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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPAAC Agenda Packet 11-2-23Public Art Advisory Committee Thursday, November 2, 2023 3:30 PM Emma Harvat Hall City Hall, 410 E. Washington AGENDA 1. Call to order 2. Public discussion of any item not on the agenda 3. Consider minutes of the September 7, 2023 PAAC Meeting 4. South District Bus Stop Bench Update 5. Consider Lucas Farms Neighborhood Indigenous History Art Project RFQ 6. Consider Retirement of Wooden Kovalev Sculptures (Willow Creek Park) 7. Discuss Planning for 2024 Public Art Matching Grants 8. Staff updates 9. Old or New Business 10. Adjournment If you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate in this program/event, please contact Rachel Kilburg, Assistant City Manager at 319-356-5014 or rkilburg@iowa-city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. DRAFT, p.1 Public Art Advisory Committee Mtg, 9/7/2023 Minutes Public Art Advisory Committee September 7, 2023 Emma Harvat Hall Public Art Advisory Committee Members Present: Scott Sovers, Juli Seydell Johnson, Steve Miller, Andrea Truitt, Anita Jung, Nate Sullivan Members Absent: Eddie Boyken, Jenny Gringer, Jeremy Endsley Staff present: Rachel Kilburg Public Present: Ray Michels, Ethan Wyatt, Rachael Arnone Call to Order Miller called the meeting to order at 3:35 p.m. Introduction of members and public attending the meeting None. Public Discussion of Any Item Not on the Agenda None. Consider minutes of the August 3, 2023 PAAC meeting. Sullivan noted minor typo correction to minutes. Johnson moved and Sovers seconded that the minutes from the August 3, 2023, meeting be approved. Motion passed (6-0). South East Junior High Longfellow Tunnel 2023 painting project design South East Junior High Art Teacher Rachael Arnone introduced herself and one of the student artists, Graysen, and presented the two student mural designs. Graysen shared their design was inspired by a pirate-themed Dungeons & Dragons campaign. Arnone described the project process: the entire class voted upon various designs and selected the two being presented to be painted on each side of the Longfellow Tunnel at the end of September by 10 students from the class who will be randomly selected. Johnson thanked Arnone and the students for their efforts. Jung made a motion to approve the designs, Sullivan seconded. Motion passed (6-0). Consider proposal for restoration of three public art works Kilburg reviewed the memo included in the agenda packet, describing the proposal submitted by Dave Dennis, Inc. for the restoration of three public art pieces in critical need of repair: Birds in Flight (Sycamore Greenway), One’s Reality (HWY 6 & Riverside), and the wooden Kovalev Sculptures (Willow Creek Park). Kilburg noted the cost estimates proposed by Dennis exceed the Art Maintenance budget line, but the Committee could choose to allocate a portion of unencumbered funds in the budget towards these restoration projects. Kilburg relayed public correspondence from (1) Jim DRAFT, p.2 Public Art Advisory Committee Mtg, 9/7/2023 Doorley, a private resident who donated $1,000 towards the restoration of One’s Reality and wished to thank the Committee for their restoration of the piece; and (2) Howard Horan, whose family had donated one of the Kovalev sculptures to the City and was supportive of the restoration project. The Committee discussed whether to fund all three restoration projects using unencumbered Public Art budget funds. Kilburg clarified that the unencumbered funding amount noted in the memo is what remains in the Public Art budget after accounting for FY23 carryover funding and planned/anticipated FY24 expenditures. Sullivan asked whether there were any unanticipated opportunities or financial needs the Committee could foresee. Johnson shared her perspective that the Committee has not historically used all of their budget and expressed her support for funding the restoration of all three pieces. Jung noted that there would still be some budget flexibility even if the Committee chose to fund all three projects. Truitt and Sullivan expressed the importance of showing a commitment to maintaining the existing inventory in addition to commissioning new pieces. Staff confirmed that One’s Reality would be relocated to the Iowa City Public Works Campus along S. Gilbert St. & McCollister Blvd following restoration. Jung made a motion to approve proceeding with a funding agreement for the restoration of One’s Reality, Birds in Flight, and the Kovalev Sculptures, Truitt seconded. Motion passed (6-0). South District Bench project update – budget and timeline Artist Mentor Ray Michels and Emerging Artist Ethan Wyatt presented a status update on the project. Michels shared his perspective that proceeding