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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-10-19O CITY OF PALM DESERT ART IN PUBLIC PLACES COMMISSION MINUTES October 18, 2006 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Bussing convened the meeting at 9:02 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present Absent Chairperson Bussing Kevin Grochau Kim Snyder Barbara Stenning Maureen Thompson John Weston Also Present Katherine Hough Deborah Schwartz, Public Art Coordinator Debbie Thompson, Recording Secretary Councilmember Jean Benson Sonia Campbell, Planning Commission Liaison Kathy Schooley, Artist Bill Ware, Artist Tim Day, Developer Ill. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS It was moved by Commissioner Grochau and seconded by Commissioner Thompson to add to the agenda under New Business F. CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE DESIGN PROPOSAL, "GAUDI STYLE BENCH" BY MARLO BARTELS FOR THE SPANISH WALK DEVELOPMENT and G. CONSIDERATION OF THE SCULPTURE DESIGN, "NEW BEGINNINGS" FOR BRAVA DEVELOPMENT. Motion carried unanimously with Commissioner Hough absent. 0 Art in Public Places Minutes October 18. 2006 IV. CONSENT CALENDAR Minutes of the regular meeting held on July 19, 2006. Upon Motion by Commissioner Grochau and second by Commissioner Stenning, the Minutes of July 19, 2006, were approved unanimously with Commissioner Hough absent. V. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. ORAL REVIEW OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION Ms. Schwartz reported that City Council approved John Branstetter's proposal for the Recycling art project. Ms. Schwartz stated that one of the Councilmembers had asked staff to research the possibilities of having Heath Satow, the artist for the Desert Gateway project, make "Palm Desert' on the sign/sculpture larger in size. It was felt that the current letters are too small in comparison to the City of Rancho Mirage's entrance sign across the street. Mr. Twedt has been working with Mr. Satow and Council has accepted a proposal from Mr. Satow to remove the current lettering and create an additional piece that looks like a rock formation with "Palm Desert" larger. The rock will be placed several feet in front of the original sculpture/sign. VI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None VII. NEW BUSINESS A. CONSIDERATION TO PURCHASE SCULPTURES FROM THE EMBRACING THE DESERT PROGRAM FOR THE PERMANENT COLLECTION Ms. Schwartz noted that copies of Dudley Buchanan, Peter Mangan, and Sol Mesz's artwork were included in the agenda packet. Ms. Schwartz stated that "Migration of the Butterflies" by Dudley Buchanan, which is currently in front of City Hall, would be moved to the Butterfly Garden at the Visitor Center, if purchased. If "Rattle Tail" by Peter Mangan were purchased it would remain in its current El Paseo location. Commissioner Grochau stated he liked the pieces. Commissioner Stenning recommended not purchasing the Art in Public Places Minutes 0 October 18, 2006 0 0 artwork as she feels they are not up to the City's standards in quality for the permanent collection. If the funds that would be expended for all three pieces were combined, a piece of higher quality could be purchased. The Commission felt that "Migration of the Butterflies" might be too small and not easily seen from a distance. Commissioner Grochau asked to hear staffs reasoning to why it was recommended considering the pieces for purchase. Ms. Schwartz responded that "Migration of the Butterflies" would work well in the Butterfly Garden that will be created to cultivate butterflies. Staff is pleased with the location of "Rattle Tail". Staff feels that both pieces will be durable. Staff does have concerns about the durability of Sol Mesz's "Palm of Paradise", which is located in front of the Visitor Center. Ms. Schwartz stated that the reason these two pieces were focused on was due to them being the most durable of all from the project, and to support the emerging artist program. It was the consensus of the Commission to review the pieces before making a final decision. It was moved by Commissioner Grochau and seconded by Commissioner Stenning to continue the Consideration To Purchase Sculptures From The Embracing The Desert Program For The Permanent Collection to the meeting of November 15, 2006 to allow the Commission members to review the above stated artworks. Motion carried unanimously with Commissioner Hough absent. B. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL TO INCREASE THE HONORARIUM FOR THE EL PASEO INVITATIONAL EXHIBITION It was moved by Commissioner Weston and seconded by Commissioner Stenning to approve the increase of the honorarium to an additional $1,000.00 for each artist for a total of $2,500.00 to each artist participating in the 2007/08 El Paseo Exhibition. Motion carried unanimously with Commissioner Hough absent. C. CONSIDERATION OF A THEME AND TITLE FOR THE 2007 STUDENT ART AND ESSAY CONTEST Chairperson Bussing referred to the list of past themes and suggestions that were included in the agenda packet for the 2007 Student Art and Essay Contest. After much discussion Art in Public Places Minutes 0 October 18, 2006 0 0 of several ideas it was the concurrence of the Commission to review the topics discussed and make a decision on a theme and title at next month's meeting. It was moved by Commissioner Grochau and seconded by Commissioner Thompson to continue the Consideration of a Theme and Title for the 2007 Student Art and Essay Contest to the meeting of November 15, 2006. Motion carried unanimously with Commissioner Hough absent. D. CONSIDERATION OF DONATION OF ARTWORK BY ELLEN BUCKHORN FROM PAUL BUCKHORN TO THE CITY OF PALM DESERT It was moved by Commissioner Weston and seconded by Commissioner Snyder to agree with Staffs recommendation to graciously decline the donation of artwork by Ellen Buckhorn from Paul Buckhorn. Motion approved unanimously with Commissioner Hough absent. Councilmember Benson suggested that staff recommend donating the artwork to the Library. E. CONSIDERATION OF ARTISTS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE CITY OF PALM DESERTS ARTIST REGISTRY Artwork by James Hill, Kathy Schooley, Michael Gasch, and Don Porcaro were reviewed to be considered for