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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-09-2019 - CAC - Approved MinutesNewport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes Saturday, March 9, 2019 Study Session – 9:00 AM Civic Center Council Chambers 100 Civic Center Drive Newport Beach, CA 92660 I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER – 9:07 A.M. II. ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Arlene Greer, Chair Barbara Glabman, Secretary Miriam Baker, Commissioner Marie Little, Commissioner Commissioners Absent: Michelle Bendetti, Vice Chair Wayan Kaufman, Commissioner Staff Present: Natalie Basmaciyan, Library Services Manager Francine Jacome, Administrative Support Technician III. NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS Jim Mosher expressed concern about the decline in the number of submissions for Phase IV of the Sculpture Garden and suggested more publicity prior to release of the call for artists could increase the number of submissions. The timeline for the selection process is rushed. V. CURRENT BUSINESS A. Items for Review and Possible Action 1. Curatorial Panel Assessment of Submitted Works – The curatorial panel will recommend ten of the submitted works for inclusion in the Sculpture Exhibition, as well as three alternates. The City Arts Commission will consider the panel recommendation and make a final recommendation for City Council at the March 21, 2019 City Arts Commission special meeting. Chair Greer introduced Richard Stein and Nicholas Thurkettle of Arts Orange County (ArtsOC), Professor Joe Lewis of UCI's Claire Trevor School of the Arts, OC Weekly Art Critic Dave Barton, and John Wayne Airport Arts Program Coordinator Jeffrey Frisch. Richard Stein reported Mr. Lewis will present the submissions, and Mr. Barton and Mr. Frisch will serve as jurists. Following the meeting, everyone is invited to visit the Sculpture Garden to begin thinking about potential locations for Phase IV sculptures. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Study Session Minutes March 9, 2019 Page 2 Joe Lewis advised that the criteria for selection are artistic merit, durability, practicality, and site appropriateness. Thirty-five applications were submitted; however, two were ruled ineligible. Fifteen applications were in process but not completed by the submission deadline. Seven applicants are women and 27 are men. Eighteen of the applicants are based in California, three in New York, two in Missouri, two in Idaho, one in Colorado, one in Kansas, one in Michigan, one in Florida, one in Nevada, and one in Spain. Mr. Lewis presented each submission along with information about the artwork and the artist. Commissioners remarked that Stephanie Bachiero's Pinnacle is very nice and a tactile piece but uninspiring. Commissioners commented that Grant Bathke's Hope Springs Eternal is beautiful, interesting, fun, somewhat commercial, and colorful. Commissioners preferred the sculpture lit at night. Jeffrey. Frisch felt the piece is cliché. Dave Barton also preferred the sculpture lit at night. Mr. Mosher did not believe a light is a component of the artwork. If the piece is displayed with a light, the light cannot shine towards homes. Mr. Stein clarified that the parameters of the program exclude any requirements for electricity. In earlier phases, some submissions requiring power for lights or sounds were excluded, and other submissions were exhibited with the artists' permission to omit lights and sounds. The photograph may show a nearby streetlight rather than a spotlight shining on the piece. Mr. Lewis noted the proposal does not mention power for the piece and refers to outdoor, brightly lit areas. Commissioners found Richard Becker's The Tot to be small, good art, and an outstanding piece. Perhaps the piece could be placed on a pedestal for better visibility. Mr. Frisch indicated the piece is really strong, and its small size is a nice contrast to other pieces. Mr. Barton felt the size would draw children to the sculpture, and the sculpture made him laugh. The artist provided a photo of another piece that is better than The Tot. Mr. Lewis advised that the second piece could be a conceptual drawing or an alternate version. Before including the second piece, ArtsOC would need to determine the nature of the second piece. Meg Linton suggested the City Arts Commission consult with the artist regarding a pedestal. The size may attract children. Mr. Stein reported the subcontractor who installs and de-installs the sculptures feels Richard Bohn's Symbolic Ocotillo is unsafe. Chair Greer noted the artist is a prior winner of a Newport Beach Art Exhibition prize and has exhibited his work at the Library. Commissioners did not like the piece, felt it was unworthy of the Sculpture Garden, felt Mr. Bohn's work is great, indicated more interesting pieces can be found, felt the piece could be interesting on a windy day, and suggested the piece could interact with nature. If the piece is mounted properly, it may be safe. Mr. Lewis advised that the piece is kinetic, and the stainless steel rods change appearance in different lighting conditions. Mr. Frisch related that the moving rods could injure children's fingers as they attempt to touch the piece. Mr. Barton did not favor the piece, and it could catch trash blowing on the wind. Commissioners remarked that David Buckingham's Spy Boy is fun, colorful, interesting, lovely, alive with color, wonderful, and fascinating for children. The piece could be an interesting photo opportunity for the photo contest and for selfies. Mr. Frisch stated the piece evokes joy. If chosen, it should be placed in a location away from The Tot. Mr. Barton added that it is an inclusive piece for younger people. Mr. Mosher felt the artist's Pretty Boy caused the City Council to question continuing the exhibition. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Study Session Minutes March 9, 2019 Page 3 In response to questions, Mr. Stein reported artists had approximately four weeks to submit their applications. Mr. Lewis advised that the call for artists was posted on a national website and on 18 organizations' Facebook walls, all of which reach more than 90,000 artists, and provided to art councils in Oregon, Washington, California, Arizona, Nevada, and North Carolina. All information including the contract is provided to artists. Commissioner Glabman commented that a number of the pieces felt familiar, and several of the artists have submitted or displayed sculptures in earlier phases. The call for artists did not result in many interesting pieces from outside California. Mr. Stein clarified that many artists have submitted proposals but not been selected in previous phases. Results from the public survey will be available for the next review of submissions. The public can vote for three pieces. Commissioners commented that Kenneth Capps' LENZ appears to be more functional than artistic, does not look like a sculpture, and does not comport with other sculptures in the Sculpture Garden or with other submissions. The public may not realize it is a sculpture. Mr. Frisch indicated the piece is too conceptual for his taste. Mr. Barton stated a piece that suggests the public is being spied on is not a good choice. Mr. Barton did not care for Lake Daffner's polished stainless steel sculptures. As arranged in the photo, the sculptures are monotonous. Light reflecting off the sculptures could be uncomfortable. Mr. Frisch did not favor the piece, noting the differences in size are minimal and the sculptures are evocative of the Oscar statuettes. Commissioners indicated the artist is providing four sculptures, people will find it interesting, the sculptures are rendered beautifully, the repetition may serve to underscore the artist's viewpoint, the pieces will interact with nature and reflect their surroundings, and the pieces are elegant and flowing. Perhaps the artist will agree to a different arrangement of the four pieces. Mr. Mosher did not favor the sculptures. The Sphere 112 sculpture was made of stainless steel that corroded and had to be rebuilt with marine-grade stainless steel. An unidentified speaker female remarked that these pieces are meant to be displayed outdoors and a protective coating can be applied to prevent damage to the surface. Two Commissioners did not like Manuel Badia's Geometric Abstraction in Yellow. The remaining Commissioners felt the piece is strong, current, unique, and colorful and provides a bit of variety. Mr. Frisch remarked that the piece has a powerful presence and communicates strength. Mr. Barton suggested selfies with the sculpture could generate interest in the piece or could be perceived as abusing the piece or as anti-feminist. A Commissioner remarked that inappropriate selfies would not take away from the sculpture or dictate someone's perception of the sculpture. Nicholas Thurkettle reported he has contacted the artist regarding the size, weight, and transportation cost of the sculpture and is awaiting a response. Mr. Mosher liked the piece; however, convincing the City Council to approve it could be difficult. The transportation cost should be verified. An unidentified speaker female suggested the piece could be mounted inconveniently high to limit selfies. Commissioners remarked that Scott Froschauer's START Now is not art, would not interest the public, and is amusing and evocative and different from any other piece. Mr. Frisch felt the piece rearranges one's visual sensibilities and is strong, positive, and whimsical. The mirrored surface reflecting light could be a problem. Mr. Barton loved the piece and felt its message is inspiring and clever. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Study Session Minutes March 9, 2019 Page 4 With respect to Andrew Fuller's An appliance, an echo, and a mirror, Commissioners did not want to view a vacuum cleaner in the Sculpture Garden, liked the piece, did not favor the sculpture, and did not find any artistic value to the piece. Mr. Barton was not impressed with the sculpture. Mr. Frisch liked the sculpture even though it is aesthetically clunky. It would be different from other pieces in the Sculpture Garden. Mr. Mosher felt the appropriate place for a vacuum cleaner may not be a nature park. Commissioners would consider including Alex G's Feathers in the Wind in the Sculpture Garden because it is a kinetic piece, felt the sculpture is pretty, seemed to recall the piece was inspired by American Indians, and favored the height and color of the sculpture. Mr. Frisch liked the piece's reference to feathers in flight. Mr. Barton indicated the piece is too simple and mostly pole. Commissioners commented that Craig Gray's Slices of Heaven is whimsical, fun, and bright, would be popular with the public, contributes to a feeling of sameness with