Minutes 01-27-09
MINUTES OF THE BOYNTON BEACH ARTS COMMISSION MEETING
HELD ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 27,2009 AT 6:30 P.M., AT FIRE STATION #2,
2615 WOOLBRIGHT ROAD, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
PRESENT:
Barbara Ready, Chair
Cheryl Arflin (arrived at 7:00 porn.)
Barbara Lentz
Christine Moeller
Nubia Richman
Anderson Slocombe
Halena Wolf (arrived at 6:50 porn.)
Dana Cook, Alt.
Donn Davenport, Alt.
Debby Coles-Dobay, Public Art
Administrator
I. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:29 p.m.
II. Roll Call of Members
Self-introductions were made.
III. Agenda Approval
Chair Ready added a proposal by Norm Gitzen to Item V, Announcements.
Motion
A motion was made by Barbara Lentz to approve the amended agenda. Mr. Slocombe
seconded the motion that unanimously passed.
IV. Approve Meeting Minutes
A. Approval of November 25, 2008
There was one correction to the minutes on page 6, fourth paragraph from the page
bottom. The sentence should read, "Mr. Cook, who was is colorblind. 0 .n
Motion
Mro Slocombe moved to approve the minutes as amended. Ms. Lentz seconded the
motion that unanimously passed.
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Boynton Beach, Florida
January 27, 2009
V. Announcements
A. Urban/Land/Scapes, January 31, 6:30 p.m.
There was a short discussion regarding the multi-media performance. Ms. Coles-Dobay
created flyers for the event, which several members of the Arts Commission members
distributed locally and were well received.
B. Martin County Eco Art project launch April 2, 2009
Ms. Coles-Dobay had e-mailed members information about the event, sponsored by the
Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties. Mary Jo Aagerstoun,
President of the South Florida Environmental Art Project, Inc., was trying to attract and
cultivate eco art in South Florida. A symposium on the topic was scheduled on April 2,
2009, and a short film and video series would follow. An educational eco art exhibition
would run April 2, 2009 through May at the Old Courthouse in Stuart, Florida. Betsy
Daman, who exhibited eco art projects in China and other international locations, was
sponsored in Martin County. Five artists would receive the opportunity to apprentice
under her tutelage. The Arts Commission members were encouraged to attend the
event, not only to learn about eco art, but also to gather ideas from the symposium for
the future Arts Commission kinetic art symposium.
C. Pineapple Grove Public Art unveiling, January 29, 2009
The Pineapple Grove Art District encompassed 2nd Avenue, to Atlantic Avenue to
George Bush Avenue. It was noted the event coincided with the Delray Jazz on the
Avenue event.
D. Norm Gitzen
Ms. Coles-Dobay explained Mr. Gitzen used the on-loan, Vanishing Sailfish piece
displayed in the City Hall Lobby, when he was exhibiting off-site. Mr. Gitzen proposed
to swap the Sailfish piece with a smaller Dolphin piece during those time periods.
There was agreement the proposal was acceptable.
VI. Library Exhibit
A. Grand Opening, March 7,2009 includes artists reception noon-3 p.m.
Light refreshments would be served. Members having ideas to help draw people to the
event should contact Ms. Coles-Dobay. The Library was hosting a weekend of events,
in addition to the ribbon-cutting ceremonies. The fountain base and sculpture for the
Library artwork was installed and would be operational the next week. The Library
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Boynton Beach, Florida
January 27, 2009
landscaping should also be completed by then. An unveiling for the fountain was
suggested and Ms. Coles-Dobay would investigate having an event for that as well.
VII. Green Market
A. Sign up sheet
A sign-up sheet was distributed for the members to volunteer their time at the Green
Market.
B. Graffiti art program demonstration
The members had discussed a Graffiti Art project in November and a meeting was
recently held with the artists. Information about the program was distributed.
Chief Immler of the Boynton Beach Police Department had no opposition to the
program. The Public Works Department indicated a racquetball wall at Sara Sims was
available, which they would basecoat. It was also noted there was another wall
approximately 15' by 50' that could be usedo City departments also needed to be on-
board.
