Dec 04, 2020 Public Art Committee on 2020-12-04 12:00 PM

Okay, so it is 12 of four and we are going to start on December 4th with the December meeting of the Public Art Committee. I should we do a roll call first. Do we need to or. Yeah, let's do that. Okay. So, Michelle Lynn is here. Who are my other members who are here. Could you guys chime in Georgina. Okay, Alicia Eggert. Dodi Esmer. Ed Steel. I don't know why I raised my hand. It just seemed like the thing to do. And Meredith, are you there. No audio. Okay, is that everybody because like I said I'm on my phone right now. That is everybody just don't have audio from Meredith right now. Okay. Okay. Well then let's get started with our first item item A is to consider the approval of our meeting minutes from September 4th and October 22nd. Does anyone have anything they want to add or change to those minutes. Speak now or forever hold your peace. All right, does anybody want to put up approval for these. I'll motion approval. All right, Ed. Can I have a second. I can't. Thanks, Jody. Well, that was easy. I guess we're on to item B, which is the report. You have to vote. You have to vote on. I'm sorry. It's been such a crazy day. All right. We'll go down then to approve this lens says I goes. He doesn't vote. So, Eric. Hi. Is smart. Hi. Deal. Hi. And Meredith, are you in there. He's not here. She's not here. Oh, I thought you said Ed. She's got no audio. Yeah, Meredith. She's giving you a thumbs up though. Meredith's thumbs up in me. So that's going to be approved unanimously and we'll move on to item B, which would be our city updates for all our awesome projects. John's going to pull that up here. Okay. I know this will be very familiar with most people since some of this can has been kind of repetitive over the last few of the meetings. So we're going to start off with the North Lakes dog park in that budget was 35,000. Our subcommittees are there and then we've at the artist selection side of it. And so what we've done in between the time that we actually produced this, we I pulled the subcommittee and we decided that there were three different artists that had some very similar items to what we were looking for for the dog park. And they were all part of the pre-qualified list. And so I sent those out to the subcommittee. I got some feedback and then I sent out the scope of work for each of those groups. And they had until December 14th to be able to get that in. I hadn't heard anything from them. It's been about a week and a half. So I tried to touch base with them today to see what's going on, to find out if they're going to be able to put a proposal in. So hopefully I'll have that back when it does. If I receive those, I will go ahead and put that into the, I'll put that out to the subcommittee to be able to work with that. John, real quick, if we don't get any submittals, what's the... John, if we don't get any submittals, can we talk about that process? If we don't get any more, I can go ahead and I can pick some more out of the pre-qualified list. One of the others that we would need to do is to possibly go back to CAFE and put an ad through that local group to see if we can find somebody that's more local, that's willing to do the project for that. Again, this is one of those that I think it's a $35,000 budget in that many of the artists are looking for a little bit higher level project to be able to move forward for it. We had the same problem with the vela sculpture, and we significantly were able to increase that one. And I don't think we have that same ability for the dog park sculpture right now. So one thing that we may come back to the subcommittee is if we need to change the scope or just go to something pretty basic in order to kind of keep it under budget, if that's an issue down the road, if we have to. Would it be possible for us to look at funding from Keep Getting Beautiful since they're so closely aligned with the parks anyway, or for us to look potentially at some sort of fundraising from the people who are at the dog park using it, like maybe we could come up with a t-shirt sale or a sign sale or something, you know, as the spring gets here and people perhaps are able to do this more easily, this kind of thing? We could. The question is how much do we think we're going to get in? Is that going to be substantially enough to move the needle based off of, you know, maybe the feedback from the artists? So we could definitely, I guess, you know, keep that on the table. And if we don't get any submittals or they all come back and say that it's not enough budget, then I guess we could schedule a meeting with the subcommittee. Okay, because I would be interested in you like doing a run with your dog fun run or, you know, like one of those doggy photo contests or something. There's lots of cool creative ideas and I think that the dog thing gives you just some really interesting fun options. It's supposed to be a fun statue, so let's come up with something fun way to maybe sweeten the pot a little and put some more money in it. Okay. Any other questions on the dog park sculpture? Okay, we'll go ahead and re-share. For the next one, we have the Vela Athletic Complex sculpture. Really good news is that that will actually go to council on this next Monday. It's an item that's up for individual consideration. So they will be wanting to talk about it at that particular time and of course staff will be there to help answer questions for it. So the next steps after that, we'll have to approve the final design and then start the sculpture fabrication. So that one's moving along very nicely