the City of Palm Desert's Artist Registry. It was moved by Commissioner Grochau and seconded by Commissioner Thompson to include James Hill, Kathy Schooler, Michael Gasch, and Don Porcaro in the City of Palm Desert's Artist Registry. Motion approved unanimously with Commissioner Hough absent. F. CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE DESIGN PROPOSAL, "GAUDI STYLE BENCH" BY MARLO BARTELS FOR THE SPANISH WALK DEVELOPMENT Chairperson Bussing asked Tim Day, developer for the Spanish Walk Development about the durability of the benches. Mr. Day responded that they would be sturdy and made with a wire mesh and concrete. There will be eight benches that will form one bench of 80 feet with one section being semi circular and one an "S" shape. The bench will be Art in Public Places Minutes October 18, 2006 placed at the corner of Gerald Ford and Frank Sinatra Drives and will be completely tiled. At this point Mr. Bartels has not yet created a definite design for the benches. The landscape will provide shade for the benches. There was a concern about kids riding their skateboards on the benches. Mr. Day responded that Mr. Bartels did take that into consideration. The area surrounding the benches will not accommodate skateboarders and will surrounded by Desert Gold. It was suggested by Councilmember Benson to have the developer put "No Skateboarding" signs in the area to prevent skateboarders from riding on the benches. It was moved by Commissioner Grochau and seconded by Commissioner Thompson to approve the design proposal, "Gaudi Style Bench" by Mario Bartels for the Spanish Walk Development. Motion carried unanimously with Commissioner Hough absent. G. CONSIDERATION OF THE SCULPTURE DESIGN, "NEW BEGINNINGS" FOR BRAVA DEVELOPMENT Mr. Ware referred to the sketch of the entrance of Brava Development. The piece, cast in bronze with patina, is five feet tall and will be placed on a two and a half foot base. Chairperson Bussing questioned if the piece may be too elegant for a desert development. Commissioner Stenning felt that the posture was very welcoming. The question was asked as to how Mr. Ware came up with the design. Mr. Ware stated that he had wanted to do this piece for some time so he proposed it to the developers. The developers are very focused on family and opera and Mr. Ware feels this piece represents both. Commissioner Stenning stated that the architecture and gates are very Tuscan like and the sculpture more European in scale and feels it will work. Commissioner Grochau stated he liked the piece and thinks it will fit with the development. Commissioner Stenning was concerned that it may get lost and may not look significant enough in its proposed location. Mr. Ware said he would suggest to the developer to have it placed behind the Brava sign. It was moved by Commissioner Grochau and seconded by Commissioner Snyder to accept "New Beginnings" as the art component for Brava Development as presented by artist Bill Ware. Motion carried with a 6 —1 vote with Commissioner Weston opposing and Commissioner Hough absent. 5 Art in Public Places Minutes October 18, 2006 o VIII. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. CONSIDERATION OF THE SCULPTURE DESIGN, "SPECIAL DELIVERY" FOR THE SIERRA LANDSCAPE COMPANY Ms. Kathy Schooley presented the maquette of the proposed art component for Sierra Landscape Company. The artwork will be located close to the street, facing Interstate 10 at the new building on Spyder Lane. The piece will be nine feet at its tallest point and placed on a concrete pedestal. Ms. Schooley tied in the design of the piece with the landscape company. The artwork depicts a seedpod and will be formed out of steel and rusted to have a natural rust patina. The sculpture will also include stainless steel, bronze, and marble. Ms. Schooley noted that the developer has a $6,000 budget but decided to add an additional $6,000 for a total budget of $12,000. It was moved by Commissioner Stenning and seconded by Commissioner Snyder to approve the sculpture proposal, "Special Delivery" as the art component for the Sierra Landscape Company. Motion carried unanimously with Commissioner Hough Absent. IX. OLD BUSINESS NONE X. PROJECT STATUS REPORTS 1. Palm Desert Community Gallery Ms. Schwartz reported that the "Art of Food and Wine" exhibition is on display. The opening reception was October 3, and was well attended. The upcoming show, "Animal Instincts" will coincide with the Visitor Center's "Living Desert month". One Saturday in January a "Living Desert Day" will be held that will include demonstrations by the artists from the "Animal Instincts" show. Ms. Schwartz has paired the February show, "Snapshots of the American West" with the Historical Society and there will be a collector's talk at some point during the exhibition. 2. Website Art in Public Places Minutes October 18 2006 The Art and Architecture map will be on the Website in the next couple of weeks. The map was refigured to be easily downloaded and printed out. 3. Docent Program Ms. Schwartz reported that the first tour of the season was on El Paseo in September and twelve people attended. Last Saturday was the second tour of the season with twenty people on the Park tour. The next tour is November 11, at the Library. Ms. Schwartz reminded the Commission that the 2007/08 El Paseo Exhibition dedication is November 9, at 6:00 p.m. at the Gardens on El Paseo with a reception at Pacifica afterwards. 4. Embracing the Desert Ms. Schwartz reported that the final artwork by Eugene Wyrick and Patricia Mitchell for the Embracing the Desert project was installed on El Paseo near the Vons driveway. XI. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. STAFF Ms. Schwartz mentioned that the installation of the 2007/08 El Paseo Exhibition is still taking place through the end of next week. The mosaic benches by Debra Yates have been delivered to the Corp Yard and will be installed at the Palma Village Neighborhood Park. B. COMMISSION MEMBERS • COMMISSION REPORTS • LIAISON REPORTS 1. PLANNING COMMISSION — Sonia Campbell No report. Art in Public Places Minutes October 18 2006 XI. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chairperson Bussing adjourned the meeting at 10:52 a.m. Respectfully submitted, DEBBIE L. THOMPSON, RECORDING SECRETARY 8