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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAIPP - 12/20/06 � �� r CITY OF PALM DESERT ��-��--� � ART IN PUBLIC PLACES COMMISSION MINUTES � December 20, 2006 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Bussing convened the meeting at 9:05 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present Absent Chairperson Bussing John Weston Kevin Grochau Katherine Hough Kim Snyder Barbara Stenning Maureen Thompson r � w Also Present w 0 �, Richard Twedt, Public Arts Manager � Deborah Schwartz, Public Art Coordinator � Debbie Thompson, Recording Secretary � II v ORAL COMMUNICATIONS � z � � Chairperson Bussing inquired if the Commissioners received the w� o ,� amendment to the Conflict of Interest Form. � - .�., ,-, o � CONSENT CALENDAR H ( � � -i Minutes of the regular meetings held on October 18, and November H W o � �'' 15, 2006. � 0 � A Q A .. A ,,,i Chairperson Bussing noted that under Oral Communications o � � c� •• z w ro (continued on Page 2) of the November 15, 2006, minutes, the last � o H N .. •• z � w� sentence should read: "Chairperson Bussing stated that the Ha�, � H � o W ra -� "Ocotillo Garden" project is an example of a development that the t� � � �� x; � ,,�. Commission should have given more consideration to because the *removed for separate consideration - then received and filed the Minutes, with clarification tha.t the message to Art in Public Places was not that the art was disliked but that City Council requested more balance be achieved in the public art program by including representational and realistic piPces. 5-0 Art in Public Places Minutes December 20. 2006 Commission did have some doubts about it and it has not yet been completed." Upon Motion by Commissioner Grochau and second by Commissioner Snyder, ihe Minutes of Ocfober 18, 2006 were approved unanimous/y and the Minutes of November 15, 2006, were approved as corrected. Motion carried unanimous/y with Commissioner Weston absent. V. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. ORAL REVIEW OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION Mr. Twedt reported that at its meeting of December 14, 2006, City Council discussed and/or approved the following. The commission to have "Desert Dessert" restored was approved. Mr. Twedt stated that Mayor Kelly and Councilmember Finerty did not like the four sculptures that the Commission chose from the 2007/08 EI Paseo Exhibition for the community to vote to purchase for the City's permanent collection because there were no realistic pieces included in the selection. During the Council meeting, Mrs. Gilligan suggested that Mayor Kelly selects a fifth piece from the 2007/08 EI Paseo Exhibition. Councilmember Finerty asked to also be able to select an additional piece. The vote was that Mayor Kelly and Councilmember Finerty would each choose a piece from the Exhibition. Mr. Twedt showed Council photos of the 18 pieces that are in the Exhibition. They commented that there is not enough realistic artwork in the current show. Mr. Twedt informed Council that we did not receive any submissions of realistic pieces for this year's show. Mr. Twedt reported that there will be an article in February's issue of BrightSide regarding the voting process , and once it comes out the community can begin voting for the sculpture that they would like to see the City purchase. Mr. Twedt stated that City Council received a letter from the Chairperson of the Historic Preservation Committee complementing Mr. Twedt on his contribution to the Committee, a job well done, and that they specifically stated they were very pleased with the 2007/08 EI Paseo Exhibition. 2 Art in Public Places Minutes December 20, 2006 Ms. Schwartz stated that a question would be added to the follow up form that the docents give to people who take the EI Paseo tour asking how they like the current Exhibition. Those comments will be documented. VI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None VII. NEW BUSINESS A. CONSIDERATION OF DEVELOPING A PAINTED TRAFFIC SIGNAL BOX PROJECT FOR EL PASEO Mr. Twedt introduced the idea of developing a program to have artists paint traffic signal boxes on EI Paseo. Mr. Twedt said this project came about in response to the Commission's request to start new programs. He stated that Stamford, Connecticut has a traffic signal box program and approximately 50 boxes have been painted. The program has helped involve the community, decreased graffiti, and the posting of handbills. Mr. Twedt is working with Mark Greenwood, Director of Public Works, to see if the City of Palm Desert could do a similar project. Mr. Greenwood expressed concern that the paint would increase the heat of the boxes. Mr. Twedt suggested painting only the north side of the boxes and do a six-month test to see how the boxes would hold up. Robert Becerra, Traffic Signal Specialist, worked on a similar program in San Diego and thinks it would work here. Mrs. Gilligan is supportive about the program