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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-13-2019 - CAC - Approved MinutesNewport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, June 13, 2019 Regular Meeting – 5:00 PM Civic Center Council Chambers 100 Civic Center Drive Newport Beach, CA 92660 I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER – 5:00 P.M. II. ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Arlene Greer, Chair Michelle Bendetti, Vice Chair Barbara Glabman, Secretary Wayan Kaufman, Commissioner Ritch LeGrand, Commissioner (arrived at 5:18 p.m.) Marie Little, Commissioner Commissioners Absent: Miriam Baker, Commissioner Staff Present: Tim Hetherton, Library Services Director Natalie Basmaciyan, Library Services Manager Francine Jacome, Administrative Support Technician III. NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS Pat Jorgensen, Newport Beach Arts Foundation President, reported plans for Art in the Park are progressing. More than 80 participants have registered. V. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Approval of Minutes of the May 9, 2019 City Arts Commission Meeting 1. Draft of 05/09/2019 Minutes Motion made by Vice Chair Bendetti, seconded by Chair Greer, and carried (5-0-0-2) to approve the Minutes of the May 9, 2019 City Arts Commission meeting as presented. AYES: Greer, Bendetti, Glabman, Kaufman, Little NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Baker, LeGrand B. Consent Calendar Items 2. Financial Report – Review of financial information Library Services Manager Basmaciyan reported the balance of the Programming budget is $22,728 as of May 31, 2019. A charge of $825 for cleaning the Sphere 112 sculpture Newport Beach City Arts Commission Regular Meeting Minutes June 13, 2019 Page 2 reduced the balance of the Professional Services budget to $8,666. The balance of the Cultural Arts Grants budget remains $14,500. The balance of the Sculpture Garden budget decreased to $111,711 due to the payment of two artist honoraria in the amount of $2,500 each. Chair Greer noted Laguna Playhouse has been paid for its performances, which will reduce the balance of the Cultural Arts Grants budget to approximately $8,500. Funds from the Cultural Arts Grants budget will likely be reallocated to support children's activities during the opening event for the Sculpture Garden opening and the Newport Beach Arts Exhibition. 3. Cultural Arts Activities – Monthly review of cultural arts activities from the Library Administrative Office for upcoming Library and City arts events and services Library Services Manager Basmaciyan indicated a revision to the proposed City budget allocates Visit Newport Beach funds to the Sculpture Garden. In the Central Library Gallery, Folded-Unfolded by Raphaele Cohen-Bacry is on display until July 5. At Chair Greer's request, Library Services Director Hetherton explained that approximately $150.000 generated by the City's transient occupancy tax are deposited into the Visit Newport Beach fund annually. Visit Newport Beach funds are designated for programs or activities that benefit the public. The Sculpture Garden should be an appropriate use of the funds. The budget and associated revisions will be presented to the Council for approval at the next Council meeting. Library Services Director Hetherton believed funding from the Visit Newport Beach fund for the Sculpture Garden would be ongoing. Motion made by Commissioner Glabman, seconded by Chair Greer, and carried (5-0-0-2) to approve the Consent Calendar. AYES: Greer, Bendetti, Glabman, Kaufman, Little NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Baker, LeGrand VI. CURRENT BUSINESS A. Items for Review and Possible Action 4. Metalfor Restoration and Relocation – Staff proposes that the City Arts Commission authorize the use of the Lenahan Estate fund to pay for the restoration of the sculpture Metalfor, and the appointment of an Ad Hoc Subcommittee to determine a permanent site for the piece. Library Services Director Hetherton reported he had asked the artist for a breakdown of the restoration cost. Restoring the statue will be labor and time intensive. The cost appears to be reasonable. Few people do the restoration work needed, and Mr. Price as the sculptor understands the work needed. In California, the creator of a work of art has the right to opine on the restoration of his artwork. The restoration project qualifies to utilize Lenahan Estate funds. Mr. Price has stated the restoration work should last for Newport Beach City Arts Commission Regular Meeting Minutes June 13, 2019 Page 3 about 15 years. The piece has to be moved whether it's restored or not. Having the restoration work done while it is de-installed would be advantageous, and perhaps Mr. Price could store the piece as well. Chair Greer advised that Mr. Price is better known nationally now than when he donated the sculpture. Because the City has so little public art and because funding is available for the restoration, the proposal is a good one. She hoped the sculpture would be restored and maintained into the future. Perhaps the City Arts Commission could establish a maintenance program and hire a public art consultant to ensure the future site for Metalfor is appropriate. Commissioner Little related that she had visited Mr. Price's website and found many of his pieces to be desirable. She was surprised that the sculpture is not in worse condition considering it has not been maintained. In response to Commissioner Glabman's query, Library Services Director Hetherton thought the City obtained the sculpture in 1986. Commissioner Kaufman felt strongly that an artist should restore his own artwork. She was excited by the prospect of finding a new location for Metalfor. Jim Mosher suggested the City Arts Commission determine the balance of the Lenahan Estate fund. He questioned whether the City Arts Commission should commit to the cost of restoration before it knew