HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-08-21 Public Arts MIN
Minutes
Public Art Commission
Regular Meeting
August 21, 2015
Attendance
Commissioners: Merchant, Garrington, Bussell, Clark, Newman, Friend, Lemhouse Seltzer
(staff),
Absent:
None
Guests:
Eric Warren (graphic designer for entry signs), Steve Morgan (sign fabricator), Michael
Dawkins (downtown beautification committee), Brent Thompson (downtown beautification
committee).
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 8:00 a.m.
Minutes of the July 19 meeting were approved.
Develop entry sign objectives
Garrington welcomed the guests and provided a brief background on the entry sign project.
Warren asked the group to speak to what the signs should convey. Generally the group spoke
about the uniqueness of Ashland, its history, its cosmopolitan feel while retaining its small
town feel. The group expressed interest in the signs being artfully designed, incorporating
color, non representational of everything that Ashland has to offer or its roots in history.
Warren asked what the words on the sign should be and the group reached consensus that the
signs should simply say ‘Ashland’. Warren explained that fonts can set the tone. The same
word in different fonts can convey different feelings and he will select a font that is readable
and unique (non-corporate, non-retail, etc.).
Warren asked the group to speak to the style of the signs. Should the style be classic,
contemporary, historic, craftsman, etc.? Generally the group agreed the signs should have
the quality of “public art”. The group reached consensus that the signs should be artful,
contemporary, sculptural and well crafted.
The group also commented that each sign location was very different from the other and
therefore each sign need not be identical is shape and size but should have a common look.
In addition, there was discussion on whether the current location of the welcome sign at Exit
14 was the best and whether a better location was possible.
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Next steps
Warren will take photos and measurements of each sign location. In addition, he will explore
other possible locations for the Exit 14 location. Using the input from this meeting, he will
develop three concepts for the PAC review at a future meeting.
Timeline for signs
November 13 – review three sign concepts
December 11 – final selection and approval of sign concept
January 19 – Council meeting for approval (tentative date)
April (or earlier) – sign installation
Seltzer will connect Warren and Morgan with ODOT representative to ensure ODOT is
available throughout the process for input and ultimately permit approval for installation.
Approval of July minutes
July minutes were approved with noted correction.
Utility Box Pilot
Seltzer reported that all the photo files have been sent to The Signdude and that he will install
the vinyl wrap on Wednesday, August 26 at 9:30. The cost is $700.
The group acknowledged that as the new utility box wrap program is developed the PAC will
likely need to engage a graphic designer to develop templates and photo manipulation for the
sign company and to get quotes from other companies on the cost and process to wrap future
boxes.
Gateway Outreach
Members will follow through on previous assignments to get the word out about the Gateway
presentations.
The group discussed details for the Gateway presentations. Friend, Bussell, Garrington,
Merchant will meet at the library at 10:00 am on September 10 to arrange the room. Seltzers
will bring name tags and easel, paper and pens, Friend will create ‘Selection Panel’ signs to
place on seats designated for the members. The group agreed to have questions from the
audience after each presentation and that Clark will scribe the question and answer on the
easel. Merchant, Bussell, Newman and Clark will breakdown the room after the 5:00
session.
Gateway Selection Panel
Seltzer will send a packet to the members once the final proposals are received. The meeting
will occur at 8:30 am on Friday, September 11 and Seltzer will arrange for coffee and
pastries for the group. Garrington and Friend will facilitate the meeting. Other PAC
members are welcome to attend but will not participate in the discussion.
Meeting adjourned at 10:30 a.m.
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