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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-03-03; Arts Commission; MinutesMINUTES MEETING OF: ARTS COMMISSION DATE OF MEETING: March 3,1994 (Regular Meeting) TIME OF MEETING: 4:00 p.m. PLACE OF MEETING: City Council Chambers CAU TO ORDER: Chairperson Ladouceur called the Meeting to order at 4:02 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Ladouceur, Batter, Plainer, Portera, Spencer and Wood. Absent: Commissioner Willis. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: On motion by Commissioner Portera, the Minutes of the February 3,1994, Meeting were approved as presented. AYES: Ladouceur, Batter, Portera, Spencer and Wood ABSTAIN: Plainer The New Business item, Presentation by Martha Heavenston, was taken out of order. NEW BUSINESS: Presentation by Martha Heavenston Connie Beardsley stated that Martha Heavenston was selected as the artist for Larwin Park. Because construction of this park has been postponed for five or more years, the City has offered this artist the opportunity to place her artwork in one of two sites-Hosp Grove Park or Maxton Brown Park. Ms. Beardsley reviewed the process for reaching this point, with a ten-artist selection panel appointed in March 1991. The jurors were selected and they recommended Martha Heavenston unanimously. The Arts Commission approved the selection in April 1991. Martha Heavenston met with the selection panel at Larwin Park in April of 1991. The panel advised her on the park area and the surrounding neighborhood and she met with the Associate Engineer and Park Planner and the Architects. Ms. Beardsley stated that after Larwin Park was put on hold, the City and the artist agreed it would be appropriate to transfer her work to another park site. The Parks and Recreation Department recommended two sites-Maxton Brown Park and Hosp Grove. She said that work is being done on both of these parks in this calendar year. Ms. Heavenston came to Carlsbad today, looked at the two sites, and she will give her initial presentation. March 3, 1994 ARTS COMMISSION Page 2 NEW BUSINESS: (Continued) Ms. Beardsley concluded, stating that Ms. Heavenston had lived in San Diego previously and had taught at MiraCosta College. She now lives in Oakland and is working on two major public art projects in San Francisco and Oakland. Martha Heavenston gave a slide presentation, showing examples of her past work. She stated that in the past, all of her public projects have had the community involved, either by real hands-on participation or a lot of community meetings. Therefore, she welcomed the people who attended this meeting and would like to know what they like and get ideas for her work from them. Ms. Heavenston said she just saw the sites today, and some of the drawings she made in 1991 could be adapted to this new project, but she would like to re-work the drawings to relate to the new sites. She stated that she has been making sculpture for eight or nine years, and all of her work involves the figure in nature. Slides showing pieces of her work were shown, and she explained they are of bench form, out of concrete, other materials and ceramic tile. Ms. Heavenston said that for Hosp Grove, she would envision concrete and tile busts placed on eucalyptus tree stumps. She said that the people in Carlsbad have more nature around them, and she felt that Hosp Grove was a place so special that it needed to be dealt with delicately. She would feel that there would need to be a sense of discovery, with surprises to be found in the surrounding tree areas. The work would need to be subtle. As to the other site, Maxtor) Brown Park, Ms. Heavenston said that site could take a couple of benches looking out over the lagoon. Mike Werner, P. O. Box 1950, spoke in opposition to placing any art work in Hosp Grove, asking for respect for Hosp Grove. Ms. Heavenston invited questions, and in response to query regarding the size of the benches, said they are higher than chair size, and the ceramic only needs to be washed off occasionally. When asked about using cast iron, Ms. Heavenston said she would probably not consider that with the rust problem it would present. At this point, Doug Duncanson of the Parks and Recreation Department, showed a map of the Hosp Grove area and explained that the area to be developed is across the road from the duck feeding area. This will be a passive park area with an entrance from the street and a parking lot, which will probably be decomposed granite rather than paved. There will be a foot bridge and a small playground and picnic spots. Mr. Duncanson