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Minutes 03-22-11 MINUTES OF THE BOYNTON BEACH ARTS COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, MARCH 22, 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 Tiffany North, PhD Nubia Richman (arrived 6:37 p.m.) ABSENT: Christine Moeller, Alternate 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. III. Agenda Approval Ms. Coles-Dobay explained she had an additional announcement regarding Boat Club Park. Motion Ms. Wolf moved to approve the agenda. Dr. North seconded the motion that unanimously passed. IV. APPROVE MEETING MINUTES Mr. Davenport had two changes to the minutes. He clarified the reason for the Frank Vargas resubmission of the letters was the sample size was the wrong size. This was the third time around. This should be clarified in the minutes. Mr. Davenport had requested they approach Delray and surrounding cities for participation and funding of the Kinetic Art symposium. The third paragraph from the bottom on page 5 add "Delray and surrounding cities" 1 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Meeting Boynton Beach, FL March 22, 2011 Motion Mr. Davenport moved to approve the amended minutes. Ms. Wolf seconded the motion that unanimously passed. V. ANNOUNCEMENTS/REPORTS A. March 9, 2011 Jaycee Park Interpretive Public Art Markers Chair Ready reported the event was well attended and some of the old Boat Captain Club members were present. The City was fortunate to obtain a Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) grant of $77,045. It was a matching grant totaling about $150 thousand. All were excited with the outcome of the project. Ms. Coles-Dobay distributed brochures to the members. The members thanked Mr. Colee, the Commissioner representing Palm Beach County on FIND. Commissioner Orlove made a presentation at the event as did Chair Ready. On March 16th, The Boynton Forum printed an article on the event. Elliott Kleinberg of the Palm Beach Post also interviewed them last week and a newspaper article was anticipated to be printed in the near future. B. March 14, 2011 PB Watercolor Society reception Chair Ready attended the reception which included artists and the public. Refreshments were provided by the Watercolor Society. There was a good turnout. Maxine Schreiber, of the West Palm Beach Fine Arts Examiner posted an online art announcement, review of events, and a story. There were many pieces of diverse styles. The Watercolor Society exhibits all over the county. Several of the artists also complimented the layout of the display. C. March 26, 2011 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. High School Ms. Coles-Dobay explained the group hired to do the financial feasibility study was holding a public charette in the Library. Lunch would be provided. Ms. Coles-Dobay explained the EDAW plan included the Old High School in the downtown. This charette would be different as an architect would sketch what was proposed. The findings from the survey were positive about the Old High School. D. Boat Club Park Ms. Coles-Dobay agreed to send out more information about this event. The Arts Commission was working with the Florida Fishing Academy and the painting of their building. The organization gives positive reinforcement to youth through the sport of fishing . Artist Peter Argady's murals will also be celebrated. The event would be held Saturday, April 16th. 2 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Meeting Boynton Beach, FL March 22, 2011 VI. Benzaiten Presentation A. Presentation of Center of the Living Arts project concept by Donn Colee of Charlton Pelton & Associates Mr. Colee explained he was registered with the City as a lobbyist. He was present representing J.D. Berkow, and her project, The Benzaiten Center for the Creative Arts. The foundation she is forming is the Living Arts Foundation. Mr. Colee reviewed the handout. The Downtown Master Plan (DMP) had visions and goals which he reviewed. The DMP had three key themes which were: a downtown center, unique identity and to encourage and support commercial revitalization. Benzaiten is the name of the Goddess of music, poetry, learning and art. Mr. Colee reviewed Ms. Berkow’s background. The proposal included a 30,000 square foot foundry on one campus for bronze and other pourable metals. It would be the only foundry of its size, scope and professional quality in the southeast United States. It would also include other components such as an indoor/outdoor stone carving studio, glass blowing studio, printmaking studio, plain air painting park and sculpture garden, a three-story museum, café and classrooms for master artists to improve their skills and subsidized workforce housing. The project would not be an arts and crafts village, artist loft, or a community arts center. It would be a fabrication and educational facility for professional artists. It would be an educational facility with partnerships with local schools and universities. It would become a major tourist destination. It would be unique in its work, have world-class exhibits, visiting artists, music in the park, and special events. The conceptual and site plans were reviewed. One assumption was the City may want to move City Hall and the Police Station. There are many variables. Mr. Colee envisioned the City Hall area would have the museum, foundry, glass blowing studio, and indoor/outdoor sculpture studio. They would incorporate wrapping around the area. The plan envisioned apartments by the shuffleboard courts could be workforce housing. The marina will be on the east end, Benzaiten will be on the west end connected by the Avenue of the Arts. All new buildings associated with the project would be LEED certified. As a concept, they looked at the Old High School. The classrooms could be master artist classrooms. The ground floor of the high school could be converted to multi-stationed glass blowing studios with enough room, through the use of plexi-glass panels, to be a touring/walking space. The gym could be the first phase of the gallery and multi-purpose room for a variety of activities. The Plain Air painting and sculpture park areas could have trees and be well illuminated to make the area attractive. 