Public Art Committee

Public Art Committee Agenda Merriam Community Center, 6040 Slater September 12, 2024 - 5:30 PM If you require any accommodation (i.e. qualified interpreter, large print, reader, hearing assistance) in order to attend this meeting, please notify the Administrative Office at 913-322-5500 no later than 24 hours prior to the beginning of the meeting. I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III. ACTION ITEMS 1. Consider approval of the August 8, 2024 Public Art Committee Meeting minutes. Public Art Committee - Aug 08 2024 - Minutes IV. PROJECT UPDATES 1. Carter Ave. Underpass 2. Other Project Options 3. Hearts Across Merriam Public Art Project Proposal - Hearts Across Merriam 4. City Updates 5. Other Business from the Floor V. ADJOURNMENT  MINUTES Public Art Committee Meeting City of Merriam, Kansas Merriam Community Center, 6040 Thursday, August 8, 2024 5:30 PM Slater I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Shawn McConnell called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Committee Members Present: Staff Present: Christopher Leitch Lauren Krivoshia, Assistant to the City Administrator Gerald Becker Jan Schoonover Committee Members Absent: Julie Denesha Jordan Gomez Maggie McConnell Staci Chivetta Shawn McConnell Jason Silvers Christine Nelson Vanessa Chasm III. ACTION ITEMS 1. Consider approval of the July 11, 2024 Public Art Committee meeting minutes. Committee Member Becker made a motion to approve the July 11 Public Art Committee meeting minutes. Committee Member Denesha seconded and the motion was unanimously APPROVED. IV. PROJECT UPDATES 1. Public Art Project Proposal The committee discussed which site they would like to propose for the next public art project. Based on the feedback from the community survey, open house, and PAC input, the most desired location is along the Turkey Creek Streamway Trail. More specifically, two popular options are the Carter Ave. underpass of Shawnee Mission Page 1 of 2 Public Art Committee Minutes – August 8, 2024 Parkway, or “The Clearing,” located directly south of the butterfly garden and west of Public Works. Both of these options would also fit the desired location of “unexpected places.” Discussion about The Clearing included how there is a lot of foot traffic in the area, and some people have been seen using the space for recreation. There is a lot of potential with all of the open land, and a new gathering place could be created along the trail. The direction of artwork at this site could be very open ended. It was noted that Evergy powerlines go through the site so there may be limitations on use. The site is close to the indoor soccer club that regularly has parents waiting in cars. However, there is no immediate City parking available for easy access to this part of the trail, so the artwork would primarily be accessible to pedestrians. The location may also be too hidden for the first project of the PAC. Finally, there was concern about art proposals that were merely a sculpture put in a place. The Clearing is still a viable location for a future project. The underpass on Carter Ave. of Shawnee Mission Parkway is currently unsightly and in a very visible location. The committee would like to see unconventional artwork, beyond murals, to beautify the site. Art could possibly be used to screen the train tracks or create a barrier. Art using lighting components, especially solar, was a popular idea and could enliven the space and improve safety. The committee prefers to not include too many specifications or requirements for the possible artwork. The RFQ will be open to all mediums but note that the committee is interested in the use of light. They would like artwork that will beautify with whimsy and brings arts and culture to the community. The RFQ will share the community survey results to guide artists. The budget should be $100,000 to address rising costs of materials and to achieve the desired transformative artwork. 2. City Updates Staff shared brief updates on the Public Art Master Plan At a Glance document, the Otocast Art Tour, the upcoming Concert in the Courtyard, and free day at the MCC. Staff also shared upcoming changes to short term rentals, and informed the committee that the City is looking in to single hauler trash. 3. Other Business from the Floor There were no items from the floor. V. ADJOURNMENT There being no other items to consider, the meeting adjourned at 6:28 p.m. Page 2 of 2  PUBLIC ART PROJECT PROPSAL Project Overview Hearts Across Merriam is a community initiative aimed at combining art and exploration as part of our "Feel the Love" campaign launched in 2024. Local glass-blowing artist, Dierk Van Keppel has been approached to created these heart keepsakes to celebrate the City's 75th birthday (75 hearts for 75 years). Kicking off in January and running through October, hearts will be hidden across the city in local parks and city facilities, plus a few participating businesses, historic sites, etc. Seekers can keep the heart as a reminder of the love we have for our city or share the love by hiding it again for another person to discover. Utilizing a social hashtag (#HeartsAcrossMerriam), we can encourage finders to share their hearts online, furthering the engagement and reach of this fun, community scavenger hunt. Which Placemaking Outcomes does this project meet? Creative Placemaking Community Development Economic Development ▢ City Identity ▢ Health and Safety ▢ Tourism ▢ Wayfinding ▢ Engagement ▢ Property Redevelopment ▢ Neighborhood Identity ▢ Inclusion ▢ Business Development ▢ Gathering Place ▢ Creative Class ▢ History Project Location Various locations across Merriam Budget Initial project cost Annual/maintenance cost Comments $3,500 N/A 75 hearts + mold + Merriam imprint Schedule / Timeline September: Art committee funding request; October: commission artist; January: place initiative in Visitor Guide 2025, social posts, etc.; Jan-Oct: place hearts Artist(s) Selection Are there any artist eligibility restrictions? ▢ No ▢ Yes (Describe in comments) How will artists be solicited for this project? ▢ RFQ ▢ Direct contract Comments: Preferance for local artists. Local glass-blowing artist, Dierk Van Keppel was contacted for an initial quote. Staff Project Manager Name Title Department Karen Crane Tourism & Economic Development Manager Admin