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Minutes 07-30-13 MINUTES OF THE ARTS COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY JULY 30, 2013, AT 6:30 P.M., IN THE FIRE STATION NO. 2 TRAINING ROOM 2615 WEST WOOLBRIGHT ROAD, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA PRESENT: Deborah Bottorff, Chair Debby Coles - Dobay, Public Art Christine Moeller, Vice Chair Administrator Paul Sirota Anderson Slocombe ABSENT: Robyn Lorenz Aylin Tito I. Call to Order Chair Bottorff called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. II. Roll Call of Members Self- introductions were made. Aside from the Arts Commission members, the following individuals were also present: • Tony Hernandez, Boynton Beach Art District and painter; • Rolando Barrero , Eastside Gallery; • Dana Donaty, Dana Donaty Designs and artist; • Barry Bernstein, Dana Donaty Designs; • Scott Kline, Economic Development Manager, City of Boynton Beach; • Cecilia Sirota; • Debby Denny Mead, Boynton Beach Art District; • Eleanor Krusell, Communications Manager, City of Boynton Beach; • Audrey Ge;nor Heather Gaker, glass artist at the Glass Mermaid; • Steven Anton, Glass Mermaid; • Vivian Brooks, Executive Director, CRA; • Tracy Smith - Coffee, Business Development Specialist, CRA; • Nancy Byrne, Development Director, City of Boynton Beach. III. Agenda Approval Chair Bottorff recommended hearing IX, New Business on the agenda after IV, Approval of Meeting Minutes. 1 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, FL July 30, 2013 Motion Mr. Sirota moved to approve the agenda as amended. Mr. Slocombe seconded the motion that unanimously passed. Approve Meeting Minutes A. June 25, 2013 There were no minutes to approve. I. New Business (Out of Order) A. Discussion of Art Spaces and Districts • Why open the discussion at the Arts Commission meeting Chair Bottorff explained there is a strong effort being made to improve the City's economic growth and introduce new arts to the area. The Arts Commission would like to be a part of that effort, and called the meeting to develop an understanding of how the City and Arts Commission can work together. Part of the Arts Commission's mission is to expand its position and the purpose of art in the City; to contribute to the Art in Public Places (AIPP) program; and for artists to join the community. Artists were moving into the community and were helping with branding through art, culture and identity. The start and focus of the effort would be on visual arts, although the Arts Commission recognizes performing arts and other cultural entities. Ms. Coles -Dobay would like to, on a monthly- basis, invite all art entities to come to her office to discuss the details of what they are trying to do to and how to work together. Ms. Coles -Dobay reviewed a map and discussed where the opportunities are, where art was already implemented, where the Arts District focus was and how others were coming into the mix. Ms. Coles -Dobay reviewed the Art Spaces & District handout with various downtown locations, including Industrial Avenue and commented the Art and Culture and AIPP programs focus on the entire City. There were several warehouses that housed many of the studios on Industrial Avenue. When Artist Rick Beau -Lieu moved his studio to Industrial Avenue, it was a bad area with trash and high crime. When artist Rolando Barrero moved his studio there, he enhanced the Avenue and started a great activity. Art on Industrial Avenue has become a success and has received positive press drawing people from all over. It is in the top 10 places to visit in Boynton Beach. Businesses there like the improvements and enjoy having the artists there as it gives them exposure they would not normally receive. 2 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, FL July 30, 2013 • Brief overview of City /CRA plans for the revitalization of areas specific to art and culture Development of Ocean Avenue is in the CRA Master Plan and that was why the Avenue of the Arts, a walkable exhibit, was there. Art and history was becoming more prominent in this area and the goal was to have some cultural space, whether it was performance or gallery space, a studio or other related -type of art. Casa Costa is in the discussion phases of activating 2,300 square feet of space for art, lectures and gallery exhibits. There is support of the arts as the owner of the Related Group just made a $40M donation to a Miami art museum. Locally, the Glass Mermaid Gallery opened on Ocean Avenue. Vivian Brooks, Executive Director, CRA, explained the last update to the Downtown Vision and Master Plan was in 2009. It called for Ocean Avenue, between Seacrest and the FEC tracks, to be the cultural corridor. When the analysis was done, they saw cultural activities already there with some historic elements. When developed, the west side of Ocean Avenue will have a lower density with buildings that would be no more than four stories with mixed uses for stores on the bottom and residences on top. The area east of the FEC tracks has a higher density and higher height allowance (up to 15 stories); however, the developer interested in the property did not want to build higher due to the cost. The large vacant lot south of Hurricane Alley would be developed and have 300 residential rentals with retail. Because of the Transit Oriented Development, (TOD) there will be, at some point, a commuter rail between Boynton Beach Boulevard and Ocean Avenue and passengers can board