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Minutes 01-31-11 MINUTES OF THE BOYNTON BEACH ARTS COMMISSION INTERNATIONAL KINETIC ART SYMPOSIUM & EXHIBIT WORKSHOP HELD ON MONDAY, JANUARY 31, 2011, 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 Anderson Slocombe, Vice Chair Administrator Barbara Lentz Halena Wolf Donn Davenport Christine Moeller, Alternate ABSENT: Tiffany North, PhD I. Call to Order Chair Ready called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. II. Roll Call of Members Self-introductions were made. Also present were: Ralf Gschwend “Ralfonzo”, President Kinetic Art Organization Vivian Brooks, Interim Community Redevelopment Agency Executive Director John McGovern, Boynton Beach Foundation Nina Kauder Bharat Patel, Architect Patricia Lynn, MD Peter Gubin III. Agenda Approval Motion Ms. Lentz moved to approve the agenda as written. Vice Chair Slocombe seconded the motion that unanimously passed. IV. Introduce Workshop Volunteers This was addressed earlier in the meeting. 1 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Workshop Boynton Beach, FL January 31, 2011 V. Review International Kinetic Art Symposium & Exhibit Planning Documents A. International Kinetic Symposium Planning Draft 6.10.2010 Ms. Coles-Dobay referenced the two documents the Commission was working on. The Planning Draft of 6.10.2010 would be discussed. This contained the thought processes on the event. There was also contact and research information included in the draft to be used as a reference. The document the Commission would be working on at the workshop was the agenda listed below. B. International Kinetic Symposium Planning and Agenda 1.3.2011 Chair Ready explained there were many components to the event. The Commission wanted to have an outdoor exhibit. They already had the Avenue of the Arts. C. Kinetic Art Commission and Academic Programming An educational component was included and it was hoped educational institutions would partner with the program and have students work with an actual kinetic artist to create a piece at the college. Fundraising was necessary and the members had to determine how much money needed to be raised. VI. International Kinetic Art Symposium & Exhibit Components Ms. Coles-Dobay suggested solidifying and setting ideas of expectations and goals for each area, i.e. outdoor exhibit, academia/Arts Commission project, and the symposium weekend event. There was a timeline that had to be met and each component had a cost associated with it. The members would need to determine where to obtain funding. It was important to partner with other entities to hold the event. One example was working with the Community Redevelopment Agency for the downtown planning. One grant that would become available was the “Our Towns” grant. This event could be part of that grant, as well as other projects the Arts Commission was planning for the downtown to activate the area. It was noted Ms. Brooks. A. Kinetic Art Exhibit The Arts Commission acknowledged the theme for the Avenue of the Arts would be kinetic art. The pads were already poured for the existing sculptures, but if the Commission wanted to add additional exhibits or larger items, there would be an additional expense. If they wanted to add lighting, it would add an expense. Dialogue followed that having extra bases for other pieces were strictly for the symposium. The Arts Commission could consider how many other pieces they would 2 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Workshop Boynton Beach, FL January 31, 2011 have and where they would be placed. There were also alternatives to having concrete pads since the pieces would be temporary. In order to attract kinetic artists, they are given a stipend to install and remove the piece. The incentive helped with shipping and installation which was the responsibility of the artist. The City would take care of the structural engineering to ensure the piece was properly anchored to the site. How long to display the pieces and their location was part of the discussion the Arts Commission needed to have. The members previously discussed they would need to use Intracoastal Park, but it would not be enough space. Grouping exhibits also has a greater impact than having sculptures scattered about. The symposium was intended to attract individuals to the City. Ms. Brooks explained there was no point to using Community Redevelopment Agency funds at Intracoastal Park, because the park is used by the public for park related activities and they are trying to develop the downtown corridor, which is relatively undeveloped. Ms. Brooks anticipated there would be businesses that locate there that would need pedestrian traffic to survive. There would by synergy. The downtown core was Boynton Beach Boulevard between Seacrest and the Intracoastal down to 2nd. The area was frequented by Library patrons and individuals going to City Hall. The intersection was busy, but there was not a lot of space. Ms. Coles-Dobay commented a large space was needed to host the Symposium. She suggested using the Library Program Room and spoke with the Library Director who was amenable to using the room for the event. City Hall