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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPAAC Packet 06-07-18 Public Art Advisory Committee Thursday, June 7, 2018 3:30 PM Isabel Barbuzza’s Studio 3111 Hawkeye Park Road Iowa City AGENDA We will be taking a Recreation van to the studio. It will be parked in front of City Hall so please plan on meeting there. If there are members of the public who wish to speak to the committee, the first two agenda items will occur prior to departure. Call to order Public discussion of any item not on the agenda Consideration of minutes of the May 3, 2018 meeting Review of Isabel Barbuzza’s concept for the art installation in City Hall 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 MAY 3, 2018 – 3:30 PM LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM – CITY HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: 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 APRIL 5, 2018 MEETING Knoche moved to approve the April 5th minutes. Rose Smith seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. REVIEW OF DESIGN CONCEPT FOR WALK OUR ALLEYS MATCHING FUND PROJECT The committee decided to discuss the approval of Walk our Alley’s concept before the Chadek Green Placemaking discussion as Jul Sydell Johnson would be late to the meeting due to another commitment. The committee discussed approving the concept for Walk our Alleys. Knoche stated that it is not an issue of concept, it is an issue of timing because due to the construction and work that will be occurring in the alleys. Bollinger stated that the committee doesn’t have to approve what Knoche approves. Brown stated that there is not much reason to go forward with the project if the timing doesn’t work out. Knoche stated that he thinks the timing will work, but there may be more maintenance that the ICDD will have to do. Brown stated that she liked the first proposal better. Rose Smith agreed that she liked the stars as well, but enjoys the idea of having a game- centered design. Bodkin Byrk agreed and stated that the games will draw people down the alleys. Fitzgerald reminded the committee that the ICDD asked for $2,000 for the project and that the committee granted them $1,000. Brown asked Knoche what his thoughts were regarding the surface. Knoche stated that typically the city cleans the alleys about three times a year, and that the ICDD is going to pay for an extra cleaning to get the alleys prepped, which he thinks will work fine. Knoche stated that there is storm sewer work that needs to happen and that the timing of that is unknown, so ICDD may need to touch up the paint after that occurs. Knoche stated that there is also a switch out that will be happening with the natural gas meters, which may require small patching work to be done by the ICDD. Juli Seydell Johnson arrived at 3:45 p.m. Rose Smith stated that she is fine with the proposal, and thinks it will be a fun and temporary installment. Fitzgerald stated that she hopes that the project goes along well with the large Preliminary mural already present in the space. Rose Smith motioned to approve the project. Miller seconded. Motion passed unanimously. REVIEW OF RESPONSES FOR THE CHADEK GREEN PLACEMAKING PROJECT The committee discussed the artist’s responses for the Chadek Green Placemaking project. Fitzgerald asked if these responses just came in, on April 2nd. Bollinger stated that they all came in that last week, however they did not hear back from two of the artists contacted. Fitzgerald reminded the committee that they selected five artists to contact who they thought would be capable of completing the Chadek Green Placemaking Project. Fitzgerald asked the committee to remind her the amount of funding available. Bollinger stated that there is $6,000 available. Bollinger stated that they are pushing the project to move forward quickly because the expectation is that the artist meet with Backyard Abundance to engage in the planning process which starts May 22, 2018. Seydell Johnson stated that Backyard Abundance is doing three different garden designs for local parks and with each one they are creating some kind of gathering space within the garden. Seydell Johnson stated that their design for Chadek Green will be similar. Seydell Johnson stated that it is not a redesign of the entire park, it focuses only on the garden. Bollinger stated that she felt that the artists were all good applicants and would all be able to successfully complete the job. Rose Smith stated that one concern she had while looking through the proposals was that Tim Adams did not have examples of lower budget installations, and she worries that the committee would have to spend all $6,000 on a single work by him. Rose Smith stated that she remembered the committee discussing having multiple gathering places around the garden and was wondering what the committee envisioned that would look like. Seydell Johnson stated that she had envisioned all of the funding going to one central installation with perhaps some funding going to other small pieces. Rose Smith stated that she worried Adams is not giving examples for the price point the committee is offering for the project but if they are planning to have one central installation that Adams should be fine. Fitzgerald stated, regarding Cara Briggs Farmer, she has known the artist for several years and she feels that her work is airy and natural feeling even though it is iron, she could see it being in a natural space and not feeling harsh. Fitzgerald stated that she was also the artist who did the iron work for Beadeology. Bodkin Bryk stated that Briggs Farmer has applied to the committee before and that she has done a lot of work in Marion. Rose Smith stated that Farmer has already worked with steel and materials that are meant to be based outdoors. Fitzgerald stated that she felt that Farmer could do a lot with the $6,000 budget. Seydell Johnson stated that she felt that Farmer would be a good artist for this project. Rose Smith stated that it appeared that the committee was in agreement regarding selecting Farmer as the artist for this project. Bodkin Bryk stated that she likes Adam’s work as well, but feels drawn to Farmer’s work and she stated that if everyone is drawn to Farmer’s work that is the artist they should select. Miller stated that he liked Hannah Givler’s proposal, stating that her pieces felt very natural, but that he also enjoyed Farmer’s piece. Brown stated that one thing to consider is that Givler has been funded by PAAC twice already. Bollinger asked if the committee funded Givler’s Prairie Box or just “blessed” the ICDD’s project. Seydell Johnson stated that the committee only blessed the piece, and did not fund it. Fitzgerald stated that she did not think Farmer has had any piece in Iowa City. Miller asked if the goal of the committee was to select one of the three artists. Bodkin Bryk stated that they could also ask for a proposal from the artists, but they are running out of time. Seydell Johnson stated that the committee is supposed to select the artist and the artist will collaborate with Backyard Abundance to create a design. Bollinger stated that they could set a process for the artist get feedback from the committee on the design. Bollinger asked when the project will be completed. Seydell Johnson stated that it is open and is meant to be completed sometime in the summer or fall. Seydell Johnson stated that they have concrete dates for the public meetings they are going to hold to gather input. Brown stated that, in case those meeting times don’t work out for Farmer, should they have a number two in mind. Rose Smith stated that Givler would be her number two. Brown stated that Adam’s would be her number two. Fitzgerald agreed and stated that Adam’s would be her number two but that she was less impressed by his proposal this time, than last time. Brown stated that Adam’s was likely trying to show his skill as a landscape artist. Seydell Johnson motioned for the committee to select Cara Briggs Farmer as their first choice for artist of the Chadek Green Placemaking Project and Tim Adams as their second choice. Brown seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Fitzgerald stated that they might want to ask, in the approval, that she check in with the committee. Fitzgerald stated that due to Seydell Johnson working closely with the project, she can keep the committee in the loop and the formality may not be necessary. Bollinger stated that they could come up with a schedule and ask Farmer if it works for her, but include an ultimate project completion date in the fall. REVIEW OF CALL TO ARTISTS FOR FARMER’S MARKET PLACEMAKING PROJECT The committee reviewed the call to artists for the Farmer’s Market Placemaking Project. Seydell Johnson stated that the first Farmers Market of the season was last night and it was a success, but that the fact of the matter is that it’s still a dark, dreary space and they need something to make the space more inviting. Seydell Johnson stated that it provides weather protection which is important. Bollinger stated that it is also cooler than having it out in the open. Seydell Johnson stated that she noticed the call to artists included stairwells as part of the space available for the art installation and she would rather they not be included. Brown stated that she thought at one point the committee discussed the option of having the project be some kind of a light piece. Seydell Johnson stated that that could be beyond the budget. Bollinger stated that if the artist could include it within the budget, that would be fine. Miller ask if the committee wanted the art installation to be limited to inside the parking ramp. Seydell Johnson stated that the art installation could be in the east side of the ramp, in the seating area or by the bell on the City Hall side but that it would have to go along with the City Hall landscaping. Seydell Johnson stated that it would be best if the art installation was inside the parking ramp. Fitzgerald stated that they should include photos of the parking ramp for the artists. Rose Smith seconded that and stated that it would also be helpful to have dimensions if possible. Bollinger stated that Thomas Agran mentioned to her that he will be applying for this project and she stated that she asked him for his comments regarding the call to artists and he suggested that, with the timeline, they should try to make it so that the project is completed by the end of Farmer’s Market season so that the visitors can see if happening. Seydell Johnson stated that they should aim for September 15th because the market goes until October but that the attendance gets sparse towards the end. Fitzgerald asked how it would be possible for the artist to install their piece during the busy market. Bollinger stated that she meant more for the pieces that progress over time, rather than pieces that have a one-day installation period. Bollinger stated that they will recommend that the artist works nights and weekends to avoid the busy times in the ramp. Fitzgerald asked what the lifespan of this project would be. Seydell Johnson stated that she was hoping for a project that would last five years. Bollinger stated that they should mention that in the Call to Artists. Seydell Johnson asked if having a lifespan of five years was unreasonable. Fitzgerald stated that it would not be very reasonable considering their budget. Fitzgerald asked if PAAC was funding this project. Bollinger stated that Parks and Recreation is. Brown stated that she worries a five-year lifespan would limit their applications to only muralists. Rose Smith stated that it did not necessarily, but that they should include a maintenance plan for the project. Bollinger stated that what they typically do is state that the artist is responsible for the upkeep of the piece for at least a year which is only in case the artist did not prepare the surface properly or used poor products. Fitzgerald asked if the City has regulations for the parking ramp as far as hanging banners. Bollinger stated they would have to check vehicle clearance. Bollinger stated that the schedule she has on the call to artists is tentative. Bollinger stated that she was wondering who would be looking over the applications, and that she thinks it would be best to run the proposals by the City staff to make sure there are no problems later on regarding their designs. Miller asked if the market will expand into Chauncey Swan Park after it is completed. Seydell Johnson stated that there will be a flat space at the bottom of the park which would allow for a few vendors to set up in that space but the overall plan for that area is for a congregation area for people while at the market. Bollinger stated that she will not be able to make the Thursday, July 5th meeting so they will have to reschedule that meeting to the 12th of July. Bollinger stated that if they notify the artist by the 13th that only gives them two months to complete the project. Seydell Johnson stated that they should keep the completion date in September. Miller asked if the $6,000 budget was set in stone. Bollinger stated that the committee did not use all the matching funds and that she will have to figure out the amount that is left over. Miller asked if they could potentially bump up the project to $10,000. Rose Smith stated that would be helpful. Bollinger check minutes from the last matching fund application meeting and stated that the committee has $1,300 left over. Miller motioned to increase the budget for the Farmer’s Market Placemaking Project to $7,000 using the leftover $1,000 from the Public Art Committee Matching Funds for 2018. Brown seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Seydell Johnson motioned to make the changes to the call to artist document that have been discussed by the committee. Rose Smith seconded. Motion passed unanimously. RELOCATION OF SNELSON SCULPTURE The committee discussed relocating the Snelson sculpture. Bollinger stated that the meeting regarding relocating the sculpture was successful. Seydell Johnson stated that the plan for relocating the sculpture is to move it to the new Riverfront Crossing Park and make it the focal point of the park. Seydell Johnson stated that if you enter from the north side, there is a traffic circle and the sculpture will be located in the middle of that traffic circle. Seydell Johnson stated that currently she has asked the City’s project architects to create a proposal to design the area and figure out the placement of the sculpture. She also stated that they are researching the sculpture now and that the price for relocating it is not yet determined. Brown asked if Seydell Johnson was still worried about kids climbing on the sculpture. Seydell Johnson stated that they are going to elevate the piece to the point where people may be able to walk underneath it. Bollinger stated that the piece will also be well lit. Fitzgerald asked if there will be a plaque near the piece. Seydell Johnson stated that it would depend on funding. Rose Smith motioned to approve committee’s recommendation to relocate the Snelson Sculpture to Riverfront Crossing Park. Fitzgerald asked if the sculpture will be restored to its original positioning. Knoche stated that the sculpture was never in its original positioning, even when it was on campus. Seydell Johnson stated that they hope to have the sculpture moved to its new location by October. RELOCATION OF DOROTHY The committee discussed relocating the Dorothy tornado sculpture. Bollinger stated that it was previously located on the pedestrian mall. Bollinger stated that Seydell Johnson reached out to her staff to ask for ideas for relocation of the piece and they suggested it move it to the east side of Chauncey Swan Park near the seating area. Seydell Johnson stated that it will be visible from the street. Knoche asked if relocating this sculpture would interfere with the placemaking project in the parking ramp. Seydell Johnson stated they would mention to the artist that Dorothy will be relocated to that location so they can keep it in mind. Bollinger stated that the committee has to run the relocation by the artist and asked if anyone on the committee had her contact information. Bollinger stated that she has attempted to contact the artist multiple times, but that she may have an old email address. Brown motioned to accept the staff’s recommendation to relocate the Dorothy sculpture to the east side of the Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp and to contact the artists before relocating. Rose Smith seconded. Motion passed unanimously. COMMITTEE ANNOUNCEMENTS OR REPORTS: Seydell Johnson stated that the two STEAM murals are really fulfilling their purpose and are well used. Rose Smith asked if they have held up well. Seydell Johnson stated that they had to fix the windmill a few times. STAFF REPORTS: Bollinger stated that she will need a few volunteers from the committee to work at Kidztent during the day of the event. Bollinger stated that the Kidztent runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and that the event is on June 3rd. Bollinger stated that committee members could volunteer to work inside the tent or to collect art from around the festival the day before the event. Rose Smith stated that she could help with Kidz Tent. Bollinger stated that the final selections have been made for Poetry in Public. Rose Smith asked Bollinger about the child with Downs Syndrome who speaks ASL and submitted a poem. Bollinger stated that they created a poster including sign language as per his mother’s suggestion. ADJOURNMENT: Seydell Johnson moved to adjourn. Knoche seconded. Meeting adjourned 4:41 p.m. Public Art Advisory Committee Attendance Record 2018 Name Term Expires 4/6 7/6 8/16 9/7 11/2 1/4 2/1 4/5 5/3 Bodkin Bryk, Tam 01/01/19 O/E x x x x O/E x x x Brown, Wendy 01/01/20 x x x x O/E x 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 O/E x x x x x Vero Rose Smith 01/01/21 -- -- -- -- -- x O/E x x Steve Miller 02/01/21 -- -- -- -- -- -- x x x Key: X = Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused --- = Not a member