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Minutes 02-13-20 Minutes of the Art Commission Meeting Held on Thursday, February 13, 2020, 6:30 — 8:30 p.m. at Fire Station 2, Training Room 2615 West Woolbright Road, Boynton Beach, Florida Present: Courtlandt McQuire, Chair Debby Coles-Dobay, Public Art Manager Marcia Levine, Vice Chair Susan Oyer Clovis Moodie Sadam Silverio Robyn Lorenz, Alternate Martin Klauber, Alternate I. Self-Introductions Chair McQuire called meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Each member briefly introduced themselves as follows: Martin Klauber explained he minored in art history. He was spoiled by living near the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC. His courses in Art and Music Appreciation changed his life more than any of his undergraduate and graduate classes that he took. They enriched his life and he would like to share art enrichment with anyone who comes along. Courtland McQuire advised he is the Chairman. He had an art gallery in Miami 10 years. He studied graphic design and painting in college and loves art too. Susan Oyer stated she has been on and off the board for about five years. She loves art and is blessed she could travel a lot and see a lot of amazing art worldwide. She participated in Plein-Air painting. Clovis Moodie conveyed she is a long-time resident in Boynton Beach. She has grandchildren. She loves art and dabbles with functional art type things. Besides art, she taught for four years, her prime responsibility is a caregiver for two family members. She has a strong interest in youth becoming involved in the arts. There is a lot going on in Boynton with art. Robyn Lorenz explained she is an art teacher for private school. She is also an artist. Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, FL February 13, 2020 Saddam Silverio shared he has been in in Boynton Beach for two years. He enjoys getting involved with anything that has to do with the City and he thought the City has a lot of potential. He has always been drawn to art and he is trying new things out. Privately he works for a company that care for children with disabilities and he tries to expose them to art. Marcia Levine, Vice Chair, moved to Boynton three years ago from New York, where she was in marketing and sales. She formerly worked at the Cornell Museum and now is looking for another opportunity. She explained she is a cheerleader for Boynton. She loves the Public Art Program, what they have for the downtown development, and everything about Boynton. Serving on the Commission gave her lots of opportunities to learn about Boynton, watch it grow, and make new friends. Debby Coles-Dobay stated she is the Public Art Manager. Chair McQuire and Vice Chair Levine added that having Ms. Coles-Dobay is not something every city has and it makes Boynton unique. Other municipalities may not have this type of position, but artists particularly like it because they have a go-to person. He added Ms. Coles-Dobay is known by everyone in art circles. Mr. Klauber agreed about having a dedicated Art Manager in the City. He worked for Montgomery County Maryland; one of the richest counties in the country. For 20 years they purchased really good art. He came across a room one day and there were 80 pieces of art stacked against a wall. Mr. Klauber explained art in a closet is not art. With all the money spent in Montgomery County, it did not matter how much they spent it. He thought that was why Ms. Coles-Dobay was so important. II. Agenda Approval Mr. Klauber moved to approve the revised agenda. Vice Chair Levine seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. III. Approve Meeting Minutes A. November 14, 2019 B. December 12, 2019 C. January 9, 2020 There were no changes to any of the minutes. Motion Ms. Oyer moved to approve all three sets of minutes. Mr. Silverio seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. 2 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, FL February 13, 2020 IV. Informational Items from the Board Mr. Silverio explained he went to the Love Burn Art and Music Festival with Ms. Coles- Dobay and her friend in Key Biscayne. It was his first time attending a Burning event and it was an experience, seeing new things he had not seen before. He was impressed with the quality of the art and to get to meet the artist and learn the story behind the art. Another great thing was having the opportunity to see the art during the day, but once nightfall arrived, it was a completely different world. He thought it was awesome all around and they made some connections for the future. There was a lot of talent. Ms. Coles-Dobay posted images and information on the AIPP, Facebook, Instagram and her personnel pages as well. Ms. Coles-Dobay liked the double diamond kinetic piece and she was trying to get the artist to come to Boynton and participate in the kinetic