Minutes 10-10-19 MINUTES OF THE ARTS COMMISSION MEETING
HELD ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10,2019, AT 6:30 P.M.
AT FIRE STATION NO. 2, TRAINING ROOM
2615 W. WOOLBRIGHT ROAD, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
PRESENT:
Courtlandt McQuire, Chair Debby Coles-Dobay, Public Art Manager
Marcia Levine, Vice Chair Gina Burg, Public Arts Assistant
Jehana Zell
Susan Oyer
Robyn Lorenz
Clovis Moodie
Saddam Silverio, Alt.
ABSENT:
Pascual, Bryan, Alt
I. Call to Order
Chair McQuire called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m.
II. Roll Call of Members
Self-Introductions were made. A quorum was present.
III. Agenda Approval
There were no changes made to the agenda.
Ms. Oyer moved to approve the agenda. Vice Chair Levine seconded the motion. The
motion unanimously passed.
IV. Approval of Meeting Minutes
A. August 8, 2019
Vice Chair Levine moved to approve the minutes. Ms. Zell seconded the motion. The
motion unanimously passed.
B. September 12, 2019
The September minutes were not available.
Meeting Minutes
Arts Commission
Boynton Beach, FIL October 10, 2019
V. Informational items from the Board
Ms. Oyer had distributed Sister Cities cards and advised Boynton Beach will be meeting
their Italian Sister City next month. They are having the first fundraiser on September 23.
Anyone wishing to attend were encouraged to purchase tickets online as it is cheaper
than at the door. She hoped all would attend. Artists Lloyd Goradesky and Ralph Papa
are bringing some of their art to sell. The event will be held at Fire Station No. 5. Members
were encouraged to invite friends. Mr. Papa has spent a lot of time in Farindola and has
made multiple videos,which will be playing during the event, so attendees can experience
Farindola. When the Farindola Delegation comes the next week, the receiving City pays
for all it expenses.
® Announcements/Reports
A. September 21, 6-9 pm BBAD Art Walk "Summer Bash"
Chair McQuire advised he aftended the event and it was hot. The Arts Commission did
not receive the placement they wish they would have had. He noted the event did not
have the pedestrian count they had hoped for and he was unsure why. There were
individuals who approached the tent and they spoke about the Arts Commission, Kapok
Tree park and the individuals were very interested. They also discussed Art in Public
Places and several inquiries were made where the art was. Chair McQuire, with the map
and the website that was revised was able to show them. He noted both tools were very
helpful. Discussion followed it was hot and the snowbirds had not yet arrived. The
outreach to the community was there and the Arts Commission was represented well.
B. October—Arts & Humanities Month Proclamation at October 15th City
Commission meeting.
Chair McQuire presented the it and explained the Mayor will present a proclamation
at the meeting, and he was honored to accept it on behalf of the City and the Arts
Commission. Ms. Coles-Dobay explained typically, the Arts Commission Chairman
accepts the proclamation on behalf oft Arts Commission program and Commission. It
is recognition the program is strong,they are in good standing and it is good for the future.
The award will be presented in Commission Chambers at Intracoastal Park Clubhouse.
C. AIPP Program review at October 15 City Commission meeting
Ms. Coles-Dobay explained the program review will take later in the Commission meeting
and will be a brief update on the Art in Public Places Program via the public art web pages
on the City web site. It will be entertaining and visually appealing so the Commissioners
know about the total program. Ms. Oyer thought it would be helpful for the members to
be present, so the Commissioners can become familiar with the members. Ms. Coles-
Dobay would be happy to introduce the members.
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D. Board application for renewal
Ms. Coles-Dobay explained letters were sent to the members whose terms are expiring.
She reminded the members to reapply for reappointment. Ms. Coles-Dobay also
explained there is a new production produced by the Film Commission of Palm Beach
County called "Art Adventures of the Palm Beaches." Jag is filming/producing with it and
the two hosts are Angela Yungk and Jessie Prugh of Art Hive Magazine. The first part
they worked on was the Art Districts throughout the County. They went to the Boynton
Beach Arts District, held interviews and provided information on what the District is about.
They also wanted to film an artist conducting an art activity and the artist was Tie-Dye
Palm Beach. Ms. Coles-Dobay will inform the members when the film will air on PBS. It
will also air on Palm Beach in Hotel TV. West Palm Beach and Delray Beach were also
filmed. It is very helpful the Arts Commission are advocates for the program.
VII. Project Updates/Approvals
A. City Hall Lobby Art Presentation
Chair McQuire explained he represents the Arts Commission on a committee composed
of members of the City, the developer regarding who they have arranged to help curate
their art. He reminded this art was not part of the 1% Public Art funding, it is being funded
by the City and they saw a need that the art in the existing City Hall may not be appropriate
with the design and spaces of the new City Hall. He noted only some of the existing art
will be incorporated into the building, and there is room for new art. Two meetings were
held so far and the works are amazing. Artists that were recommended were working
with the committee and they are amazing. He anticipated they would be coming to the
actual execution phase in the next month or two.
