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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-05-170 0 1. I1. CITY OF PALM DESERT ART IN PUBLIC PLACES COMMISSION MINUTES May 17, 2006 CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Hough convened the meeting at 9:00 a.m. ROLL CALL Present Absent Katherine Hough Barbara Stenning Kim Snyder Maureen Thompson John Weston Also Present Chairperson Bussing Vice Chairperson Grochau Sonia Campbell, Planning Commission Liaison Councilmember Jean Benson Richard Twedt, Public Arts Manager Deborah Schwartz, Public Art Coordinator Debbie Thompson, Recording Secretary Russell Jacques, El Paseo Exhibition Curator III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None IV. CONSENT CALENDAR Minutes of the regular meeting held on April 19, 2006. Upon Motion by Commissioner Weston and second by Commissioner Thompson, the Minutes of April 19, 2006, were approved unanimously. Art in Public Places Minutes Mav 17, 2006 o 0 o V. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. ORAL REVIEW OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION Councilmember Benson reported that Council approved the bench with the Palapa shade structure for the Palma Village Neighborhood Park. Ms. Benson added that staff was instructed to ensure that the benches include a heavier casing on the bench to deter it from skateboarders. VI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None VII. NEW BUSINESS A. CONSIDERATION OF THE EIGHTEEN SCULPTURES FOR THE 2007/08 EL PASEO INVITATIONAL EXHIBITION Mr. Twedt gave a Powerpoint presentation of the eighteen proposed sculptures for the 2007/08 El Paseo Invitational Exhibition. Curator Russell Jacques described each of the eighteen artworks to the Commission members. It was moved by Commissioner Weston and seconded by Commissioner Snyder to accept the eighteen sculptures for the 2007/08 El Paseo Invitational Exhibition. Motion carried unanimously. Councilmember Benson stated that "Caftan" by Esther Wertheimer that is located on El Paseo near Highway 111 was too small to act as an "entrance" to El Paseo and suggested it be moved. Mr. Twedt responded that the two artworks (one on each end of El Paseo) that accompany the El Paseo monument signs were intended to draw attention to the monument signs directing visitors and residents to the El Paseo Exhibition and shopping district. It was Mr. Twedt's suggestion to eventually replace the small monument signs with something snazzy. B. CONSIDERATION OF ARTISTS FOR EXHIBITION IN THE PALM DESERT COMMUNITY GALLERY FOR THE 2006/07 EXHIBITION SEASON Ms. Schwartz informed the Commission members that the focus of the Palm Desert Community Gallery is community based, and is open to artists in the Coachella Valley and the Art in Public Places Minutes Mav 17, 2006 surrounding area as long as they are not affiliated with a Palm Desert commercial gallery (with the exception of the curated show). Ms. Schwartz will work directly with Palm Desert galleries to obtain artwork for the curated show. Ms. Schwartz reported that she received 23 applications for the 2006/07 exhibition season for the Palm Desert Community Gallery. After reviewing the applications she presented four potential exhibitions for the three open slots. Some of the proposals that were received were duplicates of work that has already been shown in Palm Desert's gallery and some had the quality issues. She presented the potential exhibitions, which included a series of black and white snapshots from Jennifer Bohrnstedt; quilts and ceramic pieces by Sandra Diskin; an animal themed exhibition by Sunny Titus and Diane Versteeg; abstract two dimensional pieces by Scott Christopher Brittan to be paired with (Ilona Pasino's mosaic pieces. It was moved by Commissioner Thompson and seconded by Commissioner Weston to include works by Jennifer Bohrnstedt; Sunny Titus and Diane Versteeg; and the combined show with Scott Christopher Brittan and IIIona Pasino. Motion approved unanimously. C. CONSIDERATION TO ACCEPT TWO METAL SCULPTURES BY JIM RICHARDSON AS DONATIONS TO THE CITY'S PERMANENT PUBLIC ART COLLECTION Mr. Twedt referred to the photos of the two metal sculptures by Jim Richardson that were included in the agenda packet. Commissioner Hough asked if staff had actually seen the sculptures (not just the photos of them) and Mr. Twedt responded that he had not. It was suggested that staff examine the two artworks (physically) and ensure they are in good condition, stable, and that the pieces meet the aesthetic quality and standards of the City's permanent art collection. The pieces are valued at $10,000 each. It was moved by Commissioner Weston and seconded by Commissioner Snyder to have staff and one Commission member examine the two artworks and ensure they are in good condition, stable, and that the pieces meet the aesthetic quality needed to be included in the City's permanent art collection, and return to the meeting of June 21, 2006, with a recommendation. Motion carried unanimously. 3 0 Art in Public Places Minutes May 17, 2006 D. CONSIDERATION OF PURCHASING A TAPESTRY TITLED "PERFECT" BY ARTIST DJ HALL Commissioner Hough referred to the photo of the tapestry titled "Perfect" by DJ Hall that was included in the agenda packet. Mr. Twedt stated that Fritz Frauchiger approached him about having the City purchase the tapestry. It was the consensus of the Commission that there is no appropriate place for the tapestry at this time but to keep it in mind for potential future placement. !t was moved by Commissioner Stenning and seconded by Commissioner Snyder not to purchase the tapestry titled "Perfect" by artist DJ Hall at this time but keep it in mind should an opportunity arise in the future. Motion carried with a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Westin opposing. E. CONSIDERATION OF THE ENTRADA DEL PASEO PUBLIC ART PROJECT Mr. Twedt stated that staff sent out RFPs for the Entrada del Paseo public art project to specific artists who have done projects similar to the specifications for Entrada. The architect's idea for the art was to lead people who come to the Visitor Center through the Eric Johnson Memorial Gardens. Mr. Twedt received RFPs