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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-07-17 Public Arts PACKET Public Arts Advisory CommitteeAgenda July 17, 2025 Regular Meeting, 4:00pm–5:30pm Siskiyou Conference Room, 51 Winburn Way I.(4:00) CALL TO ORDER: a.Welcome –Sue Sears Introduction b.Quorum count c.Announcements d.Land Acknowledgment (attached) e.Labor Acknowledgement(attached) II.(4:05) APPROVAL OF MINUTES a.May 15, 2025, regular meeting III.(4:10) PUBLIC FORUM (for items not on the agenda; up to 3 minutes per speaker) a.Abram Katz, The Home Project(Heartisan Foundation) IV.(4:15) LIAISON REPORTS a.City Council Liaison, Gina DuQuenne b.APRC Liaison, Michael Gardiner & APR Staff Liaison, Rachel Dials c.Community Development Liaison, Veronica Allen V.(4:25) DISCUSSION ITEMSand MOTIONS (up to 10 minutes per topic) a.Velocity Update-Public Works, Mike Morrison b.Traffic Signal Box Update nd c.Placement of 2Guanajuato Heart d.Placement of Jarrett Davidson’sMural from Mural Fest e.Placement of Art Piece from Fringe Festival f.Strategic Planning g.M.A.P Discussion h.PAAC Timeline Planning VI.(5:20) OTHER BUSINESS UPDATES (up to 5 minutes per item) a.Unveiling Lorraine Hansberry overview for those not in attendance b.Guanajuato Hearts arrived and first unveiled at SOU c.Ancestor's Future Update d.We Are Here Mural Update e.Budget Update -entering new biennial budget season f.Art Maintenance Report VII.(5:25) ROUND TABLE -Member open discussion of project opportunities (2 mins. each) VIII.(5:30) ADJOURNMENT -Next Meeting: Thursday, August 21, 2025 @ 4:00 pm Note: Anyone wishing to speak at any Public Arts Advisory Committeemeeting is encouraged to do so.After you have been recognized by the Chair, give your name and City of residence. You will then be allowed to speak. Please note the public testimony may be limited by the Chair. Page 1of 2 Public Arts Advisory CommitteeAgenda Land Acknowledgement “We acknowledge and honor the aboriginal people on whose ancestral homelands we work –the Ikirakutsum Band of the Shasta Nation, as well as the diverse and vibrant Native communities who make their home here today.We denounce the egregious acts of the colonizers and government and recognize the horrific impacts that still exist today.We honor the first stewards in the Rogue Valley and the lands we live and depend on: Tribes with ancestral lands in and surrounding the geography of the Ashland Watershed include the original past, present and future indigenous inhabitants of the Shasta, Takelma, and Athabaskan people. We also recognize and acknowledge the Shasta village of K’wakhakha -“Where the Crow Lights” -that is now the Ashland City Plaza.” Labor Acknowledgement We also pause to recognize and acknowledge the labor upon which our country, state, and institutions are built. We remember that our country is built on the labor of enslaved people who were kidnapped and brought to the U.S. from the African continent and recognize the continued contribution of their survivors. We also acknowledge all immigrant & indigenous labor, including voluntary, involuntary, trafficked, forced, and undocumented peoples who contributed to the building of the country and continue to serve within our labor force. We acknowledge all unpaid care-giving labor. To the people who contributed this immeasurable work and their descendants, we acknowledge their indelible mark on the space in which we gather today. It is our collective responsibility to critically examine these histories, to repair harm, and to honor, protect, and sustain their contribution to our society. Note: Anyone wishing to speak at any Public Arts Advisory Committeemeeting is encouraged to do so.After you have been recognized by the Chair, give your name and City of residence. You will then be allowed to speak. Please note the public testimony may be limited by the Chair. Page 2of 2 Public Arts Advisory CommitteeMeetingMinutes DRAFT MINUTES May 15, 2025,RegularMeeting 4:00-5:30 PM, Siskiyou Conference Room 51 Winburn Way I.