a post-parade evaluation for participants & volunteers.
- Work with the Director to produce 2011 Parade Report.

The Parade Communications Manager is an integral part of the Parade Staff team and will be supervised by the Solstice Director. Position requires Day-of-Parade duties, and clean-up the Sunday after the parade. Compensation is a $3250. No benefits.

Interested applicants should send their letter of interest, resume of related experience, and references to lesliez@fremontartscouncil.org no later than 5pm on March 6th, 2012

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- Workshop Manager -
The Workshop Manager provides technical support; float body maintenance; and leads public art studio development for the Solstice Parade. The public art studio is a free-to-use space to make art to be included in the Fremont Solstice Parade. Work begins May 1st -June 24th, 2012.

The ideal candidate will have the following attributes:
- Outgoing, Encouraging/Supportive, and Assertive.
- Excellent public engagement/communication skills.
- Proficient in parade art skills (e.g., papier mache, costuming, large puppet or mask making)
- Certified in First-Aide.
- Familiarity with the Fremont Solstice Parade or other community art parades.
- Ability to thrive in chaotic environments.

Requirements:
- The role requires commitment of 3 hours/night, 4 nights/week and weekend daytime 7 hour shifts for 4 weeks May 19th, 2011 through June 16, 2011.
- The ability to lift 60# or more.
- Proficiency in the use of power tools.
- Love for problem solving and supportive concept/design brainstorming.
- Experience in the design and engineering of parade floats.
- Excellent group management skills; organizing and providing leadership for volunteer work parties.
- A positive, engaging attitude. A team player.
- Ability to command authority.
- Good common sense.

Specific duties:
- Organize and lead clean-up parties for Powerhouse prior to opening of studio.
- Purchase supplies and keep the studio stocked during the parade build.
- Ensure working order of power equipment and tools. Maintain order in the tool room.
- Manage overall build site organization and safety.
- Provide on-site assistance to parade participants in float/puppet design.
- Work closely with Director on matters of floats/ float move/ street fencing/ float parking/ float assignment.
- Coordinate the float move from storage to Public art studio (Powerhouse).
Assess working condition of all float bodies and prepare repair report.
- Make all approved repairs/improvements to float bodies.
- Stand ready to assist during Moonlight Parade (to staging area).
- Stand ready to assist Day-of float repairs. This means not being otherwise engaged in the parade.
- Coordinate float parking at the end of parade route.
- Coordinate float break-down and return move to storage.
- Participate in weekly parade planning/staff meetings.
- Works in collaboration with Communications Manager and Studio Coordinator to cover on-site studio operations.
- Prepare staff report at culmination of contract period.

The Parade Workshop Manager is an integral part of the Parade Staff team and will be supervised by the Solstice Director. Position requires Day-of-Parade duties, and clean-up the Sunday after the parade and The Following Saturday Clean-up party. Compensation is a $2000. No benefits.

Interested applicants should send their letter of interest, resume of related experience, and references to lesliez@fremontartscouncil.org no later than 5pm on March 6th, 2012

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- Studio Coordinator -
The FAC is seeking a Studio Coordinator for the 2012 Fremont Solstice Parade’s public art studio. The public art studio is a free-to-use space to make art to be included in the Fremont Solstice Parade. The Studio Coordinator will serve as public greeter, project starter, and chaos manager during hours of operation of the community art studio.

The ideal candidate will have the following attributes:
- Outgoing, Encouraging/Supportive, and Assertive.
- Excellent public engagement/communication skills.
- Proficient in parade art skills (e.g., papier mache, costuming, large puppet or mask making)
- Love for problem solving and supportive concept/design brainstorming.
- Comfortable with use of power tools.
- Certified in First-Aide.
- Familiarity with the Fremont Solstice Parade or other community art parade.
- Ability to thrive in chaotic environments.

Requirements:
- The role requires commitment of 3 hours/night, 4 nights/week and weekend daytime shifts for 4 weeks May 19th, 2011 through June 16, 2011.
- The ability to lift 60#.
- A positive, engaging attitude. A team player.
- Good common sense.
- Ability to address conflict with a cool-head and professional approach.
- Attention to cleanliness and workspace orderliness.
- Attention to safety in the studio.

