HomeMy WebLinkAboutPAAC Packet 05-03-18 revisedPublic Art Advisory Committee
Thursday, May 3, 2018
3:30 PM
Lobby Conference Room
410 E Washington St
REVISED AGENDA
*additional items
Visit to Isabel Barbuzza’s studio rescheduled to June 7, 2018
Call to order
Public discussion of any item not on the agenda
Consideration of minutes of the April 5, 2018 meeting
Review of responses for the Chadic Green Placemaking Project
Responses to the RFQ will be forwarded to the committee on Wednesday, May
2, 2018.
Review of Call to Artists for Farmer’s Market Placemaking Project
Attached
Review of design concept for Walk our Alleys Matching Fund Project
*Relocation of Snelson Sculpture
*Relocation of Dorothy – the tornado sculpture currently on the ped mall
Committee announcements or Committee reports
Staff reports
Adjournment
If you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate in this program/event, please
contact Marcia Bollinger, Neighborhood and Development Services at 319-356-5237 or marcia-
bollinger@iowa-city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your
access needs.
MINUTES
PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE
APRIL 5, 2018 – 3:30 PM
LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM – CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Joe Walter (for Ron Knoche), Erin Fitzgerald, Vero Rose Smith, Wendy
Brown, Juli Seydell Johnson, Tam Bodkin Bryk, Steve Miller
NOT PRESENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Marcia Bollinger
PUBLIC PRESENT:
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA:
There was no public discussion of items not on the agenda.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES OF THE November 2nd, 2017 MEETING
Seydell Johnson moved to approve the February 1st minutes. Bodkin Bryk seconded the motion.
Motion passed unanimously.
South East Junior High Art Class- proposal for Longfellow Pedestrian Tunnel Mural
A student from South East Junior High, Maha Mohammed, presented the Spring 2018 proposal
for a mural in the Longfellow Tunnel. Seydell Johnson stated that the current mural lasted very
well and was a success. Seydell Johnson stated that there was graffiti in the tunnel two weeks
ago that has since been painted over. Art teacher, Rachael Arnone, stated that the design for
this year would feature a dragon and a peacock that will take up the entire length of the tunnel.
Mohammed stated that she could add more peacock feathers and more flames if there is any
blank space in the tunnel. Brown asked if the designs would be done with stencils again this
year. Arnone stated that yes, they will be using stencils as it allows for all students to be
involved in the project. Seydell Johnson asked if they were planning to use the same
background color. Arnone stated that she was under the impression that that would be easiest
for everyone. Bollinger agreed and stated it would be helpful and that they still had leftover paint
from the previous year. Fitzgerald asked if the class was intending to paint the top of the tunnel,
as had been discussed last year. Arnone stated that last year they decided not to paint the
ceiling because of water damage and the risk of having students on ladders. Fitzgerald asked if
the head of the creatures will be on the entrance of the tunnel or somewhere in the middle.
Mohammed stated that she would prefer that the feathers and flames are on the outside of the
tunnel, and the head will be inside the tunnel. Bollinger asked if there was a date decided on.
Arnone stated that they were planning on May 22nd, which is a Tuesday. Seydell Johnson asked
if they had plans to provide a Porta Potty. Bollinger stated that for the previous year she had
taken the students on bathroom breaks. Seydell Johnson stated that she could get a Porta Potty
for the day they paint the mural. Bryk asked how the design was selected. Arnone stated that
her entire class submitted designs and voted on their favorite. Bollinger stated that she will
begin to make arrangements. Seydell Johnson moved to approve the design for the Longfellow
Pedestrian Tunnel. Brown seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Preliminary
Review of revised proposal for City Hall Lobby Art Project
Isabel Barbuzza and a subcommittee of PAAC members have met twice to discuss the art
installation proposed for the City Hall lobby stairwell area. To preface Barbuzza’s presentation,
Bryk stated that their previous two meetings went well and that Barbuzza clarified the aspects of
the project that were initially confusing to the committee. Brown stated that Barbuzza has put a
lot of research into the project. Fitzgerald stated that she personally still had some concerns
regarding the lighting. Fitzgerald stated that Barbuzza intended to imbed the LED lighting into
the piece which concerned Fitzgerald because if the lights burnt out it would be difficult to
replace them. Brown stated that Kumi Morris has offered to bring in experts to consult them for
the lighting aspect of the piece. Fitzgerald stated that the piece has come a long way.
