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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/02/2015 - City Arts Commission - Approved Minutes Newport Beach City Arts Commission Special Meeting Minutes Thursday, April 2, 2015 – 5:00 PM Newport Beach Public Library Staff Conference Room I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER Chair Goldberg called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM. II. ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Rita Goldberg, Chair Arlene Greer, Vice Chair Caroline Logan, Secretary Judy Chang (Departed at 5:48 PM) Lynn Selich Robert Smith (Departed at 5:57 PM) Charles Ware Staff Present: Tim Hetherton, Library Services Director Dave Curtis, Library Services Manager Elaine McMillion, Administrative Support Specialist III. PUBLIC COMMENTS Jim Mosher, Newport Beach resident, referenced written comments he submitted prior to the meeting and spoke regarding the Consent Calendar, the press not receiving any correspondence, the importance of understanding funding, the Cultural Arts and Activities report and the Sculpture in the Park program including expiration of the first round and how new sculptures are to be funded and arranged. Regarding Item No. B1, he suggested including information regarding the Brandts and their contributions to the City. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - DRAFT Minutes – March 12, 2015 Chair Goldberg noted corrections to the minutes submitted by Mr. Jim Mosher and Members of the Commission offered corrections as well. Motion made by Vice Chair Greer, seconded by Commissioner Selich to approve the minutes of March 12, 2015, as revised. The motion carried (7-0-0-0). AYES: Chang, Goldberg, Greer, Logan, Selich, Smith, Ware NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: None V. CURRENT BUSINESS A. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Correspondence and Press - Review of any Arts Commission correspondence and/or marketing materials that have been received. 2. Financial Report - Review of attached financial information. 3. Cultural Arts Activities - Monthly review of cultural arts activities from the Library Administrative Office for upcoming Library and City arts events and services. Motion made by Vice Chair Greer, seconded by Commissioner Selich, to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion carried (7-0-0-0). AYES: Chang, Goldberg, Greer, Logan, Selich, Smith, Ware NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: None B. ITEMS FOR REVIEW AND POSSIBLE ACTION 1. Diane and Gene Crain Donation of Brandt Art – The Fine Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee requests that the City Arts Commission approve the donation of two works of art; one by artist Joan Irving Brandt and one by Rex Brandt, for permanent display in the Central Library, and for inclusion in the City Arts Collection. Vice Chair Greer presented a report providing information regarding Diane and Gene Crain, their extensive art collection and their offer to donate two works of art; Pirate’s Cove From High by artist Joan Irving Brandt and Northeast Gale Newport Jetty by Rex Brandt, for permanent display in the Central Library. She added that Mr. Crain has agreed to all of the conditions listed in Policy I-11 and that he has requested that they be displayed in the City’s Central Library. He also asked that a commemorative plaque be provided noting recognition of Joan Irving Brandt and Rex Brandt’s daughter, Joan Brandt Scarborough and son-in-law, Clark Scarborough. Additionally, he requested that the paintings be photographed so that they have a record for their collection and that a copy be sent, with a letter of acceptance, to Joan Brandt Scarborough and Clark Scarborough. Placement of the paintings is subject to the approval of the Library Board of Trustees and acceptance of the paintings is subject to approval by City Council. She addressed required hardware, the commemorative plaque and professional photography as presented by the Subcommittee’s recommendations. Motion made by Vice Chair Greer, seconded by Commissioner Chang, to approve the donation of two works of art; one by artist Joan Irving Brandt and one by Rex Brandt, as presented, for permanent display in the Central Library, and for inclusion in the City Arts Collection and subject to approval by City Council and the Library Board of Trustees. The motion carried (7-0-0-0). AYES: Chang, Goldberg, Greer, Logan, Selich, Smith, Ware NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: None Discussion followed regarding placement and it was noted that at this time, the Arts Commission is only approving the donation. Placement is yet to be determined and collaboration will take place with the Library Board of Trustees regarding it. Discussion continued regarding developing a strategy on the acceptance of art, and ensuring that once the art has been accepted and placed, ensuring that the donors understand that if other opportunities arise in the future relative to placement, staff will have the freedom to relocate the art work. 2 Ensuing discussion pertained to doing a facilities study relative to security and suitable sites for placing art in places other than the Library, conducting evaluations on a case-by-case basis, avoiding places where the pieces may be damaged and having a consistent recognition device (plaque). It was suggested to have a didactic next to the paintings and the need to avoid clutter was noted. A member of the public stated that too much sun could fade paintings. Discussion followed regarding getting advice from display experts. 2. Joe Lewis and Bea Riley Fine Art Exhibitions – The Fine Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee requests that the City Arts Commission approve exhibitions of works for temporary display in the Central Library by Joe Lewis and Bea Riley. Vice Chair Greer provided a report including background on the artists and information about their works. Motion made by Vice Chair Greer, seconded by Commissioner Chang to approve exhibitions of works for temporary display in the Central Library by artists Joe Lewis and Bea Riley. The motion carried (7-0-0-0). AYES: Chang, Goldberg, Greer, Logan, Selich, Smith, Ware NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: None Discussion followed regarding the length of time of each of the displays and it was noted it would be no less than one month with the possibility of being displayed for two months. It will be subject to staff’s recommendations. 