Specific duties:
- Staff studio during hours of operation. M-F 6PM-9PM, Sa./Su. 11AM-5PM
- Maintain a clean and safe community art studio.
- Support artist lead workshops.
- Work with Workshop Manager to assess studio supply needs and functionality.
- Provide on-site assistance to parade participants in float/puppet design.
- Public greeter and project starter.
- Work with and train volunteers in the studio.
- Participate in weekly parade planning/staff meetings.
- Organize and Staff registration table at line-up day-of parade.
- Leads clean-up at studio Sunday following the parade (June 17th).
- Prepare staff report at culmination of contract period.

The Studio Coordinator is an integral part of the Parade Staff team and will be supervised by the Solstice Director. Position requires Day-of-Parade duties, and clean up afterwards.
Compensation is a $1300. No benefits.

Interested applicants should send their letter of interest, resume of related experience, and references to lesliez@fremontartscouncil.org no later than 5pm on March 6th, 2012

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~ Ensembles 101 ~
Discussion facilitator: Leslie Zenz
Panel: Brian Kooser, Ann Sloper, & Christie Wolf

Thursday June 9th, 7:10pm

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Are you new, or somewhat new to being an ensemble leader?
Would you like to learn from veteran ensemble captains what they’ve learned?
Come join our experienced parade ensemble  leaders while they give you advice & hints.
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They will answer questions like: How to make a great idea become great street theater?

They’ll also share their insight & learnings from ideas that were fantastic and created unforgettable spectacle and also those that seemed great, but didn’t work out so well.

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Past ensemble leaders have said “This is the class I wished I’d had when I started doing this!”
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This class is intended for anyone planning an ensemble now / or in the future.
Come on down & share in the knowledge and join the discussion.

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~ Wings & Giant Flowers ~
Instructor/ Artist: Leslie Zenz
Fridays, June 3rd & 10th
6-9PM

at the Power House, 3940 Fremont Ave N

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Calling all Fairies and Garden-lovers! In this two-part class, you’ll learn to make wings (fairy, butterfly, or pixie) or giant flowers from wire and fabric.  These beautiful blossoms will tower over the parade crowds giving everyone the chance to feel like a bug in a garden! Use the same technique to make wings.

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We will bend wire frames and attach fabric to create wings, petals and leaves.  Learn how to make wings & flowers in two classes, but it may take longer to finish your project.

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$10 materials fee payable to the instructor, if using instructors fabrics (or bring your own light weight fabric to use)
Geared for ages 13 and up, younger artists must be accompanied by a guardian.

pre-registration suggested

(To PreRegister: email parade@fremontartscouncil.org with class your interested in & your *full name, *email, & *phone.)

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~ Hoops! ~
Instructor / Artist: Leslie Rosen
Saturday June 4th
2:00-4:00pm

at the Power House, 3940 Fremont Ave N

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Come make a hoop!
Wanna hoop in the Solstice Parade but you don’t have a hoop or a snazzy collection of “parade waves”?!  

We’ll make our own hula hoops together and then teach you how to walk the parade route throwing kisses and doing official parade waves used by such import persons as  beauty queens, presidents and the Pope.

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This very serious workshop will be hosted by Leslie Rosen, bellydancer, fire performer and hula hoop teacher at SANCA, Seattle’s Premier Circus School.

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$40 materials fee payable to the instructor.

Class is open to all ages, artists under 16 should have a guardian accomplice.

pre-registration suggested

(To PreRegister: email parade@fremontartscouncil.org with class your interested in & your *full name, *email, & *phone.)

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To learn more info about our talented instructor: www.LeslieRosen.com

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Put on your “get dirty” clothes and meet us at the Power House on Saturday May 7th, 12-4pm.

It is a Power House / Power Clean!

We are organizing and getting ready for the Solstice Parade and the best way to do that is to clean and organize our Solstice Studio space.

Come lend an hour, or two, or four, bring a snack to share, meet your neighbors, & learn your way around the studio.

The Solstice Studio is at the Power House, 3940 Fremont Ave N. For questions email volunteer@fremontartscouncil.org

We’ve got a job for everyone: big or small, organized or not, handy or hazardous.

Many hands make light work!

