Public Art Commission

Salem Public Art Commission 98 Washington Street Salem, Massachusetts 01970 (978) 619-5685 DOMINICK PANGALLO MAYOR Public Art Commission September 14, 2023 6:00pm Meeting held remotely via zoom 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 6:07 pm. • Roll Call PAC: Norene Gachignard, John Andrews, Janine Liberty, Hannah Gathman, James Bostick, Gwen Rosemond, & Carly Dwyer-Naik. Absent: None. Also present: Julie Barry. • Meeting Minute Approvals o July 27, 2023 Meeting Minutes – Norene entertained a motion to approve the minutes with her edits. Janine made a motion to approve the meeting minutes, Jim seconded. Motion approved. ● Proposal for Artist Additions to Artists’ Row – • Chagall PAC Artists: • Eowyn Evans, Holy Cow • Linda Mullen, Grace & Diggs • Shin Dig Artists: • Dan O’Connell, Danamal Art • Able Thought, Lost Life on Wax • Ruth Plaster, Mud Hedz Carly joined the meeting. Julie notes that two Artists’ Row tenants are interested in adding additional artists to their repertoire, with their pieces becoming part of the display on an ongoing basis. This is typically done by the review committee for Artists’ Row, but since we are between seasons, they are requesting the thoughts and comments from the PAC. Janine asks if there was a limit on the number of artists that can be approved. Julie replies that it is up to the tenants to decide how to share their space. Chagall PAC is a membership program and Shin Dig has had changes in availability so bringing in additional artist allows them to expand their offerings and coverage. Julie shares visual of each artists work and requests a yay or nay vote per each artist. Eowyn Evans of Holy Crow (Chagall PAC): Jim notes his familiarity with the artists highly crafted, well-made, and creative pieces. Carly notes her familiarity with their work, their involvement with the broader artist community in Salem, and they are on mission. Norene entertains a motion to approve the artists inclusion into Artists’ Row. Vote: Norene, John, Janine, Hannah, Gwen, James, and Carly. Motion carries unanimously. Linda Mullen of Grace & Diggs (Chagall PAC): James notes that the artist is highly creative and whimsical. Jim abstained from voting because of she is an artist member of Gallows Hill Artists. John recused himself because she pays him as a member. Norene entertains a motion to approve the artists inclusion into Artists’ Row. Vote: Norene, Janine, Hannah, Gwen, and Carly. Motion carries unanimously, with two abstentions. Dan O’Connell of Danamal Art (Shin Dig): Norene stated that the art is cool, and the pieces will fit in in October. Carly noted the different aesthetic than what is usually seen on Artists’ Row. Julie notes that it is in keeping with the pop culture vibe at Shin Dig. Carly noted the artists wider range within the same theme that will make a great addition to their shop. John recused himself since the artists is a member of Gallows Hill Artists. Norene entertains a motion to approve the artists inclusion into Artists’ Row. Vote: Norene, Janine, Hannah, Gwen, John, and Carly. Motion carries unanimously, with one abstention. Jim asks if these changes will remain part of each organization’s agreement. Julie replies yes and noted that by bringing the artists into their shop through this process, the artists are beholden to the rules and regulations of the Row. She added that Owners that no longer want to carry an artist in their shop must have a conversation with her and the PAC. Able Thought of Lost Life on Wax (Shin Dig): Hannah notes that the photography overlayed on records fit the vibe and price point. Carly asks if it carries over into refurbishment. Jim asks if the photography was original. Carly replied yes. Norene entertains a motion to approve the artists inclusion into Artists’ Row. Vote: Janine, Hannah, Gwen, John, Jim, and Carly. Motion carries unanimously. Jim asks if there are restrictions on selling paraphernalia. Julie to confirm, but to her knowledge, no. Carly notes a previous question regarding whether the Row could provide health related products. Julie recalls discussing the sale of body balms. Janine recalls questioning whether lotion was art. Ruth Plaster of Mud Hedz (Shin Dig): Hannah notes that it is in keeping with the current vibe and aesthetic currently in the booth, and suggested a motion dependent upon confirmation of what is allowed within the city ordinance.  Norene entertains a motion to approve the artists inclusion into Artists’ Row. Vote: Norene, Janine, Hannah, Gwen, John, Jim, and Carly. Motion carries unanimously. Jim asks how many artists are involved in the groups. Julie to ask Dennis and noted that Katy uses her and her daughter, meaning 4 artists in the space. ● Public Art & Performance Mini Grants Applications Review and Selection – Julie notes that the PAC reviewed submissions in advance. Janine notes that some do require support material to review in conjunction with the images. Colleen Downie: Julie notes that an artist “I VOTED” stickers are proposed, and she is seeking funding to pay the artist and produce the stickers, but the artist hasn’t been identified. Janine notes that the proposal feels like solving a problem that doesn’t exist and doesn’t address anything community driven. Carly agrees. Hannah likes the idea but wants to see how it weighs up budget wise against the other options, noting that there are more traditional stickers that are more eye catching, although having a local artist create them would be cool. She agrees that they didn’t see a sense of urgency to get this project out there. John notes the desperate need for awareness and adds that he would be more supportive if the stickers encouraged voting rather than stating that someone had just voted, highlighting that the urgency is earlier in the equation. Gwen agrees with John. Julie suggests reviewing all options prior to a vote. Q&A: Maia Mattson raised a question about the previous agenda item. Question: “As Artists Row stalls are adjusting their artists rosters, are there rules about collecting rent for the subsidies spaces and commissions from included artists?” Julie replies yes, in the Artists Row tenant agreement. The proposals put forward were accepted using the business model accepted at the time of review and selection, and the additions do not require the artists to change their business models, although there are rules about subsidizing spaces and collecting commissions. The contracts are binding for the term of the contract and changes to that business model is a different conversation that adding people to the roster. John requested clarification nothing that some follows the same rules as prior to their contract while another stall cannot charge their artist or get subsidies from them. Julies replies that a new business model can always be proposed. Maia was confused by the conflicting business models. Hannah suggests the potential for a new business model be open to all tenants. Julie replied that they have monthly meetings with the tenants, and she can let them know. Our Lady of Reflection - David Jaramilo: Janine stated that the proposal was cool looking and asked if the artist was local now. Jim replied yes, he’s a member of the Salem Arts and moved to Salem approximately 1 year ago from New Mexico. He questions whether the installation would be permanent, semi-permanent or temporary. Julie was unsure, believes the artists would like to sell it, but could gift it to the city. Hannah asks if it were on loan for 1-year if the PAC would get a portion of the processed if it were sold. Janine asks if the PAC had done that before. Norene didn’t think so. Jim states that he likes the piece, which could replace the totem that was removed. Janine states that the piece is fabulous. Norene asked about the proposed location. Janine replies Forest River Park and one other location. John suggested the piece would get chewed up by animals, it should not be placed in a wooded are. Carly requests the height of the piece. Hannah noted that the artists is not seeking compensation, he is inviting people to write their name on a shell and attached it to the piece, noted that what is being written should it be monitored. She notes the need for an explanation of its meaning. Janine asks if the PAC has a budget for signage. Julie replies yes. Endra: Julie stated that she is the artists that created the bollards funded in the last cycle and she is proposing to paint the tables surrounding Old Town Hall pink to highlight which ones belong to the city. Kyle Marconi: Julie notes that he is proposing performance art, he is not requesting any funding, and he may want permission only. Janine questions whether a busking application would be required. Julie adds that it wasn’t eligible for review, the PAC could fund it and pick a date, but the City doesn’t provide busking permits. Patricia Scialo: Julie notes that the artists dyes fabric. Jim noted that he’s seen her events on large scale sun printing with PEM and National Park Service and it is cool. Janine was confused by a camera obscura in a historic building, noting that it is something she can’t visualize. Jim proposes February to help with winter activation. Janine requests an update on programming for Old Town Hall. Julie replied that the building is under contact with History Alive for October from 9/25/23 – 11/5/23. A variety of activations are proposed, many free