Barbuzza presented her revised proposal to the committee. Barbuzza stated that she selected
maps to work with because she enjoys the grid pattern and the way the maps line up. Barbuzza
stated that her proposal looks extremely busy currently because there is a combination of many
different materials. She explained that she printed off text in different languages and cut them
into strips for the project. Barbuzza is interested in emphasizing important locations on the map
in various ways. Barbuzza stated that she looked into different LED lighting options and worked
with Kumi Morris regarding lighting the piece. Barbuzza stated that the map will be twenty feet
long and will be mounted on wood and then lined with metal. There will be four panels, each will
be five feet in length. Fitzgerald asked if Barbuzza measured the space out. Bollinger stated that
she gave Barbuzza dimensions. Barbuzza stated that she intends to cover the wall, and will
work with the space. Barbuzza stated that what is important to her is that they are divided into
sections for easy removal and that there will be space between the wall and the piece.
Barbuzza will be using strong paper from Korea for the map material. She stated that she has
worked with this type of paper before and will use glue to attach the text to the map. Barbuzza
stated that the text strips will be woven together. Bodkin Bryk asked what type of metal will be
lining the wood panels. Barbuzza stated that she will use commercial metal, she has seen this
type of metal used often for public art. Bodkin Bryk asked if she was using metal for texture or
for the piece. Barbuzza stated that there will be parts of the metal revealed beneath the map.
Barbuzza stated that the proposal is not exactly what it will look like because the project will
evolve as she works. Barbuzza stated, regarding the fragility of the piece, that she had been
working with paper for many years now and that by folding and coating the paper it can be
durable. Bollinger stated that the map has become much more abstract and asked if that was
the direction Barbuzza was going. Barbuzza stated that yes, she is using the map that shows
the neighborhoods and she plans to use that to create distinctions in the map. Barbuzza stated
that she went to Special Collections at the University of Iowa and found an old map of Iowa City
which she showed the committee. Barbuzza stated that she isolated specific areas that depicted
a story about Iowa City and she plans to emphasize these locations with the colored plexi glass
material. Barbuzza stated that she has hundreds of images from the maps she found in Special
Collections.
Barbuzza stated that she wants to stay away from the stereotypical elements of Iowa such as
corn and pigs. Barbuzza said her goal is to create a map that is identifiable to residents but is
abstract enough to be artistic and appealing. Barbuzza stated that a lot of her work is about
experimenting with materials. Seydell Johnson asked about the scale of the plexi glass used,
and Bodkin Bryk stated that Barbuzza was intending to use various sizes for the plexi glass.
Miller asked Barbuzza how she intended to light the piece. Barbuzza stated that she is currently
planning on using strips of lighting. Barbuzza stated that there is LED lighting you can get from
Germany that is durable enough for this project. Fitzgerald asked if Barbuzza’s intent for the
viewer to look at the piece and not see a focal point. Barbuzza stated that her goal is one of
discovery. Bollinger stated that what needs to occur in the current meeting is that the committee
needs to enter into an agreement with Barbuzza. Bollinger stated that the next meeting will be
May 3rd, and that hopefully at that point the lighting and all other elements will have been
decided. Fitzgerald stated that she is much more comfortable with where the project is now and
that Barbuzza has done a lot of work to clarify the committee’s initial concerns.
Seydell Johnson motioned that the committee approve the overall concept for the art piece, the
dimensions, and the artist for the City Hall lobby art project with the additional clarification of
more information about lighting and a check-in on May 3rd to see how the project has developed
at that point.
Barbuzza asked what the committee would like to see at the May 3rd meeting. Fitzgerald stated
that the committee should not keep Barbuzza from beginning to work on the project. Barbuzza
stated that she also needs to consult with Kumi Morris on lighting. Seydell Johnson stated that
what she is hearing is that people really like the text used in the center of the piece but they
need clarification of how many of the plexi glass pieces will be involved and how large they will
be.
Miller seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Barbuzza asked the committee what they would like to see from her in the May 3nd meeting.
Miller asked if it would be too much to ask for Barbuzza to create a small model of the piece.
Barbuzza stated that it would not be too much, and she would do that. Fitzgerald stated that
they would also be discussing the final deadline. Barbuzza stated that the summer is the best
time for her to work. Fitzgerald stated that perhaps they could move the completion date to
August 1st.
Spring 2018 Public Art Matching Fund Proposals
Iowa City Community Carnival Parade Project—Loyce Arthur
Loyce Arthur is a teacher at the University of Iowa in the Theater Arts program and she
coordinates the Iowa City Carnival Parade Project. Arthur explained that she applied art
workshops in hopes that they will get more artists involved in the parade. Arthur stated that this
is the 5th year they have held the parade. Arthur stated that the parade is firmly anchored as the
kickoff for the Summer of the Arts Festival in Iowa City and they are now faced with the question
of how to get more artists involved. Arthur stated that the workshops would be something similar
to Chalk the Walk, where you have many local artists working within the same space. The work
created by these artists will be carried and worn in the parade itself. Brown asked if Arthur had a
location in mind, and if it was intended to be held in North Hall. Arthur stated that she was
hoping to find a location downtown, similar to PS1, but that the number of artists involved would
impact the location selected. Seydell Johnson asked how many people had participated in the
parade in previous years. Arthur stated that they have had a fluctuating number of participants
in the past ranging from 50-80 people. Bodkin Bryk asked which groups have consistently
participated in the parade. Arthur stated that some groups such as the DREAM Center, the
Theater Arts Program, and the music department. Arthur stated that the first year of the Carnival
Parade Project was the most well attended. Bodkin Bryk asked if Arthur had a specific concept
in mind for the artists. Arthur stated that it depends on the artist and what they want to produce.
