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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAIPP Cmsn - 03/18/09 CITY OF PALM DESERT ���--� � � ART IN PUBLIC PLACES COMMISSION MINUTES � , . March 18, 2009 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Thompson convened the meeting at 9:00 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present Absent Norma Bussing CI'I'YCnt`NCILACTInN Katherine Hough ql��}ttovt:a) __ t�r'���'��___ ___.___� • Kim Snyder �trCr�vt:d� � �� �- °>� ����.��__.__T_ _ _ _ Barbara Stenning __---- _.--- Maureen Thompson MF.ET'iivc, �)ATE �5--��-��� . __.___ __.� John Weston Av[:s:� �son,,.����,F�n�r ilU, � N�n� �" , ---- NOES: ..--_ Also Present AI3SENT: ��h� __ ABSTAIN: �� � — Richard Twedt, Public A��q�i�F�Y: � (��'� Deborah Schwartz, Publl���"dFiitk�'a�t'i�h City Clerk°s ot�t�ce Debbie Thompson, Recording Secretary Robert Stearns, Art Oasis Board Member Len Kapner, Art Oasis Board Member Susan Smith Evans and four art students Joseph Lim, Planning Manager - City of Indio Mamun Faruque, Planner— City of Indio IIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Stearns and Mr. Kapner gave a presentation on Art Oasis. This item was added to the agenda under New Business so that the Commission could vote on it. Chairperson Thompson called for a motion to add Consideration to Endorse the Art Oasis group to the agenda under New Business, Item 8. Art in Public Places Minutes March 18 2009 It was moved by Commissioner Hough and seconded by Commissioner Bussing to add Consideration to Endorse the Art Oasis group to the agenda under New Business, Item B. Motion carried unanimously. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR Minutes of the regular meetings held on January 21, 2009. Upon Motion by Commissioner Weston and second by Commissioner Snyder, the Minutes of January 21, 2009 were approved unanimously, V. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. ORAL REVIEW OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION Mr. Twedt reported that Council continued the Painter's Path project to a date uncertain. He anticipates it being brought back in a couple of years. Mr. Twedt noted that Dee Clements and Gary Price's models are on display at the Historical Society. The Historical Society had a celebration of early desert painters that included works by painters Sally Ward, Carl Bray, and Bill Bender. 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 Chris Navarro, Kristin Jones & Andrew Ginzel, Jonathan Kirk, Andy Miller, John Matthew Richen, Susan Cooper, Robert Chambers, David Boyer, and Frank Landfields were reviewed to be considered as part of the City of Palm Desert's Artist Registry. 2 Art in Public Places Minutes March 18 2009 It was moved by Commissioner Bussing and seconded by Commissioner Snyder to include Chris Navarro, Kristin Jones 8 Andrew Ginzel, Jonathan Kirk, Andy Miller, John Matthew Richen, and Susan Cooper in the City of Palm Desert's Artist Registry. Artists Robert Chambers, David Boyer, and Frank Cooper were not reviewed due to technical difficu/ties and will be continued to the meeting of April 15, 2009, Motion carried unanimously, B. CONSIDERATION TO ENDORSE THE ART OASIS GROUP Mr. Stearns and Mr. Kapner presented, to the Commission, the plan developed by Art Oasis that would help brand, promote, and encourage development of the arts in the Coachella Valley. Mr. Stearns noted that they are not asking for funds from public art but support of the idea. Mr. Twedt said that the City does have funds available for outside agencies but the public art budget does not. City Council would need endorsement from this Commission before asking for City funds. Mr. Twedt recommended that the Commission endorse the concept that was presented. He added that we are heading toward the social networking, viral marketing arena, which is incorporated into the Art Oasis plan. It was moved by Commissioner Hough and seconded by Commissioner Weston to support the project to endorse the Art Oasis group. Motion carried unanimously. VIII. CONTINUED BUSINESS NONE IX. OLD BUSINESS A. CONSIDERATION OF TRAFFIC SIGNAL BOX DESIGNS BY THE PALM SPRINGS ART MUSEUM "TEENS" PROGRAM Mr. Twedt stated that he approached Robert Braiser of the Palm Springs Art Museum about having the education department create designs for the traffic signal box program. Emily Spallina who works with teens at the Museum showed Mr. Twedt designs based on artwork from the Op Art movement. Because of the guidelines for the traffic signal 3 Art in Public Places Minutes March 18 2009 box program that were approved by Council, Mr. Twedt was certain that Council would not be in favor of that type of design. Mr. Twedt