Public Art Committee

Minutes Michigan City Public Art Committee Zoom Meeting January 20, 2022 10:00 am Call to Order: Robin Kohn Attendees: Robin Kohn, Shannon Eason, Jane Daley, Dale Cooper, Judy Jacobi, Matt Kubick Janet Bloch, CarolAnn Brown Minutes: Minutes from the November meeting were reviewed. Motion It was moved (Eason) and seconded (Brown) to accept the minutes. The motion carried unanimously. Financial Report: The financial report for November was reviewed: We had $0 in our operating fund and $$1,470.13 in the donation budget. Motion It was moved (Daley) and seconded (Jacobi) to accept the November financial reports as presented. The motion carried unanimously. The financial report for December was reviewed: We had $0 in our operating fund and $$1,443.13 in the donation budget. Motion It was moved (Dennis) and seconded (Bloch) to accept the December financial report as presented. The motion carried unanimously. Public Comment: There was no public comment Old Business: • Kiosk in Westcott Park - Subcommittee: Dale Cooper, John Ryszka and Matt Kubik No Report • Add Photos to City Council Chamber - Subcommittee: John Ryszka and Matt Kubik The photos were hung in the city hall council chambers. On December 21st MAC members presented the photos along with the MAC Annual Report both of which were well received by council members.  Native American Project - Subcommittee – CarolAnn Brown, Kathy Dennis, Jane Daley The turtle sculpture (Mikinaak) was not moved to the MC public library, so it will stay in city hall until spring. Motion It was moved (Bloch) and seconded (Dennis) to wait until spring to unveil Mikinaak due to weather factors, labor shortage and COVID. The motion carried unanimously. The piece will remain at City Hall and Ms. Dennis will prepare an information poster. Ms. Dennis announced a donation of $1,255.00 from Horizon Bank to go toward development of the historic plaque telling the story of the Native American role in the founding of Michigan City. The plaque will be placed next to the turtle when it gets its final home this spring The dedication event is being planned for First Friday May 6th at the Michigan city Public Library.  Report concerning 2% for art from Redevelopment – Subcommittee-Matt Kubik, CarolAnn Brown, Robin Kohn, Shannon Eason, Judy Jacobi, Janet Bloch, Don Przybylinski MAC Committee member Councilman Przybylinski presented this initiative and agreeded to sponsor this at the December 21, 2021 city council meeting.  Sculptfusion Ms. Eason presented the 2022 MAC Sculptfusion budget. Motion: It was moved (Daley) and seconded (Bloch) to accept the 2022 budget of $22,700.00. The moiton carried unanimously.  Adding a Public Art Element to Observation Deck - Subcommittee Eason, Daley, Dennis Ms. Eason is attempting to get pricing for“Waterbird” from the artist Janet Austin, so that it could be purchased, if affordable, and moved to the observation deck as the public art element. This suggestion will be presented to the members at the next stakeholders meeting.  Otocast Ms. Eason will contact Otocast to add the Naomi Anderson piece to the tour. Mr. Ryszka will present some ideas and pricing for better and more visible signage on the sculptures throughout the city.  Murals for Wettest Park – Subcommittee: Dale Cooper, John Ryszka, Shannon Eason, Janet Bloch Ms. Eason suggested that a site for the mural be established first.  Murals for Canada Park– Subcommittee: Dale Cooper, John Ryszka, Shannon Eason, Janet Bloch Mr. Kubik suggested that a plan be developed, money raised and then a call for artists go out. The subcommittee for both murals will meet soon.  Fund Raisers Now is the time to start making plans for fund raisers with local restaurants New Business  Sculpture at Spring & 2nd Streets Ms. Jacobi reported that a highly visible piece on that privately owned property would be very expensive, however she will continue to work with this property owner because he is supportive of what MAC is trying to accomplish.  Repaint Dasein Ms. Eason reported that the city maintenance can match the paint and will complete the project when weather allows for around $100.00.  Committee Reports No reports  Art Projects: No requests  Children’s Art Scholarship Requests: No requests were received  PR Committee: - Subcommittee Janet Bloch, CarolAnn Brown, Jane Daley, Judy Jacobi A press release will be sent out concerning Children's Art Scholarships available in 2022.  Michigan City Mainstreet Association Mr. Kubik announced the 2022 Shelf Ice Brew Fest is planned for February 19th beginning at noon.  Comments No comments Adjournment: 11:25 am The next meeting will be a Zoom on February 17, 2022 starting at 10. Respectfully submitted, Jane Daley – Secretary Revised PRIORITIES AND SPECIFICS A. SHORT TERM 1. Native American Gateway Sculpture 2. Facade Grant program revised to fund murals 3. 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