01/12/2011
PUBLIC ART & DESIGN BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
January 12, 2011
Present: Josh Bomstein Chair
Howard Warshauer Vice-Chair
Alex Plisko Jr. Board Member – arrived 2:15 p.m.
John P. Timberlake Board Member
Judith B. Powers Board Member
Absent: Robert J. Entel Board Member
Sultana S. Volaitis Board Member
Also Present: Felicia Leonard Administrative Support Manager
Christopher Hubbard Cultural Affairs Specialist
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
The Chair called the meeting to order at 2:08 p.m. at the Long Center.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily
discussed in that order.
2 – Approval of Minutes
– September 15, 2010
Member Warshauer moved to approve the minutes of the regular Public Art & Design
Board meeting of September 15, 2010, as recorded and submitted in written summation to each
board member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3 – Old Business
3.1. Downtown Boat Slips & Promenade
Cultural Affairs Specialist Christopher Hubbard reported the Selection Panel for the
Downtown Boat Slip & Promenade sculpture had chosen four finalists: 1) Ilan Averbuch; 2)
Rodney Carroll; 3) Cliff Garten; and 4) David Griggs. Finalists will submit proposals to be
considered on March 14, 2011. Award of a contract will be presented to the City Council for
approval in April.
Discussion ensued with comments that each finalist represents a different genre. It was
stated while the ease of submission attracted a number of unqualified applications, it also
provided an array of talent, styles, and ideas. Administrative Support Manager Felicia Leonard
said Coast Guard notions regarding design and material had changed over time. Mr. Hubbard
did not know if a sculpture could be installed in time for the premier of “Dolphin Tale.”
3.2. Fire Station 48 Progress
Mr. Hubbard said after the foundation is poured next Tuesday, Artist Christopher Fennell
will transport his sculpture to Clearwater for installation in front of Fire Station 48. The nearby
drainage canal will be fenced to protect artwork viewers. The Fire and Parks & Recreation
departments will work together on the design and location of landscaping, benches, etc.
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3.3. FDOT US 19 Overpass
Mr. Hubbard said the Call to Artists was extended. FDOT (Florida Department of
Transportation) supports a lighting option as it will be easiest, less expensive, and best able to
fit into the construction schedule; panel designs would need to be submitted soon. The budget
will be based on construction costs. The City will pay the artist design fee.
Discussion ensued regarding dynamic lighting possibilities, with concern expressed that
special lighting effects will not be visible during the day.
Consensus was for Member Plisko to represent the Public Art & Design Advisory Board
and Chair the Selection Committee for public art at the FDOT US 19 overpass project.
3.4. Clearwater Beach Life Guard Stations
Mr. Hubbard reported that three life guard towers have been designed and are out to
bid; two more are planned. Each tower features a different style. It is hoped they will be
completed by Spring Break. The cost of each tower has not been determined; staff is talking
with the Beach Chamber of Commerce and beach hotels regarding contributions.
Concerns were expressed regarding the requirement for hurricane resistant glass if the
towers will be removed before storms and clearance issues related to trucking the 16-foot
towers to the Armory before storms.
Consensus was to support the life guard tower designs.
4 - New Business
4.1. Private Development Update
AND
4.2. Public Development Update
The Public Art Discretionary Fund available balance is $96,272.98. Reserved funds
$104,404 for the Downtown Boat Slips & Promenade art and $8,000 for Sculpture360: Season
III. The Discretionary Fund total balance is $208,676.98.
4.3. Paul Owens Training Facility at Carpenter Complex
Consensus was for Member Timberlake to represent the Public Art & Design Advisory
Board and Chair the Selection Committee for public art at Paul Owens Training Facility at
Carpenter Complex. Sixty applications have been received.
4.4. Sculpture360 on Clearwater Beach
Mr. Hubbard said based on the success of the downtown Sculpture360 program, beach
hoteliers and the Clearwater Beach Chamber of Commerce have expressed interest in
extending the program to the beach where approximately seven pedestrian-scaled sculptures
could be displayed. Many artists have expressed interest in displaying their work on the beach.
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He estimated first year expenses at $22,000, which include installation of pedestals at a cost of
approximately $2,500 each.
Discussion ensued with a recommendation that a 10-year commitment be requested. It
was stated the sculptures’ impact is greater than related costs.
Staff will research potential sponsors and further investigate the issue. The beach crew
has indicated additional maintenance staff would not be required.
4.5. Restoration of Bansemer ”Birds” at MSB Garage
Mr. Hubbard recommended allocating funds to restore the Bansemer paintings lining the
MSB (Municipal Services Building) parking garage and suggested contacting artist Roger
Bansemer for recommendations; Mr. Bansemer has relocated to North Carolina. The cost of
restoration is not known. A panel could be shipped to Mr. Bansemer for his review.
Discussion ensued with comments that the bird art is loved by many and restoration
efforts are important, especially since recent improvements to Pinellas Trail. It was stated that
Mr. Bansemer will advise the City if the paintings can be restored.
4.6. PAVA Contract for Library & MSB
Due to staff limitations, the City has partnered with PAVA (Professional Association of
Visual Artists) to provide two or three month exhibitions of local art at the Main Library and MSB.
The organization will provide all of the art and resources to hang the art. Guilds also have
expressed interest in exhibiting art. In response to a concern, Mr. Hubbard said the City has the
right to refuse any piece. The organization is sensitive to public mores.
4.7. 2009/10 Annual Report
The report will be emailed to board members. Winter holiday banners are planned. The
City Council has responded positively to public art efforts.
4.8. Meeting times/dates/attendance
Mr. Hubbard reviewed meeting dates for 2011: 1) March 17; 2) June 16; 3) September
15; and 4) December 15. Meetings begin at 2:00 p.m. and are held at the Long Center.
Concern was expressed that meetings previously were held on Wednesdays. A
schedule of alternate meetings dates will be distributed.
Mr. Hubbard said member attendance is important.
4.9. Sunshine Laws Update
Mr. Hubbard reviewed Sunshine Law requirements.
4.10. Chalk Art at Clearwater Beach
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Staff is researching a partnership with Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture and the Arts to
relocate its three-year-old annual Chalk Art Festival from Hyde Park to Clearwater Beach for fall
2012. If approved, preparations would begin immediately for the weekend event.
Concern was expressed that chalk may harm the beach environment.
5 - Items not on the Agenda
Mr. Hubbard reported that staff is working on a Google interactive map of public art in
the City.
It was hoped that more residents would use the Tampa Bay Arts Council website
www.artstampabay.com to access a calendar of all regional arts and culture. The Arts Council
is managing the site and reviews every posting.
6 - Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 3:11 p.m.
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