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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-04-01; Arts Commission; MinutesMINUTES Arts Commission Meeting April I, 1999 • 4:30 p.m. City Council Chambers The Meeting Was Called To Order at 4:30 p.m. Present: Commissioners Wood, Chattier, Willis Lignante, Pynes Absent: Commissioner Shaw Chairman Wood announced the presentation of a Special Proclamation and invited Mrs. Barbara Wood to the podium. Mrs. Wood explained to the Commission that she had attended the first meeting of the Library Preview Party and was selected to serve as Food and Wine Chair. When Commissioner Lignante learned of this, he approached the manager of the Four Seasons Aviara Hotel for a contribution. Aviara will underwrite the entire cost of the Preview Party. Thereupon, Mrs. Wood conferred upon Mr. Lignante the Barbara Wood Man of the Year Award. The Minutes of the February meeting were approved without change. New Business Benches At Bus Stops Mrs. Thelma Hayes addressed the Commission regarding her concern that there were no benches at bus stops. Her idea is to have decorative benches at city bus stops. She reminded the Commission that she presented this idea several years ago. Mrs. Hayes suggested to the Commission that it offer a prize award for a bus bench design which would be exclusive to Carlsbad. She suggested that bus benches exclusive to Carlsbad would help identify the city, and that individual citizens might dedicate benches by covering design or installation costs, similar to the Oceanside Pier railings. Carlsbad does not allow bus bench signs, so the benches would not be advertising venues. Currently, between Laguna and Grand Avenues there are five different kinds of bus benches. Most stops have no benches. Mrs. Hayes has seen similar street furniture in Brazil and thinks it would work well in Carlsbad. Commissioner Pynes asked Mrs. Hayes if she had discussed this idea with the North County Transit District (NCTD) and Mrs. Hayes responded that she had and NCTD said it would welcome the addition of benches along Carlsbad routes. She has also discussed the subject with Council Member Nygaard, who expressed support. The Commission noted that the idea has merit, the benches could be considered public art, the costs are unknown, and the next step would be approval by various City departments. Commissioner Pynes moved that staff investigate the possibility of artistic benches at city bus stops and report back to the Commission. Commissioner Lignante seconded. The motion passed 5-0. ESI Art Corps San Diego The Commission heard from Richard Hinger and Matt Mackey of ESI Envirocan. Mr. Hinger, assisted by Mr. Mackey, works with students to create ceramic tiles for trash receptacles, which are then placed in public areas of local communities. Mr. Hinger displayed a sample Envirocan, with individual art tiles by young people on three sides and a tilework derived from a famous work of art on the fourth side. There are currently 19 cans approved in Encinitas, and Oceanside, Solana Beach and Del Mar. Mr. Hinger said he wants cans in Carlsbad because it is a city that supports the arts. Mr. Hinger told the Commission that children in North County don't get art unless they pay for it. His project finds sponsors for the cans at a cost of $2,500 per can, communities which will place and maintain them, and groups of young people who create the tiles. Volunteer artists work with the young people. The process of making the tiles takes about two months. In Carlsbad, he hopes to work with the Boys & Girls Club, and he also likes working with students from alternative schools like the Carlsbad Academy (La Palma). The communities receiving the cans select the spots where they will be placed. Graffiti scrubs off, and vandalism has not been a problem. The Commission members asked questions concerning selection of tiles (no advertising, no lewd or religious symbols), maintenance (local youths who developed the cans maintain the art; city maintenance departments collect the trash). Commissioner Lignante asked if the project was copyrighted; Mr. Hinger is working on getting a copyright. Commissioner Pynes said the Commission favors art education for children. Commissioner Willis said the Alaska state flag was designed by a nine-year-old. Chairman Wood explained to the presenting guests that the Arts Commission cannot grant permission to place cans in Carlsbad, that must be an act of the City Council. Mr. Hinger replied that ESI seeks the Commission's endorsement of the idea as it pursues placement within the city. Commissioner Chattier said it is one small way to practically display public art. Commissioner Willis moved, seconded by Commissioner Lignante, that the Arts Commission endorse the concept of placing ESI Envirocans in Carlsbad. The motion passed 5-0. Benbow Bullock Sculpture Mrs. Beardsley reported that the City is moving its offices out of the Las Palmas location, where Benbow Bullock's sculpture is currently installed. She asked Commission members to drive by