Public Art Commission

Salem Public Art Commission 98 Washington Street Salem, Massachusetts 01970 (978) 619-5685 KIMBERLEY DRISCOLL MAYOR Public Art Commission May 17, 2022, 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 6:36 pm. • Roll Call PAC: Janine Liberty, Kurt Ankeny Beauchamp, Catherine Bertrand, John Andrews, & Carly Dwyer-Naik in attendance. Absent: Norene Gachignard • Meeting Minute Approvals o Janine Made a motion to approve minutes from both meetings on April 19, 2022 and the special meeting minutes on April 29, 2022. John seconded. Catherine, Kurt, John, Carly and Janine all voted in favor for minute approval. Motion approved. • Salem Arts Festival Request- Coordinated by Salem Main Streets and Creative Collective. Local artist brings the Commission a proposal to install "Lifelines" led by herself, Linda Mullen, on Artists' Row beginning by Thursday, June 2 as the community art project for the 2022 Arts Festival. The proposal includes large sculptures, to be installed on the roofing in Artists Row. The “Monkey’s Fist” sculptures that are proposed, is known to the nautical world as a weighted knot to which was thrown to passengers or crews that were cast overboard on ships, which has some significance in this post pandemic world. Linda explains that this will be done with recycled materials, and supported by trees and some of the preexisting hooks available on artists row. Linda informs that she will be responsible for disposing of the piece once it has run its course. Janine made a motion to approve, Catherine seconded. John abstained. Motion passes. • Splaine Park Mural Project Presentation by artist Alina Zalucki- Group of 5 Salem Moms that were tired of Splaine park and how it had fallen into disarray. They are requesting a green light to paint this mural as a community event. They plan to request ARPA money from the city, but if it is not awarded to them, they plan to find another way to fund the project. The current mural (2015) will be kept, they plan to powerwash the rest of the wall, and add a black base coat. The plan they bring forward is to beautify the space, while adding community engagement, and attention to the space resulting in more use of the park. The current mural has not been tagged, and is  still in good condition. Conservation includes some of the presenters obtaining the space, and garden area year round. Julie requested a letter from the landlord and from Parks and Rec to keep for our records. Catherine suggested reaching out to the Boys and Girls Club to let them know about their plans as the original piece was their project. Kurt entertained a motion to approve the new Splaine Park mural. Carly seconded. John abstained. Motion passes. After the presentation with the Mural Artists, Catherine brought up a question about their timeline. She was frustrated that this was already advertised and planned without coming to the Public Art Commission for permission first. Julie offered comfort to the PAC by saying if this type of request comes in, they have the ability to say no purely on this standpoint. • Tom Starr Remembrance Project Presentation- Tom has been working closely with Salem Sound CoastWatch, Salem Engineering as well as Salem Sustainability Committee to make an accurate representation of coastal predictions due to climate change. This is a public education project, previously conducted in Newburyport and Lynn. Tom brings the PAC, eleven plaques to review for the Salem Remembrance Trail, and 3 different series including Downtown Salem, Salem State University and Salem Maritime. Julie suggested to Tom that a map would be beneficial to the residents and tourists to view the trail on their own. Janine also suggested braille on these plaques as well, which Tom stated would be far too expensive, but they will be installed at the ADA recommended height. It was suggested that the QR codes might be able to help those with visual impairments. The cost of these plaques are covered by a grant given by the Essex County Community foundation. John entertained a motion to approve Tom Starr’s remembrance project throughout Salem, Janine motioned, and Carly seconded. Motion unanimous, motion carries. • Public Art Strategic Planning Discussion Session 2022 - This will be tabled for a separate special meeting, TBD, as the meeting reached 8:15pm • Project Status Updates o Forest River Splash Pad & 3D Mural – Near Completion o Carlton Mural – Near Completion o ‘Positive Thoughts’ Art Box, Bus Shelter, & Poster Campaign Status Six artists and previous mural slam applicants have been identified, which is what was voted on in our special meeting last month. Julie is still looking for one more artist for the art boxes. Julie showed the PAC some of the submissions. Kurt Motioned to approve of the artists selected, John seconded. Voting was unanimous, motion passed. o Schraf Mural Cleaning- Julie received a quote for $35,000.00 for cleaning of the mural. It’s only 10 years old, and it is covered in mold, and has never been cleaned. The quote forementioned includes sealing the mural to work against this type of staining in the future. o CLC Mural– Draft Call Review o Choate Statue Relocate Notification- Julie was alerted that there are plans to move this statue in a couple of years in order to make that intersection more pedestrian friendly and biker friendly. Julie has voiced that this can’t be moved by just any “forklift” but needs to be moved with a company meant for storing and relocating art. ● Adjourn- John motioned to adjourn. Moved by Kurt, seconded by Catherine. Meeting Adjourned at 8:35pm. 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.