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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Art In Public Places Commission October 19, 2011Y H 1 CITY OF PALM DESERT ART IN PUBLIC PLACES COMMISSION MINUTES October 19, 2011 CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Thompson convened the meeting at 9:10 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present Absent Maureen Boren CITY COUNCIL ACTION Norma Bussing APPROVED DENIED Donna Jean Darby RECEIVEDEie, OTHER Katherine Hough MEETING DATE�-al� Kim Snyder Lesley Miller AYES' CieF r- Maureen Thompson (Chairperson OES: lNc�n_e BSENT: Kbne ABSTAIN: ` c VERIFIED BY: Also Present Original on File with City Clerk's �fic William Kroonen, Councilmember Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development Deborah Schwartz, Public Art Coordinator Debbie Thompson, Recording Secretary Sherry Barkas, reporter, The Desert Sun Tony and Karen Barone, artists John Vuksic, Architectural Review Commission III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Commissioner Snyder complimented staff on the wonderful job with the opening reception in the Palm Desert Community Gallery for the Elements exhibit. Ms. Schwartz noted that there was a large amount of people at the opening, many of whom arrived early. Chairperson Thompson stated that the "Desert Dessert" Time Capsule event was exciting and well attended. Art in Public Places Minutes October 19, 2011 City Clerk Rachelle Klassen gave a brief overview of the Brown Act, also known as the Open Meeting Act. Agendas must be published, posted 72 hours prior to a meeting, and meetings must be open to the public. The Brown Act applies to City Council, all advisory bodies, committees, and commissions. A meeting consists of a congregation of the majority of the group's members to discuss or to deliberate upon any item within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body. Meetings must be held within the city limits. She cautioned the Commissioners to not discuss agenda items outside of meetings - especially during public events, and told them that they should not meet prior to a scheduled meeting. Serial meetings are when one member calls a member then that member calls another member and so on, and are not allowed. There cannot be votes using secret ballots. If an item is voted on using a sheet of paper it cannot be folded when it is turned in. If the Commission takes a public art tour out of the area where the City provides transportation, a constituent would be able to participate but would need to provide his or her own transportation. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR Minutes of the regular meeting held on September 21, 2011. Upon Motion by Commissioner Hough and second by Commissioner Darby, the Minutes of September 21, 2011 were approved unanimously. V. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. ORAL REVIEW OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION Councilmember Kroonen reported that at its October 13, 2011 meeting, City Council presented a Proclamation declaring October as National Arts and Humanities Month. Chairperson Thompson accepted the Proclamation on behalf of the Art in Public Places Commission and Public Art program. Councilmember Kroonen complimented the Commission on the great job that it does. Councilmember Kroonen reported that the Palm Springs Art Museum will exhibit artwork at its new facility located in the old Palm Desert Visitor Center. Commissioner Hough reported that the Museum staff is in the process of renovating the building and the new facility will potentially open on February 1. The first exhibition will be curated by the Museum's Executive Director Dr. Steve Nash, who is a 2 Art in Public Places Minutes October 19, 2011 scholar in European Modern sculpture. The first exhibition will consist of indoor and outdoor internationally renowned sculptures comprised of works from the Museum's collection as well as loans. The new facility will include a major educational component. Councilmember Kroonen suggested that staff invite Dr. Nash to the next Art in Public Places Commission meeting. B. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT No report. C. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION REPORT Mr. Vuksic reported that the Architectural Review Commission reviewed the final construction documents for the Red Lobster that will be located on Fred Waring Drive and Highway 111. The Commission also reviewed Tentative Improvements for Lululemon at San Pablo and El Paseo, and Elizabeth & Prince on El Paseo. VI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None VII. NEW BUSINESS A. CONSIDERATION OF A THEME AND TITLE FOR THE 2012 STUDENT ART AND ESSAY CONTEST It was moved by Commissioner Miller and seconded by Commissioner Snyder to approve "My Hopes and Dreams for Palm Desert in 20 Years" as the title for the 2012 Student Art and Essay Contest. Motion carried unanimously. B. APPROVAL