Minutes 09-28-10
MINUTES OF THE BOYNTON BEACH ARTS COMMISSION MEETING
HELD ON SEPTEMBER 28, 2010, AT 6:30 P.M. AT FIRE STATION NO.2
2516 WEST WOOLBRIGHT ROAD, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
PRESENT:
Barbara Ready, Chair Debby Coles-Dobay, Public Art Administrator
Anderson Slocombe, Vice Chair
Dana Cook
Barbara Lentz
Nubia Richman
Donn Davenport, Alternate
Christine Moeller, Alternate (arrived at 7:12 p.rn.)
ABSENT:
Sherie Tengbergen
Halena Wolf
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS
Self-introductions were made. Artist Frank Varga was also present.
III. AGENDA APPROVAL
Motion
Vice Chair Slocombe moved to approve the agenda. Ms. Lentz seconded the motion
that passed unanimously.
IV. APPROVE MEETNG MINUTES
A. Approval of July 27,2010 minutes
Motion
Vice Chair Slocombe moved to approve the minutes. Ms. Richman seconded the
motion that passed unanimously.
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Meeting Minutes
Arts Commission
Boynton Beach, FL
September 28, 2010
B. Approval of August 26,2010 AIPP Visioning Plan presentation minutes
Motion
Vice Chair Slocombe moved to approve the minutes. Ms. Richman seconded the
motion that passed unanimously.
V. ANNOUNCEMENT~REPORTS
A. October National Arts and Humanities Month - Proclamation
October was Arts and Humanities Month. Ms. Coles-Dobay distributed the
proclamation the Mayor would read at the October 5, 2010 City Commission meeting
which Chair Ready would accept. An article about it was also distributed.
B. Hispanic Heritage Exhibit Reception
Chair Ready explained Mr. Davenport attended the reception. He thought it was good
and the pieces were nice, but would have liked to see more art. Chair Ready thought
Ms. Coles-Dobay did a great job on the reception and thanked her for organizing the
food. Sherrie Johnson from Ocean Avenue Green Market participated and brought
samples of ethnic food. The Mayor and Vice Mayor attended. Ms. Coles-Dobay would
have liked to see more of the public attend and she thanked Ms. Richman for making
the announcements for the evening. The reception pieces would come down next
Monday and the next exhibit would begin.
Ms. Richman spoke about the Hispanic Heritage reception and advised the woman who
Chairs EI Sol sent her a nice card.
VI. VISION PLANNING
A. August 26, 2010 AIPP Visioning Plan presentation report/feedback
Chair Ready announced the Visioning Plan presentation was well attended and Ms.
Coles-Dobay did an excellent job. She thought there was a good cross sampling of
architects, business owners, Heart of Boynton representatives, members of the
Commission and employees in attendance. Emerging and established artists also
attended and a lot of interest was raised. The Chair of the Boynton Beach Foundation
and his wife were there. This was important because getting the message out to the
entities helped to create support for the program. The feedback from the workshop was
forwarded to the members as well as what would be presented at the City Commission.
B. October 5, 2010 City Commission Agenda
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September 28, 2010
The Arts Commission members were encouraged to be present at the meeting for the
Visioning Plan presentation. Commissioner Orlove provided positive feedback and Ms.
Coles-Dobay burned a DVD of the presentation for the Commissioners in addition to
their receiving the minutes. The meeting would start at 6:30 p.m. and the item was on
the consent agenda.
VII. PUBLIC ART PROJECTS
A. Walmart Gulfstream Gateway Public Art proposal update and approval
At the last meeting, comments were received about the Walmart kinetic art project
pertaining to cleaner, more visible lettering, and making the sculptures more interesting
by having a marlin and a sailfish, as opposed to two sailfish. Artist Frank Varga was
present and explained the changes, which he circulated to the members. Originally the
piece would have a fountain but the clients moved away from the fountain because of
maintenance. A sketch of the art was provided as were renderings of the landscape
layouts provided by Kimley Horn, the architects for Walmart.
