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Minutes 08-26-10 MINUTES OF THE BOYNTON BEACH ARTS COMMISSION VISIONING WORKSHOP HELD ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 26,2010, AT 6:00 P.M. IN THE BOYNTON BEACH LIBRARY PROGRAM ROOM BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA PRESENT: Barbara Ready, Chair Anderson Slocombe, Vice Chair Dana Cook Nubia Richman (arrived 6:22 p.m.) Sherie Tengbergen Halena Wolf Donn Davenport, Alternate Christine Moeller, Alternate Debby Coles-Dobay, Public Art Administrator ABSENT: Barbara Lentz INTRODUCTION 1. Introduce the Arts Commission and Public Art Administrator Debby Coles-Dobay, Public Art Administrator, opened the workshop at 6:06 p.m. and thanked all for coming. She explained the presentation would last about an hour and a video reflecting various types of kinetic art was viewed. The members of the Arts Commission were introduced. The members serve in an advisory capacity to the City Commission in matters related to art. The Board was formed in 2005. The members researched, developed and created the Art in Public Places program which was also adopted by the City Commission in 2005. The members continue to introduce new concepts and the presentation was the result of two years of work by the Arts Commission. Barbara Ready, Chair of the Arts Commission, thanked all for attending. She explained the presentation would be a journey of art throughout the City which was already in place and/or was planned. She thanked Ms. Coles-Dobay for her work on the presentation and the City for the opportunity to serve and contribute to the betterment of the City. She thanked her fellow Advisory Board members and invited the public to share their input. 1 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Workshop Boynton Beach, FL August 26, 2010 The presentation would outline what public art opportunities were and how the Arts Commission looked at the process and reviewed opportunities in the City. The process for public art events and programs would also be reviewed, followed by a question and answer session. Ms. Coles-Dobay encouraged the attendees to write and ask questions and provide feedback. Contact information for the Arts Commission members was included so attendees could continue dialogue. AIPP OVERVIEW 1. AIPP Mission Statement The Art in Public Places Program was dedicated to enhancing Boynton Beach's economic development. The program integrates public artwork into the architecture, infrastructure and landscape making Boynton Beach a premier City in Florida in which to live, work, and visit. Art in Public Places creates a stimulating cultural environment that reflects and enhances the City's heritage and character. The public artwork revitalizes, enriches and provides a focus to cultural interaction, amenities, education, business growth and contributes to a communal sense of civic ownership and pride. 2. What is Public Art Ms. Coles-Dobay explained public art was commissioned via a public process. It was usually a one-of-a-kind artwork original from any type of media. The art had to be publically accessible, and it could be permanent or temporary in nature to enhance the public environment and contribute to the acceptance and awareness of its location. HUD Secretary Donovan stated that "the Arts are a natural component to creating more livable, workable, environmentally sustainable communities. They can playa key role as a partner that is able to enhance the unique characteristics of communities and increase our economic competitiveness through supporting creativity and innovation." The NEA Chairman was quoted, "The arts are creative place makers. They create places where people want to live, work and play both today and into the future." 3. Explain Ordinance 07-002 The Art in Public Places Ordinance 07-002 provides for the public art impact fee. Any development or redevelopment is subject to the Ordinance if the construction costs were over $250,000, excluding the land. Seventy percent of the 1 % fee was to be used for art in the project. The remaining 30% of the 1 % was for administration of the program. The 30% can be for projects such as the Avenue of the Arts and Ms. Coles- Dobay assists the developer in placing the art within the project. Developers may have retained a public artist for their project. If they did not, a Call to Artists could be issued. A Request for Qualification is issued first, and then a separate selection panel 2 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Workshop Boynton Beach, FL August26,2010 comprised of the project stakeholders and members of the Arts Commission meets and selects the artist. The selection is then reviewed by the Arts Commission for approval of the concept and the artist and the project is marketed which was a way to market the art that is located within the City. 4. AIPP program video A video showing public art located within the City was viewed. Ms. Coles-Dobay also acknowledged City Commissioner Bill Orlove, Assistant City Manager, Lori LaVerriere, and Bill Nix, of the Palm Beach Cultural Council who were present. 