HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Art In Public Places Commission October 20, 2010CITY OF PALM DESERT
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES COMMISSION
MINUTES
October 20, 2010
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Thompson convened the meeting at 9:00 a.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present Absent
Norma Bussing Katherine
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Donna Jean Darby
Kim Snyder
Barbara Stenning
Maureen Thompson
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Also Present
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Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Developrrnt
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Bill Kroonen, Councilmember
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Deborah Schwartz, Public Art Coordinator
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Debbie Thompson, Recording Secretary
Jeremy Groznik, Artist
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David Drake, Prest/Vuksic Architects
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Greg Hoppe, Pyramidal Designs
Diane Hollinger, Landscape Specialist
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Maureen Boren, Visitor
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Chairperson Thompson introduced and welcomed Councilmember
Bill Kroonen to the Art in Public Places Commission. He is the new
Art in Public Place's Councilmember liaison.
Chairperson Thompson congratulated Commissioner Darby who
will receive an ATHENA Award during a luncheon today.
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III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Commissioner Snyder complemented staff for doing a good job
with the hanging of the show in the gallery and at the reception.
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR
Minutes of the regular meeting held on April 21, 2010.
Upon Motion by Commissioner Snyder and second by
Commissioner Bussing, the Minutes of April 21, 2010 were approved
unanimously with Commissioner Hough absent.
V. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. ORAL REVIEW OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION
Ms. Schwartz reported that at its last meeting, City Council
approved the return of the art in public places fee for the art
component created by artist Gary Price at El Paseo Village.
B. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT
Ms. Aylaian reported that at the October 19, Planning
Commission meeting there was discussion regarding the
ordinance on neon signage in Palm Desert.
VI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
None
VII. NEW BUSINESS
A. CONSIDERATION OF DESIGN PROPOSAL,
"COLONNADE FIRE FEATURES" BY JEREMY GROZNIK
AS THE PUBLIC ART COMPONENT FOR COLONNADE
Ms. Schwartz stated that Colonnade is a two story building
on El Paseo and the proposed artwork will be placed on both
ends of the building's second floor terrace. Artist Jeremy
Groznik explained that the art component is an organic
sculptural representation of an Agave plant. The Agave will
be placed in a bowl shape of 16 gauge cold rolled steel with
a rust patina. Fire will extend through spines that are in the
center of the artwork, which will only be activated in the
evening. The builder and the artist have been working with
Art in Public Places Minutes October 20, 2010
the Fire Marshall regarding the fire element. The artwork
stands 54 inches high, 44 inches in diameter. Commissioner
Bussing inquired about the height of the building. The height
of the building is 17 — 18 feet. She asked about the
proportion of the size of the art compared to the height of the
building and asked if the art would get lost. Mr. Groznik
measured the height of the building for the scale of the
artwork and determined that one would be able to see the
entire bowl with the exception of the bottom two inches of
the base from the street. The artwork will be securely
fastened to the building. Mr. Drake said that someone from
the Fire Marshall's office will be on site during the installation
process to ensure all is installed correctly.
It was moved by Commissioner Bussing and seconded
by Commissioner Darby to accept the design proposal
"Colonnade Fire Features" by Jeremy Groznik as the public art
component for Colonnade with the condition that it be
approved by the Fire Marshall. Motion carried unanimously
with Commissioner Hough absent.
B. CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE DESIGN PROPOSAL
"WILLOW" BY STEVEN RIEMAN FOR THE WESTIN
DESERT WILLOW VILLAS
Ms. Schwartz stated that the Westin Desert Willow Villas is
the new hotel/timeshares on the Desert Willow property.
Artist Steven Rieman will create the artwork for the public art
component for the project that will be located in the Porte
cochere. The art concept is meant to conform to the desert's
landscape, textures, colors, and materials. Mr. Rieman used
a large scale boulder that is typical of what was used in the
landscaping at Desert Willow as the base for the piece. The
branches of the tree are made of stainless steel, and the
upper canopy is made from free formed bronze that has
been poured onto a steel plate. The individual pieces that
are welded onto the branching frame extend to
approximately 12 — 16 inches. The entire structure is held in
place by the tower (or mast) of the piece on which there are
negative bird forms. The entire piece is set into the slab and
a portion of the slab will be cut away. The tree design, which
is referenced to the Willow, occurs on both sides of the mast.
The canopy of the tree is a silhouette in nature that
protrudes beyond the sides of the mast. The sculpture will
be twelve feet tall including the boulder.
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It was moved by Commissioner Darby and seconded by
Commissioner Stenning to approve the Design Proposal
"Willow" by Steven Rieman for the Westin Desert Willow Villas
as its public art component. Motion carried with
Commissioner Hough absent.
