Minutes 03-08-18 MINUTES OF THE ARTS COMMISSION MEETING
HELD AT FIRE STATION NO. 2, 2615 WEST WOOLBRIGHT ROAD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA ON THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018, AT 6:30 P.M.
MOMMOMMEM
PRESENT:
Kim Weiss, Chair Debby Coles-Dobay, Public Art Manager
Robyn Lorenz, Vice Chair
Lauren Huff
Marcia Levine
Golene Louis
Clovis Moody
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Weiss 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 added a video of the 500 Ocean Grand Opening to VI.
Announcements and Reports as Item D.
Motion
Vice Chair Lorenz moved to approve the agenda as amended. Ms. Levine seconded the
motion that unanimously passed.
IV. APPROVE MEETING MINUTES
A. January 11, 2018, minutes (document provided)
Motion
Vice Chair Lorenz moved to approve. Ms. Huff seconded the motion that unanimously
passed.
B. February 8, 2018, minutes
The minutes were not available.
Meeting Minutes
Arts Commission
Boynton Beach, lrida March 8, 2018
V. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS FROM THE BOARD
Ms. Levine announced she passed through the Living Room Theater at FAU and there is
a film on April 1 about Claude Monet and a second film about Jean-Michele Basquiat May
18t". She thought the Arts Commission could have an outing and announced she is free
both of those days. It was noted April 1 st was Easter Sunday, but Ms. Levine explained
the Theater is open during the entire week. She thought the Commission could decide
what movie they want to see. Ms. Coles-Dobay liked the May 18th date. Chair Weiss
suggested Ms. Levine email the members the information.
VI. ANNOUNCEMENTS/REPORTS
A. February 10, 5:30 - 7:30 pm Tribute to Frank Varga at Cornell Museum
Chair Weiss advised many of the Arts Commission members were at the Tribute to Frank
Varga. She thought it was a great opportunity to see some of Mr. Vargas best work and
what a master sculpturer he is. The event was put together beautifully and she
complimented Artists Ralph Papa and Rick Beau-lieu, and Ms. Coles-Dobay on a great
job.
Ms. Levine was also amazed at how many people attended and thought it was a moving
event. She feels a new sense of pride each time she drives by the Marlin Sculpture on
South Federal Highway, and she has a real sense of ownership as she becomes familiar
with the City's art. She thought the Marlin was empowering and a great entryway feature
to the City.
B. Saturday, March 24, 10 am — 2 pm Sister Cities, Young Artists & Authors
judging, City Library
Chair Weiss announced the above event and she, Vice Chair Lorenz and Ms. Louis
agreed to serve as judges at the Monday, April 19th event at the Library. Ms. Coles-
Dobay advised she will send a flyer.
C. Saturday, March 24, 4:00 - 6:30 pm Ocean Ridge Garden Club, "Art in the
Gardens" event featuring kinetics and Plein Air (flyer provided)
Ms. Coles-Dobay explained this event started out as an invitation for Ralfonso to speak
with the Garden Club.They wanted kinetic art as Ocean Ridge residents are excited about
the Kinetic Art and Symposium. Proceeds from whatever art sells will be donated to the
Symposium. The event will be held at the Ocean Ridge Town Hall on March 24tH
(Ms. Louis arrived at 6:42 p.m.)
D. 500 Ocean Grand Opening
2
Meeting Minutes
Arts Commission
Boynton Beach, Florida March 8, 2018
A short video about the Grand Opening of 500 Ocean was viewed. The video will be
posted on Youtube, Facebook and social media for the members to pass along.
VII. PROJECT UPDATES/APPROVALS
A."Set Free" Leeward Mural final review
Ms. Coles-Dobay explained the mural at 636 Ocean, painted by Craig Mclness was 75
feet long by 12 feet high and the budget was $4,500. The mural was not mandatory. The
business owner and artist decided what they wanted to create. She advised there was
a lot of press on the mural.
Motion
Vice Chair Lorenz moved to approve the project. Ms. Louis and Ms. Huff seconded the
motion that unanimously passed.
(Ms. Huff left and returned to the meeting at 6:50 p.m.)