Arthur stated that this project is about pieces that have movement to them. Arthur stated that
the size of the pieces would be 6 ft. x 5 ft. so they would be large pieces that the artist is
creating. Seydell Johnson stated that as far as space goes, the Recreation Center or several
local elementary schools would be a good option. Brown asked how artists would know about
the project. Arthur stated that she would be getting the Chalk the Walk artists involved, and the
artists involved with the downtown Art Festival. Arthur stated that she is also taking part in the
Dazzle Crawl, and will get in touch with those artists as well.
Walk our Alleys—Iowa City Downtown District
Betsy Potter and Thomas Agran with the Iowa City Downtown District (ICDD) introduced their
project “Walk our Alleys.” Potter stated that the Walk our Alleys project is part of the
Placemaking Initiative which the ICDD has been working on for the past few years, and is also a
response to the construction in the Ped Mall this summer downtown. Potter stated that this
application was submitted to the PAAC for two reasons (1) the ICDD is asking for funding from
the PAAC (2) the murals will be in a public space and the ICDD wanted to let PAAC know their
plans for the project. Potter stated that the goal of the project is to lead pedestrians down two
specific alleyways (one alleyway separated by construction) in the downtown area. Potter stated
that the alleyways are from Pepperjax (on Clinton Street down to the pedestrian mall and from
Buzz Salon down to Linn Street. Potter stated that with traffic being funneled through the
alleyways the hope is that the businesses see less of an impact from the construction. Potter
stated that the ICDD is planning to carry out that plan with artwork and interactive games. Potter
stated that they are planning to name the alleyways and sidewalk “stickering” that would lead
people down these alleyways. Potter stated that there are plans to take care of the alleys,
including power washing the alleyways.
Agran stated that they are considering using street games, hopscotch, basketball courts, or
different playful elements to encourage people to travel the alleyways. Agran stated that funding
will help pay those who are helping with the event. Potter stated that there were concerns about
the paint being slippery, and their idea is that they will not have large areas of solid paint so that
people would always have one foot on concrete and one foot on the painted surface. Agran
stated that the expanses of color will be an Aerosol paint so there will not be a buildup of paint,
the hop scotch will be done with a marking paint due to the smaller size. Seydell Johnson stated
that she has seen clocks installed next to interactive things (such as hop scotch) to add a
“timed” element to the game. Potter stated that this will most likely not be a permanent
installation, they hope that it lasts through this season and into the next. Potter stated that if they
keep things flexible they can do touchups along the way. Potter stated that the construction will
start April 30th on the Dubuque Street area which will be done this year and the construction on
College street will start next year. Potter stated they have lost a lot of program space in the
pedestrian mall so this is a good location for them to utilize. Miller asked if they had considered
painting the walls as well. Agran stated that the walls are all owned privately. Agran stated that
all the alleys have mural projects coming this next year, so there is a larger package of other
things coming to the alleys. Miller asked if the vertical murals and the horizontal alleyways will
relate to each other somehow. Agran stated that they do not. Agran stated that it is not one
vison which he thinks is a good thing in terms of how we think of the ecosystem of public art.
Potter stated that outside of funding questions, the committee can direct them directly to her.
Potter stated that their ability to pursue this project hinges on whether the committee approves
of them painting the alleyways. Potter stated that they want to make sure they support it due to
the fact that it is on City property.
Rose Smith motioned that the committee approve the project in concept. Bodkin Bryk seconded.
Motion passed unanimously.
United Action for Youth Public Art Mural Mentorship Project—Iowa City Downtown District
Thomas Agran, Mickey Hampton, and Sayuri Sasaki Hemann introduced their project, United
Action for Youth Public Art Mural Mentorship. Agran is a local artist who also works for the
ICDD. Sasaki Hemann is local artist who is on the board for PS1 and works for Project Art for
UIHC. Hampton works for United Action for Youth and has worked with arts programing there
for years. Agran stated that this project started at the ICDD, that there is a budget set for
downtown murals but he wanted to see how he could make other large art projects happen as
well. Agran stated that he thought the blank wall on the east side of Beadeology as a great
prospect for a mural. Agran stated that he was inspired by a public art program in Cincinnati
called Artworks that uses murals as a youth summer employment and mentoring opportunity.