The trees were about 12-feet in height and would be uniform. The sculpture, with the
base would be 15-feet high. By eliminating the fountain and the back wall, the funds
were put towards the artwork to make it more dynamic. At the last workshop, there was
a comment made by someone from Chicago about the "wow" factor. Mr. Varga
explained this sculpture would have a "wow" factor. It will be crafted with stainless steel
and bronze. The steel would be high polish and shine like a beautiful jewel. The base
would be adorned with mosaic tiles on one tier and it would be crafted so he could
fasten Athena stone sculptures to the upper portion of the base. Athena stone lasts a
lifetime, requiring no maintenance and it would have a coral-type of facet to it. The
mosaic would take on the form of waves to give a feeling of the ocean. The ball under
the fish would be cast in bronze with a green patina. Many of the fish marlin and sailfish
feed on are green so it would provide a nice contrast in color.
The reason for not changing the composition and having a sailfish with the marlin was
because it would throw the piece off balance because one fish would have a larger fin.
This would affect the wind and weight components and Mr. Varga explained the
sculpture needed to turn and the piece was a heavy sculpture to begin with. The
bearings will be able to be pushed as the wind rises. If one dorsal fin was larger than
the other, the piece would turn and stay there. Aesthetically, the piece would look more
beautiful if they were equally shaped. To add contrast, the fish would not be identical.
Mr. Varga would color the girth of the fish: one with orange/gold and the other with
blue/green. He would not be painting the entire fish. The piece would be anodized and
have a lasting coloring baked on to prevent fading and peeling. The stainless steel
would continue to stay polished because it would not have chemicals on it. If it needed
any touch up, it was just a matter of using the same chrome polish that would be used
on a car bumper. The rain should be sufficient to keep it clean.
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September 28, 2010
The baitball would have an acid patina. By inducing the green patina from the
beginning, the piece would not require any touch up or waxing. The baitball would have
a door to accommodate hurricanes because the piece needed to be able to be
stabilized. To do so, a door and pin would be .use and when needed, the owner could
open the door and insert a pin into the bearing plate to hold the piece in place.
Three lights will be placed inside the base, recessed but focused on each tier and the
fish. The lower part of the base will probably not be illuminated. The second two tiers
would be the most interesting with the mosaic, the coral sculpture and the logo.
As to the lettering, there was a comment on the type of letters and samples were
provided. Rather than having the letters cast in bronze which needs to be oxidized and
clear coated, he suggested using a non-corrosive aluminum. Matthews Bronze
Company will cast the letters which would be anodized, and have a baked on powder
coated that will not change color.
Mr. Davenport requested the letter size be equal for all the letters and the same weight.
The larger cap "B" forced one to read the words "Boynton Beach." Keep the first letter
of each word larger and have the remainder of the words also capitalized but in a
smaller size. The tiers are 15 to 16 inches high so the letters would have some "air"
between the edges. After discussion there was agreement the remaining letters should
be nine inches. The first letter would be 12 inches high. The sculpture and the bronze
base would weigh 400 to 500 pounds. It would be hollow, and with the bearings, axel
and stainless steel, it was about 1,000 pounds.
The marlins were three dimensional and were formed - and not realistically sculptured.
It was a totally different, very modern 20th century piece. For the piece to be able to
turn in the wind, it must be made like a sail so the wind could catch it. The main part of
the body was formed downward and the top part with the tail was another piece on the
top. By working with Kimley Horn, who were structural engineers, the piece only
needed a little wind velocity for the piece to move.
A visual of the landscaping was provided. Vice Chair Slocombe commented from the
rendering of landscaping, it appeared some of the sculpture gets lost with the plant
material. He suggested it needed a little backdrop to really accentuate the piece. It was
also noted the landscape was not to scale. It was far enough from the trees so it will not
be engulfed and the stainless steel was shiny so it would glitter and pop from the trees.
With the landscaping, motorists would not be able to see WalMart.
Vice Chair Slocombe suggested higher landscape material be used because they were
using the same landscape as was on the other road. He thought the landscape should
be a little different and the site needed something to give the piece contrast or hierarchy
to call attention to the spot. Mr. Varga agreed to address it with Kimley Horn's
landscape architect.
