Minutes 05-23-06MINUTES OF THE CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH ARTS COMMISSION MEETING
HELD ON TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2006 IN THE LIBRARY PROGRAM ROOM,
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA AT 6:30 P.M.
Present:
Debby Coles-Dobay, Chair
Richard Beau Lieu, Vice Chair
Angela Budano
Barbara Lentz
Nubia Richman
Suzette Urs
Absent:
Wilfred Hawkins
Cheryl Arflin
I. Call to Order
Chair Coles-Dobay called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
II. Roll Call of Members
Craig Clark, Interim Library Director
The members introduced themselves and the Recording Secretary declared there was a
quorum.
Chair Coles-Dobay announced there was a visitor, Ms. Barbara Ready, who had applied for
membership on the board. Her application would be forwarded to the City Clerk's office to get
put on the agenda for the City Commission to consider. Ms. Ready shared some information
about her background and spoke of the murals in Lake Placid, Florida, which she thought were
really remarkable. The board was familiar with them and agreed. Ms. Ready liked the sailfish
mural Ms. Conti had on her building but it was gone. Chair Coles-Dobay asked if anyone knew
what had happened to that mural, and a board member responded it had been sandblasted off
before the buildings started coming down. No one understood why the mural had not been left,
since they were using that building for the sales office for the new development. Chair Coles-
Dobay had spoken to Ms. Conti, who also did not know what happened to the mural.
III. Agenda Approval
There were no changes, additions, or deletions to the agenda.
IV. Approval of Minutes
There were no changes, additions, or deletions to the minutes.
V. Business Items
A. Announcements
1) Panel to Interview Public Art Administrator Position
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Arts Commission
Boynton Beach, Florida May 23, 2006
Chair Coles-Dobay asked for volunteers to
Administrator position. Vice Chair Beau Lieu
panel and Mr. Urs will serve as an alternate,
for the benefit of the members who were
announced she would be resigning from the
applications had been received.
serve on the interview panel for the Public Art
and Ms. Budano will represent the board on the
if needed. Mr. Clark outlined the selection process
not at the previous meeting. Chair Coles Dobay
board so she could apply for the position. Several
Vice Chair Beau Lieu mentioned that at one time, the board members were suggesting persons
who might be able to fill this position and among them was Ms. Genevieve Steel. Ms. Dennison
had the contact information for Ms. Steel and was going to let her know when it was time to
apply, but Ms. Steel had not heard anything from Ms. Dennison as yet. Mr. Clark responded
that applicants should contact the Human Resources Department where the job was posted.
An application could be printed from the City's Web site and forwarded with a resume. Chair
Coles Dobay believed the closing date was May 31, 2006. Vice Chair Beau Lieu will speak with
Ms. Dennison and Ms. Steel about this.
B. Development Projects
1) Review of the Projects that are Subject to Public Art
Chair Coles-Dobay indicated Mr. Hawkins had sent her an update on projects. Hemingway
Square was being revised, but was still moving forward. Also moving forward at this time: Parc
Central, Tuscan Villas, and Yachtsman's Plaza. They were all aware of the public art
requirement.
C. Meeting Dates and Locations
1) Suggestion to Move Meeting Place to the City Hall Chambers
This suggestion was discussed, but did not meet with the approval of the board members. Also,
since the Planning & Development board met on the same night as the Arts Commission, they
would have to change their meeting date, which they were not interested in doing. They all
thought being able to sit around a table across from each other was more conducive to the
types of discussions held on this board. The Library Program Room would be unavailable until
after the new Library opened up. The board decided to retain its current meeting schedule and
investigate the possibility of using Conference Room C, or conference rooms at the Senior
Center, the Recreation & Parks Department, or the smaller conference room in the Library. The
location of the next meeting would be posted and the members notified.
D. Eternal Flame Call to Artists
Vice Chair Beau Lieu reported that he, Ms. Heather Spillane, two representatives from the
Veterans Commission and Commissioner Ensler met on May 15 to consider the candidates. After
consideration, they chose three semi-finalists and the application packages for those individuals
were circulated among the board members for review. The board was pleased with the quality
of the proposals. The application packages were scored and the highest scores in descending
order were for: James Mastin, Beth Ravitz, and Joseph Kinnebrow. Most of the panel was happy
with the submissions, but one of the Veterans Commission representatives wanted to see
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something more "real." Of the submissions, the veterans preferred Mr. Mastin's and Ms.