and disembark to West Palm Beach. The railway will go to all the traditional downtowns along the corridor. The CRA staff was working on development of the former Bank of America site. The proposed project would create 200 professional office jobs in the downtown and would bring more residents to the area. Tracy Smith- Coffee, Business Development Specialist, explained she handles business development and marketing for the CRA. Currently, they are constructing a new website which should be available in October. Each retail merchant from the Industrial Avenue Arts District will have their own profile page to post photos and business information. She will also be marketing businesses through advertisements. Another ad will be in the Boynton Forum and will include arts, so she will be contacting artists and retail art stores. She commented the website was large and it was nice. Nancy Byrne, Development Director, was excited about what is happening. The Development Department has worked with Ms. Coles -Dobay on the Kinetic Art Symposium, and it is a huge economic driver for the City. They would like art to be the 3 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, FL July 30, 2013 focal economic driver to areas where they want to attract business. Presently, the Arts District is in a bad area and the property values there are continuing to drop. The City wanted to partner with the CRA to move them into the downtown corridor and /or industrial areas that are better for economic development. The facilities on Industrial Avenue are substandard compared to other areas. It would help existing businesses and bring interest to areas that are under noticed. With so much activity, potential and high density, sprinkling art around the TOD and rail stop could attract people traveling from Miami or from West Palm Beach to the downtown. Ms. Byrne articulated she loves what the artists are doing and they have been very productive in attracting visitors, but she would like to see it in other areas more geared for economic development and job creation. Scott Kline, Economic Development Manager, confirmed the focus area is the downtown. He agreed there are areas with opportunities for art and art makes Boynton Beach a great destination. He explained the City is compiling a formal Economic Development Plan, including art that will identify vacant parcels for redevelopment. He agreed art put Boynton Beach on the map and will continue to draw people to the City. Ms. Coles -Dobay recommended the Swing Space program expand to other locations and was aware there is interest in a pop -up gallery. • Establish positioning for the visual arts entities and how can visual arts entities contribute to Boynton Beach's economic development and branding goals. Rick Beau Lieu, Artist, explained he has been at that location since 1986. When he first arrived, it was a bad area and his truck was vandalized. The street was narrow, trees overgrown, and when it rained it flooded, although the warehouses, used as studios, did not. The area has come a long way. He explained business is very good for him and he thought Rolando Barrero was making things happen. They have new artists and new activity and there was plenty of business and room for art all over the City. One area should feed off another. He thought the more artists and people, the more business for all. He commented, in the past, if someone was looking for a sculpture they would send them to him. If someone was looking for something he did not do, he referred them to others and this should continue across the City. He noted it is only a mile and a half between the downtown and the Arts District. He acknowledged the downtown is a nice area with the Museum, Avenue of the Arts, Civic Center and Library. As to tourism, visitors can go to both areas via trolley. Mr. Beau -Lieu recalled in 1986, he had great difficulty obtaining a business tax receipt from the City. However, over the years, the City and artists joined hands. He commented one "can't grow a big City without art." 4 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, FL July 30, 2013 Tony Hernandez, Artist, recently joined the Arts District on Industrial Avenue. He is happy there. It reminded him of Wynwood in Miami. The property there was deplorable, but it was changing and it will keep growing. Businesses were starting to come in, and he liked being a part of that movement. He agreed there is enough space for all and they should create a plan together to attract people to the entire City. He commented some people like to go to galleries or the Library and some like to go to a studio. Mr. Hernandez runs a grocery store and has to figure out a plan every day to get the customers to go to each aisle. If they approach the matter that way, there is enough for all. Rolando Barrero, East Side Gallery and studio owner, was formerly in Delray in an area that was wanted for beautification and redevelopment. There were antique store fronts with real estate signs and artists tried to create an arts district in the empty store fronts within a cultural corridor. They even created a mural. A few artists were there six months to a year, and then rents went up and the artists left. Every artist group or colony that developed started in under - fashionable and /or under - gentrified neighborhoods. Unlike the industrial park area, most of the artists have continued to gentrify resulting in Lincoln Road and Pilsen, Chicago. Commerce moves in, artists get kicked out and