Chambers could also be used for a presentation since there are video opportunities there. Workshops with youth could be held at the Arts Center, which had two rooms. The Civic Center had a large room that could be used. The outdoor amphitheater across the street, which is under renovation, was available. How large an area to use was at the Arts Commission’s discretion. It was hoped the symposium would be attended by local residents and individuals from outside the area that were interested in the topic. Discussion followed that in order to obtain a broader spectrum of people, marketing would be key. The Knights Art Challenge grant specifically addressed this. The beach might be a prime location for part of the project, because there would be more individuals at the beach during season than there would be elsewhere. Ms. Kauder explained if part of the objective was to attract and encourage people to the area to view the work and if they would take a partial tourism approach, most individuals go to the beach. There is a broad range of kinetic art boosted by wind. Having a component closer to the beach to show off and harness the power coming off the ocean would be beneficial. The beach was not in the Community Redevelopment Area district. Accordingly, funds could not be spent there. Individuals also have to pay to go to the beach. As for the exhibits, the Arts Commission could connect with restaurants, hotels and other tourism avenues. The exhibit could add to Palm Beach County’s appeal. 3 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Workshop Boynton Beach, FL January 31, 2011 A suggestion was made to give a tour; however, trolley service was unavailable and a bus would have to be hired. If the locations were selected, the symposium could still be held downtown and at the locations cited. A map could depict the location of the pieces. Indoor exhibits could limit the size of the pieces. As to the outdoor pieces, Ms. Coles- Dobay commented Tom Brewitz had larger pieces that could be used. The members discussed giving artists with larger pieces a larger stipend but no decision was made. Another suggestion was made to keep the pieces within a five-block area, and perhaps next year, funds permitting, they could add more sculptures within a practical area. Kinetic art pieces are generally very heavy. If pieces were higher than six to eight feet, a different category of equipment was needed. Sculptures of nine feet and taller are usually created by better-known artists. A 15-foot kinetic centerpiece would be an additional cost beyond the $1,000 stipend. It would also be challenging to put pieces at the beach. The Avenue of the Arts had pieces that were 10-feet. The pads on the Avenue of the Arts ranged from 15 x 6 x 6 for larger pieces to 10 x 4 x 6 for smaller pieces. Anchoring the piece would be an additional expense. Perimeters would need to be established. There was discussion having at least one large piece would be appropriate. It was also suggested companies may be able to donate steel or cranes to move the pieces. There may be local companies that could donate items or services of assistance. The Arts Commission could seek sponsors. Perhaps they could sponsor a pad. If there was one large piece, then the sculptures should be in one concentrated area. Starting with a central location downtown and working from there may be appropriate. There was a site at the intersection of Boynton Beach Boulevard and Seacrest identified that could accommodate a large iconic piece. Lighting was also available at the site. The Avenue of the Arts starts at the location and it could be part of the weekend event. The members discussed how many other pieces they should try to obtain, excluding the Avenue of the Arts. There was also open space in the Town Square areas. Seacrest and Ocean also have space. The corner by the Library presented an opportunity. Ms. Brooks commented the Arts Commission should seek to create synergy for the symposium participants who leave the symposium to get something to eat or investigate the area and create an enjoyable experience that would grow the event for future years. The members considered they needed 10 locations in addition to the Avenue of the Arts. Business establishments could be identified and a walking path created which could increase exposure to businesses. Locations were discussed as follows: There would be three additional pads by the marina and a park-like area would  be created; There was dead space at Federal Highway and Ocean Plaza, at the 500  Development project was suggested; 4 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Workshop Boynton Beach, FL January 31, 2011 The fuel dock next to Two Georges had pads;  North of Two Georges was a round-about with nothing in the middle;  The route would be on Boynton Beach Boulevard, from Seacrest to Ocean via  Federal Highway; The corner of Boynton Beach Boulevard and the southeast corner of Federal  Highway, owned by the Community Redevelopment Agency could accommodate art; The area near the museum, the Old High School and the Library was considered;  Another site could be added to the campus of the Schoolhouse Children’s  Museum; The former Veterans Park had an enormous tree that could accommodate  hanging art; and The location of the “Flower Power” sphere by Artists Debbie and Len Marucci  was a potential location for kinetic art. It was suggested art could be located throughout the City and not just within the CRA District. Chair Ready responded the Arts Commission hoped to grow and expand the effort to be throughout the City. It was important for the Arts Commission not to take on too large an undertaking. The Arts Commission had considered placing art at locations outside the CRA District, such as the corner at Renaissance Commons, but at this juncture, opted to start out small. Ms. Coles-Dobay clarified there is a strong push to activate this area because art contributes to redevelopment of the downtown. The Arts Commission explained one of the functions of public art is to assist with those efforts. There is art all over the city not only at the Avenue of the Arts. It was not concentrated in the downtown area. Ms. Coles-Dobay listed the various locations for public art. The Kinetic Art Symposium was supposed to attract individuals internationally to Boynton Beach. She explained they want to grow into something more significant that would impact the entire City but need to start where it will make difference. Discussion ensued having something at the beach will draw people to the main display area and that Ralfonzo agreed having one location to walk. Ralfonzo was the expert but the Arts Commission noted they were bringing people to an area where there was nothing to do. That was one of the reasons the area near the Library, Children’s Schoolhouse Museum and Civic Center was suggested. It was site specific. Likewise, 5 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Workshop Boynton Beach, FL January 31, 2011 having several pieces at Intracoastal Park was fabulous. It could draw people down to a smaller venue. One individual commented that if coming to view exhibits, people would want to go to a specific area and be able to walk and have vendors in one large area. They would not want to drive around Boynton Beach to view the pieces. Ms. Kauder inquired if there was a small fee for a trolley service. The fee could be one price for an entire day or they could purchase a ticket good for a period of time for a lesser price. They could create event parking in one central location and have the trolley available. If people want to drive on their own, they could, but if not, they had the option of paying a fee and taking the trolley or bus to view the area. Mr. Davenport expressed, baring a few nice pieces and an occasional store that was open, he found the downtown depressing as there was not much of an attraction. He thought that could be circumvented by joining in with some kind of routing plan that incorporated some sort of transportation that would go to the various sites. There was discussion about the condition of the dilapidated wall on the Old High School. Ms. Brooks provided an update on the projects planned for the area and explained the Community Redevelopment Agency was moving a historic cottage on Ocean Avenue, which will become a restaurant. The Ocean Avenue Amphitheater will have outdoor seating. Another historic home will be made into a restaurant resulting in Ocean Avenue having seven restaurants. Although there was not currently a lot on Ocean Avenue, it was walkable and of a pedestrian scale. The Marina was a huge attraction for the City. There were 25 businesses at the Marina owned by local residents and people go there all day long. That area could be expanded. Ms. Brooks explained it was not about the Community Redevelopment Agency. The CRA is in the City and was an area that needed help because it deteriorated. The Community Redevelopment Agency only exists to bring that back to par with rest of the City. All of the challenges voiced could also be considered as opportunities. As to the blank wall at the Old High School, the Arts Commission could use a projector and create a culture of artistry whether it would be via a video projected image or having youth paint a mural there. It should be a fun experience. A scavenger hunt could be planned, coupons issued, maps provided or some other incentive for viewers to move around entire City. The Arts Commission needed to have a way to engage people to walk around and check off items on a checklist and have a prize. A movie about kinetic art could be viewed on the wall of the Old High School. Ms. Coles-Dobay commented there is no final decision on exactly where the event would be held and the members can continue the discussion at the Arts Commission meeting. She recapped it appeared there was some interest in having some of the exhibit on the Avenue of the Arts and looking at other key locations for the symposium. 