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Arts Commission
Boynton Beach, FL
September 28,2010
Vice Chair Slocombe also expressed concern that the size of the pin was calculated to
withstand the wind load. Mr. Varga agreed to forward the information to him at a later
time. The pin would have to be replaced by Walmart, if needed and was included in the
final assessment sheet for maintenance.
Motion
Ms. Richman moved to accept the plans for the Walmart sculpture Mr. Varga presented
with the suggestions about the landscaping behind the sculpture which Mr. Varga would
discuss with the landscape designer, and the lettering would be at the specifications
they determined. Ms. Lentz seconded the motion that unanimously passed.
Mr. Varga would order another letter and announced Kimley Horn anticipated they
would be at the permitting stage in about two months.
B. Boat Club Park new mural concept approval
Ms. Coles-Dobay explained this item was the concept for the second mural near the
staging area for the boat ramp. The wall faced the staging area and the artist wanted to
take the concept of a waterway and create a timeline. The top of the wall was a
sidewalk so the mural would not have a "wrap." The restroom and railing was
constructed above and it would have a railing. The members discussed there are other
fish that could be used besides a sailfish. It was noted there was a dolphin and other
fish in the first mural but no sailfish.
Motion
Ms. Lentz moved to accept the mural as presented. Ms. Richman seconded the motion.
The motion passed 6-1 (Mr. Davenport dissenting.)
It was also noted the structure at the entrance to Boat Club Park would be turned over
to the Florida Fishing Academy, which was a service provider with the Youth Violence
Prevention Program. The structure was formerly a bait shop. Rich Brochu, the Florida
Fishing Academy provider spoke with Guy Harvey who has a boat at the marina and his
marketing team, as well as Wyland, another prominent muralist. The two of them would
develop a concept to paint the Fishing Academy. They will also include a 16-year old
youth as an apprentice to help with the project. Ms. Coles-Dobay explained it was
significant for international artists to work on the project, which would tie in with the
other murals created by Peter Argady on the other end of the park.
C. Avenue of the Arts
1. Installation
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Boynton Beach, FL
September 28, 2010
Ms. Coles-Dobay explained all but two pieces of art were installed. Ms. Lentz inquired
about the piece in front of the flower shop which was bent and there was an issue with
it. The piece bent from the wind and it was not strong enough. Discussion followed the
piece could be moved the other way. The location of the different pieces was reviewed.
Ms. Coles-Dobay also played a message she received on her voice mail. The caller was
a fashion shop owner, Grace Marquez, who expressed the artwork was tremendous.
Ms. Marquez has clients from Miami to Ft. Pierce, who come to her shop and love them.
There was discussion if the Arts Commission could have a page on Facebook. Ms.
Coles-Dobay responded she was working on it. She explained it should be a community
page where people could post comments. Brief discussion followed the page should be
the "Like" page and viewers could be tagged as most businesses have Fan pages.
2. Rain Barrel at the Art Center
While removing and installing the art pieces, the rain barrel was not addressed. The
Endangered Florida Panther precious water rain barrel was in use and was $300. Ms
Coles-Dobay inquired if the Arts Commission was interested in keeping it as a
permanent piece. The piece would remain at its present location.
Motion
Vice Chair Slocombe moved to purchase it for $300. Ms. Lentz seconded the motion.
The motion unanimously passed.
3. Manatee Calf in City Hall
Since the Board recommended purchasing the Manatee Calf when funds were
available, it was placed in the City Hall Lobby. A brochure was planned and it was
suggested the brochure mention there was an ongoing fundraising effort to purchase
the calf. Ms. Lentz suggested when customers pay their bill perhaps they could donate
a dollar for a manatee sticker. There was agreement to concentrate on including the
information when Ms. Coles-Dobay created the brochure first.
D. Robert's Wall Public Art Opportunity
This project was in the Heart of Boynton. The Community Redevelopment Agency
purchased a building which was slated for demolition and was looking to paint a
temporary wall. Ms. Coles-Dobay offered to consult with individuals and muralists who
could do the project and determine what budget would be needed. It was thought since
this was a temporary and low budget project, community input may not be necessary;
however, it was suggested the community could be informed of the event so they would
not be surprised.
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Arts Commission
Boynton Beach, FL
September 28, 2010
Chan Shepherd gave a price of $2,500 to $3,000 and his vision for what should be
there. Ralph Pappa gave a price of about $5,000. His idea used birds and his style was
impressionistic.
The members needed to decide on a budget which would be forwarded to the CRA
Board for their October 12 meeting as part of the improvement project. The members
also needed to decide if they wanted to issue a call to artists. Only one side of the wall
would be painted. The wall was 50-feet long and 5-feet high. The CRA also agreed to
pressure clean the wall.
Discussion followed the art should be sensitive to the community and a suggestion was
made to not have it be a traditional or historical mural. A graphic or abstract work may
be more appropriate. Also the Easy Mart across the street would be closed. The
Seacrest Streetscape project was also ongoing.
The matriarchs from the Heart of Boynton had bought into the program in the past and
the community should trust the Arts Commission at some point. The Commission would
not dictate to the community and they suggested sending out an image to a list of
contacts and display it at the Hester and Sims Centers. The community could provide
feedback and the Arts Commission would have done their job as far as notice. The
members liked abstract, graphic, contemporary, bright and vivid designs. The budget
was $3,000.
Motion
Vice Chair Slocombe moved to ask Chan Shepherd to give two concepts for a $3,000
budget if CRA approved the budget, with the work being along the lines of abstract,
inspirational, contemporary and vivid.
There was agreement the two concepts Mr. Shepherd would create were a concept that
was beautiful, dreamy and natural and the other more abstract.
Ms. Lentz seconded the motion that unanimously passed.
E. Dicks Sporting Goods Public Art Final
The public art seating area was viewed and it was discussed that scale-wise, the
artwork was lost. It was noted the work had two seats removed. The bottom was a
glass mosaic. There was consensus the piece was acceptable.
F. Imagine Charter School Public Art progress
Ms. Coles-Do bay explained this project was previously approved. The sunflowers
proposed for the site looked good and the height was varied. The landscaping was not
completed yet and more groundcover around the base of the sunflower to cover up the
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Arts Commission
Boynton Beach, FL
September 28, 2010
cement would be added. The sprinklers would be directed away from the art and the
lighting will have to be installed.
The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was scheduled for October 13, 2010 at 9:45 a.m. The
members were invited to attend.
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Art Connections Program
Last year, the Art Connections program had different exhibits, some of which were
popular and some unpopular. Ms. Coles-Do bay requested the members consider if this
program was working and what type of programs seemed to work. The photography
presentation and social media programs did well, as did the group from the Artists of
Palm Beach County. The next exhibit was the Palm Beach County Watercolor Society.
Chair Ready expressed holding the program monthly was overwhelming. The formula to
ensure a crowd attended was to include a group. They would start with October having
the Outsider Art presentation for the fall quarter. After the winter and spring quarters,
they would then determine if they would do anything in July. There was agreement it
was also nice to have the program connect to the Library display upstairs. Ms. Coles-
Dobay would speak with the Palm Beach County Watercolor Society to make a
presentation and would bring back dates. The Art Connections program was a
worthwhile program, but it needed to have more participation. It was also agreed
having the program on a quarterly basis was best.
B. Outsider Art Exhibit
This item was discussed with the Art Connection Program.
C. Julia Child Exhibit
Ms Coles-Dobay reviewed the Julia Child exhibits that were upcoming. Janet DeVries
thought it would be interesting to have artifacts from that era included in the exhibit
case. The Artist was Albie Walton who was Ms. Child's photographer. A culinary
demonstration by the Sailfish Cafe was scheduled in conjunction with the exhibit. It
was noted Ms. Child's has a following and the Smithsonian Exhibit replicating Ms.
Child's Kitchen on her show was one of the most popular exhibits.
IX. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
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Meeting Minutes
Arts Commission
Boynton Beach, FL
September 28,2010
X. FUTURE BUSINESS
None.
XI. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, the meeting properly adjourned at 8:27 p.m.
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Catherine Cherry 0
Recording Secretary
101011
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