Public Art Commission

Minutes of a Regular Public Art Commission Meeting April 21, 2021 A regular meeting of the Blue Springs Public Art Commission was held on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at 3:30pm at the Fieldhouse. The Chairman called the meeting to order. Eleanor Frasier – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Justin Stuart Ramon Magee – Present Visitor: Kathy Cornelius Susan Rew- Absent Larry Randall - Absent Greta Hoener – Present Jeff Carpenter – Absent Barbara Landes- Present A motion was made by Barbara and seconded by Greta to accept the Minutes of the November 18 meeting; it passed unanimously. Financial Report. The financial report was provided for review. We have received a grant of $800 from Hallmark Foundation for volunteer work of Jill Frasier and Susan Rew. We received the grant check of $750 from MACAA. Colonial Gardens Agreement- --Background. After receiving City Council approval of the proposal for placing public art in business or private property, a Call to Businesses was made which listed guidelines for application. Colonial Gardens was a respondent. Ramon met with them several times to further define what would be required. A contract between the City and Colonial Gardens was signed so that exhibit planning could occur. Ramon, Justin and Eleanor met with members of Colonial Gardens to discuss next steps and to identify four potential sites for placing the sculptures. --Next Steps. As the Call to Artists is developed, PAC need to define the mission and environment of Colonial Gardens. This will be important in determining the theme of the Exhibit. It was noted that the process is that both PAC and Colonial Gardens will present three or four theme ideas. At the June meeting, PAC will determine the theme and begin the process for submitting a Call to Café. Colonial Gardens is aware of the financial responsibilities for installing the bases, assisting the artists in installation of art, arranging for promotion and dedication of the exhibit. Book Bid Update --The book bid has been completed by Susan, Ramon, Eleanor and Justin. The details were presented for discussion. Justin will post the bid as described. Companies interested in printing the book must submit their bid by Monday, May 10. The bids will be reviewed at the May PAC meeting. If there is a need for interviewing the potential bidder(s), this will be arranged before the contract is arranged. Identify Book Status and Scheduling Plans --Discussion was related to what else is needed for the book. Susan has presented a calendar detailing due dates for certain information. These included: some sculptures need to have new photos; text information for each artwork needs to be edited as previously decided; text information from Mayor, Eleanor and about PAC needs to be submitted and edited; GPS information will be requested, missing signatures of artists are being requested, and the cover needs to be designed. All of above should be completed by end of June. Susan will populate the template provided by the publisher during July. At the August meeting we will begin final proofing. 1 Missouri Bicentennial Mosaic Art Project --Eleanor gave background on the City of Blue Springs project to create a mosaic artwork celebrating the Missouri Bicentennial featuring two State symbols, the Missouri Bluebird and the Dogwood Tree. The project will involve a partnership of the City, Blue Springs Public Art Commission, Blue Springs Art League and Blue Springs Daughters of the American Revolution, The mosaic design will be created by Larry Randall. Rebecca Hite, owner of the Creative Art Glass Station in Oak Grove will assist in the development of the art project and will provide all materials needed to purchase to create the work. The City submitted the application with the theme “Celebrating Missouri Bicentennial through Mosaic Art” which will be reviewed for endorsement. If approved, it becomes an official project and will receive widespread media publicity. When completed, the art will be permanently displayed at Vesper Hall. --Funding for the project was discussed. The MACAA grant will be used to pay for all art materials, the City will arrange for the frame and reception, and each of the organizations has agreed to pay up to $200 for any additional expenses for creating the art. --A schedule of work is being planned so that 2 or 3 representatives can visit the studio to work on the art. Rebecca Hite will create the border that is between the frame and the design elements and as soon as that is done, the scheduled work will begin. “Cultivate” Fundraising --A flyer has been developed to fund-raise for purchase of “Cultivate”. The amount needed is $5,500. Blue Springs Art League has donated $1000. The remainder or $4,400 will be solicited from a mailing being planned and from individual donors and organizations. When the fundraising is complete, a dedication of the sculpture located at James Walker Elementary will be held. Information/Status/Updates --The book plan with Fred Baus has been cancelled as arrangements for publication could not be completed satisfactorily and in time. --Discussion was whether there was interest in re-locating “Angelic Interlude” that is in City Hall to St. Mary’s Medical Center garden area. Since it is marble slabs, the material would be easily transferred and the significance of the artwork would be better identified. The artwork was purchased by Blue Springs Art League in Memory of Dorothy Bay whose husband was a long time physician in Blue Springs. It would also be more attractive to photograph for our book. We thought that we would like to place “Fire, Earth and Water” a colorful fiber wall hanging at City Hall instead and that this piece would also be more attractive for the book. Discussion was to proceed to find out if this is feasible. Justin and Eleanor will follow up as this needs to be done quickly if we are to get it moved and photographed for the book. --Eleanor reminded that due to Covid, we have not been able to arrange some of the dedications associated with purchase of an artwork. With this in mind, future dedications will be planned for “Wheels”, “Ascending”, and “Cultivate”. --The Veterans Way Memorial redbuds are in bloom and everyone was encouraged to visit. Also, flags along the walkway will be available during the Memorial Day weekend. Visitors/Public Comment: -Kathy Cornelius was in attendance and stated that she has an interest in public art and is happy to volunteer if there is a need. Eleanor will follow up with her to find a project that she can assist with. Other Business- Reminder of the Public Officials Liability Training being held at Adams Pointe Conference Center on Thursday, May 6. Visitors/Public Comment: None As there was no further business, a motion for adjournment was made by Greta and seconded by Ramon. Meeting was adjourned at 5:00pm ___________________________________ Eleanor Frasier, Chairman 2