as it would allow the Public Art Department to work with several departments within the City. Mr. Twedt spoke to the person in Santa Cruz who coordinated the program there and she said it was the most successful project they had ever done. The paintings last approximately four years on the boxes. Mr. Twedt will continue to research the materials that can be purchased for the artists to use. He added that if the Commission approves the program, he would like guidance on how to proceed (work with college students, professional artists, invite three professional artists, work with the high school art students, have a competition, etc.). Commissioner Hough stated that this could be a good opportunity to convey "realism". Commissioner Hough thought it would be important to have the corners of the boxes painted to make 3 Art in Public Places Minutes December 20, 2006 the works look more three-dimensional. Chairperson Bussing said that staff is asking the Commission to give permission to develop a project according to the guidelines written in the staff report. Commissioner Grochau suggested doing an invitational for the first three boxes so examples could be set for future boxes. Mr. Twedt clarified that the Commission is asking staff to present six to nine artists to do the boxes and the Commission will select three based on the work provided. It was moved by Commissioner Grochau and seconded by Commissioner Hough to creafe an invitational competition for fhe three boxes on E/ Paseo that will be painted in a realistic or a trompe l'oeil style and have staff recommend six to nine artists from which the Commission will se/ect three. The budget will be determined based on the project, which will serve as a pilot program. Motion approved unanimously with Commissioner Weston absent. B. CONSIDERATION OF ARTISTS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE CITY OF PALM DESERT'S ARTIST REGISTRY Artwork by Kate Beck, David Phelps, Tim Prentice, John McEnroe, Barbara Cole, Jonathan Kirk, Claudia Fitch, and Lester Wiese were reviewed to be considered for the City of Palm Desert's Artist Registry. /t was moved by Commissioner Hough and seconded by Commissioner Thompson to include David Phelps, Tim Prentice, Barbara Cade, and C/audia Fitch in the City of Pa/m Desert's Artist Registry. Motion approved unanimously with Commissioner Weston absent. VIII. CONTINUED BUSINESS NONE IX. OLD BUSINESS NONE 4 Art in Public Places Minutes December 20, 2006 X. PROJECT STATUS REPORTS 1. Palm Desert Community Gallery Ms. Schwartz reported that there were approximately 75 people in attendance at the opening reception of "Animal Instincts". The exhibition will run through January 25. 2. Website The website company has updated the EI Paseo Exhibition section of the public art site to reflect the current exhibition. 3. Docent Program Ms. Schwartz reported that due to the overwhelming response to the last EI Paseo docent tour, there would be an added tour on January 6. The regular second Saturday tour (January 13) will be of the art in Civic Center Park. January 13 will kick off the first workshop for the recycling project with John Branstetter. He will hold workshops on January 20, and 27 for the project as well. January 20, there will be a Living Desert Day at the Visitor Center. The artists whose work is in the "Animal Instincts" will be doing demonstrations at the event. XI. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. STAFF Mr. Twedt reported that the benches for the Palma Village Neighborhood Park have been installed. He said they look out of place there. He spoke to Janis Steele, Parks Manager, about filling the hole with concrete and doing an inlay mosaic that plays off the design of the benches and add a Palapa or shade structure in the center to visually tie the two benches together. Mr. Twedt thought that the Commission could work with the high school students, which may reduce the vandalism and graffiti in the park. He thought the City's Youth Committee might be able to get involved and come up with a design. Pat Scully, who is the 5 Art in Public Places Minutes December 20. 2006 liaison for the Youth Committee is looking for a project for the Committee that can be taken to the National Competition. Chairperson Bussing asked if the two non- mosaic benches could be removed and commission two more mosaic benches. Mr. Twedt responded that he would not support purchasing more benches from this artist. Commissioner Hough said that we should not be paying for more benches; it is furniture. It was the concurrence of the Commission to not pursue an additional project for the Palma Village Neighborhood Park and have the Parks Department be responsible for that area. Mr. Twedt asked the Commission if it would be supportive of staff working with the Youth Committee on an art project. Mr. Twedt stated that if the Youth Committee comes up with a viable project he would present it to the Commission. Mr. Twedt talked about potential programming at the Henderson Community