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Home My WebLink About06-03-2010 Public Art Advisory Committee Public Art Advisory Committee Thursday, June 3, 2010 3:30PM Lobby Conference Room City Hall 410 E. Washington A. Call to order B. Public discussion of any item not on the agenda C. Consideration of the minutes of the May 6, 2010 meeting D. Artsfest Activities - Kidz Tent, Poetry in Public readings and Poetry in Public Art display. E. Visit Art Small's Sculptures We will leave from City Hall to visit Art Small's sculptures that are being offered for donation to the Iowa City Public Art Program as well as some potential relocation sites. F. Committee time/updates/other? G. Adjournment MINUTES PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE THURSDAY, MAY 6,2010 LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM - CITY HALL PRELIMINARY Members Present: Jan Finlayson, Ann Kahn, Rick Fosse, Patrick Carney, Terry Robinson, Mark Seabold Members Absent: DaLayne Williamson Staff Present: Marcia Bollinger, Karl Burhop Public Present: Art Small and Howard Horan, Sculpture Donators RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL Recommend approval of Bounnak Thammavong's submission for installation on the downtown Sculptor's Showcase contingent that Mr. Thammavong paints the sculpture as indicated on the submission. Moved by Finlayson. Seconded by Kahn. Motion passed 6:0. CALL TO ORDER Finlayson called the meeting to order at 3:35 PM. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA None CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE APRIL 1. 2010 MEETING MOTION: Fosse moved to approve the minutes; Robinson seconded. The motion passed 6:0. SCULPTURE DONATION-ART SMALL AND HOWARD HORAN Local resident Art Small used PowerPoint and with the help of Howard Horan gave a brief presentation to the Committee on several sculptures he and Howard Horan wish to donate to the Iowa City Public Art Program. Small explained that an oak tree had fallen down about 15 years ago on his property. He knew of a Russian wood carver "Valeree" who offered to create wood sculptures out of the fallen tree. Small discussed the four sculptures, explaining they were wood and had never been stained, only weathered for the last 15 years or so. Small expressed his desire to donate the sculptures to the Public Art Program. Small suggested that the sculptures should not be painted [aggressively], but an oil stain/sealer of a neutral color might be worthwhile. There are a total of four sculptures; two that are named "Chekov" and "Anna" that belonged to Howard Horan's father and two larger sculptures that feature Art, and his wife Mary Jo with their children. Small took questions. Carney asked how tall the sculptures were and Small guessed the two of him and Mary Jo were eight feet tall or perhaps a bit less. Small added that the sculptures do require minimal help to move. Seabold asked if the sculptures are mounted, and Small Public Art Advisory Committee Thursday, May 6, 2010 Page 2 of 5 responded that they are free standing, though it helps to have them on concrete. Horan added that one was mounted in concrete but that wasn't necessary. Horan added that his dad loved the poets "Chekov" and "Anna" and feels that other folks would enjoy the sculptures as well. The sculptures are currently located at 123 Ferson Avenue and 20 Rocky Shore ~r. Small and Horan said that Committee members are free to examine, measure, inspect, and take the sculptures whenever. Horan suggested Black Spring Park, Benton Hill Park, and Willow Creek Park as excellent possible sites for sculpture relocation, though Horan said it would be up to the Committee. Bollinger asked the Committee and Horan and Small if they were all envisioning the sculpture being located to a woody area. The response was unanimously yes. Robinson asked about maintenance issues. Bollinger asked again if they were all oak. Small wasn't for sure. Bollinger asked if some type of base would be needed. Fosse indicated he has seen sculptures redone. Small added that it would be bad to paint the sculptures garish colors, and Small and his friends thought it would be a good idea to have some type of sculpture park. Horan and Small thanked the Committee for their time; the Committee likewise thanked Small and Horan for there time and donation. The Committee was in unanimous agreement that the sculptures were excellent and would look great in a public location where they could be enjoyed by all. Horan reminded the Committee they had at least 60 days to just "go and get them". Horan and Small exited the meeting. Fosse said in light of budget constraints this donation was fantastic for the art program. Robinson said that the sculptures would need a solid base. Seabold said that either a concrete base would be needed or the current sculpture bases would have to be repaired. Bollinger suggested the Committee plan a date to examine the sculptures. Fosse and Robinson used a map on the wall and showed the Committee where Black Springs Park is located. Fosse added that vandalism is always a concern, but Fosse felt that vandalism was a smaller concern in Black Springs Park. Bollinger asked the Committee how they wished to proceed, especially since there is no plan to meet as a group during the busy month of June [Artsfest and other events limit meeting availability]. Bollinger again suggested the Committee inspect the sculptures. Seabold suggested the Committee say "yes" and "thank you" and figure out details as needed. There was unanimous consent that the sculptures should be inspected. Bollinger and Robinson reminded the Committee that any concrete base expense would be rather minimal. Carney also added that a plaque commemorating the piece would be needed. Robinson discussed technical maintenance aspects for a few minutes, but there wouldn't be any large problems. Bollinger said she would set up a tentative inspection time for Thursday, June 3rd and have a City van available to shuttle Committee members to the sculpture locations and possible relocation spots. DOWNTOWN SHOWCASE SUBMISSIONS Bollinger informed the Committee there had been five total submissions from four different artists for the downtown showcase pad. Using a PowerPoint presentation and distributing a packet, Bollinger went through each submission. John Anderson-Bricker: Two submissions, Hairball and Rolled Steel Scraper Hairball: steel, concrete, and ceramic tile, 2007. 