the piece and take a look at it in order to recommend where it should be moved. Carrillo Ranch Committee Chairman Wood reported to the Commission that the art contest sponsored by the Friends of Carrillo Ranch was conducted and it is time to select the winners. Four Carlsbad schools' fourth grade classes took part. Three members of the Arts Commission will serve with Richard Keely as the jury to select one winner from each of the thirteen participating classrooms. Friends of Carrillo Ranch will publish the winning entries on its website, and the thirteen children and three Commissioners will be invited to the Ranch for a photography workshop conducted by art teacher Jennie Luce. The Commissioners agreed that the first round of judging would take place Tuesday, April 13 at noon, with Chairman Wood filling in for Commissioner Chartier, and Commissioners Lignante and Pynes also serving as judges. Public Comment Resident Brian Biernacki, addressed the Commission. He believes bus benches are too expensive. He also criticized the "Freeway Art" as being high maintenance, said that the City violated its contract with Andrea Blum and commented that every city worth its salt has public art. He suggested that the maintenance of public artworks, envirocans, benches etc. become a responsibility of the Carlsbad Arts Associates. Stating the need for more volunteers for the arts, Mr. Biernacki volunteered to volunteer. Chairman Wood thanked him for his comments and introduced him to Arts Associates president Barbara Nolder. Committee Reports Chair's Report Commissioner Wood returned to the idea of benches. He has suggested to Mayor Lewis that benches like Raul Guerrero's be placed at the site of Split Pavilion and reported to the Commission that "the Mayor loved the idea." Chair Wood has checked with other Council members; they have requested that the benches be put on the City Council agenda in May. Mrs. Beardsley pointed out to the Commission that there are many different discussions going on simultaneously concerning benches. Nine benches are to be placed at Split Pavilion; the Redevelopment Agency has funding for street furniture in the 99/00 budget. She suggested staff return at the next meeting with possible approaches. Manager's Report Mrs. Beardsley reported that the CALAA Annual Conference will be in San Diego. All Commissioners are encouraged to attend Conference workshops on May I & 2, the Arts Office will pay registration, she recommends it. The Advocacy Workshop for the Arts Commission and Arts Associates led by Alan Ziter, Executive Director of the San Diego Performing Arts League will take place on May 12 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Carlsbad Senior Center. The purpose is to learn about San Diego's success at establishing a coalition to support the arts, and to strategize how to accomplish that in Carlsbad. The 1999/00 budget has been submitted. Staff has not received word on whether or not the Gallery has been funded. Lauren Pestinger has been hired as part- time gallery coordinator. A $250,000 will be contributed to the Friends of the Library for the Gallery, in exchange for the privilege of naming the Gallery. The contribution goes before City Council for acceptance on April 13. The Gallery Coffees have raised $2,000 in individual contributions. Lauren Pestinger is looking into designs for the Donor Wall display. Colleen Finnegan reported that the Visiting Artists program will present singer Perla Batalla and an ensemble of four musicians in Carlsbad schools and community organizations April 28-30, with support funding from the California Arts Council. Arts Associates Report President Barbara Nolder reported that the 1999 Membership Campaign is underway. So far, there is a 20% increase in memberships They could use additional volunteers, if any Commissioners are interested, there is a need . There are two new Arts Associates Board members, Kirsten Garvin and Sue Ladouceur. Anna Knox will join the Board in May. The members are looking forward to the Advocacy Planning Workshop and encourage the Commissioners to attend. Chairman Wood informed the Commission that the recommendations concerning alterations to the Cole Library are to be presented to City Council at the April 6th meeting, and Commissioners may be interested in attending. The meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m. C 0 P VI / THELMA I. HAYES, Box 1366, Carlsbad, CA 92018 Ph/Fax 760/434-3580 February 3, 1999 Carlsbad Arts Commission and Carlsbad Arts Associates Attn: Connie Beardsley 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008 Dear Comissioners and Board Members: On the llth anniversary I am again asking the Traffic Commission to examine the fulfillment of the Carlsbad Action Plan at its March 1, 1999 meeting. Safety Pedestrian As I expressed to the Commission before, I consider the pedestrian an essential link to a successful public transportation system. In^ my enclosed comments, you will see that I the need for safe footing, adequate lighting each bus stop. call attention to