Minutes 02-26-08
MINUTES OF THE BOYNTON BEACH ARTS COMMISSION MEETING
HELD ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26,2008 AT 6:30 P.M. AT THE BOYNTON
BEACH GREATER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
PRESENT:
Angela Budano, Chair
Cheryl Arflin, Vice Chair (arrived late)
Dana Cook
Christine Moeller
Barbara Ready
Nubia Richman
Halena Wolf
Debby Coles-Dobay, Public Art Administrator
ABSENT:
Barbara Lentz
I. Call to Order.
Chair Budano called the meeting to order at 6:44 p.m.
II. Roll Call of Members
Self-introductions were made. A quorum was present.
III. Agenda Approval
Ms. Coles-Dobay added New Business Item VIII, C, which would be to add a member of
the Arts Commission to the Dumpster Selection Panel. There were no objections to the
addition.
IV. Approval of January 22, 2008 Meeting Minutes
Ms. Coles-Dobay noted on page 3, the second bullet point pertained to the Heritage
Public Art Mural Program, not Celebration.
On page 6, the date in the last sentence on the page should be February 13, not
February 16, 2008.
On page 10, in the top paragraph where Ms. Budano requested a vote, the sentence
should read ". . .and a maximum of ten dumpsters would be selected."
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Arts Commission
Boynton Beach, Florida
February 26, 2008
On a different matter, Ms. Richman explained she belonged to the Boynton Beach
Camera Club, and the president approached her looking for exhibit locations for their
photographs. Ms. Richman indicated she would discuss the issue with the Arts
Commission and it was decided this item would be added to the agenda as a Future
Agenda Item.
Motion
Ms. Richman moved to approve the minutes of January 22, 2008 as discussed. Ms.
Moeller seconded the motion.
V. Announcements
A. Dana Cook appointed new board alternate
Chair Budano welcomed new member Dana Cook.
B. Introduce potential board candidates
Ms. Coles-Dobay introduced Esther Orr, a potential candidate for the Arts Commission.
Ms. Orr was a retired teacher from Forest Park Elementary School and a friend of
Barbara Ready. Ms. Orr has resided in the same house for 50 years and has seen
many changes in Boynton Beach. Ms. Orr is a believer in the value of enrichment
activities.
Ms. Coles-Dobay advised there was another potential board member, Anderson
Slocombe, an architect and longstanding resident of the City, who had more than 20
years of experience in architecture, construction, administration and client management
services.
A group of women from Brandeis University in Massachusetts, which was a research
institute that focused on liberal arts, visited with Ms. Coles-Dobay. She reported the
group belonged to the National Women's Committee and they raised funds for the
library and university research. They had visited several local studios and then met with
Ms. Coles-Dobay. She announced they were impressed with the Art Program and
another tour would be scheduled in April. The word about the Art Program was
spreading.
VI. Kinetic Presentation by Ralfonso
Ms. Coles-Dobay introduced Ralfonso, an internationally known kinetic sculptor and
President and Co-founder of the KAO, (Kinetic Arts Organization). The organization
has about 1,000 members from 60 countries. He was selected as 1 of 20 International
Artists to create a kinetic sculpture for the Olympic Committee in Bejing, China. His
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February 26, 2008
organization was founded in 2001, to provide one place for kinetic artists around the
world to interact with those who are interested in kinetic art and sculptures, and to
promote kinetic art. They were the largest kinetic art organization in the world and they
help to put together kinetic sculpture exhibitions around the world; having exhibited in
Holland, Italy, New Mexico, Russia and New Jersey.
Ralfonso showed a PowerPoint presentation and a four minute video with music
depicting what kinetic art was and showing it as art in motion. He described it being a
type of 3-D work, having motion as a significant dimension, possessing or displaying
energy; being active, lively, dynamic, and energizing. The video of kinetic art showed
this type of art could use water, light, wind; can sway, rotate, use lasers or have the
illusion of such, even shadows. The art could be made of nearly anything, even bird
feathers. He left two DVDs with Ms. Coles-Dobay.
He thought what the Arts Commission was doing was fabulous and he had tried to get
West Palm Beach to have a similar program. He noted Boynton Beach was way ahead
of West Palm and many other cities who have never executed anything that resulted in
any tangible benefit to the community or the artists community. He thought kinetic art
could be used to brand Boynton Beach.
Since the Arts Commission was in the master planning stages, there may be some
opportunities for kinetic art. The members discussed the idea of hosting some type of
kinetic exhibit, and if they did, whether it should be an exhibition or include an
educational component. There were many issues associated with an exhibition such as
what kind of venue they would need, how many pieces should be used to make the
event recognizable and worthwhile, and what the associated expenses would be.
