Public Art Commission

Minutes of a Regular Public Art Commission Meeting January 8, 2020 A regular meeting of the Blue Springs Public Art Commission was held on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at 1pm at the Fieldhouse. The Chairman called the meeting to order. Eleanor Frasier – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Justin Stuart Ramon Magee – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Mary Herrington Joy Frazier Boyle – Absent City Council Liaison: Chris Lievsay- Absent Larry Randall - Present Community Member: Tom Beard Greta Hoener – Present Community Member: Susan Rew Jeff Carpenter – Absent Community Member: Megan Johnson Barbara Landes- Present Community Member: Jan Duffendack Community Member: Steve Willman A motion was made by Barbara and seconded by Larry to accept the Minutes of the December meeting; it passed unanimously. Public Art Commission Financial Report: The financial report was presented for review. On-site Presentation of Artist Finalist for “Ascending” Public Art Exhibit a. Artist Robert Barnum was introduced. He is Professor of Art and Department Chair of the Art Department at Ferris State University Campus of the University of Michigan System b. Robert Barnum presented two conceptual sketches of his proposed commissioned sculpture (As We Ascend and Ascend 2). Both sculpture concepts incorporated the addition of a child as requested during phone interview with the artist in December c. Barnum explained each concept and how the artwork would be positioned on the base, the use of corten steel and aluminum in the figures, and the incorporation of words in the base which would encourage community input and ownership d. Discussion involved several suggested changes or provided greater understanding of what was proposed, to include: --emphasis of family unit --increased height of male figure --incorporation of vines and water elements which symbolize Parks Department --importance of lighting and placement options --words on base that relate to Blue Springs community citizens and values --maintenance e. The Selection Panel voted unanimously to approve Robert Barnum as the artist for the “Ascending” sculpture. They also asked that the artist provide additional information that gave evidence of changes requested in the discussion before any contract was issued. f. The Selection Panel was thanked for their time and commitment to review the 87 artist applications, attend the interviews, and determine the one artist that would be commissioned to design, create and install the “Ascending” sculpture to be placed in the Fieldhouse roundabout. City of Blue Springs Mural Code a. Nathan Jurey, City Senior Planner, presented the process and plan for updating of the City’s Sign Code and recommended changes that could involve the involvement of the Public Art Commission as it relates to murals. This included the approval process for murals, the standards for murals placed on buildings in the City, and the review criteria. b. Discussion involved general approval of the process with some suggestions that meet VARA expectations. Community involvement is required and various public hearings will be held before the City Council adopts the new standard. 1 Updates/Information/Status a. “Moving the Stars”. Justin stated that he had secured Walmart Foundation approval for the plan to replace the fiberglass artwork with a permanent bronze sculpture. He is working on the process for City Council approval. Eleanor suggested we ask Artist Spencer Shubert to attend the next meeting to explain details about creating the bronze. b. Special Projects Committees. Ramon explained that he has contacted the various committee members for their times/dates available for meetings. When information is complete, he will initiate plans for meetings on a monthly or as needed basis for the four committees to complete their assigned tasks. c. Missouri Arts Council Creative Communities Information. Eleanor provided additional information on the winner, which was Grand Center in St. Louis. d. “Momentum” Temporary Public Art Exhibit. Eleanor asked that we consider if we want to arrange for purchase of any of the artworks available from the “Momentum’ exhibit. She indicated that PAC would need to consider if the artwork would attract donors and where to place the art if it is purchased. PAC will discuss this topic further at the next meeting. e. Kohl’s Contract for Community Service. PAC is considering arranging a contract with Kohl’s that will enable volunteers to assist us in annual maintenance of art and possible donation of money. Justin explained that he had this on his agenda but had not yet contacted them for information. We will discuss this topic at the next meeting. Other Business- : None Visitors/Public Comment: None As there was no further business, a motion for adjournment was made by Greta and seconded by Larry. Meeting was adjourned at 4:40pm ___________________________________ Eleanor Frasier, Chairman 2