Minutes 08-12-21 Minutes of the Art Advisory Board Meeting
Held on August 12, 2021, at 6:30 P.M.
In the City Commission Chambers, City Hall
100 E. Ocean Avenue, Boynton Beach, Florida
PRESENT:
Courtlandt McQuire, Chair Glenn Weiss, Public Art Manager
Marcia Levine, Vice Chair*
Kelli Drum, Board Member
Clovis Moodie, Board Member
Ace Tilton Ratcliff, Board Member
Roland DuBree, Alternate
Ellen Jones, Alternate arrived 6:42 p.m.
ABSENT:
Saddam Silverio
Note *: Medical Excuse Approved for Call-in Participation.
I. Call to Order
a. Roll Call
Courtlandt McQuire, Board Chair called the meeting to order at 6:38p.m. Self-
introductions were made with the above individuals noted as present. Four members were
physically present.
b. Excused Absence Requests
It was announced Mx. Ratcliff, Vice Chair Levine and Ms. Jones have medical issues
have been cleared to call in.
c. Introduction of new alternate member Roland DuBree
Chair McQuire introduced new member Roland DuBree. Mr. DuBree recently moved to
Boynton Beach and he wanted to be involved in events taking place in the City to make
it a more beautiful place for all. He is a hair stylist working in Boca Raton. He is attuned
to aesthetics and has a creative mind.
d. Appointment of alternate(s) for absent member(s)
Chair McQuire appointed Mr. DuBree to sit as a regular member.
Meeting Minutes
Art Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida August 12, 2021
e. Agenda Approval or Amendments
Motion
Ms. Drum moved to approve. Ms. Moodie seconded the motion. The motion passed
unanimously.
II. Approval of Minutes
Motion: The July 8, 2021 meeting minutes are approved as written or
amended. (Ex. A).
Ms. Drum noted her name listed under Present is spelled Kellie, and not Kelli. Mr.
Weiss announced Mr. Klauber resigned from the Board.
Motion
Vice Chair Levine moved to approve the minutes as amended. Ms. Drum seconded the
motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Mx. Ratcliff asked if the votes from individuals present via phone counted, or if they
cannot offer motions. Chair McQuire commented a motion has to be made from seated
board members.
Motion
Ms. Moodie moved to approve the minutes. Ms. Drum seconded the motion. The
motion passed unanimously.
III. Informational Items from the Board
Chair McQuire did not read the article about the Delray Beach Old School Square. He
commented at the last City Commission meeting, Delray Beach voted to discontinue the
lease to whoever is operating it now. He hoped things would improve.
IV. Announcements/Reports
A. Boynton Beach Arts & Cultural Center Exhibitions
a. MLK Student Showcase: August 27 — Sept 13, 2021
The MLK Exhibition that was postponed from February due to COVID is now being
exhibited at the Cultural Center. It is composed of student works.
B. Grants
a. NEA ARP ($50,000)
2
Meeting Minutes
Art Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida August 12, 2021
Mr. Weiss explained they are applying for the grant. If they are awarded the funds, they
can do what they want without matching funds.
C. FY22 Public Art Fund Budget (Ex. B)
Mr. Weiss explained the proposed budget is going to the City Commission next month.
There were no comments. He pointed out page 19 and explained at the moment, the
fund is in debt because of expenditures related to the completion of Reflections,
Synersthia and other improvements in Town Square. The budgets were determined
based on Town Square apartment complexes being constructed, but they were not. At
the moment, the fund is in debt, but the City Manager and City Commission appear to be
ok with this, because they know the funds will come. As of October 1St,the fund will be
even due to developer contributions, but they have very little money.
Mr. Weiss pointed out two major components in the budget which were Other
Contractual Services and Acquisition of Public Art. The others are minor items. The
$86K is to return all the kinetic artwork from the show, and it is the contractual
relationship for the Avenue for the Arts, which traditionally follows the kinetic show. It
also funds the art shows at the Cultural Center. That is where most of the funds for
temporary work is situated. There is a jump from $50k to $86K because the funds for
Ms. Blank's position was not filled.