exhibit. Mr. Silverio explained when they met some of the artists, they were still adjusting the pieces because it had rained earlier. When the artist was finished, the pieces were one of a kind. He had photos he posted on some of his private/personal sites. Ms. Coles-Dobay explained the artist sounded interested in participating and the art would fit perfectly. Ms. Oyer attended the Palm Beach Plein Air art competition in Delray. She saw Artist Ralph Papa and other Plein Air artists, noting it was nice to see how many people are truly involved in Plein Air and they sold a lot of art. She noted there was a variety of styles. She also attended the MLK event on January 20th. She noted there were a ton of different vendors and suggested perhaps the Arts Commission consider having the AIPP booth there next year for youth. The youth could participate in an art project and get to know the Commission. There are options in art they can be exposed to. People can make a living in art. Ms. Moodie also attended the MLK event and she participated in the wrap-up evaluation for the MLK Committee. She thought Eleanor Krusell did a fantastic job leading the wrap up. She also commented it was great being at Sara Sims Park and she noted many departments from the City were represented. Through Ms. Coles-Dobay, she attended the Sister Cities reception last Friday. She was previously a part of Sister Cities in Delray and it was great to be back and see former coworkers. Vice Chair Levine attended Art Palm Beach at the Convention Center. Each year she attends, she sees more people she knows. When she goes with different people it is interesting to see what they take pictures of and what she takes pictures of. Art Hives, Project Color Hives was there. She had a great time. Last week, she went to the Bijou at the Armory. The event was curated by Iris Apfel and the Armory curator and Vice Chair Levine thought it was the most world class selection of jewelry artists she has ever seen. Vice Chair Levine explained each time she tells someone she goes to Wynwood, they ask where it is. Vice Chair Levine commented she likes to explore other neighborhoods and art, she visits nearby areas that are now becoming popular and she now she has this little tour of the areas. The areas are exciting with restaurants, art and food stalls, which she goes too on the way to Wynwood. She also 3 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, FL February 13, 2020 saw Ms. Oyer put Farindola on the Sister Cities application and she sent information about it to friends of hers that may be interested. Ms. Coles-Dobay also published the information on the AIPP page and other social media platforms. Ms. Oyer explained Boynton's newest Sister City, Farindola, puts on an international art event each August. They issue a call to artists around this time of year and pick 10 people from around the world to participate. Last year, before the City learned they would become a Sister City with them, Farindola happened to pick two artists from Boynton Beach. The selected artists go to Farindola, share someone's home for two to three weeks, and create art to sell and leave one piece behind. Farindola has all types of art including a stained-glass collection. This year will be the fifth or sixth event. The event draws 20,000 people a day to a town of 500 people, that has very few guest accommodations. She encouraged the members, if they knew of any artist that may be interested, to let her know and she will get them the information. Ralph Papa has been involved in this organization for years. The Farindola delegation came to Boynton Beach during Thanksgiving week. Ms. Coles-Dobay showed them the Art on the Avenue, Color Effects tour, and they were very impressed. Steven Anton does underwater photography, took them out and taught them how to swim. It was the highlight of their trip. Ms. Coles-Dobay introduced Nicole Blanks, her new assistant. Ms. Blanks has been in Boynton Beach for 10 years, having moved from Brooklyn. Her background is in design and fashion and she attended Savannah College of Art and Designs. She has always wanted a creative career and she thought the job would be a good opportunity to learn what was going on locally and become involved. She thought this was a good place for her to be. Ms. Blanks explained she has her own brand of women's apparel and handbags. The handbags are handmade and the rest is designer fabrics and patterns she makes. She sells her wares at pop ups and was recently in Elizabeth Avenue Station in West Palm, a shared retail space for the last three years. Her line is Article 80, which she also sells online. Vice Chair Levine inquired about the attendance policy. She learned when members have three absences, they receive a warning letter. The fourth absence results in removal. If the members felt the policy was too generous, an ordinance change would be