Minutes 12-12-19 Minutes of the Arts Commission Meeting
Held on Thursday, December 12, 2019
at Fire Station 2, Training Room
2615 West Woolbright Road, Boynton Beach, Florida
Present
Courtlandt McQuire, Chair Debby Coles-Dobay, Public Arts Manager
Marcia Levine, Vice Chair (Arrived 6:49 p.m.)
Clovis Moodie
Susan Oyer
Robyn Lorenz
Jehana Zell (Arrived 6:31 p.m.)
Saddam Silverio, Alt
Absent
I. Call to order
Chair McQuire called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
(Ms. Zell arrived.)
II. Roll Call
Self-introductions were made. A quorum was present.
III. Agenda Approval
Ms. Coles-Dobay add AIPP Public Relations management as item F under
Announcements and Reports
Motion
Ms. Oyer moved to approve as amended. Mr. Silverio seconded the motion. The motion
unanimously passed.
IV. Approve Meeting Minutes
A. November 14, 2019
The item was not addressed.
Meeting Minutes
Art Commission
Boynton Beach, Florida December 12, 2019
V. Announcements/Reports
Ms. Coles-Dobay announced she attended Art Basel. She saw a lot of cool public art,
and met public art constituents. The artists were also present and they interacted with
what they have done for the convention center. There was a tour by a mural artist that
was putting on a big production and there was a pop-up by Ron English. It was good
meeting a lot of artists and making connections for the AIPP program. Some artists were
exhibiting and some were representing artists who have exhibited in Boynton. It was a
productive and exhausting two days
(Ms. Lorenz arrived.)
Ms. Coles-Dobay distributed former Art Commission Member Kim Weiss's book and a
Christmas card Ian Wiskoff, a history teacher Ms. Oyer works with, is a talented muralist
who recently completed a mural for the South Florida Science Museum and he lives in
Boynton Beach. Ms. Oyer agreed to forward the link to Ms. Coles-Dobay about his work.
She commented the mural is beautiful and he is always doing things in the school. She
thought Ms. Coles-Dobay could assist him or direct him as an emerging artist.
A. November 15, 5:30-7:30pm Avenue of the Arts Opening reception "Color
Effects" Cecilia Lueza
Ms. Coles-Dobay announced Artist Cecilia Lueza was at the reception, which went
smoothly. There were a lot of city representatives, good attendance and the food was
great. Ms. Oyer noted her friends attended and were very impressed with the art of the
Avenue. She advised they will tell others about the exhibit.
Chair McQuire was able to spend time with Ms. Lueza at a different event and commented
she is about to go big time. He was surprised how prolific she was, noting she also paints
intersection murals on roads and she attended the Color Effects" Reception. Mr. Silverio
advised he had a great time and he provided a quick tour.
Ms. Coles-Dobay asked if the members felt the Art Commission accomplished their goal
with the reception. She queried if they felt it was successful having collectors, buyers,
social media influencers and organizations talk about and bring cultural tourism to
Boynton Beach. They discussed the Town Square, the courtyard at 500 Ocean, its
sculpture, the Avenue and the entire Town Square that is under development. She noted
there was terrible weather.
Ms. Moodie asked if the purpose was to bring in art collectors and commented she did
not know about other people's guests. The person who came as her guest did not come
for that purpose; rather, the person was a volunteer for kinetic art who wanted to know
what is going on with kinetic art in Boynton Beach. Ms. Moodie wanted her to see
something else and be aware of what is there, and the reception, she felt, accomplished
that goal. Ms. Coles-Dobay explained it was only one of the goals, because attendees
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Boynton Beach, Florida December 12, 2019
will spread the word. She announced six collectors attended. She also spoke to Charlotte
Pelton, of the Greater Boynton Beach Foundation, who felt successful connections were
made.
Ms. Moodie got a chance to speak with the Foundation: about the capital campaign as
they were selling naming rights. Ms. Coles-Dobay explained the members are advocates
for the AIPP program and the downtown. Cultural tourism and the Art Commission brings
awareness to the cause and the redevelopment. The purpose of the Avenue of the Arts
has always been to bring people downtown since 2009 and it has been successful. It is
part of economic development and it helps brand the City. Individuals who have seen the
Avenue and new exhibit are very. Chair McQuire asked if future Avenue of the Arts events
would be held in the Cultural Art Center and learned they would. It would also be used
for the Kinetic Art Symposium as they have the first and second floor gallery.
