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Minutes 09-12-09 MINUTES OF SESSION 5 – ART IN PUBLIC PLACES VISIONING MASTER PLAN WORKSHOP, HELD ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2009, 10:00 A.M. THROUGH 2:00 P.M., AT THE INTRACOASTAL CLUBHOUSE, 2240 N. FEDERAL HIGHWAY, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA PRESENT: Barbara Ready, Chair Debby Coles-Dobay, Public Art Administrator Anderson Slocombe, Vice Chair Christine Moeller Nubia Richman Sherie Tengbergen Halena Wolf Dana Cook, Alternate ABSENT: Barbara Lentz Donn Davenport I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 10:05 a.m. II. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS Self-introductions were made. III. AGENDA APPROVAL Motion Mr. Slocombe moved to approve the agenda. Ms. Wolf seconded the motion that passed unanimously. IV. REPAINTING OF THE FAMILY It was commented that the piece appeared to be faded and could probably use a touch- up. Ms. Coles-Dobay explained the artist was considered to be an "emerging artist," someone who, while not formally trained in the arts, was inspired to create art. The look of the piece appeared the way it was intended to look and was not meant to be polished. While the work represented the artist's unity and love for his family, he felt he should more accurately represent the multicultural aspects of his family. As such, he was proposing to repaint the sculpture as follows: The father's complexion would remain white, the mother's dark brown or carmel-colored, and the daughter's light brown or tan. The father's hair would be yellow, the mother's hair jet 1 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida September 12, 2009 black and the daughter's hair brown. The artist had originally asked for a $500 stipend for the painting, but was now asking for an additional $400. Ms. Coles-Dobay inquired whether the Board would approve the repainting or opt to leave it as it is. The sculpture did not have to be repainted and the artist had agreed to do the touchups. Board comments were as follows: ?The sculpture should be repainted in order to make it more universal to the multiracial population in the City. ?Rather than spending the money, the sculpture should be left as it is. ?The Board voted for the piece as it is, and it should remain that way. The Board would not know how the new piece would look. ?The sculpture is a fun, whimsical piece and is fine the way it is. ?The piece should be repainted as the artist was merely proposing color changes. However, he should not be paid more than $500. ?Why not wait until the piece really needed painting. ?The sculpture would last longer with a fresh coat of paint. Motion Ms. Moeller moved to make the needed touchups for $500 and to keep the sculpture as it is at this time. There was no second to the motion. Further Board comments included the following: ?Payment would not be for touchups, but rather for the entire sculpture. ?To some extent, payment would cover the removal and replacement of the sculpture, which had been accomplished without charge to the Board. As such, it was appropriate for the artist to be paid. ?The Board previously voted for the piece, not for the colors of the piece. ?Repainting was acceptable, but $500 was too steep. 2 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida September 12, 2009 Ms. Coles-Dobay reminded the Board that the artist wished to present the opportunity for the reasons noted, and it was up to the Board to either approve or reject the opportunity. Motion Ms. Richman moved to keep the piece as it is for financial reasons. Ms. Moeller seconded the motion. The motion failed 3-3. It was announced the piece would remain as is. V. UPDATED OVERALL CITY AND CRA PROJECTS STATUS Ms. Coles-Dobay suggested the Board prioritize the various sectors and identify the opportunities available. The Federal Highway corridor is located in the CRA district and is identified as the northern and southern boundaries of Federal Highway going east to the Intracoastal and west to the commercial railroad tracks. Additional funding had not yet been approved by FIND (Florida Inland Navigational District) to complete the Interpretive Public Art Marker project at Jaycee Park. The markers were intended to educate the public as to estuary ecology and its connection to the ecosystem and wildlife. The markers would link the community to the past through activities of its ancestors, and to the future as well. On the north end of Federal Highway, a mural would be installed at the North General Medical Building. While the Board had approved this project last year, the artwork had not yet been installed. The 70% of the 1% public art fee had been paid into escrow in order for a temporary Certificate of Occupancy to be issued, and the final Certificate of Occupancy would be issued upon the completion of the project. A public bike rack was located at the Offices of Bamboo Lane on South Federal Highway. A beach mural funded by a CRA grant façade had been painted on the Pantry located on Federal Highway. The Woman's Club, (a historical building), featured a mural by Bernard Thomas and a painting by MaryAnn Carroll of the Highwaymen. On-loan art exhibits were on display at the Senior Center across the street from the Woman's Club. 3 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida September 12, 2009 The Siba Medical Building representatives had developed conceptual ideas and were interested in