HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 1993DRAFT - NOT APPROVED
Minutes of 26 January 1993 Public Art Committee Meeting
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jim Gamble, Beth Hart, Ron Isaacson,
Dave Mickenberg, Fred Nagelbach, Michael
Phillips
MEMBERS ABSENT: Ray Green, Indira Johnson, Gail Struve
STAFF: Jonathon Glus, Public Art Coordinator,
The monthly meeting of the Public Art Committee was called to
order by Chair Ron Isaacson in Studio 4106 of the Noyes Cultural
Arts Center, 927 Noyes Street, Evanston, IL 60201, at 7:15 pm.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes of the 29 November 1992 meeting
which reflected revisions recommendations by Ron Isaacson and
Beth Hart prior to this meeting were approved unanimously. Beth
Hart moved for approval and Fred Nagelbach seconded approval.
CHAIR'S REPORT: icon Isaacson stated that PAC was clearly busy
over the last month, and that the Library staff and Board
representative (F. Malkinson) as well as the architect (J.
Powell' and project manager (D. Wahl) went away from the 23
January special meeting of PAC regarding the Library Public Art
Plan with a much clearer understanding of PAC and its ideas for
the Library project. Ron then stated that the Library Board
approved Section I of the Public Art Plan.
Ron directed the Committee's attention to a proposed attendance
policy provided to PAC at the meeting. Ron explained that the
responsibilities outlined are a goal. but nevertheless, for PAC
to accomplish all its projects over the next 18 months, members
will have to make a considerable commitment to the Committee.
Ron als,�-xplained that the Arts Coun.il established an associate
members:^.ip to meet the many deeds of Arts-c!uncil programming and
that t,",e list of professionals compilad by PAC may serve a
similar purpose for this committee. Dave Mickenberq asked if the
size of the Committee is similar to *.hat c,f -)ther boards and
:ommittees in the city. Ron explained that the size of PAC is
about average but that PAC is invnlvP.] :n more pro7Pcts than
many
Pon a; explained F_rst Night Evans!-n and that a committee has
been established to facilitate tha 1993 First Night. icon
suggested that PAC may want to sponsor an ice sculpture for that
evening. and he Pncouraged members t,i hrinq names of possible
artists hack to the community. Ron asked if any members were
interested in sitting on a PAC sub -committee for First Night. No
members chose to (-ommit at this meetig Ron invited members to
think about it and get back to him
STAFF REPORT: Jonathon Glus explained that he was asked by EVMARK
to coordinate a mural project for the barrier around the Library
site. He further explained that he spoke with a number of
theatre set designers and painters about painting a mural at the
site, and also spoke with Carla Kinney -Phillips at School
District #65 about the possibility of school children painting a
mural. School District #65 showed a great interest in the
project and suggested that it would fund the majority of the
project, provided that the District could use the barrier surface
for the duration of the project. Jonathon pointed out that
giving the project to the District would preclude using a
professional artist. Beth Hart reminded the Committee that Carla
Kinney -Phillips is a trained artist and that she would be
involved with the project through the entire process. Ron
reminded the Committee that this is the first of a number of
public art projects that will be included in the downtown
revitalization project. Ron suggested that PAC send a letter to
EVMARK supporting the idea of working with District t65 on this
project, with the caveat that the materials used are appropriate
and of sufficiently high quality to last outside, that Carla -
Kinney Phillips review the design concepts for each school, and
that PAC is willing to provide technical assistance for this
project if necessary. The letter would further state that PAC is
interested in participating at a more critical level in the other
public art projects which will happen in downtown over the next
few years. Dave Mickenberg suggested that staff go back to the
School District =65 and again mention that alternative funding is
available if the District is interested.
Jim Gamble raised the question of the parameters of PAC's
;urisdiction, either by ordinance or by suggestion within the
Community. The committee agreed that this is an issue to be
discussed at the retreat.
NEW PUBLIC LIBRARY PROJECT:
Approvai of minutes of th- 12 January meeting, Beth Hart asked
that it show that she abstained from voting on the motion set
forth by Ray Green (p. 4 of minutes) to recommend the use of
$'0,000 of the Johnson tequest for sculpture for the west facade
,f the Library. F'rAd 3dagelbach asked that _n addition to the
second paragraph on rage :;ve it state that 7,oseph Powell did not
rosrnnd to Fr-d'_ about the strut-.jral limzt,tions of
`he piers and tn wha` ex -end `he piers may changed Ron
=tatFd that 'oseph F_-wR11 anti Davp Wahl di.; say that structural
alterations to the design Df the piers will happen as necessary
ro support the commissioned artwork and asked that this be
included. With these addrtinns. Beth Hart moved for approval of
'he minutes and pave Mif kenberg secnnded approval of the minutes.