Regarding Acquisition of Public Art, Mr. Weiss requested $156K for the purchase of art
or permanent items. They will have $56K for the rest of the year. A percentage of the
budget has been presented to the City Commission as a pilot for a mural program for
next year. In terms of purchasing any hard art, they only have $36K to spend.
Ms. Jones offered to help with any of the proposals in terms of grants or foundation
funding. Mr. Weiss welcomed her offer to assist.
V. Action Items
None
VI. Discussion
A. Draft Mural Ordinance, Guidelines and Program (Ex C)
Chair McQuire noted they had a lengthy discussion at the last meeting, initiated by
Commissioner Ty Penserga. Now they have a budget and they have to determine how
to kick it off and let it grow. Mr. Weiss's goal is for the City Commission to approve it by
October. Mr. Weiss noted there were three components, but there will be a change to
the Ordinance. The Ordinance will not affect the Board's authority, as being
responsible for reviewing every mural that comes before the City and determines if it is
appropriate. The other changes were just correcting things in the Ordinance and
maintaining the board's authority. It will be removed from the sign ordinance section.
An image on the outside of the building will be either a sign or a mural. If it has a
3
Meeting Minutes
Art Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida August 12, 2021
commercial message, it is a sign, and if not, it is a mural that will be reviewed by the
Board. The City Commission requested a new ordinance for murals. The Board always
had the power to commission murals.
Ms. Moodie asked about Exhibit C and Haitian image of murals. She thought a broader
word such as Caribbean murals was more appropriate. Mr. Weiss agreed to make the ill
change. She was also aware of the 50/50 split. She asked how the maintenance of
murals is handled. Mr. Weiss explained there are two components: one is the
guidelines, which is the way in which the Board would evaluate and look at murals and
then the program, which was how the Board would make murals come into existence to
the Board's initiative, not an artist deciding to paint a mural on the building. There are
types of ways to do murals, which is a collaboration with private owners, and the CRA
will give up to $5K for people to paint a mural on the building. A 50/50 split could come
from the CRA and the other half from the Board, so the owner would not have to pay
anything to have a mural on a private building.
Chair McQuire asked if they could require a business owner to buy in. Mr. Weiss
explained changes can be made. There could be a collaboration of neighborhood. Mx.
Ratcliff commented as a homeowner, how would it look if she painted a mural on the
front of her home. She wanted to clarify exactly how that looks in that situation and if
working with homeowners or private owners, there are a lot of opportunities. Mr. Weiss
explained there is a new law prohibiting cities from imposing restrictions on
homeowners, but the Board would not have any authority to approve anything on a
private single-family home. Chair McQuire thought the Board could decide on a
particular area. He noted in Delray there is a fence with art on it, and he requested
confirmation they could foster the same concept in the City if they wanted. Mr. Weiss
confirmed they could, but the Board and City Commission would have no relationship to
it.
Ms. Moodie asked if the Art Advisory Board had the authority to do a mural similar to the
one in Lake Worth, Mr. Weiss responded they could. The City would have to own the
wall or enter into a contract with the owner of the wall and rent the wall for $1.00.
Mr. Weiss explained the mural program he laid out was for opportunity. They could work
with private owners. They are also working with micro-districting which supports a small
area such as the brewery district, downtown, industrial way, or MLK Jr. A micro-area
would have enough murals to make it special. Chapel Hill and Leisureville would like to
do something for a mural. Can do murals with common interest communities, such as a
Caribbean area, a deaf community or who play bridge. They can collaborate with a
community, or with school age children. He reviewed the evaluation criteria for the site
selection and collaboration. He commented it was important the wall is already sealed.
Chair McQuire thought they needed to have a narrow focus by the next meeting, and
the members decide what the community would best want or identify businesses in the
4
Meeting Minutes
Art Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida August 12, 2021
City that may be interested and then at the next meeting fine point it. It is a pilot
program and he encouraged the members to put some thought into it.
Mr. Weiss reviewed possible projects. The Mayor recommended painting the bases of
the solar trees at Oceanfront Park, Barrier Free Park, Hester and Sara Sims. The CRA
will not match. They have a program for businesses to paint murals and receive partial
funding.