Agran stated that he wanted to work with a trusted artist to create a design that would have
broad appeal but not be cliché. Agran looked to UAY for the youth expertise and access to a
community of kids who are ready for this kind of opportunity. Agran stated that they have
gathered together multiple pieces of funding to make this project a success.
Sasaki Hemann stated that the important part of this project is the involvement of youth during
the early stages so they can have input over what the final design is. Sasaki Hemann went to
speak to a school of the arts which has 54 students involved in an after-school program and she
is going to give a workshop session to brain storm ideas for the mural. Sasaki Hemann said that
is why they do not have an image of the mural yet. Hampton stated that on behalf of UAY they
are excited about the opportunity to allow young people to work with a professional artist and
give input to the content of the mural. Hampton stated that the kids could learn so many skills
with this project. Sasaki Hemann said they plan to get approximately a dozen kids involved,
depending on time commitments. Hampton stated that when young people have the opportunity
to contribute to something that is visible to the entire community because that makes them feel
more involved and invested in the community. Agran stated that the application has all the
logistical details but to approach him with any questions. Agran stated that the murals in
Cincinnati that they are modeling their mural after are very professionally done and are high
caliber murals. Agran stated that his hope is that people would look at it and be surprised that
kids created it. Sasaki Hemann stated that they will have an application process which will show
them how to go through a professional application process.
Hampton stated that they have applied for other funding and if they are given that funding they
will be able to provide a stipend for the kids who are involved. Hampton stated that that would
be incentive for the kids to be involved in the project. Brown asked if they were planning to paint
the mural in a manner which they would paint on the ground, rather than on scaffolding. Agran
stated that yes, the mural will be able to be painted on the ground, or in a classroom and then
attached to the wall. Agran stated that it also saves cost doing things that way. Fitzgerald asked
what the timeline was and when they would have a firmer design concept. Sasaki Hemann
stated that she has the youth engagement session on April 23, and then after that she will come
up with a rough draft of the design. Sasaki Hemann stated that it should take about two weeks.
Bodkin Bryk asked if there was any larger concept they were focusing on. Sasaki Hemann
stated that she will be asking the kids what it means to live in our world currently and to coexist.
Agran stated that he hoped they would think of the funding as going towards this youth
experience and the mural is just a wonderful bonus and reflection of that process.
Julie Seydell Johnson left at 5:00 PM.
Church St. Goosetown/Northside Community Mural—Thomas Agran
Thomas Agran presented his concept for a Church Street Goosetown/Northside Community
Mural. Agran made the professional distinction that he is wearing multiple hats during these
presentations. Agran stated that the first project, he was representing the ICDD, the second
project was done through UAY, and the last one is just him as an individual artist. Agran has
done numerous murals in the local area and he was interested in doing a mural in his own
neighborhood. Agran stated that it is exciting to him to that he is seeing more murals happening
around town but he would like to see them happen in the neighborhoods as well. Agran stated
that he has talked with ACE Hardware about doing a mural on their wall, and he thinks it is a
good location because of the prominence of the wall, and the texture and accessibility of the
wall. Agran stated that Ace Hardware is a modern community center of the Northside and it is
also a bridge location between Goosetown and the Northside. Agran stated that these aspects
have been the inspiration for this mural. Agran gave an example of the general aesthetic of the
mural and expressed his wish for the community to get involved in painting the mural. Agran
stated that he would design it as a paint-by-number mural. Agran stated that many people do
not know the history of Goosetown and Northside. Bollinger stated that the boundary between
the two neighborhoods is intentionally vague because of different opinions of where the
boundaries should be located. Agran stated that it is also next to Horace Mann School and is on
a main street. Agran stated that it is a good location for an uplifting community centered mural.
Agran stated that he likes the idea of using this as a three-day community building event.
Flyover Festival 2018 Public Art—Ian Castilla
Ian Castilla introduced his project, Flyover Festival 2018. Castilla stated that he is passionate
about community building and is a co-founder of the Flyover Festival which is occurring April
27th and 28th. Castilla stated that ultimately the goal of the project is to highlight representation
and inclusion of minorities. Castilla stated that they want to highlight people who have been
previously marginalized such as people of color and people with disabilities. Castilla stated that
the idea for this project is to take photos of people who fit those descriptions and display them
on posters on the wall along US Bank by Studio 13. Castilla stated that this would encourage
passersby to see that there are many different people within this community. Castilla stated that
considering the construction occurring soon, this project would encourage the beautification
process of the downtown area. Vero Rose Smith asked if received permission to display the
posters on the fences, from the construction team. Castilla stated that no, due to the
construction not being underway yet he has not spoken with them but he does have permission
from US Bank and the Iowa City Public Library for the photographs along their walls. Rose
Smith asked if Castilla has a contingency plan for if the construction companies decline to allow
him to use the fences. Castilla stated that if that is the case, he will take the same project and
try to find more alleyways to temporarily place the posters on. Rose Smith cautioned him that
the vertical wall space in the alleys is privately owned so he may run into issues with getting
permission from those businesses. Castilla emphasized the fact that this project is a temporary
installation that will be up for only a few days before the Flyover Festival. Brown asked how
Castilla will attach the photos to the wall. Castilla stated that he will use thin blueprint paper
which will be pasted onto the wall without ruining the brick. Bodkin Bryk asked if Castilla is
planning to allow the photos to wear off naturally. Castilla stated that they can wear off naturally,
but he could also remove them himself without damaging the brick. Fitzgerald asked if Castilla
has done a similar project in the past, or what his experience level was for large scale prints
similar to the one he is proposing. Castilla stated that he has worked with large scale prints in
the past but not done a project similar to the one he is proposing. Bodkin Bryk asked if he has
removed large scale prints before. Castilla stated that he has worked with wheat paste in
preparation for the project and has practiced removing them from brick. Fitzgerald asked who
would be the photographer for the piece. Castilla stated that it would be himself. Miller asked
how Castilla would select the subjects for the photographs. Castilla stated that he would put out
a call through flyover fest. Bollinger asked if he would have time to complete this project.