needed. Ms. Oyer suggested speaking with a Commissioner. I. Announcements/Reports A. January 18th 6 — 9 p.m. BBAD Art Walk "In Culture Season Kick Off' — "Reflections" with artist Ralfonso and fabricator Eric Small of EES Chair McQuire reviewed this item and explained artist Ralfonso and Eric Small, fabricator, were present and Ralfonso attracts a crowd. He has wonderful, engaging personality. Chair McQuire commented that particular art walk had less traffic than 4 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, FL February 13, 2020 prior, but the Arts Commission had a strong presence there. All gave many presentations and it went well. Attendees came from Facebook and there were people coming to see the Arts Commission, which was nice. Ms. Coles-Dobay explained Ms. Lorenz and Mr. Silverio was there. Mr. Silverio agreed, and Ralfonso brought a crowd in. In the past, attendees were looking forward to meeting the artist and specifically ask if the artist was present as they give a lot of information about what was going on. The artists, with less traffic, spent more time with the Arts Commission Board. Mr. Silverio also went to the Sister Cities booth and got membership. Chair McQuire spoke to a mom and her daughter who attended one of the summer camps that came to participate in the Kapok Park eco art at the Senior Center was there and one of the girl's pieces was selected as eco art. She had gone to a lecture from Ralfonso five years ago and she has since became an artist. She remembered the Arts Commission. Ms. Oyer explained she had a wonderful time and it was nice that Ralfonso remembered her. Ms. Oyer thought the event went well even though there were less merchants, was because a driveway was blocked. The big difference, with the money from the CRA, was the washing stations and port-a-potties as going to the bathroom is an issue at these shows, especially for women. The port-o-lets made a big difference, and it was nice that That's Amore brought their pizza ovens for attendees to get fresh food. In the past, some food vendors did not show. Ms. Lorenz thought it was very interesting. She learned a lot and got to chat with a lot of people about kinetic art. B. February 7t" Sister Cities Young Artist Reception Ms. Moodie attended the Young Artist Reception held at the Arts Warehouse in Delray, which was a collaboration between the Boynton and Delray Sister Cities. The Mayor attended and there was great participation from South Tech Academy. They have an art teacher who is well liked and very influential with the students. It was a nice event. Ms. Oyer noted pictures of the event are on the Sister Cities website. After the art is selected, all of the first-place winners will all be submitted to the nationals. Ms. Oyer recalled Sister Cities used to receive 100 submissions for the contest each year. This year, Ms. Heavilin of Sister Cities contacted 60 schools and South Tech was the only school that submitted. Delray had only one submission, but was able to solicit a few more pieces. The program requires a great deal of work. She noted an artist from Boynton Beach won twice on the international level. The piece selected this year was outstanding and has a good chance of winning on the international level again. Discussion followed art teachers have their own curriculum so there is no time for other projects or art clubs. South Tech is a charter school and they have time for art projects resulting in top pieces. It's a paradigm shift and there was discussion about discontinuing the program. Ms. Oyer noted the students get scholarships to help them attend art schools due to the competition. The word was getting sent to the Art teachers. Ms. Moodie explained if the information is sent to administration, it may not filter down to the arts teachers. She thought it would be good to get the information to the art teachers when art teachers meet, or get it to the art teachers directly, it may make a difference. Ms. Moodie advised she worked with Sister Cities in Delray for many years and she worked very closely with them and, but a lot of it was one-on-one. 5 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, FL February 13, 2020 Ms. Coles-Dobay thought maybe the Sister Cities Committee need more relationship building with schools. Chair McQuire agreed to help. A good video with a strong narrative may do the trick. Sister Cities may need help with a video. It was noted Dario Ayala has a varied career. Ms. Moodie explained she has worked with Mr. Ayala on Boards in the past. Mr. Klauber was wondering about the Cultural Center for enrichment, there may be a tie because art is no longer taught. Ms. Oyer explained students have art classes in schools, but there are no art departments to coordinate projects like this. Projects need multiple teachers and multiple styles of art. It was noted the Cultural Council will be offering art