HomeMy WebLinkAboutAIPP Cmsn - 01/21/09 CITY OF PALM DESERT
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� � ART IN PUBLIC PLACES COMMISSION
MINUTES
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January 21, 2009
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Thompson convened the meeting at 9:04 a.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present Absent
Norma Bussing ��'t��'��������,�iri�ILpCTto!v
Katherine Hough ����e„�R�-��;r➢,_,_ ������p
Kim Snyder ;���'.C[;tv�:s��� ��-�,E��,:1z
Barbara Stenning
Maureen Thompson �'�����.'rt�vc; [�AT�: -� D
John Weston �Yrs:�Xn ,� r -
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Also Present A[3SENT: __�cnr. � �
AI3STAIN: ��
Councilmember Jean Bensor�'FHIFICll I3Y: �
Richard Twedt, Public Arts N��i�k��on File with City Clerk s Office
Deborah Schwartz, Public Art Coordinator
Debbie Thompson, Recording Secretary
Sonia Campbell, Planning Commission
Gina Tenorio, Desert Sun reporter
III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR
Minutes of the regular meetings held on December 17, 2008.
It was noted by Commissioner Weston that on page two under
Consent Calendar, the motion should read, "Upon Motion by
Commissioner Thompson and second by Commissioner
Art in Public Places Minutes January 21, 2009
Snyder, the Minutes of October 29, and November 19, 2008,
were approved unanimously.
Also page three under New Business, Item B., Commissioner
Weston noted that Commissioner Hough voted NO to accept the
artist (Lori Acott Fowler) as part of the Artist Registry.
Upon Motion by Commissioner Weston and second by
Commissioner Hough, the Minutes of December 17, 2008, were
approved unanimously as amended.
V. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. ORAL REVIEW OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION
Mr. Twedt reported that the artwork design and concept by
Heath Satow for the 700 foot median on Monterey near
Dinah Shore was approved. The Public Works Director
asked Council to put the project on hold. The Public Works
Director is looking for ways to minimize general fund
expenditures for that project and is researching other forms
of funding.
B. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT
No report.
VI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
None
VII. NEW BUSINESS
A. CONSIDERATION OF ARTISTS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE
CITY OF PALM DESERT'S ARTIST REGISTRY
Artwork by David Wilson, Michael Hibbard, Dayton Claudio,
Roy Tamboli, and Exactmosaics were reviewed to be
considered as part of the City of Palm Desert's Artist
Registry.
It was moved by Commissioner Hough and seconded by
Commissioner Bussing to include David Wilson, Michael
Hibbard, Dayton Claudio, and Roy Tamboli in the City of Palm
Desert's Artist Registry. Motion carried unanimously.
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Art in Public Places Minutes January 21, 2009
VIII. CONTINUED BUSINESS
NONE
IX. OLD BUSINESS
A. CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSALS FOR THE PAINTER'S
PATH PROJECT
Mr. Twedt presented Terry Allen's proposal for the Painter's
Path project. He stated that Mr. Allen is a very unique and
novel artist, which is why he was invited to compete. His
proposal, "Brushstroke", is a bronze brush stroke inlaid onto
the ground that would act as a path. Included in the artwork
would be the names of the artists who painted here. The
piece could either be completely inlaid or have a small relief.
The "paths" would be in five foot lengths. Upon question by
Commissioner Weston, Mr. Twedt responded that the RFP
requested finro figures (one male and one female) painting
outdoors in a plein air environment. Commissioner Weston
also asked that because Mr. Allen's proposal did not fit the
requests of the RFP, would his submission be disqualified
and staff responded that it most likely would.
Mr. Twedt presented Clay Dahlberg's proposal. It was of
two figures where one of the figures was resting on a rock
and the other figure is standing at an easel painting.
Mr. Twedt reminded the Commission that proposals by Dee
Clements and Gary Price were presented at last month's
meeting.
Mr. Twedt asked for comments from the Commission to
include in his staff report to City Council at its February 12
meeting. Commissioner Stenning stated that Terry Allen's
concept is so strong but the visual interpretation of it does
not show the nature of how fabulous the piece could be and
may not be clear to Council with the proposal he sent.
Commissioner Hough talked about "Snake Path" by Alexis
Smith at the Stuart Collection at UC San Diego, which
included messages on the path. She said that Mr. Allen's
proposal reminded her of Ms. Smith's piece. She suggested
including copies of photographs of Ms. Smith's "Snake Path"
in the staff report to Council to help show the concept of Mr.
Allen's proposal.
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Art in Public Places Minutes January 21, 2009
Councilmember Benson asked if the path could be included
with one of the sculptures. Mr. Twedt responded that if both
proposals were included for the project both artists would
have to be paid and the funds will not cover two
commissions. It was suggested to revisit Mr. Allen's
proposal at a later date once more funds become available.
Commissioner Bussing stated that Mr. Allen's proposal is a
spectacular concept and should be incorporated.
Commissioner Snyder stated that he also liked Mr. Allen's
proposal due to it being modern as opposed to the other
three proposals that are more traditional. He asked if Mr.
Allen could modify the proposal but staff was not sure. Mr.
Twedt stated that part of the reason for this project was to
commission a piece of realistic art. Mr. Twedt noted that he
is recommending to not spending large amounts of monies
at this time due to the current economy situation. There was
question from the Commission about combining Mr. Allen's
proposal with one of the other sculpture proposals. Mr.
