Minutes 02-22-11 MINUTES OF THE ARTS COMMISSION MEETING HELD IN THE FIRE TRAINING
ROOM AT FIRE STATION #2, 2615 WOOLBRIGHT ROAD,BOYNTON BEACH,
FLORIDA, AT 6:30 P.M., ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2011
PRESENT:
Barbara Ready, Chair Debbie Coles - Dobay, Public Arts Administrator
Anderson Slocombe, Vice Chair
Donn Davenport
Dr. Tiffany North
Nubia Richman (Arrived at 6 p.m.)
Christine Moeller, Alternate (Arrived at 6 p.m)
ABSENT:
Barbara Lentz
Halena Wolf
I. CALL TO ORDER
Barbara Ready, Chair, called the meeting to order at 6:26 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS
Roll call was achieved by the members identifying themselves. A quorum was present.
III. AGENDA APPROVAL
Ms. Coles -Dobay requested to add an announcement. There were no other changes.
Motion
Vice Chair Slocombe moved to approve the agenda. Dr. North seconded the motion.
The motion carried.
IV. APPROVE MEETING MINUTES
The minutes were not available for approval.
V. ELECT CHAIR & VICE CHAIR
Vice Chair Slocombe nominated Barbara Ready for Chair. Mr. Davenport seconded the
motion.
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Arts Commission
Boynton Beach, FL February 22, 2011
There being no other nominations, the nominations were closed. The nomination of
Barbara Ready as Chair passed unanimously.
Mr. Davenport nominated Anderson Slocombe as Vice Chair. Vice Chair Slocombe
agreed to accept the nomination. Dr. North seconded the motion. The nomination of
Anderson Slocombe as Vice Chair passed unanimously.
VI. ANNOUNCEMENTS /REPORTS
A. Feb. 5, 2011 Oceanfront Park event
Chair Ready commented the event was well attended. She urged all the members to
visit the Park and see the artwork on display. The Mayor spoke at the event and all but
one Commissioner was present. Ms. Coles -Dobay indicated there had been a beach
cleanup early in the morning and probably 60 individuals were present for the opening.
B. Feb. 17, 2011 Downtown Planning Meeting
Chair Ready had attended and advised the meeting was interesting and many good
ideas were brought forward. Ms. Coles -Dobay and Ms. Brooks, Executive Director of
the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), had corroborated on a presentation that
was given. Ms. Coles -Dobay recalled the presentation connected the marina entryway
feature going west along Ocean Avenue. She reported the Ruth Jones Cottage would
be moved to the corner of 4 Street and Ocean Avenue as a sandwich shop. There is
currently public art at the location. The 211 House was another historical building that
would become a restaurant. Going further west the Children's Schoolhouse Museum is
renovating the Amphitheater with public art included. It would be more useable space
with a shell canopy. The presentation gave ideas on how to connect the various areas
into a continuous pedestrian walkway. The Avenue of the Arts is along the entire route.
There could be banners in the trees or lighted art work for evening to enliven the area.
Budgets would have to be developed to activate the projects suggested.
Ms. Coles -Dobay reported there was another concept presented to have boutique type
shops along Ocean Avenue. It was part of the concept of branding that was needed for
the City. There would be a branding survey prepared to get public feedback. There
was also a presentation from Benziaten, a cultural art center with a foundry, glass
blowing center, a print making center, a stone carving area and an area to do plain air
painting. It would be a creative area for emerging and world -class artists, as well as a
tourist attraction.
Another concept was for the location of a new City Hall at the current location of Bank of
America that would include apartments and retail shops to link the area to Seacrest
Boulevard with permanent green market opportunities. It would be a daily venue.
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Boynton Beach, FL February 22, 2011
A cultural center for African - American heritage was also suggested to be built along
Martin Luther King Boulevard, highlighting music, dance, theater and art. It could be a
business incubator. The CRA Plan includes a business incubator for the Heart of
Boynton district.
There was extensive work that needed to be done including funding opportunities
before any concrete plans could go forward. The focus was to have the City, CRA and
Chamber of Commerce work together on developing a plan to proceed. Chair Ready
pointed out most of the components pertain to the Downtown Master Plan to create a
downtown area. There was also discussion to narrow Boynton Beach Boulevard to two
lanes to make it a slower traffic area and widen the sidewalks to encourage pedestrian -
friendly areas. All the ideas were intended to revitalize the downtown corridor. Chair
Ready noted there were no decisions made. It was very informative.
