07/12/2012
PUBLIC ART & DESIGN BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
July 12, 2012
Present: Alex Plisko Jr. Vice-Chair
Judith B. Powers Board Member
Robert J. Entel Board Member
Sultana S. Volaitis Board Member
Roberta S. Klar Board Member
Absent: Howard Warshauer Chair
John P. Timberlake Board Member
Also Present: Felicia Leonard Administrative Support Manager
Christopher Hubbard Cultural Affairs Specialist
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 – Approval of Minutes
– May 31, 2012
Member Powers moved to approve the minutes of the regular Public Art & Design Board
meeting of May 31, 2012, as recorded and submitted in written summation to each board
member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3 – Old Business
3.1. Clearwater Harbor Marina & Promenade
Cultural Affairs Specialist Christopher Hubbard said the Legal Department is reviewing
artist Cliff Garten’s suggested changes to the indemnity portion of the contract for the artwork
“Middens.” Mr. Hubbard anticipated the project will be presented to the City Council for
approval in August.
In response to a question, Mr. Hubbard said Mr. Garten had accepted the board’s
recommendation for the smaller sculpture.
3.2. Pier House 60 Hotel
Mr. Hubbard said the dolphin on the Pier House 60 Hotel exterior mural has been altered
to resemble “Winter.” The mural will be installed this week. The rolling ball kinetic motion
sculpture should be installed in the hotel’s lobby within six months.
3.3. Chalk Art at Clearwater Beach
Mr. Hubbard reported the City has received several applications from good quality artists
for the Clearwater Beach Chalk Art event in October. Staff has recommended that the
Clearwater Beach Chamber of Commerce not provide travel support to individual artists as that
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would be unfair to other artists. Business sponsorships to create nearby chalk logos are
available to all artists.
3.4. Cliff Garten’s Proposed Artwork “Middens”
See Item 3.1.
3.5. Main Library Fence
Mr. Hubbard distributed renderings of the fence proposed for the Main Library. Staff is
working with the project’s architectural design firm to finalize the budget for the fence and
courtyard. Space is available for a public art component. Administrative Support Manager
Felicia Leonard said incorporating “Clearwater Public Library” into the fence design would
violate the City’s sign code. Library Director Barbara Pickell said staff is reviewing literary
quotes for that location. Ms. Leonard said conceptual designs for the courtyard of a planter with
bamboo and a large mosaic have been submitted. She expressed concern the planter would
require maintenance. Ms. Pickell said electricity is available on the wall at the library’s entrance
to light artwork. The cost of the fence is estimated at $108,000; an art element would increase
the budget. The City Council did not establish a budget.
Discussion ensued. It was recommended that the courtyard art should be a sculpture or
relief, not a flat mosaic on a flat surface, covering a wall that is part of the building’s architectural
design.
Member Entel moved that the Public Art & Design Board supports continued redesign
efforts for the fence and courtyard at the Main Library. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
In response to questions, Ms. Leonard said the fence will be constructed with Library
funds; the Library may approach the Public Art & Design Board to fund the public art piece. The
fence project, which does not have a public art requirement, will be brought to the City Council
for approval in August. The City’s master plan identifies the Main Library as a key site for public
art. The courtyard would provide an opportunity for a large sculpture as no seating elements
will be present. The City hopes downtown activity will increase.
Concern was expressed the subject wall cannot be easily seen from passing vehicles
and it was recommended that the public art be a sculpture, located at the corner of windows
where it could be interactive, provide a 360 degree visual impact, and be visible from inside and
out. Suggestions were made to put nothing on the wall as it is part of the architect’s design or to
put a cast bronze, quote, or graphic image in green patina there as long as the wall remains
visible through the artwork. Reference was made to features of the artwork at the Ft. Myers art
center, which provide an interactive experience. It was suggested that a Call to Artists be held.
It was recommended that the fence reflect the asymmetrical design of the library’s roof
and replicate the roof’s wave design. It was stated that the design of the fence would be more
effective, fitting, and contemporary if it follows the roof line or is juxtaposed.
4 - New Business
4.1. Private Development Update
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Mr. Hubbard said he last reported that Bay Care would make an in-lieu of contribution
instead of adding public art to their corporate office project on Drew Street. He will meet with
them on Friday regarding their plan now to include on-site public artwork. He said the V-shape
design of the buildings provides an opportune location for the art.
It was felt the public art will enhance the facility for employees.
Mr. Hubbard said no new paperwork has been filed regarding the Nickel Plate property.
When properties change hands, staff contacts new owners regarding public art requirements.
4.2. Public Development Update
Mr. Hubbard reported the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the
Clearwater Dolphin project and is providing 33 dolphins for local artists to decorate. The
dolphins will be displayed and lit at night at Pier 60 Park from August 4 until early September to
coincide with the Republican National Convention.
4.3. Sculpture360: Season V Selection Panel
Mr. Hibbard reviewed nominees for the Sculpture360: Season V Selection Panel: 1)
Felicia Leonard, representing Parks & Recreation; 2) Judith Powers, volunteered to represent
the Public Art & Design Board; 3) Bob Clifford, representing the Clearwater Regional Chamber
of Commerce; 4) Denis Bosi, representing the DDB (Downtown Development Board); 5)Anne
Fogarty France, representing Economic Development, 6) Clayton Swartz, artist representative;
and 7) To Be Announced, Capitol Theater representative.
Member Volaitis moved to approve the Sculpture360: Season V Selection Panel as
proposed. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
4.4. Board Presentation to Council
Mr. Hubbard distributed an outline of board duties and actions during the past five-years
for presentation to the City Council on August 2, 2012. Chair Warshauer will present the Public
Art & Design Board report to the City Council.
5—Items not on the Agenda: None.
6 -Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 2:42 p.m.
Next meeting: October 11, 2012
Attest: 1l cf2.-Chair ✓ 0
Public Art & Design Advisory Board
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:oard Repo -r
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