Minutes 03-09-17MINUTES OF THE ARTS COMISSION MEETING
HELD ON THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017, AT 6:30 p.m.
FIRE STATION NO. 2, TRAINING ROOM
2615 WEST WOOLBRIGHT ROAD, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
Present:
Kim Weiss, Chair
Cindy Falco-Dicorrado
Robyn. Lorenz
Golene Louis
Lauren Huff
Susan Oyer
Anderson Slocombe
Absent:
Clovis Moody, Alternate
Call to Order
Debby Coles-Dobay, Public Art Manager
Chair Weiss called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
II. Roll Call of Members
Self -introductions were made.
III. Agenda Approval
Ms. Coles-Dobay added judging Sister Cities Young Artists to item 4. Announcements
and feedback from Elayna Toby Singer to item 9.C, Kinetic Art Exhibit and Symposium
Planning, Feedback Evaluation.
Motion
Ms. Oyer moved to approve the amended agenda. Ms. Lorenz seconded the motion
that unanimously passed.
IV. Approval of Meeting Minutes: None
V. Announcement Reports
Ms. Coles-Dobay explained every year Sister Cities holds a Young Artists/Authors
Showcase. They usually ask the Arts Commission to judge the exhibit which will be
displayed in the Boynton Beach Mall this year. Ms. Oyer, Ms. Weiss and Ms. Lorenz
volunteered to serve as judges at the Awards Ceremony on Sunday, March 26th from
noon to about 2 p.m. at the Woman's Club.
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VI. Project Updates/Approvals
A. Ocean 500 Albert Paley update
Ms. Coles-Dobay explained the Board had previously approved the artist and artwork
for the Ocean 500 project which will be located on the southeast corner of Federal
Highway and E. Ocean Avenue. The corner has a plaza with several different levels
where the piece will be displayed and the piece will have a polychrome painted finish
similar to a car. The total amount spent on the art was $300,000. Ms. Coles-Dobay
explained the developer was excited about selecting his own artist. A drawing of the art
and the project was viewed. Albert Paley is a well-known artist and it will be a piece
that will put Boynton Beach on the map. Installation was planned for mid-September.
The project has two phases. The residential rentals in the back would be available for
rent in May. The front of the project is retail and will include a signature restaurant. A
parking garage will face 4th Street and there is a breezeway between the retail and the
parking for commercial. The developer was starting to plan the grand opening and it
was hoped it would be coordinated with Albert Paley.
VII. International Kinetic Art Exhibit and Symposium Planning
A. Kinetic Art Event Movie
The members viewed a video shown to the City Commission about the event.
B. Kinetic Art Event reports
Ms. Coles-Dobay explained the vision for the event was discussed at the last recap
meeting. She provided last year's document containing the vision and components of
the event which was updated. The comments and goals will help keep the Arts
Commission on track for the next event and is a good reference document identifying
their priorities.
Ms. Coles-Dobay distributed information and explained the numbers were estimates
which will help with future planning as well as what the City does for the City's Strategic
Initiatives. Most of the events held in the City are not evaluated, but she felt it was
important to know if the City wants to support an event with City funds and to
aggressively seek sponsors. There is a lot of staff time involved and it is important to
know if the event markets the City the way they want it to and if it brings in the audience
they want. The event is not a typical City event. It is an international event, hosted in
the City. The goal is to attract people and artists from all over the world.
The event needs to grow in the next two years and accommodate growth and the recap
helps to gain a new perspective how and where to market the event and how to get
support. Ms. Coles-Dobay noted the City and CRA provides seed money which can
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sometimes make it more difficult to obtain corporate sponsorships. The event is at the
point to expand the international aspect more. A detailed report regarding marketing
was provided. Staff reviewed the basic circulation of the event and commented a real
evaluation has to be conducted and an estimated number of how many people saw the
marketing, advertising and promotion of the event that was provided based on banners,
digital banners, CodaWorx, Sculpture Magazine and save the date cards. Ms. Coles-
Dobay commented they have conducted regional, national and international marketing,
advertising and promotion. At the last meeting, comments were made to attract more
collectors, curators and serious art buyers. These individuals would not only increase
attendance, they would also bring in corporate sponsors and more national and
international artists. She explained they need to increase the marketing budget.
Ms. Coles-Dobay reviewed highlights of the event which included two delegates from
China. They are discussing art in China and holding exchanges with students, artwork,
and potentially developing a sculpture park with them. Outdoor and some indoor
artwork can be judged with the idea of being purchased to go to China as a permanent
site. There were five countries, 15 states and individuals from throughout Florida and
South Florida at the event. Attendance was estimated at 3,000 attendees and Ms.