6 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Workshop Boynton Beach, FL January 31, 2011 She suggested having a discussion about the symposium weekend, having a partnership with academia and how to integrate with them. There was consensus the Arts Commission wanted additional locations and there was consensus to raise additional funds to pay for those additional spots. B. Kinetic Art Commission and Academia Programming Ms. Coles-Dobay explained she created a timeframe to secure partnerships, because if the Arts Commission wanted to work with a particular school, they needed to have the connections made Another component was to find a kinetic artist who could manage the project as there were timelines associated with the art using other disciplines in the school. These disciplines were math, mechanical engineering, and others. Ralfonzo also thought there was the unique chance to involve children and parents, not only in one project but in actual hands-on workshops with kids that can create a mobile to create interest. It would not only be adults that would be attracted to the art. It could involve others in the community or individuals from Delray or West Palm Beach. It added value. Ms. Wolf is a teacher and thought there was a vast array of things to do for all grade levels. Young children can make pinwheels. She showed a kinetic project her students in the higher grades created using recycled materials. The project could be combined with a beach cleanup. Ms. Wolf reported the students were fascinated with kinetic art and sculptures that moved. Kinetic art is for all ages. She referenced the Children’s Schoolhouse Museum and Artist Vollis Simpson, a 95 year old artist who is known for his whirligigs, like folk art made from trash. Ralfonzo agreed the educational component was important at any age. The goal is when the weekend was over, people were excited about what they saw. FAU students can participate. The mural on MLK Boulevard was painted by youth and graffiti artists who worked together. There were redevelopment plans for that area and it could also be considered as an additional location. The Art Center could be part of the programming. The Commission still had to determine who would come in and teach the educational portion of the symposium. Ralfonzo may also know an artist to teach the teachers about kinetic art. Discussion followed whether a stipend should be given to the artist for doing so or if it should be done on a voluntary basis. There would be many hours of preparation and research involved. After discussion, it could be a sponsorship opportunity. A suggestion was made to alert the school district that there was a workshop about how to teach kinetic art. It would involve math teachers, physics teachers, engineering and science teachers. As an incentive, the youth could display their work that weekend and receive a prize, so it was a goal and an exhibition opportunity. Goals for a higher education program were discussed. A budget needed to be set and it was thought giving a stipend was 7 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Workshop Boynton Beach, FL January 31, 2011 appropriate. Discussion was also needed to determine once the piece was created, if it would be exhibited indoors or outdoors contingent on the materials used and/or if it will be temporary or permanent. Ralfonzo thought the effort would be an artist that works with a class or group and creates a kinetic art challenge for the age group. Mr. Davenport supported Ralfonzo’s suggestion and thought an award, or an annual award could further involve the community, students and parents. As to the college level participants, an art professor could select three of the top students who could be tutored by the artist and compete for the award. A prize could be a partial scholarship. Ms. Brooks commented having an opening night could coincide with Friday night events because that activity was already ongoing and the Commission did not need to recreate the wheel. As to sponsorships, it was difficult in this economy. She suggested the Commission use what they have. There was discussion about the type of art the Arts Commission would like to see. Chair Ready liked the “Green” technology idea. Ms. Kauder suggested Publix or FPL may be interested in sponsoring components of the event. A lot of public art, especially larger pieces, generate electricity. Ms. Brooks also pointed out that without secured funding, supplies could be donated or part of a trash pickup or other beautification effort be used. Ralfonzo suggested Mr. Rain Treefelt be contacted to teach. He has worked with youth and green energy and he may be available. Mr. Treefelt resides in New Jersey. Discussion followed about pairing a few artists with teachers and if the Arts Commission should include those fees in the budget. (Mr. Davenport left at 8:05 p.m.) Ralfonzo will request Mr. Treefelt send material on a solar tree project. That project could be a collaboration between solar panel providers and others. (Mr. Davenport returned at 8:08 p.m.) After further discussion, there was consensus the members wanted to use the green theme. Ms. Coles-Dobay had an agenda of sorts with participants that have been identified. It was suggested there be an invitation to the first night of the event. Individuals could meet the artist and break the ice. Saturday would be the first day and would be like a vendor with exhibits in combination with the workshops occurring in other buildings and areas with youth. 8 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Workshop Boynton Beach, FL January 31, 2011 As far as Green technology, many companies use LED lights or metals. Companies supply their products to kinetic industries. It could be interesting to the public that is not familiar with green lighting, or solar or photovoltaic lighting. These were the types of vendors the Arts Commission could invite. As far as marketing the event, it was suggested G-Star film the making of the project and they can show it at their school. The schools involved could have a location to showcase their new technology on a screen showing how they do their structural engineering. G-Star can show what they do at their school and they have lots of visuals. Ms. Coles-Dobay reviewed the locations where indoor pieces could be displayed. These were the Art Center; Children’s Schoolhouse Museum; the Library; and possible hotel lobbies. When there were presentations and discussions, they could be held in City Commission Chambers. There are also international art and sculpture magazines and trade magazines. Ads could be used. Artists could display their work as it ties in to the theme. There are also websites. The members contemplated whether they would charge a fee to vendors. If an event was established without a fee, the expectation is it will always be free. Vendors could also be divided by type. The symposium was about kinetic art, not necessarily green kinetic art. Further discussion followed that at other art events, there are all kinds of vendors; however, there was consensus the event would be kept focused. Discussion followed about fees. There was consensus $200 for two days was appropriate C. Kinetic Art Symposium VII. International Kinetic Art Symposium & Exhibit Location A. Discuss Location logistics and preference B. Set location and logistics VIII. International Kinetic Art Symposium & Exhibit Dates and Timing A. Review Symposium and Exhibit components dates and timing B. Set Symposium & Exhibit dates C. Set deadline date for planning and hosting in 2011 IX. International Kinetic Art Symposium & Exhibit Budget 9 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Workshop Boynton Beach, FL January 31, 2011 A. Kinetic Art Exhibit B. Kinetic Art Commission and Academia Programming C. Kinetic Art Symposium X. Summary and Action Items A. Committees B. Volunteers C. Partners D. Funding Sources Ms. Coles-Dobay explained she invited Mr. McGovern to the meeting. He is part of Greater Boynton Beach Foundation and has done fundraising. Mr. McGovern explained he has been on the ground floor of three important initiatives in Boynton Beach. There is the Public Art initiative, the Historic Preservation Ad Hoc Committee, and the Boynton Beach Foundation. The Foundation, as of January 4th, is a 501(c)(3) Corporation. The Foundation serves as a repository for funds that can benefit the arts. The Foundation has three purposes: to promote recreation, education, and arts and culture. The Foundation currently does not have a lot of money, but they are raising money to support those three purposes. They are moving forward on their first project in recreation called “Boundless Park” which will assist individuals with limited and handicapped conditions. One individual was willing to donate $250,000 for the park and was contemplating moving to Boynton. Mr. McGovern explained the Arts Commission members have the power through their passion for the arts to raise money for this project. There are over 200 Foundations in Palm Beach and he explained those foundations hardly ever ask for money; rather, individuals give funds as they choose. This community needs to tap those kinds of resources. They should put together their best package and as stewards, convince individuals of the worthiness of the project. Mr. McGovern suggested the members think of that aspect in their role as Arts Commission members. Ms. Lentz left the meeting at 8:42 p.m. At the very least, the Foundation can be the pass through for individuals desiring to donate funds and achieve the tax write-off for the donation. Down the road, Mr. 10 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Workshop Boynton Beach, FL January 31, 2011 McGovern saw the Foundation changing from a repository for funds, but rather the grantor. The Foundation was holding a "Friendraiser" on Valentine's Day. About 2,000 invitations were mailed and 300 responses were received. The Foundation was looking for sponsors for the event and received many donations in the $250 range. He noted the economy made for trying times. (Mr. Davenport left the meeting at 8:44 p.m.) (Ms. Lentz returned to the meeting at 8:44 p.m.) Mr. McGovern reviewed the fundraising effort for the park. He noted timing is everything. The Foundation was crafting its rules. The Arts Commission, if they needed donations, could contact the Foundation. Ms. Coles-Dobay requested the members review the summary and action items and consider what they would volunteer to do. Adjournment There being no further business to come before the Board, there was consensus to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 8:54 p.m. if /J t Q.i:JDl1Jk ell A A1 '- Catherine Cherry c, -- - ~'(J Recording Secretary 041811 11