for right now. Do we have any questions or do we want to hold off on questions for later? Okay, I'll keep on moving. Tennis Center. That one hasn't been initiated yet. We're waiting more for most of the construction to be complete and so they're pretty much ready to be able to move forward with that one. So expect to have some subcommittee meetings fairly soon. Fire Station 3, they're still working through some of their fencing and other things that they're doing. So there's really not a way that we can frame a sculpture to get where it's going to exactly be. So we talked to Boots and he was saying about go ahead and hold off until we'll revisit it in February when they've got more work done for that. Foundations of our history mural. I drove by there just the other day and what they've done is completely power washed all that area, which was pretty bad and filthy. Now they've got the area whitewashed over so they essentially created the canvas. And the next step is that he will be going out there to be able to paint the rest of the mural. So we are making some progress on that one. We are in the site or they're actually constructing it. So Madeleine Weiner is constructing and fabricating the art for the MLK Junior Rec Center sculpture. So that's being happening right now. She sends in invoices when they've reached milestones in that. I've only had really one milestone sent right now. So the initial payout for that to be able to purchase material has already been paid out and so she's been moving forward with that. This one also is going to council on Monday. And so we're going to be able to see results of that. It's also a item for individual consideration. So we'll be providing a PowerPoint like we have here to them. So virtually what you're seeing is what we're providing for them to if we get that approval, be able to move forward with that. We got all the other paperwork and various things in. So I think we're in really good, good shape for that. John, can we pause? Let's talk about that one a little bit. That's why I unmuted. So I have some really good news. In fact, as soon as I saw Gary and John today that I met with purchasing earlier today. So I think through our conversation to let you know that that we initially had some renderings and some kind of scope of work that we showed you for industrial park and what we wanted to do. So I got the got to go ahead to pursue with the original contractor really had that it'll be a little less difficult than hiring a brand new landscape architect to redo all those plans. So we got to go ahead to be able to get that contractor back on board and that way he can make that group can encompass the sculpture into the original rendering and kind of modify that rendering to make sure that sculpture fits everything. And then we also check with funding, found some funding. And so we're going to hit the ground running as soon as this is approved. So, yay, that's fantastic. You're muted, Gary. This location is a little bit more challenge challenging compared to Fred Moore where Fred Moore kind of had a little blank canvas right there was fairly small by installing this in industrial, it's going to take some regrading some sidewalks those types of things so it's a little bit more complicated. If the city council gives us the go ahead to move forward on that location, then we can go ahead and start some some design work and move forward. We may need more a little bit more money, depending on what the final cost is and we'll have to work on that in the meantime. Worst case scenario we get the, the first we break into two phases phase one would be to get the sculpture in make sure it's a DA accessible, and then phase two would finish anything else out that we didn't have funding for if we can't find the funding right away. Any thoughts or questions on on those those steps. Sounds good. Okay. All right, let me bring up the next presentation. Michelle Do you mind introducing that item. Oh, I'm sorry, I'm so haven't had lunch yet so that was the end of our section. Now on to item C, which is to get a report hold the discussion and give staff direction regarding the loaning of the Nick no bleak sculptures. So if you remember, if you remembered our last meeting. We presented an option to purchase some sculptures from a local residents that had a number of Nick no bleak sculptures that he owns. And after some discussion, the committee decided they did not want to move in that direction because we already owned two pieces in our inventory. After following up with him after the last meeting, he is interested in in loaning those to us for a period of three years. If the committee is interested. We put together a couple slides, just so we could talk about that so john flip through. Anyways, just as Gary said we're looking for direction from the pack on the possible loan of the Nick no bleak sculptures preliminary that we're talking like a three year type of program. And just for a quick reminder about what the ones we're talking about get a number of different ones and we listed the previous selling prices for each one of those in there, and I'll show you some of the better pictures. We actually went out to the owner's house and had took a look at them. Just get a different perspective on what they are. And so they're all really good shape for them. For the most part, there's one that we couldn't see which was the final one the road runner because that's being stored at another site. But we did get to see all the ones that he was looking at being able to provide. So sculpture a was about 100 inches by three feet wide. Culture