5. Location of Public Art in the City of Boynton Beach Ms. Coles-Do bay located existing art on a map in the City. 6. New Public Art projects in Progress New art projects within the City were discussed as follows: ~ The Jaycee Park Public Art Marker project was funded by a matching grant. The project cost was $150,000 and the purpose was to educate visitors about estuary ecology and the connection between the Gulfstream and the City's fishing history. The project was under construction. ~ The Opus Sea Turtle was formerly in the City Hall lobby for 13 years. It was recently purchased and would be relocated to Oceanfront Park after the boardwalk was finished. The materials were recycled from an old Exxon oil pipe. The piece would teach visitors about pristine beaches and the need for them to support marine life. ~ The Schoolhouse Children's Amphitheater near the Children's Schoolhouse Museum would feature a mosaic representative of a mango tree in its setting. It would enhance the amphitheater and tie it into the Boynton Harbor Marina at the other end of Ocean Avenue, consistent with the Community Redevelopment Agency's plans. ~ Dick's Sporting Goods on Old Boynton Beach and Congress Avenue would feature benches with a mosaic floor and seating area in the shape of different colored golf tees. ~ The Seacrest Streetscape project in the Heart of Boynton at the intersection of MLK and Sea crest Boulevards started with a Community Redevelopment Agency purchase of the Butterfly Mandela sculpture. The piece would be relocated to 3 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Workshop Boynton Beach, FL August 26, 2010 Heritage Park which fronts on those intersections. The Heart of Boynton Committee selected the piece and when the streetscape project started, it was decided additional art would be added. Community workshops were held and panels created by the artists who created the Butterfly Mandella would be used. The visuals for the panels were derived from the workshops from the Heart of Boynton community and would represent the past, present, and future. ~ At Gulfstream on Federal Highway north of the new WalMart site, a kinetic piece featuring two bill fish feeding would be displayed. The piece, which was on an entryway to the City, would have lettering on it and a mosaic welcoming visitors to Boynton Beach. ~ At the Boynton Beach Marina entrance, the Community Redevelopment Agency would be adding additional pads to supplement the Avenue of the Arts. ~ Congress Avenue Barrier Free Park was a new park. Public art would heighten the sensory aspects for park patrons and accentuate the theme of the park which was Florida's fish camp. Panels, approximately 50 feet long by 40 inches in the middle and then tapered down made of stone and having a mirrored finish of stainless steel, would allow those who are wheelchair-bound to see themselves or touch the textures. Imaginary swamp creatures would be incorporated. The creatures would also have a sculptural and textured aspect to them. VISIONING PLAN 1. Arts Commission's process The Visioning process started in January of 2008. There were five independent workshops with the Arts Commission plus the regular meetings. They invited other City Advisory Boards to comment and speak with them about areas that were being developed that were appropriate for public art. The members studied the CRA Master Plan and development plans throughout the City. They consulted public art experts and studied the City's image. The tag line "Gateway to the Gulfstream" was established and used. Public Art could help to brand the City. 2. Examples and Locations for Public Art opportunities The Arts Commission assigned sectors to the City and "imagineered" concepts and researched public art projects, budgets, funding opportunities and potential locations for them. They mapped the development and redevelopment projects and shared the visioning with stakeholders via workshops such as this. Opportunities that were identified are listed below. A. Benches 4 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Workshop Boynton Beach, FL August 26, 2010 Visuals of different benches designed and created by different artists were provided. They would provide a central theme throughout the City. B. Gateways - Major Entryway, Primary and Secondary The Arts Commission members worked with the Public Works Department and mapped eight primary and six secondary entryways into the City to determine where to place gateway features. A visual of various armatures was shown and the members could work with an FDOT approved armature and artistically enhance them throughout the City. The armatures would be individual to each area of the City. Another gateway feature southbound on Federal Highway was made of coral stone rock. Since coral stone rock is difficult to obtain, something to modernize and refresh them that could add to its historical element or make it more modern or visible could be implemented. C. Murals and Mosaics The mural program was funded through the Community Redevelopment Agency Grant Fa<;ade program and before and after photographs of the Pantry on Federal Highway were viewed. The building received a great deal of positive press. It was an economical way to incorporate art since it could be paid for via grants. Besides transforming buildings, murals can also transform communities. Before and after photographs of the mural at the Sara Sims Park racketball court were viewed. The location was often a site for illegal tagging and the Public Works Department approached the Arts Commission about creating a mural on the wall. The Arts Commission worked with the Youth Violence Prevention Program and developed a program that taught the differences between illegal tagging versus public art. Since then, there has been no more tagging at that site due to the community's buy in. Those projects could tie the community together and start to renovate and revitalize the community. Mosaics are another way to revitalize an area in a dynamic way. Examples of mosaics were shown. These were entryway and walkway features. They could also be indoors. Different areas were identified for mosaic projects such as the Hester Center wall. A public artist could place the tiles and create the visual. The Arts Commission could also use the mosaics as fund raising events such as paint a tile or buy a paint spat. D. Promenade (Boynton Beach Extension) This area was identified for public art. The street was enhanced and a pedestal for public art was already there and a sailfish sculpture would be placed at that location in the future. 