Minutes 04-28-15MINUTES OF THE ARTS COMMISSION MEETING
HELD AT FIRE STATION NO 2,2615 W. WOOLBRIGHT ROAD
BOYNTON BEACH ON TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2015, AT 6:30 P.M.
PRESENT:
Debby Bottorff, Chair
Cynthia Edwards
Robyn Lorenz
Rachel Mondesir
Paul Sirota
Anderson Slocombe (arrived 6:39 p.m.)
Lisa Hyman, Alternate
ABSENT:
Aylin Tito
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Bottorff called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS
Debby Coles-Dobay, Public Art Manger
Self -introductions were made. The members welcomed new member Lisa Hyman. She is
interested in art and has had design jobs.
Motion
Mr. Sirota moved to approve the agenda
unanimously passed.
III. APPROVE MEETING MINUTES
A. December 23, 2014, minutes
The minutes were not available.
B. March 24, 2015, minutes
The following two changes were noted.
Ms. Mondesir seconded the motion that
Page 2, Item C: " ... a representative of the GBN CDM Construction Company, and a staff
person from the Utilities Department."
Meeting Minutes
Arts Commission
Boynton Beach, Florida April 28, 2015
Page 5, second paragraph: "Groups can vote under certain circumstances not to use
Robert's Rules for certain portions of the meetings and she thought it was fine to relax
Robert's Rules, but they do not do so."
(Mr. Slocombe arrived at 6:39 p.m.)
Motion
Mr. Sirota moved to approve the March meeting minutes as amended. Ms. Mondesir
seconded the motion that unanimously passed.
IV. ANNOUNCEMENTS/REPORTS
A. April 20, Sister Cities Artists Judging
Ms. Lorenz attended the judging and advised there were not as many schools that
participated this year than had in the past. There were four local schools and 15 pieces.
There was separate judging for the Haitian art, and a team to judge the art from China. The
judging lasted about an hour. Each year, the Young Artists' and Young Authors' work is
exhibited and this year, the award ceremony will be at the Woman's Club.
A. April 23, 6-7pm Plein Air Kinetic Exhibit closing reception/ Arts Commission award
presentation
Ms. Coles-Dobay was present for this event and announced about 30 people attended.
There was a really bad rain storm prior to the presentation, which may have delayed some or
caused some people not attend. The artists were very appreciative of the event. The Plein
Air Srtists painted scenes from the Kinetic Art Symposium, and other events in Boynton
Beach. They would like to continue working with the Arts Commission in the future.
B. I Sister Cities Young Artist/Authors Friday, May 8th at 6:30pm
This item was previously addressed. It was noted the Arts Commission members should
attend if possible.
C. Meeting date
• May meeting date second Thursday on the 14th
•June meeting date third Thursday on the 18th
• , July meeting date second Thursday on the 9th
The Board; -had previously changed meeting dates to the second Thursday of the month. At
the last meeting, Ms. Coles-Dobay announced she would be out of town on a conference for
the June meeting. She hoped to move it to the third Thursday in June and then return the
meetings to the second Thursday of the month in July..
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Arts Commission
Boynton Beach, Florida April 28, 2015
Motion
Mr. Sirota moved to move that one meeting in June to the third Thursday in June instead of
the second Thursday in June. Ms. Edwards seconded the motion that unanimously passed.
V. PROJECT UPDATES/APPROVALS
A. East Water Treatment Plant (EWTP) selection panel recommendation for two
qualified artists
Ms. Coles-Dobay updated the members regarding this project. There were 24 submissions
from a span of artists and some prestigious national artists. Out of the 24 submissions, 17
artists submitted their proposals properly. The selection panel, on which Mr. Slocombe
served, sought artists with projects that would speak to the EWT project budget. The two
finalists were artist teams. Ms. Coles-Dobay reviewed the Public Art Project purpose and
explained they wanted educational components reflecting waste, reclaimed water and the
process from the well to the consumers tap included in the proposal. The budget was
$260,000. Each artist qualified would receive $2,500 to create a maquette or other type of
model to be presented to the selection panel. Ms. Coles-Dobay reviewed the selection panel
members and the schedule to be followed.
Examples of work from the RDG artist team composed of Artists David Dahlquist and Matt
Niebuhr were viewed. Prior projects from the artist team of Harrier and Heger, comprised of
artists Mag Harrier and Logs Heger were also viewed. A motion to approve the two teams of
finalists was needed.
