Title
Coral Gables Arts Advisory Panel Meeting of October 24, 2018.
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PERSONAL APPEARANCES
a. BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (BID)
Venny Torre, Barbara Tria, and Taciana Amador from the Business Improvement District came before the Panel to discuss public art in the downtown district. The Panel and staff provided an update about the Hank Willis Thomas installations taking place along Miracle Mile. Ms. Tria stated that the property owner of McBride Plaza agreed to have one of the benches temporarily installed on site and the Panel agreed that the location is also well suited for the Art Basel VIP reception.
NEW BUSINESS:
a. HANK WILLIS THOMAS, SCULPTURE ACQUISITIONS
Staff updated the Panel on the progress of the Hank Willis Thomas sculptural benches currently being fabricated and were advised of the locations of the benches throughout the City in parks and green spaces. Staff asked the Panel to consider recommending permanent acquisition of the artworks and stated an anticipated estimate of $200,000 for all four benches.
Ms. Tschumy made a motion recommending acquisition of the four sculptural benches by Hank Willis Thomas as presented. Dr. Deupi seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
b. PONCE CIRCLE PARK
The Panel was provided with copies of a draft design layout of “Ponce Circle Park”, located across from The Plaza development. Staff reported on the meeting City staff held with the developers and asked for input from the Panel regarding artist involvement in the project. The Panel discussed briefly and agreed that having an artist as part of the design team would be beneficial for including art in the project early on. With no further discussion, the following motion was made:
Ms. Tschumy made a motion recommending artist involvement in the design process of Ponce Circle Park. Dr. Deupi seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES UPDATES:
a. GIRALDA AVENUE, SIBYLLE PASCHE
The Panel was invited to the dedication of the Giralda Avenue public art sculptures by Sibylle Pasche on Wednesday, November 28th at 5:30 p.m. They were informed that the artist will be installing the sculptures the week prior to the dedication and will not be in attendance. Panel members were invited to meet the artist during her time in Coral Gables.
b. BALBOA PLAZA, ARTWORK DEDICATION
The Panel was invited to the dedication of the Balboa Plaza public artwork by Roberto Behar and Rosario Marquardt being hosted by MG Developer on Friday, November 30th at 5:30 p.m.
OLD BUSINESS:
a. PUBLIC ART DONATION - CIFO COLLECTION, FREDY ALZATE GOMEZ
Ms. Spain advised the Panel that the Cultural Development Board expressed the same concerns as the Panel regarding the public art donation from CIFO and did not recommend acceptance of the artwork. However, she reported, the City Commission accepted the public art donation after receiving the recommendation of the Panel through the Mayor. Ms. Spain said that the City Attorney is being asked to respond and that minutes from both the Panel and Board will be forwarded to the Commission.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
There were no discussion items.
ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY:
The Panel was informed that the City Manager will attend the next meeting on November 28th.