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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-03-2008 Public Art Advisory CommitteeMINUTES PRELIMINARY PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE THURSDAY, March .6, 2008 PCD CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL Members Present: Mark Seabold, Patrick Carney, Rick Fosse, DeLayne Williamson, Terry Trueblood Members Absent: Jan Finlayson Staff Present: Marcia Klingaman, Jeff Davidson Public Present: University of Iowa Journalism students: Morgan Olsen, Drew Bulman, Karen Saetre, Lindsay Darling. CALL TO ORDER Seabold called the meeting to order at 3:00 PM. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA None. CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 17, 2007 MEETING MOTION: Rick moved to approve the minutes; DeLayne seconded. The motion passed 5:0. REVIEW OF SUBMISSIONS FOR IOWA SCULPTOR'S SHOWCASE Marcia received three proposals for the Iowa Sculptor's showcase; two of which are from artists who have not submitted previously. The first proposal was from Danuta Amojska Hutchins from Storm Lake, Iowa. She proposed two possible art pieces: "Elements" and "Jacob's Ladder." The artist notes that "Jacob's Ladder" is sturdy yet springy, but should not been easily moveable. This proposal included a mock-up photo of each piece and a photo of the actual "Elements" piece which is currently located in downtown Sioux City. The second proposal was submitted by Jerry Cowger, who has been featured in the Iowa Sculptor's Showcase in the past with his piece, "Politically Purple." His piece, entitled "Encompassed," is a representation of a tree that has been hit by lightening. The final proposal was submitted by Aaron Franck, which included two pieces: "Tunnel Vision" and "Ironwood." The Committee discussed the possibilities of each proposal. They noted that both pieces proposed by Danuta, particularly "Jacob's Ladder," look fragile. Rick noted that he like "Tunnel Vision" and that it would fit in aesthetically near the Library and Tower Plaza. The Committee noted that this piece is definitely different than anything that has been presented in the Showcase previously. The Committee noted that "Ironwood" might be neat if it had seasonal ornaments hanging from it. The Committee also noted that the scale of "Ironwood" may not be appropriate for the downtown Showcase as it might get lost in the landscaping. Several members noted that they like Jerry's piece, however, DeLayne thought that the bottom part of the piece representing the tree trunk looked less attractive. Rick motioned to select "Tunnel Vision" for the Iowa Sculptor's Showcase. Pat seconded the motion. The motion was approved 5:0. PRESENTATION OF WASHINGTON HILLS NEIGHBORHOOD ART PROJECT Postponed. CONTINUE DISCUSSIONS ON FUTURE PUBLIC ART PROJECTS AND PUBLIC ART PROGRAM COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING The Committee continued discussion regarding the future direction of the Public Art Program and the possibility of creating a comprehensive plan. Marcia provided materials for the committee members to read over for the next meeting. These included the Iowa City Public Art Program guidebook, a compilation of components of public art master plans in communities of various sizes throughout the U.S., a sample of the components that are missing in Iowa City's guidebook, a list of Iowa City Public Art Advisory Committee Objectives, and a handwritten note on long range planning that was created during the Karin Franklin era. Rick noted that item #2 (the trail system with tactile art in the path) on the handwritten document was his idea about 10 years ago. He noted that at the time the Committee wasn't impressed with the idea. The current Committee thought it was an interesting idea and one that could be explored. The Committee noted that they already have a public art inventory; however, this does not include pieces that are not currently on display. The inventory should be expanded to include pieces in storage, art that has been commissioned but has not yet been installed, and projects done by Public Works that include artist elements (i.e. drain covers and man holes). The public art brochure provides an inventory of installed art. This should be updated to include the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center pool wall art by B. J . Katz. The Committee noted that they do not have a maintenance or ascension schedule in place. They also discussed the possibility of approaching City Council to have a percentage of CIP funding designated for public art projects. Marcia noted that it would be beneficial to have a plan in place or a large project in mind prior to doing this. Currently the Committee reacts to available funding versus planning for a project and then determining where the funding will come from. Marcia questioned whether the Committee should be thinking more broadly than the general fund in terms of projects. Rick suggested that the Public Art Program guidelines be revised annually. He suggested that it would be beneficial to do this in an inspirational location, such as the art museum. The Committee will review the materials that Marcia has supplied and will continue this discussion next month. Marcia will work to schedule the meeting in a different location. UPDATE ON BJ KATZ POOL WALL ART PROJECT Rick has been working with Jim Jacobs of V.J. Engineering to revise the installation plan for B.J.'s piece. Rick noted that there were three issues/concerns with the previous plan. These included: 1) wind chime effect, 2) drilling through the beam, 3) the wire hanging system. Some solutions have been created to address these concerns. First, spacers could be installed to reduce the wind chime effect. Second, instead of drilling through the stem of the beam the flange could be used. Finally, the wire connections would hang from the ceiling and operate similar to a wall hanging. Rick brought in an example of the wire that would be used. The Committee questioned if the plastic coating could be removed to make the wire less visible. The possibility of using vertical connection points versus the proposed "V" solution was also questioned by the Committee. Rick will speak with V.J. Engineering about that as well as removing the plastic coating of the wire.. Terry also indicated that the Rec Center will be re -roofed this summer. He asked about the implications of installing the art prior to the roof project. Rick noted that there would be some costs involved in re -installation. Pat asked for clarification of the previous wall -mounted approach. It has since been discovered that the wall isn't substantial enough to carry the weight of the glass panels. COMMITTEE TIME/UPDATES Terry suggested that future collaborations could be done between the Public Art Committee and the Parks and Recreation Department. Possible projects could include the North Market Square Park which is currently undergoing redevelopment, a pedestrian bridge near Rocky Shore, and the Sand Lake Recreation Area. It was noted that art could be installed near all entries into Iowa City. Marcia stated that the poems for the Poetry in Public Program have been selected. The winning poets will receive letters next week. Permission slips will be mailed to parents next week. ADJOURNMENT DeLayne moved to adjourn; Terry seconded. Meeting adjourned at 4:00 pm. Next meeting scheduled for April 3, 2008. Minutes submitted by Brandy Howe