and bus benches at I am asking again that the Arts Commission consider sponsoring a contest for a design for a bus bench. The award winniing design could then be underwritten by various civic groups with Carlsbad known by its own unique benches. If you see other ways you can cooperate with Carlsbad in providing these amenities, your ideas will be welcomed especially at this meeting or any other time. Sincerely yours, Thelma I. Hayes enclosure c. Carlsbad Traffic Safety Commission THELMA I. HAYES, Box 1366, Carlsbad, CA 92018 Ph/FAX 760/434-3580 Public Conunent to the Traffic Safety Commission, January 4, 1999 Each year I come to ask the Commission at its meeting the first Monday in March to observe the anniversary of the city Council's Adoption of the PEDESTRIAN ACTION PLAN. It will be the llth, the beginning of the second year of the second ten years. This year I would like to ask that the evaluation be a little different, instead of our progress, I would like to see what we still have to do in capital projects. As you know, one priority is to have sidewalks within a half mile radius of each school. Last year the map showed the sidewalks which had been completed. This year can we see illustrated on a map the still missing sidewalks in the half mile radius around each school? And, if it is possible, also within a mile radius of these schools? If the children have safe footing, we gain two ways--they get more exercise and, when parents don't drive them, vehicular traffic is reduced. Also, please ask each principal to report any special areas needing first attention. Another priority is to promote safe pedestrian linkages to public transportation. May we have an inventory of the sidewalk access, benches and street lighting at each bus stop? Possibly North County Transit will cooperate with you on this. Other needs are pedestrian amenities such as safe footing and lighting in all areas of pedestrian concentration such as schools, churches, community centers, the Village, stores, offices, libraries, hospitals, parks, and recreation areas. If my suggestions of last year or other means of obtaining such information were pursued, can we learn of it in March?. Since now is the time the Capital Improvements Budget process begins, I am asking you to prepare and submit a budget request based on this up to date information of unmet pedestrian needs. Although Bob says, "Safety is not just observed on anniversaries but every minute," they do give an opportunity to take stock of accomplishments and needs. Thank you for all your contributions. c. Carlsbad City Council Carlsbad unified School District Board and Superintendent North County Transit District Board PROPOSED TILES FOR BENCHES AT THE OCEAN Arts Commission Chair Arthur Wood would like to see artists' designed tile on the benches which will be placed in the area where Split Pavilion has been removed. There are nine concrete benches which will be installed. It should be noted that the present landscape which was approved by City Council was approved as a temporary installation. The Arts Commission is asked to discuss this proposal. If it is decided that the Commission would like to see tiles on the benches, one of two selection methods should be recommended: an open competition or selected artists asked to develop designs for consideration. If the Arts Commission votes to recommend tile on the benches, the recommendation will go before City Council to approve the project and appropriate funds. APPROVAL OF ARTWORK PROPOSED BY ARTIST JANNELL CANNON FOR THE NEW LIBRARY Artist Jannell Cannon is offering to place a mural using characters from her books on a wall in the Children's area of the new library. She will do this for no charge and it will be mounted in such a way that it can be easily removed should it ever be necessary. The Arts Commission is asked to approve the recommendation to have Ms. Cannon's mural in the library. The recommendation will then go to City Council for approval. «/• lyQSu^TW^ 'i/ij^ Theater group plans to move to San Marcos • Carlsbad theater for the handicapped has been rent-free for eight years SANDRA HAZELTINE STAFF WRITER CARLSBAD — After calling Carlsbad home for the past 16 years, the curtain is falling on the Performing Arts Theater for the Handicapped's existence in the city. Officials with the nonprofit organization are planning to move to a larger facility in San Marcos where they will share space with Vista's Access Cen- ter. The move ends two years of searching for a new facility to house the theater group, which caters to people with disabili- ties. "I didn't want to leave Carls- bad," said Bob Cole, the group's president. "But we're not going that far away. It's just about a 10-minute drive from our cur- rent location." For the past eight years, PATH has occupied a 3,000- square-foot building at La Cos- ta Plaza rent free, courtesy of Sports Shinko Co. — owners of the nearby La Costa Resort and Spa and former owners of the retail center. Last year, the plaza was sold to Newport Beach developer Grant-Tucker Properties, which