5 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Workshop Boynton Beach, FL August 26, 2010 E. Downtown Corridor - Civic/Cultural District This sector encompassed the Marina area to Seacrest Boulevard along Ocean Avenue and was identified in the Downtown Master Plan for revitalization. The Avenue of the Arts on-loan exhibit was located there. Initially they had 10 sites on the corridor, which helped stage the redevelopment of the area because it attracted visitors to the area and created awareness of the City's amenities. Often visitors had no idea that Boynton had anything in the downtown area. It built a cultural atmosphere. It was noted people relocate to areas that have cultural activities and national artists have participated in many of the City's exhibits, especially this year. ~ Avenue of the Arts John Ward, a national curator, had commented that word about the Boynton Beach Avenue of the Arts, was spreading throughout the country. ~ I ntegrated/Place-making/F unctional Examples of how public art could be a place-maker were shown. It was noted the artists usually study the area so the art would be a meaningful piece. ~ Eco/Environmental Examples of eco and environmental art were viewed. ~ Branding "Gateway to the Gulfstream" Public art should be related to the City's image and tag line. ~ Historic Public art can also speak to history. Boynton Beach was home to Major Nathan Smith Boynton and is home to shipwrecks and Indian mounds. International tourists come to Boynton Beach to dive because of the shipwrecks off the coast. F. Transit Oriented District The downtown core has a Transit Oriented District (TOD) and there has been discussion of turning the Florida East Coast Railroad into a commuter route. Public art could signify to visitors that they have arrived at their Boynton Beach destination. Three sculptures, one called the "Moneytree" symbolized neighborhood revitalization and hope for prosperity. A second sculpture called "Lets Hybrid" was an environmental art feature generating electricity and lighting. The third sculpture, called "The Waving Post" was 6 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Workshop Boynton Beach, FL August 26, 2010 kinetic. By turning a crank, the sculpture waves to the neighbors. These were all examples of art that could be appropriate for this district. G. Federal Highway North This highway traverses many neighborhoods. The application of public art could be a functional application. There are many neighborhoods, such as INCA, located along the Intracoastal area. Public art could designate the neighborhood. The Manatee Calf Sculpture at the Marina, which is part of the Avenue of the Arts Exhibit, was selected by the Arts Commission for a future purchase when funds become available. The piece will be placed at City Hall and then at Intracoastal Park as the final destination. Boat Club Park has one of the few boat ramps within the County. It is a busy park. Renovations there encompassed murals reflecting the meaning of why the boat ramp was there and how it was connected to the inlet and the Gulfstream. H. Federal Highway South This area already had the business fa<;ade mural at the Pantry. The Arts Commission would like to see more murals and help the businesses with those types of projects. The Jaycee Park Public Art Markers were located in this area as well, and several developments were being activated along the corridor. I. HOB MLK and Seacrest The Arts Commission wanted to continue projects in the area involving the community. The area included the MLKlSeacrest area from Gateway to Boynton Beach Boulevard to Federal Highway and 1-95. The projects would celebrate the culture, neighborhoods and have brightly-colored Floribbean architecture and gathering spaces. J. Business District This district encompassed Congress Avenue, Gateway Boulevard, and the Boynton Beach Boulevard area. The art would relate and be integrated into the infrastructure of the project and appeal to the gated communities and the business community. It could market and connect the two components. K. Parks and Neighborhoods Public art could bring character to a park and help define its purpose. The Arts Commission works with the Recreation and Parks Department to celebrate the parks. A map detailing the City's greenways and blueways, and the different parks that would be connected, was viewed. Some of them were in neighborhoods and public art was a good way to identify both. 7 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Workshop Boynton Beach, FL August 26, 2010 L. Quantum Park Area and Eco Park This park is near the Emergency Operations Center, the Imagine Charter School, the Children's Services Council and the Gateway Hotel, all of which have public art. Quantum Park has an eco park planned for the future. There was an area they wanted to keep environmentally sound. Ms. Coles-Dobay had visuals of art in a reclamation plan. It created five garden rooms and eight acres of open public space. It could transform an area that would be closed off and turned into a public space. Ms. Coles- Dobay encouraged the attendees to visit the Eco Artists South Florida website at www.easf.orgtoreadaboutecoartandhowitcanfunctionfortheenvironment.This type of art was part of the public art process and it very much involved the community. Visuals of a solid waste recycling center in Phoenix were viewed as an example of how public perception was key. The project started as a "Not in My Backyard" project. Now they hold "Dances at the Dump" at the facility. PUBLIC ART EVENTS AND PROGRAMS 1. AIPP Commission programs: ~ The Arts Commission collaborated in the Marina Fest with the Community Redevelopment Agency in August 2008 to tie in the Marina area with the Children's Schoolhouse Museum. It brought an art element to the festival which was held around a fishing tournament. ~ Urban Landscapes was held in January 2009 behind the Old High School, to bring attention to redevelopment. ~ Artavox attracted 300 people to the cultural center. The Arts Commission partnered with the Palm Beach Cultural Council to celebrate art in Palm Beach County. ~ The Arts Commission participated in the City's Earth Day Celebrations in 2009 and 2010. Art and art demonstrations were given. ~ The Arts Commission participated in Heritage Celebration and organized a Highwaymen Program. Some of the Highwaymen also attended the events. 