stated the area will be kept as natural as possible with the limited funds available. Ms. Heavenston agreed with Mr. Duncanson, stating this is such a special place that she felt the designs she made for Larwin Park would not be appropriate for Hosp Grove. She added that anything placed in that area would have to be very small and tucked around in the trees. Ms. Beardsley inquired whether there would be a problem with vandalism. Mr. Duncanson said that vandalism happens in every site, but at the present time there is not much in the Hosp Grove area. However, with the improvements, there could be some vandalism. He said that most people respect the parks-but there is an element everywhere that does not care about public or private property. March 3, 1994 ARTS COMMISSION Page 3 NEW BUSINESS: (Continued) In response to query regarding the area to be developed at Hosp Grove, Doug Duncanson said it would probably be only the lower area, and not the entire 5.5 acres. Ms. Beardsley stated that Maxton Brown Park is the other site, and there are no drawings of that area. The work there is nearly complete, with the grading done and the vistas to the lagoon cleared out. This is an area where people come at lunch time or drive by to view, and is a "pocket park". Ms. Heavenston replied that this area would be a little more lively. Hosp Grove would need to be toned down to blend with the spirit of the place. Chairperson Ladouceur encouraged comments from the audience, with no names being given. One gentleman stated that benches would be nice in Maxton Brown Park. Another lady in the audience added that benches would be nice placed in Maxton Brown Park. Commissioner Wood inquired how the site would be chosen and Ms. Beardsley that would be up to Ms. Heavenston, unless the Commission had strong feelings one way or the other. Ms. Heavenston agreed that benches would look great in Maxton Brown overlooking the view. She said she would not put benches in the Hosp Grove area. In reply to query as to whether the drawings for Larwin Park could be used for Maxton Brown, Ms. Heavenston said she would have to adapt them. She commented that the flower fields in this area are so beautiful-it's what people think about when they think of Carlsbad. In reply to another question as to whether she had a preference on the site, Ms. Heavenston said initially she thought Maxton Brown would fit the work already done. Later in the afternoon, when she saw Hosp Grove, she thought that would be more of a challenge. Ms. Heavenston stressed that she wants to work with the community. Commissioner Spencer said he felt Maxton Brown would benefit more from her work and would be appreciated more. The benches would be great for the view offered at Maxton Brown. Chairperson Ladouceur asked whether children could be a part of this project, and Ms. Heavenston said that could only happen if it is a site used by children every day. Commissioner Wood inquired how many benches would be placed in Maxton Brown, and Ms. Heavenston said two, with perhaps a concrete pad to integrate the two pieces. He said he preferred Maxton Brown, as it is small and needs something. The people that work around that area use the park and it would be an asset to dress it up. Chairperson Ladouceur stated that Ms. Heavenston would need to re-design the plans to fit Maxton Brown Park and make a presentation on that. Ms. Heavenston agreed she would be very comfortable with working with the Maxton Brown site. Ms. Ladouceur said the flower fields are important to the residents of Carlsbad, and in the lagoon area the bird life is important; including the endangered birds. She inquired about colors to be used, and Ms. Heavenston replied that the colors would need to be more subtle to blend with the natural environment. Commissioner Spencer left the meeting at 4:46 p.m. Ms. Beardsley stated that there would be a model of the work to be placed on display for the public to view. March 3, 1994 ARTS COMMISSION Page 4 NEW BUS ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Portera, the Arts Commission requested Martha Heavenston to make drawings and plans for artwork in Maxton Brown Park. AYES: Ladouceur, Batter, Plainer, Portera and Wood Ms. Beardsley reviewed the process to be followed, with the artist developing the concept design further for the Commission, and on the Arts Commission July agenda (the first Thursday of the month) there will be a presentation with a definite design for approval by the Commission. Once the model is completed, the Risk Manager will review it and the Parks and Recreation Department will look at the design. The model