Minutes
Public Art Commission
May 18, 2012
Regular Meeting
 
Attendance
Commissioners: Davis, Bussell, Garrington, Pugh, Lemhouse (Council Liaison) Seltzer (staff)
 
Absent
Friend
 
Guests
Rachel Dials, Ashland Parks and Recreation and Sue Springer, mosaic artist
 
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 8:1 5 a.m.
 
Approval of Minutes
Minutes were approved with corrections.
 
Citizen Issues/Proposals
Rachel Dials from the Parks and Recreation Commission proposed two public art projects.
 

1. Mosaic in North Mountain Park
   1. Parks and Recreation in partnership with Recology is proposing a mosaic for the recycling area of North Mountain Park.  Local artist Sue Springer has been hired to create the mosaic using recycled materials.  Springer presented the concept of the mosaic and proposed materials and Dials explained the location.  Recycle bins will be relocated from the current grass location to a circular concrete pad.  The bins will be in the center of the pad and the mosaic will rim the edge of the pad.  Springer explained she is experimenting with using pieces of a discarded tire, pieces of discarded glass bottles and other materials gathered by Recology from recycled materials.  Bussell requested the mosaic not include materials that could rust.  Springer agreed.  The Public Art Commission unanimously approved the proposal.  The project is expected to be completed by the end of the summer.  The PAC voted unanimously in favor of the project.

 

2. Art on utility boxes on Calle Guanajuato
   1. Dials explained Parks intends to make improvements to the Calle and is requesting the PAC initiate the process to invite artists to submit designs for art on utility boxes in three locations along the Calle.  One box is located behind Louis Grill, one location is behind Hanna Sushi and includes three boxes nestled close together and the third is directly opposite the bridge spanning Ashland Creek from the Calle.  Parks will pay $500 per box ($2,500 total).  The PAC voted unanimously to initiate the process with a Call for Artists.  There was some discussion on how to solicit quality designs and Bussell expressed concern that the $250 per artist stipend should be larger.  Garrington will develop a timeline and “to do” list for the project.  Parks hopes the project can be completed by the end of the summer.

 
Update on Library Pedestal
Concrete contractor Allen Setterfield hopes to begin pouring concrete on Friday, May 25 and expects 4-5 days to complete the project.  Once the pedestal is completed staff will arrange for the sculpture, “GIFT” to be placed on the pedestal and the memorial plaque.
 
Update on Mural at Helman School
Pugh received and read aloud an email from Tia McLean that the mural approved by the Public Art Commission has been installed and will continue to “grow” with new tiles installed each year by the newest kindergarten class.
 
Discussion on Plaza Design
Seltzer explained the RFP has been posted for proposals from designers/landscape architects that address landscaping and seating on the Plaza.  A designer will be selected after Memorial Day).  The selected designer will develop and submit three conceptual designs for the Plaza by the end of June.  Citizens and city commissions will have an opportunity to give input on the desired use/look of the Plaza prior to the development of the final concepts.
 
Councilor Lemhouse stressed that he feels it is important that the Public Art Commission as well as other commissions (Historic, Tree) state their vision for the Plaza.  It was suggested the PAC submit a letter or memo to the City Council stating the PAC vision/desire for the Plaza.  The letter will become public record and forwarded to the selected designer as input.
 
The PAC discussed the statement drafted by Garrington on the Plaza re-design.  Garrington Davis will work to fine tune the draft.
 
Criteria and Timeline to evaluate proposals for Fire Station No. 2
Due to time constraints this item was postponed.  The PAC agreed to a special meeting on Friday, June 8 to discuss this item.
 
This item is scheduled for discussion at a special meeting of the PAC on Friday, June 8 at 8:15 am in the Siskiyou Room.
 
Meeting adjourned at 10:00.