are replaced with manufactured art. Soon the same thing will occur at Wynwood, as artists are moving out and going to McCormick Place, Little Havana, and other areas because it was too expensive to remain. Mr. Barrero commented the City has a gem and it was not a mistake he wanted to move to an industrial park. There are no bars, stores or walking traffic there, and it is easily accessible. He commented if you build it, they will come. Miami did not know about Boynton Beach and now they do. The Arts District has been featured in magazines in Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Lake Worth and West Palm. Beach. Neighbors of the industrial park are just discovering there is an arts district in their backyard. His career is in fine art and he will stay at his present location because he did not want the area to turn into a shopping area. The area has logistical problems, but it is fun and educational, and recently nutritional. They have been getting a lot of the surrounding communities to donate beautiful trees, plants and organic vegetables for a garden. From an EPA hotbed of disaster, they are growing nutritious foods on raised beds. He commented he is not leaving. Barry Bernstein, coworker with Artist Dana Donaty, has been in Boynton Beach about eight years and is witnessing what is occurring. It is exciting that art is an economic driver and he has discussed moving their home studio into studio space. They have been in discussions with different shop owners and the City. Now they just have to pick a spot. He loves the East Ocean Avenue corridor and the TOD area. It was a great location for a mural or significant piece of art to be seen as trains go by. He pointed out when driving through Richmond, Virginia, one sees a big clock and it is the only thing that people remember. The same principal could occur in Boynton Beach. Having a location for art shows, concerts, gallery nights, Meet the Artist presentations and demonstrations, is what excites him and Ms. Donaty. 5 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, FL July 30, 2013 Carisse LeJeune, Assistant City Manager, spoke to Mr. Beau - Lieu's early experience with the City and his art and explained changes have been made. The City Commission, at a recent Strategic Planning Workshop, said they want a fun City. This was significant because what is decided is immortalized in a five -year plan. She requested the attendees work with the City. The City Commission wants art throughout the City to bring people to all sections of it. The City will experience growing pains, as government has limitations, but knows how to bend. She requested artists give the City the opportunity to work with them to identify what districts throughout the City would look like. In the end, all will win. Ms. Brooks explained the CRA has grants to assist new businesses with build -out, signage and rent subsidy for the first year. The Agency is a proponent of art and includes it in every project they undertake. They will be subsidizing murals at Stage Left and just purchased a piece from the Kinetic Art Symposium to be situated at the Marina. It makes a difference in how people view the City and it is important for the public to view the City differently. She acknowledged Mr. Barrero's contributions and commented the area to the east is not that great either, but art was a big part of improving it. They have seen a 14% increase in assessed value from this year to last year and art helped. If people see the City and CRA investing in art, they will invest too. Sonny "SD with the Doyles, (Dianett Sonny) ", a new artist in the Boynton Beach Art District, has been at this location since 1994. He noted Boynton Beach is the only City without a vibrant downtown. Delray Beach has a downtown and so does Lake Worth and Boynton Beach is between the two. He thought it was a shame. People should come to the City and appreciate it. The downtown is off 1 -95 which can draw a different crowd of people and introduce them the Arts District on Industrial Avenue. He thought there were challenges, but it would work out. Ralph Papa, Artist, was excited about the meeting and believed art is what makes the town. Art will cement and create a link to different areas. He met Mr. Beau -Lieu at the Arts District. The artists there are talented, but they are there because other rents are high. If artists are wanted, he suggested they make provisions so they can locate to an area. He is involved in many activities in Palm Beach County and is trying to lead Plein Air painting to document the culture and history of towns. Boynton Beach was his first choice and he believed if the City could connect the dots with talented artists and make it affordable for them, visitors will come. The CRA can provide transportation to different links and publicize it. There should be ways to accommodate artists as they become successful. He thought housing with work space may be beneficial because people like to see art being produced. Any enticements would be helpful to make it affordable. He suggested starting this right away to get artists on the street. Denny Reed, Artist, located in the Boynton Beach Arts District, has been there a few years. She invested in her studio and intends to stay there a long time. She loves it, but acknowledged some downsides, such as the truck traffic and dust. She agreed with keeping rents low, because when starting out, artists should focus on creating. She 6 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, FL