completing the project. In such event, their appearance before the Board would be required. Public art opportunities included the City's gateways at the north and south ends of Federal Highway. Funds set aside for the gateway projects had been put back into the budget. However, it had been discussed that if funds were to become available, the Board could consider renovating and updating existing public art identifiers. A "Welcome to Boynton Beach" marker was placed at a number of locations in the City. It was suggested the use of c-erI coquina stone, which contained historical elements and signified the foundation of the community, be considered. The markers could be modernized by taking two components together and providing a fresh look. Ms. Coles - Dobay circulated several images of an artwork created by artist Barbara Grygutis as an entryway for the Town of Castle Rock, Colorado. The materials used for the entryway allowed the name of the City to be prominently identified. Ms. Coles -Dobay encouraged the Board to give thought to modernizing the identifiers while considering costs. Highlights of the Board's comments included: ♦ The artwork depicted in the images appeared to be very stiff, formal and inflexible and would be more suitable in an urban environment. ♦ Public art identifiers should contain unifying elements that would be easily recognizable in the City. ♦ Lighting was important and should "catch one's eye" at night as well as during the day. ♦ Public art identifiers should be substantial in size and visible while driving on or exiting major arteries. Traffic flow would also be a factor to be considered. ♦ Federal Highway should be a major focal point in emphasizing the downtown area. The above criteria could be considered for a Call to Artists. • Markers would be placed along the Federal Highway corridor, off I -95, Gateway Boulevard, Boynton Beach Boulevard, Woolbright Road, the entrance to Congress Avenue as well as other major arteries. Different approaches should be considered, depending upon the location of the markers and whether the locations included major arteries. 4 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida September 12, 2009 Ms. Coles-Dobay suggested the use of an FDOT-approved armature to create a public art "Welcome to Boynton" functional artwork. This would require the cooperation of the County and FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation). It was recommended a Call to Artists be initiated for a project of this nature. It would be necessary to engage experienced public artists in order that strict technical criteria could be met. It was noted the CRA and Recreation and Parks Department were desirous of creating greenways throughout the City, and public art could be integrated into the greenways. Greenways are linear corridors that allow citizens to access points of interest without having to travel on roadways. Stunning elements already existed within the City such as the bridge across the Intracoastal. It was generally felt all markers should reflect that look. In the event the existing identifiers were to be renovated, there was consensus to use the "Welcome to Boynton Beach" marker located on Federal Highway. If a Call to Artists were initiated, artists could be asked to incorporate elements from the bridge to unite the historical elements of the stone in the "Welcome to Boynton Beach" marker, and to develop a conceptual design element that could be repeated throughout the City. Artists could also be required to use existing cocina rock elements so that the markers would be connected to the bridge. The use of a unique identifier such as "Gateway to the Gulfstream" or "The Heart of Palm Beach County," had previously been discussed, and it was suggested a unique identifier be incorporated into the piece. It would be necessary to develop a budget in the event a Call to Artists was to be initiated. Additional costs would be necessary if a water feature were to be included. It was suggested a budget be established as follows: ?$100,000 for the piece itself; ?$50,000 for the inclusion of a water feature; and ?$50,000 for the rights to use the same conceptual idea for the piece as well as for the markers to be used throughout the City. Motion Ms. Tengbergen moved to adopt the budget. Mr. Slocombe seconded the motion that passed 6-1 (Ms. Wolf dissenting). Ms. Wolf suggested a more realistic budget of $200,000 be established. Ms. Coles- Dobay advised the issue could always be revisited and amended if a Call to Artists were 5 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida September 12, 2009 to be initiated. Additionally, the Board could research the matter further and provide any financial information secured. Other public art opportunities would be available at Boat Club Park, Intracoastal Park and Sunshine Plaza, which would be incorporating public art along Woolbright Avenue. The Inlet Cove Association (INCA) had discussed placing public art in its entryways at some point. This could possibly provide partnership opportunities for the Board. Additionally, approximately 40 Homeowner's Associations had existed within the CRA district, opening up partnership opportunities with the Board as well as the CRA for placement of public art in entryways and CRA funding with respect thereto. The Ocean Avenue District was central to the redevelopment of the downtown, connecting the Marina and civic-cultural campus. The City had previously