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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-02-24; Arts Commission; MinutesMINUTES Meeting of: Date of Meeting: Time of Meeting: Place of Meeting: ARTS COMMISSION/SENIOR COMMISSION (Special Meeting) February 24, 1989 11:00 a.m. City Council Chambers COMMISSIONERS CALL TO ORDER; Arts Chairman Bear called the Meeting to order at 11:07 a.m. ROLL CALL: Present:Arts Commission - Chairman Bear, Commissioners Bischoff, Frye, Meilach, Roston and Straub. Senior Commission - Chairman Van, Commissioners Heard, Maggio, Ritchie and Savary. Absent: Arts Commissioner Brierley. Arts Chairman Bear stated this joint meeting was called to discuss the Senior Center Artwork, which was approved by the Arts Commission at their last meeting. Arts Chairman Bear introduced Christine Oatman, who presented slides showing her work throughout the world and explaining her design for the Senior Center. She concluded her presentation by explaining the butterfly motif and how it blended with the architecture of the building and was a fitting symbol. There was an interruption during her presentation and a request from Dr. Castner to interrupt Ms. Oatman and allow some citizens who had to leave to give their testimony. Chairman Bear ruled that the names of those having to leave would be noted, but Ms. Oatman, in fairness, should continue her presentation. Arts Chairman Bear opened the Meeting for Public Comment at 11:38 p.m. Dr. David Castner, 1550 Sunrise Circle, stated that 187 citizens had signed a petition against the proposed artwork, and he asked that the action of the Arts Commission be set aside. He said the artwork had not been properly discussed and never reported back to the parent committees by the sub-committee. Dr. Castner further stated that the School Board, who are part-owners of the building and will share the cost of the maintenance, instructed Dr. Brierley to give the Arts Commission a letter stating their dissatisfaction with the artwork selection. Dr. Castner said the Senior Center is to be used exclusively by the seniors from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., five days a week, with the exception of the entrance facing Jefferson, which is to be used by some members of the School District or people doing business with them. The entrance for the School District is at the extreme east end of the building, off of their parking lot. MINUTES February 24, 1989 Page 2 COMMISSIONERS While the process for selecting art for Stagecoach Park worked well, Dr. Castner said this situation was different, as Stagecoach Park is being used by people of all ages and the Senior Center is for seniors. He added that with 178 votes for the artwork, and 81 for this work, there were 97 that were not, and he said it was not possible to tell how many of those voting were children. Dr. Castner stated this is a very divisive issue. The seniors were ecstatic over the new Center and this issue has placed a cloud over it. He reiterated his belief that the matter was not handled properly. Dr. Castner concluded, stating he did not need something hanging overhead that reminded him he was in the last stages of life. Arts Commissioner Meilach inquired about the basis for the people being "disgruntled", and Dr. Castner answered they Just don't like butterflies and would like some other form of art that could be displayed and rotated; some want murals and others want something to make them feel good. He reiterated not wanting to look up and be reminded you are in the last stage of life. Commissioner Meilach asked whether in obtaining the signatures in a short time, was there time to deliberate over the model and get all the facts on the piece. Dr. Castner stated he had only collected ten of those 187 signatures. In conclusion, Commissioner Meilach commented she thought looking up in the last stage of life would be a nice thing to do. Ms. Oatman commented to Dr. Castner that he spoke as though he represented the seniors who would use the building, and it was her understanding that the Senior Commission had their own representative on the Selection Committee. Dr. Castner answered that no one reported back to the original committee; that when a sub-committee is appointed, they do not make a decision for the whole committee, and an agenda item should have been provided for a report to the entire group. Richard Sica, 3383 Garibaldi Place, Secretary on the Board of Directors of the Carlsbad Senior Association, stated he was a volunteer at the Center and spends many hours a week there. He spoke in opposition to the proposed artwork, stating it was a mobile that would gather dust and could become dangerous if it fell. He said there was a wealth of talent among the seniors for providing artwork, and suggested waiting until occupancy of the building before making a decision. Ms. Oatman stated her work was not a mobile and there