Public Art Commission

Minutes of a Regular Public Art Commission Meeting November 18, 2020 A regular meeting of the Blue Springs Public Art Commission was held on Wednesday, November 18, 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 Susan Rew- Present Larry Randall - Absent Greta Hoener – Present Jeff Carpenter – Present Barbara Landes- Present A motion was made by Ramon and seconded by Greta to accept the Minutes of the October 14 meeting; it passed unanimously. Financial Report. The financial report was provided for review. Update on Public Art in Blue Springs book- -Susan Rew provided an update on the status of book planning and what needs to be done in the future. It will be necessary for Ramon and Susan to work together for photo decisions and the information about the artist and artist statement is still being reviewed. Justin and Eleanor need to contact artists for signatures. -Justin indicated that the book bid process is underway. We had four bids, varying greatly in amount. We need to carefully review what has been covered in each bid and to see if there are any problems. Ramon made the motion and Greta seconded that the decision to accept the best bid be done by Susan, Eleanor and Justin in order to move the project along. Motion approved. -Eleanor asked if anyone had seen the Flag Mural on the Valley Oaks Meat business. PAC also discussed that we need to be certain that all public art be included in the book and that information about several sculptures are still outstanding. Ramon said that he is trying to get information on the St. Mary statue outside St. Mary’s Manor. Discussion was that a lot had been done but much needs to be completed. Eleanor reported her photo was taken and she is working on her content page. Anticipate that the Mayor will have a similar but different message but same photo. Update on Artworks -The new bronze “Moving the Stars” has been placed by the artist, Spencer Schubert. Discussion was that the sculpture is satisfactory and that no additional work is needed. -Eleanor reported that “Cultivate” solicitation will most likely be started in February. The Blue Springs Art League is requesting donations at this time and she had indicated that in the past she had agreed we would not fundraise at the same time. The flyer will be available for review at the next PAC meeting. -“Ascending” is in place and we were very pleased with the sculpture. The artist worked well with Parks staff to get it installed, lighting placed, and a concrete base in place. Discussion was of the process of installation. Ramon prepared a slide show of the various stages of installation to give a background of what happened over the long day of installation. Justin reported that the artist was complimentary of everyone in Blue Springs. David Watson completed a video interview of the artist for future reference. “Ascending” was commissioned with the combined financial assistance of Parks and PAC and the input of many individuals, including the Selection Panelists. Initiation of Plan to Implement Placement of Public Art in Business Locations -Ramon discussed the initial plan to contact businesses to see if they are interested in public art and the procedures involved in this plan. He has prepared a document for review by lawyer and PAC so that PAC can proceed. It is anticipated that art would be placed in February, 2022. PAC will await information from the City on next steps and will discuss more at the next meeting. 1 Other Updates -Frederick Baus is still interested in creating a book that shows children friendly public art and related information and activities. Eleanor contacted MACAA to see if they would give a grant to help sponsor the book and she reported that a $750 grant will be approved. She asked Robin Hudson, Manager of Blue Springs North Library, if plans for input and publishing of the book were approved by the Library but she said she has not yet gotten approval. The plans are pending but look hopeful. Missouri Bicentennial -Greta reported that she has been in contact with the Missouri Bicentennial committee to have PAC included but need to identify a project. Discussion was to have a fiber artwork created and placed in the lobby area outside the City Hall offices. Eleanor will check further to see if this is of interest by the City. We would want to include other groups in the work and those contacts would be made only after approval. Decisions of size, color, methodology will be determined if there is interest by all parties. Zoom -Discussion was whether we could have PAC meetings by Zoom rather than in person. No decision Visitors/Public Comment: None 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 Greta. Meeting was adjourned at 5:00pm ___________________________________ Eleanor Frasier, Chairman 2