will be on display at three different locations; one or two close to the site. The matter then returns to the Commission for approval, probably in September. It may be early next year before the project is completed. COMMrTTEE REPORTS: Chairperson's Report Chairperson Ladouceur thanked the Commissioners for attending the workshop on Saturday. She said there was very successful vision planning and there is a lot of work to do. She mentioned the current art activities in the surrounding areas and reminded the Commissioners of the events for March listed in the Arts Commission Calendar. Manager's Report Connie Beardsley reported that the visiting artist, Josiah, is working with the schools in afternoon programs of School's Out, and it is going very well, with appearances at all the schools on an informal basis. She stated that Bob Sasse is a visiting artist with appearances the 7th, 9th, 14th and 16th. March 27 is the second Classics Unlimited Concert. Ms. Beardsley reported that she needs an "introducer" for the 18th of March, to go to the classes and introduce the artists, and Commissioner Wood volunteered. Arts Associates Ann L'Heureux reported the Arts Associates membership drive was very successful. The Art Cart will be self-contained cart that can be moved from place to place by a truck, with art items for sale to get funds to benefit the Associates and the Arts Office. The annual meeting will be Wednesday, May 11,1994, 7 to 9 p.m., with a surprise show being planned. OLD BUSINESS: None. PUBUC COMMENT: There were no requests to address the Commission on a non-agenda item. March 3, 1994 ARTS COMMISSION Page 5 NEW BUSINESS: Presentation by Martha Heavenston This item was taken out of order. (See pages 1 - 4) Approval of 1994/95 Arts Office Budget Connie Beardsley reported that the cut of 1.5 percent from the 1994-95 budget needed to be made. The Grants program is $13,000 to arts organizations, and she asked whether the Commission wanted to cut them more and still have the program. She recommended that the Grants Program not be cut beyond the present amount. She said the required $3,500 needed could be raised by the Fundraising Committee and the Arts Associates; but, if not, at the end of the year take the money out of the Foundation Account. Commissioner Spencer returned to the meeting at 5:07 p.m. ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Wood, the Arts Commission approved the budget as submitted, with the additional $3,500 to be raised by the Commission. If that amount is not available at the end of the fiscal year, the amount needed is to be taken out of the Foundation Account. AYES: Ladouceur, Batter, Plainer, Portera, Spencer and Wood Approval of $15.000 Grant Application to the Lila Wallace Reader's Digest Foundation Arts Partners Program Connie Beardsley gave the report, and referred to the agenda bill included in the packet. This grant offers the opportunity to plan for better and increased presenting of performing arts. She said there are two different stages. If the Arts Office receives a planning grant, they can apply for a larger grant. Chairperson Ladouceur requested minor changes in the wording of the grant application. ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Wood, the Arts Commission approved the Arts Office Grant Application to the Lila Wallace-Reader's Digest Foundation for an Arts Partners Program Planning Grant of $15,000; as amended. AYES: Ladouceur, Batter, Plainer, Portera, Spencer and Wood Additional Item Commissioner Batter requesied a lime change for the Arts Commission meetings from 4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Wood, the Arts Commission directed staff lo change Ihe time of monthly Arts Commission meetings from 4:00 p.m., lo 4:30 p.m. AYES: Ladouceur, Batter, Plainer, Portera, Spencer and Wood March 3, 1994 ARTS COMMISSION Page 6 ADJOURNMENT: By proper motion, the Regular Meeting of March 3, 1994, was adjourned at 5:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, CONNIE BEARDSLEY Arts Manager Harriett Babbitt Minutes Clerk Narrative to Arts Commision Agenda Item No. IV. The City is requiring all departments to reduce their budgets by 1.5%. The Arts Office must reduce its budget by $3,500. Staff is recommending no cuts to the budget but rather 1) raise the additional funds needed from private sources or 2) use funds from the arts foundation account to make up the difference. The alternative is to reduce one of five programs left in the budget: 1. Visiting Artists 2. Jazz Concerts 3. Grants Allocation 4. Information/Newsletter 5. Public Art Coordinator/Temporary Art Exhibitions