"Bad" graffiti is Tagging, which is illegally done. The artists involved in the program had
engaged in illegal tagging. Their desire now was to engage youth and teach them to
create graffiti art. The artists worked providing graffiti art just off Atlantic Avenue in
Delray Beach, as well as other areas from Stuart, to Miami, Florida. Much of the work
they provided, particularly in Miami, was on abandoned buildings slated for demolition.
The artists, received appropriate City approvals to do the work, but were not paid.
Painting the buildings provided opportunities to practice, teach and raise awareness of
the media. In some instances, funding was received. The teaching presentations
involved music and light. It was also noted some of the graffiti artists worked on the
Boynton Beach dumpster painting program.
There was discussion a loosely structured program would be a better way to attract
youth. A demonstration and a few sessions could be held at the Sims Center to try to
teach the youth the art and encourage them to sign up. Youth from Boynton Beach
Community High School, the Youth Violence Prevention Project, and their service
provider groups would be invited. Another session to prepare them for a mini-mural
demonstration using a car could be offered. The car mural could be created at the
green market. From there, they could cultivate the idea and determine the final concept
for a wall. There could be one final session with the youth before painting the wall.
Community participation about what would be painted would be sought. The members
agreed on three concepts for the painting, which were music, heroes, and sports. The
program needed to be flexible to keep youth engaged. Words could be used, but not
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January 27,2009
images, logos or slogans. Additionally public or sports figures should not be used
because those images may be owned.
The graffiti artists would plan the work and determine what sections of the wall the youth
would paint. Much of the art was difficult to master. The artists have day jobs, and the
project would most likely be held in the eveningo It was emphasized the artists were
accustomed to working with the community. A loose proposal was received for the
materials, including paint and scaffolding, approximately $15,000, with further
negotiation possible. The City may have scaffolding that could be used, and paint could
be donated. Other entities could also be approached for funding and having the Public
Works Department base coat the wall would help lower the price.
When funding was secured, the project would be recommended. It was suggested the
Post be approached. The members were invited to assist with garnering support and
funding for the project. Additionally, one of the Youth Violence Prevention Project
providers, was looking for subjects for a documentary. It was suggested he be
approached to use the event for the documentaryo
VIII. Development Projects
A. Dr. Mote Wellness and Rehab
Information on the final project was distributed to the members. The project had
previously received conceptual approval by the members.
Motion
Mr. Slocombe moved to approve the finished product. Ms. Moeller seconded the motion
that unanimously passed.
IX. Public Art Opportunities
A. Artavox late April early May
The members had previously discussed Artavox coming to Boynton Beach; however,
due to budget restraints, it was determined the event would not move forward. More
recently, it was determined the event could be funded, but Artavox was determining how
much could be funded. Artists for Palm Beach County collaborated with the Palm
Beach County Cultural Committee for the event. The two organizations would solicit
sponsors for it.
If the event moved forward, it would take place in late April or early May. Inquiry was
made if the members were interested in hosting the event. The Arts Commission could
assist with locating food and beverage sponsors and setting up for the event. There
would need to be one Police Officer in attendance.
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Boynton Beach, Florida
January 27, 2009
The event attracts about 300 attendees and would probably be held at the Children's
Schoolhouse Museum. Parking would not be an issueo The costs associated with the
event would be for the Museum to remain open about an hour longer, and event permit
fees. A cost estimate would be brought back to the members.
Approaching the City Commission for funding was suggested. The benefit to Boynton
Beach was it brought a cultural focus to the City. Since the Chamber of Commerce
holds the "A Taste of Boynton" event, it was suggested they be contacted for
assistance. There was discussion the Arts Commission spends money occasionally,
but does not raise money.
There was consensus the Arts Commission was interested in continuing to purse the
Artavox event pending the costs.