Ms. Coles-Dobay explained they have an art collection and the lobby is much larger. A
visual of the Library/City Hall Lobby was viewed. The objective was to secure site specific
artwork. They selected works that depicts the City's diversity, unique location and all-
inclusive initiative about Boynton Beach. They wanted to engage local and emerging
artists to support the City's building wealth initiative. She reviewed various art
opportunities in the building. One of the areas was 144 feet long by 10 feet high. Another
area had 14 feet to the balcony and 20 feet wide. The committee contemplated different
areas from the Ocean to the Everglades. A short video by Clyde Butcher, the Ansel
Adams of the Everglades, was viewed. The Committee was excited about working with
the artist because he has a huge name and huge attraction, but the question was whether
the City could obtain custom artworks of Boynton's specific area. The artist is older and
had a stroke in 2017. The work represents the different eco-systems but he could not
come out and take the actual images and there was a very strong desire to have local
images. They also discussed black and white images as opposed to color. Black and
white images for the selected area would create a strong, dynamic and elegant look.
Splashes of color would be achieved through other art. Four total images 10' by 28' each
would be produced to cover the entire wall.
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The Committee reviewed work by artist James Knills and viewed a short presentation.
Mr. Knills is capable of doing what the Committee would like him to do. The artist's past
work is always reviewed before offering an agreement. Ms. Zell asked if the Committee
considered Artist Bill Combes and was told they had not. The Committee wanted to use
a local artist and was opting to go with Photographer James Knills. Chair McQuire
explained there was agreement among the Committee members, the pictures had to be
taken in Boynton. The black and white photographs were determined to be striking. Ms.
Oyer noted Steve Anton takes exquisite black and white photos as does Tom Brewitz.
Ms. Zell thought there should be a call to artists. Ms. Coles-Dobay explained James Knill
was part of the emerging artist program and they try to move towards those that are part
of the emerging artist program. Ms. Oyer noted the piece was a permanent piece and
she would rather see Mr. Brewitz's work. Ms. Coles-Dobay explained those artists may
not be able to produce the scope. It is large format photography and you need to have a
background to do it. It was thought Messrs. Brewitz and Anton could not produce the
pieces. The pieces are 28' by 10'. An emerging public artist is a qualified professional
artist that is emerging in the public art realm. The images would be print produced. Ms.
Coles-Dobay did not think they were capable of taking large format images as it takes a
certain skill. Mr. Knills has the needed capabilities.
The City Hall Lobby pass through was reviewed. The members watched a video about
artist Carley Meijer. Ms. Coles-Dobay explained the artist would use a navigational chart
of the City's location. What would be custom, about the City's unique location and sea
life included Coquimbo ship wreck, the water tower and Goliath Grouper. Based on
historical data, the artist can create the piece.
The City Hall Library Wall would feature art. A short video presentation by artist Stacey
Mandell was viewed. Ms. Mandell's presentation centered around Gregg's shorthand and
cursive writing. Her medians are in metal, wood, paper and paint. Examples of Ms.
Mandell's work. It would be a 3-D wall-mounted piece. On the right side, there would be
a full painting with shorthand and scripts. Over that, would be braille that people could
touch. It speaks to an all-inclusive City. It talks about all of the people that come from all
over. The Gregg shorthand symbols meant creative community. The art had a message.
Ms. Zell inquired if the artists were candidates or if they believe they are creating the
projects. Ms. Coles-Dobay explained the artists are interested in doing the work. Ms.
Zell commented the artists were selected. Ms. Coles-Dobay explained they were
because the developer selected the artist and the artwork. It is separate. The developer
of the parking garage chose Amanda James, who conducted research, came up with a
concept and the Arts Commission approved the concept. Ms. Coles-Dobay gave a briefly
reviewed the process.
Ms. Coles-Dobay reviewed art locations in the lobby. Emerging artists submitted
information and past work. The Committee was seeking the Arts Commission's
comments. She thought since the Arts Commission had thought Tom Brewitz, Bill Combs
and Steve Anton could be considered, there may be a way to bring the information
forward. They could be contacted but they have to be sure the photographers could do
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what they needed to do. She can review the artists and see if they could do what was
needed, and then bring it back to the Committee to make a decision. Ms. Oyer thought
each photographer could have a panel. Ms. Coles-Dobay commented it is important to
have consistency of style and art and photography have different styles. Ms. Zell favored
more competition to fill up a very prominent location. Ms. Coles-Dobay explained their
commitment was to use emerging artists. Chair McQuire thought three or four meetings
ago to make a motion to open the opportunity to others, and they did not. Ms. Coles-
Dobay explained the project is not a public art project funded by the 1% public art fee, it
is a City project. The Arts Commission helps guide the public art process but the selection
is not the Arts Commission's decision. The Arts Commission can, in the future, address
these types of things. Ms. Zell recalled the Arts Commission had reviewed a mural that
was not part of the 1%, but there is a mural process, which has to go to the Arts
Commission. Ms. Zell felt this project was similar and thought the Arts Commission could
have a say. She thought it felt like the issue was already decided.