B. Sara Sims Park public art concept (visual presentation)
The members viewed the Sara Sims Park Public Art. The Arts Commission had previously
approved a mural and corner streetscape panels for the area. Ms. Coles-Dobay reviewed
the criteria and the connection. A conceptual drawing of the park was viewed and it was
not possible to have something across the entranceway due to the budget. The main
entrance to the park was on MLK Jr. Boulevard, which has parallel parking. Another area
had green space and a fence will completely enclose the Park. The public art feature
was proposed to be located by the gate in a grassed area. The working title of the piece
was Heart Song. The concept is to have a sculptural forum as the community's gathering
place. The sculpture will be in the main walk-in entrance. It will be 9 feet tall and 9 feet
wide by 2 '/ inches. It is powder coated in bold vibrant and translucent colors similar to
the streetscape panels. A visual of the concept was viewed. All of the artist's existing
panels include a heart for the Heart of Boynton. The proposed piece will be laser cut and
match the existing pieces.
Ms. Moodie thought the name should connect to the area that the community could relate
to. Ms. Coles-Dobay suggested the members think of a name and discuss it at a later
time and several suggestions for a proposed name with the word "Heart" were received.
Ms. Coles-Dobay explained the name will be part of the plaque and there will be a brief
description of the piece. The members liked the concept and thought it could be a local
destination that would be sought out. It also provided good photo opportunities.
Vice Chair Lorenz asked when the Library would be demolished and was advised there
was a special meeting at the Library from 4 pm to 6 pm on March 13th. The City
Commission will make a decision on the financials and if approved, there will be a
3
Meeting Minutes
Arts Commission
Boynton Beach, Florida March 8, 2018
development schedule. If approved, development will all happen at once, which is the
plan.
VIII. INTL KINETIC ART EXHIBIT AND SYMPOSIUM PLANNING
A. Kinetic Art Event planning
• Location update (visual presentation)
Ms. Coles-Dobay explained the event will be held on February 1St 2nd and 3rd. The City
cannot use the western portion of the redevelopment campus as it will be under
construction. Ocean One will also be constructed. A visual presentation of the existing
art sites was reviewed. Ms. Coles-Dobay spoke to the developers of Ocean One and
there could be a tent on the corner of Federal Highway and Ocean Avenue. The site is
in a walkable loop that could connect all the sites. The developer was optimistic and the
Arts Commission would only have to enter into an agreement with them, but would need
to know by a certain date whether or not they could use the location.
Pian B was to use the land at Miller Land Planning. Bradley Miller indicated the Arts
Commission could put a small tent in the parking lot, however, there could be a large tent
in the City's parking lot and it would have frontage on Boynton Beach Boulevard. The
site had the opportunity for parking.
Ms. Coles-Dobay also spoke with the Church on Federal Highway and the location was
promising and could accommodate parking. Chair Weiss thought visibility would be better
on Federal Highway. Ms. Moodie thought parking at the church on Sunday could be an
issue. Ms. Coles-Dobay did not know what the church hours were and the Symposium
had different Sunday hours, but there was also parking available nearby.
• Educational component
The Arts Commission had been discussing the Symposium and the educational
component. She spoke to Rolando Chang Barerro and he wanted to be a part of the
kinetic event. They have an educational component that was a community project that
was started in October 2016. At last year's event, they exhibited their community based
project and Mr. Barerro wanted to include more individuals and schools. He and Lisa
Hartstein have a lot of connections with the schools and they will try to recruit more
involvement and some of the colleges. Mr. Barerro agreed to come back with some type
of a proposal, define it and outline the procedures and guidelines. Ms. Coles-Dobay
asked the Board if it should be pursued. Vice Chair Lorenz thought it was a good idea to
have children and schools involved. Chair Weiss agreed and thought it was a component
Mr. Barerro could handle that would attract more people. He would help grow the event.
Ms. Levine thought it would be helpful for him to keep his focus on the purpose of the
project noting he is involved with other events. It should be part of the Arts Commission's
4
Meeting Minutes
Arts Commission
Boynton Beach, Florida March 8, 2018
requirement as it is a very specific event. Chair Weiss agreed it presented an opportunity
to expand the event.
Ms. Coles-Dobay needed further information. There will be an initial discussion and there
would need to be an artist agreement. Mr. Barerro has some thoughts he would bring to
the table and the Arts Commission could have a purpose and plan. He wants to use what
already exists with Mr. Howard from South Tech Academy and Boca Bearing. Ms.
Hartstein would bring in other schools such as Dreyfoos. It would be good to also involve
Plumosa School of the Arts and Poinciana Elementary School. The Arts Commission
could decide if there should be individual projects. it was noted the schools are involved
in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) programs. There could be
a competition geared to the event as kinetic art involves technology and those projects
could be demonstrated.
