The Culver City Council meetings are not always a place of creativity; parliamentary procedure tends to keep that spirit in check. But the meeting on Feb. 25, 2018 began with several salutes to creativity, both of which made contributions to making Culver City the destination it has become in recent years.
First, the city saluted Black History Month with a proclamation for the Mayme Clayton Library and Museum. Executive Director Lloyd Clayton was there to receive the honor, along with his assistant Steven Fisher. Culver City Council member Daniel Lee read the proclamation, congratulating both the leader and the institution.
Next, the council heard from Susan Obrow, the city’s performing arts coordinator and special events producer. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the performing arts grant program. “Over 75 performances are planned this year from 23 non-profit organizations,” Obrow said. She also premiered a new logo for the celebration, and offered her applause for the arts organizations in attendance that evening; The Center Theater Group, The Culver City Symphony, Vox Femina, Heidi Duckler Dance Theater, the Los Angeles Doctors Symphony and others.
The Chair of the Cultural Affairs Commission, Jeannine Wisnosky Stehlin, took to the podium to offer the city’s heartfelt thanks to Sony Pictures Entertainment, and particularly the soon-to-retire Senior Vice President for Corporate Social Responsibility, Janice Pober. “You have been a driving force and an inspiration for so many, we truly can never thank you enough.”
After the council called all the representatives of Sony Pictures Entertainment up for their proclamation to be read, there was a surprise performance of Vox Femina, singing “The Little Road” by Moira Smiley. Vox’s Artistic Director Dr. Iris Levine introduced the song as a portrait of conflict – staying home is safe, taking the journey is challenging; what to choose?
In her effusive and gracious comments to the council, Pober thanked all of her colleagues at Sony, and congratulated all the performers she had worked with over the years for their creative efforts.
As the council turned to the business of the evening, a few golden notes still lingered in the air. Creativity may not be Culver City’s only economic engine, but few other agenda items bring as many smiles to as many faces.
Judith Martin-Straw
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