July 30, 2013 was also excited about what was occurring downtown as she thought art was what was missing in Boynton Beach. She suggested finding a large space downtown that represented the Boynton Beach Arts District that would contain a sprinkling of art from the various studios. A display could explain where the studio is, when the Art Walks would be held or the studio's hours and how to make an appointment. The Downtown is a walkabout that can be sophisticated with cafes and galleries. Boynton Beach is a destination, and it has great value. She, personally, would want to be seen downtown, but her only option would be to move. She sells 80% of her work internationally and 20% locally. She would love to sell more locally and less time marketing internationally. She recognized the beauty of the downtown and would like to contribute to it. Eleanor Krusell, City Communications Manager, has a background in art education. She is the marketing manager for Boynton Beach and was excited to help the CRA and the City, and artists market their art. They were taking proactive steps and joined Visit Florida, the Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council and Business Development Board and there would be websites for various events. The City developed a branding statement, part of which was to support art and culture. It is used a lot in their marketing efforts and would continue to be used. Anderson Slocombe, Arts Commission member, explained the meeting was what was needed to take the effort to the next level and thought it should continue on a quarterly basis. It was important all entities talk to one another. Once that occurred, the result will be right for Boynton Beach. Ms. Smith- Coffee, while in Lake Worth, was in charge of the Lake Worth Arts and understood the vision of Boynton Beach. She pointed out the City of Lake Worth was concentrating on development of their TOD area. She agreed for the need to have a downtown and understood the CRA's emphasis would be on the Ocean Avenue corridor. Collaborating with the Arts District to contribute art near the tracks or wherever would be helpful. She recognized the need for art in both the Arts District and downtown corridor. Heather Gaker, Artist, who is fairly new to Boynton Beach, lived in various places throughout the world and saw much art. She commented one big misfortune is lack of art in the schools and lack of talent in the high schools and colleges. Additionally, art students do not know how to market their art. She agreed with Artist Ralph Papa to let the public see art being created. She would love to teach her craft. She noted many artists do not want to share, but in Boynton Beach there is enough for everyone. People know what art they like when they see it and then they buy it. She has never been happier than here. She likes the artists, their work, and how they share and work together. She liked that the location is close to the ocean, restaurants and that Ocean Avenue is not overly developed. People love to watch art being made, even chalk art. She explained artists were hit hard with the downturn in the economy. Now she is back to doing what she loves. She is very happy in Boynton Beach and with the size of the City. 7 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, FL July 30, 2013 Mr. Anton distributed brochures of his establishment. He thought Boynton Beach had a draw as it is near the Everglades, the ocean and right off 1 -95. He thought visitors could get off the train and visit those attractions with art and culture in the middle. He thought a lot of artists do not know how to market and they should share and help one another. There are many individuals in the City that do. There is a great deal of talent and knowledge. Christine Moeller, Arts Commission member, explained, she was exposed to art as a child as were her children. She thought Mr. Beau -Lieu was the forerunner in Boynton Beach through the development of the Art Ordinance and Industrial Avenue. Then Mr. Barrero arrived and brought the effort to a new level. She commented she is disabled. She attended an Art Walk and had a great night. It is a terrific event and all should work together. She noted the Walk was recently recognized in all of South Florida as having the best Arts District and one cannot argue with success. • How can these entities coexist and collaborate to contribute to the growth of the Arts and Culture in the City. Chair Bottorff explained a major challenge to institute something new is to get the word out. After discussions the following suggestions were received: ➢ Use Twitter and electronic mediums ➢ The Downtown should have a theme. If art is the theme, than let it be the theme ➢ Guide individuals into considering the Downtown ➢ Use visual artists, the culinary arts and performing arts to create an experience which will cause people to return ➢ Put meeting dates together or have monthly or quarterly meetings. Ms. Byrne explained the City is not anti -art, but individuals should understand the City Code allows certain uses in an industrial area, and if they allow uses outside of the Code, it opens a Pandora's box. She cautioned the City has to be careful about liability issues. From an economic development perspective that uses taxpayer dollars, the City has to be very prudent what the funds are spent on and what they attract. They do not want to discourage working studios in low -rent industrial areas or having events. She did think the City had a