X. Master Visioning Planning
A. Holiday Extravaganza Event trees vs. Banners
A recap of the items and cost was distributed. The banners were $80 each, imprinted,
in quantities of 20 including installation.
The City displayed 147 banners in the Promenade and Marina area, Woolbright Road
between 1-95 and Federal Highway, MLK between Seacrest Boulevard and Federal
Highway, Boynton Beach Boulevard between Seacrest Boulevard and 1-95, and Ocean
Avenue from the bridge to Seacrest. In the Promenade and Marina area, holiday
banners are displayed from October through the end of December. The Arts
Commission could not install all of the banners, due to the cost. The members had not
discussed whether the artist would be paid a stipend. There was also a cost for the
artist to create the banner and there may be additional set-up charges for camera-ready
production. Ms. Coles-Dobay would research those costs.
There were 30 non-holiday banners by the Marina. The idea, originally, was to display
banners for the Holiday Extravaganza. Discussion turned to developing a cultural
image that could remain all year. International flags, especially for the Marina area was
mentioned; however, international flags were not art. Having only 20 banners was
considered but the caveat was 20 flags did not have enough presence to make an
impact. There was consensus the members liked the idea, but could not undertake at
the present time. The item would be put in their Visioning Plan for the future when
monies were available.
Ms. Lentz left the meeting at 7:54 p. m.
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Boynton Beach, Florida
January 27,2009
In the past, the members discussed having several holiday trees decorated by different
organizations depicting cultural diversity. Ms. Coles-Dobay inquired if a call to artists
should be issued or approach the cultural organizations.
Ms. Lentz returned to the meeting at 7:56 p.m.
The members discussed incentives and thought each organization could sell renditions
of their ornaments and it provided an opportunity to share their ethnicity.
The Arts Commission brainstormed and discussed decorating palm trees, painting fallen
coconuts, which could be an eco-friendly recycling and green project. Nurseries could
donate palm trees in pots to be decorated with a sign advertising the sponsor and the
organizations. Suggestions to include children's groups, a wood tree and painted wood
ornaments were made. The different groups could attach their ornaments.
Stipends for the artists were discussed; however, it was decided they would concentrate
on the banners instead. If there were not enough participation, the concept would fail.
Ms. Arflin left the meeting at 8:00 p.m.
The idea to have a holiday palm trees donated and reaching out to cultural groups was
tabled.
Ms. Arflin returned to the meeting at 8:02 p.m.
B. City Imaging positioning statement
The "Gateway to the Gulfstream" and other tag lines were discussed. Mr. Slocombe
heard a radio interview with Ms. Coles-Dobay and she referred to Boynton Beach as the
"The Heart of the Palm Beaches". It made a good impression on him
Mr. Cook left the meeting at 8:08 p.m.
The members reviewed the tag lines for surrounding communities, and noted once a tag
line was assigned, it remained with the communityo It was agreed tag lines should be
representative of the community.
Mr. Cook returned to the meeting at 8: 10 p. m.
The tag line should be a hook to attract visitors. Once decided on, it would be
recommended to the City Commissiono
Mro Cook recalled the Community Redevelopment Agency had a contest to develop a
tag line. Residents could be upset if the current tag line was changed. The majority of
the members liked the current tag lineo No decision was made on this item.
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Arts Commission
Boynton Beach, Florida
January 27,2009
C. Recreation & Park participation for February 24, 2009 agenda draft
A draft agenda for the next meeting with the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board was
distributed. The purpose of the meeting was to share the information and create
awareness of what the Arts Commission was doing as it pertained to parks.
Changes were discussed and Ms. Coles-Dobay would update the references to the
image of Boynton Beach with the term branding. The information would be forwarded to
the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board in advance of the meeting. The Recreation
and Parks Department Strategic Plan was also distributed for the Arts Commission
members to read.
XI. Unfinished Business
None.
XII. Future Business
There being no further business to discuss, the meeting properly adjourned at 8:36 p.m.
a.~(l j ~ A ^ 'J _
Catherine Cherry-- I~ - -0-
Recording Secretary
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