Coles-Dobay explained they should do an economic development marketing survey on
every event. The primary individuals who attended this event, compared to the Pirate
Fest with lots of families participating, were the Symposium was higher end. There were
curators at the event and she was contacted by several of them after the event. Nine
artworks were sold, which were not the high end pieces. The average high end sale
price was $3,700 and a goal was to sell 10 to 15.
Families and regional visitors attending is an extra bonus. Ms. Lorenz commented the
area by Town Square looks decrepit until it is developed. Ms. Oyer thought a
permanent interior space was needed for the indoor exhibition and discussion followed
the status is the Town Square Plan comprises four acres from Boynton Beach
Boulevard south of the Library to Seacrest on the west boundary and to 1 st Street which
is the east boundary. The City qualified three developers for a public/private partnership
with the City and submitted plans to a committee. The redevelopment plan includes
City Hall which would be turned into a mixed use. The Civic Center has many
recreational and cultural activities, the Art Center behind it and the Madsen Center
which has a theater could be housed by the old High School. The Schoolhouse
Children's Museum will remain as would the Library. The rest of the structures were up
for redesign.
Ms. Coles-Dobay commented 38 artists participated which was an increase from last
year. There were 75 kinetic artworks and total artwork sales were $14,930. There were
interpreted tours for the hearing and visually impaired, and for MIT Palm Beach Group,
Ocean Ridge Garden Club, Boynton Beach Community High School, South Tech
Academy and Oxbridge Academy. There were 60 volunteers involved and nine
presentations made.
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Several businesses benefitted such as the Amanda James Gallery which had her best
day ever. City staff provided in-kind services and the budget versus actual costs
revealed the event was slightly under budget. The revenue sources were also
reviewed.
Chair Weiss inquired when the Arts Commission would discuss the budget and learned
the Arts Commission would soon. The marketing elements were included in the handout
and there were significant in-kind values which were around $14,000. It was noted,
participating in ArtPalmBeach significantly helped to attract curators and buyers. Chair
Weiss agreed the event was an art event that takes place in the City. As it pertained to
marketing, she thought there needed to be an independent, experienced group handling
public relations and marketing to assist Ms. Coles-Dobay that could address issues the
Arts Commission may not be aware of as it is an international event. Chair Weiss felt,
as a marketing/publicist, the Arts Commission needs someone from the outside to
assist and an independent entity to grow the event should be the next step.
Ms. Coles-Dobay agreed and noted the City considers the Symposium as a signature
event and has a communications department that handles different activities throughout
the City. A dedicated marketing service that could pick up a few events a year would be
beneficial.
Ms. Weiss thought corporate sponsorship funds could be appropriated to marketing.
Ms. Oyer proposed City workers could assist someone working on the national or
international level and still focus on the City level. Someone to handle operations,
whether it is dedicated staff or a service for all events during the year is needed. Ms.
Coles-Dobay commented the City recognizes this, but it is a budget matter. Ms. Coles-
Dobay explained it is part of City/CRA initiatives and the needs of each event have to be
evaluated, which was why Ms. Coles-Dobay compiled the document. Ms. Oyer noted
the CRA Advisory Board loves the event.
Ms. Coles-Dobay shared the comments at the workshop and categorized them. The
purpose of the meeting was all to provide feedback. There are goals the Arts
Commission set and they want included in the event and there is always room for
improvement. Ms. Coles-Dobay suggested the members look at each category and
identify the top three proprieties. They would then consider what it means to the budget
and the man hours involved. The following comments were received:
• There are too many outsiders invited to the VIP reception. Reserve it for officials
and not so much volunteers.
Have a special event for sponsors before the Symposium, such as a dinner that
is publicized to make them feel special. Another suggestion was made to include
the artists.
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• There was agreement attracting private/corporate donations, and a dedicated
person for fundraising and corporate marketing to collectors were priorities. As
they develop sponsor programs they could make improvements. Ms. Coles-
Dobay noted there is a sponsor page on the website.
• Upscale marketing was needed. There are tents that are much nicer and more
appealing. Ms. Coles-Dobay noted the tent was mentioned as was the Library
Program room as they are segregated and not cohesive.
Ms. Coles-Dobay asked for the most pressing thought which was hiring a specialized
marketing company to grow the event nationally and internationally. Ms. Oyer liked the
event logo and heard suggestions the K needs to be bigger or the rest smaller.
Marketing materials should also be addressed which could be given to the marketing
person to implement.
Ms. Louis asked how the event is marketed. Ms. Coles-Dobay showed how the event
was marketed on the spreadsheet. Ms. Louis thought the mail outs were effective and it
was important to cover the local and regional market and have a two-tiered approach. It
was noted the Coalition of West Boynton Residents Association were not aware of the
event. There was agreement hiring a dedicated someone to market the event was the
highest priority.