from Cliff Garters and Jackie Farrara. Mr. Twedt's stated that $250,000.00 was not a large enough commission for high profile artists. It was Mr. Twedt suggestion to establish a sculpture garden by choosing artworks based on desert related themes. He added that the artwork by Sol Mesz from the Embracing the Desert project will be placed at the Visitor Center. It could become a sculpture garden with different pieces integrated throughout. Councilmember Benson suggested that a program be started to purchase the community's favorite pieces from the El Paseo Exhibitions. It was the concern of Commissioner Weston that when the community is involved in selecting artwork it tends to choose the cutest as opposed to the most powerful piece and the City may end up series of works in the sculpture garden that would not work well together. It was suggested by Commissioner Hough that the Commission preselect three pieces from which the community can select one for purchase. Art in Public Places Minutes Mav 17.2006 It was moved by Commissioner Thompson and seconded by Commissioner Snyder to direct staff to review art from future El Paseo Exhibitions and select three pieces for the Commission to approve as options for the community to vote on for inclusion in the Entrada del Paseo sculpture garden. Motion carried unanimously. F. CONSIDERATION OF ARTISTS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE CITY OF PALM DESERT'S ARTIST REGISTRY Artwork by Tom White, Ulrich Parker, and Suzanne Donazetti was reviewed to be considered for the City of Palm Desert's Artist Registry. It was moved by Commissioner Weston and seconded by Commissioner Stenning to include Ulrich Parker and Suzanne Donazetti in the City of Palm Desert's Artist Registry. Motion approved unanimously. VIII. CONTINUED BUSINESS None IX. OLD BUSINESS A. CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE DESIGN PROPOSAL, "OCOTILLO GARDEN" BY BRIAN GOTTLIEB FOR THE WHITEWATER PROFESSIONAL BUILDING Mr. Twedt referred to the revised elevations that were included in the agenda packet for "Ocotillo Garden" for the Whitewater Professional building. Mr. Twedt stated that at last month's meeting, Commissioner Grochau asked to see how the project related to the landscaping due to the title "Ocotillo Garden". Commissioner Grochau thought the retaining wall was too tall and was too much of a dominant architectural feature to the building. The developer revised the elevations with changes to the wall and landscape plans and brought them back to the Commission for approval. Due to some confusion about what was being approved, Commissioner Hough read the motion from the minutes of April 19, 2006, meeting. It was the concurrence of the Commission that the new plans met the requests of last month's motion. 5 0 Art in Public Places Minutes May 17, 2006 0 It was moved by Commissioner Weston and seconded by Commissioner Stenning to accept the new design proposal for "Ocotillo Garden" by Brian Gottlieb for the Whitewater Professional Building. Motion carried unanimously. B. CONSIDERATION OF ART PROJECTS USING RECYCLED MATERIALS Commissioner Hough stated that at its meeting of April 19, 2006, the Commission was asked to recommend artists who could do a project using recycled materials working with students and the community. Commissioner Hough suggested Michael McMillan who creates artwork from found objects. Mr. Twedt and Ms. Schwartz produced the following Mission Statement: "Support the City of Palm Desert's recycling program and energy initiatives with public artwork that educates and encourages its citizens to recycles and conserve". Councilmember Benson asked about looking at the artists who were involved with the Recycled/Reseen exhibit that was displayed at the Palm Springs Art Museum several years ago. Commissioner Hough responded that she would locate the catalog from that program. It was moved by Commissioner Thompson and seconded by Commissioner Stenning to continue this item to the meeting of June 2/, 2006. The Commission members will select artists for the recycling project and adopt the Mission Statement. Motion carried unanimously. X. PROJECT STATUS REPORTS 1. Palm Desert Community Gallery Ms. Schwartz reported that "On the Road" will open May 25, and the reception will be May 30, 5:30 — 7:00 p.m. 2. Website No report. 3. Docent Program Ms. Schwartz reported that the docent tours are slowing down for the season. There is one more Saturday tour, which is of the El Paseo Exhibition. Ms. Schwartz added that 5,000 rack cards were printed for the program and will 0 Art in Public Places Minutes May 17, 2006 be distributed to galleries, hotels, and Desert Willow Golf Resort. 4. Embracing the Desert Mr. Twedt reported that there was an article in the Desert Sun and the Enterprise for the Embracing the Desert project. There will be an article in June's BrightSide He also did an interview with Joey English. XI. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. STAFF Mr. Twedt reported that the Art and Architecture books are being printed and Mr. Twedt had a few samples to circulate. The books will be available for purchase at the Visitor Center, Barnes and Noble, and Borders. B. COMMISSION MEMBERS • COMMISSION REPORTS Councilmember Benson announced that the City appointed her as the liaison to the Palm Springs Art Museum. Commissioner Hough complemented staff for the great job that has been done this season. Commissioner Hough stated she would be doing an exhibition at the Museum based on the theme of the road that includes 18 artists from throughout the country who photograph aspects of the American road. The exhibition is a spin off from Palm Desert's "On the Road" exhibition. Councilmember Benson suggested that if the "Caftan" piece is relocated it could be placed along El Paseo and dedicated to Edith Morre, which was the dress shop that was in business the longest on El Paseo until its recent closing. • LIAISON REPORTS 1. PLANNING COMMISSION — Sonia Campbell Art in Public Places Minutes Mav 17, 2006 0 0 0 No report. XI. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Commissioner Hough adjourned the meeting at 11:00 a.m. Respecffusubmitted, DEBIE L. THOMPON, ECORDING SECRETARY