(Ms. Levine arrived at 6:49 p.m.)
Ms. Coles-Dobay thought they should follow up with the individuals who did not make it
to the reception, noting the reception cost about$5K and the Art Commission did not rent
the space. Most of the funds went to food, alcohol and golf carts, although they had a
sponsor for the food. They also had video tapes, photographs and a drone. Ms. Coles-
Dobay explained they have the reception every year. Chair McQuire suggested making
a mental note of the buyers present, creating a list and sending an eblast for future
receptions. Discussion followed the members should champion what they are doing.
They can create excitement about their efforts which would result in people wanting to
get involved. Ms. Oyer asked what they could hand out. Ms. Coles-Dobay offered to
create small business cards with a bit of information. Chair McQuire liked the idea. Ms.
Oyer suggested the card be post card size, containing information about the website,
personal email or cell phone information about enough space for the members to write
their name in and print Ms. Coles-Dobay's name and contact information. Ms. Coles-
Dobay agreed to look into the cards and discuss it at the next meeting.
B. November 16, 6-9pm BBAD Art Walk "Color Effects" Cecilia Lueza
Ms. Coles-Dobay advised Ms. Lueza, Chair McQuire and she attended the Walk and it
was abnormally dead as it was so cold, no one was there. Mayor Grant had brought a
wall-sized screen, for use at the Art District. The screen was used at the last two events.
Ms. Lueza prepared a presentation and it was the best presentation at the show.
C. November 20, Opus the Sea turtle sculpture reinstalled at Oceanfront Park
Chair McQuire announced the above.
D. November 29, 12 -1 pm Farindola Sister Cities Avenue of the Arts Tour
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Art Commission
Boynton Beach, Florida December 12, 2019
Ms. Oyer commented the Farindola Sister Cities delegation toured the Avenue of the Arts.
They were thrilled and had the greatest time. She explained Farindola holds a huge art
event every year. It is a residency program for two or three weeks for artists to show and
teach their art and then leave behind one artwork. Farindola has been holding the event
for five years and it attracts thousands to the event. The Avenue of the Arts really sparked
their imagination and the delegation really appreciated Ms. Coles-Dobay's time. Ms.
Coles-Dobay commented Ms. Oyer did a great job scheduling their itineraries. One
delegate wants to return to attend the next kinetic art Symposium. Ms. Coles-Dobay
explained they can exchange art and artists. Ms. Oyer was also working with Cheney
Brothers to sell Farindola's cheese as they specialize in honey and pecorino cheeses.
Other items from Farindola were anticipated to be added soon.
E. November 30, 11:00 -11:30pm Small Business Sat. Avenue of the Arts
tour
Ms. Coles-Dobay explained this was the first Avenue of the Arts tour to be held on a Small
Business Saturday. Goody bags and items from local businesses were distributed to tour
attendees to bring people to downtown Boynton to experience their businesses. The
Avenue is in the in the middle of the downtown and they scheduled the first monthly tour
on that date for that reason. The tour was listed on a Press Release published in the
Palm Beach Post as one of the top three things to do in Boynton and a photographer
came to the event. A communication was sent with a summary of all the Art Commission
is doing to promote it and advertising. Some advertising was in the publication. There
was a four-page article in Art Hive, the Palm Beacher, Boca Observer, and Florida
Weekly. Culture Owl has the listing and ads for the tour. Indulge Magazine also had
information. Ms. Coles-Dobay noted there are lots of digital banners and boosting of
Facebook notices. They are trying to get people to RSVP so they would know how many
goody bags to have. The next tour is December 27th and then on the third Friday of every
month. It is important to get the word out and all the dates re on the website. They can
do special tours for groups. They have docents. There are a lot of tours to tap into. There
could be social media influencers or others who write about food and the arts in south
Florida. They should have a familiarization tour for social media influencers. they were
invited about one week out and if had more time would come.
