Loading...
Minutes 02-11-21 Minutes of the City of Boynton Beach Art Advisory Board Meeting Held on Thursday, February 11, 2021, at 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. Via Zoom Online Meeting Present: Courtland McQuire, Chair Kathryn Matos, Assistant City Manager Marcia Levine, Vice Chair Glenn Weiss, Public Art Manager Jehana Zell Nicole Blanks, Public Art Assistant Clovis Moodie Saddam Silverio Martin Klauber Ace Tilton Ratcliff, Alternate Absent: Robyn Lorenz I. Call to Order a. Roll Call Chair McQuire called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. He noted Artist Mark Fuller for the Riverwalk Project was present as was Trina Slade Burks, a curator. He welcomed all to the meeting. b. Agenda Approval or Amendments II. Approval of Minutes January 14, 2021 Minutes Vice Chair Levine noted she and the other Art Advisory Board members received an email from Ms. Coles-Dobay, the former Public Art Administrator, regarding changes for the January minutes. Chair McQuire explained they will read it into the record with public comment. Motion Mr. Klauber moved to approve the January 14th minutes as written. Mx. Ratcliff seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. January 6, 2021 Special Meeting Minutes Chair McQuire noted the January 6th meeting was to apprise the members on the progress of the Symposium. Meeting Minutes Art Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida February 11, 2021 Motion Vice Chair Levine moved to approve the January 6, 2021, Special Meeting Minutes as written. Ms. Moodie seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Chair McQuire requested the below item be discussed first and out of order due to Ms. Burks time schedule. There were no objections. V. Action Items B. Kinetic Sculpture Exhibit Artwork: Karibu Spinners Motion: The artwork proposals for the spinner sculptures by curator Trina Slade Burks is approved for the 2021 Kinetic Art Exhibit. (Exhibit D). Trina Slade Burks, ATB Fine Art Group, explained Mr. Weiss was looking to integrate two dimensional pieces from an exhibit she was curating at the Cultural Council and display them in the International Kinetic Art Exhibit and Symposium event. She advised there were 25 artists involved in the exhibit. She spoke to the artists exhibiting in her show and was able to narrow the artists down to six artists to include in the exhibit, but the Board has to choose which pieces. The Cultural Council reached out to Ms. Burk's company, who curated Karibu for artists that are Black that are of African dissent. Ms. Burk explained Karibu, in Swahali means welcome, come in. They chose the word to invite people into the space where the art was being presented. The Cultural Council named the current exhibit a Celebration of Black Artists in Palm Beach County. Mr. Weiss walked the show to see what was there and there were strong candidates for presentation. Mr. Weiss explained images on spinning poles would be used. They sought to create 4 ft by 4 ft images on spinning poles, manufactured by the Public Works Department that will stand and spin in the wind. Works by artist Caron Bowman, known for her wearable art and murals, were viewed. She submitted two pieces: Pinwheels and Nina Simone, delves into Black Culture. The Board has to pick one piece between those two artists. Ms. Burks suggested using Pinwheel as it was a more visually appealing piece. Anthony Burks Sr., co-curator, of the exhibit is a graphic designer. The piece has a male version — Power Is, and a female version — Say her name. Ms. Burk suggested showing the female version as it was a stronger piece for the exhibit. 2 Meeting Minutes Art Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida February 11, 2021 Artist Tracy Guiteau submitted two pieces, Black Gold and Hindsight. Hindsight had to do with expectations of women. Ms. Burk thought it was more visually appealing and more recognizable to the art community. Artist Gillian Kennedy Wright had two pieces: Come See Mi and Live Wid Mi is Two Different Things, and Come See Mi and Live Wid Mi. These would be cutouts. The first piece included an image of a hat which symbolizes Sunday Church or going to dinner afterwards. Artist Cynthia Simmons had pieces that were reflections of her past family history. She made the clothing in the piece. As for a cutout, of her two pieces, A Wrekclamation and A Wreckclaimation — Niki, the latter piece would be a better piece for a cutout. Artist Raquel William's piece It Takes a Village was made by cloth COVID masks the artist made from fabric from seven continents and 37 countries. The artist who did not commit was Darial Donovan. His pieces were three dimensional and painted. Mr. Silverio asked how much the artists were getting paid and learned