We look forward to seeing you on Sunday at the May Day celebration!

Here’s a little breakdown of the schedule:

3:00pm Gather

3:30pm Let the Games Begin!

4:30pm Wrap the May Pole / May Queen is chosen

6:00pm Potluck dinner together

A little note about food etiquette: Food on the potluck tables is not available until dinner time (it’s more fun if we all eat together!)

If you’d like to snack before dinner, please bring snacks along, and do not place these on the potluck table.

Dave McKay 2011 Solstice Parade Grant RFP
Deadline: Monday April 4th, 2011, 5:00 PM

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The Dave McKay Parade Grant program supports the development of art and performance for the Fremont Solstice Parade.

In 2011, the Fremont Arts Council will award grants up to $1,000 from a total pool of $4,500.

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Dave McKay was a celebration artist who brought his master costume-design skills, thoughtful intention, and deep attention to detail and craftsmanship to all his art, especially in his work with the Fremont Solstice Parade and Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Celebration. He believed art and art-making should be a part of everyone’s life.  The primary goal of the Dave McKay Parade Grant is to honor his memory by supporting artists in their efforts to bring engaging art to the parade and enhancing the spirit of creative community collaboration.

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The Fremont Arts Council (FAC) is a community-based celebration arts organization. We value volunteer-ism; community participation; artistic expression; and the sharing of arts skills. The Fremont Solstice Parade is the defining event of the FAC.  We celebrate the longest day of the year through profound street theater, public spectacle, and a kaleidoscope of joyous human expressions.  We welcome the participation of everyone regardless of who they are, or what they think or believe. However, The FAC reserves the right to control the content presented in the Fremont Solstice Parade.

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The rules of the Fremont Solstice Parade, which make this event distinct from other types of parades, are:

• No written or printed words or logos
• No animals (except service animals)
• No motorized vehicles (except wheelchairs)
• No weapons or fire

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Grant Funds:
Grant funds may be used for artists’ fees, materials and supplies, equipment purchase or rental, travel and transportation. Existing artwork can be re-mounted for parade exhibition. Grant funds can NOT be used to stage fundraising events; for project expenses that occur prior to or after the project dates; or for operating costs not directly associated with the parade project.

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FAC most often funds proposals from artists for the development of parade ensembles.  Proposals for parade-related art installations (Gasworks park, gateways, etc.,) and other fantastical ideas we have yet to dream of, are also accepted for funding consideration.

photo by John Cornicello

Selection:
Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee composed of FAC members and Solstice Parade Staff. This is a competitive process and, unfortunately, not every applicant will receive funding. Special consideration will be given to:

• Creating the project in our public workshop
• Large-scale projects that use the 360 degree space of the street theater
• Use of recycled materials
• Directly engaging the audience along the parade route
• Kinetic movement
• Thought-provoking and innovative ensembles

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Fremont Arts Council Dave McKay Parade Grant Application:

Project Title____________________________________________________________

Project Director/Contact Person____________________________________________

Address_____________________________________City/Zip____________________

Email address __________________________________________________________

Telephone (preferred)____________________________2nd______________________

Are you a FAC member?_________________________________________________

Become a member at: www.fremontartscouncil.org

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1. Narrative:

Write a short narrative describing your proposed project. Describe your intention or theme; What are your ensemble elements (dancers/floats/puppets?); Does your ensemble include music or sound?; What will your ensemble be doing during the parade?  Will there be audience participation/interaction?

2. People:

Do you plan to use volunteers in creating your project? What skills are needed to work on this project? Will you be bringing new volunteers into the project? How many artists will be directly involved in this project?  If your project requires many people, how will you find them?
3. Workspace:

Each year the FAC sets up and maintains a community art studio for the purpose of building the parade. Do you plan on using the Fremont Arts Council parade building space to create your project?  If so, please describe what your workspace needs will be (days/times/activities.)

4. Timeline:

Please provide a timeline of your project. Is your project accomplishable? Is it designed for a high probability of success?

5.  Skill Sharing:

Would you be willing to share skills or to build the project with FAC members or the broader community? If so, please describe how you will do this. Do you plan to hold public workshops or classes while building your ensemble?

