Public Art Commission

Minutes of a Regular Public Art Commission Meeting October 14, 2020 A regular meeting of the Blue Springs Public Art Commission was held on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at 3:30pm at the Fieldhouse. The Chairman called the meeting to order. Eleanor Frasier – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Justin Stuart Ramon Magee – Present City Staff: Nathan Jurey, Community Development Susan Rew- Present Community Member: Jake Hubbleston- Valley Oaks Larry Randall - Absent Community Member: Dale, mural artist Greta Hoener – Absent Jeff Carpenter – Present Barbara Landes- Present A motion was made by Ramon and seconded by Susan to accept the Minutes of the September meeting; it passed unanimously. Financial Report. The financial report was provided for review. Susan Rew presented PAC with two $400 checks($800 total) from Hallmark Foundation for volunteer work of Susan and Jill Frasier for 2019 PAC Recommendations- -Valley Oaks Meats mural- Nathan Jurey introduced Jake Hubbleston to present the American Flag mural proposed for the Valley Oaks Meats Building. Under the Master Sign Plan, that applicant must have PAC approval of the mural. Nathan stated that staff has reviewed this mural and it meets the criteria and recommened approval. The muralist described the mural as Heritage Artwork and a representation of the history of the building in Blue Springs. The planning application was reviewed to determine the mural appearance and the materials involved in the project. After discussion, Ramon moved and Jeff seconded the motion to recommend approval of the mural as presented; it passed unanimously. -Discussion of Eric Feinstein proposal for Otocast audio guide- Eric presented by Zoom at the September meeting the various methods that the audio guide offered. Eleanor had asked each PAC member to review the documents provided for discussion and decision at the October meeting. Justin presented the costs of Otocast on both setup and annual fee. After discussion, Barbara moved and Ramon seconded that motion not to participate in the audio methodology at this time. Information/Status/Updates - Public Art in Blue Springs book- Susan presented the update which involves that the book is in review to make certain that all artworks are included in the book, that appropriate artist statements have been proofed, and that missing information will be identified and arranged for. We need to continue to work on securing artist signatures and other missing information and identifying photos of artworks that need updating. Ramon is working on spreadsheet regarding these needs. Susan discussed the method involved in what we expect from a printer for the book. She suggested that she had contacts and preliminary information from three printers. Justin explained that we have to create a bid proposal that is available to all printers who wish to bid on the project. Using the City’s typical method of bidding the Blue Springs Magazine, Justin, Eleanor and Susan will develop the bid. We need at least three bids. We expect to make a decision about the printer at the November meeting. The winning printer will provide a template for appropriate layout for the book. There will be another update on status of what needs to be done at the November meeting. - Ascending”- Justin provided information on the artist plans to install “Ascending”. He expects to travel to Blue Springs with the sculpture on Thursday, November 12 and install on Friday, November 13. In 1  order to install, we need to have the footing in place. The artist needs to provide a drawing or specification for the footing and then Justin will work with getting a concrete contractor for this job. It was decided that we would not have any dedication or public involvement event at this time but hopefully will be able to have a dedication in the Spring. -“Moving the Stars”-Spencer Schubert felt that he could get “Moving the Stars” installed in late October. The bronze is at the foundry and as soon as he gets the word he will contact us to arrange for installation. -Other Artworks- Justin will work with Parks to determine where to place “Tapped” in Burrus Old Mill Park and for “Fire, Earth and Water” to be placed at Adams Pointe Conference Center. It is doubtful that “Sundance” will be installed soon as it depends on the condition of the Lake and Parks staff availability to do this work. Justin reported that another firm had acquired St. Mary’s Manor. Even though it is not a faith-based business, they would like to keep “The Visit” in place in the foyer. Discussion was that we agreed to this request. -Eagle Scout Project at Veterans Way Memorial- Eleanor reported that Joe Czerkawski had proposed his Eagle Scout project to be landscaping around the plaza area of Veterans Way Memorial. This project would include re-placing some shrubbery that had died and also placing some colorful plants in front of the shrubs. He will also improve drainage in the area as the watershed across the plaza has been a problem. Randy Cooper will supervise and approve the work. We have asked the Mayor to take a photo with Joe to show appreciation for the improvement. The Czerkawski family has offered to provide all the materials needed for the project. - Update on Book Plans by Frederick Baus- Because of Covid, the City will have a virtual Mayor’s Christmas Tree event which meant that there would be no opportunity to have a book signing of his proposed book, “The Mayor’s Christmas Tree”, so he cancelled publication at this time. Fred has suggested that he will plan a future book that would be written for elementary students that focuses on ten public artworks that are student friendly and would have activities related to the sculpture choices. Eleanor has contacted Robin Hudson, Manager at Blue Springs North Library to see if they would like to participate in sponsoring this book and also that she will contact MACAA to see if they will provide funding for the project -“Cultivate” Donor Solicitation- PAC discussed when to start the plans for donor contact for “Cultivate”. It was thought that this should be done before the end of the year so that anyone who wanted to include it as a tax deduction would be more likely to donate. Another thought was that corporate donors needed to do this soon so that donations could be budgeted for 2021. Eleanor will continue with plans for a flyer and for donor solicitation. -Bicentennial Committee- Discussion was held that next year will be the 150th anniversary of Missouri becoming a State. PAC has been asked to participate in the Bicentennial Celebration with some kind of project. Discussion was whether PAC might want to expand this concept into a City-wide committee. Eleanor will explore to see if this is of interest. -City Council Presentation- PAC was pleased to present the annual PAC update to City Council on October 6 which focused on the 20th anniversary of PAC and the proposed policy for “Placement of Temporary or Permanent Public Art on Privately Owned Commercial or Common Area Property”. Ramon developed the visuals and Eleanor and Ramon wrote the script. After the presentation, each member of the City Council spoke very positively of PAC’s accomplishments. Other Business- November meeting date change- it was noted that the November meeting date of Nov 11 was a holiday, Veteran’s Day. After discussion, the November meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 18 Visitors/Public Comment: None As there was no further business, a motion for adjournment was made by Jeff and seconded by Susan. Meeting was adjourned at 5:00pm ___________________________________ Eleanor Frasier, Chairman 2