would be no maintenance problem, as any dust could be easily blown off. Oean Ballard, 2613 Firemountain Drive, Oceanside, was one of those who had to leave to go to the Senior Center to work. She opposed the artwork. MINUTES February 24, 1989 Page 3 COMMISSIONERS Angle Clauson, 954 Home Avenue B, had to leave, but had indicated on her Request to Speak that she opposed the artwork. Robert Collet, 2412 Sonora Court, Member of the Nutrition Project Council and a volunteer at the Senior Center, spoke in opposition to the artwork, stating butterflies are beautiful in the right places. He suggested paintings, pictures, murals or statues for the Senior Center, and recommended not placing anything in the gallery area until the building was completed. Terry Talbot, 5283 Los Robles Drive, had to leave earlier, but indicated her opposition to the artwork. Ruth Sherwood, 5238 Carlsbad Boulevard, stated she felt this was a mobile and would be dangerous to anyone on crutches, with canes or walkers, if they came into the hallway and these objects were moving. The shadows on the floor could confuse those people and cause them to fall. Her request to speak indicated she opposed the artwork. Yvonne Castner, 1550 Sunrise Circle, spoke in opposition to the artwork, stating she did not need heralds reminding her of her demise. She said she felt Ms. Oatman had talent, but she believed the artist was ill- informed as to what the seniors wanted. Patricia Feille, 2160 Janis Way, spoke in favor of the artwork, stating she was on the Board to select the artwork and felt it was beautiful. She did not feel this artwork would disturb anyone in any way or cause any problems. Ms. Feille stated this entryway is to be used by many people. The Center will be a lovely building with a lot of wall space to display the artwork of the seniors. She stated she disagreed with the previous comments about the butterflies as the Christian belief is that butterflies are the rebirth and beginning of life. Ms. Feille mentioned the Sister City of Futtsu, Japan, and the fact that this motif was taken from a series of Japanese Woodblock illustrations. She said this was a lovely, symbolic art piece incorporating many things. The City is paying for this artwork and all citizens should have a voice in its selection. Jackie Wrench, 3531 Charter Oak, Arts Associates Board of Directors, spoke in favor of the artwork, stating the Board of Directors agreed that the selection process for the artwork was extremely fair, and she read from the petition asking for approval of the selection of the Committee for the art at the Senior Center. Ms. Wrench said Members of the Arts Associates were proud that the City has a program for art in public places and they support the process for selection of art for the Senior Center. She added that many people worked hard to set up this process. MINUTES February 24, 1989 Page 4 COMMISSIONERS Arts Commissioner Meilach commented that three of the four people who objected to the process left this meeting before any other comments were made. Evelyn Camp, 3107 Quebrada Circle, stated she was asked to take the art project to the Senior Center at lunch time on last Wednesday and started to question the seniors whether they had seen the model of the proposed artwork, and most of them had not. Upon asking them about signing a commitment against the artwork, some did not know exactly why they had signed against something. Ms. Camp said several people were very rude to her at the Center. Vera McNeil, 3357 Monroe Street, signed a Request to Speak in opposition to the proposed artwork. Ms. McNeil left during the artist's presentation. Arts Chairman Bear closed the public input at 12:08 p.m., and opened the meeting to discussion by the Commissions. He stated that on January 11, 1989, the Arts Commission approved the recommendation of the Sub- Comittee, and the recommendation was to go forward to the City Council, who makes the final decision. Senior Commission Chairman Van stated that art is a very individual thing to people. When Connie Beardsley presented the final decision to the Senior Commission, three Commissioners did not care for this form of art. There has been a lot of activity for and against this artwork, and Mr. McCormick presented the entire process to the School Board and the suggestion was made to reject the concept, with three of the Trustees agreeing. A letter was to be sent to the Arts Commission recommending that nothing be done about the artwork in the Center until after the building was completed in September. (Connie Beardsley indicated she had just received this letter.) Mr. Van said the special treatment in the floor tile could present a problem if the artwork were removed at a later date. He suggested that the project be dropped, and if the Arts Commission is still interested in providing some form of art, the committee should be re-convened. At the School Board Meeting, the suggestion was made that the committee should consist of the entire School Board and the Senior Commission. Senior Commissioner Ritchie told of her art background and stated she felt this was an outstanding example of art that was being produced in Southern California today. Ms. Ritchie made two recommendations: First, disregard the negative poll of the Senior Commission. Ms. Beardsley's report was for information only. The Chairman was out of order in calling for a poll and that was invalid. Second, send the matter to the Architectural Design Committee for a vote of approval. All five members of the Senior Commission sit on that Committee. All past decisions of that Committee were made by consensus of the Committee itself. MINUTES February 24, 1989 Page 5 COMMISSIONERS Ms. Ritchie continued, stating that the petition by Dr. Castner had many names of non-residents of Carlsbad--and some signed twice. Also, others were not seniors and many do not use the Center at all. She felt the petition was not representative of those who use the Senior Center. Also, many were intimidated into signing and were misinformed as to where the artwork was to be placed. Ms. Ritchie said it was upsetting to go through the proper process, only to have a very negative, aggressive, vocal minority create a situation. These people are not the only ones using the Center and are not a majority- -there are other programs at the Center than just the Nutrition Program. Ms. Ritchie said she was the only Member who had appeared before service clubs to raise funds to provide amenities for the new Center, and it is very discouraging to talk about this controversy. She asked for the matter to move forward by process. Arts Commissioner Bischoff stated that some people had stated that the $27,000 could be used for other amenities at the Center, and he wanted to clarify that this was money from the Public Art Fund, in the Arts budget, and if it were not used, it would go back to the Public Art Fund and the Arts Commission would recommend its use. He wanted that fact clarified here and now and the argument eliminated. Mr. Bischoff said that the comments had been made that the Commissioners had poor taste and were inconsiderate, etc. He said that no one had that intention and most of the Commissioners have studied art in some fashion and have appreciation. The Commissions are a cross-section of people, and the Arts Commissioners disagree on many subjects, and he felt that is good. He felt the lack of communication was on the part of the seniors and not the Arts Commission, as the Commission wants the process to be viewed and have maximum input. Mr. Bischoff said this artwork is not a mobile. It could fall, but so could the windows of a building in an earthquake. He compared this situation to that of the voter who does not vote and is irritated at the results. He did not believe the choice of art should be by public vote, but this selection should proceed with the process. He concluded, stating this is a beautiful piece of artwork. Arts Commissioner Roston told of modern art and impressionists sought after today—that were all rejected originally in Paris. She said if we can't go forward with our thinking, we belong back in the Dark Ages. Commissioner Roston felt this was a beautiful piece of art and there was nothing to suggest death and the recent demise of anyone. Senior Commissioner Savary stated the due process was not followed and that was an error. She stated she did not like the work, but realized the majority rules. MINUTES February 24, 1989 Page 6 COMMISSIONERS Arts Commissioner Roston left the meeting at 12:28 p.m. Arts Commissioner Meilach stated there is no way that any art can keep everyone happy--that there will always be someone that is unhappy. She said the problem was what would happen if they go ahead with the project and what happens if they don't. Arts Chairman Bear stated that on January 11, 1989, the Arts Commission voted to accept the recommendation of the Selection Committee, and the remaining task for the Arts Commission is to submit that recommendation to the City Council. Arts Commissioner Straub stated she understood this meeting was held to reach a compromise. Senior Chairman Van said there could be no compromise, and Commissioner Straub asked if that were true, and the opposing Senior Commissioners concurred. Arts Commissioner Frye stated that if you have a process for selecting artwork and you have gone through it at great length, there is the argument that should be the decision. On the other hand, if the preponderance of the seniors were opposed to that decision, you would not want to ram it down their throats. He said in this case you did not know whether this is opposed by a large or small group. Therefore, Commissioner Frye suggested having a valid kind of referendum, just to make certain the decision was not in in conflict with the majority of the people. Senior Commissioner Heard stated that when the three maquettes were on display, he voted in favor of the butterflies. This is a living piece and an unusual configuration. He enforced the recommendation of Commissioner Ritchie that this matter be sent to the Architectural Design Committee. The make-up of the Architectural Design Committee was given. The five Members of the Senior Commission (Commissioners Cast, Hoskins, Maggio, Ritchie and Van) David Castner, as representative from the Senior Citizens Association Board; John Cahill; Ken Quon; Sue Spickard; Dr. Brierley and John Blair for the School District and two from the architectural firm, Dale Lang and 3im DiCamillo. (A non-voting Historic Preservation Commission Member, Brian Robertson) Everything was decided by consensus with no controversy up to this time. Connie Beardsley stated that it was her understanding that in this case, the City staff, as well as the School Board staff, would not be able to vote on this matter. However, she said this was still in question. Senior Commissioner Maggio stated she did not like butterflies as a personal choice. She asked why this had to be decided now and asked why the rush. Senior Chairman Van stated that the reason for the decision now was the design in the floor tile. Senior Commissioner Ritchie said it was a joy to get the art into the building at this stage by having it a part of the floor, and it would be too bad if this were thrown away. MINUTES February 2k, 1989 Page 7 COMMISSIONERS Arts Chairman Bear agreed that he felt they would never get rid of the controversy, and he felt the process should be given another 30 to 45 days before going to Council. He was not in favor of abrogating the January decision of the Arts Commission, as the due process was served and the matter needs to go forward. On the other hand, an educational process needs to go forward to heal the rift. Arts Chairman Bear stated he had drafted a proposal, which he read to the Joint Meeting. He added that it was important to get as much input as possible to get a broader sense of what the public feels. Senior Commissioner Ritchie stated that the Senior Commission took an informal poll; it was not an action item, with no motion and no vote. Arts Commissioner Meilach cemented on the petition process, saying that people will sign based on who is giving them the petition and how much you trust that person, rather than subject matter. Arts Chairman Bear read the letter from the School Board dated February 23, 1989, stating their recommendation to wait until the building was occupied before placing any artwork there. Senior Coordinator Sue Spickard stated that there had been turmoil at the Center and she asked that whatever is set up is done as fairly as possible. Connie Beardsley asked for direction as to how she and Ms. Spickard are to proceed with getting public input. Comment was made that names, addresses and telephone numbers were necessary, and that it should be Carlsbad residents only. Arts Chairman Bear stated it would be necessary for staff to return and say that was what they wanted to do. Arts Commissioner Meilach stated that anyone 35 to 45 years of age would soon becoming seniors, and thought they should be included, as well as the school people. Arts Commissioner Straub said this was to be a public facility and a public building and it should be a public decision. Arts Chairman Bear added that this input should be any place where it can be gotten, with the object being to not omit anyone by age. The suggestion was made that if this is done in the Library, there should be someone in attendance to monitor the signing by each person. Senior Commissioner Maggio stated she did not feel that anyone should take this as a personal affront to them. MINUTES February 24, 1989 Page 8 COMMISSIONERS Arts Commission accepted the following Proposal, as amended: Whereas the Carlsbad Arts Commission has gone through due process in selecting the Oatman artwork for the Senior Center; and Whereas the Senior Commission has taken an informal poll against the Arts Commission recommendation; and Whereas there are petitions circulating for and against the Arts Commission decision; The Arts Commission will wait at least forty-five days before submitting the Oatman selection to the City Council; The Arts Office and Senior Office staff will work together to develop additional public presentations and votes. Suggested audiences will include Mobile Home Parks, Retirement Homes, School District staffers, other senior events, the Senior Commission and the Architectural Design Committee. The Senior Commission Members abstained from voting. ADJOURNMENT; By proper motion, the Special Joint Meeting of February 24, 1989, was adjourned at 1:01 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Connie Beardsley ARTS MANAGER Harriett Babbitt Minutes Clerk Bear Bischoff Frye Meilach Straub