Public Art Commission

Salem Public Art Commission 98 Washington Street Salem, Massachusetts 01970 (978) 619-5685 KIMBERLEY DRISCOLL MAYOR Public Art Commission Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 6:30pm Meeting held via Remote Participation MEETING MINUTES Note: All proposals, presentations, and/or documentation to be reviewed and discussed at this meeting can be viewed online at the following link: https://bit.ly/SalemPACProposals ● Meeting called to order at 6:42pm ● Roll Call: Norene Gachignard, John Andrews, & Kurt Ankeny Beauchamp in attendance meeting does not meet quorum. Absent: Carly Dwyer-Nik, Emily Larsen, Janine Liberty, & Thu Ngan Han ● Minute Meeting Approvals: - July 27th minutes were not able to be voted on as the quorum was not met. Voting will be moved to next month. ● Harbor Connector Path Sculpture Garden Year 2 - Needs a formal vote, but discussion will be moved to the next meeting’s agenda. A special meeting might be necessary to discuss this as to give artists approval and prepare their artwork. Splain Park might also need to submit something for approval before the next meeting. ● Lauren Cohen “Rock Quilt” Proposal -Artist raised in Danvers, MA is very interested in Salem Village history (current day Danvers), and has based many paintings and sculptures off of the Parris’ Household, which the foundation of the home was in her childhood backyard. Along with her paintings and sculptures, Lauren also paints life sized quilts on canvas and on rocks based on real life quilts (with her own twist). Quilts are well researched and well thought out. Resume includes a commission for the NY Jewish society. Artist proposes a rock in Pioneer village that she would like to paint. Her plan is to include the history of the Naumkeag textiles with those of the early settlers to depict a woven quilt based on their history. Lauren understands the plan to move pioneer village to camp Naumkeag, and may not have the opportunity to paint the rock she proposed that is currently in Pioneer Village. Lauren quoted the project at $1,300 for the rock as is, inside Pioneer Village. If the boulder is needed to be moved to another park, the delivered boulder is quoted at $1,800 for a $500 difference. It takes up to 5 working days to paint a 1 ton boulder. As for upkeep, the boulder would need to be retouched with paint and matte spray varnish one a year to protect from weather damage. Norene told Lauren that because of a lack of quorum, the committee was not able to vote on this. Lauren is flexible on a timeline, but hopes to complete it before the snow. Kurt is concerned about including  textile patterns and hopes that she would be open to speaking to the Native Council before the commission is painted. Lauren is more than happy to bring the design to the Native Council. Julie suggested that when the work has been voted on and is approved, then she would put Lauren in touch with the Council members for advice and help, as to not involve them before necessary. Voting will be discussed at next meeting. ● Program Updates- ○ Mural Arts Slam leftovers: All but 2 have found new homes (8 have been rehomed) ; Collins Middle School has 3, and 5 other schools as well. 2 are left, hoping to gift one to Wendy’s and one to Koto. ○ Keshia De Leon Black Lives Matter Mural: It is in printing, and we should get it by tomorrow. Will be installed at the Horace Mann School, however the idea is that we would prefer to have this mural more visible to the public in a downtown space. Art is a year in the making, and is a beautiful message to push. It was suggested that Gulu Gulu might be willing to host the image- John will reach out to the owner. ○ OTH bid: 13 bids in all, hoping for competitive bids and cost estimates. Next to do would be fundraising, as it's most likely going to be a multi-million dollar project. ○ Seahorse Statue: Mayor and Salem Residents would like the statue to stay. Artist is willing to part with it for $11,000. PAC was asked if they would like to contribute money towards the statue. Committee members think that this is a big ask for our committee, as PAC only has a $25,000 budget. This is an Art piece/seahorse will be departing come November, as members are debating if this statue is worth a piece of the PAC funds. ○ Artist Row Bathrooms: Completion date slated for September 10, 2021. Had a few change orders and new discoveries, nevertheless they will be completed before October. ○ Electric art box painting: Public art box in the parking garage on Congress street. Box is ugly and rusted. Mayor Driscoll is looking for $5,000 to prime, paint and seal the piece. Committee believes that this is a parking and city issue, and does not wish to contribute because of lack of funds. ● Other business- - Next month's meeting may need to be moved to the beginning of September, because of lack of quorum, and the necessity of the voting issues. The usual “third Tuesday” meeting may be cancelled if an earlier meeting is scheduled. - Reminder that all proposals for voting items are included though the link provided in the emailed agenda at the top of the page. It is necessary to review the link in the SharePoint for better self clarification. ● No further discussion & no public comment. ● Norene motioned to adjourn. Moved by Kurt, seconded by John. Meeting Adjourned at 7:37 pm. Persons requiring auxiliary aids and services for effective communication such as sign language interpreter, an assistive listening device, or print material in digital format or a reasonable modification in programs, services, policies, or activities, may contact the City of Salem ADA Coordinator, as soon as possible and no less than 2 business days before the meeting, program, or event. Know your rights under the Open Meeting Law M.G.L. c. 30A § 18-25 and City Ordinance § 2-2028 through § 2-2033.