3. Quote for Restoration of the Seagulls in Flight Sculpture – Staff will present a recommendation for the restoration of the piece. Library Services Director Tim Hetherton presented a report noting that the sculpture, Seagulls in Flight, will need restoration, keeping in line with the new facility in which it is being displayed. He reported that it has not been cared for properly and addressed a quote from a firm to restore it. Discussion followed regarding timing of the restoration, the possible storage of the statue during the Corona del Mar branch and Fire Department construction, and funding. Library Services Director Hetherton reported that staff is asking for $4,450 in order to cover restoration and storage costs. Commissioner Ware commented on restoration focusing on cracks and chips and wondered if the site is to blame or if the sculpture has been vandalized. Library Services Director Hetherton stated that piece has been in a lot of places; has been moved around and has been subjected to the elements. Discussion followed regarding other pieces in town that may need restoring and the possibility of including those pieces for increased leverage with the restoration firm. 3 Vice Chair Greer reported discussing the possibility of establishing a program to assess art pieces periodically to make sure they are not in the wrong area and having the committee maintain a report. Chair Goldberg suggested approaching City Council for funds to assess all of the City’s public art. Commissioner Selich suggested the possibility of starting an endowment specifically earmarked for the restoration of public art. Chair Goldberg commented on establishing a program, going forward. A member of the public asked regarding the location of the John Wayne piece. Motion made by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Vice Chair Greer, to approve the use of $4,450 from the Lenahan Trust for the restoration of the Seagulls in Flight sculpture at the Corona del Mar branch library. The motion carried (7-0-0-0). AYES: Chang, Goldberg, Greer, Logan, Selich, Smith, Ware NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: None A member of the public provided a brief history of the piece. Vice Chair Greer stated there was a recommendation to acknowledge the source of funds for the restoration. Chair Goldberg noted the matter would be considered under New Business. Commissioner Selich suggested including a plaque indicating that the restoration was made possible by the Lenahan Trust. C. MONTHLY REPORTS 1. Newport Beach Sculpture Garden Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Commissioner Robert Smith (Chair), Chair Rita Goldberg, Commissioner Charles Ware Commissioner Smith reported that the sculpture, Red, which was vandalized in Manhattan, will be fully restored by April 15th and will be installed by the end of April. He stated that the RFPs for the CaFE.com call for entry website have been opened for artists to propose, and for ten more sculptures to be chosen and installed. He reported walking the site and addressed the process going forward. The matter will be presented to the Arts Commission for review. Once approved, it will go before City Council. Commission Smith addressed the proposed schedule. He encouraged those members interested to visit the café.com website for additional information. 2. Civic Center Art Placement Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Secretary Caroline Logan (Chair), Commissioner Charles Ware Secretary Logan reported that the Civic Center Art Placement Ad Hoc Subcommittee is forging ahead and that a status update will be provided at the next Arts Commission meeting. She stated 4 that Alyssa Cordova and former OCMA Curator Dan Cameron are in full support of the project and that Director Todd Smith is interested in it as well and added that OCMA indicated they are thrilled regarding the collaboration on it. Additionally, she commented positively on the possibility of increased media exposure for OCMA as well as the City. Commissioner Ware explained what the project entails and highlighted steps in the process. He addressed collaboration with various City departments including the City Attorney’s office and reported that the matter will be presented to the Arts Commission, possibly in May. He addressed challenges such as climate and lighting and stated the Subcommittee is looking to move ahead with the process to work closely with OCMA. Vice Chair Greer suggested that the Long Beach Museum of Art may be able to offer help and solutions regarding climate control and other challenges as they had many of the same types of problems. Commissioner Chang departed at this juncture (5:48 PM). 3. Arts Master Plan Steering Committee - Chair Rita Goldberg (Chair) , Vice Chair Arlene Greer, Secretary Caroline Logan Chair Goldberg asked regarding the possibility of sun-setting the aforementioned Committee. Library Services Director Hetherton reported that City Council wants to open the Arts Master Plan and that the matter may be returned to the Arts Commission to fine tune and reprioritize elements of the plan to accomplish its goals. He added that the matter will likely be presented as a study session item for Council to provide direction to staff, at 3:30pm on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 in Council Chambers. 4. Arts Foundation Liaison Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Commissioner Robert Smith Commissioner Smith reported that the Arts Foundation is working on the next Art in the Park program which is scheduled for Saturday, October 10, 2015. Additionally, he announced an Art in the Gallery event on April 21st at the Jamie Brooks Fine Art Gallery in Costa Mesa. Invitations will be sent to Members of the Arts Commission and wine and refreshments will be served. He added that the Foundation is trying to recruit new members. Regarding the Sculpture Park, Commissioner Smith reported that the Foundation received a request from a group of women to do a private tour and Foundation Member Lila Crespin will lead this tour on April 23rd. Discussion followed regarding the group and it was noted that the group is in relation to local high school students doing public service projects. Commissioner Smith added that every quarter, with the first event scheduled to be held on June 13th at 10:00am, the Arts Foundation will lead tours of the Sculpture Garden. Chair Goldberg suggested contacting grade schools for tours to be offered as field trips for students. Commissioner Smith stated he will present the idea to the Foundation at its meeting in May. Commissioner Smith departed at this juncture (5:57 PM). 5 5. Fine Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Vice Chair Arlene Greer (Chair), Commissioners Judy Chang and Lynn Selich Vice Chair Greer reported that the Subcommittee will continue to reach out to original artists with requests for three-dimensional work to be displayed in lobby display cases. She addressed a recent visit to the studio of artist James Strombotne and a request will be made for the matter to be added to the Arts Commission's next meeting agenda. She reported on the current lobby exhibition and listed the artists. She also noted that artist Agnes Schenk’s work will be installed tomorrow. 6. Performing Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Chair Rita Goldberg, Commissioners Arlene Greer and Lynn Selich Chair Goldberg noted nothing new to report. Discussion followed regarding advertising of the June 13th Newport Beach Art Exhibition and the first concert. She requested that both items be included in a banner and installed in May. After the Art Exhibition a new banner would be installed with the remaining summer programs. Ensuing discussion pertained to competition with the advertising for the 5K Run event, priority on a first-come, first-served basis, for banner advertising and other methods including social media and the possibility of advertising along the Back Bay. 7. Cultural Arts Collaboration Subcommittee - Lynn Selich (Chair), Arlene Greer and Judy Chang Commissioner Selich suggested forming a Citizens Advisory Committee that would advise the Cultural Arts Collaboration Subcommittee on major fundraising. A wish list would be developed of potential major donors. Commissioner Selich clarified that major donors would include those able to donate $10K or more. More will be discussed on this matter under New Business. 8. Newport Beach Art Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Vice Chair Arlene Greer (Chair), Commissioner Judy Chang, Secretary Caroline Logan Vice Chair Greer reported that the exhibit has grown to thirty-five artists and sixty-five works of art. She addressed publicity, call-for-artist brochures and rack cards and noted that help is needed to distribute them. Brochures were mailed to 180 artists and brochures are also available at facilities throughout the City. Vice Chair Greer also listed an article in the Spring Navigator, email blasts, advertising on social media and press releases. She added that the Subcommittee will meet on April 10th and will send out letters of acknowledgement. Vice Chair Greer reported meeting with James Strombotne who is happy to be involved and looking forward to the exhibit. She will report more on the banners during the next meeting and added that the reception is still in the planning stages. Discussion followed regarding the selection process once capacity is reached, the possibility of opening up the retractable walls in the Civic Center Community Room, expanding the venue, incorporation of Art Commissioner's suggestions, overnight storage of the artwork and mention of the call-for-entries on a radio show. 6 It was noted that 30% of the proceeds from the show go to the Arts Foundation and used for arts programming. Brief discussion followed regarding establishing a protocol for the distribution of funds and having some of the funds available for future Newport Beach Art Exhibitions. Vice Chair Greer noted there will be first, second and third prizes in three categories; first prize is $300, second is $200 and third is $100. Discussion followed regarding the entry fee and it was noted that it goes into the General Fund. Ensuing discussion pertained to ensuring that the entry fee money comes back to the Arts Commission budget. 9. Art Site Suitability Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Commissioner Caroline Logan (Chair) and Commissioner Charles Ware Commissioner Ware reported that this Subcommittee had been sun-setted and suggested that it be resurrected to address the Ben Carlson sculpture site. VI. CITY ARTS COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION, ACTION OR REPORT (NON-DISCUSSION ITEM) Vice Chair Greer requested adding consideration of a display of James Strombotne sculptures in display cases and additional paintings to the Commission's next meeting agenda. Secretary Logan requested a report regarding a trip to sister cities on the Commission's next meeting agenda. Commissioner Ware requested adding consideration of working with OCMA to secure art for the City property on the Commission's next agenda. Commissioner Selich requested adding consideration of costs to make a steal I-beam at Superior on the Commission's next agenda as well as an item requesting donated monies from the Balboa Theater Foundation be given to the City to the Performing Arts Subcommittee of the Arts Commission. Chair Goldberg noted it would be added into the City Arts Commission budget. Commissioner Selich reported that the Foundation has $170,000 in their accounts. She noted that the City has decided to sell the building; that the Foundation is being dismantled and that disposition of the money will be discussed with the remaining Board Members. She added that Library Services Director Hetherton has been asked to provide a reconciliation of costs. More information will be provided on April 10th. Commissioner Selich requested placing discussion regarding forming a Citizens Advisory Committee for fundraising and in support of the Cultural Arts Collaboration Subcommittee on the Commission's next meeting agenda. Discussion followed regarding clarification of the Charter, bringing a structure to the table and possible Brown Act implications. Commissioner Selich noted that the goal is to encourage public/private collaboration. 7 VII. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Jim Mosher commented on the Arts Master Plan, Council Policies I-11 and I-9 and Art Commission Budget line items. VIII. ADJOURNMENT – 6:36 PM Submitted by: Chair Rita Goldberg 8