(4:10) CALL TO ORDER(Postponed): a)Welcome b)Quorum count No quorum at start; presentations proceeded informally c)Announcementsnone Attendance Present: ChairCassie Preskenis Susan MacCracken Jain Kate Womack Heather Warden Russell Copley(joined via Zoom at 4:35 p.m.) Emily Simon, SERJAC Liaison Gina DuGuenne, City Council Liaison Absent:Patricia Way; Christi McLain resignation announced Staff Present: Brandon Goldman, Community Development Director II.(4:12) LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT -Read by Cassie Preskenis III.(4:13) APPROVAL OF MINUTES delayed until Quorum Achieved IV.(4:15) PRESENTATIONS (addressed prior to presence of a quorum as updates/presentations) Due to lack of quorum, the following items were discussed informallywith no actions taken, although after a quorum was achievedmany of the items were revisited under action items: Playwrights Walk Plaque Update Juneteenth and Plaque Unveiling Event on June 22nd Guanajuato Hearts Presentation by Dee Carreon on a proposal to install large decorated heart sculptures in Ashland to celebrate the sister city relationship with Guanajuato, Mexico. Labor Acknowledgement Presentation by Emily Simon on proposed draft language for a formal Labor Acknowledgement. The Committee discussed the tone, content, and suggested edits Strategic Planning High-level priorities were discussed for possible inclusion in a future work plan. M.A.P. Discussion Initial overview of the Mapping Arts Project shared for future committee discussion. Note: Anyone wishing to speak at any Public Arts Advisory Committee meeting is encouraged to do so. After you have been recognized by the Chair, give your name and City of residence. You will then be allowed to speak. Please note the public testimony may be limited by the Chair. Page 1of 4 Public Arts Advisory CommitteeMeetingMinutes Traffic Signal Box Update Discussion on forming a selection panel and timeline for the 2025 signal box RFP. Art Maintenance Report Brief update regarding maintenance of the Rio Amistadartwork by Sue Springer, and discussed the needfor continued maintenance planningand funding.Discussion included cost estimates and labor cost variables for restoration, to begin in July and be completed in august. Womak explained that the artist, Susan (Sue)Springer, has been consultant and has indicated she would be willing to oversee the restoration at a significantly reduced cost. The Committee discussed other ongoing maintenance, and the extent of cleaning needs for public art, and a breakdown of estimated costs for repairs and cleaning depending on volunteer vs city employees have been evaluated. V.(4:26) PUBLIC FORUM Sally Mix, an Ashland resident, spoke during the public forum to raise concerns about Indigenous representation in public art. She expressed her contentionthat the specific artist, Russell Bebe, who createdthe We Are Here sculpturein Ashlandis not Native American according to her research, and she urged the Committee to prioritize Indigenous artists in future projects, especially those depicting Native themes and history. VI.(4:35) QUORUM ACHIEVED Russell Copleyjoined via Zoom. Quorum established. VII.(4:36) LAISON REPORT a)Council-Duquenneexpressed support for the work the PAAC is doing. b)Staff -none VIII.(4:385:40)DISCUSSION ITEMS-FORMAL ACTIONS& MOTIONS Guanajuato Hearts Presentation by Dee Carreon regardinga proposal to install large two decorated heart sculptures in Ashland to celebrate the sister city relationship with Guanajuato, Mexico. The request to the City was to cover the cost of shipping the hearts, covering traveland lodging for the artist, paint materials, and marketing costs.No assessment of installation or maintenance costs was available. Motion:Kate Womack moved to develop a proposal within our \[PAAC\] scope for the GuanajuatoHearts project to be presented to the City Council forconsideration. Second: Susan MacCracken Jain ˦˿̄˵:All ayes motion passed unanimously (Preskenis, MacCracken Jain, Womack, Warden, Copley) Note: Anyone wishing to speak at any Public Arts Advisory Committee meeting is encouraged to do so. After you have been recognized by the Chair, give your name and City of residence. You will then be allowed to speak. Please note the public testimony may be limited by the Chair. Page 2of 4 Public Arts Advisory CommitteeMeetingMinutes Following the vote, Susan MacCracken Jain suggested that Rotary, Travel Ashland, and the Ashland Gallery Association be invited to participate in and help support the Guanajuato Hearts project, given their shared interest in cultural exchange and public art. Warden, Womack, MacCracken-Jaintocreate Subcommitteeto follow-up with above tourism/marketing groups. IX.