for the community, and they will process with bookings after obtaining a grant writer/capital campaign manager before the end of the year. The city can’t provide as much as they hoped but she is hopeful to find someone to help move it forward. Hannah notes the absence of no definitive examples for this artist despite their resume and added that a February activation would be beneficial. Julie notes that she hasn’t spoken to artists about having this in a city building, and can’t promise the use of Old Town Hall, but would work with the artist to determine a time. Sabrina Levin: Julie states that the artist is proposing fashion related project. Janine notes her confusion regarding whether the artists was asking for exhibit space to show and sell her work. Jim raised concerns with restrictions and asking to use funds to activate a public space while also selling items. Julie replies that there are no legal restrictions. Gwen asks if with use of the display space, would items for Salem be offered at the end. Janine suggests the request seemed like a 1-day event or craft fair. Gwen noted the lack of clarity. Hannah agrees, noting that specific dates were identified. She asks if an Old Town Hall space rental was part of the grant, noting that selling isn’t included but she feels empathetic. They should clarify what is an acceptable use since other may want to do the same. Janine notes that the request seems to be a showcase of her work. Jim suggests it is a fashion exhibition and mini marketplace. Janine feels the vision is in line. VOCE Quartet (Female Barbershop Quartet): Janine notes the loveable concept. Hannah notes their huge following. Carly notes that she would be delighted to see it if she stumbled upon it. Jim was also a fan, noting the breakdown of funds doesn’t seem realistic. Julie and Hannah disagree. Hannah notes the tradition for male quartets and that there is something there. Jim notes that the quartet did not indicate when they would like it to occur. Norene replies that it was TBD. Janine notes her desire to see a female barber shop quartet, but no information was provided regarding when, where, and why, it feels more like a busking permit, but she wants to support performing artists nothing that this show is worth supporting. Julie suggests awarding the grant but not providing the money until the specifics have been determined, noting that the PAC didn’t articulate that those details were required, the call was intentionally left open to cast a wide net, which can lead to less refined proposals that has some public component. The Commission agreed. Carly notes that musical talent doesn’t require approval and artists would be at the mercy of the venue they book. There are fun spaces for them to exist but aren’t bothered by things being undefined that can be determined later, although it's hard to confirm unless a venue is already determined. Julie states that the group is rated 6th in the world and happy to support them. Hannah states that the point of the mini grant was to fund new idea not a small piece of a large project. Janine notes that it’s interesting to see what details people bring to the table. Jim questions whether it should be part of the PAC’s responsibility to advise the grant receipts so they can be successful. Julie presents the funding budget noting that the funding is for both funding cycles, in November and March. The PAC passes on funding the Colleen Downie’s “I Voted” stickers. The PAC agrees to fund the VOCE quartet. Hannah notes that the right kind of finish paint is applied to the tables outside Old Town Hall. John opposes the idea, agrees in the preparation work necessary so it doesn’t become an issue for DPW, and raised concerns with it being done properly. Janine notes her excitement for the Our Lady of Reflection statue, Endra noting that others may have questions/reservations, the VOCE. Carly was in favor of the Our Lady of Reflection sculpture noting it would add art to non-downtown space and Patricia Scialo’s fabric  dyeing event during Feb break, noting that its conscientious. Hannah, John, Jim, and Gwen were in favor of Endra’s bollard proposal. Carly suggests Kyle Marconi reach out to Chagall and Dennis for locations to perform since he is not asking for funding. Jim didn’t believe his proposal is a promotable public art event. Julie requests clarification on the difference between Sabria and Christina’s proposal if she is asked why it wasn’t funded. Jim states that Patricia’s proposal is an installation experience, educational, and though not marketing it is intriguing. John notes that it’s an exhibit and a market. Carly adds that Patricia is offering a demonstration making it community based rather than