issued an RFP (Request for Proposals) to determine whether developers had an interest in constructing a stand-alone City Hall or Police Department building, or a combination of the two, with the possible reuse of the Old High School. It was believed City staff would be aware by October or November whether they would move forward with the Request for Proposals. Other public opportunities included Pete's Pond and the Marina area. The Board had previously discussed initiating a Call to Artists for a sailfish sculpture. As such, the Board might wish to consider the kind of budget to be applied to the sculpture. The Marina also included opportunities for public art. The CRA had submitted an art application form and would be moving forward with the project. A Transit Oriented Development (TOD) district was envisioned for the Veterans Park area sometime in the future. The CRA Master Plan proposed to include the development of a pedestrian park and a downtown parking deck which would serve as a wonderful opportunity for the placement of public art, especially in "dead spaces." Some of the items discussed in the "Imagineering" statements included the following: Historical: ?Gateway to the Gulfstream ?Boynton Harbor Marina - Fishing Village ?Abundant marine Life: Nautical ? 6 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida September 12, 2009 • Shipwreck — "La Coquimba" Preserve: ♦ The City's connection to the water ♦ The "old- town" feel. • There were opportunities for infill on Ocean Avenue. The historic cottage district located off Ocean Avenue could be brought to Ocean Avenue, creating businesses or shops with an old -town feel. The CRA currently owns the property at 211 Ocean Avenue, a historic house across from Kenny's Market. Use of the structure could present excellent cultural opportunities for the Arts Commission. Public art was displayed at various City facilities including the Schoolhouse Children's Museum, City Hall, City Hall West Wing, the Library, the Civic Center and the Art Center. Other opportunities to discuss included: ♦ The Heart of Boynton ♦ Sarah Carolyn Sims Community Center • The home of the "Eternal Vision" memorial to Carolyn Sims and the Carolyn Sims bust located in the lobby. ♦ Painted dumpsters ♦ City gateways ♦ Heart of Boynton branding ♦ Palmetto Greens Linear Park ♦ Heritage Park /Seacrest Streetscape — Butterfly Mandela. • The Butterfly Mandela sculpture had been purchased for placement on one corner in Heritage Park. At a recent meeting, the Board had agreed to have Debbie and Len Marucci, the creators of Butterfly Mandela, create art for the other corners in the Park. ♦ Sara Sims Park — Graffiti Mural Project on wall of racquetball court. 7 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida September 12, 2009 In order to develop the concept, demonstrations would be scheduled ? whereby graffiti artists would paint images on plywood boards. The Youth Violence Prevention Project programs had not gone forward and as such, the additional funding would be used for the Graffiti Mural Program. ?Hester Center – Provide public art programs to offer to the children that frequent the Center. Ms. Coles-Dobay had been in contact with Jody Rivers, Parks ? Superintendent, with regard to a possible project for the gym wall. The suggestion was to have people pay to splatter the wall. Funds could be set aside from the monies collected to have a muralist or graffiti artist offer purpose to the wall, and the project could be supported by a fundraiser. The Board reacted favorably to the suggestion. (Mr. Slocombe left the meeting at 11:57 a.m.) Other opportunities also included: ?Heritage Celebration – Annual multicultural event in February. ?Galaxy Park ?Public art benches The Quantum Park sector was identified as I-95 north and south of Gateway to Congress Avenue. ?The Children's Services Council displayed public art in the fire station. ?The Image Charter School at High Ridge Road had worked with Boynton Beach Community High School on outreach programs. There were public art opportunities at the following locations: ?The City gateway exit - I-95 southbound to Gateway Boulevard ?Quantum Eco Park ?Industrial ?Gateway Hotel 8 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida September 12, 2009 The Northwest Subdivisions were identified as the City boundaries north of Boynton Beach Boulevard and west of I-95, most of which were subdivisions with a few shopping plazas. A water feature had been placed at the Motes Wellness Center on Boynton Beach Boulevard. Public art opportunities were available at the City gateway southbound on Congress Avenue. The area could have development possibilities in the future. Renaissance Commons was identified as east of Congress Avenue and west of the E-4 Canal, between Gateway Boulevard and the C-16 Canal. Public art opportunities included a possible location for the proposed Kinetic Art symposium Boynton Town Center was identified as a retail area north of Old Boynton Road, south of the C-16 canal, west of Congress Avenue and east of the E-4 Canal. Artist Mark Fuller had completed "The Last Pasture, "Watering Hole" and "Eight Horses" projects at Town Center. Public art opportunities were available at Winchester Park at Old Boynton Road and Congress Avenue and Hibiscus Park. Another sector included the Boynton Beach Mall area, east to I-95. Public art opportunities existed at the following locations: ?The City gateway eastbound on Boynton