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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-12-19c o CITY OF PALM DESERT ART IN PUBLIC PLACES COMMISSION MINUTES December 19, 2007 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Bussing convened the meeting at 9:00 a.m. 11. ROLL CALL Present Absent Norma Bussing Barbara Stenning Kim Snyder Maureen Thompson John Weston Also Present Kevin Grochau Katherine Hough Richard Twedt, Public Arts Manager Mayor Jean Benson Sonia Campbell, Planning Commission Liaison Deborah Schwartz, Public Art Coordinator Debbie Thompson, Recording Secretary K. Kaufman, Desert Sun Reporter Ill. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Commissioner Snyder noted how wonderful the opening reception for the College of the Desert Student Art Exhibition was. Art in Public Places Minutes December 19, 2007 0 IV. CONSENT CALENDAR Minutes of the regular meeting held on October 17, 2007. Upon Motion by Commissioner Weston and second by Commissioner Snyder, the Minutes of October 17, 2007, were approved unanimously with Commissioners Grochau and Hough absent. V. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. ORAL REVIEW OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION Mayor Benson reported that the construction of the Henderson Building has been delayed due to issues with the contractor. VI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None VII. NEW BUSINESS A. CONSIDERATION OF THE INSTALLATION OF THE S.C.R.A.P. GALLERY BICYCLE SCULPTURES AT THE VISITOR CENTER AND EL PASEO Ms. Schwartz reported that the S.C.R.A.P. Gallery is working with Palm Desert school students and professional artists to create sculptures from old bicycles. There are seven bicycle sculptures currently being created and they should be completed by March 15. The S.C.R.A.P. Gallery has asked that some of the sculptures be placed on the available art in public places pads. The Commission will have the opportunity to choose the sculptures that will be placed. Once Ms. Schwartz receives photos of the sculptures, she will present them to the Commission. Commissioner Weston asked if the bicycles would be safe and free of vandalism. Ms. Schwartz reported that the bicycles would be welded together. If the Commission does not feel that the bicycles are stable they will not be placed in the median. It was moved by Commissioner Stenning and seconded by Commissioner Thompson to approve the proposed installation of the S.C.R.A.P. Gallery's bicycle sculptures at the Visitor Center and the available pads on El Paseo with the Art in Public Places Minutes December 19, 2007 0 contingency that the Commission approve that they are properly secured. Motion carried unanimously with Commissioners Grochau and Hough absent. B. CONSIDERATION OF A NEW THEME FOR THE ENTRADA DEL PASEO PROJECT Mr. Twedt reported that City Council changed the direction of the Entrada del Paseo project. He reported that before Council asked staff to redirect the previously approved project, two of the artists had signed the Agreements for the honorarium and were paid the full honorarium. One of the other artists started his proposal and was paid a portion of the honorarium. Mr. Twedt reminded the Commission that $250,000 is available for the project and added that the entire amount does not have to be spent on the Entrada project. He stated that staff has been researching other ideas including video walls. He mentioned the Spanish artist, Jaume Plensa, who did a video wall at the Millennium Park in Chicago. Mr. Twedt found a company in New Jersey that will install an 8' x 20' wall for $96,000. The price includes design, installation, and equipment. There are a number of things that can be displayed on a wall such as City events or the history of Palm Desert. Commissioner Stenning stated that it is the Commission's responsibility to keep up with the changes today's art and technology and it should start introducing new mediums in the public arena. Introducing a video wall could be a way to introduce a more updated project. The Commissioners noted that location is very important. Several sites were mentioned (McCallum Theatre, Library, Civic Center Park, etc.). Commissioner Weston stated that he would like to learn more about the video wall and how they work. Mr. Twedt stated that the hardware unit would need to be housed inside. The Commission suggested that staff come