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Minutes 11-23-09 MINUTES OF THE BOYNTON BEACH ARTS COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009, 6:30 P.M., AT FIRE STATION #2 2516 WEST WOOLBRIGHT ROAD , BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA PRESENT: Barbara Ready, Chair Debby Coles-Dobay, Public Art Administrator Barbara Lentz Christine Moeller Nubia Richman Sherie Tengbergen Halena Wolf Donn Davenport, Alternate ABSENT: Anderson Slocombe Dana Cook, Alternate I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 6:28 p.m. II. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS Self-introductions were made. III. AGENDA APPROVAL Motion Ms. Lentz moved to approve the agenda. Ms. Richman seconded the motion that passed unanimously. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Approval of October 27, 2009 minutes Motion Ms. Moeller moved to approve the minutes as written. Ms. Lentz seconded the motion that passed unanimously. 1 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida November 23, 2009 V. ANNOUNCEMENTS Ms. Moeller attended the Art Connections Program on November 16, 2009 and was very impressed with the talent. Ms. Coles-Dobay noted the Artists of Palm Beach County hosted their closing reception for their exhibit on the second floor of the Library. Artists spoke about their work and literary artists recited poetry. Attendance was excellent, with "standing room only." VI. PUBLIC ART PROJECTS A. December 10, 2009 5:00 p.m. Melissa Markowitz Sculpture Dedication - "When Are You Coming to Visit?" Chair Ready noted the Sculpture was currently placed in front of City Hall on Boynton Beach Boulevard. The members were encouraged to attend the dedication on December 10, 2009. The artist will have the event catered and light refreshments will be served. Canopies will be set up and lighting will be available. Parking will be accessible in the City Hall parking lot. Ms. COles-Dobay requested the assistance of the Board in setting up for the event. The Commissioners have been invited, and it was hoped the Mayor would say a few words. Ms. Coles-Dobay was considering inviting members of the Palm Beach County Cultural Council, possibly Rena Blades and Bill Nix. A news release pertaining to the event had been distributed at the last meeting. Ms. Coles-Dobay met with Lona O'Connor, a reporter for the Palm Beach Post and Sun- Sentinel, with regard to press coverage. Additional press notices will be sent to other editors. B. Graffiti Mural Project Approval of completed project The Board members noted they had driven by the mural wall and were impressed with the work. The Palm Beach Post, Sun-Sentinel and Boynton Forum had provided favorable press coverage, and additional press notices for the unveiling would be sent out. Ms. Coles-Dobay noted she had previously sent the Board a draft wrap-up memorandum regarding the mural project wall concept which contained a synopsis of the project. She noted the artists had been on site throughout the entire process and had interacted with the community daily. The "locals" had provided feedback on the wall's progress and were pleased to see something being done in their community. The members were encouraged to attend the event. 2 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida November 23, 2009 Motion Ms. Richman moved to approve the graffiti mural. Ms. Wolf seconded the motion that passed unanimously. December 17, 2009, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. - Unveiling of Graffiti Mural Wall Project - Event logistics Ms. COles-Dobay noted it was her intent to approach some of the student artists and other graffiti artists involved in the project requesting they provide demonstrations on the wall. While she wished to engage a DJ (disk jockey) known in the area to provide music for the event, there were no funds available. It was suggested funding be pulled from the budget. Approximately $150 would be needed to pay the DJ for a minimum of three hours plus a tip, or roughly $200. It was also suggested funding would be needed for water, sodas, and other incidentals, which would bring the cost to approximately $300 or $400. It was suggested the Board move to provide $350 or $400 for the celebration. Motion Ms. Wolf moved that the Board take $400 out of the budget so that Ms. COles-Dobay can fund the unveiling celebration. Ms. Richman seconded the motion that passed unanimously. VII. EXHIBITS A. Library Environmental Exhibit December 2009-January 2010 Informational - Lucy K - "Urban Exotics" - Photograph images to add variety to exhibit Chair Ready noted Ms. Keshavarz wished to add environmental photographs to her exhibit and to extend the exhibit from the two-month period previously discussed by the Board. The extended period would commence in December and end in April. The additional images, which measured 18" by 12," contained descriptive references and were intended to enhance the exhibit. Board comments included the following: . The composition, lighting and color of the photographs were not impressive and as such, Ms. Kesavarz's exhibit should not be extended. 