They have to focus and hopefully they will get funds in 2022/2023. Chair McQuire is
there a data base they use to contact the business community. Chair McQuire that
would be a good tool and they would love to have sponsorships. Mx. Ratcliff thought
places that do volunteer work usually have limited budget, but can have resource
connections. It was thought the Art Advisory Board may be able to work with
businesses, LGBTQ organizations and a whole bunch of other things they could
connect with a non-profit, and other groups in the community that may want to
participate and have ideas on how to execute Chair McQuire requested Mr. Weiss
research the issue and contact the businesses. Ms. Drum noted in the brewery district
Due South Brewery shares the same warehouse and walls as a Sherwin Williams
commercial paint distributor. She thought they could see if they would provide the
paint. She was aware the building was leased.
Chair McQuire recalled at the last meeting a woman spoke about murals and there was
no need to have special paints and there is no need to have lots of glazes on them. Ms.
Drum agreed to contact Sherwin Williams and notify Mr. Weiss with the results. Chair
McQuire will review the community and take pictures. There are a lot of clever infill
areas in which a mural may be appropriate.
Mx. Ratcliff recalled a December City Commission meeting, they were talking about the
Christmas holiday lights. A man conveyed he felt left out with the focus being on the
downtown and not other areas such as MLK Jr. Boulevard. She thought Chair McQuire
should check out these areas . Chair McQuire commented members could bring other
suggestions
Mr. Weiss reviewed future projects. Victor Norfus, Historian in the African-American
community, wanted to do a Unity Wall, as was done in Lake Worth, for the 100tH
anniversary on Boynton Segregation in 2024, to bring people together. The Wells
Landing housing project will not require public art. He thought maybe there was some
way to have a mural or art or find some way to contribute to the community so they can
have a voice, and that piece be part of the public art program. Mr. Weiss will add the
Board's willingness to contact individuals and collaborate with businesses and
organizations as they may want to sponsor funds. Mr. Weiss explained people can
contribute to the City and it is tax deducted. When more formalized he will submit it to
the City Commission as a program.
5
Meeting Minutes
Art Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida August 12, 2021
Eugene Fagan, 1010 S Federal Highway, explained he is on the Parks and Recreation
Board and they discussed a mural on a pump house at the park. He wanted to
approach the Art Advisory Board. He is also on the Greater Boynton Beach Foundation
and they will pay for the paint. The pump house is the building on the Inlet on the pier.
It is an iconic building on the pier, and it was discussed they need more art in the parks.
It is at Oceanfront Park, east of the bridge. It is an octagonal building with Spanish tile
roof. Mr. Weiss had to check with legal, s it is a County park. They can help them find
an artist. He thought someone higher up may be able to contact the county. Mr. Weiss
is friends with the person in charge of Art in Public Places for Palm Beach County and
he can contact her. The area is unincorporated. Chair McQuire will look into it as the
Greater Boynton Beach Foundation will be glad to promote art.
B. Avenue of the Arts 2022. (Ex D)
Mr. Weiss advised the art would be installed in January or February as the kinetic
pieces leave. They can discuss it at the workshop as they will do an evaluation of
kinetic, but he wanted to try to find quality work and save money. He contacted the
Boca Museum, Norton Museum and FAU to see if they have high quality art they could
borrow. Chair McQuire explained the Kinetic Art show is a biennial event and this year
is an off year. They rotate out some or all of the seven to 12 pieces that are on the
Avenue. They can go with non-kinetic or they can decide to maintain kinetic or a hybrid
of sculptural works from people they help curate. He welcomes all new types of art
options. In the past, the Board sees artwork and vote on it and the artist has time to
install it, it stays on-loan for a year and it is removed just prior to the next Kinetic art.
Mr. Weiss reviewed prior art. His idea was rather than issue a call to artists, the going
rate for leasing sculpture fora year, the minimum is $1,000 each including delivery and
installation, but the fees have increased to $1,500 or$2,000 to lease the work with the
delivery. The Museum has a number of works they are interested in loaning, and he
contacted the Boca Museum Art School which were not shown. As long as the City can
insure them, the art can be displayed. That is an option. If accepted, Mr. Weiss can
reach out to other museums and institutions to see what other type of works there are.