3 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Meeting Boynton Beach, FL March 22, 2011 The plan anticipates Ocean Ave would be closed off to create a full-flow pedestrian promenade to encourage walking up and down Ocean Avenue. The Benzaiten will be developed, owned and operated by the Living Arts Foundation, which is a 501(c)(3). The plan anticipated land would be donated or leased to the Foundation long-term and construction costs funded through a capital campaign. Once built, Benzaiten is envisioned to be self-sustaining. At the New York Foundry, artists have a year and a half wait. Large-scale sculptures cannot be created everywhere. Professional artists would pay user fees to create their work at such foundries. The project will have revenue streams, commissions, museum gift shop, and some facilities would have admission fees. The plan also anticipates private event fees and rentals on subsidized apartments would cover operating expenses. The project was anticipated to employ 34 full-time employees, excluding interns and apprentices. It should also serve as an arts magnet and business incubator generating commercial activity and property taxes for the downtown area. The timetable was reviewed. It was hoped the site selection process would be finished by the end of the year. The foundation was giving a lot of consideration to phasing the work to more quickly bring projects to market. As to why Boynton Beach was under consideration, Mr. Colee explained there are wonderful amenities in the area already. They do not want to compete with established programs. It was a commercial facility, operated as a commercial facility, so if someone had work to do, they could hire the services of the foundry or other facilities that are there. There will be a published rate schedule, which should be less expensive than the New York prices because they are a non-profit organization. Benzaiten will market the project and fabrication facility through professional associations and publications. The facilities are in demand because there are not that many of them worldwide. Currently, one would have to travel to Colorado, New York, Mexico and China to have large pieces created. Sometimes the artist is priced out of the marketplace for the work. The goal is to keep the price appropriate. There is no obligation on the part of the City, that they would be responsible for any operating costs. It was imperative the facility be designed appropriately for the best quality work possible. The artists at the Armory were excited about the proposal. It would draw artists. As to studies done on which to base the demand for the service, Mr. Colee explained the facilities were scare. Ms. Berkow represents artists from all over and from all mediums and she is aware of the difficulties they have in fabrication. She represents only living artists. The proposal was predicated based entirely on her experience. 4 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Meeting Boynton Beach, FL March 22, 2011 Since it is all green building, foundries can have noxious fumes. Mr. Colee explained that would be addressed. They could utilize cogeneration of heat and recycling other materials. There are ways to design foundries to prevent them from being eyesores or smelly. He was aware there was one facility like it and they were still researching it. As far as the closest similar facility, Mr. Colee explained there were no other professional foundries nearby of the scale and scope of what was proposed. There were smaller foundries on the west coast of Florida and they were not aware of any other location that would have all these facilities on one campus. By having them all on one campus, it collaborates work in cross mediums which is becoming very popular. The project would create interest in the downtown area and they would want it to be a place for school children to visit, the public can stroll. It needs to be in an accessible area. As to parking, the DMP has an area envisioned for a multi-story parking area. Screening and buffering should be considered. There was a question about what the Living Arts Foundation accomplished. At the moment, Ms. Berkow and a small Board of Directors would be the fundraising and operating entity for the project. The Foundation will be responsible for raising the capital funds to build it. An inquiry was made about how reliant the Foundation was on the donation of the land. Mr. Colee responded the reason they were talking to Boynton Beach was because the City Commission and CRA developed a DMP for Boynton Beach and in the plan, the City and residents indicated what they wanted. As they looked at it and