11.5'x3.5'x3.5', 1,100 Ibs. Public Art Advisory Committee Thursday, May 6,2010 Page 3 of 5 Essentially a four-piece stand with three spheres hanging in the middle. Rolled Steel Scraper. welded mild steel, 2007. 117" high x 20.125" wide x 20.25" deep, 199 Ibs. valued at $3,000.00. Bouunak Thammavong: Seed, painted steel 8' x 3' x 2' Proposed final color to be completed for the showcase. Inspired by sprouting maple seeds, this form references the hidden beauty in unexpected places; sometimes all you need is to add a little water. It's a fitting symbol as Iowa City recovers from the flood waters. Looks as if it requires a basic stand. Mike Sneller: Egg Leafs, no dimensions or weight listed. Appears to be small, only a few feet tall, and the piece looks like a split open egg or seed and has three protruding sections. Stephanie Sailer: Prelude, Stainless Steel, 4 W x 2 W x 2 W Essentially this piece looks like the top of an ice cream cone with various layers of ice cream draped over each other. The Committee examined PowerPoint pictures of the submissions. Kahn signaled that her favorite was Hairball, with Seed second. The Committee expressed worry about the last piece, Prelude, concerns that the piece could be slandered or labeled incorrectly. The Committee discussed each piece and the type of vandalism or labeling it would draw. Robinson and Kahn expressed concern with Hairball and the potential for damage and vandalism. Seabold asked if the sculpture would be ready in time. Bollinger responded yes. There was unanimous consent that the Committee liked the balls/spheres on Hairball but didn't like the frame. Kahn and Finlayson agreed that Hairball was a wonderful piece but doesn't quite fit a downtown showcase pad, it more fits a water park or something similar. The Committee discussed Seed and thought the piece was beautiful, had nearly perfect dimensions, and would fit downtown very well. Finlayson motioned to recommend Seed for the downtown showcase pad. Kahn seconded. Motion passed 6:0. Bollinger said the piece may need a mounting plate. Robinson said they would need mounting instructions. Seabold explained his selection criteria that sculptures need to be large, nice color, and really stand out. Robinson discussed possible maintenance issues and vandalism damages possibilities pertaining Seed. Bollinger said she would contact Bounnak and get the ball rolling. KIDZ TENT AND ARTS FEST UPDATE Bollinger reminded the Committee that volunteers would be needed during Arts Fest to collect donations for Kidz Tent, as well as to man Kidz Tent. Kahn said she would volunteer again. Fosse, Finlayson, and Seabold also suggested they may be able to volunteer as well. UPDATE ON POETRY IN PUBLIC/ART PROGRAM Burhop and Bollinger updated the Committee on Poetry in Public/Art Program progress. Burhop said that poems were put up in buses and in recreation centers. Burhop explained that responses to the new recital opportunity during Arts Fest had been high; around 30 people had voiced interest in reading their poems to a live audience. Public Art Advisory Committee Thursday, May 6,2010 Page 4 of 5 Burhop distributed a sample of artwork submissions based on selected poetry for the Poetry in Public Art Program. The Committee was impressed and pleased with the quantity and quality of the submissions. Burhop stated there had been 81 total artwork submissions, considerably up from last year. Bollinger reminded the Committee the art aspect was still new and evolving and suggested changes to next year's version. One such change may be the addition of a review committee for artwork submission. Kahn volunteered to help with turning artwork submissions into electronic versions. Kahn also asked how poets might solicit artwork in the future. Bollinger and Burhop said changes might be made but no final decision had been made yet. The Committee was pleased with the overall program. COMMITTEE TIME/UPDATES Bollinger will tentatively schedule an inspection trip for the Committee to take on Thursday, June 3 to examine the wooden sculpture donations from Art Small and Howard Horan. The Committee asked for an update on the parking meters. Fosse said there would likely be 11 parking meters; most concentrated downtown at key panhandling locations. Fosse reminded the Committee that Denver had sponsors for their panhandling meters, perhaps sponsors could be found for Iowa City's panhandling parking meters and an honorarium then offered to artists. The panhandling ordinance hadn't been adopted yet, but it seems to pass the necessary readings. Bollinger said that June was a busy month and the Committee will next meet in July on Thursday, July 1 st, not counting the inspection in June. ADJOURNMENT Finlayson motioned to adjourn; Kahn seconded. Meeting adjourned at 4:35 pm. Next meeting scheduled for Thursday, June 3rd to be an inspection trip. Minutes submitted by Karl Burhop. <D <D ~ "E Eo 0..- 00 ~N ~<O "- >- > co ~~U) 1: -- <( iO' 0 u"CU) =~<D .c::l0? ::l .c co D..f-D.. Q,l Q,l ..... ..... .- S S"E o 0 U CJ Q~ OQ,lQ .:a CJ S ""=N "'Cl ~ <"g t:~ <..... 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