6. As a Grantee:

Briefly explain how you intend to use the Dave McKay Parade Grant (Budget detail to be included in another category).  Include the following information: How will the grant allow you to improve the quality of your work?

How does your project support the principles of the Fremont Arts Council? (These principles are found on our website: fremontartscouncil.org)

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Please limit your answers to these questions to three pages; less is more.

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Along with this application, please submit:

• Resumes or bios of key artistic personnel (max. 1 page per person)
• Sketches: A picture is worth a thousand words.  Sketches of your ensemble elements are helpful for the selection committee.
• Budget: Please include as detailed budget as possible of estimated costs/expenditures for your ensemble.   (e.g.-breakout estimates for materials, labor, artist fee, equipment rental, or other line items) Is this project amenable to partial funding? Are there other sources of funding or in-kind support to feed the project?
• Examples: Any artwork, press, video or audio recordings that will support your application. Up to 5 digital images.

All applications MUST be digitally received by 5 pm, Monday, April 4th, 2011.

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Please e-mail applications and accompanying materials, including budget detail and resumes to:

lesliez@fremontartscouncil.org

by 5:00 PM, Monday April 4, 2011.

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Additional support materials (sketches/examples,) if not already included in your electronic application submission, may be received at: The Fremont Arts Council, 3940 Fremont Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103 by 5:00 PM Monday, April 4th, 2011.  Our hours are indeterminate, please use the mail slot.

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Selections and notification will be made by April 17, 2011.

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For more information, please call:
Fremont Arts Council 206-547-7440 or
Leslie Zenz, Solstice Director 360-951-9177
lesliez@fremontartscouncil.org
www.fremontartscouncil.org

Luminata, the Autumnal Equinox Lantern Parade, is happening this Tuesday, 9/21 at 7pm.

On the heels of the joyful & exuberant 22nd annual Fremont Solstice Parade, the Fremont Arts Council will celebrate the autumnal equinox on September 21 with the sweet & illuminating ‘Luminata’ lantern parade around Green Lake Park in Seattle.  We are celebrating the 10th anniversary of this enchanting event and it’s going to be a wonderful evening of celebration.  All are invited to participate (no matter your age or your zip code.) Bring a handmade lantern or one from the store, all are beautiful!

The fall equinox is a wonderful time for celebrating the change of seasons. Many traditions around the world recognize the last days of the productive summer are about to shift into the dark and introspective time of winter. Lanterns are a beautiful symbol of our spirit as a community that will sustain us through the cold months.

This year, the Prince of Summer is giving a banquet in honor of King
Winter, who will be joining us by boat across the lake.

The court of the Prince (all of us in the lantern parade) will start at the Green Lake Aqua Barn at the south end of the lake around 7:00pm (dusk.)  Then we will promenade to the Secret Banquet (near the Bath House) accompanied by our festive lanterns, where there will be refreshments, hot cider and treats. Ricky Gene Powell and Bando Rio will be making music for us there, creating a magical atmosphere for this enchanted event.
Open workshop hours are being held right now, until event time, at the Fremont Arts Council’s Power House, 3940 Fremont Ave N (come to the center of the universe to help illuminate the celebration!) Bring materials to make something or come create something with materials on hand.
Volunteers are wanted to help with various tasks -
this event is simple to put on, but there’s always stuff to do – we need help serving treats at the event, and setting up Tuesday.   If you’d like to lend a hand, please email Peter Toms (ptoms at drizzle dot com).

The Fremont Arts Council has a long history of producing art-based events that celebrate community and cultural creativity www.fremontartscouncil.org.

Photo by Elldub

A love letter (WOW!):  http://dreambirddesigns.blogspot.com/2010/06/love-letter-to-fremont-number-thirty.html

A photoshop tutorial:  http://elldubphotography.blogspot.com/2010/06/2010-fremont-solstice-parade-seattle-wa.html (photo at left – double WOW!)

Some photos of us hard at work:  http://www.fremontuniverse.com/2010/06/18/last-minute-preps-for-the-solstice-parade/

A slideshow in the Ballard News Tribune:  http://www.ballardnewstribune.com/2010/06/20/features/slideshow-seattle-struts-its-stuff-solstice-p

If you know of more good links to share please make a comment on this post.  Thanks so much!!!