Castilla said he absolutely would. Bollinger stated that the construction team would be the same
as it was for Washington St. and that they were very willing to work with the City and ICDD.
Rose Smith asked if Castilla had access to a large printer for the project. Castilla stated that he
did. Castilla stated that the pieces would be up for approximately a week before the festival.
Bodkin Bryk asked what Castilla will be using the funding from MidWestOne for and UI Art
Shares. Castilla stated that it will be spent on photography and rental equipment and that he is
also reaching out to Flow Media (a production company in Cedar Rapids) and he will be paying
them for their assistance as well as paying for other art supplies and printing. Castilla stated that
he could send the committee a more detailed breakdown.
Kindness Wall—Abdul Latif Behroz
Abdul Latif Behroz presented his project, Kindness Wall, to the committee. The goal of the
project is to help underprivileged and homeless individuals in Iowa City. The Kindness Wall will
be located on the PATV wall. Behroz stated that he did a similar project in Afghanistan which
was installed in order to help people with addiction. Behroz stated that his first project was done
with a small group of high school students who did not have the financial support to do big
projects, but they knew they wanted to help people. Behroz stated that he heard of the concept
for the Kindness Wall from other countries, and believes it started in Iran. Behroz and his group
of friends began going door-to-door raising funds to execute their Kindness Walls. Behroz
stated that when he came to Scattergood he wanted to continue his project, so he decided to
make it an individual project for this class. Behroz started the project by finding a location to
place the Kindness Wall. Behroz has talked with artists in Iowa City to help him create his art
although he has made the design already for it. Behroz stated that the text on the wall will say
“please leave your extra here” and “take if you need.” Behroz has decided not to allow people to
leave food and drinks on the wall due to liability concerns. Behroz will include text on the wall
that tells people not to do so. Behroz has consulted with people who will help him weatherproof
the wall. Behroz stated that he has only three weeks to complete the project. Rose Smith asked
if the project is underway. Behroz stated that yes, he has begun work on researching and
creating the wall. Bodkin Bryk asked if he plans to receive funding from his school. Behroz
stated that yes he will receive funding from his school, and that he is planning to install multiple
walls. Bollinger explained to the committee that she has been working with Behroz and that she
has been aiding him in finding a location for the wall and they have spoken about creating a
portable wall that can be moved to multiple location. Bollinger stated that one of the locations
they spoke about would be in the Farmers Market. Behroz stated that if the wall is a success he
will think about taking the wall to other locations in Iowa. Brown asked how the wall will work
logistically. Behroz stated that there will be a table in front of the wall, and hangers for people to
leave their things on. Bollinger asked if, since the project cost according to Behroz’s plan will be
$194, and he is getting $100 from Scattergood, will he only need a total of $94 from the
committee. Fitzgerald asked if his request for $164 was a typo. Bollinger asked if the amount he
really needed was $94. Behroz stated that yes, that would be the amount he needs to complete
the project and if he has leftover money he will use it to create other walls.
Joe Walter left the meeting at 5:20 PM.
Fitzgerald asked if he would be overseeing the wall to ensure there was no graffiti and that there
were items on it. Behroz stated that he is planning to utilize donated items from his school as
contributions for the wall. Behroz stated that he will create a page on Facebook that he will use
to advertise the wall to the public. Brown asked how he plans to weather proof the wall and the
items left on it. Behroz stated that there will be a roof on top of the wall which will protect items
from the weather.
Spring 2018 Public Art Matching Fund Discussion
The committee began to discuss the allocations of the Spring 2018 matching funds.
The committee decided to allocate $100 to the Kindness Wall.
