HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-05-21 Public Arts MIN
Minutes
Public Art Commission
May 21, 2010
Regular Meeting
Attendance:
Commissioners: Davis, Edson, Bussell, Parker, Hanks (staff)
Absent: Pugh, Wilkerson, Wynkoop, Lemhouse (council liaison), Seltzer (staff liaison)
Chair Bussell called meeting to order at 8:15 a.m.
Minutes from the April 16 meeting were approved with changes.
Carol Davis introduced Robert Beckman.
His work – Robert Beckman has done 300 projects nationwide, many for government
structures both interior and exterior with a large range of scale. He has pioneered the use
of fiberglass panels to enhance the longevity of the painting. This has also enabled him
to paint on a curved surface. He has also worked on panels coated with fine cement using
a silica paint that forms a molecular bond with the surface. This can last 100 years with
just a bit of fading in the color. This cement surface can be applied directly to the wall if
desired.
Mural Considerations –
1. What is the purpose of the mural?
2. What kind of accessibility will the wall have?
3. Can a north facing wall be selected?
4. The mural should be a component of the architecture, harmonic with the building and
space.
5. Wall preparation can add significantly to the cost.
6. Other items that add to the cost – research that may be required and how much detail
will be in the finished piece.
7. Is a unifying palette with the surroundings and other art works desirable?
8. Insurance
Evaluation of the Sites We Have Considered –
1. Will Dodge Way, Key Bank Wall – Large wall that is not easily seen from a distance,
the surface could be workable, could be a less detailed composition but still would be
expensive.
2. Garfield Park Bathrooms – Too hard to see and the rough block surface is hard to work
with – would take a lot of alteration.
3. Bike Path Fence – Both sides are visible, must be properly structured, is very
accessible so possibly would be better in another medium
4. Water St. railroad underpass – Robert's preferred site of those we showed. The cement
prepared surface and silica based paint would work well here but would be expensive.
Other Suggested Sites –
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1. Fordyce Building
2. Parking Garage
3. Post Office
4. City's Winburn Way Building – Interior large wall behind the front desk
He spoke of the various materials available for murals and the different types of surfaces
and site orientation. Beckman reviewed photographs of the sites previously identified by
the PAC as possible locations for a mural in Ashland. Generally Beckman was least
supportive of the site at Garfield Park and most supportive of the site located at the train
trestle overpass on Water Street.
Workgroup updates:
Utility Box
The group briefly reviewed the four submittals and discussed extending the deadline in
the hopes of receiving more submissions.
Murals
Bussell suggested they define and prioritize the project locations. Parker asked if
additional locations could be considered and Dana agreed that other photos and locations
would be worth exploring and discussing as a group at a future meeting. Edson likes the
Will Dodge Way/Key Bank location as a first test location
Meeting adjourned at 9:45
Next meetings:
Friday, June 18 and Friday, July 16.
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