01/12/2012
PUBLIC ART & DESIGN BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
January 12, 2012
Present: Howard Warshauer Vice-Chair
Alex Plisko Jr. Board Member
John P. Timberlake Board Member
Judith B. Powers Board Member
Robert J. Entel Board Member
Sultana S. Volaitis Board Member
Roberta S. Klar Board Member
Also Present: Felicia Leonard Administrative Support Manager
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
The Vice-Chair called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. at the Long Center.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
2 – Election of Officers
Member Powers moved to appoint Howard Warshauer as Chair. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
Member Powers moved to appoint Alex Plisko Jr. as Vice-Chair. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
3 – Approval of Minutes
– September 15 & November 8, 2011
Member Plisko said he was not present at the November 8, 2011, meeting
Member Powers moved to approve the minutes of the regular Public Art & Design Board
meetings of September 15 & November 8, 2011. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
4 – Old Business
4.1. Downtown Boat Slips & Promenade
Administrative Support Manager Felicia Leonard said negotiations continue with Cliff
Garten regarding installation of the harbor front sculpture and associated capital improvements.
A mound is being considered to raise the sculpture one foot, increasing its visibility.
4.2. FDOT US 19 Overpass
Ms. Leonard said the clay molds for the US 19 overpass at Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard are
made; installation of the panels is scheduled for 2013.
4.3. Chalk Art at Clearwater Beach
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Ms. Leonard said the Clearwater Beach Chamber of Commerce plans to sponsor a
special event each month to attract tourists. Staff will meet with them regarding budget
estimates for a proposed Fall chalk art festival on the promenade side of BeachWalk. With
plans to charge each artist $60 - $70 and no admission fee, sponsorships will be necessary to
cover associated costs, including chalk, security, portalets, etc.
4.4. Paul Owens Training Facility at Carpenter Complex
Ms. Leonard said artist Stephanie Huerta’s bronze bust of Paul Owens will be unveiled
today at Carpenter Complex.
4.5. Sculpture360 on Clearwater Beach
Ms. Leonard said the project to display six pedestrian-scale sculptures on Clearwater
Beach is moving forward; nine locations have been chosen for review. Based on the beach
location and popularity of bronze sculptures of children at Largo Park, a child theme was
suggested.
5 - New Business
5.1. Private Development update
Ms. Leonard said Cultural Affairs Specialist Christopher Hubbard will help the Lakeside
at Park Place development with the call-to-artists process for an artistic design for a bus shelter.
PSTA (Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority) approval will be required.
5.2. Public Development update
Ms. Leonard said staff is discussing if the planned Reverse Osmosis plant will have a
public art requirement.
5.3. Update on future private development projects: None.
6 – Items not on the Agenda
Main Library
Ms. Leonard reviewed plans to fence the Main Library.
Concerns were expressed that fencing should complement the Main Library, which cost
more than $20 million and is the most architecturally significant building downtown. It was
stated proposed fencing resembles a jail, is neither friendly nor inviting, and sends a message
to stay out. It was commented that proposed fencing is awful, appears to have been designed
by an engineer, and is similar to fencing used for parking lots and CHA (Clearwater Housing
Authority) projects. It was recommended that artists could solve the fencing problem and the
fencing could feature several designs.
Ms. Leonard said the library has requested a rotating exhibit of three sculptures for the
front courtyard. The Main Library was earmarked as a location for public art.
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It was recommended that site specific, permanent art is preferred, and the fence could
serve as public art. Concern was expressed that managing another rotating exhibit would
burden staff; it was noted the Main Library already hosts rotating art exhibits inside. It was
suggested that the requested art is a solution to aesthetic problems created by fencing the
library entrance. It was stated that site specific art could be wonderful and engaging to library
patrons. It was felt the board could provide more input when a detailed plan is presented,
showing locations for art and appurtenances, such as benches.
Consensus was to request a more detailed plan of elements proposed for the Main
Library courtyard, and that the board is willing to fund a permanent sculpture and recommends
that fencing be aesthetically pleasing and reflect the building's architecture.
Fire Station 48
It was noted that lights inside the sculpture's torch are visible from passing vehicles.
7 -Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 2:55 p.m.
Next meeting—Thursday, Apr 2,
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Public Art & Design Advisory Board
Attest:
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Board Reporter
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