Motion
Mr. Sirota moved to approve the two (artist teams) as qualified public artists. Ms. Lorenz
seconded the motion that unanimously passed.
B. Aspen Glen update
Ms. Coles-Dobay explained Aspen Glen was a .residential development and she briefly
reviewed the project was a mosaic of Aspen trees located on a cul de sac in a non -gated
community on Lawrence Road. The budget was $45,000. This public art project had been
previously "reviewed and the members had expressed concern about the size of the mosaic.
The work was in process and the update was for information only. It was noted artwork was
often installed after homes are constructed in order to avoid any damage.
VII. AIPP STRATEGIC PLAN/MASTER PLAN
A. I Strategic Plan outline
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Arts Commission
Boynton Beach, Florida April 28, 2015
At the last meeting, the members reviewed the Strategic Plan presentation and list. Ms.
Coles-Dobay explained they were updating and improving the Plan. She added bullet points
to the document as discussed at the last meeting regarding the Board's Duties, Pros and
Cons. The last bullet point of item 3, Board Cons, "Not all members have the skill set to be
effective" was discussed and deleted. Ms. Coles-Dobay commented they wanted a well-
rounded Board and diverse skills sets are helpful. Mr. Sirota thought it would be helpful to
rephrase all the Board Cons in a positive manner while acknowledging the issues. It was
also suggested they change the Board Cons to Board Goals. They would continue to
increase the diverse skill sets while recruiting future board members.
The second bullet point of Board Cons: "Do not influence much" was discussed and there
was agreement it was important for the Arts Commission to increase their influence with the
City Commission and constituents.
The "Little acknowledgement at key City level" bullet point was reviewed. The Arts
Commission had previously discussed soliciting acknowledgements. Ms. Coles-Dobay
advised the Arts Commission comments were taken to heart at the City Commissien senior
staff level and were being addressed.
The comment "Some members do not come to the meetings prepared", was discussed and
there was consensus to remove this bullet point.
The members discussed the last two bullet points and there was consensus to remove them.
Item 4, Increase efficiency and be more effective was reviewed. Ms. Lorenz suggested
adding Key City Boards to the second bullet point "Have regular meetings with key City
Boards" and there were no objections.
The bullet point "Discuss how public art projects encourage art in the City" seemed odd.
Discussion followed it created awareness and agreement was reached it should read,
"Discuss how public art can enhance awareness of the arts within the City."
The next bullet point, "Arts Commission keep on track with artists" was reviewed. Ms.
Mondesir explained if the members make themselves more visible in the community, the Arts
Commission can increase their awareness of local artists. As visibility increases, local artists
may participate more. This could be accomplished by Facebook, or twitter. After brief
dialogue the essence was to expand or increase the Arts Commission's awareness in the art
community.
The members discussed reviewing the Strategic Plan to stay on track every six months and
the members agreed it would be conducted annually.
The members had reviewed the mission and vision at the last meeting and the comments
were incorporated in the handout.
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Arts Commission
Boynton Beach, Florida April 28, 2015
B. Top 10 Program successes detail
At the last meeting, the members discussed the top 10 successes and Ms. Coles-Dobay
streamlined the language. She also thought it would be good to add measurements to the
International Kinetic Art Symposium and to incorporate them into the City's Strategic Plan.
This would" help activate the Plan city-wide. For funding reasons, it would also be part of the
yearly plan ' mission and goals. A suggestion was made to spell out the acronym STEAM
which means, Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math.
Ms. Coles=Dobay noted the 3rd bullet point pertaining to the Avenue of the Arts explained the
art attracts West Boynton groups to eastern Boynton Beach. Those residents had no idea of
the amenities in the eastern portion of the City. It bridged the western communities to east
Boynton. It increases returning visitors and Ms. Hyman observed Canadian tourists would
comment about the art in the community. The members discussed it increased the
awareness of the arts in the western part of the City. Ms. Coles-Dobay thought it increased
cultural tourism and she agreed to develop language.
The Old Dixie Eco Walk was listed as a success and Ms. Coles-Dobay would clarify it was
continuing' community engagement, including North American Butterfly Association counts,
professional landscape planners, Native Plant Associations/Organizations reference and
county -wide citizens to plant butterfly gardens.
Item four of the plan pertained to City Rebranding and Ms. Coles-Dobay commented the Arts
Commission was instrumental in initiating the City's Rebranding Campaign.