Ravitz's proposals.
Vice Chair Beau Lieu declared the Recreation & Parks Department had chosen a planning
consultant/landscape architect, Jo Ellen Leisinger of the Land Stewardship Company. The
finalist would work with the planner, who was in charge of overall planning for the memorial.
Some time in July, Ms. Leisinger and her firm would meet with the three semi-finalists to review
their suggested projects. This would give the artists an opportunity to ask questions, interact,
and suggest other ideas. After this meeting, the artists would have a month to produce a
maquette, concept in writing, budget, proposal, and presentation for their particular Eternal
Flame project. At another set date, the panel would hear the presentations from each artist
individually. Following the presentations, the panel would meet and determine the finalist. The
finalist would then meet with the planner to make it happen.
Chair Coles Dobay discussed whether the artists should meet with the planner as a group or
individually, and it was decided the group would be best, since they would all hear the same
information and one artist might ask a question that led to a greater understanding on the part
of all the artists. After discussion, it was determined the artists would be given six weeks after
the meeting with the consultant to produce their maquettes and presentations. A discussion
ensued about whether to give the artists checks at the planning meeting or afterwards. Mr.
Clark believed the artists should sign something before giving them money. The legal
documentation could be a mini -contract with an agreement to proceed on the part of the artist
and a list of expected deliverables. The board agreed that maquette guidelines would have to
be determined in order to insure uniformity of scale among the submissions.
To be done:
• Draft letter to semi-finalists informing of process and schedule and requesting
confirmation of continued interest. Specifications for maquette (size) would be
included.
• Draft letter to send to artists not chosen, encouraging them to apply for future
projects.
• Set date for July meeting between semi-finalists and the planning consultant.
• Get legal advice about a contract.
• Decide about when to make payment to semi-finalists for maquettes.
E. Project Planning
1) Avenue of the Arts Planning — Outcome, timing, invitation criteria, event
to celebrate
Vice Chair Beau Lieu distributed a draft announcement and specifications for Artwalk 2006. The
draft would be finalized and attached to the invitations to the artists. The Arts Commission was
to announce plans for a public sculpture exhibit that would be installed in mid-October of 2006
and displayed beginning the first week of November 2006. The Arts Commission would invite
artists qualified to do public art pieces that would be displayed along a route from City Hall to
the new Library and past the Civic Center, the Museum, and all the way down Ocean Avenue to
the Intracoastal Bridge. Artists would be paid $11K for their transportation, installation, basing,
and so forth, so the total project would be approximately $12K. The pieces would be on loan for
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a one-year period after which time the Arts Commission would try to buy some of the pieces.
The pieces would be on sale during the year and catalogued on the Web site and in a colored
brochure. If the pieces were sold during the year, the artist would provide adequate
replacement. The artist would give the City 10% of the proceeds from any sales of art during
the year.
Vice Chair Beau Lieu declared the invitations to artists would include a second page detailing
what the Arts Commission was looking for. The artists would be advised their art pieces should
be sturdy, anchored properly, and able to stand up to strong weather. They should also not be
dangerous or have sharp edges. The City would cover liability if injuries resulted from the
sculpture. The artist would provide his or her own insurance for theft and/or graffiti damage.
Vice Chair Beau Lieu circulated a list of artists who would receive an invitation for this project.
The members added artist contact information to the list and asked the Recording Secretary to
include the list in the minutes. The board members agreed to bring contact information for any
additional artists to the next meeting. At the next meeting, the board wanted to approve a
letter to be sent to the agreed-upon list of artists.
The board thanked Vice Chair Beau Lieu for his comprehensive work on the project statement
he had entitled Artwalk 2006. The board had previously agreed to call the project Avenue of the
Arts. However, the board concurred that the copy for this project could say something like
"having an Art Walk on the Avenue of the Arts."
Comments during discussion were:
• Get feedback on the artwork from the public, possibly on Web site. The public could
also vote on pieces of art the Arts Commission should purchase.
• Provide plaques identifying the artist(s) and the artwork name(s).
• The Arts Commission would approve the initial artwork and any necessary
replacements.
• The board would designate key spots for sculptures before doing walk-through with
artists.