classes for all ages and all types of art. The Cultural Council will do some programing and will offer grant opportunities for those who cannot afford classes. C.February 15th BBAD Art Walk "Festival of Love" - Mayor Grant - Arts & Humanities Day proclamation presentation Chair McQuire announced he will attend the event this Saturday and advised a video, which will continuously loop, will be shown. He will set up the tables, but noted other volunteers were needed. Artist Lloyd Goradesky offered to come. He has a smaller kinetic piece, and other love items. The Walk is from 6 to 9 p.m. Chair McQuire gets there by 5 or 5:15 to set up. Ms. Coles-Dobay also spoke to Rolando. He agreed to set up the screen, but he needs assistance taking it down. Chair McQuire agreed to help. Vice Chair Levine volunteered for the event. Ms. Coles-Dobay noted the Arts Commission attends the art walks each month, but she wanted to share some of the information published for this event. Last year, Mayor Grant issued a Proclamation for Arts and Humanities Leadership and awarded it to artist Rolando. This year, the Mayor will hold an Arts and Humanity ceremony recognizing a number of individuals, most of whom were teachers and educators. It was noted the awards and proclamation were unrelated to Arts and Humanities Month, which is nationally recognized in October. A short presentation was viewed. D.February 21 t 11:00 — 11:30 a.m. Avenue of the Arts "Color Effects" tour Chair McQuire announced the tour. Mr. Silverio and Patricia Gabaldon from the Library will be the docents. Ms. Coles-Dobay explained they are receiving RSVPs and they will host the Palm Beach Rehabilitation organization having about 25 individuals that are developmentally disabled. Two tours will probably be given. Ms. Moodie may be able to assist. The tour will commence at Dewey Park. VII. Project Updates/Approvals A. Ralfonso's Kinetic Art "Reflections" 6 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, FL February 13, 2020 Ms. Coles-Dobay gave a brief presentation and update. The members had already reviewed Ralfonso's conceptual ideas. The fabricator was Eric Small. The members viewed the orientation of the pieces. They started talking about the plaza and discussion turned to Zen-like seating, which will work with the sculptures. The seating will be clean-brushed finished concrete. The outer circle will have a different color and there will be programmable multi-colored lighting. The tallest pole is 27' and the width of all three poles is 26'. A short presentation was made about the fabrication shop. Ms. Coles-Dobay explained it takes about six months to complete the fabrication process. The bottom surfaces are brushed and the side surfaces are highly polished. It was believed the piece will be delivered and installed ready. The unveiling is scheduled for March 27th, at 5:30 p.m. They knew up-lighting was wanted, so they studied the placement of the lighting to ensure the piece will be adequately displayed. Ms. Coles- Dobay will keep the members apprised of the progress. B. High Ridge Country Club Public Art review Ms. Coles-Dobay explained she did not get the information to present to the members. The art is installed and she encouraged the members to view it at 2,400 Hypoluxo Road. It is west of I-95 and west of High Ridge Road on the south side of the street. She encouraged all to view the piece. It is a sculpture of a golfer. She explained the members can discuss the piece at the next meeting. VIII. New Business None IX. Unfinished Business None. X. Future Business A. Town Square Public Art Projects update B. AIPP booth and Board attendance at future BBAD Art Walks C. Art Exhibits for Cultural Center. Mr. Klauber spoke to Ms. Coles-Dobay and commented he would love to help curate the pieces at the Cultural Center so there is an explanation for the kids and adults. When there is an art exhibition, there is always a plaque and sometimes no docent. He would like to do the write-ups for the pieces on the wall, so people can learn more about the art. The City anticipates the Cultural Center will start the exhibits sometime between May and July. Ms. Coles-Dobay explained the manager of the Cultural Center, Diane Valentini, will attend the next meeting. There was brief discussion on applications for classes at the Cultural Center. Art will be available for sale in the rotating exhibits. They will have other exhibition spaces. Rooms will be available for 7 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, FL February 13, 2020 teaching classes, and will discuss to have a room as immersive space and connect to what they are doing. He will set up a time. XI. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, Ms. Oyer moved to adjourn. Vice Chair Levine seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. The meeting was adjourned at 7:54 p.m. Catherine Cherry Minutes Specialist 8