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Coral Gables Arts Advisory Panel Meeting of October 25, 2017.
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DISCUSSION WITH MAYOR RAUL VALDES-FAULI:
Panel members introduced themselves to the Mayor, including their professional affiliations.
The Mayor expressed his passion for the arts and encouraged the Panel to recommend works that contemporize the arts in Coral Gables. He commended the role the Panel plays and expressed his support of following examples such as the Park Avenue’s public art program. Dr. Deupi suggested the Panel also look at aspirational cities that are attracting the best and brightest artists of today.
MIAMI ART WEEK & ART BASEL
Carlos Cruz-Diez Exhibition
Ms. Cathers gave an overview of the upcoming Carlos Cruz-Diez temporary public art exhibition, stating that thirteen (13) Cruz-Diez designed banners will be hung on City Hall and eight (8) designed crosswalks will be painted between City Hall and the Coral Gables Museum. The Museum, she said, will have images of the artist at work on similar projects. The exhibition will run mid-November through January. Ms. Cathers informed the Panel that Dr. Damian is giving a lecture about Carlos Cruz-Diez at the Museum on December 1st.
Art Basel VIP Event
Ms. Spain stated that the Art Basel VIP event will be held on December 10th at 8:30 a.m. in front of City Hall adjacent to the Cruz-Diez crosswalk. The artist is no longer travelling, she said, but will be available through a video call to attendees and his family will be in attendance at the event. Ms. Cathers added that a Coral Gables trolley will be offered for those wanting to go from the event to the Lowe Art Museum.
Lowe Art Museum, Art Basel Miami Beach Bubbles & Brucnch
Ms. Cathers confirmed the sponsorship by the City of the Lowe Art Museum’s Art Basel Miami Beach Bubbles and Brunch and stated that a Coral Gables trolley will be provided to transport interested attendees to Miami Beach following the artist lecture given by Michele Oka Doner.
TEMPORARY ART EXHIBITIONS
A revised draft of the Temporary Exhibition Application was provided to the Panel and discussed. Ms. Cathers stated that once approved, it will go to the City Commission along with an agreement that will be drafted by the City Attorney.
DEVELOPER AIPP PROJECT PROPOSAL FOR MERRICK PARK HOTEL:
Laura Russo appeared before the Arts Advisory Panel to submit a public art proposal for the Merrick Park Hotel development in fulfillment of the City’s Art in Public Places requirement. Ms. Russo introduced herself, Sandra Cardona with Hersha Hospitality and Aaron Yassin with Michele Oka Doner’s (the artist) studio.
ADDITIONAL PANEL BUSINESS:
The Board discussed whether to adjust the monthly meeting time and unanimously agreed to meet from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. the fourth Wednesday of every month. Staff stated that meetings may be cancelled if there are no business or action items pending.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Following up on the discussion of art galleries in Coral Gables, Ms. Spain advised the Panel that a previous tax based on inventory has been rescinded due to the Mayor’s initiative. Dr. Damian stated that many galleries left due to this tax and now that it’s gone, it may be an incentive to encourage galleries back.
ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY:
There were no items from the secretary.