Title
Arts Advisory Panel Meeting of June 26, 2019.
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NEW BUSINESS:
a. TEMPORARY EXHIBITION - THE SILENCE PROJECT
The Panel was provided with a press release from the Business Improvement District and a flyer announcing “The Silence Project” temporary exhibition. Ms. Perez greeted the Panel and discussed the project’s activation of empty storefronts along Miracle Mile and within the McBride Plaza consisting of large-scale photographs by artist Flor Mayoral featuring Coral Gables personalities, each holding a finger over their lips in the universal gesture of silence. She expressed the intent of the project to bring the community together through this collective symbol. The project, it was mentioned, is being presented in partnership with the City, the Business Improvement District, the Coral Gables Community Foundation and Conde Contemporary.
b. PRE-QUALIFIED ARTIST REQUEST - JACOBO & MARIA ANGELES
The Panel received pre-qualification materials for the artist team of Jacobo and Maria Angeles. Ms. Russo addressed the Panel as a representative of the developer and described the project where potential artwork would be placed. The development, she said, is a high-end, contemporary designed Mexican restaurant located on the north side of Miracle Mile at Le Jeune Road. Ms. Russo expressed the desire of the developer to incorporate Mexican art throughout the project, including interiors.
c. PRE-QUALIFIED ARTIST REQUEST - TONY CRAGG
The Panel received pre-qualification materials for artist Tony Cragg. Ms. Cathers stated that the artist pre-qualification requests for Tony Cragg, Jean-Michel Othoniel, and Jorge Salas are for artists being considered for artworks associated with The Plaza development project. The Panel discussed the merits of the artist’s work. With no further discussion, the following motion was made:
A motion was made by Mr. Brito to approve artist Tony Cragg as a pre-qualified artist. Ms. MacDonald-Korth seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
d. PRE-QUALIFIED ARTIST REQUEST - JEAN-MICHEL OTHONIEL
The Panel received pre-qualification materials for artist Jean-Michel Othoniel. Ms. Cathers stated the intention of the developer is to commission new work by the artist for The Plaza. The Panel responded favorably and with no further discussion, the following motion was made:
A motion was made by Mr. Brito to approve artist Jean-Michel Othoniel as a pre-qualified artist. Ms. MacDonald-Korth seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
e. PRE-QUALIFIED ARTIST REQUEST - JORGE SALAS
The Panel received pre-qualification materials for artist Jorge Salas. Ms. Cathers advised the Panel that the artist is being considered for a large-scale crushed stone mosaic embedded at-grade in an area of The Plaza adjacent to the green space. An artist sketch was included of the proposed piece depicting a large agave plant. The Panel discussed the artist’s work and collectively felt it did not meet the equivalent standing of the other artists proposed for the project. It was also noted that the work examples provided did not reflect the material or method, or style that would be used for the anticipated proposed artwork.
f. PONCE CIRCLE PARK
The Board-as-a-Whole agreed to defer this item.
OLD BUSINESS:
There was no old business.
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES UPDATES
a. SUN STORIES
Ms. Cathers reported that an opening event for the public art exhibition “Sun Stories” at Giralda Plaza is currently planned for Friday, July 12th at 5:00 p.m.
b. PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING
Ms. Cathers advised the Panel of the Cultural Development Board’s recommendation to approve the artist Ivan Toth Depena for the Public Safety Building and have him work further on a revised design after conducting workshops with public safety professionals. She informed the Panel that the item will be presented to the City Commission on Tuesday, July 9th.
c. ART BASEL 2019 - RAFAEL BARRIOS
The Panel was informed that artist Rafael Barrios was approved by the City Commission as this year’s artist to work with on a Miami Art Week exhibition and Art Basel VIP event in Coral Gables.
CITY COMMISSION ITEMS
a. ARTS ADVISORY PANEL - RESOLUTON
The Panel was updated on the status of the proposed changes to the Arts Advisory Panel resolution as submitted to the City Commission. Ms. Cathers reported that the item was placed on the June 11th Commission meeting and was deferred to July 9th. She stated that the revision includes the addition of two (2) Coral Gables resident positions that do not need to meet the arts profession requirement. The Panel discussed and unanimously agreed that it was not in the best interest of the City’s Art in Public Places program to include non-arts professionals on the arts advisory panel.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
There were no discussion items.
ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY:
There were no items.