Ms. Oyer suggested someone should make the kinetic logo into an art piece.
Artists/artwork was reviewed. Ms. Oyer heard about 12 complaints the artists had
walked away from their piece and was not available to answer questions or sell Ms.
Lorenz did not want to have repeat artists. Mr. Slocombe commented it is hard to
source a whole new set of artists. Ms. Coles-Dobay agreed, but pointed out if they grow
the event and expand to reach more artists, it will affect the budget. The Arts
Commission pays an artist stipend of $1,000 and some artists are paid $2,000
depending on the level of artist and the Arts Commission covers the expense to ship the
artwork to and from the event. The Revelation piece cost $3,500 to ship one way from
California to Boynton Beach and then back, bringing the total to $9,000 for the artist to
be present with his work. Artwork from overseas costs more. They can invite
international artists, but the City must be prepared to increase the budget to incentivize
artists to participate. She commented there is negotiation involved. Some artists would
be happy to show their work for $1,000 and deliver and install it themselves. Ms. Coles-
Dobay noted installation fees are separate. The installation crew uses cranes and
installation could cost $5,000. The Arts Commission wants to enhance the level of art
and artists, but must be mindful of cost. Ms. Weiss agreed about redundancy, but it
may be viewed for the first time for new event goers. Mr. Slocombe felt the same way
with the tent and thought some of the pieces they had last time were some of the pieces
at this event. Ms. Coles-Dobay commented they can discuss what type of kinetic art
they want. There are rollerball pieces and lighted pieces. The Arts Commission can
discuss the diversity of work, what they think was successful and what was not and who
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to reach out to and select for the next event. Ms. Oyer noted the Arts Commission has
to consider where the event will be held next year and agreed more circulation space is
needed.
Ms. Huff commented the tent felt crowded and the Civic Center felt empty. She brought
people with her to show them the Treeman which was there last year. It was not there
this year, but her guests got to see the Bike. A suggestion was made to have some
traditional pieces and some new. Ms. Oyer thought some of the art in the tent should
have been in the Civic Center.
Ms. Coles-Dobay agreed the space is critical and a better tent and space is needed, but
fine artists do not want to exhibit in the Civic Center which is why the Civic Center is for
more of the technological aspects. She thought they should discuss a larger tent on the
street and have a smaller tent for something else. They can close the street for a week.
Ms. Louis suggested, in reference to the repeating pieces, having attendees describe
the piece they like the most in the survey and the ones that got responses could return.
In the instance regarding Treeman, it was ascertained the piece was sold. Ms. Coies-
Dobay explained the Arts Commission can categorize art and focus on what they look
forward to seeing in the selection. Ms. Oyer suggested having a kids art program by the
food tent. Ms. Weiss recommended the members have faith in Ms. Coles-Dobay to vet
the programs. Ms. Louis agreed. Art is subjective. The challenge is to appeal to
collectors and the public.
Ms. Oyer liked the artist dinner. Ms. Coles-Dobay explained the KAO sponsored the
dinner the first year. At every symposium, the artists like to have a time to chat with
themselves and get acquainted with each other because they are busy during the event.
One reason they come to an event is to connect, learn and share ideas. This year, the
artists paid for the meal themselves, but Ralfonso paid for the first round of drinks. The
conversation in the future is there a way for the event or sponsor to pay for the dinner.
Discussion followed about the need to have a dedicated space for the dinner. The
invitation went out and 20 people signed up, but more attended. The Board was invited
and Ms. Oyer thought it was nice to meet the artists.
Ms. Lorenz commented the artists from out-of-state sponsored for the Lake Worth
Street Painting Festival, got about $10,000. The sponsor is listed by the picture. Ms.
Oyer suggested finding out who are the corporate sponsors for the Lake Worth event
and approaching them.
Ms. Weiss left at 8:11 p.m.
The Cultural Council contributes to the Street Painting Festival, but does not organize it.
They have a separate entity organize it which attracts 500,000 people.
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Ms. Louis asked if the Arts Commission should bring the names of different
organizations to contact to the Arts Commission and learned they should. Ms. Coles-
Dobay explained many Board members are uncomfortable with asking for a donation.
She had suggested the Arts Commission members talk about the event as often people
want to get involved in it
Ms. Weiss returned at 8:13 p.m.
Ms. Oyer thought it would be good to have a write up to hand to sponsors. Ms. Coles-
Dobay explained corporate sponsor packages did not work. The idea is to analyze the
goal of the company and create a partnership because they can help each other with
their goals. It is important to identify the audience they are selling to. Currently, this is
done by developers in Boynton Beach. Ms. Coles-Dobay distributed business cards.