reviewed their concepts, the Foundation felt it was a match. Whether Boynton Beach proceeds on its DMP is up to the City. If they do and they are looking to fulfill the elements in the DMP, Benzaiten believes it is a worthy project to consider. They will be speaking with the Mayor and members of the City Commission. They have an idea and the City has an area they may want to do something with. A world-class, glass-blowing facility in an immaculately restored beautiful historic building was appealing. Mr. Colee explained Boynton Beach was not their first consideration, there were other areas in North Palm Beach they considered. Ms. Berkow works in that area, but what was particularly impressive to Ms. Berkow was the enthusiasm the City staff and Commissioners had with the project. They have a built-in audience for the facility. If they build it in Western Jupiter by Scripps, they do not have walking traffic or the ability to have an active environment. In Boynton Beach, many people would be in the downtown and they would be the obvious and natural customers for the gift shop, cafes and to watch what was being created in the foundry. It would probably be easier to deal with vacant land, but the Foundation felt with the amenities that currently exist was a good way to connect to the library, walk through the gardens and painting areas. 5 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Meeting Boynton Beach, FL March 22, 2011 Housing rents would be subsidized by the Foundation. Mr. Colee responded they need to keep workers on these kinds of project. With creative industries, foundry workers are increasingly going into building trades because they have to live. As to classes for master artists, it was unlikely the classes would be for the general public because they have different skill sets. Mr. Colee clarified the classes would not necessarily exclude the public, but the participants would have to have skills of a commensurate level. If land was not donated, they would look elsewhere. Mr. Colee clarified in most cases, facilities are leased for 99 years for one dollar. Chair Ready commented if they demolished City Hall, there was no funds to replace it. Mr. Colee explained the Benzaiten Center was flexible. They could adjust the site, or consider adjacent property. It was not necessarily a deal breaker. The foundation has a prospectus and a budget, but not a complete business plan. Once they know where they will go, they can then refine the plan. VII. Exhibits A. Earth Week activities and displays Ms. Coles-Dobay reviewed the installation of displays by City Hall and the Nano-second of Water which speaks to the City's conservation of water. They are also having the Art Center paint more rain barrels that will be raffled off along with other items at the Library for the City's Earth Week event. Recycled art, and environmental art displays from the Art Center will be included. Ms. Coles-Dobay will provide more details and send out the flyer for the event and the calendar. The event was a collaborative City effort. Interactive events for the public will occur. B. Avenue of the Arts Replacement artwork for Ocean Sky Ladder Vice Chair Slocombe left the meeting at 7:33 p.m. Information had been emailed to the members. Motion Ms. Wolf moved to make the replacement. Ms. Richman seconded the motion that unanimously passed. C. City Library “Wild Florida” exhibit June – November 2011 Approve photographers for exhibit (Five artists with artwork represented) Information about the artists had been emailed to the members. The item was also discussed at the last meeting. Ms. Richman had assisted in recruiting other wildlife artists who were: Jim LaRocca; Tom Lichauco; Greg Mathews; Carolyn Ann Rogus; and Suzanne Schwartzman. 6 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Meeting Boynton Beach, FL March 22, 2011 Motion Ms. Wolf moved to approve all five photographers. Dr. North seconded the motion which passed 4-2 (Mr. Davenport abstained because he had not seen the selection and Ms. Richman dissenting.) Assign Arts Commission member to Independent panel to select exhibit artwork Dr. North left at 7:42 p.m. Ms. Coles-Dobay noted Albie Walton, a professional photographer agreed to sit on the panel. Mr. Davenport, Chair Ready, Ms. Richman and Ms. Wolf also volunteered to sit on the selection panel. VIII. International Kinetic Art Symposium and Exhibit Planning A. Program Brief The brief arose to succinctly indicate what the Arts Commission was doing. Ms. Coles- Dobay asked for the members to provide input to her via email. Chair Ready recommended the members send their thoughts only to Ms. Coles-Dobay. A definition of kinetic art was developed and reviewed with Ralfonso and developed as follows: “Kinetic art is art that contains moving parts or depends on motion for its effect. The motion of the work can be provided mechanically, naturally or interactively. Kinetic art encompasses a wide variety of overlapping techniques and styles.” The members gave their suggestions to clarify the definition as follows “The motion of the art can be provided in many ways: mechanical, natural or interactive.” Dr. North returned at 7:43 p.m. The Arts Commission was using three components in the symposium, which were the outdoor exhibit, Arts Commission and Academia Programming, and International Kinetic Art Symposium. The documents will include a map and show what was included at the location. The event agenda was also included. Mr. Davenport left the meeting at 7:50 p.m. The members were trying to organize the information in an easy to read manner. 