Public Art Commission

Minutes of a Regular Public Art Commission Meeting July 17, 2019 A regular meeting of the Blue Springs Public Art Commission was held on Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at the Fieldhouse. The Chairman called the meeting to order. Eleanor Frasier – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Justin Stuart Ramon Magee – Present City Council Liaison: Chris Lievsay- Present Joy Frazier Boyle – Present Community Member: Barbara Landes Kathe White – Present Larry Randall - Present Greta Hoener – Present Jeff Carpenter – Absent A motion was made by Kathe and seconded by Ramon to accept the Minutes of the May meeting since there was no meeting in June; it passed unanimously. A welcome was extended to new Art Commission member Joy Frazier Boyle and new City Council Liaison Chris Lievsay Public Art Commission Financial Report: The financial report was presented for review. Planning for Call for Artist for 2020 Commissioned Sculpture 1. CAFÉ Contract- Justin reported that he is working on the CAFÉ contract for approval so that the Call to Artist can be posted for artist review and application. 2. Commissioned Artwork- Eleanor explained that the 2020 exhibit will be for a commissioned artwork, sponsored by Parks and Recreation, and will utilize CAFÉ to secure artist interest in designing a sculpture for the circular pad in front of the Fieldhouse. Since this is a site-specific artwork, there will be one artist selected. She referred members to read the Procedures for Issuing a Call to Artist and discussed how it differs for a commissioned piece and the suggested timeline calendar. The general process is: --the budget for a commissioned piece is determined by the sponsor. Sponsor is responsible for all costs of artist commission, artist on-site visits, dedication costs. PAC will assist in CAFÉ contacts, jury procedures and interviewing, communication with artist, and liaison with other entities --the usual procedures of having the Call to Artist, including site photos will be followed, to allow for artist credentialing and for the jury selection process --the jury to review the artist selection will usually have 7 to 9 members, to include representatives from the sponsor, PAC, Parks staff, City, and at least two external judges --the jury process will result in top candidates—PAC need to decide how many to consider --Winning artists will be encouraged to arrange for a site visit and voice any questions or gain information which could affect the design --Arrangements are made with top candidates to give an on-site presentation to the Selection Panel, which consists of the Jury and PAC members, to determine the artist to design the artwork. PAC members will provide input to the Jury panel who will determine the winning artist (with the approval of the sponsor) --City procedures are followed to contract with the artist 1  --The artist is encouraged to continually maintain communication with PAC (and sponsor) about design plans --Artist will arrange for any site preparation such as installation needs footings, or engineering assistance --Artist installs sculpture; landscaped as needed. --Dedication of artwork 3. Theme- The theme should reflect the sponsor’s purpose for the sculpture sufficient so that artists can interpret that theme in designing an artwork. Each member suggested themes for the Call to Artist. After discussion, it was determined that there was not sufficient consensus to determine the theme. The sponsor will be asked to respond to the suggestions and each member will also consider what is appropriate. The theme decision will be made at the August meeting. 4. Call to Artist- There was general discussion about what to include in the Call to Artist relating to safety, notably the importance of having the sculpture not interfering with the use of the driveway by large delivery trucks, or allowing for anyone to attempt to climb into the artwork. PAC will include that electrical was available to artists. PAC will want wind and weather concerns to be noted since it is likely that the sculpture will exceed 15 feet tall. The sculpture medium should be broad so not to exclude any form that might affect conceptual plans. Before the next meeting, there will be a draft of the Call (except for the theme) for review at the meeting. Information/Updates/Status: - DVD’s of “Momentum” were provided to PAC members. PAC indicated our appreciation to David Watson for his outstanding work (and patience) when the art was installed and for additional creative work. - PAC acknowledged the recent work of the Commission in the Dedication of “Momentum”, the Dedication of “The Ultimate Truth”, the Veterans Way Memorial Event Honoring WWII and D-Day, and the availability of brochures for “Momentum” and “Public Art in the ADP Corridor”. PAC have had a busy and productive year! Thanks to everyone who helped with these events! - “The Story of Blue Springs, Missouri” project is coming to an end as the book is nearly ready to be reviewed by BSSD and City before it is finalized for publishing. The PAC has been very involved in the book planning and production. - Maintenance of Public Artworks. Ramon reviewed that Larry and he had met with Metalabs regarding the maintenance needs of our artworks. As a followup, Ramon and Eleanor met with Meg Zahner (Metalabs) and Kat Zahner (Van Witt Fine Art Conservation) to discuss most needed care and restoration. Discussion identified the top needs were “Mother and Child” and “Moving the Stars”. Ramon moved and Larry seconded that PAC contract with Van Witt to repair as possible “Mother and Child” using reserve funds in the PAC account if needed. Eleanor suggested to contact Spencer Schubert to see what he recommends for providing needed maintenance for “Moving the Stars” before making any commitment to Van Witt for this sculpture. - “Public Art in Blue Springs”. Before Kim Nakahodo left, she had started plans for this publication. Eleanor, Kathe, and Kerri Cole had determined needs and did some edits, but now there is a need to move forward. Eleanor asked Ramon to be the lead person to continue plans for the publication. To assist Ramon in this task, Susan Rew (Hallmark) has asked to be a community volunteer to PAC to assist in this project and to also help in fund-raising. Welcome Susan to join with PAC in meeting our mission. - Task Force. Ramon and others with continue with the Task Force as time permits. Several members have been unable to meet due to job or personal commitments this summer but hope to continue this needed work soon. Other Business- : None Visitors/Public Comment: None As there was no further business, a motion for adjournment was made by Greta and seconded by Kathe. Meeting was adjourned at 5:03pm ___________________________________ Eleanor Frasier, Chairman 2