C. CONSIDERATION OF A TITLE FOR THE 2011 STUDENT
ART AND ESSAY CONTEST
Chairperson Thompson reported that Diane Hollinger,
Landscape Specialist suggested incorporating Arbor Day
into the theme of the 2011 Student Art and Essay Contest.
The title "Trees: Roots for Life" was suggested as the title for
the Contest, and it was the concurrence of the commission
to accept it as the title for the 2011 Student Art and Essay
Contest.
It was moved by Commissioner Bussing and seconded
by Commissioner Snyder that "Trees; Roots for Life" will be
the title for the 2011 Student Art and Essay Contest. Motion
carried with Commissioner Hough absent.
D. CONSIDERATION OF ARTISTS TO BE INCLUDED IN
CITY OF PALM DESERT'S ARTIST REGISTRY
The following artists applied to be included in the City of
Palm Desert's Artist Registry. Jim Collins, Rico Eastman,
Mandy Greer, Melanie Kehoss, Jason Kuncas, Owen Morrel,
Liz Nicklus and Carl B. Johnson, Gus and Lina Ocamposilva,
Charles Partin, Semion Rabinkov, and Augustina Droze.
The following artists were approved to be included in the City
of Palm Desert's Artist Registry. Jim Collins, Rico Eastman,
Owen Morrel, Liz Nicklus and Carl B. Johnson, Gus and Lina
Ocamposilva, Charles Partin, and Semion Rabinkov.
It was moved by Commissioner Bussing and seconded
by Commissioner Snyder to include artists Jim Collins, Rico
Eastman, Owen Morrel, Liz Nicklus and Carl B. Johnson, Gus
and Lina Ocamposilva, Charles Partin, and Semion Rabinkov
into the City of Palm Desert's Artist Registry. Motion carried
with Commissioner Hough absent.
VIII. CONTINUED BUSINESS
NONE
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IX. OLD BUSINESS
NONE
X. PROJECT STATUS REPORTS
A. Palm Desert Community Gallery
Ms. Schwartz reported that the opening for the new
exhibition, "Abstractions: Personal Visions", went well. The
show will be on exhibit through January 3. The next show
includes Judy Sklar and Renee Woodwards. The
Commissioners requested the schedule of the openings so
they could plan their calendars accordingly.
B. Website
No report.
C. Docent Program
The docent program started up for the season. Two people
attended the second Saturday tour at the Library. The next
second Saturday tour will be of the new El Paseo Invitational
Exhibition. A group of cyclists requested a private tour of the
El Paseo Invitational Exhibition in December. A letter will be
mailed to the concierges in the area as well as the schools
reminding them of the docent program.
D. Film Series
Ms. Schwartz reported that all four films for the Film Series
are confirmed. She is still looking for a couple of speakers.
The films will be at UCR the third Thursday of the month
(January through April).
E. El Paseo Invitational Exhibition
Ms. Schwartz reported that all but two sculptures have been
deinstalled from the 2009/2010 El Paseo Invitational
Exhibition. Installation of the new artwork will begin Monday,
October 25 and continue through Wednesday, November 3.
The reception honoring the artists will be Thursday, January
6, at 6:00 p.m. at the Gardens on El Paseo. Ms. Schwartz
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will train the docents on the artists and artwork on November
9 from 9:00 am to noon.
XI. REPORTS AND REMARKS
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STAFF
Ms. Schwartz stated that staff is planning an event for the
opening of the Time Capsule that is part of "Desert Dessert".
The artwork was installed in 1991 with the time capsule
scheduled to be opened 20 years later. Staff is working with
the artist who plans to attend the event. There is a list of
items that were placed in the time capsule and staff is not
sure yet what will be done with the contents. Ms. Schwartz
would like to have an exhibition displaying the items. Also
included with the sculpture are handprints and footprints in
the cement from some of the people who attended the
dedication. Many of the prints are from children of City staff
members and staff would like to invite them to the reception.
Ms. Schwartz would like to coordinate the dedication with the
second Saturday docent tour in the Park.
Councilmember Kroonen asked for the Commission
member's feedback on neon signage. Ms. Aylaian gave a
background of the neon sign ordinance in Palm Desert. In
response to direction from the City Council staff prepared a
revision to the signage ordinance that will permit neon signs
in the windows of businesses. The proposed ordinance
limits the size and quantity of neon signs at a business;
requires Architectural Review Commission (ARC) approval
of the signs; and prohibits the use of neon to advertise
products sold within the business. It also
neon signs grandfather status. The draft
approved by the ARC, but denied by
Commission, who preferred to continue
prohibition on neon signage. The propose
come to the City Council for consideration at
18, 2010 meeting.
COMMISSION MEMBERS
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XI. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Chairperson Thompson adjourned
the meeting at 10:07 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
DEBBIE L
THOMPSON, RECORDING SECRETARY
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