HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Art In Public Places (AIPP) Commission 11/17/2004CITY OF PALM DESERT
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES COMMISSION
MINUTES
November 17, 2004
I. CALL TO ORDER_
Vice Chairman Bussing convened the meeting at 8:35 a.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present: Absent:
Norma Bussing
Joe Dickinson
Suzanne Greenberg
Kevin Grochau
Katherine Hough
Also Present:
Bob Kohn, Director of Special Programs
Richard Twedt, Public Arts Manager
Councilmember Jean Benson
Sonia Campbell, Planning Commission
Debbie Thompson, Recording Secretary
Bill Ware
Kim Snyder, Guest
Richard Begola, Guest
Steve Morgan, Guest
III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Vice Chair Bussing welcomed back Chairman Dickinson who was
out ill for last month's meeting. Chairman Dickinson spoke about
his illness. The doctor found cancer in his colon, which lead to
surgery. All applauded his wellness and return.
Bill Ware presented a design proposal to repaint the mural in the
Council Chamber. The current mural is coming apart and is
starting to warp. He plans to repaint it in place and change the
Minutes November 17, 2004
scene from summer to spring time. He wants to change the texture
of the sand to make it richer and warmer. He will add verbena
sparsely throughout and place two doves on the Creosote tree. He
would like to involve students by having them sit in the audience to
be able to ask questions about art and his process as an artist. Mr.
Ware will develop a budget and propose it to the Commission at the
meeting of December 15.
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR
Minutes of the regular meeting held on October 20, 2004.
Upon Motion by Commissioner Greenberg and second by
Commissioner Grochau, the Minutes of October 20, 2004, were
approved unanimously.
V. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. ORAL REVIEW OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION
Councilmember Benson reported that City Council approved
artist Susan Evans to create the mural for the Palm Desert
Library Community Room. Ms. Evans will make
modifications to a few of the characters.
VI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
None
VII. NEW BUSINESS
A. REVIEW OF ARTISTS REQUESTING TO BE IN THE
VIRTUAL GALLERY
Mr. Twedt presented artwork from artists Helene Himot and
Charles Perera who are interested in participating in the
Virtual Gallery. Mr. Twedt stated that he has not received
much response for the Virtual Gallery. He had made an
announcement at the North Wing Gallery reception for the
Coachella Valley Arts Alliance show to which the crowd was
most receptive. Also, there was an article in the Chamber of
Commerce newsletter regarding it and an article will be
placed in the December BrightSide as well.
Minutes November 17, 2004
It was moved by Commissioner Hough and seconded by
Commissioner Grochau to accept Helene Himot in the Virtual
Gallery. Motion carried unanimously.
B. CONSIDERATION OF ARTISTS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE
CITY OF PALM DESERT'S ARTIST SLIDE REGISTRY
The following artist was reviewed to be considered for the
City of Palm Desert's Artist Slide Registry. Jozef
Sumichrast.
It was moved by Commissioner Greenberg and
seconded by Commissioner Hough to include Jozef
Sumichrast into the Artist Slide Registry. Motion carried
unanimously,
VIII. CONTINUED BUSINESS
None
IX. OLD BUSINESS
A. CONSIDERATION OF A TITLE FOR THE 2005 STUDENT
ART AND ESSAY CONTEST
Vice Chairman Bussing stated that a general theme for the
2005 Student Art and Essay Contest was chosen at last
month's meeting. Mr. Twedt stated that he had mentioned
the theme to Councilmember Benson who felt the younger
students would not understand the concept of Community
ServiceNolunteerism. Mr. Twedt stated that she suggested
a Civic Center Park theme.
It was moved by Commissioner Grochau and seconded
by Commissioner Hough that the title for the 2005 Student Art
and Essay Contest would be "A Day in the Park". Motion
carried unanimously.
X. PROJECT STATUS REPORTS
1. North Wing Gallery
No report.
2 Website
Minutes November 17, 2004
Mr. Twedt reported that Ms. Schwartz is preparing to upload
the 2005/06 El Paseo Exhibition on the Website once the
Exhibition is completely installed.
3. Docent Program
Mr. Twedt reported that Ms. Schwartz interviewed ten
potential docents and selected seven with all of the current
docents returning.
XI. REPORTS AND REMARKS
A. STAFF
Mr. Twedt reported that the field trip to San Diego has been
postponed until March.
Mr. Twedt updated the Commission members who were not
at last month's meeting regarding the idea of having an art
center in Palm Desert. Commissioner Greenberg had
suggested the idea to Mr. Twedt who talked to Mr. Kohn
about it and was given authority to pursue it. Mr. Twedt
explained that the City will be built out in seven or eight
years and the art funds will be depleted. Mr. Twedt did
some research on art centers in other cities. If the City of
Palm Desert were to head up an art center the City would
control it but not provide a facility for other art groups.
Councilmember Benson suggested visiting other City's art
centers before pursing the concept. Councilmember Benson
also suggested discussing it with the City Manager to see if it
would be feasible. Mr. Twedt stated he is familiar with art
centers as he dealt with many in Washington. Mr. Twedt
mentioned the possibility of being able to use the recycling
fund which the curriculum would include ten to twenty
percent of recycling (handmade papers, collage work with
metal and aluminum, glass, etc.). Commissioner Greenberg
reminded Mr. Twedt that many groups would be willing to
rent a space once a month.
At the October meeting Commissioner Bussing mentioned
she was interested in having an exhibition space at the new
Visitor Information Center. Mr. Twedt met with Lauri Aylaian
to review the plans, which include an area for a gallery past
the main lobby, which leads into the conference room area.
He mentioned having an exhibition of the Endangered
Species by Andy Warhol for the opening of the Visitor
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Information Center. Councilmember Benson suggested
using the Best of the North Wing Gallery and choose several
of the best pieces from the various shows.
Mr. Twedt reported that the Marriott Desert Springs is
building ten pads on its grounds for placement of art. They
have contact information on the artists that were in the
previous El Paseo Exhibition. Paintings and tapestry will be
shown inside the resort as well.
Mr. Twedt reported that Esther Wertheimer, who is doing
artwork for the El Paseo landmark sign, would retain her
contract and have the City withhold 30 percent of her
commission for taxes.
Mr. Twedt circulated photos of Tom Otterness's work that
were taken by Deborah Schwartz when she was in New
York. Mr. Otterness is the artist whose artwork may be
appropriate for Freedom Park.
Mr. Twedt handed out the new 2005/06 El Paseo Exhibition
rack card and invitation for the opening to the
Commissioners. That same design will be used for the
magazine advertisements as well.
Mr. Twedt shared information on art in Washington, D.C. that
was sent to him by former Commissioner Janet Brody.
B. COMMISSION MEMBERS
Commissioner Grochau stated that he saw the water feature
entrance signs from Water Studio and they look quite sharp.
It was noted by Mr. Kohn that they look gorgeous at night
with the lighting on it.
Commissioner Hough reported that she just returned from
South America where she escorted an art and architecture
tour.
Commissioner Hough mentioned that Dr. Irving Sandler, who
has written many books on art, would be giving a lecture at
the Museum on November 18.
• COMMISSION REPORTS
Minutes November 17, 2004
• LIAISON REPORTS
1. PLANNING COMMISSION — Sonia Campbell
Ms. Campbell reported that the Planning Commission
approved a service industrial building in the north
sphere.
XII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Vice Chair Bussing adjourned the
meeting at 9:50 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
IE L. THO SON
RECORDING SECRETARY