Ms. Moodie thought the Arts Commission should be cognizant of what is occurring in
school. School starts in August and if they are going to work with the schools, they should
have something going on over the summer and have timelines as soon as school starts.
Science, art clubs or after school groups could participate. Ms. Coles-Dobay thought that
was what the STEAM program was doing. Work is produced after school. Teachers also
receive a stipend for running an art club.
The kinetic art STEAM group was working at South Tech and at Boynton Beach High
School. The teacher would bring her students to those events after school. The logistics
were already in place. It was just a matter of increasing participation. Ms. Moodie did not
feel the kinetic art STEAM group encouraged her to get involved.
There was consensus for Ms. Coles-Dobay to move forward with the idea.
B. Call /invite to artists review (document)
Ms. Coles-Dobay had emailed the members two Callao Artists. Normally there are two
documents involved. She also commented there are certain artists the Arts Commission
wants to invite to the Symposium as they draw a lot of people. Artist "Ralfonso" never
accepts funds and he participates in the event. If there are other top artists the Arts
Commission wants to invite, they could offer a larger stipend for them to ship their work.
She noted there are other local and regional artists that participate that do not receive as
much of a stipend. They bring the art to the event themselves and install it.
Chair Weiss queried how the Arts Commission reaches out to artists they do not know.
Ms. Coles-Dobay responded she tries to work with CodaWorks, Art & Science
collaboratives and they list the call on ListServe, the Florida Association of Public Art
Professionals and the Kinetic Art Organization. She asked Ralphonso if he was aware of
any other artists world-wide, that the Arts Commission could contact. She noted a male
artist from the Old School Square and a second woman artist were interested in
participating in the event. Chair Weiss explained the event is a platform to get on the
5
Meeting Minutes
Arts Commission
Boynton Beach, Florida March 8, 2018
map and tryto reach out to notjust local or regional artists, but to tryto attract high caliber
artists. She did express she did not want to see the same artwork as the last event.
Ms. Levine asked about the process. Ms. Coles-Dobay explained the artist will submit
information about the artwork to the Arts Commission and all the specifications for the
piece will be listed. There is a Kinetic Art Committee which reviews the art as well as the
Arts Commission members.
IX. NEW BUSINESS
A. Conrad Pickel Celebration (back up document)
Chair Weiss explained the "Conrad Pickel" exhibit is a signature event for Boynton Beach.
It is well attended and the pieces are astounding. Ms. Coles-Dobay advised in prior years,
there was a two-hour bus tour that returned to the Library Program Room. This year they
want to take the tour completely on the road and discuss Conrad Pickel's work. The event
will be on May 19th from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. She noted they did not extend the tour as
lunchtime complicates the event.
B. Bloomberg Public Art Mayor's Challenge grant (document provided)
Ms. Coles-Dobay wanted the members to be aware that the City collectively is working
on a project. The concept will be brought forward and submitted as a grant opportunity.
Members are welcome to attend the next meeting on March 13th from 10:30 a.m. to 11
a.m. Interested members should email Ms. Coles-Dobay.
X. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. March 20, 6:30pm City Commission meeting discussion about Public Art
Ordinance
Ms. Coles-Dobay explained a discussion about the Public Art Ordinance will take place
in two weeks and it would be helpful it the Arts Commission members would be present.
Ms. Coles-Dobay did not know where the item would -be on the agenda but could email
the members the information. It was hoped the Board would have an opportunity to
speak.
Patricia Walsh Public Art Network Manager, Americans for the Arts, letter
of support (document)
When Ms. Coles-Dobay was speaking with Ms. Walsh about programs, Ms.Walsh offered
to send a support letter to the City Commissioners. The members can also forward their
letters to their Commissioners and/or have conversations with them about the program.
Chair Weiss thought it was important to protect the integrity and funding for the program
6
Meeting Minutes
Arts Commission
Boynton Beach, Florida March 8, 2018
and for their voices to be heard. She suggested the members think about it. She
explained the City Commission was seeking to be the decision makers for the art located
in the City and want the artist to bring more than one concept to the Board for approval.
Ms. Coles-Dobay explained the Arts Commission typically provides criteria for the project
and the artist does not just come up with art. Ms. Coles-Dobay noted recently, the Arts
Commission approached an artist and invite her to consider a piece for the Sara Sims
project because of her style. She is familiar with the community, and she has designed
other pieces. She came up with her best concept. When the artist puts the concept
together, she has a budget in mind and would still make a profit. There are materiai costs,
welding, shipping, laser cutting, all of which are part of the budget. She would not submit
a proposal to the Arts Commission unless she adheres to the budget and specifications.
