Easthampton City Arts Public Art Subcommittee

ECA - Public Art Subcommittee Wednesday June 5th, 2024, 5:15 pm Meeting Minutes 5:15 Public Speak – Jamie announced she is leaving her position with the City effective June 14th. Denise passed out informational flyers on behalf of Ellen Koteen who could not be present. The Cottage Street Tennent Association is actively trying to raise community awareness about the studio rent increases. CEO Lynn Ireland and the RSI board of Directors have not agreed to meet with the Association on the matter. Approval of May 1st meeting minutes – Jamie made a motion to approve the minutes, Jeanne-Pierre seconded, and all agreed. Have a Heart for Public Art Fundraiser raised roughly $4,668. There are still credit card funds which were not part of the accounting. All Event Brite ticket purchasers were sent a follow up thank you note that included an invite to the unveiling on May 11th. Pasqualina will investigate the Event Brite ticket fees which seemed excessive. Might not use platform in the future. The committee discussed their concerns regarding the safety of the new sculpture, Easthampton Storyscape installed on the boardwalk in May. There is an approximate drop-off of 24” behind the sculpture’s platform and concern for viewers accidentally falling off. Jamie informed the committee about legal drop-off measurements where public safety is concerned. And added that the City has insurance to cover these situations. The committee decided to not move forward with investigating the installation of a low fence. Tracey will talk with Piper and Janna about a sharp edge on the top edge of the sculpture. Bob is concerned that a small child or adult reaching to touch the sculpture could be cut. Janna and Piper intend to install a vent to alleviate fogging and moisture build up. The Emerald Place project grantees submitted a proposal that was insufficient. A new deadline for an updated proposal was set for Monday, June 10th. Pine Street mural refurbishing is scheduled to begin in mid-September. Pasqualina will talk with P. Grose about the mural’s colors. All are tasked with coming up with ideas to secure scaffolding. Rich LaBombard, the SHOW Circus Studio and John Atwater were all mentioned as possibly having the equipment we could borrow. Activating the Manhan Bike Trail with Public Art – next meeting we will discuss if this is our next priority. Jamie mentioned the two sculpture platforms on Union Street that will need to be filled. Construction due to finish in June of 2025. Pasqualina mentioned ARPA funds that need to be spent by end of year and questioned whether they might be used here. Center of the Universe’s base has damage caused by the Union St construction. Pasqualina will contact the necessary people to make sure it is repaired. Bob agreed to investigate a company that can make a plaque like the one on the Center of the Universe’s base so that both sculptures on the boardwalk can have matching plaques. Because of the holiday the next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 10th at 5:15pm