(4:53) APPROVAL OF MINUTES April 17, 2025 Meeting Minutes Motion to approve by Kate Womack, second by Heather Warden. Approved unanimously. X.(4:54) DISCUSSION ITEMS& MOTIONS Labor Acknowledgement Presentation by Emily Simon on proposed draft language for a formal Labor Acknowledgement. Emily provided the history of the development of the Labor Acknowledgement through the Social Equity and Racial Justice Advisory Committee. The Public Arts Advisory Committee discussed the tone, content, and suggested edits The following Labor Acknowledgement was discussed for inclusion (reading) at the beginning of regular PAAC meetings: We also pause to recognize andacknowledgethelaborupon which our country, state, and institutions are built. We remember that our country is built on thelaborof enslaved people who were kidnapped and brought to the U.S. from the African continent and recognize the continued contribution of their survivors. We alsoacknowledgeall immigrantlabor, including voluntary, involuntary, trafficked, forced, and undocumented peoples who contributed to the building of the country and continue to serve within ourlaborforce. Weacknowledgeall unpaid care-givinglabor. To the people who contributed this immeasurable work and their descendants, weacknowledgetheir indelible mark on the space in which we gather today. It is our collective responsibility to critically examine these histories, to repair harm, and to honor, protect, and sustain their contribution to our society. During discussion, Susan MacCracken Jain suggested that be added to ensure the statement fully acknowledged historically underrepresented labor contributions. The Committee reviewed the draft and determined swerealreadyaddressedin the original statement, but the term Motion:Kate Womack moved that the Public Arts Advisory Committee adopt this \[Labor Acknowledgement\] into our readings with the amendment to add and Indigenousinto the Note: Anyone wishing to speak at any Public Arts Advisory Committee meeting is encouraged to do so. After you have been recognized by the Chair, give your name and City of residence. You will then be allowed to speak. Please note the public testimony may be limited by the Chair. Page 3of 4 Public Arts Advisory CommitteeMeetingMinutes verbiage. Second: Susan MacCracken Jain ˦˿̄˵:All ayes motion passed unanimously (Preskenis, MacCracken Jain, Womack, Warden, Copley) Art Maintenance Budget Womack referenced the prior presentation, and the committee discussed which budget year the funding for maintenance would apply to the maintenance. Womack noted that the artist Kevin Christman had estimated $1200 for maintenance for the public art he created, with the Committee previously stipulated such costs on that specific maintenance work should not exceed $2000. The Committee discussed further the offer from Sue Springer to assist in the restoration of Rio Amistad. The Committee discussed allocating funds for the maintenance. Motion:Wardenmovedto move forward with the maintenance of the Rio Amistad artwork not to exceed $3000. Womack seconded. ˦˿̄˵: All ayes motion passed unanimously (Preskenis, MacCracken Jain, Womack, Warden, Copley). Additional discussion about creating a volunteer maintenance formwaiver. XI.(5:30)MEETING EXTENSION MacCracken Jain moved to extend the meetingby ten (10)minutes, Womackseconded. Vote: All ayesmotion passed unanimously (Preskenis, MacCracken Jain, Womack, Warden, Copley) XII.(5:31) TRAFFIC SIGNAL BOX PANEL Womack and Peter Finkle outlined the work of the subcommittee to identify a pool of selection panelists, and requested the Committee consider each individual for potential appointment.The Committee reviewed the selection committee names provided, and rd discussed the process for reviewing designs to be received by June 23, and it was clarified thatthe selectionpanel will have to be formedfrom those listed depending on availability, andwould meet prior to the next PAAC meeting. Motion: Wardenmoved to approve thecandidate list for theformation of a selection panel for the 2025 Traffic Signal Box Project, secondedbyMacCracken Jain. ˦˿̄˵:All ayes motion passed unanimously (Preskenis, MacCracken Jain, Womack, Warden, Copley) XIII.