• If a piece of artwork were sold during the display period, the Web site catalogue
would be updated.
• The display should be kept fresh by changing it every year.
• There should be an event to launch Avenue of the Arts.
• A timeline had to be established for when the letters would go out, when they had
to be back, when they were going to approve the art submitted, and so forth.
The Arts Commission will ask for photos of the artwork and make decisions for the twelve
pieces of art based on a review of the photos.
The members agreed to send their thoughts on a launch event and the Web site to Mr.
Hawkins, who could compile the thoughts and bring them to the next meeting. Chair Coles-
Dobay reminded the board members they had an outline of what a Web site should look like in
their informational packets. They could suggest elements for the Arts Commission Web site
based on elements they had seen and liked on other Web sites. Mr. Clark suggested they check
out the Web sites of other Arts Commissions for ideas as well. Chair Coles-Dobay had placed a
temporary spot for the Arts Commission on the City's Web site. The City's Web site had links to
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the Art in Public Places Ordinance, the Arts Commission Ordinance, and the Call to Artists for
the Eternal Flame project. "Coming Soon" carried an announcement of the Hemingway Square
project. The Arts Commission had purchased an URL and Website name and Ms. Coles-Dobay
had been discussing the establishment of a link from the City's Web site to the Art's Commission
Web site, but that had not yet taken place. Ms. Budano felt the Arts Commission Web site
needed to have a Flash component and a Blog where people could comment and share ideas.
Motion
Ms. Urs moved that 10% of the proceeds from the sale of any artwork during Avenue for the
Arts should go to the Arts Commission to disburse at its discretion for public art purposes. Ms.
Budano seconded the motion that passed unanimously.
Ms. Urs commented the Avenue of the Arts and its sculptures were a tool they could use to
acquaint the rest of the world, or Boynton Beach, with what they were doing in the art world.
Mr. Clark suggested asking Mr. Hawkins to discuss this project with the City Attorney from the
standpoint of liability and contracts. Chair Coles-Dobay remarked they had discussed the liability
situation with Mr. Hawkins at the previous meeting but the contracts would need legal review.
Ms. Urs believed it was the responsibility of the Arts Commission to see that a Uniform
Commercial Code (UCC) form was filled out for any art taken in on loan or consignment. The
form could be accessed on the www.myflorida.com Web site. Ms. Urs requested confirmation
of this from the City Attorney via the minutes. Vice Chair Beau Lieu commented if a gallery
went bankrupt, the artist could get his work back if this form had been filled out. Ms. Urs
declared if the form was not made a part of the transaction and bankruptcy ensued, the State
would own the artist's work.
F. CRA & Art
1) Promenade Boynton Beach Boulevard Extension — Arts Commission
recommendations for art
What recommendations can the Arts Commission make for art on the Promenade?
Marina Fall Festival — Contribute ideas to CRA for this event
Chair Coles-Dobay announced Ms. Marie Horenburger would be the new liaison between the
Community Redevelopment Agency and the Arts Commission. She would be able to make the
Arts Commission aware of development projects that were coming before the CRA and remind
the CRA board of its responsibility to public art.
Chair Coles-Dobay asked if everyone had an opportunity to walk around on the site and some
had done so. Ms. Coles-Dobay mentioned walking from Federal Highway all the way to the
Intracoastal and how there was a large circular area with grass about half way through the walk
that would be perfect for artwork. The Promenade had some striking art -form types of shades
that were especially nice.
Chair Coles-Dobay discussed this with Commissioner Ensler and Mayor Taylor during the ribbon -
cutting ceremony for this area. The board realized that Commissioner Ensler was a known
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patron of the arts and they appreciated his calling the developer's attention to art requirements
at the City Commission review of projects.
Chair Coles-Dobay suggested doing a Call to Artists for the space with a particular theme in
mind. Commissioner Ensler suggested 'the rebirth of Boynton" as a potential theme and Mayor
Taylor's wife suggested an appropriate symbol of rebirth could be a butterfly. The board
brainstormed ideas for this site. Ms. Coles-Dobay envisioned something of a historical nature
that would symbolize Boynton Then and Boynton Now. Vice Chair Beau Lieu thought the
location on the Intracoastal suggested a nautical theme. It was noted the original theme was
nautical and much of what had already been done at the site and in the surrounding area was
nautical in feel. There was a lot of consensus on having a nautical theme, especially since it
could be seen from the Intracoastal and was located by the water. Vice Chair Beau Lieu
mentioned the large Marlin landmark monument in Broward County near the Convention
Center. That was the kind of thing he had in mind. People would want to come down to this
area to see that kind of artwork.