The committee expressed their concern over The Flyover Festival’s proposal. Miller asked if
they don’t fund these projects, do the matching funder still fund the project. Rose Smith stated
that it depends on the grant making body or the matching funder. Rose Smith stated that she is
not supportive of funding the Flyover Festival because Castilla has not sought permission from
people to put his posters up yet when the festival is two weeks out. Brown asked if the
committee could agree that they want to fund the Walk our Alleys project. Bodkin Bryk stated
they she is supportive of funding any of these projects excluding the Flyover Festival proposal.
Brown stated that she has concerns regarding the Goosetown project because she is
concerned over whether the PAAC should encourage moving murals into residential areas.
Fitzgerald noted that Brown has expressed concern regarding murals in general. Brown stated
that she is coming around and sees that murals have a real place in certain areas, especially
where there is a high potential for graffiti. Brown stated that she thinks it takes things to a whole
different scale to put a mural in a residential neighborhood. Fitzgerald asked Brown what she
felt the mural would hurt. Brown stated that she felt it was an intrusion on the streetscape.
Bodkin Bryk stated that she felt it would be lovely. Fitzgerald agreed with Bodkin Byrk. Brown
stated that she is a resident of Goosetown and has been on both Northside Neighborhood and
Goosetown Neighborhood committees and loves the idea of a community building project but
does not like the concept of this mural. Fitzgerald stated that she has felt in the past that this
wall needed an art piece similar to like this. Rose Smith stated that this mural would eventually
blend into daily life and be less noticeable to those living in the neighborhood. Rose Smith
stated that it is more for the people driving by on Dodge Street who don’t live in those
neighborhoods or know the history of them. Bollinger stated this would not be the first mural in a
residential neighborhood as there was a mural project three years ago in Fairmeadows Park,
Mercer Park and under the College Street bridge.. Rose Smith stated that she trusts Agran’s
artistic sensibility. Brown agreed with Rose Smith. Brown stated that she would like to see
different types of art rather than seeing one mural after another.
Regarding the UAY mural project, Fitzgerald stated that she would fund them more than the
$1,600 they requested. Miller agreed and stated that it is such an important site. Bodkin Bryk
said her only concern is that they did not give an image. Fitzgerald stated that that was why she
asked them for a timeline and that the PAAC could make the funding contingent on the design,
which UAY could send to Marcia once complete. Rose Smith clarified that the committee is
comfortable funding the UAY mural fully contingent upon the image.
Regarding the Flyover Festival, Bollinger asked if the committee was firm in not funding it. Rose
Smith stated that she felt they shouldn’t fund it because they did not have a broken-down
budget. Brown agreed that the budget was vague. Bollinger stated that the Walk our Alleys
project was also vague. Fitzgerald stated that the ICDD included a mock-up in their proposal.
Bodkin Bryk stated that considering the short time frame before Flyover Festival and the lack of
a firm budget, they should encourage Castilla to come back next year with a more specific
budget and images.
Regarding the Iowa City Community Carnival Parade project, Fitzgerald stated that she has
been to the parade before and knows artists who have worked on it and thinks it is beautifully
done. Bodkin Bryk agreed and stated that the parade is lovely. Miller also stated that he has
attended. Brown stated that if the parade had more backing it could be helpful. Bryk asked if the
committee could give them $1000 or $500, half of what they asked for. Fitzgerald stated that
she would be comfortable giving them $1000 with the gift of a space. Fitzgerald stated that the
space could be worth $500.
Regarding Walk our Alleys, Brown stated she thinks it’s a good project and that it makes sense
in terms of the construction that will be underway soon. Fitzgerald stated that she doesn’t love
the concept, that she likes the likes the stars more than the interactives games. Fitzgerald
stated that she liked Juli’s suggestion to include timers to move people through the space.
Fitzgerald stated that whatever happens on the horizonal space will compete with the mural that
is on the vertical wall space. Fitzgerald mentioned that Agran did an excellent job on the mural
on Banditos downtown. Rose Smith stated that she trusts Agran to be sensitive to the mural
with his design of the floor of the alley. Miller asked if it would be possible to fully fund the Walk
our Alleys, with them deciding to not fully fund the Carnival Parade and not fund the Flyover
Festival at all. Rose Smith stated that she was happy to fully fund them. Fitzgerald stated that
they do not have to spend the full amount. Miller asked when they could use those funds.
Fitzgerald stated that it would carry over to the next Matching Fund session. Miller asked to
committee to explain the relationship with the Iowa City Downtown District. Miller said that
personally he feels it’s a great organization and he wants to support them but was wondering
the history between them and the City. Bollinger stated that the City and ICDD work closely
together on just many things. Bollinger stated that she spoke with Potter regarding Ron
Knoche’s concern with painting on horizonal surfaces due to runoff contamination. Bollinger
stated that she mentioned it to Potter. Miller asked if the PAAC was the authority on whether
they can do that. Fitzgerald stated that Knoche was the authority on it. Brown stated that she felt
the application was vague. Miller asked if, in an attempt to get more details, they could make the
funding contingent on the ICDD talking through their final design with the committee. Bodkin
Bryk asked how soon the project would be starting. Rose Smith stated that it appeared it would
be occurring from the end of May to June. Fitzgerald stated that the construction on the
pedestrian mall starts on April 30th. Bollinger stated that she thinks the first thing they need to do
is get an approval from Knoche. Fitzgerald asked what amount everyone was thinking of
funding them. Rose Smith stated that she was thinking of funding them $1000 at most.