(5:36) OTHER BUSINESS Chair Preskenis discussed the developmentof a timeline for PAAC work, and the M.A.P project. MacCracken Jainsuggested the Strategic Planning effort come to the July PAAC meeting. Preskenis noted the strategic planning efforts should be included in the timeline she is developing. XIV.(5:50) ADJOURNMENT -Next Meeting Date: July 17,@4:00 pm Note: Anyone wishing to speak at any Public Arts Advisory Committee meeting is encouraged to do so. After you have been recognized by the Chair, give your name and City of residence. You will then be allowed to speak. Please note the public testimony may be limited by the Chair. Page 4of 4 From:Heartisan Foundation To:Veronica Allen Subject:Re: Online Form Submittal: Contact Public Arts Committee Date:Tuesday, July 08, 2025 7:22:30 PM Attachments:image001.png \[EXTERNAL SENDER\] Thank you for the additional information, Veronica. Here is the website. There are also a few links at the bottom of the page for participant and artist calls. Happy to answer any questions prior to the meeting. Otherwise, I will see you all then. Will I be able to access the website on a viewable platform there? This is an additional site explaining our template project that would like to share as well as part of my 3 minutes: Housing Project Abram R. Katz Heartisan Foundation www.heartisan.foundation On Tue, Jul 8, 2025 at 3:00PM Veronica Allen <veronica.allen@ashland.or.us> wrote: Hello Abram, We would have you speak under the public forum section of the agenda, which is typically towards the beginning half of the meeting. We allot 3 minutes per speaker during this time. If you have physical materials to bring with you then you can do so. I can also share the website with the PAAC members ahead of time so that they can start looking at it and thinking about it. If the PAAC members like the idea and want to discuss it further at a future meeting (this one is quite busy due to missing the June meeting due to a holiday) then they can make that decision during the meeting to include on the August agenda where you would be able to make a presentation, and include any recommendations or requests you may have of the committee. Much thanks, Veronica Allen, CFM, Associate Planner Pronouns She/Her From: noreply@civicplus.com <noreply@civicplus.com> Sent: Sunday, June 29, 2025 11:03 AM To: planning <planning@ashland.or.us > Subject: Online Form Submittal: Contact Public Arts Committee \[EXTERNAL SENDER\] Contact Public Arts Committee Abram Katz Full Name 5102289748 Phone abram.r.katz@gmail.com Email Address The Home Proejct Subject Electronic (to appear electronically) Type of Testimony Hello, I was directed your way by Tara Huston from OSF. Message Heartisan Foundation is launching an initiative called the Home Project and we have many ways for community to get involved. Attached is a writeup as well as artist and photo participant letters. You are welcome to share to your networks as you see fit. I would love to meet with you all if this sounds like something you are interested in. Abram Katz, HF President Heartisan Foundation_The Home Project.pdf Attachment 1 Photography Participants_The Home Project.pdf Attachment 2 Artists_The Home Project.pdf Attachment 3 Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. From:Dylan Fram To:planning Subject:Tolman Creek Road signal box submission Date:Tuesday, May 20, 2025 4:18:03 PM \[EXTERNAL SENDER\] Greetings again, This submission for the Tolman Creek Road signal box is symbolic of different community members working together as one. These are primarily and secondary female barn owl feathers from the same wing. I would guide participants in filling in background and feathers. I would then apply outlines and complete the aerosol background elements. Thank you, Dylan Fram - GEO • MYSTIC • ART From:KYRIANNA To:planning Subject:Electric box designs Date:Monday, June 16, 2025 4:49:42 AM Attachments:Illustration_sans_titre 