Ron announced that the Johnson bequest trustees recently approved
the use of the Johnson monies for non -bronze and non-figurative
sculpture, which greatly opens the breadth of possibilities for
the piece. Ron then said that it is necessary to establish a
sub -committee for the exterior of the library (Section I, Public
Art Plan), and a second committee to coordinate the interior
(Section II, Public Art Plan.) Ron also said that he tried to
contact Ray Green before the meeting to ask him to chair the
exterior committee and would assume that Ray will agree. Fred
Nagelbach, Jim Gamble, and Dave Mickenberg agreed to sit on the
exterior committee. Beth Hart agreed to sit on the interior
committee. In the absence of Indira Johnson and and Gail Struve,
they were assigned to the interior committee. Joseph Powell or
his representative will also sit on each committee. Jonathon
stated that Fred Malkinson will represent the Library Board and
Laura Hirschfield will represent the Library staff. Ron stated
that the exterior committee will have to address format for the
prospectus and establish a selection process.
Ron reviewed the various types of competition/commission
processes which may be used for the exterior artwork. Jonathon
reminded the Committee that Joseph Powell must know what
structural considerations are necessary for the artwork by the
end of August. Ron turned the attention of the Committee to the
workshePt drafted by Jonathon. Ron explained that the workshePt
was merely a point of departure for conversation if the Committee
chose to begin considering the interior of the building. Fred
Nagelbach stated that in Section I the document suggests that the
exterior artwork will be selected from a national competition.
Dave asked that specific references to the type of acquisition
process be deleted from the document. Fred further stated that
he felt that his first choice for process is commission because
the over-all quality of the piece will probably be higher than
through other processes, and secondly through a regional
competition because the piece will probably be of high quality
because the artist will ha%: i Sense ,f in —stment in the
community and building, and because transit and site visit costs
will be kept low. ,Dave Mickenberg said that he most supported an
invitation process. Ron supported the idea of an open national
competition hecause more meetings are necessary for an
invitational and because he belipvpd thar rhP Library Board was
in favor of a national competition Rnn asked both sub-
•-ommi`tP s I ,pct_cn and lent; In 11' tr, meet In the next month
to 11=cuss Dave Mi _kF nl -erg -,f fered to
conv-ne the mP;-ting _,r Sec -inn '..
VIADUCT COMPETITION PROJECT: Jim Gamble showed the Committee the
nine Finalists and rhp three winning designs Ron Pxplalned that
no monies currently exist to reali;:e the Pr03ect. but that it may
be realized in phases. Ron ,also stated that the panel had no
idea of the variety of proposals they would receive Beth Hart
stressed that publicity is very important for the project. Jim
said that he asked Jonathon to arrange photography of the
finalists and have the photos (of original size) mounted for
exhibition. Jonathon stated that he had mentioned to Terry
Jenkins that he was interested in placing the proposals be placed
in the empty Prudential windows in TownCentre. Ron also asked
that Jonathon draft a thank you letter to Dave Barber.
RETREAT: Michael Phillips stated that the facilitator which he
thought may be available was not, though he felt that having a
facilitator was important to the success of the retreat. Dave
stated that a number of people at Northwestern in strategic
planning may be available, and that one staff members is married
to an independent consultant who works out of TownCentre, and
that she may be willing to participate. The Committee considered
a number of possible dates and Dave said that he'd ask the dean
of the Business School to host the retreat on one of those dates.
OTHER ISSUES AND MEMBERS COMMENTS: Ron said that he would be out
of town for the February meeting and that he would ask Ray to act
as chair that night. Beth agreed to chair the meeting if Ray was
not able to.
COMMENTS FROG'! THE PUBLIC: no comments.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:40 pm.
Submitted by Public Art Coordinator 7onathon Glus, I February
1993
Jonathon Glus
Public Art-oardinator
DRAFT - NOT APPROVED
Minutes of 23 February 1993 Public Art Committee Meeting
MEMBERS PRESENT: Beth Hart, Indira Johnson, Fred Naigelbach,
Gail Struve
MEMBERS ABSENT: Jim Gamble, Ray Green, Ron Isaacson,
Dave Mickenberg, Michael Phillips
STAFF: Jonathon Glus, Public Art Coordinator
GUESTS: Laura Hirshfield, Evanston Public Library
David Wahl, Joseph Powell Architect
The monthly meeting of the Public Art Committee was called to
order by guest chair Beth Hart in Studio #106 of the Noyes
Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes Street, Evanston. IL 60201, at
7:15 pm.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes of the 26 January meeting were
not approved because a quorum was not present.
CHAIR'S REPORT: In Ron's absence a report was not submitted.
STAFF REPORT: Jonathon thanked Beth Hart for representing PAC at
the February Arts Council meeting. Jonathon also explained that
the Library barricade project had changed recently in that a
barricade wall will not be installed, and instead the murals from
School District #65 will be hung on the Orrington Street side in
front of the fence. The murals will be braced in the rear with
2x4s.
NEW PUBLIC LIBRARY PROJECT: Beth asked the Committee to first
continue to consider the coals and ob)ectives of this project.
Beth reminded that Committee that at the 12 January meeting they
discussed how the plan submitted by Madeline Rabb did not
consider the use or spirit of the Library. Beth asked David Wahl
what he sees as "that special feeling" for the new building.