C. Sims Center exhibit/Reception Feb. 19, 2011.
Mr. Davenport reported 14 pieces of abstract art had been selected that shared space
at the Sims Center. The event was well received with City officials present and many
from other community developments. The art will be displayed for six months. Ms.
Coles -Dobay added the display partnered with the Heritage Festival that was held at the
Sims Center grounds. The art exhibit attracted people from outside the Heart of
Boynton to the festival.
D. March 14, 2011 PB Watercolor Society reception
Chair Ready announced the Palm Beach Watercolor Society reception that would be
held on March 14 in the Library from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. It would be in the upstairs exhibit
area so those attending can meet and interact with the artists. Ms. Coles -Dobay
interjected it had been decided to hold these receptions when there is a new, exciting
topic to be viewed. Chair Ready urged everyone to attend.
E. March 26, 2011 Boat Club Park Grand Opening
The event was planned for Saturday, March 26 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
F. Public Workshop on Old High School
Ms. Coles -Dobay announced there was going to be a public workshop presentation to
be held on February 26 at 10 a.m. in the Library Program Room. It is part of the
visioning for the downtown and possible uses for the Old High School.
VII. EXHIBITS
A. Earth Week — Sid Walesh artwork placement in City Hall Lobby
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Boynton Beach, FL February 22, 2011
An email had been sent to Sid Walesh to place his artwork in the City Hall lobby. The
Risk Management Department and Engineering Department were consulted on how to
safely display the exhibit. The exhibit would be part of Earth Week, April 18th — 22nd,
with exhibits and demonstrations the entire month of April. Ms. Coles -Dobay sought
approval to display the art during the month celebrating Earth week and the value of
water and conservation. Dr. North discussed the pedestals needed to support some of
the artwork to ensure they were immobile.
Motion
Dr. North moved to approve the placement of the art. Mr. Davenport seconded the
motion. The motion carried unanimously.
B. City Library exhibit June — November 2011
Exchange textiles tapestry for photography of nature photographer Gregg
Matthew
Ms. Coles -Dobay advised she thought the textile tapestry would be a more appropriate
exhibit during the winter months. There would be exhibits throughout the year. The
photography was being considered because not many textile artists had been found.
Ms. Richmond offered to contact a couple who had photography displayed that may be
willing to participate and exhibit. The context of the photography was discussed.
Inviting specific photographers would be done rather than a call to artists approach.
The theme should be Florida nature. Samples of the photography should be available
so the Board can view the type of pictures for display. It was decided other artists
would be chosen to compliment the work of Gregg Matthew. A selection of the pieces
to be displayed would be done at the next meeting.
Motion
Mr. Davenport moved to swap the textile tapestry to nature photography. Vice Chair
Slocombe seconded the motion. The motion carried.
C. Quantum Town Center "Swing Space" exhibit
The pieces of the exhibit were installed last week. There are minor adjustments that
have to be made. It is the first swing space in vacant store fronts. On every door there
are posters talking about the swing space concept. The developer of the Center had
placed sculptures in the complex before the Art in Public Places Ordinance had been
adopted. The owners would be receptive to more participation by artists. There is a
significant amount of coordination with the artists to get the exhibits installed. The
electrical source for lighting has been an issue.
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Arts Commission
Boynton Beach, FL February 22, 2011
VIII. JAYCEE PARK INTERPRETATIVE PUBLIC ART MARKERS
A. Final project approval (VISIT Jaycee Park, 2600 S. Federal Highway)
B. March 9, 2011 project celebration event
C. Brochure and invite
Ms. Coles -Dobay distributed a sample of the brochure and invitations to be sent. March
9 would be the grand opening from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. A shuttle would be available
from the Civic Center.
Motion
Ms. Nubia moved for final approval of the interpretative public art markers at Jaycee
Park. Dr. North seconded the motion. The motion carried.
IX. INT'L KINETIC ART SYMPOSIUM AND EXHIBIT PLANNING
A. Timing — planning document
The timing issue involved a deadline for a decision on having the symposium in 2012.