Chair McQuire liked the idea, but part of the Art Advisory Board's role is to not only
retain great diverse art, but to also try to sell it. He asked if the pieces could be sold
and the Art Advisory Board receive a commission from the artist. Mr. Weiss advised it
has nothing to do with the artists or sales. He did not think it is the Board's role to sell
their work except to get a commission. The Board has to consider whether to work with
living artists. He commented he has done this for a while, and it is not so easy to get
quality pieces. He pointed out these pieces are homerun, out of the park pieces. He
liked it, but did not want to fill all 12 slots . Ms. Drum also preferred to work with living
artists. She did not want to discredit anyone and not put them in a show for that reason,
but only for a 25/75 split as there is a lack of promoting living artists.
Ms. Moodie sees the art as a way to improve the citizens quality of life. She endorses
the idea of continuing the search for items that can be borrowed and displayed. She
6
Meeting Minutes
Art Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida August 12, 2021
thought sometimes they are not on the same page regarding the purpose of art in
Boynton Beach. She thinks the purpose is to improve the quality of life for Boynton
residents. It does not always mean finding artists that live in Boynton Beach. She
shows people the art in the City. She is not concerned where the art is form, rather the
residents being able to appreciate what they have.
Mr. Weiss explained that point is key to discuss in the workshop. Chair McQuire
thought they have to explore it more. It can be a hybrid and see where it goes. Mr.
Weiss explained this artist is looking for places to put his work. Chair McQuire noted
the sea turtle by a local artist was put in a kinetic space. Mr. Weiss wanted to get it out
of storage. It needs to be sandblasted and returned to its original nature. Chair
McQuire thought a different piece would fit the space better than the turtle. The current
kinetic piece kept breaking. Mr. Weiss will investigate this. Ms. Moodie explained it was
important to the community to ensure diversity.
C. Attachments for Workshop on August 21, 2021, 10 AM, City Hall (Ex E)
The City Commission approved the three agenda items for the workshop: they will work
on objectives, evaluation for kinetic, and Avenue of the Arts and the temporary program
they are working on and recommend policy related to public education and
communication, especially with diverse communities. The City Commission comments
were they were very interested in the evaluation of the kinetic show and its valuation to
the City and how to increase the diversity of the art and artists. Ms. Moodie was looking
at the information for Quantum Eco Park and she asked what is going on with the Old
Dixie Eco park. Mr. Weiss responded he walked it, it is in good conditions but two
sections had plants that died out and owner must replace those. He thought for the
time the park was there, it has held up well. The sidewalk and butterfly drawings were
holding up well as were the information plaques, except for one plaque that needs to be
replace.
Ms. Moodie asked if looking at Quantum Eco park, if they would expect the owner to be
involved in the upkeep like Old Dixie Eco Park, and learned it is a City park. The land
was part of the Quantum Park development, but the land was never made into a park.
Mr. Weiss noted last year there was a zoom community discussion and art was a
priority. The Landscape/architect company will design pathways through the nature
areas, with play equipment and interpretive materials, but it is a simple structure so
people can have access to the natural area. With this case, the artist would join the
architectural team to add an artistic flair, but also while discussing it with Kacy Young,
the Recreation and Park Director and Assistant City Manager Andrew Mack there is a
special program with the apartment company nearby that provides a free apartment to
an artist who would work on that project. Chair McQuire thought it was a great idea.
The $10K payment would come from the Art Advisory Board. An image of the plan was
viewed and Mr. Young believes the City will receive $400K to help with the development
of the park.
7
Meeting Minutes
Art Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida August 12, 2021
Ms. Drum commented the intersection at High Ridge and Miner Roads was being
turned into a round-about and could potentially accommodate a mural and the
breweries are nearby as well. They are doing a full expansion of High Ridge Road.
