HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-05-18 Public Arts MIN
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
a. 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
a. 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.