Ms. Coles - Dobay's recommendation was April 30, 2011. A call to artists has to be
done. It was suggested that the more creative, known artists be contacted to participate
to have a name -draw to the event. The George Rickey Foundation was mentioned
because Mr. Rickey is historically famous and has big pieces of art. The more noted
artists respond to invitations rather than a general call to artists. There could be two
segments; one from a call to artist and the other prominent artists specifically invited to
participate. The art would be along the Avenue of the Arts and at the symposium.
There was consensus to use the two approaches to attract participants.
Bharat Patel, an attendee, inquired if the art from the invited artists could be installed
prior to the symposium, so it could be used for marketing materials. Ms. Coles -Dobay
responded the pieces should be installed in September, October, or November.
Mr. Davenport was concerned that the April 30, 2011 deadline may be too strict since
there were many areas yet to be discussed and open issues unresolved for the success
of the event. Ms. Coles -Dobay noted the target date to finalize the plans to have a
symposium the fourth week of January, 2012, was April 30, 2011 as the deadline for
setting the date for January, 2012. If not, then the symposium would be set in January
2013. She was applying for the NEAR (National Endowment for the Arts) "Our Town"
grant by submitting a letter of interest which is due April 25 There may be other
funding sources available that should be investigated.
Ms. Moeller inquired about the cost. Ms. Coles -Dobay indicated the symposium would
be a driver for the Downtown Master Plan initiative. This may allow CRA funding to be
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utilized. Mr. Davenport emphasized the symposium was not a CRA exhibit or project.
Chair Ready interjected it would be a helpful tool to revitalize the downtown. Mr.
Davenport contended there were areas other than the downtown area that would lend
themselves better to exhibits and sculptures. Ms. Coles -Dobay recalled there had been
discussion reflected in the minutes to start with a very manageable location and then
expand the event. It is absolutely essential that the symposium be a signature event for
all of Boynton Beach. Utilizing the space we have makes the most sense and why the
cultural campus and downtown area were being considered.
She pointed out the Avenue of the Art expenses have already been budgeted.
Additional outdoor exhibits would only add to the attraction with manageable locations in
the vicinity. The use of City Hall Chambers for lectures and the Library Program Room
for exhibits had been considered as well as the Civic Center and Art Center locations.
At one point, exhibits at the beach and along Congress Avenue were considered;
however, logistics was the issue. Ms. Richman noted the buildings suggested were not
particularly attractive to tourists and there were no hotels in the vicinity.
Vice Chair Slocombe recalled the discussions at the workshop centered around
concentrating the symposium to one area for the biggest impact. Transportation could
be provided to take participants to special events at the Intracoastal Clubhouse. Ms.
Richman felt social activities should be held out of the downtown area. Vice Chair
Slocombe agreed some social functions would be needed. Chair Ready offered the
Chamber of Commerce could be contacted to assist and provide welcome packages for
visitors. Ms. Moeller recalled one speaker at the workshop advised, for the first year,
the event should be streamlined rather than have several venues to control. Mr.
Davenport interjected the issues can be resolved, but they need to be encompassed in
the overall plan for the first event.
Ms. Coles -Dobay would be meeting with other departments to see if their programs can
be incorporated and assist with workshops. Several receptions have been held at the
Children's Schoolhouse Museum and concerts have been held at the Amphitheater
through the CRA who are very interested in the symposium. The assistance of other
departments will help to execute several of the activities.
Ms. Richman wanted to concentrate on the possible dates for the event taking into
consideration the weather and other events. There was discussion on the possible
dates and there was consensus on setting the date as February 10th, 11th and 12th,
2012.
B. Budget
Chair Ready noted $50,000 was the total budget. Ms. Coles -Dobay explained the
estimated budget. The $20,000 was budgeted annually for the Art in Public Places
displays. The temporary 6 -month outdoor exhibit budgeted at $10,000 would be in
addition to the pieces already on display. It could involve shipping and installation
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Boynton Beach, FL February 22, 2011
costs. It was anticipated four pieces could be added at $2,500 each. Vice Chair
Slocombe felt $4,000 to $5,000 a piece would be more realistic. It would vary based on
the size of the art. It was decided to increase the budget figure to $18,000.