with the chosen “hand” concept does not seem viable due to budget and spacing/setback challenges discovered through the design process. Michels had also evaluated feasibility of the second alternative (the “dominoes” concept) and found that was also cost prohibitive. Michels suggested revisiting the concepting phase using the new information discovered and soliciting additional public input. Miller asked the artists about a revised timeline. Michels suggested new concept options be developed in September, public input in October, a new design recommendation to the Committee in November, fabrication completed by March, and installation occurring in May. Michels also acknowledged the prolonged time commitment this would be asking of Wyatt. Jung suggested dedicating additional funding towards the project due to the challenges that have arisen during the process, and Miller voiced support for this suggestion. Kilburg reminded the Committee the initial budget was $12,000 and $9,400 is remaining in the project line. Jung, Miller, and Truitt discussed contributing additional funding towards artist labor and/or hard costs. Michels clarified that trying to proceed with the initial design may still problematic due to the space constraints and clearance requirements. Johnson suggested delaying the conversation for another month and that the artists return with a revised request. Truitt asked if the Artists could develop a comparison of the current project as-is, a modified design, and/or other alternative concepts as the DRAFT, p.3 Public Art Advisory Committee Mtg, 9/7/2023 artists see fit. Michels shared that an alternative design is more likely to work in the selected location than the current concept for various reasons. Michels also noted the bus stop was selected by the South District Neighborhood Association because a concrete pad already existed there, so they would need to be involved in the conversation. Michels and Wyatt agreed to revisit the existing concept and prepare possible options to present to the Committee in October. Committee members acknowledged economic inflation challenges impacting the project budget and process and thanked the artists for being patient and flexible in their approach. Staff Updates Kilburg shared an update on the Black Hawk Mini Park Project. Per the Committee’s direction, a letter to terminate the agreement was issued to the contracted artist on August 11th and the contract would officially terminate on September 11th following the required 30-day curing period. Per the Committee’s August meeting discussion, the remaining $5,137 project balance will be re-allocated to the Lucas Farms public art project. Kilburg provided an update on the Lucas Farms Neighborhood indigenous history public art project. Staff is working with neighborhood leadership to collect historical information and guidance in order to draft an artist RFQ. The targeted location for the piece is Highland Park and the proposed timeline is to issue the RFQ in October or November and complete installation of the project by late Spring/early Summer 2024. Kilburg shared she will not be present for the October meeting. The Committee members discussed options and decided to cancel the October meeting and form a working subcommittee to meet with the South District Bench project artists in early October instead. Truitt and Jung volunteered to serve on the subcommittee. Staff will coordinate the subcommittee meeting and continue to make progress on the Lucas Farms RFQ. Adjournment Sovers moved to adjourn at 4:14 pm. Sullivan seconded. Motion passed (6-0). DRAFT, p.4 Public Art Advisory Committee Mtg, 9/7/2023 Public Art Advisory Committee Attendance Record 2022-23 Name Term Expires 10/13/22 11/3/22 12/1/22 1/5/23 2/2/23 4/6/22 5/4/22 6/8/23 7/6/23 8/3/23 9/7/23 Ron Knoche X* X X X X X* X X X X X* Juli Seydell- Johnson X X* X X* X X X X X X X Steve Miller 12/31/23 X X X X X O/E X X X X X Eddie Boyken 12/31/24 X X X X O/E X O/E O/E O/E O/E O Andrea Truitt 12/31/25 X O/E X X X X X X X X X Anita Jung 6/30/23 O/E O/E O/E X X X X X O/E O/E X Jenny Gringer 12/31/23 O/E X X X X O/E O/E X X X O/E Jeremy Endsley 12/31/25 X O/E X X O/E O/E X X O/E X O Nate Sullivan 6/30/26 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- X X X Key: X = Present X* = Delegate attended O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused --- = Not a member Lucas Farms Neighborhood: Indigenous History Public Art Project DRAFT Request for Qualifications Accepted through December 11, 2023 Introduction The Iowa City Public Art Advisory Committee, in partnership with the Lucas Farms Neighborhood Association, is seeking an Indigenous artist to design, fabricate, and install an artistic interpretive panel, or public artwork in another form which conveys the project goals, to