the future location for the sculpture. Perhaps the artist would consider a different color for the sculpture; a color that would be appropriate for a different location. Commissioner Glabman remarked that installing the sculpture on a base could increase the cost. Chair Greer explained that an ad hoc subcommittee can recommend a future site for the sculpture and present a recommendation from a public art consultant as to the need for a base. Library Services Director Hetherton indicated the balance of the Lenahan Estate fund is approximately $38,000. Motion made by Chair Greer, seconded by Commissioner Little, and carried (6-0-0-1) to authorize the use of the Lenahan Estate fund to pay for the restoration of the sculpture Metalfor and to direct an ad hoc subcommittee to consider adding a base to the sculpture and to obtain a public art consultation. AYES: Greer, Bendetti, Glabman, Kaufman, LeGrand, Little NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Baker Newport Beach City Arts Commission Regular Meeting Minutes June 13, 2019 Page 4 5. Repair of the Ronald Reagan Statue Base – Staff recommends that the City Arts Commission approve the repair of the base of the Ronald Reagan statue and move the piece to a hardscape footing. Library Services Director Hetherton reported the Ronald Reagan statue was originally installed in Bonita Canyon Sports Park. In moving the sculpture to Civic Center Park, the granite base was damaged. A quote for repairing the base totals approximately $4,000. In Civic Center Park, the statue was placed on bare earth beneath a tree. The grounds crew has difficulty cutting the lawn because they do not want to damage the statue. Public Works and Municipal Operations staff has recommended moving the statue to the circular tiled footing that supports a picnic table and benches near the statue. This would be an aesthetically pleasing and cost-effective solution for the statue. Monies from the Lenahan Estate fund could be utilized for costs to repair and move the sculpture. Chair Greer supported the proposal. In answer to Commissioners' inquiries, Library Services Director Hetherton advised that Miriam Baker, the artist, appears to support the proposal. The picnic table and benches will probably be relocated in the park or repurposed in some manner. The Council conditioned approval of Phase III of the Sculpture Garden on relocating the statue to Civic Center Park. The City Arts Commission did not provide the Council with a recommendation for a site within Civic Center Park. Vice Chair Bendetti remarked that the sculpture does not look as though it was meant to be located in that spot. Placing it on a dramatic surface will give it a finished, "meant to be there" look. Commissioner Little concurred that the proposed location will be more appropriate than the current site. Commissioner LeGrand questioned whether the statue could be relocated to another site within Civic Center Park that is more visible, particularly visible to passing traffic. Perhaps a location along Avocado Avenue or near the flagpole would be appropriate. Jim Mosher advised that the City's acceptance of the sculpture was highly contentious. The Council vote to relocate the statue to Civic Center Park was never agendized. At Bonita Canyon Sports Park, the statue was sited on a large concrete base. The City Arts Commission should seek a recommendation from the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission before relocating the statue, picnic table, and benches. In reply to Chair Greer's question, Library Services Director Hetherton concurred with the suggestion to obtain a recommendation from the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission. In acquiring Sphere 112, the City Arts Commission sought a recommendation from the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission as required by Council Policy I-9 or I-11. Chair Glabman felt the statue would be dwarfed by the tile area unless it was placed on a larger base. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Regular Meeting Minutes June 13, 2019 Page 5 Library Services Director Hetherton suggested the City Arts Commission view the proposed site and other potential sites in Civic Center Park before making a decision. Staff can notice a public meeting of the City Arts Commission to view potential sites within Civic Center Park. Chair Greer announced the item is continued to a future meeting. 6. Balboa Peninsula Concert by I Am I Said, Neil Diamond Tribute Band – The Performing Arts on the Balboa Peninsula Ad Hoc Subcommittee recommends I Am I Said – The Neil Diamond Tribute featuring Jason Lohrke for the September 29, 2019 concert at Marina Park. Library Services Director Hetherton reported the band's manager has provided a quote of $3,500 for a performance and $500 for a light show. The band is local and will cost $4,000 less than Super Diamond. The ad hoc subcommittee supports selecting I Am I Said. Chair Greer, Vice Chair Bendetti, and Commissioners LeGrand and Kaufman supported hiring I Am I Said along with a light show. Commissioner Little felt I Am I Said would provide a better performance than Super Diamond. Commissioner Glabman expressed some concern regarding the area being dark enough for the light show to be visible. Motion made by Chair Greer, seconded by Commissioner Glabman, and carried (6-0-0- 1) to approve the recommendation of I Am I Said – The Neil Diamond Tribute featuring Jason Lohrke for the September 29, 2019 concert at Marina Park at a cost not to exceed $4,000 with the Performing Arts on the Balboa Peninsula Ad Hoc Subcommittee to determine the timing of the concert and the use of the light show. AYES: Greer, Bendetti, Glabman, Kaufman, LeGrand, Little NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Baker B. Monthly Reports 7. Newport Beach Art Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Commissioner Arlene Greer, Commissioner Miriam Baker, Commissioner Marie Little Chair Greer