be 63 by inches by three feet. And see 54 by 50 inches, so they're fairly substantial as far as being able to have a long walkways and various things that they don't invite anybody climbing on them. That's obviously looked very sharp. And then the same three were in a garden setting we saw that in the last meeting, we decided to be able to show it again just to give that kind of perspective for what they're like. And then last one, our last sculpture D this is a rust, he did have that on site we got to take a look at that. And that is just about 101 inches by 42 inches wide, so it's a fairly tall piece. And then the lastly is the road runner, and this one is being stored off site. And that's probably the largest ones but 16 feet long and five feet wide and nine feet tall, so it's a very substantial art piece. We have some options. And so we discussed this with the owner, and we first one that we talked about was a long Windsor being able to put some of these pieces along the trail on Windsor, so that they can, a lot of people can be able to see that. And he was very positive about that particular location to be able to place those so many people take a walk on that trail there that he thought that people would have a better chance there to be able to enjoy them. The other location that we discussed with him was on off a Carol on the same type of trail there. And he thought that probably more people would enjoy it in the park that in this particular location but that was what his particular preferences were for it. I did have an opportunity to talk to him yesterday and he also thought that South Lakes Park along Teasley could be an option as well but he definitely preferred Windsor at North Lakes Park as an option. So the thought process. What we would do if you guys are interested moving forward is we won we would work on an agreement for the loan with our legal department and get that finalized and approved. We would identify the specific pieces for four or five pieces that were we put out there and locate specifically on Windsor where we want to put those foundations, with the consideration that we would use those same foundations for future art. Once this period would be over. We would have a good mix of sizes heights in in locations, but yet still provide a good view shed when people are driving, as well as walking on the trail. So the plan right now is a three year plan to loan those, if the sculpture would be sold, then it could be taken off property, so we would have to potentially work through a process to find a replacement and open for discussion on that process but he's willing to start off with the three year loan for right now with the proposed location of Windsor being the preferred site. Gary you mean loan for free for three years. It'd be for free for three years, if something happens, if something happens during that period of time. They would be our responsibility to repair. And to install it would not be an easy or inexpensive thing to install this for three years, it wouldn't. So when we put in the concrete will start off with some bolts that we would recognize the platform of those existing sculptures and work around those. This concrete and bolts and for five different sculptures. Tell me about what a ballpark would be cost for our city up front to take these statues. Give me an estimate. Yeah, I put see what I think it was a couple thousand dollars for the cubes for the concrete depending on how big they are in what area size. Okay, it seems to me that the, they're going to be loan for three years, then the duration should be three years regardless of whether they get sold or not. Based on the cost of having to install the men remove them. Okay, I'm going to go ahead, Jody. All right, I'm also concerned about the liability if something happens to them because we know, you know, there, there have been with other public art in Denton and considering the price of each one. I mean, our budget isn't big. And there's car wrecks on Carol, all the time. True. I just remember Ed saying something the last time we talked about this about how these statues really did kind of look like they were from another era and do they really represent where Denton is today and where the artistic of 2020 really is. I'm sorry if I don't remember it accurately I'm kind of surprised that that we're still talking about this I didn't think that we were. I mean, it seems like we're going to be spending money on something that's risky. That is going to cost us and then eventually not even. I don't feel it's beautiful. I don't feel like I would. I'm not into it. I'm not I wouldn't support this. I kind of agree. I appreciate you saying that Michelle because I'm surprised that we're talking about this at all. Last meeting, we made it pretty clear they don't fit. And I didn't want to be the first person to say this but they don't really fit the direction we're going. And also our budget is so small. I feel like happened to them or if we had to repair plus you know putting them in and installing them like I feel like we have better places to put our money like more focused places that are money. It's even get I can't even get some of the stuff we want to get done off the ground right now and then this is some other side project that it doesn't seem like there's a whole lot of support for right. So the, the reason why we brought it back is having discussion with the artists I know we didn't want to purchase them. But since they were being loaned for free I just wanted to provide you guys the opportunity to have the discussion. Sure, but they're not free and there's