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Coral Gables Arts Advisory Panel Meeting of August 23, 2017.
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MIRACLE MILE STREETSCAPE - ARTIST CONCEPT REVISIONS:
Dr. Damian asked the Panel to continue their discussion from the previous meeting regarding the artist proposals for the Miracle Mile Streetscape.
Dr. Deupi made a motion to postpose further discussion about public art on Miracle Mile until completion of the Streetscape and to notify the artists who have submitted proposals that the City will not be moving forward with any of the proposals; however, the artists are invited to apply again when the opportunity is re-opened. Mr. Roselione-Valadez seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
ART BASEL EVENT APPLICATION:
Ms. Spain reported that Mayor Valdes-Fauli and Commissioner Lago held a sunshine meeting to speak about public art in general and their support of the program, stating that both are interested in the City moving forward with an exhibition to take place during Art Basel. Mayor Valdes-Fauli is proposing a public exhibition of Carlos Cruz-Diez possibly with banners on City Hall and the Coral Gables Museum, painted crosswalks, and possible projections. Staff said they will be meeting with Commissioner Lago this afternoon to discuss additional possibilities.
TEMPORARY ART EXHIBITIONS:
Dr. Damian introduced discussion of temporary art exhibitions, following up from previous discussions regarding developing policy and process. Ms. Cathers presented a Temporary Exhibition Application draft, stating the use of New York’s Park Avenue exhibition program, among others, as a model whereby proposers cover exhibition expenses. It was reported that staff met with City departments to get a sense of feasibility and details regarding such things as site preparation, insurance, security, etc. The consensus from City departments was to assist with site preparation and cleanup, which follows best practices with models of similar scope. She added that the associated agreement has not been drafted yet and that the Cultural Development Board has reviewed the application draft with a request for feedback from this Panel.
Venetian Posts
Ms. Cathers introduced a new temporary community art program inspired by the previously successful “Flamingos in the Gables” and similar municipal projects. As an opportunity to engage the community in a creative way, she said, the City would use the iconic image of Venetian mooring piles. Ms. Cathers referred to the Venetian style poles used as a design feature of the Venetian Pool and to a recent restoration project of Venetian mooring poles by former Vice-Mayor Kerdyk’s daughter, Leigh Kerdyk.
Dr. Deupi made a motion recommending the Cultural Development Board to allow Art Acquisition Funds as seed funding for the Venetian Posts in the Gables community art project. Ms. Tschumy seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
ADDITIONAL PANEL BUSINESS:
Jean Ward Sculptures
Staff presented location options for the three recently restored Jean Ward sculptures and informed the Panel that Mr. George Volsky requested the artworks be placed at Granada Avenue and Alhambra Circle within green spaces on the east side of Granada. The proposed locations, they were told, were sent to public works for review, which responded with approved siting and marked areas that comply with traffic visibility. Images of the restored sculptures were shown and positioning of the artworks was discussed with the Panel.
Ms. Hall made a motion recommending placing two Jean Ward sculptures on the Southeast corner of Granada Avenue and Alhambra Circle, and one on the Northeast corner of Granada Avenue and Majorca Avenue within the triangular median green space. Ms. Tschumy seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Merrick Park Hotel
Dr. Damian introduced Laura Russo, representing the developer of the Merrick Park Hotel. Ms. Cathers stated that the developer has selected Michele Oka Doner as the artist to incorporate a work of public art into the development project of the Merrick Park Hotel in fulfillment of the City’s Art in Public Places requirement. She explained that Ms. Russo requested a concept review by the Panel to gather feedback for the developer and artist prior to their submittal of a full proposal.
Galleries
The Panel was informed that area galleries are discussing possibly moving to Coral Gables and are looking for incentives. Part of the conversation with City staff has included supporting a localized arts district to further develop Aragon Avenue or consider other locations such as the Ponce area south of the Shops at Merrick Park. Related to this, Ms. Cathers noted that there is a lack of space to develop artists outside of the university and educational institutions. The Panel discussed the merits of having an arts facility that could accommodate gallery, education, studio, and exhibition space. Dr. Damian supported exploring the area by the Underline.
Mr. Stuart made a motion approving Dr. Damian or Dr. Deupi to speak on behalf of the Arts Advisory Panel with community leaders regarding establishing an arts center in Coral Gables. Ms. Hall seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY:
Staff reminded Panel members to submit their financial disclosure statements to the City Clerk.
Staff stated that the Cultural Development Board will be making their recommendation for the next term of Arts Advisory Panel members and to let staff know if they are interested in continuing to serve on the Panel.