3 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida November 23, 2009 . It was believed Ms. Keshavarz wished to use the display as a link to speak at the Art Connections Program. Ms. COles-Dobay noted that Earth Week would be commemorated in April, and an Art Connections Program could be coordinated to present eco and environmental art subjects during April. The eco or environmental art would also complement the Avenue of the Arts Environmental Art theme at the Library. Ms. COles-Dobay pointed out it had been noted at previous meetings that other artists were notified that the Arts Commission was interested in receiving samples of their work relating to an environmental theme. The Arts Commission had not initiated a Call to Artists and agreed to a shorter exhibit at the Library in order to have ample time to initiate the Call to Artists. Upon further discussion, it was agreed to exhibit the works of Ms. Keshavarz at the Library for two months. Ms. Richman offered to contact an artist she was acquainted with whose paintings were good and who performed work for non-profit organizations. Additional comments offered by the Board included the following: . Some of the images had potential, but the others were over-exposed and had no impact. . Ms. Keshavarz had been very generous with the Board, providing contributions and filling in when called upon by the Board. As such, the Board should accept some of the artwork, adding it to the exhibit. . While some of Ms. Keshavarz's photographs should be added to the display, the exhibit should not exceed two months. . If the Board wanted Ms. Keshavarz's exhibit to be displayed for six months, some of her images could be added, and the artist suggested by Ms. Richman could be contacted. . If a Call to Artists were initiated, invitations could be extended to other artists. . Eco art was a new art form, making each piece more substantial. . An art exhibit should not be about filling space on a wall, but rather to strive for good art. 4 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida November 23, 2009 Chair Ready believed the Board should allow Ms. Keshavarz to exhibit her works for the full six months while including three or four of her photographs. This would provide an opportunity for Ms. COles-Dobay to initiate a Call to Artists. Motion Ms. Wolf moved that the Board stay with two months and if Ms. Keshavarz would like to include some of the extra work, that would be fine. Ms. Richman seconded the motion that resulted in a 3-3 vote (Ms. Lentz, Ms. Moeller and Ms. Tengbergen dissenting). Motion Ms. Lentz moved to extend the exhibit for five months, giving Ms. Keshavarz a smaller space, doing a Call to Artists and including more art. There was no second to the motion. Motion Ms. Wolf moved to give Ms. Keshavarz three months: March, April and May. There was no second to the motion. Motion Ms. Lentz moved to give Ms. Keshavarz six months, giving her a smaller space, adding a couple of the photos and doing a Call to Artists. Ms. Moeller seconded the motion that passed unanimously. The Board selected four photographic images submitted by Ms. Keshavarz for the exhibit. B. Exhibit Process Criteria Establish guidelines and criteria for exhibits. Submit maximum of three artworks; Themed, Organization and Association exhibits; Feature artists (one person) exhibits; Independent selection panel consisting of two Arts Commission Board members, facility stakeholder, two outside art professionals; Call to Artist for themed exhibits; Invitation for featured artist and organization/association exhibits. Chair Ready noted the process would provide guidelines to Ms. Coles-Dobay in order to proceed more efficiently. The Board had previously discussed several elements and established some of the criteria for a Call to Artists as permitted under the Guidelines 5 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida November 23, 2009 and Recommendations. It had been determined that three artworks could be submitted for an exhibit and additional artworks in the event of a one-person show. It was suggested a criterion to be considered was whether participating artists should be required to reside in Boynton Beach or South Florida in general. However, the Board members agreed that "art was about art" and not about Florida. It was suggested organizations and associations such as the Artists of Palm Beach County, the Boca Guild and Women of Visual Arts be contacted in connection with possible exhibits. Ms. COles-Dobay advised of Chair Ready's encounter with a poetry club. The club had presented an exhibit wherein art and words were added to the poetry, thereby creating a visual graphic. This type of exhibit might be applicable to the Library. Another venue for exhibits could be the Sims Center. In addition to the associations and organizations to be contacted, Board members were encouraged to give thought to the many themes that could be connected to the various facilities in the City. Thereafter, a selection panel could be established comprised of at least two Arts Commission members, facility stakeholders, outside art professionals, the Library Board and Library staff and Sims Center staff. Ms. Coles-Dobay was in the process of putting together a qualified list of community art experts such as Rick Beau Lieu and Suzette Urs, who were respected by the Arts Commission and in the art world. Ms. COles-Dobay requested the Board members review the criteria set forth on the agenda and discussed at previous meetings and workshops. It was requested the Board provide comments at the next meeting as to the organizations, associations, art groups and artists to be contacted, criteria and themes that would be appropriate for the Call to Artists and staging for the exhibits. Ms. Richman noted she would provide contact information for artist Carey Chen. VIII. VISION PLANNING A. Brief discussion of Eco versus Environmental Art Board members to bring one example each of Eco and Environmental Art and share reasons why project/art fits art form, and costs and process to fabricate. Each member brought in examples of eco and environmental art which they shared with those present. B. Proposed Events and Programs. Approve and prioritize programs. Discuss funding opportunities. Assign action plan and sub-committees. 6 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida November 23, 2009 Ms. Coles-Dobay noted the items set forth above had been discussed at previous meetings, as well as at the September workshop. At the last meeting, Board members had indicated the following individuals might be interested in serving on a subcommittee: . Jerry Leeman . Florence Roberts . Jim Swick . Betsy Chavez . Andrea Holzman Chair Ready believed the CRA might consider providing funds to improve signage. As such, she requested that the Arts Commission be included in the process. Ms. Coles- Dobay advised this subject would be addressed at the next meeting. Ms. COles-Dobay suggested the Board begin prioritizing the recommended projects. One of the programs proposed for incentivizing businesses was the Empty Storefront, or Swing Space program. Ms. Coles-Dobay had communicated with the CRA regarding the program. It appeared the CRA would be a good resource for making a connection between the program and the developers or property managers in the CRA district. Ms. COles-Dobay was hoping for a response from the CRA. She had contacted the Chamber of Commerce regarding the program as well. The Board agreed to move forward with the Eco/Environmental Art project. Ms. Coles- Dobay had made some connections with regard to the Kinetic Art and Swing Space programs. She suggested prioritizing the future events and programs after the Board had discussed Kinetic Art. Ms. Coles-Dobay and Ralfonzo, President of the Kinetic Art Organization, traversed the City last year looking into different locations to determine the layout that would work well for the exhibit and symposium. They looked at the Intracoastal Park Clubhouse and while that had potential, it was quite a distance from the hotels. From the Intracoastal Park Clubhouse, they continued on to the Renaissance and the Promenade. Hotels/motels located in the City included the Holiday Inns, Hampton Inn and Marriott. Molly's Trolley was a possibility for transporting attendees from their hotels/motels to the location of the exhibit and symposium. It was suggested committees be established to discuss the logistics for the event. Interested Board members could meet with committees and discuss the arrangements. Ms. Coles-Dobay reviewed some of the elements of the exhibit and symposium slated for November through April, 2010. The Kinetic Exhibit and Symposium remained a priority and would be discussed further at the next meeting. 7 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida November 23, 2009 Ms. Tengbergen advised she was acquainted with an individual who was interested in heading up a committee pertaining to the holiday ornament. It was pointed out that with the downturn in the economy, people might not be willing to spend $20 on an ornament and as such, the project might not be worthwhile at this time. Discussion ensued and there was consensus to defer the holiday ornament program. Discussion ensued with regard to the committees referred to above. Ms. Coles-Dobay would clarify whether the services of a recording secretary would be required in the event all of the Board members wished to serve on the committees. C. Public Art Project Update (January 26, 2010 meeting discussion) Approve and prioritize. Discuss funding opportunities. This item will be discussed at the January 26, 2010 meeting. The Board agreed to post an electronic holiday greeting utilizing the Art in Public Places logo. The greeting would read as follows: "Happy Holidays from our Family to Yours." It was noted the reference to "Family" in the greeting represented 'The Family" sculpture. XII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None XIII. FUTURE BUSINESS None ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to discuss, the meeting properly adjourned at 8:31 p.m. +.~ Q/ Stephanie D. Kahn Recording Secretary 113009 8