FOR THE ART IN PUBLIC PLACES COMMISSION TO CURATE THE 2013/2014 EL PASEO INVITATIONAL EXHIBITION Ms. Schwartz stated that in previous years a curator had been hired to select artworks for the El Paseo Invitational Exhibition. The cost of the curator was divided between the public art program and the El Paseo Business District. Due to budget reductions, the Art in Public Places Commission curated the 2011/2012 show, and staff is asking for approval to have the Commission do the same for the 2013/2014 El 3 Art in Public Places Minutes October 19, 2011 Paseo Invitational Exhibition. Staff will conform to the following schedule. Staff will ask for authorization from City Council at its November meeting to have another exhibition, publicize the RFP to solicit artwork for the exhibition, receive submissions by March 5, 2012, the subcommittee will review submittals to narrow down the selection, and present them to the Commission at its March 21, 2012 meeting. Staff will ask for final approval from City Council at one of its April 2012 meetings. It was moved by Commissioner Darby and seconded by Commissioner Hough that the Art in Public Places Commission curate the 201312014 El Paseo Invitational Exhibition and choose a subcommittee to review the submittals and select eighteen sculptures with three alternates. Motion carried unanimously. Commissioners Boren, Bussing, Darby, and Hough volunteered to serve on the subcommittee to review the submittals received by staff, and select eighteen sculptures with three alternates for the Commission to approve at its March 21, 2012 meeting. The subcommittee will tentatively meet on March 19 to review the submittals. Ms. Schwartz circulated a draft of the Call for Artist RFP for the Commissioners to review and asked them to let her know of any changes by Monday, October 24. B. 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. Carl Wright and Charla Puryear. It was moved by Commissioner Hough and seconded by Commissioner Bussing to include artists Carl Wright and Charla Puryear into the City of Palm Desert's Artist Registry. Motion carried unanimously. i'! Art in Public Places Minutes October 19, 2011 VII1. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. CONSIDERATION OF THE DONATION OF "R. HERO" BY KAREN AND TONY BARONE FOR THE PALM DESERT FIRE STATION Ms. Schwartz updated the Commissioners who were absent from last month's meeting on the Barones proposal of "R. Hero". Ms. Schwartz reported that the Barones wanted to bring attention to Fire Station 33 located at 44-400 Town Center Way and created an "ArtAdoption" program. "ArtAdoption" is a concept where private citizens purchase artwork from the Barones and donate it to the community. "R. Hero" is a 6 foot 2 inch tall purple Dalmatian that would be placed in the landscape in front of the Palm Desert Fire Station on Town Center Way. The artists are using the Dalmatian as a symbol to honor the fire fighters who work in the station. Ms. Schwartz stated that at last month's meeting, there was concern from some of the Commissioners that "R. Hero" might not interpret how the staff who work in the building perceive themselves. Ms. Schwartz reported that Commissioners Boren and Thompson, Tony and Karen Barone, Fire Chief Bill Hunley, and she met at Fire Station 33 regarding the "ArtAdoption" program that was presented to the Commission at last month's meeting. The results of that meeting were that the fire fighters who work at that station would prefer an artwork that is more like a traditional memorial. Ms. Schwartz read an email from Bill Hunley to the Commission that stated, "As a whole there is a long history and deep traditions and strong holding of pride and our chosen careers that we risk every day to protect the public we serve. Something that is out of the box may not be accepted to those who serve at this station." Ms. Schwartz added that it is important that the Commission considers all audiences including foot and car traffic that pass by, and not respond only to the voices of those at this particular station. Ms. Barone stated that it was not their intention to represent the fire fighters any less than heroic through their "ArtAdoption" program. The artists selected the color purple for the sculpture because historically it is a color of heroics, the Purple Heart, etc. Mr. Barone stated that the staff residing at Station 33 only saw purple and did not relate the color purple as a symbol; the artists did, however, offer to change the color of the 5 Art in Public Places Minutes October 19, 2011 Dalmatian. Ms. Schwartz stated that the fire chief and staff were not keen on any of the colors that were offered and also inquired about reducing the size of the sculpture to which the artists responded that reducing the size of the sculpture was not an option. Mr. Barone stated that "R. Hero" is a restricted purchase and can only be purchased if it is donated to the community. Commissioner Darby noted that she