Public Art Commission

Minutes of a Regular Public Art Commission Meeting August 9, 2023 A regular meeting of the Blue Springs Public Art Commission was held on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at 3:30pm at the Fieldhouse. The Chairman called the meeting to order. Eleanor Frasier – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Justin Stuart Ramon Magee – Present Taylor Beller - Present Pam May – Present Kamera Meaney- Present Kathy Cornelius- Present Cydney Carl- Absent A motion was made by Ramon and seconded by Taylor to accept the Minutes of the July meeting as presented; it passed unanimously. Financial Report. The financial report was available for review. There were no questions. “Seasons” 14th Temporary Public Art Exhibit --Eleanor reported that the Call to Artist was ready for final review before submitting to CAFÉ so that PAC can begin the process of selecting artists and artworks for the “Seasons” exhibit. --Ramon presented the Call and directed attention to each of the elements involved in informing the artist about the Exhibit and the deadlines that relate to each of the various steps in the Call. PAC agreed to implement the Call on Wednesday, September 6. Justin will arrange a contract with CAFÉ and submit the information to them. --Ramon reported that he had contacted two proposed external jurors, one did not respond back and the other one was concerned about meeting in-person on the date listed for artist interviews. Discussion was about the importance of in-person juror discussion in determining the top four artists and one alternate. Ramon explained that while the voting by jurors on CAFÉ gave information about the top artists, the decision is made by the jurors after a full review of information on CAFÉ, artist interviews, and PAC member comments. The final juror listing will be available at the September meeting. Art Maintenance and Conservation --Ramon provided a written update report on Sculpture Maintenance. Seven sculptures were examined after power washing to determine appearance. There is some concern for rust in “Breath” and “OH!”. Fading of color was noted in “OH!” and a color change in one part of “Breath”. Decisions will be made in the future regarding additional care needed. --A plan is underway to provide the artist recommended coating for “Cultivate” and “Fortitude III” and the Schubert method of waxing for “The Skateboarder”. --Additional restoration is planned for “Jet Stream”, “Quasarc”, and for “The Skateboarder” base. Bids will be needed for outside services for these sculptures which Ramon is currently arranging. --Ramon suggested that more oversight be given to ensure machine installation pads are placed under sculpture mounting points to reduce rust. We should encourage artists to use non-continuous welds or suitable caulks into joints where water and road chemicals can access and also cause rust and corrosion of the sculpture. He also suggested using only stainless steel mounting hardware to when mounting sculptures or plaques. --Maintenance and conservation of artworks will remain as a concern for PAC in future meetings and plans for funding will be necessary, Status/Information/Updates -- Veteran’s Way Memorial Flyer- Justin provided an updated draft of the Flyer prepared by Cydney which was changed according to discussion at the July meeting. A few additional edits were suggested to this document before it will be presented at a meeting with Meyers Funeral Home and the THCF representative. Eleanor asked that Cydney and Kathy attend this meeting at a time that will be appropriate for all. 1 --“Swoop”. PAC agreed that the Chimney Swift Tower dedication was a success with everyone enjoying the program, refreshments, and camaraderie. --“New Growth”—Eleanor hopes to name a donor for this artwork soon. --Public Art on City Website. Ramon indicated that he learned that Shane who helped with the art website is no longer with the City. Justin will follow up to see who is in charge so we can continue this project. --Veterans Way Memorial Flag Schedule—Eleanor announced that flags will be placed for Patriots Day on September 11 Visitors/Public Comment: -None Other Business- -None As there was no further business, a motion for adjournment was made by Taylor and seconded by Kamera. Meeting was adjourned at 4:45pm ___________________________________ Eleanor Frasier, Chairman 2