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Arts Advisory Panel Meeting of August 28, 2019.
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PERSONAL APPEARANCES:
a. VENNY TORRE & PATRICK O’CONNELL - ILLUMINATE CORAL GABLES
Ms. Cathers stated that Venny Torre and Patrick O’Connell previously addressed the Panel regarding development of a light art festival in Coral Gables. She said they are addressing the Panel today with an update of the project.
A motion supporting Illuminate Coral Gables was made by Mr. Roselione-Valadez. Mr. Kolasiński seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS:
a. PRE-QUALIFIED ARTIST REQUEST - FABIO VIALE
The Panel received pre-qualification materials for the artist Fabio Viale. The artist’s work was described as often-times whimsical representations of items that are not typically realized in marble or even associated with hard, dense material. The Panel was informed that the artist is being considered for a development project located at U.S. 1 and Ponce de Leon Boulevard. Mr. Brito said he saw the artist’s work in Venice and found it intriguing. With no further discussion, the following motion was made:
Mr. Roselione-Valadez made a motion to accept Fabio Viale as a pre-qualified artist. Ms. MacDonald-Korth seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
a. PRE-QUALIFIED ARTIST REQUEST - STEPHEN BAKER
Ms. Cathers introduced Nick Sharp, developer of the Bay 13 project; Burton Hersh, architect on the project; and Belkys Perez, interim director of the economic development department. She stated that Mr. Sharp was returning to respond to questions from the Panel and provide more information about the artist Stephen Baker. The Panel was provided with additional examples of the artist’s work and Mr. Sharp spoke about the reasons for wanting to work with this artist.
Ms. MacDonald-Korth made a motion to consider an artwork proposal by Stephen Baker without having the artist pre-qualified. Mr. Kolasiński seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
b. DONATION REQUEST - JOHN HENRY SCULPTURE
Following up from a previous presentation to the Panel regarding the proposed donation of the sculpture “Quark” by John Henry, staff reported on results from a bid request for a condition assessment, de-installation, restoration, and installation of the artwork in Coral Gables. Responsive bids were presented from RLA Conservation and Art Conservators Lab.
Mr. Roselione-Valadez made a motion recommending not to accept the generous donation of a John Henry sculpture due to the expense of acquiring, restoring and maintaining the artwork; acknowledging that the artist’s work is well-represented in Florida with the sculpture already accessible and on public view. Mr. Kolasiński seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES UPDATES
a. ART BASEL - RAFAEL BARRIOS
The Panel was informed of the City Commissions approval to accept the Rafael Barrios proposed sculpture and exhibition for this year’s Miami Art Week/Art Basel. A description of the artworks was provided.
b. SUN STORIES
Staff reported that the last event scheduled for Sun Stories on Giralda Plaza is scheduled for Saturday, September 21; however, there is a possibility that the sculpture will be de-installed due to storm warnings.
c. CARLOS CRUZ-DIEZ
The Panel was informed that the City Commission reviewed the agreements regarding the acquisition and maintenance of the Carlos Cruz-Diez crosswalks and asked that payment of the artwork and maintenance be dependent on approval of the Department of Transportation. The Commission also requested greater clarity of the warranty.
CITY COMMISSION ITEMS
a. ARTS ADVISORY PANEL - RESOLUTON
The Panel was updated on current nominations for the Arts Advisory Panel and advised that there are still positions open. Staff asked for additional nominations for the Cultural Development Board to consider.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
There were no discussion items.
ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY:
There were no items.