HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-01-2007 Public Art Advisory Committee
Agenda
Public Art Advisory Committee
Thursday, February 1, 2007
3:30PM
Lobby Conference Room
Iowa City City Hall
410 E. Washington St.
A. Call to order
B. Public discussion of any item not on the agenda
C. Consideration of the minutes of the December 7,2006 meeting
D. Discussion of the Grand Avenue roundabout project.
. Report from University
. Decision re: Anderson sculpture
E. Discussion of the "Art on the Walls" project for Artsfest 20th
Anniversary in cooperation with the Summer of the Arts.
F. Discussion of potential public art projects for the remainder of FY07
and for FY08.
G. Public awareness
. Recognition of public art in private spaces
. Community survey
H. Committee time/updates
I. Adjournment
MINUTES
PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7,2006
LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL
PRELIMINARY
Members Present: Mark Seabold, Terry Trueblood, DeLayne Williamson, Emily
Martin, Rick Fosse
Members Absent: Chuck Felling, Emily Carter-Walsh
Staff Present: Marcia Klingaman, Brian Boelk
Others Present: Jean Walker, Howard Collinson, Rod Lehnertz, Gene Anderson,
Bob Brooks
CALL TO ORDER
Seabold called the meeting to order at 3:32 PM.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL
None
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA
None
CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 5,2006 MEETING
MOTION: Fosse moved to approve the minutes as submitted. Trueblood seconded the
motion. Motion passed 5:0.
DISCUSSION WITH GENE ANDERSON REGARDING HIS GRAND AVENUE
ROUNDABOUT PROPOSAL
Seabold explained to Anderson that the committee liked both proposals and wondered if
it would be possible to combine the ideas of both proposals. Martin said that the
committee liked the look of proposal one and the materials of proposal two. Martin
mentioned that the radial configuration was appealing to the committee and felt that
limestone was a theme that Coralville had used a lot.
Anderson said that he was thinking about stone ranging from one foot thick on up. The
quarry was not sure if they had striations that thick. Martin said that the committee was
very much interested in the arrangement of proposal one but liked the smoothness of
proposal two. Klingaman apologized for not being present at the last meeting and said
she and Gene were under the impression that the committee was more interested in
proposal one.
Lehnertz wondered if the stone pieces would have to become smaller for the radial
configuration. Anderson said that if the pieces are too small, and become shorter than
the overhang, they will become lost against the backdrop, which is not very attractive for
a piece of art.
Iowa City Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes
August 3, 2006
Page 2
Walker wondered if the committee could see the piece in the surroundings so that they
could get an idea of the scale. Anderson said that he would like to go to the site and see
what 14 feet tall would look like. He said the piece needs to represent itself. He said that
he could do more of a pinwheel design with different shapes. Martin agreed that it was
the pinwheel aspect that they liked.
Fosse said that they also want to bring in a landscaping element, such as an ornamental
grass. Anderson said that he was not prepared to think in those terms.
Brooks wondered if Anderson had thought about foundations or plantings. Anderson
said that the foundation would need to be very large and the amount of dirt access would
be small. Also, the potential of underground electrical vaults would require a survey to
find out what is underneath the area.
Boelk said that University water, a steam tunnel, and University telephone are all
underneath the site. He thinks that Anderson should think of something that is a bit
smaller scale.
Lehnertz said that the scale might feel ominous with the fourteen foot proposal. Walker
wondered if the pieces would be more stable in a pinwheel configuration.
Fosse said that the committee had envisioned something that could be created off-site
and then moved onto the site. Anderson said that everyone that he has talked, to who
may make the molds, said that the easiest way to cast the structure would be on-site.
Everyone he talked to said to pour it on-site. Anderson has also investigated how he
could create sleeves to slide the stones onto. He said that would take some fine steel
work with about 10 inch diameter pipes. It would be expensive and is more economical
to cast the structure on site.
Walker wondered again about the scale and Anderson said that the height for both
proposals would be pretty similar. Seabold wondered how deep and the location exactly
of the utilities. The steam tunnel is underneath and is still being used.
Brooks wondered whether Anderson had thought about vandalism. He said with the
smooth stone may attract students. He wondered if the structure could be power washed
or coated to make it easier to clean. Fosse said that if the structure were painted, it could
easily be repainted if vandalism occurred. Brooks wondered if Anderson had considered
colors. Anderson said that he could find out what big cities use to maintain their art. He
also mentioned that sometimes leaving graffiti makes it part of the artwork, such as is
done in Spain. He said that with colors, people tend to either like blue or red, but white is
acceptable to most people. He sealed the sculpture on the sculpture pad downtown and
as of now, they have not had any problems with vandalism. Anderson said that in the
past he has used natural dyes, like walnut, that become part of the material. He would
not want to paint the structure but he would be happy to stain it with a natural dye. The
coating would not be consistent throughout, the coating would be natural.
Walker is more concerned about something growing on the structure. Anderson said that
if that happens it would become a natural part of the sculpture and he likes the idea. In
general, his concrete sculptures do not grow algae. He did say that vines may grow on
proposal one and he really likes the idea.