reported the Newport Beach Art Exhibition is scheduled for June 15. Art will be for sale during the event, and the Newport Beach Arts Foundation will receive 20 percent of sales. Live music, dining, and a wine and beer pavilion will be available. An awards reception will begin at 4:30. Prizes will be awarded in the categories of 3D Art (including sculpture and 3D mixed media), painting: oil and acrylic, painting: watercolor (including pencil, ink and charcoal), and photography. A People's Choice Award will be determined by attendees at the event. Publicity has been extensive. The 2019 Newport Beach Art Exhibition has received the largest artist response to date. Artist check-in will begin at 3:00 p.m. Friday and 8:30 a.m. Saturday. Volunteers from the Newport Beach Newport Beach City Arts Commission Regular Meeting Minutes June 13, 2019 Page 6 Arts Foundation have agreed to participate both Friday and Saturday. The juror will review the artwork between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Saturday. Commissioner Little suggested first-time volunteers attend an orientation scheduled for 2:30 Friday afternoon. 8. Performing Arts for Concerts on the Green Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Commissioner Michelle Bendetti, Commissioner Wayan Kaufman, Commissioner Arlene Greer Vice Chair Bendetti advised that the Side Deal is most likely the highest profile band scheduled for the 2019 Concerts on the Green series. Members of the band are Charlie Colin of Train, Stan Frazier of Sugar Ray, and Joel and Scott Owen of Pawn Shop Kings. The concert will take place on June 16. Members of the band have expressed their excitement about performing in their hometown. 9. Performing Arts for Balboa Peninsula Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Commissioner Barbara Glabman, Commissioner Marie Little, Commissioner Arlene Greer No report. 10. Art in Public Places Library Gallery Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Commissioner Miriam Baker, Commissioner Arlene Greer Chair Greer noted the subcommittee has applications to review; however, the calendar is booked through the end of the year. 11. Cultural Arts Grants Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Commissioner Barbara Glabman, Commissioner Wayan Kaufman, Commissioner Arlene Greer Commissioner Kaufman indicated she has been working with a handful of local arts organizations to apply for 2019-20 Cultural Arts Grants. She will contact a few more organizations over the next month. Commissioner Glabman advised that she has contacted OC Opera. Chair Greer summarized the timeline for submitting and reviewing applications for Cultural Arts Grants. 12. Publicity Liaison Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Commissioner Michelle Bendetti, Commissioner Arlene Greer, Commissioner Wayan Kaufman Vice Chair Bendetti remarked that Marketing Specialist Katherine Mielke has obtained a great deal of publicity for Concerts on the Green and the Newport Beach Art Exhibition. Press organizations have contacted Vice Chair Bendetti after seeing publicity items for the events. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Regular Meeting Minutes June 13, 2019 Page 7 Chair Greer indicated she spoke to the Exchange Club the prior week and provided rack cards for the Sculpture Garden Opening Day, Concerts on the Green, and the Newport Beach Art Exhibition. Approximately 200 people were in attendance. 13. Newport Beach Arts Foundation Liaison Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Commissioner Wayan Kaufman No report. 14. Sculpture in Civic Center Park Exhibition Development Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Commissioner Arlene Greer, Commissioner Marie Little, Commissioner Barbara Glabman Chair Greer reported invitations to the luncheon have been extended to the City Council, the City Arts Commission, Phase IV artists, Arts Orange County (Arts OC), and Phase IV jurors. The opening day event will begin with a dedication ceremony at 1:30. Afterwards, Newport Beach Arts Foundation volunteers will lead tours of the Sculpture Garden. A reception, presentation and children's activities will follow the tours. VII. CITY ARTS COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION, ACTION OR REPORT (NON-DISCUSSION ITEM) Chair Greer appointed Commissioners Kaufman and Baker to a Metalfor Ad Hoc Subcommittee. Commissioners requested future agenda items for repair of the Ronald Reagan statue and potential acquisition of Burnt Matchstick. Chair Greer requested staff schedule a meeting to review photos for the Newport Beach Photo Exhibition. Chair Greer advised that the Sculpture in Civic Center Park Exhibition Development Ad Hoc Subcommittee has decided to pursue a naming program rather than a donor wall. Monies raised through a naming program could fund artist honoraria for the Sculpture Garden. During the Exchange Club meeting, she announced the City Arts Commission's interest in the City acquiring Burnt Matchstick. The issue of the flagpole's proximity to Burnt Matchstick needs to be resolved. In reply to Commissioner Glabman's query, Library Services Director Hetherton explained the City Arts Commission would need to obtain funding for the acquisition of Burnt Matchstick, seek a recommendation approving a proposed location from the entity that oversees the proposed location, and provide the Council with a recommendation to acquire the sculpture. The Council would then act on the recommendation. Commissioner Glabman was not comfortable with soliciting donations to acquire Burnt Matchstick prior to the Council approving the acquisition. Chair Greer stated acceptance of donations could be conditioned upon Council approval of the acquisition. VIII. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Newport Beach City Arts Commission Regular Meeting Minutes June 13, 2019 Page 8 None. IX. ADJOURNMENT – 6:20 P.M. Chair Greer adjourned the meeting at 6:20 p.m. Approved by: