Approval Expected for Overhaul of Huntington Beach Art Center

A proposal to reorganize the Huntington Beach Art Center, part of a wider reshaping of the city’s community services department, is expected to sail through the City Council tonight, the plan’s author says.

“I think we’ve got the support we need on the council,” said city cultural services manager Michael Mudd. “They like the plan because it’ll deal with the deficit.”

The center is running a $306,000 deficit, which resulted in the creation of the cost-saving reorganization plan, city officials say. Most of the shortfall stems from $250,000 owed in construction costs. Officials also have said that donations waned because former supporters believe the venue has been showing too much avant-garde art.

The plan’s first draft called for more traditional work and exhibits showcasing area residents, which prompted center curator Tyler Stallings to quit two weeks ago for a similar post at the Laguna Art Museum.

The reorganization would avert a $40,000 shortfall expected this year by leaving open the position recently vacated by founding center director Naida Osline, who recently left to manage city special events.

With a yes vote, Mudd, who would oversee the reorganized venue, and others will spend the next few months soliciting input on what kind of art it will feature. Advice would come from associated individuals and groups, such as members of the city’s Allied Arts Board, which advises the city council.

Mudd does not expect any input from a private board of directors that late last month terminated its exclusive association with the center upon learning of efforts to diminish cutting-edge art programs. That 15-member board, which became an independent group with plans to support exhibitions region-wide because of anticipated changes at the Huntington Beach center, is dedicated to the avant-garde and popular culture.

The reorganization vote will come during the City Council’s regular meeting, which begins at 7 p.m. at City Hall.