they are getting paid $200 for the right to use each image. It cost $500 each to make the sign to convert the images. The City could move the pieces to other locations, if desired. If the City decides to no longer use the piece after the event, they would be returned to the artist. The pieces will be cut out of a metal material and mounted on poles to spin, standing about 11 feet tall including the base. Mr. Klauber suggested, in light of COVID, posting short artist statements so attendees could learn about the artist and understand what they did. Chair McQuire noted the docents will be educated about each piece and have a cheat sheet, or the public could digitally access the statements via cellphone. He did not know if they could have a hand out. Mr. Weiss confirmed they have plaques for each piece that could be changed a little to reflect a little more information about each piece. Mx. Ratcliff shared she has an auditory processing disorder. Verbally she will retain 20% of the information, but visually can retain 90%, so a statement would be helpful. Ms. Burk agreed. Chair McQuire thought Quick Response (QR) codes could help. Mr. Weiss commented he may look for volunteers as it pertained to the QR Codes. Mx. Ratcliff further suggested using one QR Code linking to one page with all of the artists statements. Chair McQuire volunteered to help as did Mx. Ratcliff. Vice Chair Levine asked if there would be an event brochure. Mr. Weiss explained the Karibu exhibit would be included in the main brochure, most likely having one picture with the name of the artist. There will be two tri-fold brochures: one for the indoor and the event on the weekend, and the other for the year-long event listing all the pieces, including the Karibu exhibit. The pieces will be placed under the tree where the Amphitheater is in the Town Square then east towards Federal Highway on concrete pads. 3 Meeting Minutes Art Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida February 11, 2021 Motion Ms. Zell moved Ms. Burk curate the pieces for the Board. Mx. Ratcliff requested the all black figure leaning forward slightly as it was deeply evocative. Mr. Klauber supported the Nina Simone piece as it evoked fond memories of his time living in Tanzania and his artist friends. Vote Ms. Moodie seconded the motion. The motion passed 6-1, (Vice Chair Levine dissenting.) Ms. Moodie applauded the effort to bring diversity and commented all the people who made it possible should be commended. Mx. Ratcliff agreed. III. Informational Items from the Board Chair McQuire congratulated Mr. Klauber on his advancement to a regular member on the Board and commented he is an asset. Ms. Zell announced Arti Gras, which is a fine craft festival, was this weekend in Palm Beach Gardens. Chair McQuire saw the Pollination Exhibit Opening by Nicole Galluccio at the Cultural Center and saw other Board Members there. The exhibit was very well received. There was great work displayed and he encouraged the members to check it out. Chair McQuire then had a drink at Pio Pio and commented it was a great restaurant. Ms. Moodie also saw the Pollination Exhibit. IV. Announcements/Reports A. Boynton Beach Cultural & Arts Center Exhibitions a. Nicole Galluccio Exhibit, February and March 2021 (Exhibit E) Chair McQuire advised the Exhibit was a success. It was one of the first real art exhibits the City has had. b. Sonya Sanchez Arias Paper Dresses Ms. Blanks explained after Nicole Galluccio's exhibit, they plan to display the dresses in the Cultural Center as a reclaimed art exhibit. Staff will determine placement of the dresses, which are currently safe in storage. 4 Meeting Minutes Art Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida February 11, 2021 c. Artists with Autism Exhibit, April 2021 Ms. Blanks explained the deadline to submit art for the Artists with Autism event was March 1 st. Then they will put it up in April to gauge them. She advised they were working with Debby Majors, the ADA Coordinator, on the exhibit. B. Any Updates on Kinetic Exhibit Chair McQuire explained they have quite a few indoor pieces and quite a few, with the additional six pieces from Karibu, outdoor pieces that will be part of Avenue of the Arts. Nicole Lewis, Zucker and Lewis, advised they have 12 outdoor sculptures plus the six Karibu pieces. Thirteen artists submitted multiple pieces bringing the total to 52. There will be a band with a mix of top 40s, pop, rock, and classics. Food will be provided by Boynton Beach vendors. The event will also offer beverage stations serving beer, wine, soda and water. Local breweries were invited to participate, but opted not to participate. The VIP event will take place on Friday from 5:30 p.m. — 7:00 p.m. in front of City Hall. There will be