If she created another design, she has to do another whole workup. Typically, the artist
is compensated to come up with additional ideas. This was a $9,800 budget. If the artist
is given $1,000 to come up with an idea and now have to present two concepts, the
budget for the piece would be reduced $2,000.
The Arts Commission is supposed to approve or disapprove pieces that are not
appropriate for the City. in the January minutes, the members reviewed a project against
a host of criteria. Ms. Moodie asked about the process to select the artist and was
referred to the January meeting minutes, which detailed the process. One way to attract
artists is to issue a call to artists, which requires a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) or a
Request for Proposal (RFP) be issued and usually, an RFQ is issued. Artists submit work
based on their past projects. With the East Water Treatment Plant, artists submit
information about prior projects and developed a piece that is reflective of what the Arts
Commission was requesting. A Selection Committee, which includes one member of the
Arts Commission, narrows the submitted pieces down to two or three. The selected artist
is given a stipend and they present their ideas to the selection panel. Each step is
reviewed by the Arts Commission.
A second way to obtain artists is to invite an artist. The Sara Sims artist had information
relative to the community. This is similar to how a developer selects an artist. They
develop criteria specific to Boynton and the project. It was noted Albert Paley created the
Cavalcade to be specific to the City. Ms. Moodie understood there was already a concept
in place when more than one rendering of a concept is presented and when a stipend is
given to two or three artists, two or three concepts are presented. She thought the
process in place was sufficient. Ms. Coles-Dobay noted if an RFQ process is used, the
developer could use his own concept which the art would conform with. Ms. Moodie
asked if there was a way around the developer choosing the concept. Ms. Coles-Dobay
pointed out even if Albert Paley developed two pieces, it may not change the comments
received. Chair Weiss thought when different people state their opinion of art, there is
always an opening for dissent.
Chair Weiss commented the Arts Commission has to present the process and point out
how changing the process could diffuse the process and make it more confusing. Ms.
7
Meeting Minutes
Arts Commission
Boynton Beach, FloridaMarch 8, 2018
Coles-Dobay noted not all developers are familiar with the process and she walks them
through it. She would have to tell the developer their artist would need to present two
concepts. Discussions are held and work is developed. Art is subjective, but the question
was if the art was right for the site, community, etc. It is not a personal feeling about art.
It is a response to community.
The City Commission may listen to a few constituents without taking into account the
greater good of the community. Ms. Coles-Dobay did not think it was their personal
feelings about public art, only their constituents. Chair Weiss questioned if Facebook was
the appropriate place to voice concerns. Ms. Louis thought comments should be clarified
as to why, so comments could be analyzed and it is always a good idea to provide a
reason. Ms. Coles-Dobay tries to clarify the process instead of changing a process that
works well based on best practices. The more education there is, the better. Visuals also
help. Additionally, not everyone can interpret what is being presented. The Arts
Commission should instill Commissioners with confidence in the Arts Commission. In the
case of 500 Ocean, it was the developer involvement in having the artist of their choice
create the piece.
The City has a Pubiic Art Mianager who is qualified to present to the Arts Commission
items in which she has knowledge and experience. The Arts Commission is willing to
question and request modifications. They do not rubber stamp what she presents. It is
not a one-person decision. It is a group process. Chair Weiss suggested the members
think about the issue and email the members.
B. Town Square Plan
• Update for deaccession (decommission) and relocation for existing
public art
Ms. Coles-Dobay noted the Arts Commission requested she contact Melissa Markowitz
about the When Are You Coming to Visit. Ms. Markowitz understood and concluded if
the sculpture is removed, it may not hold up. She suggested a ceremony be held shortly
before City Hall would be demolished and give people the opportunity to bring their
thoughts or worries to the old woman. They can burn the notes to symbolize the thoughts
go with the old woman and the activity would be ceremonial art. Chair Weiss liked the
idea as did Ms. Louis and Ms. Huff.
Motion
Ms. Moodie moved to approve the recommendation of the artist. Vice Chair Lorenz and
Ms. Huff seconded the motion that unanimously passed.
XI. FUTURE BUSINESS
8
Meeting Minutes
Arts Commission
Boynton Beach, Florida March 8, 2018
A.Town Square Plan
• Potential new public art sites
XII. Adjournment
There being nothing further to discuss, Chair Weiss properly adjourned the meeting at
8:17 p.m.
Catherine Cherry
Minutes Specialist
9