Fitzgerald stated that she was fine with $1000 contingent upon a final design and gaining
Knoche’s approval before the next meeting.
Regarding the UAY Mural Mentorship Program, Bryk asked the committee if they want to fund
the project fully. Fitzgerald stated that yes they should fund them fully contingent upon
approving their final design.
Regarding the Goosetown/Northside Community Mural, Rose Smith stated she would fund that
fully. Bodkin Bryk stated that she agreed and she supported it because she feels they do not do
enough art in the neighborhoods. Brown stated that she wants it to be on a scale that is
appropriate for the neighborhood. Fitzgerald said that Dubuque’s mural project has encouraged
their community to get downtown and look at the artwork. Bodkin Bryk moved that the
committee funded the Goosetown/Northside Mural $1000. Miller seconded.
Bodkin Bryk moved to approve funding the Iowa City Carnival Parade $1000, the Walk our
Alley’s project $1000 contingent on final design and other committee member’s approval, finding
the UAY Mural $1600 contingent upon final design, the Goosetown/Northside mural contingent
upon final design, not to fund Flyover Festival due to the time frame and lack of budget detail,
and to fund the Kindness Wall $100. Rose Smith seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Organization Amount
Requested
Amount
Granted
Iowa City Carnival Parade $1,500 $1,000 +
Space
Walk our Alleys $2,000 $1,000
UAY Mural Mentorship
Program
$1,600 $1,600
Goosetown/Northside
Community Mural
$1,400 $1,000
Flyover Festival 2018 $2,000 $0
Kindness Wall $94 $100
Total $8,594 $4,700
Chadek Green Placemaking Art Project
The committee discussed the Chadek Green Community Garden project. Fitzgerald stated that
the committee already decided to allocate $6000 to the project. Fitzgerald reminded the
committee that they had previously discussed the art piece being a box for people to leave
excess produce, a bench, or an entryway but that the $6000 could potentially fund multiple of
those ideas. Bollinger stated that Backyard Abundance has scheduled their community garden
planning meetings which begin May 22. She explained that the committee decided that the
artist should be involved with their planning process so time is limited. Bollinger stated that the
committee has a few options, they can select an artist to complete the project, or they could
select a handful of them to respond to an RFQ. Rose Smith suggested an artist who has worked
with Backyard Abundance before, Ariana Parkes Perez. Rose Smith stated that she works on
the Carnival Parade, was one of the sign designers for downtown, and participated in Chalk the
Walk. Brown suggested Tim Adam’s who proposed a project for the Iowa City Lobby Art Project.
Fitzgerald stated that she felt Adam’s could successfully complete the project. Miller suggested
Hannah Givler who created the Prairie Box project. Fitzgerald suggested Betsy Reed. Fitzgerald
asked if they wanted the artist to be from Iowa. Bodkin Bryk stated that yes, they would prefer
that. Bodkin Bryk suggested the woman from Cedar Rapids who created the metal artwork that
the committee liked previously. Bodkin Bryk stated that she contributed to the alleys in Marion.
Fitzgerald stated that she also did the metalwork for Beadeology’s sign. Bollinger stated that
she would contact her. Bollinger stated that she would contact the five artists suggested by the
committee. Miller asked if they should have Backyard Abundance select the artist. Bollinger
stated that her idea was that the artist would participate in their three scheduled planning
meetings. Brown stated that it would be a big time commitment for the artist. Miller asked if the
artist gets paid or if the $6000 goes to supplies. Bollinger stated that the artist simply agrees to
complete the project with that budget and the PAAC does not require that kind of budget detail.
Bodkin Bryk stated that the project is open ended for the artist and that the committee wanted to
create a community building art piece for the garden. Bollinger clarified that the committee
wanted her to contact the five artists to extend an invitation for them to submit their
qualifications for the committee to review in May. Bodkin Bryk moved to have Bollinger
approach the five artists to submit their qualifications for the community garden project. Brown
seconded.
COMMITTEE ANNOUNCEMENTS OR REPORTS:
There were no committee announcement or reports.
STAFF REPORTS:
Bollinger showed the committee the updated Public Art Permanent Installation map. Bollinger
stated that the committee for Poetry in Public meets tomorrow.
ADJOURNMENT:
Miller moved to adjourn. Brown seconded. Meeting adjourned 6:25 p.m.