1.png image0.png \[EXTERNAL SENDER\] Hello! My name is KYRIANNA and I am a local artist born and raised in Ashland. My current address is 1136, Anderson Creek Road, Talent OR 97540, and you can reach me at (541) 973-5817 or Kyrianna.art@gmail.com. A little more about me, I am an internationally known watercolor and mixed media artist. I’ve had many shows locally and internationally. My primary focus is surrealist portraiture, but my “hobby” art making practice is painting scientifically accurate illustrations of native PNW flora and fauna. I think having an electric box covered with native flora would be a beautiful way of engaging and inspiring the community to care for our natural surroundings. I could envision community members or students helping with the base colors and then finishing the illustrative details myself. I’ve included a sketch of my idea which could easily be translated to any of the boxes, although I picture it most clearly at the corner of Walker. With young students passing frequently I think it would be an ideal place to underline the importance of our unique and fragile natural environment. These are sketches and I would imagine a slightly more dynamic and detailed rendering, closer to the watercolor illustrations I’ve attached. I deeply love and appreciate this valley and I would be so excited to contribute a public artwork that honors its beauty! Thank so much, KYRIANNA From:Dylan Fram To:planning Subject:S. Mountain Ave. signal box final version - DYLAN FRAM Date:Sunday, May 18, 2025 11:59:41 AM Attachments:IMG_2518.png \[EXTERNAL SENDER\] PLEASE DISREGARD THE PREVIOUS 2 VERSIONS OF THIS SUBMISSION FOR S. MOUNTAIN AVE. AFTER LOOKING AT THE SIGNAL BOX, I SEE THAT THE BACK FACES A YARD, HOUSE, AND LARGE LILAC BUSH. THIS FINAL VERSION IS ONE I WOULD LIKE TO SUBMIT. THANK YOU. Greetings, This subject matter and location are particularly significant for me, attending AHS in 1993. My dog and I had a very memorable encounter on that block 18 years ago involving a member of the local deer population. We were chased down the middle of Mountain, nearly to B street when we lost her. On the way back from the co-op, we took a different route to my Mom’s home on Mountain across from the football field. That deer was waiting in the bushes and popped out, chasing us agin down the driveway to the front door. That’s when I learned how protective they are when their little ones are nearby. I hold no grudge and absolutely adore them. They are, in my mind, the unofficial Ashland mascots. Crows occupy the same habitat and we have a nest in a tall conifer in our front yard. The crow is more of a compositional element providing dramatic contrast against the vibrant summer sunset. The symmetrical mountains illustrate the view from that location, looking down the valley. Maybe why the street bares the name mountain? I would guide community members in applying the background sunset base, filling in the solid black crow and heart, along with the mountain and deer base color. I would outline the crow, deer heart, and mountains, wile applying the shading and aerosol fading to complete this piece. Thank you again for considering my proposal, Dylan Fram - Geomystic art From:Jarrett Davidson To:Cassie Preskenis; Jordan Rooklyn; Veronica Allen Subject:Re: Funding for Mural Fest Date:Tuesday, June 24, 2025 9:49:04 AM \[EXTERNAL SENDER\] Cassie, Jordan, Veronica, and Ashland Public Art Commission, I hope your summer is off to an amazing start. I am exceedingly pleased with the results of Southern Oregon MuralFest 2. Currently on display at the ScienceWorks plaza are 16 works of art that showcase the rich, unique visions and talents of artists who call Southern Oregon "home." This collection of walls provide a space for anyone to encounter and celebrate locally driven creativity and reflect upon the representations of art in our area. Not only was it inspiring to see people of all walks of life witness the production of the murals, but it was also a meaningful experience for the participating artists. Several artists and I had conversations about the sense of healing and encouragement for the sustainability of the arts within the community being established by such an