Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church

Page 1 MINUTES OF the Arts and Humanities Council (A&HC) of Falls Church Approved 4-18-24 PURPOSE OF MEETING: To discuss arts and humanities matters across the City of Falls Church. DATE OF MEETING: March 21, 2024 (Next Meeting: April 18, 2024 at 9:30 am) PLACE OF MEETING: Dogwood Room, City Hall 1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER BY: Ron Anzalone at 9:32 am 2. THOSE PRESENT: NAME LIAISONS Member: Elise Neil Bengtson, Chamber of Jessie Labukas, MRSPL Commerce Regan Davis, FCCPS Member: Ronald Anzalone, Victorian Society Justine Underhill, City Council Member: Ellen Gross, VPIS Ed Henderson, Historical Commission (virtual) Member: Katharine Stewart, Friends of Cherry Hill Keith Thurston, CATCH Foundation Member: Maureen Budetti, Falls Church Arts Member: Lapha Havan, VLAC Member: Nikki Graves Henderson, Tinner Hill Staff Member-at-Large: Ari Autor Holly Irwin Member-at-Large: Russ Mardon Guests ABSENT Barton Rubenstein, artist Laura Connors Hull, Creative Cauldron Mary Beth Avedesian of West Falls Member-at-Large: Mary Sellers Malcolm Williams, Pipkin Creative Kevin Harnisch, Providence Players Chad Price of Mill Creek TOPICS OF DISCUSSION: . 3. Organization Round Table Members or liaisons representing Falls Church Arts, MRS Library, Chamber of Commerce, VPIS, CATCH Foundation, the VLAC, Friends of Cherry Hill, FCC Public Schools, the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation, and the Victorian Society gave updates. Members-at-Large Ari Autor and Russ Mardon also gave updates. Ron welcomed Kevin Harnisch of Providence Players who gave an overview of their organization. They are interested in collaborating with FCC arts and culture organizations. 4. Minutes for Approval For the February 15, 2024 meeting minutes, there being no corrections, Ellen moved to accept the minutes; Elise seconded. Unanimously approved. 5. Ongoing Business A. Founders Row II Sculpture Presentation Chad Price of Mill Creek reviewed the plan to install public art in the plaza of the Founders Row II development at the corner of Broad and West Streets. The sculpture will be in the middle of the plaza, with about 10,000 square feet of retail on same level as the plaza. The plaza is not right at the The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This document will be made available in alternate format upon request. Call 703 248-5014, (TTY 711). Page 2 corner but a few steps down South West Street. There is a glass wall at edge of plaza so people can see through. There will be planters and benches for seating. To review: At the A&HC July 2023 meeting, the artist selected by the developers presented 3 design proposals for the public art at Founders Row II: Migration, River Grass 1 and 2, and Sea Grass. Then at the Council’s January 2024 meeting, Holly explained that City Council and the Planning Commission had asked us for a formal recommendation on the proposed art work, River Grass 2. When we discussed the 3 proposals, we did not feel that River Grass was the strongest one, or most appropriate for a variety of reasons, whereas the A&HC felt very positive about the other 2 designs. We drafted a letter to the Planning Commission, explaining that we liked Migration and River Grass 1 and disagreed with the River Grass 2 choice, listing our reasons. The January 18, 2024 letter was approved unanimously and sent forward. It included very positive feedback about the other options. Basically we felt that River Grass 2 was not appropriate for the site. On March 21, the artist, Barton Rubenstein gave a recap of his 3 designs. Migration (sculpture showing fish swimming), River Grass 2 (tall kinetic piece that moves with the wind, stainless steel with ‘brush’ finish); and Sea Grass (with 6 big pieces reaching skyward). Since last summer, the project team decided that Sea Grass will not work because of the dimensions of the site. Chad explained that Mill Creek sent the 3 proposals to the Architectural Advisory Board (AAB) for review; the AAB approved River Grass 2. There was lengthy discussion about River Grass 2 and the selection process. It was confusing that Migration and Sea Grass were presented today although they did not make the cut and we had conveyed that we did not like River Grass 2. Members said that we had not understood about the size of the plaza vis-à-vis the artwork; the height of the