Public Art Advisory Committee
Attendance Record
2018
Name
Term
Expires
3/2
4/6
7/6
8/16
9/7
11/2
1/4
2/1
4/5
Bodkin
Bryk, Tam 01/01/19 O/E O/E x x x x O/E x x
Brown,
Wendy 01/01/20 x x x x x O/E x x x
Erin
Fitzgerald 01/01/20 x x x x x x x x x
Knoche,
Ron x x x x x x x x x
Seydell-
Johnson,
Juli x x x x O/E x x x x
Vero Rose
Smith 01/01/21 -- -- -- -- -- -- x O/E x
Steve
Miller 02/01/21 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- x x
Key:
X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
--- = Not a member
Iowa City Farmers Market
Placemaking Art Project
Call to Artists
The Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department is interested in soliciting proposals for
the installation of Placemaking Art in and around the Iowa City Farmers Market area
including the Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp and surrounding market area. The Iowa
City Public Art Advisory Committee will be responsible for reviewing responses to this
Call and interviewing artists.
Project Description
The Iowa City Farmer’s Market, which occurs annually from May through October is
located in and around the first floor of the Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp. The Saturday
Farmer’s Market expands beyond the parking ramp into Washington Street between
Gilbert and Van Buren Streets. Protection from the weather in the parking ramp is an
attractive feature but the area provides little visual appeal that could enhance the
general farmer’s market experience. Proposals are being accepted from artists for
visually appealing enhancements to the market area including th e first floor parking
ramp and on the exterior of the ramp along Washington Street. Including components
that identify the area as the location of the Iowa City’s Farmer’s Market are encouraged.
Project goals
Use of the artwork to identify the space as the area where the Iowa City Farmer’s
Market occurs at the Washington Street entrance and as means of
wayfinding to the market for visitors already in the parking ramp.
To create an aesthetically pleasing, creative and original design/artwork that makes
the parking garage a more welcoming, tranquil and friendly place to be.
To utilize a farmer’s market theme that compliments the existing mural under that
College Street bridge.
Enhancements that can be considered but are not limited to:
Murals/installations on
• support columns
• entry way columns
• exterior of the parking ramp
• stairwells within the parking ramp
Banners/flags attached to:
• Support Columns
• Ceiling of parking ramp
• Outside of parking ramp
• Railing on the east side of ramp
• Exterior railings of upper floors on parking ramp
• Entranceways to the lower level of the parking ramp
Freestanding on permanently installed poles throughout the outdoor Farmer’s Market
area could also be considered.
Enhancement of existing picnic tables on the east side of ramp
NOTE - Consideration could be made to modify the existing signage within the parking
ramp to accommodate the artwork.
Project Budget
Budget for the project is $6000. All costs related to design work; food, lodging and
transportation for the artist; insurance, materials; scaffolding, site related safety
measures, labor, etc. are limited to this budget.
Project Timeline
• Deadline for responses - Friday, June 15, 2018 – 5:00 PM
• Notification to applicants of finalist - Friday, June 22, 2018
• Finalists meet with Public Art Advisory Committee - Thursday July 5, 2018
- 3:30 PM*
• Finalist Notification - Friday, July 6*
• Completion of the Project - ?
*Tentative due to Fourth of July holiday
Application Submittal Procedure and Requirements
• A one-page artist statement describing experience and interest in the
project.
• A current resume (no more than three pages).
• Colored rendering(s) of the proposed design for the artwork.
• Detailed explanation or description of surface preparation (if applicable),
installation methods and materials to be used to ensure durability.
• Description of safety measures that will be used to the secure site both
during the project creation as well during non -working hours of the
project.
All submissions should be submitted electronically by sending to Marcia Bollinger, Iiowa
City Public Art Coordinator at marcia-bollinger@iowa-city.org or mailed to 410 East
Washington, Iowa City, Iowa 52240. All email submissions should be submitted in a
.pdf format and will be acknowledged upon receipt.
Additional Information:
• All painted surfaces must be sealed with two coats of anti‐graffiti
protective coating that will provide resistance to vandalism and the
weather.
• Payment for the work will be made in three installments – upon
execution of artists agreement, at a mid-point in the project, and when
work is completed satisfactorily. It is the responsibility of the artist to
keep staff apprised of progress on the installation so that work can be
viewed at several stages throughout the process.
• Installation of the artwork should occur on weekday evenings, Saturday
after 1:00 PM or anytime Sunday when there is less vehicular traffic or
parking in the ramp. Parking staff can assist in blocking off areas as work
needed.
All materials submitted as part of the Call to Artist will become property of the Iowa City
Parks and Recreation Department
SUBMISSIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:00 P.M. FRIDAY, June 15, 2018
Send To:
Marcia Bollinger
Marcia-Bollinger@iowa-city.org
CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET
IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240
319‐356‐5237