liability involved. But, but we also had talked about I think in July, a temporary art program. And I thought this could be the start of that, as opposed to have to pay for an artist I just wanted to run that by you as an option for you guys to consider. If you guys want to head in a different direction at this time and stay on track with what we're working on that's that's totally fine, but just wanted to make sure you guys had an opportunity to discuss this. Gary bring up a really interesting concept that what if we did designate say a number of spaces along Windsor as the place where some temporary art could go over the years, or what if we did designate, I don't think we need four spots on Carol but you know what if we did actually sit down and say here are the spaces we would like to put temporary art. That's an interesting concept, but like I said these these statues are beautiful but I don't feel that they express what Denton's current aesthetic is. Yeah, the, the intention of the concrete would be an investment now for these pieces but they, those concrete foundations would be reused for other. I just think that we do the concrete. Anyway, I think that's a great idea. I don't think it's a great idea actually I think that we have talked about, like, how the temporary public art program if we were to initiate one could potentially be a little bit like, make room for more experimental work and I think this is the opposite of that right like this is a good point, you know, really traditional kind of yeah and if we're going to spend money on like initiating that program I think the first thing that we want to do should kind of signify what we want that program to look like. Yeah, yeah, I agree to Alicia. Thank you. I like that. Like this, I agree because I think that's what we. Although it's a lovely thing it's nice of them to learn it but I mean it does kind of veer us off track of what we were thinking about. And we're going to be even later next year, so we're going to have even less money next year so I mean I think we politely declined last time and I'm going to know the generosity is greatly appreciated but I don't have an agreement that we politely decline on this. Likewise. All right, was Meredith saying, can I, Meredith. She with us. You might be able to know you might be able to dial in via the phone. There's the option to dial in via phone. That's what I did because the computer audio. A lot of times is glitchy so I do the video on the computer and then audio through the phone. So, couldn't you go to chat and just type in, you can chat. Yeah, she could hold a sign up. Georgina Do you want to add anything to this conversation just because you don't get to officially vote doesn't mean we don't know, you know, no, I agree with everything that everyone has said, I, my curiosity just wants me to understand why he's motivated to loan these pieces to us. Right. That kind of thing, and what might be the significance of Nick no leaks work, I mean for Denton. So, I, he did share that with me, and he said he there right now, they're sitting in his garage and he wanted to get them out for people to enjoy. Nice. They weren't taking up a lot of space in his garage and I don't want to speak for his storage needs but he, he wanted people to see him. Okay, our joy for him right now. I'm just gonna say that I was just gonna say that they don't spark joy for him right now. Yeah. Sorry they're not sparking joy for me either I mean I really love the front of city hall I think it's super cool and it really speaks to what Denton was at that time. I just, I'm really excited to think about, especially these kind of what if we do a light based or a movement based piece like what Alicia talked about for temporary next year that would be. That's kind of where we're headed is in a more exploratory vein. Do you have a motion and a vote on this. I think that would be preferred if we could let's do that I was holding out to see if I could hear something from Meredith, but I don't know, she's going to vote I guess. All right, so I'm on the issue of the, the loan of items from the oblique. I'll go down the line, I'm going to vote to politely decline, Lynn says, thanks but no thanks. So, Alicia, like, do we need a motion before we vote. Oh, let's motion then. Okay, go ahead and I'll motion that we graciously decline the general generous offer of the loan. All right, so, Lynn says I, Edgar. This work. I feel. I, and Meredith, can you give me a thumbs up or thumbs down, she says, Meredith is thumbs up in I. So I guess, again, unanimous on that decision. No. So, it looks like we're up to concluding items does anyone have anything they want to do or say for next month. Anything to add to the agenda anything exciting. Okay. Well then, it's 1231. Yeah, so the question for you is we're looking to schedule, January, and the council is going to be considering board positions with some of the changes in council. So that'll be taking place in January so do we want to push it towards the end of January, just to make sure that we have a quorum and everyone is is seated. Is that okay with you guys. I know that I think that's good. Yeah. So, so that we don't have to repeat. And so we know what we're dealing with. Who we're dealing with. Sure. That sounds good then let's do that let's let's put it off to later in the month. Okay. We've got an exciting vacation of staying at home in early January. All right, well then with that said, I hope everyone has a safe and happy if boring holiday, and it's 1233 that's that's the end of our meeting and I'll see you all in January. Thank you. Thank you.