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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-07-16 CITY OF PALM DESERT ART IN PUBLIC PLACES COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 16, 2003 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Dickinson convened the meeting at 8:35 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: Joe Dickinson, Chairman Suzanne Greenberg Janet Brody Norma Bussing Kevin Grochau Katherine Hough Jana Koroczynsky Also Present: Robert Kohn, Director of Special Programs Richard Twedt, Public Arts Manager Debbie Thompson, Recording Secretary Sonia Campbell, Planning Commission Liaison Michael Watling, Artist Steve Rieman, Artist Ruth Ann Moore, Redevelopment Agency III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS NONE Minutes July 16, 2003 2 IV. CONSENT CALENDAR Minutes of the regular meeting held on June 18, 2003. Upon Motion by Commissioner Hough and second by Commissioner Brody, the Minutes of June 18, 2003, were approved unanimously with Commissioner Greenberg absent. V. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. ORAL REVIEW OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION * Council approved staff to pursue research for grant funding sources for the production of a documentary of the Palm Desert Public Art program. * Council approved the Commission’s art philosophy/mission statement with the following changes in the wording. “The Art in Public Places program philosophy is to bring the greatest quality and diversity of art to the City of Palm Desert; to provide the greatest accessibility to the art of the public; and to advise the City Council in making art related decisions.” * Council concurred with the AIPP Commission’s recommendation and rejected the entry gates and brick fence located at 72-415 Parkview, as it did not warrant the status of art. VI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER NONE VII. NEW BUSINESS A. CONSIDERATION TO ACCEPT DESIGN PROPOSALS FOR THE FRED WARING DRIVE AND WASHINGTON STREET ENTRANCE SIGN Mr. Watling presented his design proposal titled “Palm Desert Sunburst” for the entrance sign at Washington and Fred Waring. The design included mountain landscape, a sunburst, and metal representations of desert plants including ocotillo and yucca. The ocotillo structure will be made of half-inch brass rods that will extend eight feet high. Minutes July 16, 2003 3 He proposed moving the two existing palm trees to “frame” the piece. Mr. Watling located the words “Palm Desert” on the wall that sits just behind the piece. Chairman Dickinson was concerned about the distance of sixteen feet between the words “Palm” and “Desert” on the wall. The Commission asked Mr. Watling to return with alternatives for the placement of the words “Palm Desert” on the piece. Mr. Rieman presented his design for the entrance sign at Fred Waring and Washington. He stated he likes to create a balance of three things – concept, artistry, and technology. He developed a symbol that is synchronic with nature. The piece is eight feet high and thirteen to fourteen feet wide and will be constructed from stainless and weathered steel. There is a sun form onto which the words “Palm Desert” are attached with a metal screen placed behind it. Chairman Dickinson stated that he did not feel that either artists’ concept was appropriate according to the suggestions from the Councilmembers that attended the signage Subcommittee meeting. Mr. Allen Root’s design was not included for review by the Commission because it did not arrive in the office prior to the meeting. It was the consensus from the Commission to rate Mr. Watling’s piece as number one but have him change the lettering and maintain the continuity. It was also the consensus of the Commission that had they reviewed Allen Root’s design, and if it was similar to the sign he created for Desert Willow, they may have preferred it to the other two proposals. Mr. Twedt stated he would place the maquettes in the Council Chamber for viewing to allow feedback from the Councilmembers. Mr. Watling will return with a modified maquette. If Allen Root sends a proposal, it too will be put in the Chamber. It was moved by Commissioner Brody and seconded by Commissioner Koroczynsky to accept the designs of Michael Watling and Steve Rieman for the entrance signage at the corner of Fred Waring and Washington. Motion carried unanimously. Minutes July 16, 2003 4 B. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE 2004/2005 EL PASEO EXHIBITION AND COMMISSIONER KOROCZYNSKY’S PROPOSAL Commissioner Koroczynsky stated that what she is suggesting is currently in the AIPP Guidelines. She is suggesting that all projects be done as open competitions including the El Paseo Exhibition. She stated that the Commission would have a more varied selection of art to review if all projects were solicited through open competition. She stated that there are extensive files of artists in our slide registry who want to do work in the City. She asked what the point was of having files in the artist registry if those artists never have an opportunity to present proposals. Commissioner Hough stated that she too likes the idea of an open competition, but does not feel that it is appropriate for the El Paseo Exhibition. The Commission traditionally has an excellent partnership with the El Paseo business community by doing the exhibition. A few years ago, it did not have a good relationship because there were outside artists that exhibited. The relationship was turned around by establishing a partnership with