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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986-08-13; Arts Commission; MinutesMINUTES Meeting of: Time of Meeting: Date of Meeting: Place of Meeting: ARTS COMMISSION 3:40 p.m. August 13, 1986 Council Conference Room COMMISSIONERS CALL TO ORDER: The regular meeting was called to order by Chairman Bear at 3:40 p.m. ROLL CALL; Present - Commissioners Bear, Bischoff, Meilach and Straub. Absent - Commissioners Brierley, Frye, and Roston. Staff Members Present: Cliff Lange, Director of Library Connie Beardsley, Manager of the Cultural Arts Program APPROVAL OF MINUTES The Arts Commission approved the minutes of 3uly 9, 1986 as presented. % FOR ART Chairman Bear announced that the Hubbell sculpture was not approved by the City Council. A discussion ensued among the Commissioners on the reasons they believed that the City Council did not approve the sculpture and the confusion that exists as to the actual role which the Arts Commission plays as far as the selection of public works of arts is concerned. Commissioner Bischoff mentioned that in speaking with the Police Chief it was pointed out that perhaps the time sequence involved in presenting the sculpture to the Council was not sufficient, and that it is a matter of educating the Council relative to the Arts. He pointed out that Council Member Kulchin did not have sufficient time to study the sculpture (a two-day period). Commissioner Meilach stressed that the Arts Commission had a job to do and they did it. There was a deadline which had to be met. Commissioner Bischoff clarified that the time sequence which the Commission followed in selecting the art work was fine, it was the time involved in introducing the sculpture to the City Council which was too rapid. The Council did not have sufficient time to evaluate the sculpture properly. Commissioner Straub expressed the opinion that the time involved in presenting the sculpture was not a major issue in this case. She pointed out that the selection committee spent a lot of time, using all of its expertise, to come up with a selection. The City Council, on the other hand, did not view the site or spend any time studying the sculpture. Yet, they decided that apparently they did not like the art work. She questioned whether the Council is then the selection panel, and if so, why does the Arts Commission have a selection panel. She further inquired whether the selection panel must go to the Council to see what kind of art work they like. Bear Bischoff Meilach Straub MINUTES August 13, 1986 ARTS COMMISSION Paae 2 COMMISSIONERS Chairman Bear concurred with Commissioner Straub's comments and added that he was somewhat confused regarding the selection process. Guidelines have not yet been established for the 1% for the Arts. This process was to have been used as a pilot program. He stated that the Arts Commission needs further guidance from the City Council as to their desire. Connie Beardsley, Manager of Cultural Arts Program, stated that she felt that the Arts Commission caught the City Council off guard. It had not occured to the Council that perhaps they would not like what the Arts Commission selected. There was a brief discussion that one of the negative votes from the Council dealt with the cost of the art work and whether the Commission was merely spinning its wheels. It was pointed out that Council Member Kulchin took the art work to a meeting where 23 individuals were in favor and 13 were against. Yet, Council Member Kulchin voted against the sculpture. Commissioner Bischoff emphasized that the Arts Commission will have to develop a process of education. Public works of art are something that you grow with. It takes time to appreciate certain art works. Based upon the comment by Commissioner Bischoff, Chairman Bear inquired whether it would be wise to take back the same public work of art to the City Council after a period of time wherein the Council could be educated on what is involved in the selection of an art work. In the discussion that followed, it was suggested that Ms. Reardsley could speak to each Council Member to review the reasons for their votes on the sculpture. She could formulate questions in trying to find out exactly what the Council is telling the Arts Commission as to the process. Commissioner Meilach thanked the Commissioners for supporting the selection committee's selection even though only three Commissioners were members of the selection committee. Further, she commended Commissioner Frye in his efforts in making the presentation to the Council. A. Procedure The Arts Commission instructed Ms. Beardsley to go to the Council Members individually with a series of questions designed to determine their feelings about the votes that they made and the reasons and to report back to the Arts Commission with the City Council's instructions as individuals as to how they would prefer that the Arts Commission proceed from here. B. Possible sites Commissioner Bear mentioned that this relates to the first issue - Procedure. Ms. Beardsley stated that she needs to know: 1) how much money the Arts Commission wishes to spend this year, 2) what are possible sites, and 3) what procedure will be used in the selection of each public work of art. Bear Bischoff Meilach Straub MINUTES August 13, 1986 ARTS COMMISSION Page 3 COMMISSIONERS Commissioner Bischoff reiterated that not much can be done in this area without the direction of the City Council. Commissioner Meilach stated that the Arts Commission should proceed on selecting a second site and a second project. Ms. Beardsley agreed and stated that a different recommendation on a different site will force the City Council to look at another piece of art work. Commissioner Straub stated that there two ways of getting direction from the City Council: (1) Keep presenting selections -- a process of trial and error; or (2) go back and ask them outright. Ms. Beardsley stated that both can be done. Commissioner Bischoff mentioned that the City Is in the process of building two new parks. He stated that he saw nothing wrong with eventually having one good work of art in one of those parks. In response to Commissioner Straub, Commissioner Bischoff stated that a sculpture could be placed in a park; the children's playground could be a public work of art, and etc. Commissioner Meilach mentioned that she had slides of sculptures of popsicle sticks constructed throughout a particular park which the children play on. She agreed to bring these slides to an Arts Commission meeting. Ms. Beardsley referred to the list of building projects submitted to the Commission for their review in considering various sites for a public work of art. She highlighted a few of the projects contained in the list. A brief discussion ensued regarding the Carlsbad Boulevard Seawall building project coming up in September as a possible site for a public work of art. Upon mention of the downtown redevelopment area as a possible site, Ms. Beardsley stated that perhaps the Arts Commission should withdraw their letter to the National Endowment for the Arts until the Commission is clear as to the process per the direction of the Council. Commissioner Bischoff pointed out that since there will be no decision from the Endowment of Arts until sometine next spring, there is plenty of time to iron out any confusions by then. Following further discussion on possible sites, Chairman Bear requested that Ms. Beardsley return to the Arts Commission at its next meeting with two or three recommended sites with all the information about those sites in terms of timing and sculptures. At that time, the Arts Commission can make a selection of what its target will be for the next project. Ms. Beardsley stated that she would do so. Ms. Beardsley mentioned that it also depends on the kind of artists that the Commission is talking about. Some of these artists do better if they are invited in and shown three or four sites. They prefer to select the site from three or four sites rather than be given a specific site. Chairman Bear explained that the Commission needs a project that the Commission can consider: the actual mechanics can be discussed later. However, the Commission needs more information on the sites to make that decision. MINUTES August 13, 1986 ARTS -COMMISSION Page COMMISSIONERS Following further discussion, the following sites were briefly considered: Stagecoach Park, Carlsbad Boulevard Seawall, and the meeting rooms at the Public Safety Center. C. Amount of $ and Plan for 1986-87 Ms. Beardsley mentioned that there is $206,000 in the established budget for 1986-87 with a carry-over from 1985-86 of $15,000. The Commission can spend any portion of that with the City Council's approval. III. Manager's Report A. Newsletter Ms. Beardsley advised that she is working on the newsletter. She stated that they will also be working as a clearinghouse for events to avoid scheduling more than one event on the same day. She informed that she has requested management to insert the newsletter In the quarterly report from the City with a paragraph for people to fill in a blank and mail in who are interested in being on the mailing list. She advised that she has several volunteers who will be helping with the composition of the newsletter. The newsletter will be done bimonthly for now. She will be soliciting articles and suggestions. Commissioner Meilach stated that she has a lot of items which can be included in the newsletter. B. San Diego Pops Ms. Beardsley advised that posters and flyers have been put up for the San Diego Pops concert scheduled for August 31, 1986. C. Jazz Concerts Ms. Beardsley advised that one member of the historical society has mentioned that they would like to be more involved next year, and even take over these concerts. This is if the Commission would like to start projects and spin it off to somebody else. There were a lot of positive comments on the jazz concerts. It was commented that next summer possibly up to eight concerts could be conducted. Chairman Bear commented that the sound system needs some work and this aspect should be reviewed prior to conducting this type of concert next year. There was a discussion about purchasing a band shell which all the music groups could utilize. The City could provide this. Commissioner Bischoff mentioned that a portable band shell could cost between $8,000-12,000. Parks and Recreation could be responsible in setting it up. Commissioner Meilach mentioned that in her trip to Quebec, she noted an amphitheatre where the portable stage was at the bottom, where the public could sit on the ground above without the need for bleachers. It was acoustically beautiful because of the slope. This was a permanent shell. MINUTES August 13, 1986 ARTS COMMISSION Page 5 COMMISSIONERS A question was raised on the amphitheater proposed for the Sammis property. It was pointed out that the Coastal Commission does not like it. However, there is still a possibility in the future. Ms. Beardsley mentioned that the Arts Commission could go to the Coastal Commission showing their support of the amphitheater if this is the desire of the Arts Commission. Chairman Bear suggested that the Commission could indicate to San Diego 3azz Festival the Commission's appreciation and thanks for their participation and advise that the Commission is considering doing this again on an expanded scale and would appreciate their ideals based upon their experience. Ms. Beardsley pointed out that the North Coast 3azz Society would like to perform. She was considering giving them an opportunity next year. The Commissioners agreed with Ms. Beardsley and suggested that a committee could be formed to meet with these people to discuss these possibilities. IV. Other Business Ms. Beardsley informed that Evelyn de la Rosa is scheduled to come October 13-18. On the 17th, she will give a performance at the Cultural Arts Center. Commissioner Meilach suggested that the City Council be shown the video tape of the public art discussion held on Ouly 23, 1986. The Commissioners agreed. Ms. Beardsley suggested that a condensed version of 20 minutes in length could be shown of the most important points of the discussion. Cliff Lange, Library Director, suggested that a joint meeting with the City Council could be held. The Arts Commission recommended that the City Council and candidates running for the Council office be invited to attend a joint meeting with the Arts Commission at a future date. (Ms. Beardsley was instructed to set up this meeting.) The discussion at the meeting will consist of a synopsis of what the Commission has done up to this point, including the information regarding the selection committee, future proposals will be outlined to see the Council's reaction to what the Commission is doing, and a condensed versison of the July 23rd public art discussion will be shown. Commissioner Meilach pointed out that the Arts Commission should be working closely with the Department of Tourism since many of the things that the Commission deals with is how we are going to attract tourists to Carlsbad. She further suggested that a public school contest could be held on the design of the best banner. This would Involve the public more; expecially the schools. These banners could go up in one of the parks. A question was raised whether there was a City logo. It was pointed out that there is a City seal, but not a City logo. It was suggested that a contest could be held on a City logo. Bear Bischoff Meilach Straub MINUTES August 13, 1986 ARTS COMMISSION Page 6 COMMISSIONERS The Commission agreed that some kind of a plan be formulated over the next two months on the proposed contests. Adjournment By proper motion, the Meeting of August 13, 1986 was adjourned at 4:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, CONNIE BEARDSLEY C/ Manager of the Cultural Arts Program Elizabeth Caraballo Minutes Clerk EC:tb