Homer Public Arts Committee

Homer Public Arts Committee
Thursday, October 16, 2008 11:00 am
Cowles Council Chambers
Meeting Synopsis

Session 08-10 a meeting of the Public Arts Committee was called to order by Chair Newby at 11:00 am on October 16, 2008 in the City Hall Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer Alaska.

Present: Angie Newby, Gaye Wolf, David Anderson, Trina Fellows, Karin Marks

Staff: Dru Corbin

Absent: Hope Finklestein

APPROVAL OF AGENDA – Approved with additions:

1. Homer News Map

2. RFP trailhead sculpture

3. Discussion about art brochure

4. New Committee Chair

5. Baycrest Hill Sign

6. Public Art in Large Commercial Buildings

APPROVAL OF SYNOPSIS – Approved as presented for August 21 2008 meeting.

VISITORS – none

STAFF & COUNCIL REPORT - none

PENDING BUSINESS

1. Refurbishment of Art Wall: The project is complete except the bushes. In previous minutes it states that Tammy will trim and/or relocate bushes in the fall. Angie will follow up with Tammy to relocate bushes. The final bill for the project was $2158. Great job, great press and it is important that the community appreciates the effort and supports the efforts of the Public Arts Committee. One other thing is that Hope was to follow up with Tom to see if there were any supplies left over that we should get back and store. Angie will follow up. We have the wall colors on file.

2. Artist Feedback Form – The form is ready to go. The intent was to go out to all successful artists in Animal Shelter and Library as well as Tom Reed.

3. Recruitment of New Members & Terms: The clerk’s office did some checking and it was determined that everyone’s term expires April 2009. In February, everyone wanting to continue will have to fill out a data sheet and the Mayor will make appointments at one of the March regular council meetings. Four people will run for a two year term and three people will run for a one year term. Maryann Aplin has expressed an interest in serving. Also another artist on the committee would be helpful also.

4. Cataloging Art/Website – The city website will be redone and the Public Art website will have a link on the City’s site. There will be no fiscal note associated to this project.

5. Baycrest Signage – Fiscally it is not the time to do any moving of the sign as the Chamber is limited on funds. The object is to have the backside of the sign say something along the line of “Thank you for coming”. To get to that point it would only require trimming the alders on the back side and a sign put on up on the existing sign. It is an inexpensive project with a big impact in beautification, tourism, marketing, economic development and it should be artistic. Gaye will work with the Chamber who owns the sign. Angie will notify Tammy about cutting the alders.

NEW BUSINESS

1. Homer News Map: Recommendation was made that the committee spends $300 to place an ad in the Homer News walking map with icons on the map for City Art that a person could see from the outside. It will not identify artwork inside the buildings. The website link should be on there as well for people to look future into public art. Karin will talk to Michael Armstrong about the map. It was brought up that the motion will go before City Manager who will take it to council. The artwork to be included will be: the Performing Arts Wall, Airport, Animal Shelter, Library, and Public Works.

2. Trailhead Sculpture AKA Poopdeck Trailhead: A motion was accepted to put together an RFP to refurbish and revamp the existing Poopdeck trail sculptures. They are part of Homer and this will revive them again and show the luster of our community making them presentable. The PAC would offer the balance of the 2008 budget of $1300 for the revamping project. The concept of uniform trailhead makers was the original idea but these makers have been there for some time and we need to take small things like this in Homer and make them look better. It could be taken on as a community project. It will be an RFP process with a committee designated to make the decision.

3. Brochure: Because other things were obtainable and this may be two years away, it is prudent that it is a professional job and it should include both public and private art. There are some great opportunities to produce a product that encompasses the whole including private art. This issue was tabled until next meeting under pending business.

4. Funding: The newspaper had an article about the new 2009 budget cutting maintenance for Pubic Art. It was clarified by the City Manager that this money was only for the PAC budget and that any public art in need of maintenance would be done through the maintenance budget as needed. It was discussed that the committee could explain to the council the projects to date showing possible solutions with small amounts of money. The committee agreed that they will seek funds for the 2009 budget in the amount of $2,500. It is a small amount but there are more projects that the committee would like to do which would require the funds. It does also give back to the community in local purchase and citizen involvement.

5. Committee Chair: By unanimous vote, Angie Newby will remain chair and Gaye co-Chair until April 09 at which time the new appointments are made.

6. Airport Mural: Discussion about possible murals on the airport walls. Dru will ask Sheri Hobbs to attend next worksession.