There would be one artist commissioned to do the academia program and work with the
students and teachers to complete a project. The artist would be involved in the work
for several weeks, if not months, to complete the project. Dr. North suggested
partnering with a local university and sharing the costs. She would be meeting with
Florida Atlantic University and had contact with the Executive Director of Community
Relations. The suggestion was made to develop a robust project so the class
participants could receive credits. Timing would be essential and making sure the
students could choose a project they would want to complete. Dr. North had also met
with another Center that may be another potential partner for grants to support art
therapy for different entities. Schools get grants to support residencies and fellowships
that would be of assistance in developing a more dynamic project. A project on green
technology would be good. Mr. Patel suggested a student competition may be viable.
Vice Chair Slocombe explained usually a central theme is initiated with a speaker or
presentation and the group comes up with their own ideas and details of the project. It
has to be feasible enough for the students to get college credits. Dr. North added it
could cross several disciplines and collaboration through several study majors.
It was discussed that the project may span more than one symposium to be successful.
There would be a cost to have a resident artist involved plus the cost of the project. Dr.
North offered to work with Ms. Coles -Dobay and Ms. Wolf to attract students throughout
the area. The budget needs more work and there are extensive costs that need to be
addressed depending on the span of the project. Vice Chair Slocombe expressed a
budget of $50,000 would be more appropriate with the artist commission being 10% to
15% and the project budgeted at $50,000.
The educational materials were budgeted at $5,000. Ms. Wolf was working on the
project using recycled materials. It would probably be one class of 10 to 15 students.
The $5,000 for the three -day event was discussed. Vice Chair Slocombe asked if the
use of the three City -owned buildings would be free. Ms. Coles -Dobay indicated the
Intracoastal Clubhouse would have a cost and there may be a need for security. The
cost for the three -day event was budgeted at $15,000.
Mr. Davenport thought the budget was grossly small. He could provide a list of what he
thought would be needed and the approximate cost. Volunteers would be utilized.
Advertising, marketing and promotion would be one unit. Cost of any media purchases
was not included.
C. Marketing
Mr. Davenport presented his marketing, advertising and promotion breakdown. The
event logo for all print, electronic and signage usage was reviewed and suggested logo
Meeting Minutes
Arts Commission
Boynton Beach, FL February 22, 2011
designs were distributed. The first logo with a colorful "K" design was chosen. Mr.
Davenport felt it was important to decide on a logo so it could be copied in all the
promotional literature and materials. A print presentation package for sponsors would
have to be prepared for sponsorship levels. The call to artist notification would be the
next step.
There would need to be press announcements and a kick -off event for fundraising.
Invitations including a flyer would need to be printed. Electronic mail and media could
be utilized and local and regional press affiliates contracted. A main brochure of all the
events with a tour map would need to be compiled for a hand -out at the event and
before the event. Posters, billboards and banners could be used to advertise the event
throughout the area.
A table -top event book could be offered for sale at the event as a souvenir and possibly
include a CD. Ms. Coles -Dobay suggested each artist be given one book with the
opportunity to order more, because it would illustrate their work and projects.
There would also need to be general signage at the event and art/artist placement
signage at the various displays. Other memorabilia could be offered for sale such as
key rings, baseball caps, t- shirts, and coffee mugs. There could also be a lottery or
raffle for one of the featured sculptures or art pieces. A gift shop type offering is a huge
draw for funds and gifts could be sold online featuring kinetic art.
Mr. Davenport would present more detail on the marketing strategies and cost as the
planning process continues. Lastly, Mr. Davenport inquired if the northern wall of the
Old High School facing City Hall could be painted with a mural or City logo before the
symposium event. Ms. Coles -Dobay advised there was a great deal of discussion on
the future use for the building that would have to be taken into consideration.
D. Education — planning document
(This item was previously discussed)
X. NEW BUSINESS
None
XI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
Meeting Minutes
Arts Commission
Boynton Beach, FL February 22, 2011
XII. FUTURE BUSINESS
None
There being nothing further to discuss, the meeting was properly adjourned at 9:07 p.m.
L- 4, -4: :eld:6 - 6
Edith A. Pyle, CMP,
G Deputy City Clerk(/''
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