Iowa City Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes
August 3,2006
Page 3
Anderson again mentioned that the quarry does not have a guarantee that the slabs of
stone would be available. Seabold wondered what type of weight difference there would
be between the limestone and the concrete. Anderson said that concrete is about 150
pounds per cubic foot and the limestone is about 90 pounds per cubic foot, depending
on the type. Seabold said that he liked the organic look. Anderson said that with the
quartz in the sculpture down, the sculpture glistens, and it depends fully on what the
committee wants.
Williamson wondered if the sculpture could use a raised base instead of digging a larger
foundation. She wondered if the committee should find out what is possible. Fosse
agreed and did not want Anderson to spend more time before they find out what can be
placed on the site. Anderson said that they could drive honeycomb piles around the
steam tunnel, but it fouls up the plants and dirt idea.
Anderson said that he wanted to be upfront with the amount of time that the sculpture
may take. He said the molds would take 2 or 21/2 months. He would really prefer to pour
it on-site. Seabold wondered if there are possibly additional utilities, or if they can have
Anderson think of some ideas that work around the utilities. Boelk said that the tunnel
will at some point need to be dug out.
Anderson wondered if the City has a structural engineer on-site or if he would have to
provide one. He said he did not plan on providing the footing as part of his proposal.
Klingaman said that in the call, the City offered to provide one.
Fosse said that since Anderson is busy for the next month, the committee could think
about options, then discuss this at the January 4, 2006 meeting. The committee thought
that before Anderson spends any more time, they should look at the constraints of the
site.
Walker wondered if there was any possibility of repairing what is underground before
installing the sculpture. Boelk said that it would just start a new life cycle for the tunnel
and Lehnertz said that it is not needed yet.
Walker wondered if lighting would help to prevent vandalism. She also wondered how
much lighting the sculpture entails. Anderson said that he wanted wall washers and
ground lighting on both pieces so that it would wash the sculpture.
Seabold said that he would find out more information and the committee would get back
to Anderson. Anderson thanked the committee for selecting his work.
Gene Anderson left at 4:38 P.M.
Fosse said that he feels like the committee is forcing the artwork. Williamson said that
even if the piece is not 14 feet high, it would still be a dominant piece. Seabold said that
he is still really excited about the piece.
Martin said that even with sealant, you can not totally get rid of all of the graffiti. Lehnertz
said that he still would like to offer up the idea of a landscaped island. Martin agreed that
it would be a good idea. Lehnertz said that Bob Brooks could partner with the City to
landscape. Fosse said that he is the one who threw out the idea, but he now thinks that
Iowa City Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes
August 3, 2006
Page 4
art may not be a good idea. Trueblood wondered what obligations the committee has
with Anderson. The committee seemed to agree that they do not have a formal
obligation to Anderson. Lehnertz said that he would talk to Bob Brooks about sketching
up some landscaping ideas. Martin thinks that the committee should communicate with
Anderson that they do not know how they are going to proceed, so that he does not
invest more effort.
DISCUSSION OF A POTENTIAL ART PROJECT TO HIGHLIGHT ARTSFEST 20TH
ANNIVERSARY
Williamson suggested bringing in David Williamson, who is an artist and a motional
speaker. He works with the Department of Natural Resources to pull things out of the
river and make art out of it. He gave a presentation on leadership on at the Young
Professionals Conference in Cedar Rapid. He told Williamson that he does respond to
calls to artists.
Klingaman said that the project will have to be self-supporting or the committee will have
to knock on doors. Seabold said that this type of event will be a good way to get people
involved. Klingaman said that she would contact David Williamson.
Klingaman told the committee about a meeting with Katie Roche where ideas were
developed for possible projects. One idea is a projection of art onto buildings downtown.
Martin said that this type of art has been done and it is very flexible. Klingaman said that
Roche mentioned the idea of having photo booths set up downtown and then projecting
the faces of Iowa City. She said that practically everyone could participate.
Martin said the committee should find out how much David Williamson costs and then
think about ideas. Seabold liked the face projection idea. Klingaman said that she saw
the committee as doing the initial review. Seabold wondered about whether someone
would be hosting to projector to avoid someone switching the photographs, and Marcia
said that someone would monitor the projectors. Klingaman brought up the fact that a lot
of times people avoid art galleries because they feel uncomfortable. This project would
make the art more accessible.
The group seemed to agree that they should continue discussions next month.
DISCUSSION OF 2007 SCULPTOR'S SHOWCASE CALL AND THE PENINSULA
PARK SCULPTOR'S SHOWCASE CALL
Klingaman wondered if there were any questions or comments about the calls for artists.
The committee said the calls seemed fine. Martin said it was a good idea to get it out
now so that it will be available when the students get back. Tom Aprile will get the call
immediately. Martin said that Isabel Barbuzza is the other sculpture professor and she
should be notified of the call as well. Klingaman said she would send it to Kirkwood also.
Martin said to send the call to Coe College and Mount Mercy also.
COMMITTEE TIME/UPDATES
Boelk said that John Coyne is working on an icon that will be repeated at two locations
along West Branch Road. It is the first time they have incorporated an artist into the
design team on a project.
Iowa City Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes
August 3, 2006
Page 5
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 5:12 P.M.
Minutes submitted by Abby Attoun.
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