piece; whether it would be off center or put near a corner; the ability to view the piece from the street; it becoming a show piece that says “Welcome to Falls Church;” and whether it has the strong storytelling aspects that Migration has. Ron asked if it is feasible to reconsider other parts of the plaza where the sculpture could go. Ellen said “Had we known the size of the plaza, we would have had a different discussion.” Chad explained that they went with the vertical design so people could see it. Having a taller sculpture would convey a sense of “You have arrived.” River Grass 2 is what has been approved. Barton added that he is very confident that River Grass 2 will work. Maureen moved that the A&HC accept that River Grass 2 is to be approved for Founders Row II. Elise seconded the motion. There were 5 votes in support of this motion (Russ, Maureen, Elise, Ellen, and Lapha); and 4 against (Ari, Katharine, Nikki, and Ron). B. West Falls Church Public Art Presentation – Holly Malcolm presented the revised design proposal for the large mural to be painted on the parking garage wall in the West Falls development. Pipkin worked with the artist to incorporate our comments on the West Falls VA State proposal. We had asked that they add trees native to Falls Church City; that they add more local images such as the Eden Center arch or Cherry Hill Farmhouse; and that they take out the large X near the Tinner Hill arch. Overall, members liked the redesign and how it addressed our comments. Members had these additional comments on the revised West Falls VA State. 1. The white of the trees may compete with the white outline, so we asked that a different color for the state outline be considered. The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This document will be made available in alternate format upon request. Call 703 248-5014, (TTY 711). Page 3 2. The “X” graphic element near the Tinner Hill arch is something we would like to have taken out. Malcolm said that the artist may be somewhat reluctant to do this as the large X is his signature sign. 3. We asked if there are ways to make the Falls Church building more recognizable? Malcolm thinks the Falls Church will be more visible and recognizable to people as that specific building once they see it as large as it will be in the full size mural. We discussed how it represents the church in the FCC seal. Keith pointed out the pink-purple band around the green roof, and how it can be hard to see the full roof. We suggested that maybe the roof could be all one color. Malcolm requested a memo outlining today’s comments. Holly will resend our earlier comments. Katharine made the motion that the Council approve the revised proposal of West Falls VA State with comments from today’s meeting. Elise seconded, unanimous approved. C. City-Initiated Art Projects Update – Holly and Mike Holly presented proposals for art wraps on 4 electrical boxes that have been chosen. 1. Near the W&OD path at the corner of North West St. and Park Avenue. 2. Corner of Broad St. and Annandale Road. 3. Corner of Broad St. and Washington, next to Browns Hardware. 4. Corner of Hillwood Ave. and Annandale Road. (Tinner Hill neighborhood) Holly is pursuing how to have QR codes on each box to give the artist an opportunity to talk about their work. Members expressed approval, noting that all are very different. Next steps: Mike will get exact measurements and send to artists. Holly also gave an update about portraits in the City Council chambers and will present findings of survey. D. World Art Day Planning – Mary In Mary’s absence, Ari asked that anyone with activities should send to Ari or Mary for inclusion in publicity. Maureen noted that the Cherry Hill is doing a small brochure featuring some of the traditional 19th century art work at the Farmhouse. Also there will be a lecture on 19th century music of this region by performer and music historian, Ken Avis, from 2-4 pm on the 13th at Cherry Hill. 6. New Business A. Review of AHC’s Strategic Plan – Ron explained that Laura wanted to have a brief discussion. Tabled for a future meeting. 7. Adjourn Ellen moved to adjourn, and Maureen seconded. Unanimously approved. MEETING ADJOURNED AT: 11:25 am SIGNATURE OF RECORDER: Katharine Stewart The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This document will be made available in alternate format upon request. Call 703 248-5014, (TTY 711).