Minutes

Public Art Commission

June 17, 2011

Regular Meeting

Attendance

Commissioners: Davis, Bussell, Edson, Garrington, Pugh, Seltzer (staff)

Absent

Friend, Wilkerson, Slattery

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 8:15 a.m.

Approval of Minutes

Minutes were approved with corrections.

Citizen Issues/Proposals

Mia Driscoll, kindergarten teacher at Helman Elementary School and Julia Janeway a parent of a student at Helman attended the PAC meeting.  They are proposing a wall tile project on an exterior wall at Helman.  The design is a tree with leaves.  Each leaf is a handprint of a kindergarten student and the tree is “engraved” with phrases from the children.  Four 3 x 5 panels of hard board backing will be mounted to the wall measuring 6’ x 10’.  The tiles will affixed to the board.  The design allows for future additions of future students.

The proposed exterior wall faces Randy Street and approximately ten homes.  The PAC is supportive of the project and will contact neighbors advising them of the project and inviting comment.  The committee was primarily interested in knowing if the wall could be removed and relocated should the need arise in the future.  It was explained that mounting the tile on the backing board allows for the project to be removed without damage to the art.

Bussell motioned to approve the project, Pugh seconded. 

Janeway will send Seltzer a rendering and description of the project.  Seltzer will mail the information to the neighbors.  PAC will forward the project to the Council for final approval in August.

Purchase of Christman Calle Sculpture

Christman has agreed to repair the metal rim and has agreed to sell the piece to the City for $8,000.  PAC will use the remaining funds from the Krigel fund (approximately $6,400) and take the balance from the TOT funds accumulated to date.

Edson will make arrangements with the artist.

Call Pedestal at Top of Stairs

The pedestal at the top of the stairs needs to be replaced with a larger one.  The cost of a new pedestal is approximately $600.  PAC will use the $150 contribution received on behalf of Jack Hardesty and use funds for the TOT for the balance.  Staff will arrange a meeting with city facility manager and PAC members to evaluate the existing pedestal and determine fabrication of the new pedestal.

Non-authorized Public Art

Bussell informed the PAC of three public Art projects not authorized.

1)      An electric utility box on Sherman Street and adjacent to the Stratford Inn parking lot has been painted.  The PAC will send a letter alerting the property owner of the violation of public property and the necessary steps to take to remedy the situation.  Of primary concern is that the box was not properly primed prior to painting and the final design may not have been coated with UV protection and anti-graffiti.  Seltzer will draft a letter and send to the PAC for approval.

2)      A large painted container has been placed in a large garden adjacent to the SOU parking lot on Mountain Ave.  The PAC agreed no action is required.

3)      An advertisement for art for “permanent installation on Ashland’s bike path”.  The installation will be on private property adjacent to the bike path.  The PAC is unclear what action, if any, should be taken.

Gateway Island Project

Garrington distributed a list of artistic values, terms, phrases, ideas etc. for the Gateway Sculpture for use in the RFP/RFQ process.

Due to time constraints the group did not have time to discuss.  This will be an agenda item for the July meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 9:45.