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Coral Gables Arts Advisory Panel Meeting of September 26, 2018.
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NEW BUSINESS:
a. MURAL PROJECT, PRESENTED BY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Board was briefed on a public art initiative from the economic development department to work with the University of Miami (UM) on a mural painting project for the two walls on either side of “McBride Plaza” located on Miracle Mile.
b. PUBLIC ART DONATION - CIFO COLLECTION, FREDY ALZATE GÓMEZ
The Panel received a proposal from the Cisneros Fontanals Art Foundation (CIFO) for the donation of the artwork “Vacuus” by Fredy Alzate Gómez. Staff stated that the donation request came through the Mayor, who recommended that staff contact the donor. Staff went to see the work and described it as six (6) unique components placed together, created from castings of gold mine shafts and constructed of painted fiberglass. Staff noted that the edges (and interior areas) are sharp, advising that a location such as the Alhambra Circle median may work.
Mr. Brito made a motion confirming the artist, Fredy Alzate Gómez as a pre-qualified artist. Ms. Tschumy seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Mr. Kolasiński made a motion recommending acceptance of the donation of “Vacuus” by Fredy Alzate Gómez from the CIFO Collection with a request to be involved in siting of the artwork’s location in a protected environment. Dr. Deupi seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
c. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES ORDINANCE
Staff presented proposed amendments to the Art in Public Places ordinance/zoning code. The amendments, staff noted, include procedures to have requests for waivers, including recommended artwork, approved by the City Commission prior to final Board of Architects (BOA) approval.
Ms. Tschumy made a motion recommending approval of amendments to the Art in Public Places ordinance. Mr. Kolasiński seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES UPDATES:
a. PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING
Staff reported that of the four artists recommended by the panel to proceed with a proposal, one had to withdraw due to an unexpected change in studio staffing. The following artists have confirmed and completed their site visit: Jose Bedia, Cherrylion Studios (Martin Dawe), and Ivan Toth-Depena.
b. GIRALDA AVENUE, SIBYLLE PASCHE
The Panel was updated on the arrival and installation of Sibylle Pasche’s artwork “Coral Forest” and “Secrets of the Sea” the week of November 19th, prior to Thanksgiving Day.
c. VENICE IN THE GABLES, CLOSING EVENT & AUCTION
The Panel was reminded of the closing event and auction for Venice in the Gables on Friday, September 28 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m, with the auction starting around 7:00 p.m. The event, Ms. Cathers said, is being sponsored by Bacardi, USA. Staff stated that some posts will remain on the street following the closing.
OLD BUSINESS:
There was no old business.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Dr. Damian asked about the Mayor’s comments at the public art workshop regarding Rafael Berrios. She asked what the Mayor requested and how the Panel can respond. Staff will follow up with the Mayor on this item.
The Panel discussed the vacancy left by Lauren Hall and agreed that the skill set Ms. Hall brought to the Panel as an object conservator was valuable, stating as desire for someone with similar credentials to fill the position. Staff reviewed the criteria of membership to the Arts Advisory Panel. Dr. Damian and Dr. Deupi recommended two conservators, agreeing that Emily MacDonald-Korth would be a great fit and asked that staff forward her credentials to the Cultural Development Board for consideration.
Dr. Deupi asked staff to forward an update regarding Hank Willis Thomas’ temporary public art exhibition. Ms. Cathers responded that she will do so.
ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY:
Ms. Spain reported that Peter Iglesias is the new City Manager. Dr. Damian asked that he be invited to an upcoming Arts Advisory Panel Meeting.