2. Arts Commission process The Arts Commission: ~ Reviews events and programs in South Florida 8 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Workshop Boynton Beach, FL August 26, 2010 ~ Researches national events and programs ~ Reviews the Gala, Sun Fest, Mardi Gras, Meet Me Downtown and other events ~ Meets with experts and other event and program partners as potential partners for future events. ~ Outlines events and programs of interest and researches its feasibility ~ Prioritizes them and share the vision 3. Visioning Criteria The Arts Commission attempts to collaborate with other Departments which is necessary in order to have successful events. The program operates with only Ms. Coles-Dobay and the Arts Commission members. The Commission tries to contribute to City/Community Redevelopment Agency programs and events and develop events that are unique to Boynton Beach that are educational and multi-cultural. They try to attract international and national partners, and participants that focus on public art. The programs and events must be manageable and expandable. 4. Review of Events and Programs ~ Continue to build "Avenue of the Arts" on-loan program. ~ Continue with educational programs such as Art Connections. ~ Continue with exhibits in City facilities. ~ Continue to build relationships with artists, art groups, art spaces and galleries. ~ Continue to participate in City-wide Earth Day Celebrations. ~ Implement vacant storefront "Swing Space" program. ~ Initiate a "Kinetic Exhibit and Symposium" event. ~ Fund East Water Treatment Plant/Harmening Park Eco Art Projects. ~ Integrate an Eco Art apprentice program with City's Green Initiatives. 9 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Workshop Boynton Beach, FL August 26, 2010 ~ Open to additional public art opportunities. A kinetic art video was shown which defined kinetic art as art that moves, has moving parts that can be moved mechanically, by the wind or interactively by the observer. It is created through a wide variety of overlapping techniques and styles. A photograph of a piece by "Ralphonso", President of the International Association of Kinetic Arts, was included followed by other pictures of various kinetic art pieces he created. There were many disciplines involved in kinetic art such as engineering, math, architecture, science, computer programming and more. The Arts Commission was proposing to have a kinetic art weekend symposium that would be an international event that would appeal to artists, educators, businesses, institutions, students, and the general public. The Arts Commission would seek to partner with an educational institution to create a kinetic art piece with a kinetic artist. Ralphonso has done this in the Netherlands and would help coordinate this event. The Arts Commission wants to attract and include kinetic artists and other related disciplines to participate in the exhibit and symposium. The Arts Commission was planning to have a project that would demonstrate how water flows to Boynton Beach and what the value of water was at the East Water Treatment Plant and Harmening Park. Gray water was now also available and an art project could use water run-off and cleanse it. This could be incorporated into the City's Green Initiative while having an eco art apprenticeship and educational platform. The Swing Space program would have art displayed in vacant storefront windows. This assists local merchants, instills community pride, improves streetscape conditions and safety. It revitalizes the property's appearance, increases foot traffic and supports local artists. It celebrates the role art plays in a community and economic growth. As previously discussed, the programs are funded from 30% of the 1 % impact fee. It was anticipated as the economy improved, funding would increase and more could be done. They collaborate with the City and Community Redevelopment Agency, apply for grants, sponsorships, and fundraise, which would all contribute to promoting the arts. The public was invited to volunteer for projects or programs or donate to it. PROGRAM WRAP UP 1. Q &A Laurie Durant, Executive Director of the Museum of Lifestyle and Fashion History, explained they have been located in the Boynton Beach Mall since November and have gallery space there. Many visitors come from all over the world to the Museum. She explained the Boynton Beach Mall was in a good geographic location for a regional Mall. She suggested the Mall could provide an opportunity to have a sculpture plan at 10 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Workshop Boynton Beach, FL August 26, 2010 the Mall's exterior. Since the Mall was an economic engine, it was an opportunity to redevelop and incorporate the art program. She suggested considering a sculpture cluster. Eric Johnson, City Planner, explained the City installed two windmills for aeration of wet detention areas. He thought it would be a good idea to expand on it and perhaps include eco art, and capture the green sustainability for wind and solar panels. He thought it could be a possible project and suggested it be considered. Janelle Sloan expressed considering kinetic art was fabulous and it would make Boynton Beach unique. The City could be known for it. Barbara Ready explained the Community Redevelopment Agency was upgrading the amphitheater. The Arts Commission asked to be included in the design process and a drawing shown earlier demonstrated how public art enhanced the project. Each department in the City was slowly buying into the concept and wanted public art in their building. Mr. Johnson explained the City recently rewrote its Land Development Code and included a requirement for installation of bike racks, trash receptacles and benches. He referenced a bicycle rack that was created by a public artist shown earlier in the presentation and pointed out as redevelopment begins to pick up, those amenities could be functional art. There was a question about the Swing Space program. Ms. Coles-Dobay explained the Arts Commission would be bringing their plan to the City Commission in October. Once it was approved they could move forward and initiate the programs. She also spoke with the Chamber of Commerce and they agreed to assist in publicizing their efforts. She already had contact information for some of the store owners and she invited the attendees to spread the word about the program. The Swing Space program has been widely used. The members considered the ins and outs of the program and they have an agreement prepared. Adjustments could be made and they were ready to go. She hoped some of the displays would be an opportunity for an artist to activate the space and she noted the program was successfully used in Delray Beach. 2. Feedback and continued communications Ms. Coles-Dobay explained contact information for all the members was provided. Halena Wolf also explained the members are all involved in the process but she does not have an opportunity to hear from citizens of Boynton Beach. The presentation was their vision but it was important to ascertain if it was in line with their vision. She requested the attendees share their comments with them. Dana Cook also pointed out if the attendees were aware of any youth that have potential, to send them the information so they could learn the protocol to be able to 11 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Workshop Boynton Beach, FL August 26, 2010 submit their work. He explained he did not know how to build his portfolio until he was a senior in college. If the youth already had that knowledge it could help develop their creativity at an early age and be one step ahead of the game. Ms. Coles-Dobay explained through the Art Connections program, artists speak about those topics. They hold many sessions that the community can learn from so they understand the art process and it was pointed out that public artists go through the same process as an architect would or anyone else having another skill. Lori Wilkinson a member of the Education and Youth Advisory Board, explained each year they assist with the Sister Cities program. At the end of the school year there is a huge culminating activity where art is displayed from the high school art students and students from Qufu, our Sister City. She thought the Arts Commission could be involved with it. Ms. Coles-Dobay explained they do so already. They also held the Highwaymen art project in the past, to help interested youth develop their skills. They have worked with the Youth Violence Prevention Program in the past, as well as Boynton Beach High School. Ms. Coles-Dobay explained the Avenue of the Arts current exhibit will be switched within the next two weeks. The theme this year was texture. Florida artists, as well as artists from other states, participate in the exhibit which has gained national attention. All the pieces were also for sale and in the past, neighboring cities have purchased some of the pieces. Some of the artists were in attendance and Ms. Richman praised Ms. Coles-Dobay for her efforts. Ms. Durant suggested touring the Aventura Mall as a field trip. They have tours of the sculptures there and it could be a potential art opportunity as could a partnership with the Boynton Beach Mall. Leo, a Landscape Architect, explained they are responsible for the development of land. They do rain guards for treatment of rainwater, bio-swales and they are involved in some of those features. This year, the Florida Art in Public Places Administrators Conference will be held in Palm Beach County and they will participate in Boynton Beach with their program. They want to expand the Conference to include architects, engineers, developers and others. The Conference will be held on May 18th to the 20th, 2011. Commissioner Bill Orlove thanked the Arts Commission and Ms. Coles-Dobay for their efforts and the presentation. He wished, as a City, they could undertake all their plans. He particularly liked the gateway features. The City lacked, because of their odd shaped boundaries, defining the City limits. He thought having some type of feature to modernize and enhance them was great. They could delineate the City's boundaries but also other areas of interest. He challenged having one art piece with a lot of WOW 12 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Workshop Boynton Beach, FL August 26, 2010 power that would draw visitors. He thought having a piece could define the City. He commended all for their efforts. It was noted Chicago had the painted cows. The Arts Commission was intending to have benches. It was suggested dolphins or swordfish not be used. 3. Volunteer Ms. Coles-Dobay thanked all for coming and looked forward to communicating with the attendees. The workshop ended at 7:36 p.m. L!1-tlvu~ (lktUj Catherine Cherry Recording Secretary 090710 13