event as MuralFest. In an era where walls represent borders to separate and divide groups of people, we transgressed that notion by making connections with one-another by building walls. Bridges were made by artists and food vendor's selling and sharing their works to a new audience, and musicians sharing their music with people who might not hear it otherwise. Calling attention to these kinds of events is of utmost importance as we are constantly reminded about the social divisions in our world, we can counteract this thinking by calling attention to the support for each other for the sake of joy and creativity. Thank you for your substantial financial support to make this event happen. I hope you have multiple opportunities to spend time in the ScienceWorks plaza this summer. The exhibition inside ScienceWorks is also a unique showcase of participating artists' work, as you can compare the aspects of murals vs the results of studio practices. Attached is an image of the mural that I will be donating to the City of Ashland, as initially agreed. It is entitled 'Pollination/Reception', illustrating "pollination" as symbolic exchange of perception between a budda-like portrait and congregating bees. It was my contribution to the first MuralFest in Ashland. I am happy to coordinate delivery, installation and transportation of the mural. Also attached are links to the MuralFest features with KOBI Channel 5 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vaJ2Z5bYtI and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gN_dPTuCVM Thank you for all you do and recognizing the importance of advocation for the arts in our valley, Jarrett Davidson On Thu, Apr 24, 2025 at 3:55PM Cassie Preskenis <cassie@scienceworksmuseum.org> wrote: Thank you for your help Jordan! On Thu, Apr 24, 2025 at 3:39PM Jordan Rooklyn <jordan.rooklyn@ashland.or.us> wrote: Hi Jarrett, Our Public Arts Advisory Committee (PAAC) has voted to award Mural Fest a $2,575 grant to help support the event! As a part of the grant, PAAC requests that Mural Fest donates one of the art pieces to become a part of the City’s public art collection. If you’d like to move forward with receiving these grant funds, please email me a W-9 for either your organization, fiscal sponsor, or the main organizer of the event. Once I have the W-9, I will have our Finance Department mail you a check for the grant award. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out – 541-891-4324. From:Susan Jain To:Brandon Goldman; Veronica Allen; Cassie Preskenis; Kendall Engelund Subject:Press Coverage Round-up for Railroad Park / Hansberry / BlackLight Plaque Date:Thursday, June 26, 2025 10:53:22 AM \[EXTERNAL SENDER\] Brandon and Veronica, Thought that you would enjoy seeing this round-up of press coverage of the Railroad Park plaque. We were really pleased with both the amount and the quality / thoughtfulness / positivity of the coverage, and hope that you are, too. Please feel free to share the good news (literally!), along with our gratitude and admiration for how everyone has come together to take this important and virtuous step forward. Jefferson Public Radio Interview with Emily and Gina 6/17 https://www.ijpr.org/show/the-jefferson-exchange/2025-06-16/tues-9am-vandalized-say-their- names-t-shirt-memorial-to-be-replaced-with-permanent-plaque Ashland.news - Peter Finkle: Public Artwork Honoring Ashland's Say Their Names Memorial and Pioneering Playwright Will be Unveiled Sunday 6/19 https://ashland.news/public-artwork-honoring-ashlands-say-their-names-memorial-and- pioneering-playwright-will-be-unveiled-sunday/ Channel 12 News - Oscar Rodriguez: Post-Event Coverage - New Playwrights Walk Plaque Unveiled in Ashland 6/23 https://www.kdrv.com/news/top-stories/new-playwrights-walk-plaque-unveiled-in- ashland/article_450065ff-a042-4ebd-b550-98c4fcbfe78c.html Ashland.news - Meg Wade: Post-Event Coverage - Ashland Comes Together for Permanent Say Their Names Plaque at Railroad Park 6/24 https://ashland.news/ashland-comes-together-for-permanent-say-their-names-plaque-at- railroad-park/ Onward and upward! -- Susan Susan MacCracken Jain Ashland Playwrights Walk Co-Director 770.743.2904 (mobile) 541.482.8463 (office - weekdays 8-5)