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Arts Advisory Panel Meeting of July 17, 2019.
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PERSONAL APPEARANCES:
a. OLGA GRANDA - SANCTUARY OF THE ARTS
Ms. Granda introduced herself and discussed the new performance venue being developed in the Christian Science building across from City Hall. The name of the project, she said, is called Sanctuary of the Arts and is scheduled to open in December. She stated that the green space next to the building will also be activated with performances and public events. Ms. Spain asked if an agreement has been finalized with the church and was told it is close to being signed. Ms. Spain mentioned the upcoming historic designation of the property.
NEW BUSINESS:
a. PRE-QUALIFIED ARTIST REQUEST - STEPHEN BAKER
The Panel received pre-qualification materials for the artist Stephen Baker. Mr. Hersh introduced himself as the architect of the buildout of an Australian micro-brewery at Columbus Center called Bay 13. He provided background about the project and stated that the artist being considered, Stephen Baker, is a well-known Australian artist.
Mr. Kolasiński made a motion to defer the item until more information is provided about the artist and his background. Ms. Tschumy seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
b. AIPP WAIVER REQUEST - THE PLAZA
Bill Brady introduced himself as the gallery representative working with the developers on the selection of artists and artwork for The Plaza and provided his professional background. It was noted that proposed artists were presented and pre-qualified at the previous Arts Advisory Panel meeting. Mr. Brady stated that three projects are being requested at this time for approval in compliance with the Art in Public Places program.
i. TONY CRAGG
Mr. Brady presented the first proposal, a large-format sculpture by artist Tony Cragg. Mr. Cragg, he said, is from Liverpool with commissions around the world including an exhibition along Park Avenue in 2013. The piece being considered for this installation, he said, is from the Park Avenue exhibition and is titled “Mean Average.” Mr. Brady provided further background about the artist’s interest in materials and science. The developers, he continued, viewed Cragg’s sculptures in Dallas and selected this piece. The placement of the artwork is being proposed on the corner of Ponce de Leon in the front of The Plaza and will include a bench surrounding the piece.
Mr. Brito made a motion recommending approval of the waiver request to incorporate artwork as presented by artist Tony Cragg into The Plaza development project facing Ponce Circle Park. Ms. MacDonald-Korth seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
ii. JEAN-MICHEL OTHONIEL
Mr. Brady presented a second proposal for artwork by artist Jean-Michel Othoniel. The artist, he said, is a famous French artist with major pieces around the world and is the only living artist with a permanent piece in Versailles. He stated that the intent of the developer is to commission a piece by the artist for placement at the base of the (outdoor) escalator and within a fountain. Mr. Brady stated that the artist will not start work on the piece without receiving 10% payment down and that it is the first artwork that needs to be completed. He mentioned that Mr. Othoniel has a connection to Coral Gables, having lived here for a short while. The owners, Mr. Brady said, have requested that the artwork be fabricated of blue and clear glass balls.
Mr. Brito made a motion recommending the proposal be brought back with specific information. Mr. Kolasiński seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
iii. MICHELE OKA DONER
Mr. Brady then presented a third proposal for artwork by artist Michele Oka Doner. He described the work as a series of bronze benches surrounding live oak trees with impressions of different fossils and plants incorporated into the design of the benches. Dr. Deupi said she appreciates the concept and has seen them elsewhere. It was pointed out that oak trees can be very dirty and Panel members asked if someone is advising the artist on the type of oak tree being planted, their potential height, and how maintenance of the artwork is being addressed. Mr. Brady did not know and responded that the developer will maintain the sculptures. Dr. Deupi also mentioned the material’s high heat retention. Ms. MacDonald-Korth asked if the artist has worked on other pieces surrounding trees and expressed concern about falling debris from the tree affecting the artwork and how the tree roots may affect the piece. The Panel recommended that a tree specialist be consulted and added that oak trees have a bad track record in hurricanes. Ms. Spain stated that the City tree experts could be involved.
A motion was made by Mr. Brito expressing support of the project and requesting additional information about the project and tree specimens, including provision of site locations of all the artwork and recommending the artist look at a modular design that may be easily dismantled. Ms. Tschumy seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
a. PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING
Ms. Spain reported that the proposal for the Public Safety Building by Ivan Toth DePena’s was presented to the City Commission on Tuesday, July 9th and did not pass. She shared the intent to conduct workshops with the Police and Fire departments and explained that the Police Chief would like a figurative piece. Ms. Spain stated that some Commissioners may want something different. Staff was instructed to start again with no time restraints.
b. ART BASEL 2019 - RAFAEL BARRIOS
Ms. Spain informed the Board that staff met with Mr. Barrios, who is proposing one piece in the triangle area at Le Jeune Road and Coral Way across from Miracle Mile. An additional new piece was presented in response to the suggestion of the Panel. A temporary (smaller) piece, she said, would be placed in the Museum Plaza along with an exhibition in the Museum displaying additional artist’s work. Ms. Spain said additional artworks are being considered but need clarification from the artist. She reported that the artist was approved as the artist to work with for Miami Art Week/Art Basel.
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES UPDATES
a. SUN STORIES
Ms. Spain advised the Panel of the new opening event for the public art exhibition “Sun Stories” at Giralda Plaza on Friday, July 26h at 5:00 p.m.
CITY COMMISSION ITEMS
a. ARTS ADVISORY PANEL - RESOLUTON
The Panel was advised of the passing of the Arts Advisory Panel resolution, amending the number of members to 9. Ms. Spain advised the Panel that Dr. Deupi’s email was not read into the record; however, she expressed the Panel’s lack of support for the item. The two additional positions, she said, are for residents and will be appointed by the Commission as a Whole. Ms. Spain asked the Panel for recommendations of art professionals to sit on the Panel.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Dr. Deupi asked that staff create a template for proposal submissions.
A motion was made by Ms. Tschumy requesting staff to develop a proposal template for artist submissions. Mr. Kolasiński seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.