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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-07-15 Public Arts MIN Minutes Public Art Commission July 15, 2011 Regular Meeting Attendance Commissioners: Davis, Bussell, Edson, Friend, Pugh, Seltzer (staff) Absent Wilkerson, Slattery, Garrington 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 Tom Foster co-ordinates nature walks in Lithia Park. He is concerned that the Lincoln statue is not on display. Mr. Foster gave an overview of the history of the statue beginning with its purchase in 1916 and the first recorded vandalism of the head in 1958. Despite the vandalism over the years, he believes the statue should be on public display as it represents an important part of Ashland history. He asks the PAC to either reinstall the statue at the entrance to Lithia Park or to find an alternative location and make a recommendation to the Parks Commission. The PAC will discuss this issue at the August meeting. Stratford Inn Painted Utility Box The commission discussed what next steps should occur in regards to the painted utility box adjacent to the Stratford Inn. A letter was sent to the property owner/manager in June asking the person to attend the August PAC meeting. The committee agreed that the artwork was not egregious but the Stratford Inn did not seek City approval or contact the PAC prior to painting the box. The PAC does not want this action to set a precedent potentially signaling that other businesses can paint utility boxes without going through the Public Art process and decided that if the owner does not attend the August meeting and does not want follow the process, the box should be painted over. Edson will phone the Stratford Inn in follow up to the letter. In addition, the PAC discussed the on-going importance of educating the public about the public art process. Calle update The Wataru sculpture/Hardesty memorial was too large for the pedestal located at the top of the Calle staircase and has been removed and placed in storage. The PAC intends to ask the Parks Commission to approve a location near the base of the stairs to place a larger pedestal for the sculpture. The PAC will then issue an RFP for a sculpture to locate at the top of the stairs. Pugh volunteered to contact Parks to get on the commission agenda to make a presentation and request. Bussell and Friend will help prepare a packet of materials for the presentation including a photo of the proposed new location. Calle sculpture Organic Compound No. 1 Kevin Christman is adding resin to the piece to halt the rusting of the metal. Edson will ask for an invoice from the artist so PAC can issue payment for the piece. Helman School Mural Staff did not receive any response to the letters mailed in June to Helman School neighbors about the proposed project. PAC will recommend to the City Council approval of the proposed mural and Helman School of the next steps. Gateway Project Edson reported at the recent Mayor’s lunch, the Planning Commission chair indicated they intend to “master plan” the gateway island and will incorporate the PAC in that process. There was general discussion about the project and it was agreed the PAC needs to have another special meeting to review the information collected so far, including site specifics and “value of art”. The PAC will meet on Wednesday, July 27 on the patio at the coffee shop above Bloomsbury Books. Meeting adjourned at 9:45.