better venue in the downtown corridor by incentivizing the artists and bringing the artists and public together in a venue that benefits all. Other thoughts were the Little House is a tiny restaurant, but it is a restaurant, and it had an incubator site to make its food. The Arts District is an incubator and they have worked as an incubator with the Schoolhouse Museum, bringing artists together for one of their programs and the Kinetic Art Exhibit. It was important they all be transparent with their goals and move the effort forward. It was thought the Chamber of Commerce should also be at the table and artists should be allowed into the Chamber free of charge as artists cannot afford Chamber dues. Sponsors covered all the expenses for the chalking project in Lake Worth and that is a Chamber event. The Chamber should 8 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, FL July 30, 2013 do something for the City and not just for themselves. It was suggested they be invited to the meeting. Additionally, it was acknowledged the only thing Boynton Beach has is the identity of the Downtown and its features need to be pieced together. It needs a synergy and a theme, similar to what is occurring at the Marina. Lights and banners can parade the arts together to create a trail. The Old High School can also be an asset and be used for art, similar to the Torpedo Factory. It would result in one acknowledging the City as an arts city. Chair Bottorff thanked all for attending the meeting and explained there will be more discussion in the future. This meeting provided good groundwork to start working together. V. Announcements /Reports A. July 25 — Arts District Art Walk Ms. Coles -Dobay attended the Art Walk and reported it was a great event with excellent musicians. There were both emerging and very seasoned artists and it was noted the Walk had a comfortable, hometown feel. It was not overdone and had great potential. B. July 31 — 8 -9 a.m. Old Dixie Eco Walk Celebration Artist Lucy Keshavavez and Rick Lococo, Developer of Seabourn Cove, were present and invited all to attend the celebration from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. VI. Project updates /Approvals A. Old Dixie Eco Walk final approval Ms. Coles -Dobay reviewed a map of the project and identified the pathway. Photographs of the grounds were reviewed. Sixty -one native plants with various tree canopies, grasses and shrubs and lots of flowers were used. Lighting was provided for public safety and in sculptural resting areas. Five panels tell a story about the past, present and future of Old Dixie and the present and future of it as to the importance of reforestation of urban areas. The presentation included details how native plants provide food and shelter for butterflies and their position in the food chain. The walkway included butterfly watering holes (basins) which Ms. Keshavarez explained were significant to their habitat. The walking path included stamped butterfly forms. Ms. Keshavarez explained there is much research that goes into eco art projects. She contacted scientists and she created outlines. She learned how to identify butterflies through their shapes which ranged from very small to very large. The small one was a Blue Cassius butterfly, which is less than an inch and people think it is a moth. Through learning and talking, it helped Ms. Keshavarez know what to have on the path to help people learn. There are 9 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, FL July 30, 2013 eight butterfly shapes and the ones featured will most likely be the ones that live in that habitat. The flowering plant details and rocks were reviewed. The rocks have a natural finish. There were 55 plant identifications included along the path. Each panel discussed the importance of Old Dixie Highway. The walk is located across from the Seacrest Scrub as butterflies need to migrate. This walk connects to other areas and to blueways and greenways. It was thought the eco walk was probably a one of a kind project. Channel 12 aired a piece on the project and Ms. Keshavarez left informational pamphlets on the walk for the members. Motion Mr. Sirota moved to approve. Mr. Slocombe seconded the motion that unanimously passed. VII. International Kinetic Art Symposium and Exhibit Planning A. None. VIII. Exhibits A. Civic Center artwork Ms. Coles -Dobay explained the meeting materials contained images of paintings by an artist interested in exhibiting her work in clusters at the Civic Center. Some art is already displayed at the Civic Center, but more was needed. Her pieces were 8" by 10" and would be displayed for about six months. Ms. Coles -Dobay spoke to several artists about the opportunity to exhibit there, but she was the only artist to put together a proposal. It was thought the pieces would be a good fit for the clientele. Motion Mr. Sirota moved to approve the artwork for the Civic Center. Mr. Slocombe seconded the motion that unanimously passed. The Brad Jernigan collection will be discussed at the next meeting. I. New Business A. Discussion of Art Spaces and Districts This item was previously heard. X. Unfinished Business A. None. I. Future Business 1 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, FL July 30, 2013 A. None Motion There being no further business to discuss, Ms. Moeller moved to terminate the meeting. Mr. Sirota seconded the motion that unanimously passed. The meeting was adjourned at 8:13 p.m. Catherine Cherry Minutes Specialist 130807 11