Public Art Committee

Minutes Michigan City Public Art Committee Zoom Webinar Meeting September 23, 2021 10:00 am Call to Order: Robin Kohn Attendees: Robin Kohn, Shannon Eaton, Kathy Dennis, Jane Daley, Dale Cooper, Judy Jacobi, John Ryszka, Janet Bloch Minutes: Minutes from the July meeting were reviewed. Motion It was moved (Eason) and seconded (Ryszka) to accept the minutes. The motion carried unanimously. Financial Report: The financial report for July and August were reviewed: We had $3,008.00 in our operating fund and $1,479.13 in the donation budget. And for August we had $928.00 in our operating fund and $1,479.13 in the donation budget. Motion It was moved (Bloch) and seconded (Ryszka) to accept the financial reports as presented. The motion carried unanimously. Ms. Eason explained that we need to transfer funds from professional services to other rentals to cover renewal of the sculpture named Water Bird. Motion It was moved (Daley) and seconded (Dennis) to decrease account 431.050 other professional services in the amount of $1,759.00 and increase account 437.050 in the amount of $1,759.00. The motion carried unanimously. Public Comment: Mr. Dan Radtke joined the meeting to inquire about getting a piece of sculpture on the corner of Spring and 2nd Streets. The committee will do a search for something that would be appropriate for that area. Mr. Radtke would like something in place for spring 2022. He is willing to contribute $5,000 toward this project. Old Business: • Kiosk in Westcott Park - Subcommittee: Dale Cooper, John Ryszka and Matt Kubik Ms. Cooper will repair the wrinkles in the posters that are due to moisture. • Add Photos to City Council Chamber - Subcommittee: John Ryszka and Matt Kubik The person in the photo from the Works Building has been identified, so there will be further discussion concerning the unveiling at the October meeting  Native American Project - Subcommittee – CarolAnn Brown, Kathy Dennis, Jane Daley ArtSpace has graciously offered to house the Turtle Sculpture in their lobby for the winter so it does not get damaged in the Park Department garage. Motion It was moved (Daley) and seconded (Dennis) to place the turtle sculpture at ArtSpace for the winter. The motion carried unanimously. Ms. Dennis explained that the committee has the option to name the sculpture and she proposed the name Mikinaak which is an Anishinaabe name that is used by several different tribes. Marcus Winchester is a member of the Pokagon Band of the Pottawatomie and he has agreed to write the tribe history for the plaque that will be placed near the sculpture when it is put in its permanent position. In the mean time the turtle can be seen on display in the front window at ArtSpace. A dedication event is being planned for the First Friday in May which will be May 6, 2022. Motion It was moved (Eason) and seconded (Daley) to accept the name of Mikinaak for the turtle sculpture. The motion carried unanimously. Report concerning 2% for art from Redevelopment Mr. Kubik and Ms. Eason are working on some ideas for this funding  Sculptfusion The committee considered the request by John Sauve to repaint Dasein for $600, however the committee believes that we can purchase paint and do it ourselves for around $100. Motion It was moved (Eason) and seconded (Cooper) to deny John Sauve's request due to budget constraints. The motion carried unanimously Jim Collins, the artist that created The Bear Family would like to donate the piece to the City. Motion It was moved (Eason) and seconded (Jacobi) to accept the donation of The Bear Family. The motion carried unanimously. Adding a Public Art Element to Observation Deck - Subcommittee Eason, Daley, Dennis A stakeholders meeting will be held in the first week of October to discuss the addition of a piece of art to the proposed wildlife observation deck overlooking the wetland. Finding is generous, so the committee is asked to help find appropriate art for this project. Yearly Maintenance of Sheridan Beach Chair MAC received a request from the Sheridan Beach Homeowners Association to fund the repair (approximately $3,000) and yearly contractor maintenance fee ($98. per hour) of their Big Blue Chair. Motion It was moved (Eason) and seconded (Cooper ) to deny the repair and yearly maintenance for the Big Blue Chair due to our budget constraints. The motion carried by a majority vote with one abstention.  Otocast Ms. Eason reported that the Otocast yearly fee is due soon. Motion It was moved (Daley) and seconded (Bloch ) to pay the yearly fee of $1140 that will begin October 4, 2021 until October 3, 2022. The motion carried unanimously.  Murals for Westcott Park & Canada Park– Subcommittee: Cooper, Ryszka, Kubik, Eason The subcommittee is looking for artists that might be interested in this project.  Fund Raisers Ongoing. Master Plan Review-Priorities & Specifics-see below ongoing Committee Reports  Art Projects: No requests  Children’s Art Scholarship Requests: No requests were received Since retiring, Ms. Daley requested that her work address and email address be removed from the art projects request form and the children's art scholarship request form and the MAC website. The new contact will be Ms. Eason with her work email and the Park Department address.   PR Committee: - Subcommittee Janet Bloch, CarolAnn Brown, Jane Daley, Judy Jacobi The committee will write the a press release concerning the placement of the turtle sculpture at ArtSpace. Ms. Daley will send the press release and place an announcement on FaceBook.  Michigan City Mainstreet Association No report Comments The Michigan City Public Library will host Highland Poet Laureate Janine Harrison as part of their Writing Out Loud series on Saturday, September 25th starting at 7:30 pm. https://www.mclib.org/event/writing-out-loud-janine-harrison/ Naming Bridges in LaPorte County Eventually, all bridges in LaPorte County will be named after someone locally deserving of such recognition. At least, that’s goal. Nominations are being accepted to name the over 200 bridges here after local residents making a mark here past and present. Nominations can be sent to your County Commissioners. Sheila Brillson 555 Michigan Avenue, Suite 202 LaPorte, IN 46350 Phone (LP): 219-326-6808 Ext. 2229 Phone (MC): 219-874-5611 Ext. 2229 sbrillson@laportecounty.org Richard Mrozinski 555 Michigan Avenue, Suite 202 LaPorte, IN 46350 Phone (LP): 219-326-6808 Ext. 2229 Phone (MC): 219-874-5611 Ext. 2229 rmrozinski@laportecounty.org Joe Haney (R), 555 Michigan Avenue, Suite 202 LaPorte, IN 46350 Phone (LP): (219)326-6808 x2229 jhaney@laporteco.in.gov Adjournment: 11:15 am The next meeting will be in-person In the Mayors Conference Room at City Hall on October 21 starting at 10 am in the Mayors Conference Room. Respectfully submitted, Jane Daley – Secretary PRIORITIES AND SPECIFICS A. SHORT TERM 1. Native American Gateway Sculpture 2. Public Art Contribution recognition added to the MAC Award program 3. Facade Grant program revised to fund murals 4. Reconcile mission conflict between Michigan City Historic Review Board and Michigan City Public Art Committee regarding use of Uptown Art District buildings for Art Murals 5. Percent for Art Program to provide Public Art for all Capital Improvement Projects B. LONG TERM 1. Westcott Park Mural Project 2. Designation of the Uptown Art District as a State designated Cultural District is an important aim of MAC and the business community 3. Gateway Arch or Sculpture to the Uptown Arts District 4. Artwork inventory of all public art, both civic and private 5. Extension of Public Art Program, either civic or private, into all neighborhoods 6. Provide opportunities for the community of artists who reside in the City, County and State 7. Coordinate with other public entities and organizations to create and promote public art such as the Michigan City Public Library, Main Street Association, LaPorte County Convention and Visitors Bureau and service organizations such as the Rotary Club, the Exchange Club and others 8. Increase patronage of public art and art programming 9. Artist-in-Residence programs 10. Extend the art program with 2D or 3D art on civic buildings such as the Police and Fire Stations