Funding for art was discussed and it was hoped there could be some kind of partnership
between the Arts Commission, the CRA, and the City. Chair Coles-Dobay hoped the CRA liaison
to the board could facilitate this in some way.
Ms. Budano mentioned another art opportunity would be a kind of "Blessing of the Fleet" event
where boats were blessed for the safety of the mariners.
Ms. Ready suggested an art walk for children and their teachers as another way to build
participation and interest in art in the community.
Jazz and Arts Event — What can the Arts Commission recommend to the CRA to
elevate the event from an arts perspective?
Continuing a discussion from the previous meeting, the board discussed enlisting the assistance
of local art guilds. Chair Coles-Dobay knew the Artists of the Palm Beaches and Women in the
Visual Arts were both interested in participating. Ms. Lentz mentioned the Southern Handcraft
Society who put on shows at Old School Square in Delray Beach. Ms. Budano added that Joy
Gillie advised her that Old School Square was willing to lend its painted door exhibit to Boynton
Beach. Vice Chair Beau Lieu related there was an art guild that met on the Intracoastal in
Delray Beach at Atlantic Plaza for shows on most Sundays. He thought it might be the Delray
Beach Art League. The board agreed the art guilds should just be invited to attend at this time.
Their presence would help to build interest and participation in art. There should not be any
idea of using them as moneymakers for the Arts Commission. They were not in a position at
this time to guarantee a certain amount of foot traffic for vendors and would appreciate all who
wished to participate.
Ms. Lentz said the last Art & Jazz event was very poorly attended. Almost all the chairs were
empty. Ms. Budano related that it was customary at events of this type of promote the event by
announcing at the end of it the details of the next show. That did not happen during the most
recent Art & Jazz event. Ms. Urs thought it was too hot at the last event as most seats were in
the sun. Perhaps it was too late in the season for this type of event. Facing west on a sunny
day was not the best placement. Ms. Lentz asked if the CRA wanted the Arts Commission to
help them. She had asked them if they wanted the Arts Commission to get artists for them and
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they had not contacted her. Mr. Clark indicated that having Ms. Horenburger as liaison between
the Arts Commission and CRA should be helpful. Chair Coles-Dobay declared Margee
Adelsperger, the Marketing and Communications Manager, was interested. Ms. Lentz
commented that the venue arrangement for the Jazz & Art event was beautiful and very well
done. Chair Coles Dobay remarked that there should be more to do and see and become
involved with than just listening to music at these events. The Arts Commission could help to
make that event more successful by contributing ideas of how to do that. If they asked the CRA
to put Women in the Arts into a couple of booths, they would bring demonstration art, art for
sale, and many different things. They had 400 members and would bring people in from
outside Boynton Beach. The Artists of the Palm Beaches had a great following as well and they
were doing exhibits all over the County.
Ms. Urs thought that since the CRA had money for events and wanted help with the Fall
Festival, perhaps they could help fund the Avenue of the Arts. Chair Coles-Dobay responded the
CRA had not asked for help with the Festival. It had been put on the agenda so the board could
generate ideas to add art to the event. Mr. Clark noted the CRA was trying to work closely with
the Arts Commission when Mr. Hutchinson was the Director and he thought Ms. Bright, the new
Director, was also interested in doing so. Ms. Lentz felt the Arts Commission board members
could also help by volunteering at the CRA events.
Chair Coles-Dobay said that a certain amount of communication would take place through the
minutes. Also, the board could write a letter to the CRA, letting them know of what they had
talked about, what they wanted to do, and how they wanted to work with the CRA. The Arts
Commission was trying to make public art happen in Boynton Beach and wanted to strike up a
synergistic relationship with the CRA to do so. The letter should convey that the Arts
Commission was anxious to collaborate with the CRA.
VI. New Business Items - None
VII. Adjournment
Since there was no further business before the board, the meeting was duly adjourned at 8:35
p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Collins
Recording Secretary
(060506)
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