the Business Association and doing a limited invitational competition with the galleries. With an open competition there are certain artists who would never participate. The caliber of Jim Dine and Dennis Oppenheim do not enter national juried shows. She stated we would not have the quality of artwork that we currently have if the Commission had not conducted a limited invitational competition and worked with the galleries on El Paseo. Commissioner Koroczynsky stated that part of her suggestion was to notify the galleries for submissions as well as the artists in the files by sending them a postcard informing them that the information is on the Website. Commissioner Hough stated that instead of an open competition, they could be invited. Commissioner Hough added that since the last show was so successful, and so rooted in the strong partnership with the galleries, the process should be repeated. Upon question by Commissioner Koroczynsky, Commissioner Hough responded that a nationwide call has been done in the past and the response was not good. Ms. Campbell noted that the El Paseo Business Association was pleased with last year’s process, selections, and the partnership. Minutes July 16, 2003 5 Mr. Twedt stated that it takes approximately fourteen months to organize the exhibition. Mr. Twedt added that there is enough good art available here to have another successful exhibition. Working with the local galleries is a positive in that the show is a reflection of our community. It was moved by Commissioner Brody and seconded by Commissioner Hough that the Art In Public Places Guidelines for the 2004/2005 El Paseo Exhibition remain in place as it was for 2003 which would include hiring a curator. Motion carried unanimously with Commissioner Greenberg absent. C. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION OF COMMISSIONER KOROCZYNSKY'S PROPOSAL FOR COMMISSIONING ARTWORKS FOR THE CITY OF PALM DESERT It was moved by Commissioner Grochau and seconded by Commissioner Bussing to continue with the current process for commissioning artworks and be specific with the details of each project and the proper selection method of art whether it is by invitation or open competition. Motion carried unanimously with Commissioner Greenberg absent. D. CONSIDERATION OF COMMISSIONING ORR STUDIOS TO CREATE SCULPTURE/FOUNTAIN LANDMARK SIGNS ON EL PASEO AND HIGHWAY 111 AND PORTOLA Mr. Twedt stated that Mr. So of Orr Studios quoted $23,000.00 to $25,000.00 per sign for the two entrances to El Paseo from Highway III. A presentation of Orr Studios designs was made at the Signage Subcommittee meeting, and there was a consensus that the signs would be appropriate landmark signs for El Paseo. The current hand painted signs are inadequate and do not represent the “flavor” of El Paseo or what it wants to be. It was moved by Commissioner Hough and seconded by Commissioner Brody to ask Staff to work with Orr Studios to prepare a revised concept of entry signage to be considered for the sites at El Paseo and Highway 74 and El Paseo and Portola. Motion carried unanimously with Commissioner Greenberg absent. Mr. Twedt added that he is going to attend the El Paseo Business Association meeting on July 12 to inform them of Minutes July 16, 2003 6 the Commission’s discussion and to present designs by Orr Studios. Mr. Twedt stated that he is going to prepare a proposal to send out an RFQ for sculptures to be added on top of the existing concrete and river rock El Paseo entry signs located on the east and west ends of El Paseo. Mr. Twedt is also planning to propose to add additional pads on the median, which will give the opportunity for more art. E. REVIEW OF ARTISTS IN THE CITY OF PALM DESERT’S SLIDE REGISTRY – PRESENTATION BY RICHARD TWEDT The following artists (sculptor representational) were reviewed to be retained or eliminated from the Artist Slide Registry. Mary Owens, Rubin Ramot, Steve Rieman, William Rosenberger, Dustin Shuler, Sandra Shannonhouse, Joel Shapiro, Rick Soss, and Bob Wade. It was moved by Commissioner Koroczynsky and seconded by Commissioner Hough to retain artists Steve Rieman, William Rosenberger, Dustin Shuler, Sandra Shannonhouse, Joel Shapiro, Rick Soss, and Bob Wade in the Artist Slide Registry. Motion carried unanimously with Commissioner Greenberg absent. The following artists (sculptors nonrepresentational) were reviewed to be retained or eliminated from the Artist Slide Registry. Jun Kaneko, Masatoyo Kishi, Anita Klaz, Steve Kline, Kipp Koboyashi and Marta Perlas, Evan Lewis, Sharon Louden, Robert Mangold, Tom Marioni, and Molly Mason. It was moved by Commissioner Koroczynsky and seconded by Commissioner Hough to retain artists Jun Kaneko, Masatoyo Kishi, Anita Klaz, Steve Kline, Evan Lewis, Sharon Louden, and Robert Mangold in the Artist Slide Registry. Motion carried unanimously with Commissioner Greenberg absent. F. CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSALS FOR THE JUNE 2004 EXHIBITION IN THE NORTH WING GALLERY – PRESENTATION BY DEBORAH SCHWARTZ No action was taken on this item. Minutes July 16, 2003 7 G. CONSIDERATION TO BEGIN RESEARCHING AN EXHIBITION ON VISUAL DEPICTIONS OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT FOR THE 2004/2005 NORTH WING GALLERY SEASON – PRESENTATION BY DEBORAH SCHWARTZ Mr. Twedt stated that Ms. Schwartz was organizing a show of the history of Palm Desert. It was moved by Commissioner Hough and seconded by Commissioner Bussing that Staff begin researching an exhibition on visual depictions of the City of Palm Desert. Motion carried unanimously