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Coral Gables Arts Advisory Panel Meeting of February 28, 2018.
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GABLES LIGHTS 2018:
The Panel was provided a proposal for “Gables Lights 2018.” Mark Trowbridge introduced Patrick O’Connell, the chair-elect of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce. Mr. O’Connell asked if anyone attended the projection display last year during Art Week, the first week of December, presented as a dry run for this year’s proposal of Gables Light 2018. He stated that last fall the Mayor spoke with Ron Schuffeld about creating video projections during art week to boost traffic during Art Week with the goal of becoming the video projection center for that week. Last year, Mr. O’Connell said, the projection ran Monday through Friday of Art week and was sponsored by Christies. Now, he continued, the hope is to engage half a dozen buildings in the downtown area and have them sponsor large-scale video mapping displays.
DEVELOPER AIPP PROJECT PROPOSAL FOR MERRICK PARK HOTEL:
Dr. Damian welcomed the Merrick Park development project team returning with revisions based on the Panel’s previous feedback. Ms. Russo introduced herself as representing Hersha Hospitality, the developer of the hotel; Ms. Cardona, VP of Development and Capital Planning at Hersha Hospitality; and Aaron Yassin with the studio of Michele Oka Doner.
Mr. Roselione-Valadez made a motion recommending approval of the waiver request to incorporate artwork as presented by artist Michele Oka Doner into the Merrick Plaza Hotel development project. Dr. Deupi seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
DEVELOPER AIPP PROJECT PROPOSAL FOR PASEO DE LA RIVIERA:
Dr. Damian welcomed the developers of the Paseo de la Riviera project. Jorge Navarro introduced himself representing Greenberg Traurig; Zaba Castro, also with Greenberg Traurig; and Jerad Graham, with NP International, a part of the ownership team.
Ms. Tschumuy made a motion recommending approval of the waiver request to incorporate artwork as presented by artist Jaume Plensa into the Paseo de la Riviera development project. Ms. Hall seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
PROPOSAL FOR CARLOS CRUZ-DIEZ CROSSWALK:
Dr. Damian welcomed Ms. Huerta, who presented a revised proposal for the permanent acquisition of two of the Carlos Cruz-Diez crosswalk artworks. Ms. Huerta introduced herself and Nella Daes, a representative of Logistics Fine Arts, the company responsible for installation and proposed maintenance of the Cruz-Diez crosswalks. Ms. Huerta emphasized the importance of the City having the crosswalks, referencing the many City’s around the world having similar crosswalks. She shared the artist’s background and his prominence in the art world, saying that the works bring joy, color, and excitement from the people.
Mr. Roselione-Valadez made a motion rejecting the proposal to acquire and maintain permanent installation of painted crosswalks by Carlos Cruz-Diez based on the cost and concerns regarding materials and application. Ms. Tschumy seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS:
a. PRE-QUALIFIED ARTIST REQUEST, GRIMANESA AMORO:
The Panel was presented with materials for a request to approve Grimanesa Amoro as a prequalified artist. The Panel unanimously agreed to include the artist on the pre-qualified artist list. With no further comments, the following motion was made:
Mr. Roselione-Valadez made a motion to accept the qualifications of Grimanes Amoro for inclusion as a pre-qualified artist. Ms. Tschumy seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
b. GIRALDA PLAZA & FOUNDATION FOR SCULPTURE:
Ms. Spain introduced Peter Iglesias, Assistant City Manager, and Ernesto Pino, Assistant Public Works Director, stating their involvement with the Miracle Mile and Giralda Avenue streetscape projects. Ms. Spain said they were asked to come before this Panel to address the Giralda Avenue Plaza, at the east end of Giralda, where the completed artworks by Sibylle Pasche are set to be placed. The artworks are finished, she said; however, the plaza has not been paved with the pavers and design that are on Giralda Avenue. Ms. Spain explained that the pavers have been purchased, but it was not intended to be part of the original streetscape plan and the project does not have the funds to complete the plaza now.
Dr. Deupi made a motion to recommend use of the Art Acquisition Fund to complete the Giralda Plaza paving project and foundation work necessary to install the artwork. Mr. Roselione-Valadez seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
c. CORAL GABLES PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING:
Assistant City Manager Peter Iglesias and Assistant Public Works director Ernesto Pino presented the layout of the new Coral Gables Public Safety building for discussion of incorporating public art into the project. Mr. Pino stated that they are breaking ground in December.
OLD BUSINESS:
Ms. Cathers shared an image of the Venetian Post form for the Venice in the Gables project. The Panel supported having an artist honorarium of $750.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Ms. Tschumy shared that the International Sculpture Center awarded Alice Aycock a Lifetime Achievement Award. The Panel responded enthusiastically.
Ms. Cathers confirmed the upcoming special meeting of March 15th to meet with the developers of The Plaza project and walk Miracle Mile. Dr. Damian stated she is unable to make March 15th.
ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY:
There were no items from the secretary.