7 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Meeting Boynton Beach, FL March 22, 2011 Dr. North worked on the educational piece detailing what kinetic art is and exactly what assistance they want from the Universities and how they would partner with them. They can send it to the different educational institutions. She started to identify key players in local educational systems. Ms. Wolf also identified Jeff Fessler, Art Integration Project Manager, for the Palm Beach County public school sector. Mr. Fessler was the 2011 Palm Beach County Teacher of the Year and 2010 Palm Beach County Arts Educator of the year as recognized by the Palm Beach County Cultural Council School District. His role with the district is he creates art integration services which focuses on teaching and integrating art with core curriculums like physics, math and reading. Students will be learning art, but using knowledge acquired from the other subjects. His goal is to have all teachers teach integrated art. Additionally, he has access to funding. Ms. Coles-Dobay was trying to set up a meeting and Ms. Wolf would try to arrange her teaching schedule to attend the meeting. B. Committees As to members serving on committees, members could contact Ms. Coles-Dobay with their thoughts. C. Budget update The members were encouraged to solicit sponsors. Fundraising efforts should not be limited to Mr. Davenport's committee. Ms. Coles-Dobay asked the members to bear in mind the City’s economic position. They must fundraise and recruit sponsorships, but they must be sensitive. There had been discussion of Mr. Rein Triefeldt, a kinetic artist whom Ralfonso recommended. Mr. Triefeldt would come in and teach the teacher, but he needed room and board. He was in Philadelphia speaking on a panel and he was excited about speaking at the Boynton event. He worked on various projects with schools in the past and was very interested in this event. They had discussed for year one, just having maquettes depicting the conceptual idea, and then in year two, build the project to obtain everyone’s buy-in. He thought it was an excellent idea and was a good way to build the program. As to the budget, he thought it was something he could do. Ms. Coles-Dobay needed consensus to continue to have discussions with Mr. Triefeldt. There were no objections to her request. The budget was $50,000 and the artist’s fee for the second year was typically 10%. He was more flexible than originally thought. D. Education update 8 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Meeting Boynton Beach, FL March 22, 2011 Ms. Coles-Dobay was compiling a listing of institutions to contact that will collaborate with various institutions and the list could be expanded. IX. New Business A. Artists of Palm Beach County & NEA Our Towns grant (letter of interest) Ms. Coles-Dobay reviewed the Artists of PBC and the NEA Our Towns Grant (letter of interest). Ms. Brooks, CRA Executive Director, and Ms. Coles-Dobay put together a conceptual idea for the downtown through public art. They also looked at the NEA and Our Towns Grant to help fund the event. The grant sponsor wanted a non-profit organization to be included in the grant. Accordingly, the endeavor must be approved by the CRA and City Commission but they first had to submit the letter of interest to see if they were invited to submit a proposal. They approached PBC and they included the group from the Urban Landscape project. Whether or not they get the grant, it was still a good idea to engage the organizations to activate the downtown. She included the International Kinetic Art Exhibit and Symposium in the Letter of Interest. She hoped it was a funding resource. She also included it in the letter of interest for the Knight Arts Council Challenge. B. Meeting presentation April 11, 2011 The Artists of Palm Beach County invited Ms. Coles-Dobay to speak to them on April 11, 2011 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Woman's Club. She will speak about the City facilities, Arts Commission projects and present the conceptual idea. She hoped it would result in a partnership between them. They had partnered with the organization for the Artavox event in the past. Ms. Coles-Dobay and Ms. Brooks will make the presentation about how to engage public art in the downtown and how they can engage the Artists of Palm Beach County. Ms. Coles-Dobay invited the members to attend. Ms. Coles-Dobay was not certain of the time and would email the members the information. X. Unfinished Business Mr. Davenport inquired if Ms. Coles-Dobay printed the configurations that he emailed to her. These were configurations for logos to generate revenue for tee shirts, shopping bags, coffee mugs, baseball caps, etc. As to obtaining estimates, by giving specifications, the person could almost do the job themselves. The Arts Commission was moving ahead in that aspect and positioning themselves for a budget to market the products. Chair Ready thanked Mr. Davenport for checking into it for them. XI. Future Business None. 9 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Meeting Boynton Beach, FL March 22, 2011 XII. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was properly adjourned at 8:20 p.m. ~~1--~ CilwuJ/ Catherine Cherry ~ Recording Secretary 042511 10