Public Arts Board Meeting

Public Arts Board * November 8, 2021 * 4:00 pm, City Hall Building In Attendance: Liz Barfield, Ron Collett, Taylor Wagner, Douglas Elder, James Briggs, Amy Johnson and Lynne Sciano ITEM 1: Call to Order Barfield called the meeting to order at 4:06. ITEM 2: Welcome Guests Guests: Greg Heiple as well as Erinn Gavaghan (NAC), Debby Williams (NAC), Jason Olsen (Parks and Rec) and Veronica Tracy (Parks and Rec) ITEM 3: Approval of Minutes for October 11, 2021 Motion to approve October meeting minutes was provided by Collett; seconded by Elder. All in favor; approved unanimously. ITEM 4: Finance Report The finance report as of November 2, 2021 reflected the following:  Current balance of $84,333.19 (Art in Public Places)  Available funds of $86,332.19 (includes current balance + October’s utility donations)  Committed funds of $33,650.00 [$4,000 for ongoing maintenance; $8,750 for GEMS (to be paid out in November); $2,300 for three new SAMO duckies and $18,600 for bike racks (waiting on invoice from fabricator)]  Recent expenses: N/A  Net available funds total $52,682.19  Of note: o There were some funds that had been deposited and/or transferred incorrectly (it was estimated that this took place in May 2020). The mistake was corrected and an updated financial statement was provided at the meeting. o Artist Nathan Pratt has been asked to provide an updated invoice to the PAB/NAC so that a final payment to him can be made for GEMS. o There was a significant increase in utility donations ($1,999)  Next month: o How do we pursue maintenance to bike racks (some are in drastic need of immediate repair)? o Further discussion regarding what funds are assigned to new projects (versus maintenance of past/ongoing projects)—especially with regard to the ducks…  Collette moved to approve the financial report and a second was provided by Johnson; all in favor. ITEM 5: Sculpture in Andrews Park – Greg Heiple Presentation Norman citizen Greg Heiple proposed the idea of installing a sculpture titled “First Love” in Andrews Park in honor of his mother. He would cover the cost of the sculpture in addition to any installation, signage and other subsequent costs (plus $1,000 to cover “incidentals”/unknown/PAB efforts). Ultimately, the sculpture (or the cost thereof) would be received as a “gift”—contingent upon the approval of the PAB. The approval of the piece and its subsequent installation at the park would be presented as a recommendation to the NAC who, assuming their own approval, could accept Heiple’s donation and further coordinate with the PAB and Parks and Recreation Department to determine next steps (including an installation site/base, signage and installation itself). Collett moves to accept Heiple’s donation of $14,500 + (for installation and signage) + $1,000 donation to the PAB. Next month: Determine process for receiving gifts such as this one to incorporate into ongoing PAB procedures. ITEM 6: Update on Public Art Board Projects  Firefly/GEMS o Gavaghan reported that, outwardly, the ribbon cutting was a success. o Gavaghan expressed concern, however, over the NAC’s lack of involvement in conversations with a major sponsor (in this case, OG&E); for example:  There was confusion for the artist; he was unsure who his ultimate point-of-contact was so, ultimately, he ended up financially strapped and, potentially, with a false sense of hope.  Ultimately, Gavaghan stressed that there must be better communication between the NAC and PAB so that there is clear direction for the artist(s) and project(s) in general.  When asked by Collett if the NAC could serve as this “point-person,” Gavaghan explained that that is exactly what the NAC is supposed to do with the support/guidance/collaboration of the PAB for artist’s-initiated project. o Elder (and Olsen) validated the event’s success. o A lot of these issues and incidents--whether they stemmed from lack of communication among PAB/NAC/artist/sponsor/etc.— could be mitigated with better communication.  The PAB with the help of NAC will work to determine a point-person (for example, Debby as Public Arts Manager) to work in conjunction with a PAB member and the artist, sponsor and other interested parties on all future projects. o Next month: Barfield and Gavaghan will meet to create a plan for future artist/PAB-initiated projects and better communication overall.  Bike Racks o Briggs reported that Bigfoot was installed on Campus Corner. o Three more racks will be installed soon. o Both Barfield and Gavaghan said that they had been in touch with McPherson (fabricator) who had yet to provide them with a final invoice.   Samo Ducks o Elder and Barfield will work together to contact the artists of the five ducks that have been determined most in need of repairs and will be therefore, ultimately, stripped and repainted with new designs o Gavaghan and Williams expressed some concern over asking the artists to waive their VARA rights (especially given the fact that that kind of verbiage was not included in the initial agreement between the artists/NAC/PAB)  Gavaghan will circle back with Barfield once she is able to review and approve an appropriate contract to be used in the future. o Potential to extend deadline for call to January 14 for artists.  Haiku o Gavaghan met with Rustin Sparks to determine the best way to install the haikus and accompanying signage along with some new Walker Arts District logo banners.  Mosaic o Artist Laura Robbins has requested a rubbing or tracing and photos of the damaged area (as well as corresponding dimensions). There is potential for the artist herself to come in person in the spring to address and oversee repairs (otherwise she had not been able to travel due to Covid, etc.). This is all contingent on the cost of the artist’s time for travel and repairs versus handling the repairs locally. ITEM 7: 1% for the Arts Updates  Andrew Park o Dedication/unveiling will take place on November 12.  Senior Wellness Center o The selection committee s preparing for their first meeting now that the building’s groundbreaking has taken place.  Reaves Park o Barfield clarified that the PAB would make a decision regarding who would serve on this panel (and others such as Griffin). Wagner could potentially service (contingent on dates).  James Garner Corridor o No major updates but progress ongoing.  Griffin o The construction timeline has been sped up and this project could be finished as early as 2023. o Debby will start putting the Selection Panel together for this too. ITEM 8: New Business  Bowling Fundraiser Idea o Barfield will create a list of potential dates as well as drafting a registration form.  Mural in East Norman (Rock Creek & Alameda) o Gavaghan reported that she knows, from experience with a different project, that the surface of the building here is incredibly hard to work with. o She went on to explain that pieces from that same project (old lumberyard) are still available to be installed elsewhere if the PAB is interested. In fact, Gavaghan encouraged the PAB to think about where and how the piece (3-pieces of a mural) could be reimagined and reinstalled elsewhere,