suggested that Ms. Spallina have her students create a Pop Art design. She told Mr. Twedt that her students are not art students but are being educated on art. Staff did not think that Council would approve either of the finro designs being presented by the teens at the Museum. Commissioner Weston stated that he did like the designs presented and that he felt they were much more exciting than the current boxes which depict self portraits and landscapes. The Commissioners concurred that that they did like the designs presented by the Museum. It was moved by Commissioner Bussing and seconded by Commissioner Stenning to approve both designs that were presented by the Palm Springs Art Museum for a set of traffic signa/ boxes (location to be determined) and to approve an honorarium in the amount of $1,000.00. Motion carried with a f�0-1 vote with Commissioner Hough abstaining. Commissioner Hough asked Mr. Twedt how he would present the designs to Council. Mr. Twedt responded that he first needs to identify the location of boxes for these designs. He is looking for boxes that are less accessible to graffiti. To present the proposals to Council, Mr. Twedt would Photoshop the designs onto a picture of the traffic signal boxes so that Council could see how the designs on the boxes would look in place. A week prior to the Council meeting he will have copies of the Photoshop images in the Council conference room. Commissioner Hough suggested inviting Ms. Spallina to the Council meeting. Mr. Twedt also encouraged the Commissioners to attend a Council meeting that are held on the second and forth Thursdays of the month. It was moved by Commissioner Hough and seconded by Commissioner Snyder to add Consideration of Traffic Signal Box Designs by College of the Desert Students to the agenda under O/d Business, Item B. Motion carried unanimously. B. CONSIDERATION OF TRAFFIC SIGNAL BOX DESIGNS BY COLLEGE OF THE DESERT STUDENTS — PRESENTATION BY SUSAN SMITH EVANS Ms. Evans presented designs created by her students for the set of traffic signal boxes on EI Paseo and Highway 74. She 4 Art in Public Places Minutes March 18 2009 mentioned that her students focused on the Impressionists and post Impressionist art movement with artists that the public can identify. The students wanted to include quotes about art or by artists on the boxes. She noted that the students have art experience as they have worked on murals and public art projects. Each side of the two boxes will include a different design (eight designs will be displayed on the two boxes). She will add an anti graffiti coating over the designs. Acrylic paints will be used on the boxes. It was moved by Commissioner Bussing and seconded by Commissioner Stenning to approve the designs presented by Susan Smith Evans and students from College of the Deseri; Motion carried unanimously, X. PROJECT STATUS REPORTS A. Program Brainstorming Mr. Twedt reported that the Embracing the Desert Light project will not transpire. He explained that the City is working on revitalizing EI Paseo and some of the elements of that project would function in the same manner as the Embracing the Desert Light project. Mr. Twedt notified the artists about the project not transpiring. Mr. Twedt circulated the plan for the EI Paseo Revitalization. Mr. Twedt updated the Commission on the project for the median on Monterey near Dinah Shore. Public Works brought the concept and design to Council a few months ago and it was approved. Public Works was going to try to find funding for the artwork portion of the project without using monies from the public art budget. After a meeting with Public Works, Mrs. Gilligan, and himself, Mr. Twedt was instructed to not continue the Embracing the Desert Light project as those funds would have to be used for the median project. Total funds available are $248,000 ($150,000 from AIPP, $50,000 from RDA, and $48,000 from Public Works). Mr. Twedt stated that due to funds for art slowing down, he is planning to write grants. Mr. Twedt circulated a list of programs that could be funded through grants (Student Art and Essay, Docent program, and the maintenance program). Chairperson Thompson noted that she is available to assist with grant writing as she has written grants before. Mr. 5 Art in Public Places Minutes March 18 2009 Twedt would also like to get a grant for the docent program to pay for buses so that students can tour the City's art. Mr. Twedt reviewed the Save Our Sculpture (SOS) files from when the collection was assessed in 1995. He would like to apply for a grant for conservation. The assessment was photographic and did not state the current condition of the art. At this time, the "Peace Memorial" and "Holocaust Memorial" need restoration. Mr. Twedt would like to do a month long tribute to desert plein air painters including lectures, seminars, demonstrations, plein air painting, etc. He would like to involve the Museum, Historical Society, Living Desert, and other appropriate local organizations in the event. He also noted that Sony Corp. promotes arts education through grants, which could be used to support the video competition. Commissioner Stenning suggested doing another Public Art Forum due to it being such a successful program. Mr. Twedt suggested creating a subcommittee to assist with grant writing. Commissioners Bussing, Snyder, and Chairperson Thompson will serve on the Subcommittee to explore grant opportunities. Commissioner Snyder and Chairperson Thompson have grant writing experience. B. Palm Desert Community Gallery Ms. Schwartz reported that the Call for Artists for gallery applications are due April 10. The current show ends April 5 and will be followed by the Student Art and Essay Contest. C. Website Ms. Schwartz received updates from the new website company and the new site looks good. Mr. Twedt noted that the following will link from our Website (Twitter, Facebook, publicartpalmdesert.blogspot.com, YouTube, etc.). D. Docent Program 6 Art in Public Places Minutes March 18 2009 Ms. Schwartz reported that 40 people attended the second Saturday tour last Saturday. There were a few complaints about the noise on EI Paseo. She purchased a waist pack microphones which will be used only when necessary. There was also another tour of 30 people along EI Paseo on the same day. She has received calls for three or four private tours. E. Public Art Film Series Ms. Schwartz noted that the Public Art Film Series concludes tonight with the film Chihuly over Venice. More than 500 people called for RSVPs. Fritz Frauchiger, who works with Dale Chihuly, will speak after the film. The Commission complemented Ms. Schwartz on the program and hoped it would continue. She does have plans to continue the program next year. XI. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. STAFF Mr. Twedt reported that the sculpture "RECYCLE" that was in front of City Hall has been moved to the pad on the west end of EI Paseo near Vons. Mr. Twedt reported that he had to reduce the public art budget by 15 percent for the balance of this fiscal year and another 15 percent for the following fiscal year. He noted that Ms. Schwartz and Ms. Thompson's salaries, which are currently paid from the general fund might be moved to the public art fund. Mr. Twedt reported that "Danseur" by Jean-Louis Corby was hit by a car and had to be removed from its site. Most of the damage was done to the leg. It will be repaired by a foundry in West Hollywood. Once the piece is repaired, it will be placed in front of City Hall where "RECYCLE" was. It is possibfe that Wachovia will place its own sculpture on the pad where "Danseur" was. The pad, which the bank paid for, is on the City's easement, but the lighting costs came from the public art budget. Upon question by Commissioner Weston, Mr. Twedt responded that he does not want to put "Danseur" back in front of the bank as he is afraid the same 7 Art in Public Places Minutes March 18 2009 situation may occur. According to the City's Risk Manager, if the sculpture does get put back in front of the bank, the pad will need to be raised, a couple of boulders installed, and the lighting would have to be redone, which would cost several thousand dollars. Mr. Twedt reported that the terrazzo animals that are part of the "Mother Child Sculpture Garden" were restored. That piece gets a lot of damage due to its location. Also, the "Holocaust Memorial" had some restoration work done. Mr. Twedt stated he is working on videos of past EI Paseo Exhibitions to include on our website. Mr. Twedt reported that there were plein air painters from the Coachella Valley Watercolor Society painting in the Eric Johnson Memorial Gardens. He introduced himself and video taped them for the blog. Mr. Twedt confirmed the upcoming field trip to the Stuart Collection in San Diego on April 22. The bus will leave the Visitor Center parking lot at 8:00 a.m. and return approximately at 5:00 p.m. Mr. Twedt informed the Commission that a permit must be attained for the Film/Video Art Competition. The permit needs to be completed by the entrant in case of damage or injury while on City property. Mr. Twedt reported that Kevin Grochau handed in his resignation letter. B. COMMISSION MEMBERS None XI. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chairperson Thompson adjourned the meeting at 10:50 a.m. RespectFully submitted, DEBBIE L. THOMPSON, RECORDING SECRETARY 8