Public Art Committee Meeting Synopsis

March 23, 2006

Cowles Council Chambers

 

Present:  Connie Alderfer, Gale Parsons, Dave Anderson, Angie Newby

Absent:  Ron Senungetuk, Asia Freeman, Mike Yourkowski

Public: 

Staff:  Rachel Livingston

 

The minutes from the 2/9 /06 meeting were approved.  Discussion on the draft letter to Fred Meyer led to approving the letter to be sent to the appropriate parties after Rachel types up appropriate Public Art Committee letter head and edits the letter to reflect the committee’s wishes rather than sounding like it is from one individual.

 

Regarding the Town Center project, the new date for introduction of the Town Center Reso drafted by the Public Art Committee for the Planning Commission is April 5th.  Rachel will call Mike and Asia to make sure they will attend this meeting, if one of them cannot make it, Angie volunteered for back up. 

 

The Animal Shelter art opening is slated for June 2.  The sign is in Anchorage for final powder coating and should be delivered to Public Works in the next two weeks.  Tammy at Public Works is taking the lead on installing the sign and this will be done in the month of May, weather permitting.  Connie asked about details of the opening, i.e. invitations, advertising, food.  HAF has agreed to put together some food.  The committee discussed the lack of money for invitations and advertising and decided no invitations however there are lots of opportunities for free advertising:  first Friday page in local papers and a possible article, KBBI community calendar and coffee table, HCOA newsletter and web events page, Chamber of Commerce, ect.

Rachel and Gale will work on a to-do list for future events.

 

The administrative guidelines were discussed next.  Ron Senungetuk was not able to attend the meeting however he did drop off several documents from his past experience on an art project.  Documents included an art contract for the Fairbanks courthouse, an art RFP for the Fairbanks courthouse and, an informational pamphlet introducing the new art within the courthouse.  Connie suggested that the committee take home the materials and look them over so we can focus on them at the next meeting when Ron is present.  Connie also mentioned that she found someone who can clean up/ edit the final Administrative Guidelines when we are nearing completion.

 

Connie spoke of Ron’s past comments encouraging this committee to step back from offering too many opinions on what art is selected.  This is in regards to the one member of the public art committee who is on the selection committee.  The Public Art Committee can be a part of the selection committee but should not be the Chair.  Ron felt that there should be a long distance between the Public Art Committee member and the actual selection of art.  Angie agreed.  Gale also agreed and spoke about the importance of having a selection committee much earlier in the process.

 

Connie expressed the importance of having a chair person on the Selection Committee.  Dave commented on the fact that consistency is a good thing from one project to another and one person from our committee on the selection committee is good but why not two?  One person who was on previous selection committee and a person who was not previously on a selection committee? Dave said he would feel more comfortable if someone on the Selection committee had been through the process before.  Someone mentioned that we should strive to have just one person on the selection team from our committee.  Connie mentioned that if there was an additional person who had served on a previous selection committee, that person would not have to necessarily be from the Public Arts Committee.   Gale also mentioned the importance of having alternates in place.  Angie and Rachel briefly discussed the previous selection committee’s.  Connie felt that this conversation is important enough to wait until more members of the committee are present.

 

There was discussion on having a chairperson for the selection committee.  Dave thought that a chairperson might not be necessary while Connie felt a chair is vital to a selection committee to bring cohesiveness to the group.  Connie asked that 4 specifics regarding selection committee be brought up at the next meeting:  1. Have not only a Public Art Committee member on the selection committee but also someone who has served on a previous selection committee. 2.  alternates  3. back up art  4.  chairperson for selection committee.

 

Brief discussion on Triangle Park.  A memo from the parks and rec commission was distributed recommending that the Public Arts Committee research the MOU between the City and DOT for any restrictions or conflict with utilities and the existing park use.  Rachel will research and try to locate the MOU. 

 

Gale Parsons spoke about the artist book.  The Homer Animal Shelter artist’s are supposed to submit their information by April 1.  Gale Parsons put together a list of information that she is requesting from each artist.  The committee was given a copy of the list and Gale welcomes additions to this list.  

 

There was discussion on different ideas to promote art in the Homer area.  Connie expressed her interest in forming a web page devoted to art.  Rachel mentioned that she could put something on the City web page.  Connie thought the web page could include a map and each site would have its own book about the art and the artists.  Dave thought this was a great idea and should include not just the 1% for the arts program but all the other wonderful art in Homer as well, including the wall by Nomar and the stained glass eagle at the Post Office.  The Chamber of Commerce would be a great place to put a link for the art page as well as the Homer Council on the Arts.  Connie thought this would be a good project to start after the Administrative Guidelines are complete.

 

The committee went into discussion on the author, John Villani coming to town in July.  Rachel is hoping to find out the correct spelling of the last name and she reserved the council chambers for the entire day/evening on July 3rd.  Connie mentioned that she had received an email from Asia stating that the author costs money – somewhere around $250.00.  Dave mentioned the Homer Foundation as a possible funding source.   Connie wondered if the committee could go out and solicit funds.   Rachel thought is might not be appropriate but Connie commented that the Ordinance does have a provision for soliciting funds.  We will have Asia report on the book tour status at the next meeting.  Connie mentioned the value of a really nice book like a leather portfolio or if someone actually did a hand made book.  This would give the artist’s informational book an added touch.  This would cost extra money and there was discussion on putting aside some of the 1% for the arts money so a nice, classy book that introduces the art within the building could be included.

 

Rachel reported on project updates from the Manager’s office:  Town Center, Deep Water Dock, and repaving of roads with bike lanes included.  There was discussion on whether these were appropriate places for art.

 

There was a brief discussion on the Safeway mural.  The committee has not yet received a letter from Safeway regarding their desire for a mural.  Rachel mentioned that it might be getting held up due to issues with the front façade and the footprint of the building.  Angie mentioned the value of working with a company that wants to improve their building by either incorporating art or by other means and how some kind of point system might be worthwhile.  For instance, the City could relax one requirement if the company was willing to go the extra mile in a particular design standard.  Angie felt it was great that Safeway is taking the initiative to make a more attractive façade and include art without the community having to ask for it.

 

Angie requested that we put committee comments on the agenda for now on.

 

Next Meeting Date:  April 13, 2006