be located in Highland Park (750 Highland Avenue) in the Lucas Farms neighborhood. The goal of the project is to enhance wayfinding in the Lucas Farms Neighborhood while capturing the spirit of the neighborhood and accurately and artistically acknowledging and commemorating local Indigenous history. Artist(s) will be provided creative control to develop the public art installation and meet the goals of the Neighborhood and Committee. Artist(s) responsibilities will include presenting a concept, responding to Committee, neighborhood, and Indigenous stakeholder input, refining a final design, and fabricating and installing artistic, attractive, and clear public art signage to be completed by August 31, 2024. Figure 1: Map of Lucas Farms Neighborhood Highland Park (750 Highland Ave) History The Meskwaki people are of Algonquian origin from the Eastern Woodland Culture Areas. The tribe has been historically located in the St. Lawrence River Valley, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri and Iowa. Meskwaki were called “Renards” (the Fox) by the French but have always identified themselves as “Meskwaki.” The Meskwaki fought against the French in what are now called the Fox Wars (1701-1742) and in 1735, the Sauk and Meskwaki allied together to fend off Europeans and other Indian Tribes. Both tribes moved southward from Wisconsin into Iowa, Illinois and Missouri. Even though the Meskwaki and Sauk are two distinct tribal groups, with linguistic and cultural similarities, the two tribes have often been associated throughout history. (Sources: www.meskwakipowwow.com and www.meskwaki.org/history/). The Lucas Farms Neighborhood is located on the homelands of the Sauk and Meskwaki Nations. According to Iowa City historian Irving Weber, Iowa’s first Governor Robert Lucas could see the fires of the Meskwaki as he looked west across the Iowa River. Keokuk Street and Keokuk Court in Lucas Farms bear the name of Keokuk, a leader of the Sauk tribe. Keokuk’s Reserve, a strip of land retained by the Sauk and Meskwaki tribes in the aftermath of the Black Hawk War, included the area of Lucas Farms. The Lucas Farm neighborhood is an eclectic mix of residential areas, including the historic Plum Grove site built in 1844 by Robert Lucas, the first Governor of Iowa. The neighborhood features homes constructed from the 1880’s through the 1960’s and features . The neighborhood street names have rich history and several notable Iowa Citians made Lucas Farms their home, including Civil War-era Governor and slavery abolitionist Samuel Kirkwood. More Lucas Farms neighborhood history can be found at www.lucasfarmsneighborhoodassociation.org/history . About the Project The project will be installed in Highland Park (750 Highland Avenue), at the corner of Highland and Keokuk Street). Siting of the project within the park must be approved by the Iowa City Parks & Recreation Director. Google Street View image of Highland Park at 750 Highland Avenue The project will involve the selected artist meeting with neighborhood and Indigenous stakeholders to discuss the concept for the artwork via and on-site or zoom/virtual platform meeting. The artist will then create a selection of concepts for the neighbors to review as part of a second round of public input, which can be carried out in-person or using digital platforms. The Iowa City Public Art Coordinator and/or Neighborhood Outreach & Engagement Coordinator will assist the artist with coordinating neighborhood outreach and engagement. Final design approval will be exercised by the Public Art Advisory Committee. The goal of the project is to enhance wayfinding in the Lucas Farms Neighborhood while capturing the spirit of the neighborhood and accurately and artistically acknowledging and commemorating local Indigenous history. Artist(s) are encouraged to exercise creativity in developing a public art installation which meets these goals. However, interpretive signage which conveys Meskwaki and Sauk history should be a central component of the design. Budget The budget for the project is $12,000 which must include all costs of design, fabrication, installation of the artwork, and artist(s) fee. Review Process/Criteria A sub-committee consisting of representatives from the Public Art Advisory Committee, Lucas Farm neighborhood, and Sauk/Meskwaki Nation will be responsible for reviewing the RFQ responses and recommending an artist based on the following criteria: • Quality, creativity & strength of past work as provided in the application materials • Technical competence demonstrated by past work • Understanding of the project goals as indicated in the letter of interest • Relevance of submitted materials to the project • Aptitude for planning and budgeting as indicated by past project information submitted • Experience working on public art projects to meet the project goals as indicated in the letter of interest • Experience and commitment to participate with agency/community as part of concept development Preference will be given to (1) Indigenous artists; and (2) Iowa City area artists or those who create art or exhibit their art in the Iowa City area. Project Schedule 12/11/23 RFQ submission deadline 12/18/23 Review by artist sub-committee and selection of recommended artist(s) 1/4/24 Approval of artist selection at Public Art Advisory Committee meeting Jan 2024 First design input meeting with artist and neighborhood to be held no later than Monday, January 23, 2024. City staff will help coordinate meeting. 