Public Art Commission

Minutes of a Regular Public Art Commission Meeting September 8, 2021 A regular meeting of the Blue Springs Public Art Commission was held on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at 3:30pm at the Fieldhouse. The Chairman called the meeting to order. Eleanor Frasier – Present City Council Liaison: Susan Culpepper Ramon Magee – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Justin Stuart Susan Rew- Absent Taylor Beller - Present Visitors: Kathy Cornelius Pam Vaughan – Absent Matt Wright, Community Development Jeff Carpenter – Present Adair Bright, Community Development Barbara Landes- Present Pam Buck, Downtown Alive Doug Bennett, Artist A motion was made by Barbara and seconded by Ramon to accept the Minutes of the August 11 meeting; it passed unanimously. Proposed Public Art Murals by Downtown Alive! -Community Development provided copies of the proposed public art murals “Painting Art on Shipping Containers” proposed by Downtown Alive! that are currently on the Lot at 11th and Oak Streets. -The containers have been at the location many years and DTA would like to see murals on the public facing sides and ends of each container, one corrugated metal and the other flat metal. Each container had already been prepped with base paint and ready for the murals. -Doug Bennett, local artist, has been contacted to design and lead the project which would feature “Butterfly Art” on one container and “Hands and Heart Art” on the other -Discussion was whether the purpose of the murals was to bring attention to the containers and how the murals would be perceived by the public. There was also concern that maintenance of the murals could be an issue (how would this be monitored, who would be responsible) -It was the view of the Public Art Commission that the murals are acceptable, but there should be a review of the mural status in two years and a decision made at that time whether to continue or to remove the murals, and to provide definitive plans for future maintenance. Financial Report. The financial report was provided for review. 13th Temporary Public Art Exhibit at Colonial Gardens -Justin reported that a new Café Contract had to be negotiated since there was not a Call to Artist in 2020. It has been signed and paid for so the Call can be issued as planned -Ramon reported that the Call to Artist was ready to be submitted to Café. He asked that the Call to Artist (provided at the August meeting) be approved. Ramon made a motion to use the Call To Artist contract as presented at the August meeting. Barbara second the motion; it passed unanimously -Eleanor explained that for this exhibit, there will be seven jurors to review the artist applications: 3 external judges (Kathy Cornelius, Tom Beard, Jan Duffendack); 2 Colonial Gardens jurors (Grace Ames, Chris Oursler) and 2 PAC Jurors. She named Ramon Magee and Susan Rew to represent PAC. The jury process will start on Wednesday, October 20. -Eleanor asked that the December 8 meeting be changed to Wednesday, December 1 at which time the jurors will select the four artists for the exhibit. PAC members will participate in the discussion and recommendation. The earlier meeting will allow more time for contracts to be arranged and for artists to begin their work. “Cultivate” Dedication -Barbara provided information on the plans for the Dedication. Invitations will be printed and sent to donors and special guests. The plaque is being designed and will be ready for the dedication. It is likely to be placed on the base of the artwork. 1 -Barbara listed some of the program speakers, especially those who taught or attended James Lewis while Kathe White was a teacher. A program is being designed as a handout at the dedication. -The artist has been contacted to come if possible or to provide an artist response. The James Lewis art teacher is having students design “seed packets” as gifts for each attendee to the dedication. The BSSD food truck, which has students from the Hospitality and Tourism Departments, will provide refreshments for the event. -The Dedication is from 5:30 to 7:00 on Tuesday, October 19 and PAC members should plan to attend and to assist as requested. Bicentennial Project “Celebrating Missouri Through Mosaic Art” -Eleanor reported that 18 volunteers participated in a mosaic art training session led by Rebecca Hite to learn how to create mosaic art and some of the techniques they would need to know to do the project. -Larry has drawn and painted the design on the tile board. The mosaic glass of various colors will be broken and then glued on the design. It is expected to take two months to create the mosaic artwork. -The tentative date for Dedication of the artwork that will be placed at Vesper Hall is Thursday, December 9, time to be determined. Justin will check if this is a feasible date so that we can then begin contacting the various persons who will be invited to attend. -A dedication committee will assist in planning the refreshments and program for the event. Bicentennial Project on “Celebrating Missouri Through Mosaic Art” “20 + 1 Years of Public Art in Blue Springs” book -Various pages of the book are complete and other parts are underway. The book will be edited by Ramon and Eleanor as well as sent to Miranda for review and edits before it will be sent to publisher. -It is planned for 1000 copies of the book to be published. In addition to distribution to artists and other special persons, the book will be used for fundraising. It is anticipated that it will be available for holiday sales. Information/Status/ Updates -Eleanor reported that flags will be placed along the walkways in Veterans Way Memorial to honor Patriot Day (September 11) -Three plaques have been ordered and a ceremony will be held with the Mayor and plaque owners on Sept 9. -ArtsKC has requested that the Blue Springs participate in a metro wide celebration of the arts. We are pleased that BS Public Art Commission will be recognized. Visitors/Public Comment: -None Other Business- None As there was no further business, a motion for adjournment was made by Jeff and seconded by Barbara. Meeting was adjourned at 5:00pm ___________________________________ Eleanor Frasier, Chairman 2