Building. There will be moveable walls that will be spaced for different meeting rooms, which will be available for non-profit organizations. It may be an opportunity to focus on art through a lecture series and a series of art based workshops. Mr. Twedt stated that Councilmember Benson is now a board member of the Education Committee at the Palm Springs Art Museum and mentioned past children's exhibitions at the Museum. Commissioner Hough said the Museum has two juried shows every year; one of which is the Fine Arts Creativity Awards exhibition for high school and College of the Desert students. There is also another program where students, grades K — 12, write about the art. Commissioner Hough added that there are a lot of children's art programs offered after school. Mr. Twedt stated that it sounded like Councilmember Benson was trying to revive an exhibition that the Museum organized several years ago, which attracted family participation. 6 Art in Public Places Minutes December 20, 2006 B. COMMISSION MEMBERS • COMMISSION REPORTS Commissioner Hough reported that the Palm Springs Art Museum is commissioning Patrick Dougherty who is a well-known public artist and does installations throughout the country. He uses natural materials to create his sculptures and works with children. He will do a site- specific installation in the Museum's atrium in July. He will spend three weeks building a sculpture evolving from natural materials. In May he will do a workshop with teachers and school children to make sculptures from natural materials. Chairperson Bussing suggested that the Commission members explore how the Museum's project could dovetail into programs at the Visitor Center. Mr. Twedt thought we could bring in a visiting artist that uses recycled items and bui{d a temporary sculpture. • LIAISON REPORTS 1. PLANNING COMMISSION — Sonia Campbell No report. XI. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chairperson Bussing adjourned the meeting at 10:40 a.m. Respectfully submitted, �----- � f� ? ' � BIE L. T OMPSON, RECORDING SECRETARY 7 ����� CITY OF PALM DESERT � � ART IN PUBLIC PLACES COMMISSION MINUTES • February 21, 2007 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Bussing convened the meeting at 9:05 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present Absent Chairperson Bussing Kim Snyder Kevin Grochau Katherine Hough Barbara Stenning Maureen Thompson John Weston Also Present Richard Twedt, Public Arts Manager Deborah Schwartz, Public Art Coordinator Debbie Thompson, Recording Secretary Mayor Pro Tem Jean Benson . Maria Hunt, Proposed Traffic Signal Box Project Artist III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS City Clerk Rachelle Klassen swore in Mark Wiener, new Alternate Commission Member. Mr. Wiener introduced himself. To clarify his position, Mayor Pro Tem Benson stated that Mr. Wiener is welcome to participate in discussions but would not be able to vote unless the Commission does not have a quorum. Art in Public Places Minutes February 21, 2007 IV. CONSENT CALENDAR Minutes of the regular meeting held on December 20, 2006. Upon Motion by Commissioner Hough and second by Commissioner Thompson, the Minutes of December 20, 2006, were approved unanimously with Commissioner Snyder absent, V. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. ORAL REVIEW OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION No report. VI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None VII. NEW BUSINESS A. SELECTION OF NEW CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR It was moved by Commissioner Stenning and seconded by Commissioner Hough to renominate Chairperson Bussing to serve as Chair for 2007. Motion carried unanimously with Commissioner Snyder absent. /t was moved by Commissioner Thompson and seconded by Commissioner Stenning to renominate Vice Chairperson Grochau to serve as Vice Chair for 2007. Motion carried unanimous/y with Commissioner Snyder absent. B. CONSIDERATION OF AN ENTRADA DEL PASEO PUBLIC ART PROJECT Mr. Twedt stated that he was instructed by Council to proceed with a site-specific project for the Visitor Center. He didn't get clear direction of what type of artwork would be appropriate for the Visitor Center or its gardens. He has a meeting with Mayor Kelly and Councilmember Finerty March 2, to clarify what is "appropriate" as far as artwork for the Visitor Center. The two Councilmembers didn't think it was appropriate to place modern or contemporary artwork in the gardens, which was the Commission's original intent. 2 Art in Public Places Minutes February 21, 2007 Mr. Twedt noted to the Commission that the aforementioned Councilmembers did not like any of the artwork from the 2007/08 EI Paseo Exhibition. There has been $250,000 allocated for art for Entrada del Paseo. Once the public has selected which of the four pieces from the EI Paseo Exhibition will be purchased and the purchase has been approved by Council, the balance of the $250,000 can be put towards a piece for the Visitor Center. It was expressed by these two Councifinembers that none of the four artworks would be appropriate to be placed at the Visitor Center. Mr. Twedt referred to the original RFP for the Entrada del Paseo project. Approximately a year ago an RFP for Entrada was sent to 21 renowned artists. Only two of the artists submitted proposals. Mr. Twedt suggested modifying the original RFP to fulfill Council's request of finding realistic art. It was suggested by Commissioner Hough to do an invitational competition to artists who do representational/realistic work. Commissioner Hough mentioned Gwynn Murrill, who does representationallrealistic sculptures and could be commissioned to do a series of sculptures that will create a path through the gardens. Mayor Pro Tem Benson clarified that it was not the entire Council who did not like the EI Paseo Exhibition. She added that the two Councilmembers are looking for art that is very understandable and something they do not have to interpret. She said that Mayor Kelly does like the Baja Palapa on Fred Waring. Mr. Twedt noted that none of the galleries presented representational art for the 2007/08 Exhibition. Commissioner Weston asked what the Commission's role was in selecting the public art. Mr. Twedt responded that the role of the Commission is advisory and it advises the Council on al) matters related to visual arts and that Council makes all final decisions. The Commission can make recommendations and the Commission's decision rests solely in an advisory role. Mr. Twedt added that this Council is very actively involved in the public art program, takes pride in it, and takes a personal responsibility for it. He noted that he often receives comments and complements in the community about the public art program. Commissioner Grochau stated that even though the Commission performs an advisory service for the Council, it is the Commission's responsibility to give Councii educated advice and the very best quality of art for the program. Commissioner Hough added that there are great representational artists who do 3 Art in Public Places Minutes February 21, 2007 good museum quality work; however, they are expensive. It was suggested to do an invitational and have Commissioner Hough work with staff to help identify appropriate, high quality artists. Commissioner Grochau noted that in most cases he has agreed with Council's final decisions. The Commission has always given Council good artwork to choose from and in the past the Commission has steered them very well. He said if Council is asking for representational, we could still steer them to fine art. Mayor Pro Tem Benson recommended including the specific placement of the artwork in the RFP. Commissioner Hough commented that $148,000 is not enough to attract an appropriate artist. Mr. Twedt stated he would like to wait to see what piece will be purchased to see what funds will be available. Commissioner Stenning stated that there are important criteria in the original RFP that should be kept in it. The artwork should be interactive and respond to the environment. Mr. Twedt suggested not spending too much money on Entrada; however, Mayor Pro Tem added that a cost limit should be considered. Mr. Twedt will let Council know that the Commission plans to search for a realistic artist who can create a site specific piece or series of pieces and he will request the original Entrada budget amount of $250,000 so that the Commission can proceed. It was moved by Commissioner Hough and seconded by Commissioner Grochau that staff, with Commissioner Hough's assistance, research representational/realistic artists with the inlent that the RFP be an invitationa/ to target representational/realistic artists using a budget of $250,000. Motion carried unanimous/y with Commissioner Snyder absent. C. CONSIDERATION OF ARTISTS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE CITY OF PALM DESERT'S ARTIST REGISTRY Artwork by Barbara Ellmann, Dayton Claudio, Edd Hayes, John Christensen, Cathy Locke, Elena Colombo, Steven Donegan, and Linda Prokop were reviewed to be considered for the City of Palm Desert's Artist Registry. It was moved by Commissioner Thompson and seconded by Commissioner Hough to include Barbara Ellmann, Dayton Claudio, John Christensen, and Cathy Locke 4 Art in Public Places Minutes February 21, 2007 in the City of Palm Desert's Artist Registry. Motion approved unanimous/y with Commissioner Snyder absent. VIII. CONTINUED BUSINESS NONE IX. OLD BUSINESS A. CONSIDERATION OF DEVELOPING A PAINTED TRAFFIC SIGNAL BOX PROJECT FOR EL PASEO Mr. Twedt informed the Commission that three utility boxes on EI Paseo have been reserved for the Painted Traffic Signal Box project. Mr. Twedt referred to the proposals from the five artists that were included in the agenda packet. It was explained to the artists that this was a pilot project and City staff will monitor the boxes over a six-month period to see if the project will be feasible. Mr. Twedt noted that when he considered the program he did not realize that there are two boxes at each location. If the artist is able to incorporate a design to include both boxes the commission amount could be slightly higher. If not, staff would paint the second box a neutral color to help conceal it. Upon question by Commissioner Weston, Maria Hunt who presented a proposal for the project, responded that she would use acrylic to paint the box. Mr. Twedt added that the painted boxes are lasting approximately four years in the cities that have done this type of project. Alternate Commissioner Wiener commented he has seen several cities that have painted utility boxes. He said that while the talent of the proposed artists is clear, one could walk into a gallery and see the same style on a painting. He thinks it should be stylistically different from what is found in the local galleries. Commissioner Hough noted to Mr. Wiener that the Commission was looking for representational designs in response to the request from City Council in that the Commission concentrates on finding more representational art for the program. She added that this was a project that lends itself to representational as requested by Council. Mr. Twedt mentioned that one of the artist's had the idea to incorporate both boxes by painting a torso on one of the boxes and the box next to it would include a leash and a dog. The Public Works staff will prep 5 Art in Public Places Minutes February 21, 2007 the box for the artist. Mr. Twedt stated that he would have the artists who are chosen for the project do at least two designs, which he will take to Council. Commissioner Hough again stated that the Commission wanted this project to be one of realism in response to Council's request, which should help guide the selection of artists. Ms. Hough referred back to the minutes of December 20, 2006, and noted that the Commission had recommended the trompe I'oeil style. The proposed artists received the following votes. Maria Hunt — 6; Zoe Fisher — 1; Marcy Gregory — 5; Elizabeth Stephenson — 3; and Bobette Bird — 2. lt was moved by Chairperson Bussing and seconded by Commissioner Stenning to accept Maria Hunt, Marcy Gregory, and Elizabeth Stephenson as the artists who will submit sketches for the appointed box (assigned 6y staf� that will wrap around the entire box. The submissions will be presented at the March 21, 2007 meeting. Each artist will receive an honorarium in an amount decided by staff. Motion carried unanimously with Commissioner Snyder absent. X. PROJECT STATUS REPORTS 1. Palm Desert Community Gallery Ms. Schwartz reported that the opening reception for "Snapshots of the American West" was last night. The exhibition will be on display through March 29. She mentioned that it is the first show that is not an art show but a collection of historical work. The collector will conduct a talk and book signing on Saturday, March 3. The Student Art and Essay Contest is the next exhibition. 2. Website Ms. Schwartz is working on getting the online voting set up for community members to vote on its favorite of the pre-selected sculptures from the 2007/08 EI Paseo Exhibition. 3. Docent Program Ms. Schwartz reported ihat February was the best month for docent tours since the program began. 6 Art in Public Places Minutes February 21, 2007 XI. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. STAFF Mr. Twedt circulated the outline for the public art forum to the Commissioners. In keeping with the Commission's directive to staff to find programs that are temporary in nature that can be sponsored and developed to target emerging artists and educate the community in public art, he is proposing to do a public art forum at the Henderson Community Building, which will be completed in approximately one year. He has asked artist Phillip Smith to be one of the speakers at the forum. Commissioner Hough suggested having a keynote speaker that is nationally recognized to talk about the art philosophy, how public art changes lives of individuals, what public art does for a community, etc. Mr. Twedt would like to conduct a series of events, which culminate in a Valley wide bus tour for City Managers, Councilmembers, and other appropriate dignitaries to participate in. The tour would begin in Palm Springs, highlight artwork throughout the Valley, with the tour ending at the Henderson Building and hold a reception. A subcommittee was formed with Commission Members Stenning, Thompson, and Weston to review the proposed Public Art Forum and bring back suggestions at the April 18, 2007 meeting. Mr. Twedt noted that Rattle Tail by Peter Mangan (Embracing the Desert program) would be removed from EI Paseo on March 2. B. COMMISSION MEMBERS • COMMISSION REPORTS • LIAISON REPORTS 1. PLANNING COMMISSION — Sonia Campbell No report. XI. ADJOURNMENT 7 Art in Public Places Minutes February 21, 2007 There being no further business, Chairperson Bussing adjourned the meeting at 11:05 a.m. Respectfully submitted, �- �, � � � DEBBIE L. OMPSON, RECORDING SECRETARY 8