a DJ at the amphitheater and food and beverages available. The artist symposium is on Saturday, under the tree from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with Adirondack chairs for Symposium attendees. The panelists are Lloyd Goradesky, Trina Slade Burk, Rubem Robierb and artist Adrian Landon, who is bringing the Mechanical Horse and an indoor surprise. Sam Champion, of Good Morning America, will be the moderator. They have secured coverage in the Sun Sentinel, and they expect coverage in the Palm Beach Post in the next few weeks. There will be a police presence. The event is socially distanced and mask mandatory. There will be 3K masks available and as well as hand sanitizers throughout the event. She noted volunteers are still needed and the next training event will be on February 26th at 2 p.m., at a location to be determined. Information where to sign up was previously emailed and Chair McQuire agreed to recirculate it to the members. Mr. Weiss advised on March 2nd at about 11 a.m. there will be an unveiling and dedication event for the Healing Heart artwork. They hope to have local hospitals, EMS teams, the Hospital Nurse Association and other groups represented,to thank them for their work keeping all safe. V. Action Items A. Riverwalk Plaza Artwork Motion: The updated Artwork Proposal by artist Mark Fuller is approved to satisfy the Art in Public Places requirement related to the construction on a Riverwalk Plaza project (Exhibit B.) Mr. Fuller explained they were resubmitting based on prior presentation comments for public art. The primary comments were the Board did not like the color of the waves on the parking garage screen on the side of the building. They originally proposed an 5 Meeting Minutes Art Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida February 11, 2021 orangey rust color to match what would be implemented on the building. Comments were to relate more to the public art established on the project with the portals and shelters. Chair McQuire thanked them for listening to the Board and commented he was not averse to the orange as it tied into other elements. He thought the colors did not work too well with the gray and purple. Mr. Fuller agreed the orange architecturally tied in and that was his preference. Some of the members discussed their color preferences. Mr. Weiss explained it is not the function of the Art Advisory Board to be the designer and substitutions for the artist. The artist submits a concept and it is accepted or not. He discouraged minor changes to what the artist presents. Ms. Zell liked the orange and thought the recommendation was to integrate with the bus stop. She thought the building looked much better with the orange on the top floor. Mr. Fuller explained the happy medium for him was to incorporate the wave pattern on the portals and shelters and he preferred to incorporate orange as it is part of the building. Mr. Silverio recalled one reason for the change to blue was for the City. Motion Mr. Silverio moved to accept the changes. Mr. Klauber seconded the motion. The motion passed 4-3 (Ms. Zell, Vice Chair Levine and Chair McQuire dissenting.) The second portion of the changes were the light towers along the waterfront. The Art Advisory Board requested the three columns be spread out. Motion Mr. Silverio moved to accept the changes as presented. Mr. Klauber seconded the motion. Mr. Silverio moved to approve the artwork presented today and accept the changes. Mr. Klauber seconded the motion. The motion passed 6-1 (Chair McQuire dissenting.). B. Kinetic Sculpture Exhibit Artwork: Karibu Spinners Motion: The artwork proposals for the spinner sculptures by curator Trina Slade Burks is approved for the 2021 Kinetic Art Exhibit. (Exhibit D). This piece was discussed earlier in the meeting. C. Kinetic Sculpture Exhibit Artwork: Jennings Motion: The sculpture titled Psyche by artist Jennings is approved for the 2021 Kinetic Art Exhibit. (Exhibit D) Mr. Weiss announced he met "Jennings" through artist Lloyd Goradesky. Jennings presented a revolving piece powered by a motor. The piece, called Psyche is 11 feet tall, very bright. It was named Psyche after a mortal woman who became a Goddess after getting with Cupid. They propose this piece to be located at the Seacrest 6 Meeting Minutes Art Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida February 11, 2021 Boulevard entrance to City Hall on a foundation by the flag. He thought the piece would hold up visually at the location. Mr. Silverio did not feel it was truly a kinetic piece if it was powered by a motor. Motion Ms. Zell moved to pass on the piece of art. Mx. Ratcliff seconded the motion. In total, there are 17 kinetic pieces and this piece would be for the kinetic event. Chair McQuire