Public Art Commission

Minutes of a Regular Public Art Commission Meeting May 12, 2021 A regular meeting of the Blue Springs Public Art Commission was held on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at 3:30pm at the Fieldhouse. The Chairman called the meeting to order. Eleanor Frasier – Present City Council Liaison: Susan Culpepepr Ramon Magee – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Justin Stuart Susan Rew- Present Visitor: Kathy Cornelius, Greta Hoener, Larry Randall Taylor Beller - Present Pam Vaughan – Present Jeff Carpenter – Present Barbara Landes- Present A motion was made by Ramon and seconded by Barbara to accept the Minutes of the April 21 meeting; it passed unanimously. Welcome and Introductions: Welcome and introductions of all attendees were made. Special appreciation was extended to visitors who wish to assist PAC in its projects. Financial Report. The financial report was provided for review. Bicentennial Commission Report “Celebrating Missouri Through Mosaic Art” --Eleanor gave update on project indicating that the process being following was : (1) a 3” frame was being constructed by Clay Ellis, retired trim carpenter, to hold the 24” x 48”tlleboard for placing the mosaic art so that the artwork will be 30” x 54” in final size. (2) The mosaic art design will then be placed on the tileboard by Larry (3) This will be taken to Creative Glass Studio where Rebecca Hite will place the border in mosaic designed by Larry (4) representatives of the three organizations and other community volunteers will be scheduled over time to place the mosaic pieces in the design. Before they begin working, a special training workshop will be held by Rebecca for all volunteers. Eleanor thanked Larry for his work in planning and design. PAC is also appreciative of Rebecca for her willingness to assist in the project. --There is no immediate deadline for the work to be accomplished but would like to complete it by early fall and have the dedication of the artwork and celebration event at Vesper Hall. Plans for the dedication will be completed once the approximate date of completion and availability of all those invited to participate is known. --The City submitted a proposal to the Missouri Bicentennial Committee for an endorsed project and it was approved. This means that the project will be on the official Bicentennial website and State Historical Society websites, social media and publications. Blue Springs joins with the many cities, organizations, and counties who are celebrating the 200th anniversary of Missouri becoming a State. The websites are: missouri2021.org and shsmo.org Thirteenth Temporary Public Art Exhibit at Colonial Gardens --Ramon gave a summary of the project to date. This will be the first project in collaboration with a local business. He has been in contact with Colonial Gardens who responded to a Call to Business to sponsor the exhibit for 2021-22. In meetings, Colonial Gardens staff recommended four sites for sculpture placement . When the Call to Artist is submitted, photos of the sites will be available for artists to see as they decide to apply --Future Plans. In determining the Call to Artist, the process is to identify an appropriate theme that helps guide the artist in the application decision, whether to design specifically for the exhibit or suggest a piece already constructed. We develop the Call and then submit it to CAFÉ, an artist application clearinghouse, which enables artists to apply for consideration. A Selection Panel will be named to review the applications and identify four artists for the exhibit. It is important to have a theme that fits the purpose of the business and that is also of interest to artists. 1 --Eleanor asked that each member of PAC be prepared to bring four theme suggestions to the June meeting. Colonial Gardens will also suggest theme ideas. A procedure will be followed to select the theme at this meeting. To assist in plans, information about the business will be sent to PAC members. “20 + 1” Public Art in Blue Springs --Eleanor reported that PAC has been working on the book project throughout the year, meeting as possible during Covid restrictions, to develop a process for design of the book and for a book bid to select a publisher. The book bid has been completed with three businesses responding: Mainline Printing Inc, Walsworth Publishing, A Graphic Resource. Mainline Printing, Inc out of Topeka, KS bid met all the guidelines and was the lowest price. Susan Rew made a motion to accept the bid and enter into a contract with Mainline Printing, Inc for production of the book at a cost of $8,915. Discussion was that the proposal was for a cost of $8,915 and that the tentative timeline of November 1 for publishing was satisfactory to both parties so that PAC can plan to use the book to fundraise. After discussion, the motion was second by Ramon and passed unanimously. --Susan reported that there is some additional work to do before proofs are submitted. PAC hopes to have all the updated photos, text information about the artwork, and other details previously agreed to be the end of June. During that month, she will populate the information in the template furnished by the publisher. At the August meeting, PAC will plan to prepare for a proof copy to submit to the publisher ---At the June PAC meeting, additional information on progress and what is needed will be discussed. This includes book cover ideas, acknowledgements, and what information about PAC should be included. “Cultivate” Fundraising Status and Future Plans --Eleanor indicated that PAC is in the process of fundraising in order to dedicate “Cultivate”. The sculpture is located at James Lewis Elementary and will honor the service of teachers of the Blue Springs School District, with special appreciation for Kathe White who taught there 25 years and was a member of PAC. In discussion, Pam indicated that at present the donation letter asks for checks, but it would be helpful to have a way of donating to the project by credit card. Justin indicated he would look into that opportunity and add it to the flyer that describes the request. --Eleanor said PAC is arranging for a mailing to request additional funds. To date, $1000 has been received from Blue Springs Art League and $1200 from patrons of public art. The total amount needed is $5500. A plaque of all donors giving $100 or more will be provided at the dedication. Other Business --Veterans Way Memorial. Eleanor reminded everyone that the Memorial will be decorated with flags along the walkway during Memorial Day weekend an encouraged all to visit --MACAA. The Missouri Association of Community Arts Agencies has established several Zoom opportunities for art information. Eleanor is a member of the Board. --Fred Baus Art Book. Due to the difficulty of meeting publishing deadlines, PAC is unable to work with Fred in development of the book he wanted to highlight public art in Blue Springs appropriate for a book targeted to youth. Visitors/Public Comment: -Jeff mentioned that Mathias Neuman was recently back in the area and stopped by to see his “Basics” art piece while in town. Other Business- None As there was no further business, a motion for adjournment was made by Ramon and seconded by Susan. Meeting was adjourned at 4:41pm ___________________________________ Eleanor Frasier, Chairman 2