Mr. Weiss commented the only entrance to the City that could accommodate anything
interesting is on Woolbright Road by Little League park. The City Commission also
recently approved replacing the fence at the Cemetery. By Forest Hill and Chapel Hill,
they want to improve a park and were volunteering their time. There is a sound wall at
the park which could accommodate a mural. Gary Dunmyer, Interim Director of Public
Works and Engineering, wants to do something for Solid Waste workers. Mr. Weiss
rode with a solid waste worker on their route, and he thought the public should know
about these workers and give them respect. An idea was to hire a writer and
photographer, photograph their lives on the road and interview them.
Ms. Moodie wondered if it was a moment in time recognizing Solid Waste Workers.
Chair McQuire thought tying it with photography would work. Mr. Weiss wanted to have
a big performance at the amphitheater, and have a digital work, but permanent work
was questionable. He thought using quotes would be good and they can put quotes on
poles in the neighborhood.
Chair McQuire thought a short documentary could live in perpetuity on YouTube. It
could be only seven or eight minutes. Ms. Drum thought they could tie it into a display
at Town Square and forever hosted on YouTube after. Mx. Ratcliff thought this was
similar to Humans of New York. It is a website of a photographer who set out to
discover NY. He would just stop people and then give them a short snip-its which could
be turned into a book. Mx. Ratcliff loved the idea. Mr. Weiss explained most of the
sanitation workers are African American and unlike finding sculptors, it is easier to find
writers and photographers. He hoped Mr. Dunmyer could help with funding. Mr. Weiss
thought this could be a six-month project. There are 40 employees in the department.
Chair McQuire thought it was important to execute correctly. Mr. Weiss reviewed
images he had. He noted the City Commission supports teaming Boynton Artists with
Boynton fabricators with federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act Funds, but
they would have to approve it. Mr. Weiss is applying on the NEA grant, which he would
focus on the HOB as the NEA program wants to address communities of color. This
would be separate funds from the City's program the City Manager's office wants to do
decorative traffic cabinet wraps. The Conrad Pickel recognition seems to have been
dropped but Mr. Weiss thought it should be part of the City's heritage. He had large
blocks from the congregational church. He asked if the Board should be collaborating
with the schools.
Ms. Moodie had always suggested in reference to kinetic art, that they collaborate with
the schools. It is a great teaching environment and a good way to show how STEM and
STEAM come together to make the project. Mr..Weiss would like to see a strong
relationship between the social fabric of the community and the Art Advisory Board.
VII. Old Business
8
Meeting Minutes
Art Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida August 12, 2021
Report on High Ridge Country Club AiPP Compliance
Chair McQuire explained this item was brought up at a meeting and he gave the history
of the sculpture. It was mentioned that the sculpture did not fulfill the budgetary
requirement and the piece looked like it was pulled off an artist's shelf. They reviewed it
to see if it met the AIPP rules, but it was explained the prior Public Art Manager
exempted them from that requirement although they did fulfill it largely. It is a gray area.
They may have received an exemption because it is not outlined in the by-laws, it is a
private country club. They do not have any great course of action and it is not a legal
thing they want to pursue. Chair McQuire asked if they could make recommendations
to improve it as the sculpture appeared to be leaning, which they can pursue. He
understood it likely was not worth their time. He asked Ms. Matos if they could make
recommendations to improve its appearance. The Building and Community Standards
Department is interested in how it was installed on the site. It is leaning. Chair McQuire
suggested if possible they request the plantings be improved, have it straightened and
cleaned or add lighting. The piece needed to be spruced up.
VIII. New Business
None
IX. Public Comments
X. Future Agenda Items
A. Diversity in Public Art Program
B. Future Art Events: Guided Tours, Zoom Talks, Monthly Art Walk, Etc.
C. Digital Interactive Tour and Map like Otocast
D. Coordination of Public Art on Boynton Beach APP
E. Continuous Social Media and other Marketing of Pubic Art
Mr. Weiss noted he will put time limits on each item of the workshop.
XI. Adjournment
Motion
Ms. Drum moved to adjourn. Mr. DuBree seconded the motion. The motion passed
unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Catherine Cherry
Minutes Specialist
9