plans to raze the center and build a Lucky grocery store and Sav-On drugstore in its place. The project was approved by the city in the fall, and last month notices to vacate were given to the few tenants who re- mained at the aging plaza. Although the businesses were given a month's notice to be out by Wednesday, PATH of- ficials were not notified until the end of February, leaving them only two weeks to vacate. Cole said the property manage- ment company "had no record" of the group. Because of the short notice, the organization was able to get the deadline extended to March 22. Meanwhile, PATH officials and volunteers are packing up the theater group's belongings to be put into storage until they can move into the San Marcos facility — a warehouse in an in- dustrial park off Cherokee Street. The San Marcos Planning Commission must still review the project before PATH and the Access Center can move in because it is not zoned for their >• THEATER, B 7 March 31,1999 TO:ARTS COMMISSIONERS DEPARTMENT HEADS FROM: Community Arts Coordinator ARTS OFFICE REPORT FOR WINTER 1998/1999 Wind Harp by Ross Barrable OPPORTUNITIES FOR VISUAL ARTS GROW Opportunities to display and view art are growing throughout the City as three new facilities open, developed by the Arts Office in partnership with other city departments and community groups: The Carlsbad Sculpture Garden was dedicated in November at a ceremony attended by the Executive Director of the California Arts Council (CAC), the Mayor and City Council members. The Sculpture Garden, the City's first facility created for the purpose of exhibiting art, was funded by a $ I 1,700 grant from the CAC with an additional $4000 from the Carlsbad Arts Associates. Boy Scout Troop 784 pitched in to construct the special display pads, walkways and landscape as Scout Mark Doyle's Eagle Scout project. City Park Planner Mark Steyaert designed the landscape plan and many Parks and Facilities staffers assisted with the project. The Caballeros Gate, the public art project designed by Paul Hobson, will become the entrance to Carrillo Ranch but was temporarily erected at the Garden. The first sculpture collection, "Wind,Water and Relaxation" opened in December and will remain on exhibit for one year. The Sculpture Garden, open to the public 9-5, Monday through Friday, has attracted many visitors. New signs direct Library patrons to the Arts Office and Sculpture Garden. Carlsbad Gallery: Planning and fundraising for the 2000-square-foot Gallery began in earnest with the new year. A series of informational coffees has attracted over $2,000 in contributions and over 50 interested volunteers. And a Major Donor has stepped forward to contribute $250,000 to the Endowment Fund for the Art Gallery; the City Council will be asked to name the Gallery in the donor's honor. Carlsbad Skate Park:The opportunity to view art even applies to youth on the move. kj Carlsbad artist Ron Juncal of Studio II worked with local skateboarders to design a tile '' entry statement for the new Skate Park at the Safety Center as part of the city's % For Art program. The Park is expected to open in May. Art in City Hall: The current display in the Information/Human Resources building is a collection of works by the North County Photographic Society. Artists In and After School Programs for children and teens comprised a large percent of recent Arts Office activity. Artists-in-Residence: Each year Arts Office staff works in partnership with local schools and artists to develop grant applications for CAC funding of school residencies. During the 1998/99 school year, Carlsbad schools were awarded $ 15,000: dancer Elizabeth Jaro is working at Buena Vista School for nine months (her second of three years' funding) and drummer Monette Marino is preparing for a 4-month residency at Pine School. Four applications were submitted in February for 1999/2000 funding; results will be announced in August. Ju Skateboard An "Yes To Art": $5,000 from CDBG for youth-at-risk programs is paying for two artists in local programs. Visual artist Arts Office Winter Report - Page 2 artist Angel Adame's highly successful in-school/after school Digital Photography class with Valley Junior High School students was adopted and expanded by Lifeline Services as part of the Critical Hours Program at Valley. And Theater Instructor Andrea Schuck's Drama element of the Pine School/ Recreation Dept. Stay & Play program grew so success- fully that a separate after-school Drama Club has been established. Weekly participation in the two arts activities in- volves more than 40 children. Club Pelican attracted 45 children at two sessions during Winter Break The Batiquitos Lagoon-based arts & environment camp combines science, nature and creativity and is a very popular element of the Arts Office's series of arts camps. More than 300 children are anticipated for Club Pelican, Band Camp and Creative Arts Camps in Summer 1999. Thirteen instructors have signed on for this year. Multicultural Festival "By Kids For Kids" drew 2,915 students and chaperones to 16 free community-wide performances February 27-March 6. Funded by Friends of the Library, the Festival is a collabora- tion between the Arts Office and Library Children's Services and presents dance, music and traditions of world-wide cultures performed by children. School District Partnerships: 1998/99 is the third and final year of funding for a CAC Local Arts Education Partnership grant with the Carlsbad Unified School District. The Arts Office won $48,200 in grant awards, matched by District funds in support of a planning and implementation process to develop arts curriculum at each school. Since the partnership began, CUSD has adopted an arts education policy and approved music education in grades K-6 and has introduced an elementary school band program. In March, the Arts Office submitted a similar proposal in partnership with the Encinitas Unified School District, which has 3 schools in Carlsbad. Community Arts Education Grants: The Community Grants Panel awarded $5,000 for arts education projects in 1999 and three have been successfully completed. • At Magnolia School deaf and hearing students worked with 2 artists on a poetry and bookmaking project which culminated in a signed public reading; the audience included Council Member Ramona Finnila and Commissioners Arthur Wood and Gene Chartier. • At Mission Estancia School 20 third grade students and their teacher worked with six members of North County Poets for eight weeks, including a visit to Mount Israel. The project produced a book of poems entitled "I Am the Grace inYou" and poets and students performed a public reading at The Artists Colony on a Sunday afternoon for an audience of 50, including EUSD Director of Administrative Services Dr. Nancy Cunningham. • At St. Patrick's School, all Kindergarten through Second Grade teachers were trained in the Orff Music Education Techniques, to allow them to instruct students in basic music principles and performance. Visiting Artists CAC Support Funds totaling $6,000 in 1998199 help to bring performing artists of exceptional quality to Carlsbad for 3-5 day community residencies. Cosponsored by the Arts Associates and Friends of the Library, Yaelisa and Solera Flamenco performed for a full house on October 10th to introduce a community stay which included performances for 400 Valley Jr. High students, 250 Aviara Oaks Middle School students, 60 Carlsbad-by-the-Sea residents and more than 100 visitors at a lunchtime performance at Carlsbad Company Stores. Upcoming April 28-30, Per/a Batalla and Friends will make 6 school and community appearances, performing in Spanish and English, mixing traditional Mexican ballads and folk tunes with Perla's original songs celebrating life as a contemporary Latina. The residency will help promote the annual Mother's Day arts celebration, Festejando a las Madrecitas to be held Sunday, May 9 at Holiday Park for more than 600 people.Perla Batalla Arts Office Winter Report - Page 3 Sister Cities Programs: Sixteen visitors from Futtsu,Japan came to Carlsbad on November 6th to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Sister Cities relationship between the two shoreline communities. The group visited the Senior Center, Carlsbad Company Stores and the model homes at Bellalago. The Carlsbad Sister City Committee hosted the group to a dinner at the Beach View Lodge where many photographs, mementos and memories were exchanged. Members of the Sister City Committee will take part in a tour of Central Europe including a 2-day stay in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic May 5-17. The tour, presented by Costa Travel and Trafalgar Tours, reached its maximum capacity of 28 in February; the companies will contribute $100 per traveler to the Sister City Contributions Fund, which helps support cultural programs and youth exchanges. TGIF Jazz in the Parks Arts Commission Chairman Arthur Wood is hard at work gathering advertisers for the fourth annual Jazz-in-the-Parks Program. The Program earns approximately $10,000 per year in support of the popular concerts and other special events. It is one of several graphic design and desktop publishing pieces produced by Arts Secretary Sherry Freisinger. Carlsbad Arts Associates have been busy on all fronts: The Arts & Lectures Series attracted a total of 270 to three events between January and March, Three related Daytripper visits to the Van Gogh exhibit in Los Angeles sold out. Contributions to the Sculpture Garden and Gallery ($10,000) and Jazz-in-the-Parks concerts ($12,000) help maintain "quality Carlsbad-style" for these services. Gala: To celebrate the close of one successful, exciting year and the launch of another, the Arts Associates will hold a Gala Party at La Costa resort on Friday, April 30th as the annual membership meeting. Staff Changes; In December the Arts Office said goodbye to part-time Visual Arts Coordinator Naomi Nussbaum. In March, Lauren Pestinger joined the staff; Lauren will help Arts Manager Connie Beardsley coordinate Gallery exhibits, services and volunteers.