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Coral Gables Arts Advisory Panel Meeting of November 2, 2016.
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PRE-QUALIFIED ARTIST REQUESTS (ACTION):
Panel members were provided with materials for artists Antuan Rodriguez and Rainer Lagemann requesting pre-qualification approval.
Mr. Roselione-Valadez made a motion to accept Antuan Rodriguez as a pre-qualified Art in Public Places artist. Ms. Tschumy seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
ALICE AYCOCK SCULPTURES:
The Panel discussed the recent public dialogue surrounding the sculptures installed at the Segovia Street traffic circles. Staff shared that more people are speaking in support of the artwork. The Panel discussed the process, selection, and final artwork, expressing their overwhelming support and understanding of the intent to commission a world-class sculpture, a destination piece, and an artwork that would draw the attention of the art community.
Ms. Tschumy made a motion expressing the Arts Advisory Panel's strong support of the appointed Segovia Circle Artwork Judging Panel, the selection process that was followed, and the ultimate selection of the Alice Aycock artwork Passion/Passiflora Incarnation and installation; further recommending that the City Commission keep the artworks at their installed locations within the Segovia Street traffic circles. Dr. Deupi seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Dr. Damian made a motion appointing Dr. Jill Deupi to speak on behalf of the Arts Advisory Panel at the City Commission meeting regarding the Segovia Circle artwork. Mr. Roselione-Valadaz seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
JEAN WARD SCULPTURES:
Ms. Spain reported on the two neighborhood meetings that took place at Young Park to discuss the possibility of placing the three restored Jean Ward sculptures in that location. She described the oppositional reaction of most in attendance and discussed other possible sites, such as the original location at the library, downtown, or another neighborhood park.
Freda Tschumy made a motion recommending that staff further explore locations for the Jean Ward restored sculptures. Mr. Roselione-Valadaz seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PROJECT UPDATES:
Miracle Mile Streetscape
Staff reported on the site visit of the Miracle Mile Streetscape proposed artists; the day included extensive time on Miracle Mile; meeting with the project team, including Earl Jackson with Cooper Robertson, to review plans and discuss technical details; meeting with the Business Improvement District (BID); touring the City; and ending with a public engagement meeting at Miracle Theater.
Giralda Avenue Streetscape
Ms. Cathers reported on the results of the City Commission Giralda Avenue Streetscape public art item. She stated that Earl Jackson attended and expressed to the Commission how the proposed artwork by Sibylle Pasche positively integrates with the design of the Streetscape. At the Commission meeting, Mr. Robertson showed renderings of the re-designed plaza area and siting location of the sculptures. Ms. Spain mentioned to the Panel that samples of the stone pavers were presented to demonstrate the texture, color, and contrast to the proposed material of the sculptures. The Panel was informed that the proposed artwork was approved by the Commission and the project will move forward to the contract phase.
Balboa Plaza
Ms. Cathers reported that the developer proposed public art sculptural bench (sofa) by R & R Studios at Balboa Plaza was also approved by the City Commission.
Gables Waterway
Staff stated that this project has not gone before the City Commission due to further documentation requested of the developer. Ms. Cathers stated that the property will be posted and the proposal included on the City’s website for comment prior to presentation of the item.
Interactive Map
Ms. Cathers announced the completion of the interactive Coral Gables public art map accessible on-line at www.coralgables.com/publicart under the highlight of “Public Art Collection”. Mr. Stuart proposed adding future works to the map after receiving their City Commission approval. The Panel concurred.
ADDITIONAL PANEL BUSINESS:
Dr. Deupi expressed the desire to cultivate a greater understanding in the community about Art in Public Places through a public workshop. She mentioned reaching out to a knowledgeable public art expert from outside of the community, such as Joyce Pomeroy, a prominent public art scholar. The panel shared topics to consider such as the purpose of public art, criteria, and process. Staff will follow-up.
ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY:
A copy of the annual report encompassing the activities of the Cultural Development Board and the Arts Advisory Panel was distributed to Panel members.