Ralfonso thought there was enough space in Boynton Beach to do so, and there could
be both indoor or outdoor venues. Ideally, it was discussed both venues should be
used. He did not know the facilities existing in Boynton Beach well enough to say
where the best location would be to have the exhibition, nor did he know what the
budget was. Another issue noted was what would be the exhibition time period. One
exhibition could last four to six months. Ralfonso's goal was to educate people about
public art and kinetic art. The Arts Commission would contemplate whether there was
interest to do a kinetic art exhibition, a symposium or an associated event and it was
keenly noted, the budget was contingent on the scale and scope of project to be
implemented.
The members discussed this year's budget was not nearly enough to subsidize an
exhibition. Ralfonso explained much depended on what kind of exhibit was wanted, or
whether the members wanted to expand the program and kinetic art to become the
focus of the City.
The Arts Commission was considering having one signature event, which this year
could focus on kinetics and wanted to build bridges between the cultures through art.
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Arts Commission
Boynton Beach, Florida
February 26, 2008
The members noted the economy was also struggling, which would have a negative
impact. Conversely, it was discussed the Arts Commission should be mindful that they
are in close proximity to incredible wealth in the United States and should find a way to
make exhibitions viable for the artists, while still serving as an educational bridge.
Lastly, it was suggested the Arts Commission take care not to give the impression there
was all kinds of monies being spent; there would be a balance. A suggestion was made
about exhibiting the maquettes. Having partnerships with local municipalities that were
interested in purchasing art could be beneficial. It was thought Renaissance Commons,
or the Promendade could provide an opportunity for art due to their marketing and
phasing plans depicting their developments as a destination. In difficult times, free
entertainment opportunities were successful and could benefit developers. The issue
rested with the budget, the goal, and the branding wanted.
The members discussed there may be grant opportunities with the City's 501 (c)3, or
opportunities to pursue donor monies. Ralfonso pointed out Delray Beach started with
their camera event, Photo Fusion, which currently draws thousands of people to Delray
Beach. He offered to help brainstorm workable ideas for Boynton Beach.
VII. Updates on '07/'08 program
A. Avenue of the Arts
1. Artwork submitted for program
Ms. Coles-Do bay expressed she was actively soliciting for art work. The City recruited
many of their artists from ArtiGras. The artists who traveled for art shows were very
interested in displaying on the Avenue of the Arts, but they would want to display locally
to avoid shipping their art. If the Arts Commission selected their art pieces, they needed
to determine where they would be located and the City would not accept delivery of the
pieces until July.
Once selected, the art remained for the year, and the artist must install the piece. If the
piece sold, the artist needed to substitute a like piece. The mall entrances were
suggested as potential sites for art and the mall manager appeared to be receptive to
the idea. The CRA was also pulling up pavers in some parts of the downtown area
because of saltwater intrusion. It was suggested contacting them about the pads and
about helping to subsidize their replacement.
The Library Board was interested in having art at the library; however, the City was
under strict financial constraints. Soliciting financial donations was suggested. Another
suggestion was to have a show location while simultaneously having a big screen TV at
an off site location watching the site live.
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Boynton Beach, Florida
February 26, 2008
The Arts Commission reviewed artist Dale Rogers' work, specifically his "Hands On"
piece and Joseph Palumbo's art brochure.
Motion
Ms. Ready moved to add the Dale Rogers piece to the Avenue of the Arts. Ms. Wolf
seconded the motion. Ms. Coles-Dobay would bring all the pieces back to the Arts
Commission at a later time to determine placement. There was agreement to accept
the Dale Rogers piece.
Motion
Ms. Ready moved to accept the Rolling Horse piece by Joseph Palumbo. Ms. Wolf
seconded the motion. The motion passed 6-1. (Ms. Arflin dissenting)
The Arts Commission reviewed a second Palumbo piece, "Cerena" and wanted to
decide whether to use the Cerena piece or the Rolling Horse. A vote by show of hands
was taken on using Cerena, the Mermaid piece. Ms. Budano, Ms. Wolf, Ms. Arflin and
Ms. Moeller were in favor of Cerena. Ms. Ready, Ms. Richman and Mr. Cook were in
favor of the Rolling Horse. By vote of four to three, the Cerena piece was selected.
B. Artwork Collection
1. City Hall
a) Decisions on how to sell & replenish artwork
2. Sims Center
b) Call to artists release
There was agreement to table item VII B to the next meeting. It was noted the deadline
for the call to artists for the Sims Center was March 5, 2008. This was for on-loan
artwork for that facility.
C. Heritage Celebration/Highwaymen Program
1. Event review
Ms. Coles-Dobay had received positive feedback on the event. She was interested in
receiving additional comments on how to improve the event for next year. The following
observations or suggestions were made:
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Boynton Beach, Florida
February 26, 2008
. The event was poorly attended;
. The event was not shared with enough people;
. The event should have been open to the public;
. Submit an attendee list of individuals more prone to purchase as opposed to just
a VI P list;
. An event such as this may benefit from a more specific mailing list; and
. They would like to open up the attendee list.
a) Highwaymen Roadshow, Wednesday, Feb 13th
This event was open to the public.
b) Friday, February 15th, Opening Night
The members recommended having the opening night on the weekend during the
event.