Beach Boulevard ?The Boynton Beach Mall ?Pioneer Canal Park ?The Neighborhood Art District, east on Boynton Beach Boulevard, before I-95 and north of Industrial Avenue With regard to the South Congress Avenue sector, it was noted that the Congress Community Park (the barrier-free park) project had been delayed because of budgetary constraints. Public art opportunities existed at the City gateway northbound on Congress Avenue and the Congress Avenue corridor (retail and south end). The Leisureville sector is defined as west of I-95, east of Congress Avenue, south of Boynton Beach Boulevard and south to the L-28 canal. Leisureville, a 1960s-style retirement community with clubhouses, could offer opportunities for public art relating to this style. The southeast subdivisions are defined as east of I-95, west of the commercial railroad tracks, South of Town Square and the Ocean Avenue district to the south City border, including Bethesda Hospital. Public art opportunities exist at the City gateway 9 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida September 12, 2009 northbound on Seacrest Boulevard and Boynton Beach Medical Condominium across from Bethesda Hospital. The Woolbright medical/retail sector runs along Woolbright and is east of Leisureville to the Federal Highway Corridor. Existing public art includes: ?Conrad Pickel's stained glass and sculpture at the Cemetery/Mausoleum ?A rotating on-loan art exhibit maintained at the East Water Treatment Plant ?A statue located at Little League Park Public art was currently located at the B.A.P.S. Temple and the Seacrest Garden Office Building, and opportunities were available on Woolbright Road at the Edward Harmening Arbor Park as well as Seacrest Scrub Park. (The meeting broke for lunch at 12:03 p.m. and reconvened at 12:46 p.m.) The Board agreed to change the September 22, 2009 Arts Commission meeting to September 29, 2009. The date was changed as the City Commission budget meeting was also scheduled for September 22, 2009. VI. PROGRAM PLANNING A. 2009/10 Eco/Environmental Ms. Coles-Dobay inquired whether the Board would be interested in pursuing any or all of the following opportunities which also became available: ?Opportunity #1: Lucy Keshavarz, of the Art and Culture Group, indicated she was interested in presenting an exhibit entitled "Urban Exotics" that addressed environmental issues. The Urban Exotics series was created from urban refuse and was intended to be thought-provoking as to the manner in which one disposed of his or her refuse. The pieces ranged in size and could be exhibited at the Library during the six-month period available. The Urban Exotics series could also connect with other events such as Earth Week (April 19-23, 2010) and the Eco-environmental Arts Connection Program (April 19, 2010). If the Board was in favor of pursuing the opportunity, Ms. Keshavarz could attend the next Arts Commission meeting and present some of her conceptual ideas and pieces. It was suggested, in addition to Ms. Keshavarz, other artists be asked to submit their work for consideration. Ms. Tengbergen suggested the Board consider an artist (name 10 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida September 12, 2009 unknown) recognized for his paintings of animals on palm fronds. Chair Ready suggested consideration of artist Norm Goodson, whose work focused on vanishing species such as dolphins and whales. Motion Ms. Moeller moved that the Board look at the work of the three artists that were suggested for inclusion in the six-month exhibit at the Library. Ms. Coles-Dobay provided clarification, noting the three artists were Lucy Keshavarz, Norm Goodson, and the artist suggested by Ms. Tengbergen. The Board agreed to review the submissions of all three artists at the next meeting. Ms. Tengbergen seconded the motion that passed unanimously. ?Opportunity #2: The Art Center staff and students would create environmental art to be displayed at City Hall during Earth Week. The Board agreed to this opportunity on consensus. ?Opportunity #3: Mary Jo Aagerstroun, of the South Florida Environmental Art Project (SFEAP), was currently working with the Martin County Public Art Program to bring more artists to South Florida to develop eco art education, artists' apprenticeships and to "grow" more local artists. Ms. Aagerstroun would like to partner with the City of Boynton Beach to organize an eco art symposium during Earth Week, which would consider the emergence of public eco art and its relevance to South Florida. The symposium would provide training for interested artists on how to work with landscape architects, builders, planners, developers and other disciplines of this nature. It was noted the Boynton Beach Community Alliance would be meeting at the end of the month with Ms. Aagerstroun to develop a green building ordinance for the City. Jason Bergman, of the Michael Singer Studio, would discuss the application of green building practices and how to obtain LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) credits for green certification. Motion Ms. Tengbergen moved that the Board pursue working with Mary Jo Aagerstroun and South Florida Environmental Art Project (SFEAP) to do a symposium in the City of Boynton Beach to help train eco artists to work with other disciplines such as landscape architects, planners, builders and developers. Ms. Moeller seconded the motion that passed unanimously 11 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida September 12, 2009 B.2010/11 Kinetic exhibition and future conference Ms. Coles-Dobay noted a first priority would be to begin establishing committees with regard to the Kinetic Art symposium. Additionally, at some point, the Board would brainstorm in order to coordinate the logistics and to locate sponsors, philanthropists and event planners. C.Art Connections ?As discussed above, a program would be scheduled connecting eco- environmental art to the public, and would be hosted by Lucy Keshavarz, Norm Goodson or the artist suggested by Ms. Tengbergen (name unknown). ?Also as discussed above, the Art Center students would exhibit environmental art in City Hall. ?Gary Davis had been contacted with regard to the October 19, 2009 program. In his "Art of Filmmaking" program, Mr. Davis teaches students participating in the City's Youth Violence Prevention Project how to become independent producers of movies, interviews, commercials and documentaries by focusing on a creative process. Mr. Davis is available to host the program and would have his students showcase their projects. The Board indicated their support for this program. ?As previously discussed, the Artists of Palm Beach County would be holding a closing reception and artists' presentations in November 2009. ?The Art Center's "Young Artists Art Celebration," Fall Session has been scheduled for December 21, 2009. Heather Spillane, Art Center Supervisor, would provide an overview of the Center's After-School Program and artwork displayed would include two and three-dimensional pieces. Students would be interviewed to share their success stories and discuss the influence of art on their lives. An art auction would be held. Some of the artwork would be raffled off and the proceeds would be used to replenish the Center's supplies. ?Deborah Pollack would provide a presentation on artist Laura Woodward and the manner in which Ms. Woodward impacted the development of South Florida. A January date had been suggested for the presentation. An exhibit would be displayed on the second floor of the Library as well. 12 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida September 12, 2009 ?Joyce Bruck would be available on February 22, 2010 to host a program to heighten awareness on the art of photography. ?In lieu of the "Art in Therapy" program previously suggested, Ms. Tengbergen proposed a program, "Social Media in the Arts" be scheduled for March 15, 2010 to be hosted by Arthur Tubman. Mr. Tubman provides instruction on the art of "tweeting" and how to project a positive personal image on Facebook. Mr. Tubman's following has placed him in the top 5% tweeters in the nation. Ms. Tengbergen will know by the next meeting whether Mr. Tubman would be able to commit to the event. The Board agreed on consensus to the "Social Media in the Arts" presentation for March 15, 2010. ?It was suggested Rick Beau Lieu and Penny Collins be invited to host a program. ?A suggestion was made to have Ralfonso host a program for the next fall season closest in time to the Kinetic Art symposium. . ?It was suggested Mr. Cook's program, "The Art of Colorblind," be scheduled for June 21, 2010. D.Holiday Ornament The Board agreed to move this item to the bottom of the list of priorities. E.Empty Storefront Art Windows The purpose of the program is to connect artists with vacant commercial space in the City. The program would provide local artists with an opportunity to display their artwork and would also support the storefront owners and local merchants. Displays would illuminate the vacant pace and draw activity to the area, thereby benefiting the space owners, surrounding shops and community at large. It was noted the "Empty Storefront" or "Swing Space" Program had been implemented in Delray Beach, and artist Dana Donaty had displayed her work in a storefront as well. Participating artists would be required to enter into an agreement with the space owner to establish ground rules and work out the logistics. Alteration of the space would not be permitted and artists would be provided reasonable notice to remove their work if the space were to be leased. If electricity were not available, the artist would be responsible for spotlighting his or her work. The artist's contact information would be 13 11,1 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida September 12, 2009 displayed along with the artwork. For any artwork sold, 10% of the proceeds would be contributed to the Art in Public Places Program for administrative costs. The timeframe for the exhibit would be determined by the Board. As such, it was suggested a six-month timeframe be permitted, with the artwork being switched out after three months if a piece were sold. Motion Ms. Tengbergen moved to approve the Swing Space Program, with the three-month and six-month stipulations. Ms. Richman seconded the motion that passed unanimously. F. Holiday Cultural Public Trees/Banners The Board agreed to consider this item next year. VII. IDENTIFY FUTURE PUBLIC ART PROJECTS/OPPORTUNITY This item was discussed earlier. VIII. REVIEW OF VISIONING PLAN It was agreed to continue discussion on this item, including the budgets for the Promenade and eco art project, and these items will be placed on the agenda for Arts Commission meetings. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to discuss, the meeting properly adjourned at 2:05 p.m. ~.~ Q/ Stephanie D. Kahn Recording Secretary 123009 14