Twedt said that the City now owns the concepts which could
be revived at a later date. All four proposals will be
presented to Council with comments from the Commission
and their preference of Mr. Allen's proposal. Commissioner
Bussing mentioned the Commission's goal of providing
educational opportunities to the citizens to raise the level of
art understanding. Commissioner Stenning added that this
commission discussed its commitment to raise the level of
art a few months ago. Commissioner Weston noted that the
Commission has a responsibility to present to Council the
best work. He noted that Gail Goldman, who was one of the
Keynote speakers at the Desert Cities Public Art Forum, told
the audience to think "outside the box" and not compromise
by doing the easiest, traditional work. The Commission now
has the opportunity to bring forward a non-traditional
artwork.
Chairperson Thompson asked for discussion. The
Commission ranked the four proposals as follows. #1 -Terry
Allen, #2 - Gary Price, #3 — Dee Clements, and #4 — Clay
Dahlberg.
It was moved by Commissioner Hough and seconded by
Commissioner Weston to direct staff to forward comments to
Council with the recommendation of ranking the artists'
proposals as follows. #1 — Terry Allen, #2 — Gary Price, #3 —
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Art in Public Places Minutes January 21, 2009
Dee Clements, and #4 — Clay Dahlberg. Motion carried
unanimously.
B. CONSIDERATION OF STUDENT DESIGNED ARTWORK
FOR EL PASEO
Mr. Twedt noted that due to the slowdown of development,
funds are low for City projects. The Commission discussed
the artwork idea by Samantha Emmett who presented an art
idea to the Commission several months ago. Mr. Twedt said
that an RFP could be sent out for the potential project to see
what type of proposals would be received. The artwork
could be commissioned at a later date.
Councilmember Benson noted that a number of cities have
parks that include children's art. She added that once more
parks get built it may be possible that one of the parks could
have a children's garden to include art designed/inspired by
students/children. Miss Emmett's project could be the first
student inspired art to be placed in the garden.
Commissioner Hough noted that in a previous meeting the
Commission suggested to update the list of potential art
projects and include Miss Emmett's idea to that list. Mr.
Twedt suggested that a theme for a future Student Art and
Essay Contest could be a child designed art for a park.
Councilmember Benson suggested that staff meet with Janis
Steele of the Parks Department about having an area in one
of the parks that can be designated for placement of
children's art. Mr. Twedt referred to the Huntington
Children's Garden that includes an art fountain created by
Ned Kahn.
It was moved by Commissioner Hough and seconded by
Commissioner Weston to update the list of potential art
projects to include the concept of adding children designed art
in a children's park and direct staff to do a study of feasibility
of doing the children's park, Motion carried unanimously.
X. PROJECT STATUS REPORTS
A. Palm Desert Community Gallery
Ms. Schwartz reported that the "Plein Air" show is in its last
finro weeks. The upcoming show, "In Different Places", will
display work by Dimitry Kirillov and Suzanne Ross. The
show consists of photographs from Russia and three
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Art in Public Places Minutes January 21, 2009
dimensional sculptures. The reception is February 9 at 5:30
p.m.
The Call for Artists for next year's exhibitions will be mailed
out in a couple of weeks. The upcoming shows include the
Student Art and Essay Contest and the curated show with
the Youth Committee.
B. Website
Ms. Schwartz reported that she is still migrating the current
public art site with the two Palm Desert sites (tourism and e-
government).
C. Docent Program
Ms. Schwartz stated that she is still training the new docents
and is pleased with them. She has six tours scheduled for
February and March. There were 15 people on the last
public tour.
D. Public Art Film Series
Ms. Schwartz announced that the first Public Art Film Series
begins tonight with "Chihuly in Jerusalem", and it is sold out.
After the film, Jerry Hirschmann and Michael Paul Thiry will
talk about the processes of glass blowing and creating
sculpture for the public realm. She added that since there
was a large response for the Dale Chihuly film, she has
scheduled "Chihuly Over Venice" for March 18, which will
complete the Film Series. "Maya Lin — A Strong Clear
Vision" will show February 18. Phillip Smith will speak
following the film.
E. Upcoming Field Trip
There was discussion of possible dates for the field trip to
San Diego. The date of April 29 was being considered.
Commissioner Hough was going to contact staff about her
schedule and if it would allow her to attend the field trip.
Mr. Twedt checked with Susan Smith Evans from COD
about her students painting the traffic signal box on
Monterey. The theme is art historical. He checked with
Emily at the Museum and they will do an art history theme
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Art in Public Places Minutes January 21, 2009
also. He noted that La Quinta is also going to start painting
traffic signal boxes.
The artwork by Todji Kurtzman for the EI Paseo Invitational
Exhibition should be installed in the next couple of weeks.
Michelle O'Michael is trying to schedule a date for
installation of her art for the EI Paseo Invitational Exhibition.
Mr. Twedt is changing the look of the Artist Registry.
XI. REPORTS AND REMARKS
A. STAFF
Ms. Schwartz reported that she has started a Facebook
page for the department as well as an events page for the
Film Series. A link to the public art blog is included on the
page.
B. COMMISSION MEMBERS
Upon question by Commissioner Stenning, Mr. Twedt
responded that the Internet project is on hold until the video
project was completed. The Call for Videos will be in the
February BrightSide. Once that is solidified we can start the
Internet project.
Commissioner Hough announced that there are finro
openings at the Museum. One is of Robert Mapplethorpe's
photographs of celebrity portraits which opens on Friday.
Also, an exhibition of 70 years of Wayne Thiebaud's
paintings with a February 10 opening.
XI. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Chairperson Thompson adjourned
the meeting at 10:30 a.m.
RespectFully submitted,
,
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