2/23/24 Design concepts created and made available for neighborhood input by Friday, February 23, 2024. Feb/March Neighborhood and Sauk/Meskwaki input collected on design concepts 1/4/24 Final design presented and approved at Public Art Advisory Committee meeting Artist fabrication begins and site is prepped. 8/31/24 Project installation complete by August 31, 2024 Submission requirements Interested artists are being asked to provide: • Applicant’s contact information. • Statement of Interest. • Maximum two-page resume that outlines professional accomplishments. • A minimum of two (3) and maximum of six (6) images of past works. Identify images with project title, location, date completed, media, dimensions, budget, commissioning agency, project partners, and/or brief description of the project/conceptual information. Memorandum Date: October 27, 2023 To: Public Art Advisory Committee From: Rachel Kilburg, Assistant City Manager Re: Wooden Kovalev Sculptures (Willow Creek Park) At the September 7, 2023 Public Art Advisory Committee meeting, the Committee voted to approve an art restoration agreement with Dave Dennis, Inc. for the restoration of three pieces of public art, including the five wooden sculptures by Russian artist Valery Kovalev located in Willow Creek Park. Dennis had also been contracted by the City of Coralville for restoration of another wooden Kovalev sculpture of a bear. In recent months, Dennis has explored various restoration techniques and conducted extensive research into possible methods, but due to the extent of dry rot in the sculpture, none of the restoration techniques have proved to be viable. An inquiry was made into possible re-creation of the sculptures in another material, such as stone or bronze, but found to be highly cost prohibitive. The Kovalev sculptures were removed from the restoration contract with Dennis so he can proceed with restoration of the other art pieces while a decision about the Kovalev sculptures is reached. Due to the severity of the deterioration, and in absence of a feasible restoration strategy, the parties agree upon retiring the sculptures through natural decomposition. Staff are seeking direction from the Public Art Advisory Committee. Artists Invited to Submit Designs for Herky on Parade 3! Herky on Parade, the wildly popular public art project from 2004 and 2014, returns in spring 2024 with a new pose! We are currently looking for local and regional artists to submit designs to bring the new 75 sculptures to life. Design submissions are open now until December 1, 2023. In summer of 2024, the 75 completed Herky sculptures, which will be sponsored by local companies and organizations, will make their appearance across Johnson County for the public to visit. Each sculpture will be painted with a unique, creative design for all to enjoy. Following the exhibit, the six-foot-tall Herky sculptures will be auctioned to benefit a local charitable organization. The design application includes a blank outline of the Herky sculpture for artists to sketch their design, and an opportunity to describe the design and materials proposed. The fiberglass Herky may be painted, sculpted, transformed, and adorned. Artists who submit a design that is approved and selected by a sponsor will receive a stipend when they pick up their blank sculpture, and an honorarium upon artwork completion. After the sculptures have been completed by the artists, the project organizers will have the sculptures clear coated with automotive lacquer prior to the public display. Herky on Parade is the largest public art project Iowa has ever produced. Herky on Parade is a cooperative effort between the University of Iowa Department of Athletics; the Cities of Coralville, Iowa City, North Liberty, Solon, and Tiffin; Think Iowa City; an Iowa City Area Sports Commission. How to Apply To learn more or to download an application packet, visit www.herkyonparade3.com, email ashley@thinkiowacity.com, call 319-337-6592, or stop by Think Iowa City’s office (900 1st Avenue, Coralville). The deadline to apply is noon on December 1, 2023.