HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - PAC Meeting Minutes 02/12/20
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PUBLIC ART COMMISSION, CITY OF AMES
MEETING MINUTES – 2/12/2020
AMES CITY HALL, ROOM 135
Present: Olivia Madison (Chair), Cathy Carlyle, Matthew Corones, Kerry Dixon (Treasurer), Karen George,
Claire Kruesel (Secretary), Sara Sherman (Vice-Chair), James Surber, Andrew Ward
Absent: Penny Adam, Erica Briest, Angie DeWaard, Brian Phillips (Interim City Liaison), Paola Sepulveda
Public Forum/Guests: Jerry Keys, Environmental Education Coordinator for Story County Conservation
A. Call to Order (Olivia Madison, Chair)—Olivia called the meeting to order at 12:06.
B. Approval of 2/12/2020 Agenda
James moved and Sara seconded to approve the agenda. Agenda approved.
C. Approval of 1/8/2020 Minutes (Erica Briest, Acting Secretary; Claire Kruesel, Secretary)
Cathy moved and Matt seconded to approve the minutes. Minutes approved.
D. Treasurer’s Report (Kerry Dixon, Treasurer)
Kerry shared that PAC’s 2020 FY budget was approved at the 2/11 City Council meeting without
modification and with enthusiasm for the two upcoming anniversary celebrations (AAOSE and PAC).
1. Kerry recommended that in light of PAC’s healthy budget, we start planning large, significant projects
(i.e. our PAC and AAOSE celebrations).
2. Olivia encouraged PAC to brainstorm for “luminaries” to include in these major events, such as public
speakers, who might help us in “expressing the city’s joy” for this public art program.
E. Public Forum—Jerry Keys, Environmental Education Coordinator for Story County Conservation (See OB-5)
F. Chair’s Report and Comments
1. Olivia proposed to postpone our review of governance documents to the March meeting, given our
full agenda, particularly with the BAMF agenda item. James moved and Claire seconded the move,
which was approved.
2. Olivia updated PAC on applications for new appointments on the committee. The transition meeting
(with new and resigning members) will be in April.
3. Matthew suggested an orientation for incoming members.
4. Olivia brought up the topic of possibly shifting PAC’s regular meeting time. Kerry noted that since the
establishment of PAC, the current date/time has not changed and that current applicants are aware of
our meeting time. After brief discussion, Kerry moved and Sara seconded to table the discussion until
a later date when new officers take position.
G. City of Ames Liaison Comments (Brian Phillips)—In Brian’s absence, Olivia notified PAC that Brian and she
successfully removed all City Hall art labels (using the hair dryer technique suggested by James). There is
clean-up work in some areas where the former glue remains. Thank you, Olivia!
H. Old Business
1. PAC projects and initiatives looking forward to FY20, FY21 and FY22—No time for discussion
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2. Black Arts & Music Festival – Discussion on Potential Recommended City Art Purchase (Sara
Sherman)—PAC discussed purchase of available items from the Black Arts Festival. Olivia noted that
the City Council approves all public art purchases recommended by PAC. After a long discussion, there
was agreement on the potential purchase of three specific artworks. James motioned, Kerry seconded,
and PAC approved that Sara will contact the respective artists to respond to some specific questions
and to determine if they are willing to consider purchase by the City of Ames. The motion passed
unanimously. Olivia thanked Matt for his photography of each artwork displayed in PowerPoint
presentation used for our discussion.
3. Town and Gown through the Arts—No discussion
4. Chamber of Commerce/Mural Project—No discussion
5. Tedesco Parkway—Jerry Keys confirmed Story County Conservation’s desire to add public art to Tedesco
Environmental Learning Corridor. He also confirmed, that if this partnership was established, that the
County would be responsible for insurance and the County uses the same carrier as the city.
a. Jerry shared two potential locations:
1) Location 1: “Nest” used for gatherings and meetings.
2) Location 2: In the prairie on the trail; tall concrete pad would render art visible.
b. PAC suggested Jerry contact Public Works (which installs AAOSE pads) to seek advice on how to
install pads for these locations.
c. SCC wants rotation of pieces to mirror how AAOSE items are selected and rotated. PAC discussed
options to generate submissions:
1) PAC may update call for AAOSE submissions to include disclaimer that pieces may be selected
for Tedesco Parkway location(s) formally beginning next year.
2) PAC may create a separate call for submissions exclusively for Tedesco Parkway Location.
3) PAC may select current, non-purchased AAOSE sculptures (such as “Catch”) that could be,
with artist negotiation, rotated to the Tedesco Parkway locations for this year.
d. Sara offered to work with Jerry on this project.
I. New Business
1. 10th Annual EcoFair Celebration on Saturday, April 25, 2020—After discussion of potential ideas, Olivia
suggested displaying around five or six birdhouse-contest winners in the City Hall Courtyard. This would
be in a natural setting outside the EcoFair for a month and PAC agreed to this idea. James suggested,
for a future EcoFair, an interactive activity of having children draw birds on sky-blue paper.
2. Proposed Gift (Ames International Partner Cities Association; Email/Lisa Shen, Chair AIPCA)— Olivia
showed to PAC a donated art piece (“A Chinese Lantern Plant”) from our Sister City and suggested we
place it in the display case that currently houses a variety of Sister-City gifts. Claire motioned, James
seconded, and PAC approved to recommend placing the piece in the Sister-City case adjacent to the
stairway. Olivia will contact Brian of our decision and arrange for the artwork with its accompanying
booklet to be installed.
3. Potential Joint Collaboration with the Ames Community Arts Council (ACAC) regarding a public mural
(Penny Adam)—no discussion
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J. Commission Committees, Liaison Reports, and Comments
1. Outreach (Sara Sherman and Erica Briest, Co-Chairs)
a. Ames Annual Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition (AAOSE)—Send ideas for AAOSE jurors to Sara.
b. Neighborhood Sculpture—No discussion
2. Public Relations (Paola Sepulveda and Kerry Dixon, Co-Chairs)—No discussion
a. Festival & Event Participation FY2020 and FY2021
b. Chamber of Commerce magazine article (K. Dixon)
3. Collection Management (Angie DeWaard and Olivia Madison, Co-Chairs)
a. City Hall Art Placement/Signage—Olivia
1) Olivia is working with Jacque Higgins and Brian to create a new signage system for indoor
installations (a system currently used by the University Museums). The labeling system would
utilize transparent Avery labels with standard information for each work. These labels would
be easily removed and updated.
2) Olivia reported that the committee will be investigating how to better protect our City Hall
artwork that is impacted by sunlight. One option is to replace the current glass with UV
protected glass. It was suggested, as an alternative, to have UV protected glass film installed in
the windows facing the courtyard. Funding would come from the Collection Management
Budget.
b. PAC Collection Management Database/System—No discussion
K. For the Good of the Order (Olivia Madison)—The next PAC meeting is scheduled on Wednesday, March
4th at 12 pm in 135 Ames City Hall.
L. Adjournment (Olivia Madison)
Olivia adjourned the meeting at 1:42 pm.
Submitted by
Claire Kruesel, PAC Secretary