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Home My WebLink AboutMinutes - Art In Public Places Commission 04-18-2007 -•...�:. �� CITY OF PALM DESERT �� ART IN PUBLIC PLACES COMMISSION �� MINUTES April 18, 2007 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Bussing convened the meeting at 9:02 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present Absent Chairperson Bussing Maureen Thompson Kevin Grochau Katherine Hough Barbara Stenning Kim Snyder John Weston Also Present Richard Twedt, Public Arts Manager Mayor Pro Tem Jean Benson Deborah Schwartz, Public Art Coordinator Debbie Thompson, Recording Secretary Phillip Smith, Artist Rich Shannon, Pacific Pointe Partners III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None a:�::.�L �;Gl�i��: �.� .. , J�r,�31.�L �.�,-- ...__.._ �'1.'t'�1��.� �<,:: ' • ��e� _ _____..�_R. �,. ._ . .:. . , � g-9-o�[_..____ __ _ � . . - ' Bc;n��.ri, Fi ner�Y1 .SP�e�el� K�11� . . _ . . . Nine. _.__ _ .�,.. . ,. . . Fer Uson . __ . _ �, N�� _ r� � ... . 12-,0,�.(.�q � �__ ,� . ,�j-, a�.<.._ . .. .. _ , �� - — Art in Public Places Minutes April 18, 2007 IV. CONSENT CALENDAR Minutes of the regular meeting held on March 21, 2007. Upon Motion by Commissioner Hough and second by Commissioner Snyder, the Minutes of March 21, 2007, were approved unanimously with Commissioner Thompson absent. V. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. ORAL REVIEW OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION No report. VI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None VII. NEW BUSINESS A. CONSIDERATION OF "INFINITY COLUMN" FOR THE MONTEREY POINTE PROJECT Mr. Twedt noted that the rendering that was included in the agenda packet has been revised from the time the agendas were mailed. Monterey Pointe is located behind Sam's Club on Dinah Shore near Monterey Avenue. Mr. Smith explained that the proposed artwork, "Infinity Column", is a 15-foot tall column in which the form will transform from a triangle at the top of the artwork to a circle at the bottom. It will be integrated into the landscaping and placed on a five- foot high pad, which will give it additional height. He would like to place lighting in the interior as well as the exterior of the piece. The piece will be anchored onto the concrete footing. Commissioner Grochau asked to see the plan view of where the sculpture will be placed within the landscape. He also asked if there would be any palm tree relocation. It was moved by Commissioner Grochau and seconded by Commissioner Hough to approve the proposed artwork, "Infinity Column'; for the Monterey Pointe project as presented with the condition that the Commission reviews the site plan with the p/acement of the sculpture in the landscape plan. The artist is to determine how to integrate the internal 2 Art in Public Places Minutes April 18, 2007 lighting. Motion carried unanimously with Commissioner Thompson absent B. CONSIDERATION OF CREATING AN "EMBRACING THE DESERT LIGHT" PROJECT Mr. Twedt stated that he has been wanting to do a project that would integrate light. The project could include natural sunlight, shadows, or starlight. As an example of an artist who works with light, Mr. Twedt mentioned Charles Ross. It was mentioned that James Turrell creates sky rooms. Mr. Twedt stated it could be an invitational or an open competition. He does not have a budget yet. Chairperson Bussing asked that the Commissioners present ideas as to how to structure the program at the May meeting. She also asked that staff educate the Commission about light artists and further define possibilities at the same meeting. It was moved by Commissioner Hough and seconded by Commissioner Stenning to continue the concept of Creating an "Embracing the Desert Light" project with staff and the Commission to present ideas at the May 16, 2007, meeting. Motion carried unanimously with Commissioner Thompson absent. C. CONSIDERATION OF ARTISTS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE CITY OF PALM DESERT'S ARTIST REGISTRY Artwork by Bill Weaver, Ethan Kerber, and Joseph Giannetti were reviewed to be considered for the City of Palm Desert's Artist Registry. It was moved by Commissioner Stenning and seconded by Commissioner Hough to include Bill Weaver, Ethan Kerber, and Joseph Giannetti in the City of Pa/m Desert's Artist Registry. Motion approved unanimously with Commissioner Thompson absent. VIII. CONTINUED BUSINESS NONE IX. OLD BUSINESS NONE 3 Art in Public Places Minutes April 18, 2007 X. PROJECT STATUS REPORTS 1. Palm Desert Community Gallery Ms. Schwartz reported that she contacted the artists who were selected for the 2007/08 Palm Desert Community Gallery season. The current show is the annual Student Art and Essay Contest. The award ceremony is Thursday, May 3, at 6:30 in the Visitor Center parking lot. The contest winners are posted on the website. 2. Website The online voting process for Palm Desert residents who voted for their favorite artwork from the 2007/08 EI Paseo Exhibition has ended and therefore has been removed. Once Council has approved the vote of the winning piece ("Danseur" by Jean-Louis Corby), Ms. Schwartz will post a "thank you" for the votes and announce the winner. 3. Docent Program Ms. Schwartz noted that approximately 1,500 people have taken a docent tour since the program began three years ago. She stated that the private tours have increased due to advertising and word of mouth. She will ask the docents who would like to continue with the program as some have been with the program for three years. XI. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. STAFF Mr. Twedt stated that the Gardens at the Visitor Center will most likely not be completed until next January. Artwork would not be able to be installed until after the Henderson Building and La Spiga Restaurant are completed. He will not take the item to Council for some time, which will allow more time to review artists for that site. Mr. Twedt has not taken the traffic signal box project to Council, as he needs to present it to the EI Paseo Merchants Association for input. Mr. Twedt reported that Mayor Pro Tem Benson suggested the theme of Andy the Donkey Man for the sculpture for the 4 Art in Public Places Minutes April 18, 2007 Entrada del Paseo site. Mayor Pro Tem Benson noted that there has never been anything done to honor or establish the history of Palm Desert with Andy the Donkey Man. Mayor Pro Tem Benson gave a history of Andy who would give rides to children on his donkey and charged a small fee. During season (in the 70s), he lived in his wagon at the empty lot on the corner of Fred Waring and Highway 111 (where Desert Crossing is currently). During the summer months he took his wagon and donkey up Highway 74 and would return in October. He was killed crossing the highway in the mid 70s. Mr. Twedt suggested involving the community by interviewing people who met Andy and rode his donkeys. Mr. Twedt suggested holding an open or invitational competition. Mr. Twedt reported that the "Danseur" by Jean-Louis Corby was the choice of the Palm Desert residents who voted for the artwork from the 2007/08 EI Paseo Exhibition. The sculpture will remain on EI Paseo throughout the exhibition, and will then be placed in an appropriate location and included in Palm Desert's permanent public art collection. Ms. Schwartz reported that she has been working with the management company of the 2007 Art of Food and Wine event. More art will be integrated into this year's event. The possibility of involving local galleries and artists is being discussed. Ms. Schwartz reported that the subcommittee met regarding ideas for the Public Art Symposium. She distributed notes from the meeting to all the Commissioners. Staff put together possible session topics for the meeting, which were a great starting point. They talked about who is the program's target audience. Mr. Twedt reported that John Branstetter will be at the Living Desert for Earth Day on Saturday, April 21 where he will unveil the "RECYCLE" sculpture. David Garcia of "Go West" will present the second documentary of Palm Desert's public art program that will air on Channel 10, Sunday, April 22. Mr. Twedt reported that the City has three new sculptures in its collection. Ellie Riley's sculpture, "Desert Bloom", at Desert Gateway Storage; Marlo Bartels mosaic bench 5 Art in Public Places Minutes April 18, 2007 (partially completed) in front of the Spanish Walk deveiopment; and Philip Smith's, "Ground Swell", at the Village at University Park project. Ms. Thompson thanked Chairperson Bussing and Commissioner Hough for judging the 2007 Student Art and Essay Contest. B. COMMISSION MEMBERS Commissioner Hough reported that the Museum has a new exhibition called the "Treasures of the American West". She noted that many of the collectors live in Palm Desert. • COMMISSION REPORTS • LIAISON REPORTS 1. PLANNING COMMISSION — Sonia Campbell No report. XI. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chairperson Bussing adjourned the meeting at 10:20 a.m. R c ul submitted, � BBIE L. THO PS N, RECORDING SECRETARY 6