F. Art in Public Places Public Relations Management.
Ms. Coles-Dobay explained the Cultural Council had a session on crisis management,
and how to take control of bad public relations and keeping on top of branding. She
thought it was a good topic to discuss, as there was chatter on Boynton Raw about the
Cavalcade sculpture. Ms. Coles-Dobay looks at social engagement and conversation
noting some people like the art and some do not. Ms. Coles-Dobay noted how the art is
selected. The public thinks Ms. Coles-Dobay selects the art, but she does not. Ms. Zell
commented she joined the Arts Commission because she did not like the piece. Michael
Wilson is the moderator and he does a great job. Another good result was a lot of people
advised how the art was selected and were informed on the process, which was a
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Boynton Beach, Florida December 12, 2019
testament to the job the Arts Commission is doing. Chair McQuire explained had a super
active art gallery for eight years. If someone gets a reaction to a piece, it is a good thing
because so many pieces fall to the background. At first, he thought the Cavalcade was
garish. In five years, it could be identified as the start of Boynton Beach Downtown
proper. Art is a signature. It brings cultural tourism to the area. It is subjective. Some
members do not like it. Ms. Moodie views art as placemaking. It is different enough
where it stands out and it is difficult to miss. Chair McQuire noted even bad press could
give a return on investment in turn of dollars.
VII. Project updates/approvals
None.
VIII. International Kinetic Art Exhibit and Symposium Review
Begin to submit artists/artwork information. Members should keep this in mind.
Ralphonso will be returning and has been in china making connections. Susan requested
Farindola be contacted. Sister Cities could be used.
IX. New Business
Exhibition schedule for Cultural Center gallery
• Rick Beau Lieu
• Ralph Papa
• Frank Varga
Ms. Coles-Dobay explained the Art Commission had rotating gallery space at the Library,
but in the future, gallery space will be on the first and second floor of the Cultural Center.
There will be a soft opening of the Cultural Center, and later on the Grand Opening. There
was discussion of having a few exhibits from former founders of the Art Commission or
established artists. Rick Beau-Lieu was one of the original founders of the Arts District.
If the Art Commission likes the idea, they can discuss more about the exhibits. Artist
Ralph Papa, is a Plein Air artist. He organized artists to come and paint the kinetic art
event and Plein Air artists painted the kinetic artists. He was always involved and brought
a lot to the City.
Artist Frank Varga created one of the first memorial sculptures at the Carolyn Sims
Center, and created the Seahorse Fountain by the former Library. He also created the
piece by Walmart. He passed away two years ago. He has a body of work and his son
has taken over his studio and is active in the community. There are other artists the Art
Commission could discuss. Ms. Coles-Dobay had a form she had sent to the members.
They need to discuss a solo or group exhibit as the Arts Commission was seeking to not
only exhibit work from the artists, but discuss how it would activate the space. The artists
are being asked for a lot of information, but it would result in a better exhibit for the City.
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Meeting i
Art Commission
Boynton Beach, Irida December 1 1
artistThe comes to the Arts Commissioni the correct information and the
members would make a decision. If the Arts Commissiont to proceedin tis
manner, there will be approximately four exhibitsr, lasting three months each,
which is long enoughto get adequate exposure. Vice Chair Levine noted Spot Light was
extendingits exhibitsfrom one months to two, and the Cornell has two rotating x i i
everyi .
Oyer thought they should i bigger bang for the grandopening
suggested ini internationally us person. She loved Boyntonil c ,
but thought it should be interspersed wi i t art. Ms. Coles-Dobay pointedt
these ree artists had been discussed, t not the grandopening. It will be several
monthsthe entireproject is r November so they would have
opening x i ii celebrating arti o i si n program. Ms.
Oyer agreed but thought the Arts Commissionshould thinkbigger for the grandopening.
(Ms. Zefl left the meeting7: .
X. Unfinished
A. AIPP booth and Boardn , Dec 21, - "Unity
Gift"
AIPIP feature "Building Cc ipolice station
Chair McQuire suggestedi r event. The CRA is starting in January
to market the eventin January ands c instead.
Motion
Ms. Oyer moved i s 21st, BBAD event. Vice Chair Levine seconded
motion.the ion unanimously passed.
B. AIPP booth and Boardn18 - "InCulture Season
Kick '
featureAIPP i tic art project "Reflections" wi iRalfonso and
fabricator Eric II of
Chair McQuire commented this will be a huge event. There will be a $300K sculptur
feet tall. He thought usingprojector u! really help the Arts Commissioni
presentation. s. Oyer noted the 18th is the same day the Highway Men painting
the Women's is is from 11 .
X11. Future Business
A. January ting board elections.
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Art Commission
Boynton Beach, Florida December 12, 2019
Nominations for Chair and Vice Chair will be made at the next meeting.
X. Adjournment
Motion
Ms. Oyer moved to adjourn. Ms. Lorenz seconded the motion. The motion unanimously
passed. The meeting was adjourned at 7:39 p.m.
Catherine Cherry
Minutes Specialist
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