Ms. Coles-Dobay had made some suggestions regarding the Boynton Beach Arts District,
which they actively support and promote. Ms. Coles-Dobay commented the Arts
Commission had also addressed some of the City's Strategic Plan initiatives. She
commented the Art Walks provide fun opportunities, collaboration with development staff on
how the Arts District could benefit the industrial district. It benefits and attracts desirable
businesses. to the district in a positive climate for economic development. South Florida New
Times Magazine rated Boynton Beach the Top AFtwe k Artwalk in Palm Beach County. It
creates a positive branding identity for the City. It is a shooting and filming destination listed
by the Palm Beach County Film Commission and it was a destination for emerging artists
and unique mural creations which create distinct art experiences.
Ms. Coles-Dobay suggested if the members have suggestions they should email her and the
members will provide input, which will be reviewed at the next meeting.
C. Districts
Ms. Coles-Dobay reviewed districts in the City that were being targeted for development and
noted most. of them are within the CRA area. She believed the districts parallel the vision and
plan the Arts Commission prepared in 2010. The only difference was the cultural section, the
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Boynton Beach, Florida April 28, 2015
downtown-. Boynton Beach Boulevard and industrial district. She pointed out the Arts
Commission addresses other districts outside the CRA area in their Strategic Plan.
Ms. Coles=Dobay provided documents' and links for the Cultural District Plan, the Industrial
District, Heart of Boynton and Downtown and Federal Highway Plans, which will be
discussed in the future. She requested the members familiarize themselves with the Plans.
D. April 26, Fat Village Tour and Art Walk recap
Ms. Coles=Dobay had provided information in the backup. Two members attended the Tour
and Art walk. Ms. Mondesir thought it was good to see the industrial part of Ft. Lauderdale.
There was a lot of activity and the event was well attended. She noted they hold this once a
month. The area features retail shops, different art galleries, it is walkable and attractive to
diverse groups. There are all kinds of different art aspects and she really enjoyed the event.
Ms. Lorenz also attended and liked the trolley connecting the different areas. They used art
and artists to fill in and improve areas that became blighted. She thought it was very effective
and saw several areas that were improved. One couple opened a restaurant due to the
street's redevelopment. She thought it was very similar to Boynton Beach, and she hoped
Boynton Beach would have a free trolley to connect the different areas; however, Boynton
does not have enough areas to fully utilize a trolley service.
VI. EXHIBITS
A. Avenue of the Arts invite
Information and a schedule for the Avenue of the Arts was included in the meeting materials.
Ms. Edwards inquired how the Call to Artists was issued. Ms. Coles-Dobay explained it
depended on whether the call was national, regional or local. Most of the time,,the Arts
Commission will issue a national call. The main vehicle was America for the Arts, and
sometimes they issue a link through the Cafe. Palm Beach County has distribution lists they
publish. The City of Boynton Beach also has a list for the Kinetic Art Symposium and uses e
newsletters. They can also issue through the Florida Association of Public Art Professionals
and Facebook.
B. Kim Weiss, Photograph exhibit in Civic Center
Ms. Weiss's biography was included in the meeting materials. She proposed to hold an
exhibit at the Civic Center using photographs and excerpts from her book. The photographs
were all taken in Boynton Beach. Chair Bottorff explained the proceeds of the book sales will
go to Boynton Beach and there will be book sales at the exhibit. There would be a reception
and the exhibits are typically for six months. The first week in June was targeted.
Motion
Meeting Minutes
Arts Commission
Boynton Beach, Florida April 28, 2015
Ms. Lorenz moved to approve exhibiting Kim Weiss' work at the Civic Center in Boynton
Beach. Mr. Sirota seconded the motion that unanimously passed.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Donation of additional Plein Air Kinetic Artwork
Chair Bottorff commented six additional Plein Air artists donated artwork.
Motion `
Ms. Lorenz moved to approve accepting the artwork. Mr. Sirota seconded the motion. It was
agreed the artists would receive a thank you. A discussion of selling the artwork or using it
as a prize at the next symposium would be held at the next meeting.
Mr. Sirota explained third grade students from his school have an exhibit room in the Boca
Museum of Art displaying their work. Passes were available and on Tuesdays, admission
was free. The exhibit would be through June.
VIII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
IX. FUTURE BUSINESS
None.
X. Adjournment
Motion
Ms. Edwards- moved to adjourn. Ms. Mondesir seconded the motion that unanimously
passed. The meeting was adjourned at 8:12 p.m.
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Catherine Cherry
Minutes Specialist
042915
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