Ms. Oyer supported one black and white picture from four different photographers and let
different styles of art from different parts of the City be represented. She did not like the
art by the elevator and thought it was too abstract. She did not think it was representative
of Boynton Beach. She thought the piece was better placed somewhere else in the City.
Vice Chair Levine understood the process for emerging artists, but did not understand
how they get to be emerging artist, how many emerging artists the City has. She
understood Amanda Johnson was an emerging public artist, but she was not aware
James Knill was. Bill Combes may not be an emerging public artist. The Arts Commission
does not have to agree whether a piece conveys diversity, but there could be another
scope of work that maybe says diversity or community. The Arts Commission was not in
agree about the final product. It was brought to the Arts Commission for them to say ok,
they are public artists, this is what they created, the Committee made a decision, but the
Arts Commission has no say. She was unsure what the Arts Commission's selection
process was.
Ms. Moodie thanked Ms. Coles-Dobay for the update on the City Hall Lobby Art
Committee Update. Chair McQuire felt if the Arts Commission was not comfortable with
the art, it was their responsibility to inform the Committee, which he would do as Chair.
Chair thought the Arts Commission should consider if the art represents the community,
does it achieve the Arts Commission mission. Replacing all the art is a tall order. Ms. Oyer
only wanted to see some of the photography swapped. She was also concerned that
Amanda Johnson and James Knill are married. She questioned if it created an art
monopoly. She thought if others could be involved, it would solve that dilemma. Ms.
Oyer would change the last two pieces.
Ms. Oyer wanted some of the photography opened up and do something about the
elevator area.
Mr. Silverio and Ms. Moodie also wanted to open the photography up to other
photographers.
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Boynton Beach, FL October 10, 2019
Ms. Lorenz agreed about the photography but did not care for the Gregg Shorthand piece.
In 30 years no one would know what it is and it won't make sense. She did not like the
idea of the Braille Canvas, because individuals would touch it and it would get dirty.
Vice Chair Levine had previously shared her thoughts.
Ms. Coles-Dobay understood the sentiments overwhelmingly, were to open up the
photography.
Motion
Ms. Oyer moved to open and explore other photographers in addition to James Knill,
keeping it in black and white. The motion was duly seconded and unanimously motion
passed.
VIII. International Kinetic Art Exhibit and Symposium Review
Ms. Coles-Dobay explained the members can make suggestions between now and he
future. The members have eyes and are on the internet. The members may have
connections. They can gather kinetic artist names to add to the pool of artists. The Arts
Commission wanted to expand their pool of kinetic artists. The next Kinetic Event will be
held at the Cultural Center. The next Kinetic event will be held in 2021.
IX. New Business
None.
X. Unfinished Business
A. AIPP booth and Board attend Oct. 19th 6-9 p.m., Boynton Beach "Golden"
Chair McQuire announced he was looking for volunteers. It was noted Vice Chair Levine
would try to attend. Ms. Oyer volunteered to attend on October 19th. Vice Chair Levine
offered to ask her friends to volunteer. Vice Chair Lorenz was available November 16tH
The subject at the October 19th event will be Amanda Johnson's Parking Garage project.
Screening of chasing coral will be at the Art Walk and the Reef Institute will be there.
B. Avenue of the Arts
Avenue of the arts exhibit announcement at October 15 City Commission
meeting.
Chair McQuire announced an installation occurred today and went well. Ms. Coles-Dobay
explained five artworks were installed by Cecelia Lueza and her husband. The installation
took two hours. Pictures of the installation were posted on Facebook and has already
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received "Likes" and "Shares." The installation was posted by WPTV and an article will
be in the Post this weekend, as well as the Sun Sentinel tomorrow. Ms. Coles-Dobay
explained the Arts Commission is still planning the event and has invitations for the event.
The purpose of the November 15th event is to get collectors, art patrons and public officials
to attend. The event is not open to the general public because they want the media to
attend as well as bloggers and social influencers, and even groups from other cities. Artist
Cecelia Lueza will be mentioning it to some of her contacts who may also attend because
they may want to buy it for another city. The idea is to get sales because the Arts
Commission receives a percentage of the sale. Ms. Oyer asked if Ms. Coles-Dobay was
inviting individuals who could refer developers to the event to acquire art for their projects
and learned they could. Ms. Coles-Dobay gave five invitations to the members to
distribute to such individuals. She suggested writing on the back of the invitation, please
bring this for event entry. They also requested individuals RSVP. Members should let
Ms. Coles-Dobay know who was interested in attending so they could appropriately order
the food and beverages. Members should wear their badges at the event.
XI. Future Business
None.
XII. Adjournment
Vice Chair Lorenz moved to adjourn. Ms. Oyer seconded the motion. The motion
unanimously passed. The meeting was adjourned at 7:51 p.m.
Catherine Cherry
Minutes Specialist
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