thought it would be a moving piece and large pieces are hard to come by. Ms. Zell commented they do not have to accept every piece of art. Mr. Klauber agreed with Chair McQuire. This expense for this piece would also put the expenses very close to the event budget. Vote The motion passed 4-3 (Ms. Moodie, Chair McQuire and Mr. Klauber dissenting.) The piece will not be included in the show. VI. Unfinished Business: Action Items (None) VII. New Business: None VIII. Discussion A. Mural Program Chair McQuire commented Vice Mayor Penserga expressed interest in the mural program. He suggested this upcoming year, the members think about what they think of murals, what type of mural programs and artists they want and discuss their experiences with murals because they may develop a program. Mr. Klauber had experience with the mural area in the City of San Francisco and in Philadelphia. He noted Philadelphia has the distinction of having more municipal money in a public mural program than any other city in the U.S. He suggested getting the outline of Philadelphia's Mural Commission and use it to model a program for the City. It was highly successful and something the City could use. He believed San Francisco likely has a mural commission as well they could use. Mx. Ratcliff lived in the Bay area and noted how concentrated and constantly changing the artwork is and that it made it a unique place. Mr. Klauber explained there are vacant buildings on Federal Highway with for rent signs. He thought about the potential location of murals at major access points into the City and that it would make an enormous impact. He suggested a mural contest with high school students. Mx. Ratcliff noted the Library had side exhibits about people of color who made big 7 Meeting Minutes Art Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida February 11, 2021 differences in different ways. Mx. Ratcliff noted some of the murals in the Bay area were political and therefore thought it would be beneficial if there was a specific focus for murals, such as minority groups who help shape the City who may not be talked about. Mr. Klauber commented it could be an objective of the mural commission. Ms. Moodie advised she loves the Wynwood Art District in Miami. She was there last year and there was a section about America's history and with built-in Otocast explaining where they were to where they are now. She thought it could be a place where youth could learn which she supported. Interactive art is something people can learn from. Vice Chair Levine commented they were talking about a mural program, but they have a mural program already. She asked if this was an effort is to expand on it. Kathryn Matos noted there are sections in the Code referencing murals, but they are reviewing the Sign Code and the idea, right now is to come up with a more formalized program. Mr. Klauber volunteered if there was anything he could write, as he has written regulations in the past. Chair McQuire liked the idea of expanding the mural program and encouraged the members to do some research. Mx. Ratcliff found a link regarding murals and how to establish mural programs around the U.S. which Mr. Weiss requested be sent to him. Mx. Ratcliff thought anything they could do to get community buy in would be helpful. Mr. Klauber asked if Vice Mayor Penserga could share his thoughts about his vision for the mural program. Chair McQuire noted it was on the agenda and it was his intention to speak to the Board. Mr. Klauber announced he would like to speak about artists and good friends in Tanzania, and share his experience at another time. IX. Public Comments Chair McQuire noted Debby Coles-Dobay, former Public Art Administrator had some concerns about the minutes and she shared an email with the Board. Ms. Coles-Dobay advised she sent an email, which is attached to the minutes. She heard the comments from Mr. Zabek and the manager at High Ridge Country Club. They said they worked with the prior Public Art Manager and that she reviewed and approved the piece, which is not something she is allowed to do. Ms. Coles-Dobay explained they were asked to submit proposals to send to the Board to present and review. She sent an attached letter dated February 25, 2020, and the requested documentation. Emails were sent and they were ignored for close to a year. At no time did she ever approve the High Ridge Country Club, and as the Public Art Manager, at all times she followed the ordinance process. This was on page two, third paragraph of the minutes. Vice Chair Levine moved to amend the minutes. Ms. Matos explained they would not amend the minutes, but it will be part of the record of this meeting. 