HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-12-09 Public Arts MIN
Minutes
Public Art Commission
8:00 a.m.
December 9, 2016
Attendance
Commissioners: Garrington, Merchant, Newman, Friend, Block-Brown, Bussell, Fuhrmark,
Seltzer (staff liaison)
Absent:
Lemhouse (council liaison)
Guests:
Dale Shostrom, chair Historic Commission
Minutes of the November 18 meeting were approved.
Selection of artist for Theater Corridor
Each Public Art Commission member provided their assessment of each of the four remaining
artists and their reasoning for their first choice. Each member had Gordon Huether as their top
choice. Comments from members included Huether’s experience as a public artist, his aesthetics,
his references were extremely positive and his project management skills.
Block-Brown made a motion to select Huether as the artist for the Theater Corridor project and
Newman seconded the motion. The PAC voted unanimously in favor of Huether.
The commission felt Huether has the resources to fabricate and install the project and his
references commented that he is a good communicator, a good listener and works well with
stakeholders.
Next steps:
Merchant will notify the artists that were not selected and Friend will contact Huether and discuss
his trip to Ashland.
Questionnaire
The PAC reviewed the draft questions and agreed to narrow the list to four or five questions. The
intent of the questions is to solicit responses from the community to help inform the artist about
downtown Ashland and the walkway. These questions will also be used to frame the discussion
at the public meeting with the artist in February.
Friend suggested it would be useful to discuss the questions with the artist to determine if there
are others that would provide him with useful information.
Library Display
Fuhmark, Bussell and Block-Brown are collaborating on the display for the Library. The display
will invite people to respond to the questions that will be provided to the artist.
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In addition, the group discussed the meeting between the artist and the public; location, date,
presentation and discussion points. Friend will discuss with Huether the dates in February he is
available to come to Ashland.
General discussion
The PAC discussed placing the poster developed for the Library in additional locations such as
the walkway itself. Seltzer will create a page on the website where the community can respond to
the questions and develop a press release announcing the artist and inviting citizens to respond to
questions. The selection of Huether will be included in the January issue of the City Source
newsletter with an invitation to citizens to answer the questions. Garrington will submit a letter
to the editor.
AMC proposed changes
The Historic Commission will review the proposed changes at their meeting in early January.
Meeting adjourned at 11:00 a.m.
Next meeting dates:
January 20 regular meeting
February 3 First Friday
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