with Commissioner Greenberg absent. H. CONSIDERATION OF CONVERTING THE FOUNTAIN AT THE ARCO AM/PM STATION AT 73-980 HIGHWAY III TO CONTAIN LANDSCAPING ELEMENTS – PRESENTATION BY RICHARD TWEDT Mr. Twedt reported that the owner of the ARCO station located at 73-980 Highway III would like to convert its public art fountain into a landscape element and change the façade. It was suggested that the landscaping echo the medians on Highway III. Staff recommended the following four different options – restore the fountain to its original state, create a fountain that would not include water, accept the landscaping concept, or tear it down and landscape the entire area. Landscape Manager Spencer Knight suggested not adding landscaping but removing it and doing a landscape design that is consistent with the surrounding area. Commissioner Hough commented that the Commission does not consider it an art piece and the artist is unknown. No AIPP or City funds will be used for this project. Mr. Kohn reminded the Commission that the art program currently has that corner and asked if the Commission would want to give up that site for potential art in the future. Commissioner Hough stated that the site doesn’t lend itself for any good art piece due to the gas price sign that is incorporated into the piece. Mr. Kohn suggested including in the motion that if that particular business closes and the sign is removed and becomes available for artwork the Minutes July 16, 2003 8 Commission will reserve the right to that corner for placement of artwork. It was moved by Commissioner Koroczynsky and seconded by Commissioner Bussing that the current art piece be removed, and replaced with landscaping, as suggested by the City of Palm Desert’s Landscape Manager, but reserve the right to utilize the corner should it become available for artwork. Motion carried unanimously with Commissioner Greenberg absent. Mr. Knight noted that the sign is placed in the fountain, which would have to be removed, and a new sign would have to be reviewed by Architectural Review. VIII. CONTINUED BUSINESS NONE IX. OLD BUSINESS A. CONSIDERATION TO LOCATE THE “PATRIOT” SCULPTURE IN THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER Mr. Twedt stated that after further research regarding the location of the “Patriot” sculpture, it was decided that the Palm Desert City Council Chamber would be the most appropriate location for the sculpture. The Sheriff’s Station did not have a pad for the piece and it is preferable to place it inside where it would avoid direct sunlight, vandalism, theft, and being mishandled. Placing the sculpture inside the front window of the Council Chamber will allow it to be visible to the public from outside as well as inside and those who park. Commissioner Hough reminded the Commission that the sculpture is on loan and will be auctioned off as a fundraiser for the Bighorn Foundation. It was moved by Commissioner Grochau and seconded by Commissioner Koroczynsky to approve staff’s recommendation to locate the “Patriot” sculpture inside the Palm Desert City Council Chamber. Motion carried unanimously with Commissioner Greenberg absent. Minutes July 16, 2003 9 X. PROJECT STATUS REPORTS 1. North Wing Gallery Mr. Twedt stated that the reception for the Hanson House Show is July 17, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the North Wing Gallery. 2. Website Mr. Twedt stated that he got approval to hire a company to host the artist slide registry website. He is waiting for Sitewire to put a link from the main site to Palmdesertartistregistry.com. There will be over one hundred artists with over one thousand pieces of art available for viewing. XI. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. STAFF Mr. Twedt stated that David Katz from Coda Gallery has written a letter to Mayor Benson requesting the City to participate in its Gallery Walk. The City received a letter from Mr. Carver, developer for Desert Gateway, who wants to donate the corner of Monterey and Dinah Shore to the City and have the City put an entry sign there. He will use his AIPP funds for art. Mr. Twedt circulated the latest ad for the Palm Desert collection that appeared in ArtNews this month. Ads will be placed in Sculpture Magazine and Art in America’s annual guide to museums and galleries. He is also placing an ad in Gallery Guide, which is a national guide that is placed in hotels and resorts throughout the country. Mr. Twedt stated that Ms. Schwartz had met with the principal from Abraham Lincoln School and the principal raved how wonderful the City of Palm Desert is to work with and gave extremely positive feedback about the Student Art and Essay Contest stating it is a positive opportunity for the students in Palm Desert. Minutes July 16, 2003 10 B. COMMISSION MEMBERS • COMMISSION REPORTS Commissioner Hough reported that the Palm Springs Desert Museum is opening four architectural design exhibitions next Saturday. Under Construction: The Architecture of Marmol. Julius Shulman, Stewart Williams, and Charles Hollis Jones Furniture. • LIAISON REPORTS 1. PLANNING COMMISSION – Sonia Campbell Ms. Campbell stated that they approved the homes on Hovley Lane West, a two-story office building on Technology Drive by the bridge on Cook Street and the bridge behind the ARCO station. They plan to have a courtyard including a fountain feature. XII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chairman Dickinson adjourned the meeting at 10:52 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Debbie L. Thompson DEBBIE L. THOMPSON RECORDING SECRETARY