a private exhibition. Jim adds that what Patricia produces is something they can be proud of. Janine believes she’s on to something for fashion but there could be more to expand her idea. Carly loves Patrica’s ideas, noting that her work is phenomenal, but the PAC is using public funds and needs to consider the broader picture, but they could speak to her about expanding her art. Norene entertains a motion to approve the budget for the Public Art & Performance Mini Grants Applications. Gwen made a motion to approve the budget. Carly seconded the motion. Vote: Norene, Janine, Hannah, Gwen, John, Jim, and Carly. Motion carries unanimously. • Public Artist in Residence Applicant Review and Approval – Julie states that Julia Cseko was the recommended artist proposed because of her immigrant experience, tradition of writing thoughts on ribbon on a unit housed at artists row with other interventions. She completed a similar project in Jamaica Plain and in Boston. She was strongly recommended by the review panel and she is seeking to support and approve that recommendation. Norene entertains a motion to approve the new public artist in residence. Janine made a motion to approve the artist in residence. Carly seconded the motion. Vote: Norene, Janine, Hannah, Gwen, John, Jim, and Carly. Motion carries unanimously. ● Public Comments- Cheryl Brusket – VOCE member, lifelong resident of Salem. She states that they can perform anywhere and did some busking on Halloween in Salem a few years ago. She is thrilled the PAC was in favor of them. • Event Reminder: Charolette Forten Memorial Project Artist Presentations & Community Feedback Session, Tuesday, September 19, 2023, 5:30PM at Espacio, 105 Congress Street, Salem – Julie reminds the PAC of their meeting next Tuesday’s where there will be an opportunity to meet the PAC, and she noted that it will also be virtual and SATV will be broadcasting the event. She encouraged PAC to attend in person and encourage others to vote. John notes that his attendance will be brief to a planning meeting for Salem Main Streets. ● Other Business- o October John states that he spoke with some business owners stating that their numbers are far exceeding what was anticipated. John mentions the Place Act. Hannah stated that there are two Massachusetts state bills that will go before a hearing at 10AM on Monday. One is called the Place Act, a revamp of a state wide art program, requiring a percentage of publicly owned building and publicly funded art projects over $200,000 to go into a fund for public art. In 2022 Salem did a training program for the Myth Makers, a temporary installation, that make it possible to work with artists through grant agreements and for the city to use public funds to pay the artists, and not just based on the lowest bid. The bill will clarify that process and  creates funds for it, which is perfect for Salem, which has a capacity and need. The Space Act creates a mechanism for cultural creative use space that doesn’t currently exist and creates trust funds to use to acquire and preserve cultural use spaces, presentation exhibitions, and performance spaces, which are being lost across the state. Most cities and towns don’t have a mechanism that allows funds to roll over into the next fiscal year and use those funds. Mass Creative and MAPC have endorsed these bills and will testify to them on Monday at the state house. She encouraged people to write their representatives to support the bills. John adds that Dan Cahill is very supportive, and Mass Creative does a spectacular job of interpretive it. Julie notes that MAPC also clarifies the language and encourage the PAC to support it as well, which she will provide to the PAC. Janine states that she is stepping down and this will be her last meeting but noted that it has been great to work with everyone. Jim invites the PAC to a Salem Arts Association event tomorrow from 6-8PM for the opening of their new exhibit. Carly stated that there will be an all-transgender comedy show at Cinema Salem, called Transcendent at 9PM. She encourages supporting their efforts. John encourages supporting M Vision Productions purchased a building in Lynn being and turned it into a shared creative collaborative space usings funds from MassDevelopment. There will be a ribbon cutting and a citation, and Anna Duggan created a mural on the face of the building. Tarianna is someone to know, someone who turned her expertise into a production company that specifically tells the stories of organizations and group changing the world. ● Adjourn- Norene entertained a motion to adjourn. Moved by John seconded by Jim. Meeting Adjourned at 7:45 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.