other sculptures, would work with a variety of pieces in the Sculpture Garden, comports with the culture and history of Orange County, and is one of the better submissions. Mr. Frisch stated the sculpture is lively and colorful. Mr. Mosher believed the public survey is key to the selection of sculptures and hoped the survey will be publicized. The City Council's tastes are probably similar to the general public's tastes. An unidentified speaker female felt the piece has a place in the Sculpture Garden. Commissioners found Grant Irish's R.M.A.B. difficult to understand, rambling, confusing, interesting, and to be another sculpture made of stainless steel. Children may climb on it. The piece offers different shapes and forms. Mr. Barton did not understand the sculpture. It would be a great candidate for the Sculpture Garden, but safety is a concern. Mr. Mosher advised that the sculpture reminds him of an abstraction of dinosaur bones. ArtsOC should clarify how the piece will be displayed if selected for the Sculpture Garden. Mr. Stein noted a possible safety issue with the piece. He agreed to contact the artist to determine if the piece is jointed or movable. Chair Greer compared Ray Katz's Hurricane to his Odyssey displayed in Phase I of the Sculpture Garden. Mr. Stein agreed to provide photos of artists' works displayed in prior phases of the Sculpture Garden. Mr. Barton described the piece as an abstracted figure struggling to rise, which is inspirational. Mr. Mosher remarked that the piece may need a large mounting paid or a series of small pads and questioned whether the piece is painted white as Odyssey was. Commissioners inquired about the durability of the piece given it is made of brushed aluminum and about safety concerns. Mr. Stein reported a concern about children climbing on the piece. Commissioners noted Netra Khattri's cuddle appears to be delicate and felt the colors are interesting and different. Mr. Stein agreed to obtain the dimensions of the piece. Mr. Barton liked Coral Lambert's Fallen Sky even though it is a little clunky and expressed concern about children climbing on it. It would fit into nature in the park. Mr. Frisch liked the clunky aspect of the piece and the color. Commissioners liked the strength, weight, color, holes, and title of the piece. Commissioner Baker was disappointed by the submissions overall. The piece did not evoke any feelings for her. Commissioner Glabman added that the lack of a base would save some money, and the groundcover could act as a soft surface for children playing around the piece. Mr. Mosher indicated Newport Beach City Arts Commission Study Session Minutes March 9, 2019 Page 5 this piece is his favorite. He questioned whether the blue color would be compatible with the brown nature park. Chair Greer recessed the meeting at 11:05 a.m. and reconvened it at 11:23 a.m. Commissioners found Diana Markessinis' Kaktos uninspiring and repetitious of earlier pieces but a good height. Mr. Frisch indicated the piece appears as an innocuous three- dimensional line drawing that would provide variety in the Sculpture Garden. Mr. Barton liked the shadows as part of the art, but the piece appears to be slight and would be lost among other artwork. Mr. Mosher did not believe the piece would garner many votes from the public. Commissioners liked John Merigian's Contender for its height, durability, and expression. Mr. Merigian's Be Still and Know is a popular piece in Phase III of the Sculpture Garden. Mr. Frisch noted the steel weathers well and felt the piece is very strong. An unidentified speaker female expressed appreciation for the piece. Commissioners indicated Briyana Negrette's lunu Obelisk is not worthy of the Sculpture Garden, is not a sculpture, and has no artistic value. Mr. Lewis reported Tyler Oyer's Sigils (Glorious Revolution) is a set of images rather than fabricated pieces; therefore, the submission is ineligible. Commissioners advised that Devon Pedersen's Heartbeat was uninteresting and not easy to interpret. Mr. Frisch remarked that the piece is not inspiring. Mr. Barton felt the piece is repetitious and looks like a spark plug. Commissioners commented that Bertil Petersson's Divisions is a possibility given the other sculptures submitted and that it would add color to the Sculpture Garden. Mr. Barton indicated the piece is very simple and appears as though the two pieces of steel are embracing; however, it is similar to many other pieces of art. Mr. Frisch felt it is a strong statement of industrial art. The shapes seem to refer to the sail feature of the Civic Center. An unidentified speaker male suggested the piece is sparse. Chair Greer was not in favor of Sue Quinlan's Kinship Totem without pictures or descriptions of all five pieces. Commissioner Glabman suggested Ms. Quinlan's Cultural Pedestrians remain on display in the Sculpture Garden as the two pieces are very similar. Library Services Manager Basmaciyan agreed to explore the possibility of continuing the contract for Cultural Pedestrians. Commissioners did not support placing the piece in the Sculpture Garden. Mr. Frisch indicated the piece is solemn and pales in comparison to Divisions. Mr. Barton advised that the artist is working on a totem with a hole so that people can pose with the totem. Mr. Lewis clarified that the totem has not been created and should not be considered a part of the submission. Commissioners commented that Steven Rieman's Chairman of the Board is interesting, should be considered for the Sculpture Garden, and comports with a coastal community. Mr. Frisch appreciated the interaction of the title and sculpture and the fact that it is kinetic. Mr. Barton felt the piece is very clever. An unidentified speaker female stated the concept for such an ordinary subject is original. Mr. Mosher did not favor the piece and suggested OCArts verify the kinetic component. Mr. Stein agreed to request additional information. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Study Session Minutes March 9, 2019 Page 6 Mr. Frisch found the shape and color of Bill Shillalies' untitled appealing and questioned whether the pointed projections could be a safety concern. Mr. Barton remarked that the piece is derivative of Elizabeth Turk's work. Commissioners felt the piece is small, does not evoke any feelings, could break because it is ceramic, and resembles a sea urchin. An unidentified speaker female stated a small treasure could be a nice contrast to the larger sculptures. Mr. Lewis and Commissioners discussed the orientation and design of Timothy Smith's Revised Maps of the Present. Mr. Stein commented that picturing the piece in the park is difficult. Mr. Stein advised that he is awaiting additional information from the artist and shared a video from the artist's website. Commissioners were intrigued and excited by the piece and wanted additional information to understand whether it could work in the Sculpture Garden. This piece would engender community interest and comments. Mr. Frisch indicated the piece would push the concept of a Sculpture Garden. Mr. Barton remarked that without a roof, sun and rain would ruin the piece or make interaction with it impossible. Mr. Mosher stated the public could not consider the piece in the survey without additional images. The piece would probably need a large flat area for display. Commissioners and Messrs. Frisch and Barton offered no comments regarding Nathan Snyder's Tesseract. Mr. Mosher did not believe the piece would work in the Sculpture Garden. Commissioners found Kathy Taslitz's Exposed to be small and uninspiring and about commercialism. Mr. Barton advised that the photos did not adequately express the description of a feminine form. Otherwise, the piece is elegant. Carmen Smith, Newport Beach Arts Foundation, questioned whether the piece is an original work because the description indicates it is available in bronze or stainless steel. Mr. Stein clarified that an original work can be an addition. Commissioners suggested Patricia Vader's Rollin' Up belongs outside a tire store rather than in the Sculpture Garden and could be passed over as two of Ms. Vader's works have been displayed in prior phases of the Sculpture Garden. Mr. Barton concurred. Mr. Mosher reported Ms. Vader's four submissions have been quite different. Commissioners felt Will Vannerson's Borbor 9 is not worthy of the Sculpture Garden, is uninspired, and resembles a digestive tract. Mr. Frisch liked the piece until he heard the description of it. Mr. Barton agreed with not including it in deliberations. Mr. Frisch remarked that Michael Boyce's Mule Deer is a strong contrast to other submissions and should be included in deliberations. He expressed a safety concern regarding the antler points. Mr. Barton did not find the piece interesting, but it is lovely and probably would be popular. Mr. Stein advised that safety is not a concern. Commissioners felt the piece is not unique, the representational nature would bring variety and another dimension to the Sculpture Garden, and is excellent. Carmen Smith, Newport Beach Arts Foundation, indicated the sculpture is gorgeous, but this type of deer is not native to Newport Beach. Commissioners found Benjamin Victor's Delilah beautiful and wonderful. The piece could be controversial, but it would add variety to the Sculpture Garden. Mr. Frisch indicated Newport Beach City Arts Commission Study Session Minutes March 9, 2019 Page 7 the piece is beautiful, lyrical, and strongly representational. Mr. Barton noted Delilah slept with Samson before symbolically castrating him by cutting his hair. Mr. Lewis reported Dane Winkler's Balefire requires electricity for the light. Commissioners commented that the piece would not be a good addition to the Sculpture Garden, would add variety, is not as interesting as Fallen Sky, and looks clunky but could be conversational. Mr. Frisch remarked that lifting it off the base would help the piece's clunky appearance. The piece is evocative of a primitive ancestor of R2D2. Mr. Barton agreed that the piece could be an interesting comparison to Fallen Sky. VI. PUBLIC FORUM FOR PHASE IV OF THE SCULPTURE IN CIVIC CENTER PARK EXHIBITION Mr. Stein advised that the Commissioners and jurists showed strong support for the following submissions: Pinnacle, The Tot, Spy Boy, polished stainless steel sculptures, Geometric Abstraction in Yellow, Feathers in the Wind, Slices of Heaven, Fallen Sky, Contender, Divisions, Chairman of the Board, Revised Maps of the Present, Mule Deer, and Delilah. The City Arts Commission will select 10 submissions and three alternates. ArtsOC staff will seek additional information from the artists as requested by the City Arts Commission. The deadline to participate in the survey is March 20. VII. ADJOURNMENT – 12:51 P.M. Chair Greer adjourned the meeting at 12:51 p.m. Approved by: