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02-17-2010 (Public Arts Advisory) Minutes Public Art — New Municipal Complex Art Selection Panel CITY OF WYLIE Minutes Special Called Meeting Agenda February 17, 2010 — 6:00 pm Wylie Municipal Complex City Council Chambers/Conference Room 2000 Highway 78 North CALL TO ORDER Announce the presence of a Quorum. The meeting was called to order by Public Arts Advisory Board Liaison Carole Ehrlich at 6:10 p.m. with the following selection panel members present: Rachel Orozco and Renae' 011ie, representing city staff; Maribeth Flowers, landscape designer; Margaret Robinette, retired art coordinator, City of Dallas; Marie Renfro, artist; John Pototschnik, artist; Donna Edge, Wylie ISD; and Stewart Matthews, PAAB chair. Mike Sferra and Mary Davis were absent. Art consultant Sharon Leeber was present to answer questions regarding the artists. PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION ITEMS o Presentation and Review of the Semi-Finalists for the Public Art CIP Project for the Wylie Municipal Complex, Site #1. (C. Ehrlich, Board Liaison, and Sharon Leeber, Art Consultant) Staff Comments Public Art Advisory Board Liaison Ehrlich addressed the panel stating that the Municipal Complex Art Selection Panel met on December 9, 2009 to review the artist submissions from the Call for Artists for the new Wylie Municipal Complex Art Projects. The selection panel narrowed the artists for Site#1 by unanimous vote, to three semi-finalists. These included Cliff Garten, Brower Hatcher, and Steve Gillman. All semi-final artists attended a Public Input Meeting on January 7, 2009 to gather information on the city and hear public comments regarding the art. These three artists were asked to provide final art design presentations for review by the panel tonight. Ms. Ehrlich explained that the artists drew for order of presentation. She explained that each artist was given the option of attending the three presentations per the Texas Open Meetings Act and opted to only sit in on the artist presentations for Site#2. She introduced Art consultant Sharon Leeber who was present to answer any questions the panel might have. She explained that the panel is asked to rank the artists by first choice, second choice, and third choice. The first choice finalist will be recommended to the Public Arts Advisory Board and subsequently to the Wylie City Council for final approval and a contract to commission the art. The PAAB, at their discretion may change the order of finalist or choose to take the recommendation made by the selection panel. The finalist and a contract to commission the art will be presented for consideration to the Wylie City Council on March 9, 2010 if contracts are completed by that date. Ehrlich explained that the artists had drawn for order of presentation and they would be in the following order: Brower Hatcher, first; Steve Gillman, second; and Cliff Garten, third. Each artist gave a short presentation on the final design each was proposing for the art project for Site#1. Brower Hatcher presented a wagon depicting the early settlers to Wylie with paths leading up to the art — resembling train tracks. The canopy of the wagon was made from airbrushed steel and contained objects from that time period. The proposal would be 20' high and approximately 17' in width. There would be an opening between the wagon wheels of 5'10" to allow visitors to walk through the art and take one of the two paths leading up to city hall or the library. Steve Gillman presented a series of monoliths that started at the back of the parking median (art site) and extended past the fire lane to the recreation center. He explained that these monoliths would start at approximately 12 feet and would rise to 17 feet at the buildings. Each granite stone would be etched with a line that would be positioned at different heights to follow the topography of the land. Each monolith would be etched with a quote from residents of the city starting back 40 years ago from newspaper articles published by Beb Faulkersen, long time resident of Wylie. He stated that he was proposing etching the phrases onto a series of massive granite columns. He explained they would begin way out at the north end of the planted area, and march down in an arithmetical progression towards the Municipal Complex. It would run a total of 360 feet. Each column would weigh about 35,000 lbs. Three sides of each column would be a natural surface, and the fourth (north) face, would be a flat machined surface on which the text would be engraved. The seven granite monoliths will have "place making" effect on the site, without taking it over. They lead the eye towards the Municipal Complex, helping to orient new visitors. Although they are monumental, they also provide an intimacy and serenity as they are approached. The engraving evokes a connection into the past. He described a pathway through the median that would take visitors from the rear of the parking area through the median to the buildings, reflecting on the past. Cliff Garten presented a design that resembled an onion bloom. It was proposed to be approximately 13 feet in height and would illuminate at night. He proposed to create the bloom from steel rods with a floral design at the tips. These would be airbrushed. The design set on a base that brought the art to a height of approximately 20 feet. He designed a circular path that created berms in between the paths allowing for plant materials, either — grasses or wild flowers requiring no irrigation. The art design would be lit from two polls placed on each side of the art and from below. He explained that though the sculpture "Pearl of Wylie" represents the idea of community it also represents a global view through the image of its globe or sphere. The sculpture, while instilled with many layers of history, is a stunning, abstract form that will have a timeless quality due to the enduring geometric perfection of the sphere and all that it represents (community). BUSINESS ITEMS 1. Consider and act upon the ranking of the three semi-finalists and recommending the first ranked finalist to the Public Arts Advisory Board for the Wylie Municipal Complex, Site #1 Art Project. (C. Ehrlich, Board Liaison) Staff Comments Board Liaison Ehrlich addressed the panel stating that each of the three artists have completed their final presentations and answered questions regarding the specifics of their art designs. The panel is asked to rank the three semi-finalists and recommend by motion the first ranked artist to the Public Arts Advisory Board for their review and recommendation to the Wylie City Council. She noted that the selection must be by majority vote. Panel Discussion Each panel member was given the opportunity to comment on each art presentation and give their opinion on the art designs. Panel members liked the abstract qualities of the onion blossom, but had some concern with the size of the design presented by Cliff Garten (Pearl of Wylie), noting that it might not be large enough. February 17,2010 Wylie Municipal Complex Art Selection Panel Page 2 of 5 Members expressed positive comments regarding the Steve Gillman monolith designs stating they gave a clear path to the front of the buildings and invited visitors to approach. Panel members also liked the pathway and the proposed lighting to allow visitors to reflect both during the day and at night. They suggested that if this art design was recommended as the finalist, that the library board or staff review the quotes for the monoliths, to insure they were specific to all time periods of the past. Panel members commented that the design by Brower Hatcher was very creative, using the railroad tracks, covered wagon and "W" to split the pathway and was a good use of the history of Wylie. Some panelist had concerns with the colors in the canopy of the covered wagon; others had concern with the spacing in the wagon sides. Panel members thought the suggested plantings of corn, onions and cotton might be a maintenance issue. Panel Action A motion was made by panel member Stewart Matthews, seconded by panel member Marie Renfro to recommend the three semi-finalists for Site#1 in the following order: Brower Hatcher—third ranked Cliff Garten —second ranked Steve Gillman — first ranked finalist, and to recommend Steve Gillman and his art design to the Public Arts Advisory Board for the Municipal Complex Art Project, Site #1. A vote was taken and the motion passed 8-0 with Mary Davis and Mike Sferra absent. PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION ITEMS 0— o Presentation and Review of the Semi-Finalists for the Public Art CIP Project for the Wylie Municipal Complex, Site #2. (C. Ehrlich, Board Liaison, and Sharon Leeber, Art Consultant) Staff Comments Public Art Advisory Board Liaison Ehrlich addressed the panel stating that the selection panel narrowed the artists for Site #2 by unanimous vote, to three semi-finalists. These included Po Shu Wang and Louise Bertelsen, Living Lenses; Madeline Wiener; and Andy Dufford. She explained that Mr. Dufford had contacted the city after the input meeting to decline from moving forward with his proposal due to previous committed obligations. Ehrlich explained to the board that per the original selections, two alternates were selected in the event one of the artists could not complete the proposal process. She reported that she had contacted both alternates and artist David Phelps had agreed to participate in the proposal process. These three artists were asked to provide final art design presentations for review by the panel tonight. Ms. Ehrlich explained that the artists drew for order of presentation. She explained that each artist was given the option of attending the three presentations per the Texas Open Meetings Act and opted to only sit in on the artist presentations for Site#1. She explained that the panel is asked to rank the artists by first choice, second choice, and third choice. The first choice finalist will be recommended to the Public Arts Advisory Board and subsequently to the Wylie City Council for final approval and a contract to commission the art. The PAAB, at their discretion may change the order of finalist or choose to take the recommendation made by the selection panel. The finalist and a contract to commission the art will be presented for consideration to the Wylie City Council on March 9, 2010 if contracts were completed by that date. Ehrlich explained that the artists had drawn for order of presentation and they would be in the following order: Living Lenses, first; David Phelps, second; and Madeline Wiener, third. February 17,2010 Wylie Municipal Complex Art Selection Panel Page 3 of 5 Living Lenses, Po Shu Wang and Louise Bertelsen (by teleconference due to illness). Po Shu Wang presented his presentation via teleconference due to an illness not allowing the artists to attend in person. Mr. Wang described the art sculpture as a perfect metaphor for our being. "With the library (mind) on one side and the recreation center---- (body) on the other, the artwork is where they come together to become the whole person." He explained that the sculpture is a sequence of hemispheres spiraling towards each other, and come together to form a complete sphere at the center. It represents our metal and physical being coming together to become the whole person. The center sphere houses a concealed outdoor speaker, where the "Community Symphony" is broadcast. A keyboard will be installed at the Library, and one at the Recreation Center. Community members will be able to type in any thoughts, wishes, or expressions at anytime they feel like it. Their words will be translated into Braille text dots and turned into music. He explained that voices of the community will hear an on-going symphony that is Wylie's very own. Right from the mouth of the people, that is the sole content of the music. He explained that this symphony will be broadcast from an embedded speaker at the center sphere of the sculpture (polished steel), where the body and mind come together; a modern day wishing well. David Phelps addressed the panel stating that he was proposing a 1 1/4 times larger than life cast bronze and fabricated steel sculpture representing two figures in a canoe. The figures are cast bronze and the canoe is fabricated steel. The piece measures 25 feet long 42 inches tall and 40 inches wide. The outside of the canoe will be fabricated from layers of arrowhead shaped steel elements that make reference to the native artifacts found at the site. The inside of the canoe will be fabricated from layers of Texas "Lone Star" steel shapes which will have the names of historical people from the Wylie area etched into them. Some areas of the canoe are the right height to function as seating. He explained that he also proposed a number of large landscaping rocks be included in the landscape plan to function as seating as well, to help create a visual reference to a creek bed. The canoe will be heading into the courtyard from the more wild area behind the complex; symbolizing the journey through time from past to present, and from country to modern. The canoe image also makes reference to recreation; tying in with the Recreation Center component of the Complex. The suggested landscaping rocks provide seating and strengthen the reference to the symbolic creek bed. If possible, one of the rocks will go on the hard surface in order to tie the whole space — together. The sculpture will appear to be floating an inch or two above the sod giving it a slightly surreal, ghostly, presence. The sculpture will be anchored to sub grade concrete footings on unobtrusive 1" diameter stainless steel rod. He explained that he was given the opportunity to hear an audio recording of the community input meeting and was taken by a number of things he heard. He stated that cooperation seems to be a constant theme in describing the people of Wylie. The two figures in the canoe symbolize the importance of cooperation in the history of Wylie. He noted that another thing that really caught his attention was that early on, because of the thickness of the brambles in the area, native people used the creek beds as paths to move from one place to another. The canoers become a subtle symbol of those creek beds and their role in early movement. The steel will be sealed with Incralac and hot waxed over that. The bronze will be hot waxed over the patina. Madeline Wiener addressed the panel stating that she used large stone pieces to sculpt her designs. Several different types of stone were utilized depending on the project and the durability needed. She presented a concrete book that would be 1.5' high and measure 25' in length that would hold three sculptures. The first sculpture would be of a couple measuring 5'7" x 3.5' and would double as seating for visitors; the second sculpture would be of a person lying on a hammock "Relaxing Man." This sculpture would measure 3' x 5' x 2'. The third sculpture would be a child measuring 3' x 4' x 2'. The little girl would be reading a book etched in the large book patio. She suggested etching other things like history and learning of some type as part of the large book (patio). BUSINESS ITEMS 2. Consider and act upon the ranking of the three semi-finalists and recommending the first ranked finalist to the Public Arts Advisory Board for the Wylie Municipal Complex, Site #2 Art Project. (C. Ehrlich, Board Liaison) February 17,2010 Wylie Municipal Complex Art Selection Panel Page 4 of 5 Staff Comments .1140. Board Liaison Ehrlich addressed the panel stating that each of the three artists have completed their final presentations and answered questions regarding the specifics of their art designs. The panel is asked to rank the three semi-finalists and recommend by motion the first ranked artist to the Public Arts Advisory Board for their review and recommendation to the Wylie City Council. She noted that the selection must be by majority vote. Panel Discussion The panel discussed the three artists. Panel members stated that it was a very hard choice as all three artists had completed designs very specific to the space. Panel members each gave comments regarding the proposals with positive comments for all three artists. Margaret Robinette stated that she believed the interactive hemisphere created by Living Lenses was a very unique and different way of approaching art. She stated that if this piece was chosen, which fit the site very well, people would come to see it. There is no other art like this in the metroplex. She stated that although she really liked the sculptures by the other two artists, she felt the uniqueness of the "Body and Mind" art was the best choice. The panel asked principal architect, Craig Melde (ArchiTexas) his opinion from an architectural point of view. He stated that he recommended the Living Lenses proposal as it was new and unique, much like the architecture of the new buildings. Panel Action A motion was made by panel member Donna Edge, seconded by panel member Stewart Matthews to recommend the three semi-finalists for Site#2 in the following order: David Phelps—third ranked Madeline Wiener— second ranked Po Shu Wang and Louise Bertelsen "Living Lenses" — first ranked finalist, and to recommend Living Lenses and their art design to the Public Arts Advisory Board for the Municipal Complex Art Project, Site#2. A vote was taken and the motion passed 8-0 with Mary Davis and Mike Sferra absent. 3. Consider and act upon the minutes from the December 9, 2009 Wylie Municipal Complex Art Selection Panel Meeting. (C. Ehrlich, Board liaison) Panel Action A motion was made by panel member Stewart Matthews, seconded by panel member Renae' 011ie to approve the minutes from the December 9, 2009 Wylie Municipal Complex Art Selection Panel Meeting. A vote was taken and the motion passed 8-0 with Mary Davis and Mike Sferra absent. ADJOURNMENT With no further business before the Wylie Municipal Art Selection Panel, a motion was made by panel member John Pototschnik, seconded by panel member Stewart Matthews to adjourn the meeting at 11:13 p.. A vote was t en the motion passed 8-0 with Mary Davis and Mike Sferra absent. arole Ehrlich PAAB Liaison/Secretary February 17,2010 Wylie Municipal Complex Art Selection Panel Page 5 of 5