8 Meeting Minutes Art Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida February 11, 2021 Chair McQuire asked if there were any updates on the piece. Mr. Weiss explained they have not heard back once the Art Advisory Board rejected the sculpture as compliant. Chair McQuire suggested it be put it on Future Business Ms. Matos explained the purview of the Board is to approve or deny the art. Once the decision is made, the next step is it goes to Code Enforcement. The purview of the Art Advisory Board is done. She advised they will provide updates as soon as they have them. There was no motion needed to include public comment. It is part of the record. X. Future Agenda Items A. Evaluation / Lessons Learned from 2021 Kinetic Sculpture Exhibit Opening Weekend, March Mtg. Chair McQuire noted the exhibit is fast approaching. B. Diversity in Public Art Program This will be reviewed by the Board and they will address it after the kinetic event. C. Future Art Events: Sailfish, Riverwalk, Tour of Town Center Artworks. Ms. Matos noted these items were brought up by former Board Member Susan Oyer. Chair McQuire thought the Board could look into the matter. He also thought the Board could issue a Request for Proposal for art for the pad in front of City Hall as it would be appropriate for a larger piece to go there. He noted the Board had already addressed the Riverwalk presentation and further understood Mr. Silverio was a docent on the Tour of the Town Square Artworks, Avenue of the Arts at Dewey Park. Mr. Silverio explained he gave an overview of the Art in Public Places program and then gave attendees information about the artists and a description of the piece. Chair McQuire noted because of COVID, they will not do so, but he recalled members of the community could register online at certain times of the month, for one or two time slots for small tours and people attended, which was a great way to showcase the City's art program. D. Creation of: Boynton Beach Art Walk Chair McQuire noted the Board took part in the Boynton Beach Arts District. The members set up a table at the Walks, and spoke to people explaining the purpose of the Board, social channels, and what art program was occurring; however, the Walks were losing steam. Some members of the Board discussed setting up their own art walk. The Avenue of the Art will have art and the public could come, for a walk. He wanted the members to think about the event. 9 Meeting Minutes Art Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida February 11, 2021 E. Boynton Beach City's App This item was addressed with the below item. F. Updating and Marketing of the Map of the City's art Vice Chair Levine had ideas about ways to advance art in the community. She hoped to put them on a future agenda and commented when she visits sites with art, it seems there is no cohesiveness. She sought to create a way to direct the public interested in art to a central location detailing where the art is located. She thought it should be current and representative of what the Board does, where the art is, speak about their events, and be user friendly. She commented the City's App is something different and noted there is a marker space for art in the App that needs to content. She hoped the members would tell her about their experiences about trying to find art in public places or art information on the website as she wanted to have a discussion. Mr. Klauber thought it would be nice if the art map described by Vice Chair Levine could be incorporated into the City's app. Chair McQuire thought it was a great idea and asked the members to bring ideas to the next meeting so they could make recommendations to the City's webmaster. G. Zoom events: Talks, tours, etc. Vice Chair Levine thought when there was time and post kinetic, or even during kinetic, if they wanted help in arranging a zoom event. They could have some of the artists talk and invite the community and talk about the public art program. They could have a panel discussion about kinetic art. She thought they could bring items in to the virtual world. She would produce it, moderate it, or whatever. Chair McQuire liked the idea. Anyone could virtually attend. Mr. Weiss noted there are 22 volunteers so far and more volunteers were needed. Mx. Ratcliff volunteered to assist digitally or long distance, but was not able to attend due to health reasons as was Mr. Klauber. Chair McQuire thought a Facebook Live event could be helpful and thought it would be good for the community. Mr. Weiss explained they were going to have Facebook Live for the opening event, for the discussion, and for at least one tour. XI. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, Mx. Ratcliff moved to adjourn. Vice Chair Levine seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 8:22 p.m. r f Catherine Cherry Minutes Specialist 10