Motion
Ms. Oyer moved to table awards and the rest of the comments to the next meeting. Ms.
Huff seconded the motion that unanimously passed.
C. Elayna Toby Singers comments.
Ms. Coles-Dobay explained Artist Elayna Toby Singer sent information. Ms. Toby
Singer created the Kinetic Intentions project and held workshops. She had about 200
people participate in seven workshops. Five hundred mobiles were installed at the
event and 300 attendees participated in the project. Not all the 200 participants from
the workshop attended the event. Ms. Toby Singer thought an additional 300 people at
the event experienced the Kinetic Connection. When the Arts Commission heard Ms.
Toby Singer got her people to vote for her and that was how she won, Ms. Toby Singer
advised attendees were new people. Thirty five volunteers attended.
Ms. Falco-Dicorrado felt Kinetic Intentions was not something that should have been
judged. It was a different kind of art and it was not fair to artists who have created
intricate art. Ms. Coles-Dobay explained 493 people voted for the outdoor piece. Out of
the 492, 125 voted for Ms. Toby Singer's piece. Ninety-one people voted for Four
Winds and 61 voted for Well Blow Me Down artwork. The artwork for the People's
Choice Awards is outdoor kinetic art. It is considered in the same category as the other
artworks. Ms. Falco-Dicorrado felt it should not be considered the same as the others.
Ms. Coles-Dobay thought a decision whether it should or should not be included should
be decided on. A selection committee to judge the artwork selected her piece and
others. Additionally, the Arts Commission was presented with all of these pieces and
approved them for the outdoor exhibition. Ms. Coles-Dobay explained not everyone has
to like the art and advised that is the process they use. The Selection Committee was
comprised of Ralfonse, Rick Beau Lieu, Carolyn Pendelton Parker, and Paul Slater,
who are public artists and Ms. Falco-Dicorrado and Glenda Hall.
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Ms. Oyer inquired if artists who won would not be eligible for the award at the next event
and Ms. Coles-Dobay suggested they discuss it.
Ms. Weiss explained she had voted for Ms. Toby Singers work, but when she actually
saw it won the People's Choice award, it bothered her compared to other more
sophisticated artists. There were people involved with Ms. Toby Singers work. She
thought the People's Choice Award can be for whomever, but there should be another
award based more on art that has a panel of judges then having another strata of
judging. Discussion again ensued that some attendees come to the event to see the
same art and others come and want new art and a suggestion was made this be
discussed when the Arts Commission selects the outdoor art for the next event.
Another suggestion was made to have a local award. Mr. Slocombe suggested setting
criteria for what constitutes kinetic and if each piece meets the criteria and eliminating
the People's Choice Award.
Ms. Coles-Dobay explained the Arts Commission holds the International Kinetic Art
Symposium and there are local and regional artists that are kinetic artists. It is all
considered kinetic art. Ms. Coles-Dobay suggested having the discussion at a future
meeting and she will bring additional facts.
VIII. New Business
A. Donation of Stefan Radu Cretu's Moonfish.
Ms. Lorenz explained she would not want the piece in the City and noted it has a plug.
Ms. Coles-Dobay commented it is connected to a solar panel. Ms. Coles-Dobay
explained the City's top three forms of art were kinetic, glass and eco art. A suggestion
was made to place the donated piece at the dog park. Ms. Coles-Dobay commented it
was thought it would be placed at a temporary location and it is currently in front of the
Schoolhouse Children's Museum. The artwork could be reasonably maintained, but
there was agreement it is not in the proper location.
Ms. Coles-Dobay asked if the Arts Commission should accept the donation and if they
do, where it should it be located.
Motion
Ms. Lorenz moved to not accept the donation. Ms. Oyer seconded the motion. The vote
failed 3-4 (Chair Weiss, Mr. Slocombe, Ms. Huff and Ms. Louis dissenting.)
The members will think of a location for the piece and email Ms. Coles-Dobay their
suggestions. The piece can be in a shadow, but the solar panel needs sun exposure.
Discussion followed the piece was good enough for the Symposium, and it was good
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enough to accept. If it is placed in front of a business, the business owner has to give
the okay as there needs to be a private agreement
Motion
Chair Weiss moved to table the conversation about placement to the next meeting. Ms.
Lorenz seconded motion that unanimously passed.
IX. Unfinished Business
None.
X. Future Business
A. Ocean 500 Albert Paley artwork and GO celebration
XI. Adjournment
There being no further business to discuss, there was consensus to adjourn. The
meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Catherine Cherry
Minutes Specialist
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