was reading the Minutes from last month's meeting regarding Commissioner Boren's concerns and feels very strongly about the honor the fire fighters feel. She sees it as a fun, educational piece for children but not appropriate to be placed in front of the fire station. Commissioner Hough asked Ms. Schwartz to clarify the fire chief's response of "R. Hero". She repeated that the fire fighters at Station 33 were not keen on the purple Dalmatian in front of the station and suggested to reduce the size of the artwork and that it possibly have an aluminum finish. Commissioner Miller was concerned that the fire chief's statements were strong in regards to the decision that the artwork not be placed in front of the fire station and that they did not reflect the feelings of all of the fire fighters in the building. Ms. Schwartz clarified that the response was not only from the fire chief but all of the staff at the station. Commissioner Bussing stated that the artwork is delightful with an educational value and would like to consider an alternate location where it could be placed. Councilmember Kroonen stated that it sounded like the staff at the fire station closed all opportunities regarding the donation, which seemed to be a generous offer by the artists and he would hate to see it not being implemented. Commissioner Miller stated she is in favor of the project as it is playful and brings life to the location. She asked if there was another fire station that could be considered. Ms. Schwartz responded that the proposal was for Station 33. It was moved by Commissioner Miller to accept the donation of "R. Hero" by Karen and Tony Barone for the Palm Desert Fire Station located on Town Center Way. Motion died for lack of Second. It was moved by Commissioner Bussing and seconded by Commissioner Snyder to decline the donation of "R. Hero" by Karen and Tony Barone for the Palm Desert Fire Station for the specific site and situation which the Commission has been asked to consider and considering the opinion of the very respected and loved men and women involved in protecting our city that we turn down the specific site. Motion carried A Art in Public Places Minutes October 19 2011 with a 7-3 vote with Commissioners Hough, Darby, and Miller opposing. Commissioner Miller asked that the Commission consider alternate locations and alternate designs. Mr. Barone welcomed the Commission to purchase a sculpture as did the City of Palm Springs for their new animal shelter. He added that "R. Hero" is what they wanted to place at Station 33 which is how the "ArtAdoption" program came about. The artists may be open to placing it in a different location depending on where it is, but he reiterated that it was intended for Station 33. Commissioner Bussing stated that it is not in the Commission's purview to consider other locations because one specific project was presented for the Commission to consider. Ms. Schwartz suggested continuing the item to next month's meeting so she can look for other possible locations. It was moved by Commissioner Boren and seconded by Commissioner Snyder to continue the item to the November 16, 2011 meeting to allow staff time to consider other possible sites to place the artwork. Motion carried unanimously. IX. OLD BUSINESS NONE X. PROJECT STATUS REPORTS A. Palm Desert Community Gallery The opening reception for Elements with Jeni Bate, Lynne Cunningham, and Gary Merglekamp was Monday, October 17 at 5:30 p.m. Ms. Schwartz reported that Mr. Merglekamp sold twelve pieces. B. Docent Program Ms. Schwartz has received eight applications from citizens who want to participate as a volunteer docent and will begin with the interviews this week. The staff person who was going to assist as a docent when needed has resigned from the City of Palm Desert. 7 Art in Public Places Minutes October 19, 2011 C. Carlos Ortega Villas Ms. Schwartz will meet with the Redevelopment Agency and architect the first week of November. D. Coachella Valley Water District Ms. Schwartz is working with the Coachella Valley Water District staff regarding the public art component for the new building. There was question about the art project and if the person who designed it was an artist. She received his resume and he does have a background in art with a degree in painting. She will contact him to confirm his art background. XI. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. STAFF Ms. Schwartz announced that more than 100 people attended the "Desert Dessert" Time Capsule event on Saturday, October 15. The items that were retrieved from the time capsule will be donated to the Historical Society of Palm Desert. Due to time constraints the Americans for the Arts Conference — Year in Review DVD will be shown at next month's meeting. B. COMMISSION MEMBERS None X1. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chairperson Thompson adjourned the meeting at 10:37 a.m. pectfully submitted, DEBBIE L. THOMPSON, RECORDING SECRETARY 0