VIII. Development Projects
A. Recreation and Parks, Jaycee Park - Artist award approval.
Ms. Coles-Do bay distributed a Call to Artists that was issued some time ago. There
was a selection panel and the panel participants selected Lucy Keshavarz to create
Public Art Interpretive Markers for the park. After City Commission approval, Ms.
Keshavarz would be contracted. She asked the members to review her credentials to
ensure she was a public artist and approve her credentials by motion. The Call to
Artists went out in late December and the deadline was January 15, 2008. The
Selection Panel was established and was comprised of Ms. Ready, Ms. Rivers,
Assistant City Manager LaVerriere and Ms. Shea.
Motion
A motion was made by Ms. Ready to accept Lucy Keshavarz as a public artist for the
Jaycee Park interpretive public markers. Ms. Richman seconded the motion which
passed 5-1 (Ms. Arflin dissenting.)
There was lengthy discussion about the process, and that the Commission was
accepting the recommendation of the Selection Committee. There was a concern
raised; however, that when having to defend an individual being charged with abuse of
public process, the problem usually arises from a board that rubber stamped items. The
members have a duty to examine and know what they are voting on. Dialogue
continued that the item was already reviewed. The review process and the layers of
approval that needed to be met before an artist would come before the Arts
Commission were explained.
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Arts Commission
Boynton Beach, Florida
February 26, 2008
The process was first an RFQ is issued and the responses received. The responses
are reviewed to ensure they are correct to the request and then references are checked.
The information is forwarded to the Selection Panel for review and ranking and then it
comes before the Arts Commission to approve the Selection Panel recommendation.
B. Approval of Congress Avenue public artists and concepts.
Ms. Coles-Dobay explained this park would be the Boundless Playground. The
committee was comprised of Ms. Coles-Dobay, several members of the Recreation and
Parks Department, and Beth Ravitz of Glatting Jackson, as a public arts consultant.
Working over the past several months, they developed some concepts of what they
wanted to include in the park. The item still needed City Commission approval. The
Arts Commission reviewed Ms. Ravitzs' work. The members would email Ms. Coles-
Dobay with comments and feedback on the work and she would bring that information
to the next committee meeting on the park.
Motion
Ms. Ready moved to accept Beth Ravitz as a public artist. Ms. Wolf seconded the
motion that unanimously passed.
C. Dumpster Assignment
Ms. Ready volunteered to serve on the selection committee. Ms. Moeller volunteered to
serve as a substitute for Ms. Ready, should she be unable to attend.
Motion
Ms. Wolf moved Ms. Ready be assigned that task. Ms. Moeller seconded the motion
that unanimously passed.
IX. AIPP MASTER PLAN DETAIL DISCUSSION
A. Review and approve Session I, January 26 workshop recap
Ms. Coles-Dobay distributed a handout in addition to the minutes comprised of her
notes taken from the workshop minutes and Ms. Arflin's notes.
Motion
Ms. Ready moved to add the notes from Ms. Arflin to the minutes so there would be
another layer of information. The board noted there were changes to be made to the
workshop minutes. Chair Budano asked for a motion to accept this (Ms. Arflin's notes)
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Boynton Beach, Florida
February 26, 2008
and add it to the minutes. Ms. Wolf seconded the motion. There were no objections to
the action.
Chair Budano requested moving forward and reviewing and approving the recap that
was sent.
Ms. Coles-Dobay's document was reviewed and questions were raised regarding
Boynton needing an image. The document was a synopsis of topics raised, but it was
not adopted. A new document would be generated from it and the members made the
following changes to it:
The mission statement had a grammatical change. and should read, ''The Art in Public
Places Program is dedicated to create creatinq stimulating . . . "
Item 2, The identity image should: 'Emphasize,' emphasis the unity of the community."
There was discussion on whether to vote on the document; however, the Commission
decided to move on to the next item and no further action was taken.
B. Discussion on public art sectors
The minutes indicated different areas should have their own identities. At the workshop,
it was decided to have a recurring agenda item that would tackle part of the planning
aspect for the public art sectors. These would be aligned with the planning areas in the
City. A historical study on the Intracoastal was conducted and requested by a member,
which may assist the Arts Commission with their efforts.
The Visions 2030 Redevelopment maps were reviewed. It was suggested reviewing the
information for public art opportunities and discussing it at the next meeting. Ms. Coles-
Dobay would put together a chart. The meetings were supposed to end at 8:30 p.m.
and, therefore, it was suggested putting this item at the top of the next agenda.
C. Next months review topic
The Boynton Beach Camera Club exhibit would be added to the next agenda. Ms.
Richman would obtain additional information about the purpose of the request.
X. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
XI. NEW BUSINESS
None.
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Meeting Minutes
Arts Commission
Boynton Beach, Florida
February 26, 2008
XII. Adjournment
Motion
Ms. Moeller moved to adjourn. Ms. Richman seconded the motion that unanimously
passed.
The meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m.
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Catherine Cherry (
Recording Secretary
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