back with location and design suggestions. Mayor Benson noted that the City is looking at revamping the amphitheater in Civic Center Park. There was also a suggestion of having a bronze of a person painting at an easel to honor the painters who painted along Painter's Path. It was moved by Commissioner Weston and seconded by Commissioner Stenning to continue the Consideration of a New Theme for the Entrada del Paseo Project to the next Art in Art in Public Places Minutes December 19 2007 0 Public Places meeting with staff researching possible locations for placement of a video wall. Motion carried unanimously with Commissioners Grochau and Hough absent. C. CONSIDERATION OF ARTISTS TO BE INCLUDED IN CITY OF PALM DESERT'S ARTIST REGISTRY Artwork by Bob Tuffin, Doug Taylor, Nicole Beck, Mary Williams, John Clement, Charles Partin, Roberley Ann Bell, Victoria Sulski, Adam Schultz, Kerry Zarders, Christopher Lee, Elizabeth McCue, and Victoria Balva were reviewed to be considered for the City of Palm Desert's Artist Registry. It was moved by Commissioner Stenning and seconded by Commissioner Snyder to include Bob Tuffin, Doug Taylor, Nicole Beck, John Clement, Charles Partin, and Roberley Ann Bell in the City of Palm Desert's Artist Registry. Motion approved unanimously with Commissioners Grochau and Hough absent. Vlli. CONTINUED BUSINESS NONE IX. OLD BUSINESS NONE X. PROJECT STATUS REPORTS A. Palm Desert Community Gallery Ms. Schwartz reported that the College of the Desert exhibition is installed and up through February 3. The upcoming exhibition is the curated show that will feature Sandpiper and its architecture. Ms. Schwartz is working with Jim West who has approximately 20 Julius Shulman photographs as well as floor plans. An article for The Call for Artists for next season will be in the January issue of the BrightSide. The applications are due in March and will be reviewed at the March AIPP meeting. 0 Art in Public Places Minutes December 19, 2007 0 0 0 B. Website The public art website is coming along. The new Palm Desert website was launched today. Mr. Twedt stated that the public art website now features video of the permanent collection, traffic signal boxes, and the Veterans' Memorial dedication and installation. There will be an article in the January issue of the BrightSide asking citizens to send in a video of their favorite sculpture or of a special occasion (wedding, birthday party, etc.). Mayor Benson mentioned that the City has been selected as a 2007 California Park & Recreation Society Award of Excellence recipient in the Facility Design and Park Planning of Freedom Park. Mr. Twedt stated that Travel Writers were in town and he gave them a tour of the City's art and architecture. Former Mayor Kelly gave a presentation at the Mayor's Chamber breakfast (he was Mayor at the time) on the City's public art collection. Mr. Twedt introduced Mark Stephenson at the El Paseo Gallery Association meeting as the new curator for the 2009/10 El Paseo Exhibition. C. Docent Program Ms. Schwartz reported that the Docent Program is going well. There were 15 people on the November tour, which was of the Library. She will train a new set of docents next year. In response to a question by Chairperson Bussing, Ms. Schwartz responded that she met with the Executive Director of the La Quinta Arts Foundation about bringing the Docent Program into the schools. D. Desert Cities Public Art Forum Mr. Twedt stated he would call a meeting of the Steering Committee regarding alternate locations for the Forum. Art in Public Places Minutes December 19, 2007 XI. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. STAFF B. COMMISSION MEMBERS Commissioner Thompson inquired about the status of the Traffic Signal Boxes. Mr. Twedt responded that he has received both positive and negative comments. Mr. Twedt added that the Public Works department would monitor the boxes during the summer to see if the paint adds more heat to the boxes, which could affect the electrical units inside. Mr. Twedt displayed the map of the public art projects that have been completed and are in progress within the last year. COMMISSION REPORTS • LIAISON REPORTS 1. PLANNING COMMISSION — Sonia Campbell No report. XI. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chairperson Bussing adjourned the meeting at 10:30 a.m. P.e,spectfully submitted, WL,f/i DEBBIE L. THOMPSON, RECORDING SECRETARY 6