David explained that the third floor reading room with its
extraordinarily high ceilings will be a special space, and that
the remainder of the building will highlighted through the use of
color in the flooring. and °:irniture which will be reminiscent of
the American Arts and Crafts movement Beth asked David to what
extent PAC can still be involved in the design of finish pieces
such as door knobs. David explained that the design team
comprised of Joseph Powell. Madeline Rabb and himself moved array
from the idea of artist -designed utilitarian pieces because the
budget is small enough that engaging such an approach would
exclude the compilation of a "collection."
Indira Johnson suggested that one opportunity is an artist -
designed portion of the flooring in the main lobby. Fred
Nagelbach stated that one benefit to the pairing -down of the
interior finishes is that artwork may be installed relatively
easily at a later date. Fred asked if oxified books have ever
been used for building purposes. Beth mentioned that interaction
and "discovery" may be working directives.
Dave Wahl explained that the stairwell design had been paired -
down considerably but that a painted steel banister design was
completed. Dave further explained that the lobby flooring, made
of terrazzo if the budget permits, will continue up the stairs
and onto the landing area of each floor. Beth again suggested to
the Committee that the artwork maybe should not be considered
based on location but firstly on content. Laura Hirshfield
stated that in her mind the artwork should not be traditional in
style, media or location, and should be considered based on
content.
Indira suggested that the Committee go through the original plan
and prioritize those locations included, as well as add any new
locations or types of work. The Committee discussed the use of
fiber art to cover the acoustical equipment and an artist -
designed window screen in the public meeting room. Dave
explained that the doors throughout the building will have in
them single -pain glass sections. Those doors which are used for
privacy will have wood sections instead of the glass. Gail asked
about the status of the children's room. Dave reminded the
Committee that the original plan included a project by which a
plate rail will be installed towards the top of the wall which
will hold small paintings on masonite done by school children.
Indira suggested that the completion of this project could be
managed almost exclusively by the schools.
Beth asked Dave to provide the budget for furniture in the
children's room. The Committee discussed the possibility of the
chairs in this room being used as art pieces by children, and
that the chairs may have historical or literary themes among
other ideas or motifs. Beth also suggested that the construction
or painting of the furniture may be done as a protect of Bravo
Arts. Laura stated that a group of adolescent artists by the
name of The Ya Ya's tsp?� in New Orleans paints furniture which
is provided to them.
Jonathon asked Dave to update the Committee on the finish of the
elevator walls. Dave explained that the brick is no longer in
the budget and the walls are now planned to be drywall with
decorative trim work. The Committee discussed various
opportunities throughout the facility, including the stacks, wall
treatment at the landings, service desks, furniture and light
fixtures.
Dave explained that he and Joseph Powell will make a formal
presentation of the interior design plan in the first of March to
the Library Finance Committee. Jonathon asked Dave to let him
know the meeting time and he will let the interior committee know
the time.
Gail questioned the status of the sculpture piece planned for the
stairwell. Beth stated that the Committee at an earlier meeting
established that this piece is a low priority, and one that can
be installed at a later date. Indira mentioned that such a piece
may be rather monumental, which would be very visible to the
community.
VIADUCT COMPETITION PROJECT: No report was given. Beth Hart
asked if the proposals will be shown. Jonathon explained that he
is working towards displaying the three finalists in a downtown
store front and that Terry Jenkins is exploring the possibility
of showing the proposals in the NBD Bank lobby. Gail Struve
asked if any of the artists had submitted budgets. Jonathon
explained that City Council has yet to approve the finalists and
only past that, and when the possibility of funding is real will
an artist(s) be asked to submit more detailed information.
RETREAT: No report was given.
OTHER ISSUES AND MEMBERS COMMENTS: No comments.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: No comments.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:40 pm.
Submitted by Public Art Coordinator Jonathon Glus. 3 March 1993.
Jonathon Glus
Public Art Coordinator
DRAFT - NOT APPROVED
Minutes of 30 March 1993 Public Art Committee Meeting
MEMBERS PRESENT: Ray Green, Beth Hart, Ron Isaacson, Indira
Johnson, Dave Mickenberg, Fred Nagelbach,
Gail Struve
MEMBERS ABSENT: Jim Gamble, Fred Nagelbach, Michael Phillips
STAFF: Jonathon Glus, Public Art Coordinator
GUESTS: Chris Fulton, Arts Council
Laura Hirshfield, Evanston Public Library
Fred Malkinson. Evanston Public Library Board
The monthly meeting of the Public Art-ommittee was called to
order by chair Ron Isaacson in Studio =106 of the Noyes Cultural
Arts Center, 927 Noyes Street, Evanston. 1L 60201, at 7:15 pm.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Jonathon distributed revised minutes of the
February meeting. The revised minutes, which reflected minor
language alterations regarding the Library text, were unanimously
approved. Beth Hart moved for approval and Ray �33reen seconded
approval of the minutes.
`HAIR'f REPORT: Ron congratulated Indira Johnson on her recent
mass -transit prn;ect in Bombay and Lave Mickenberg for the birth
his new baby .iri.
=cn explained that he recently had 1-rea;,fast with Baltimore
artists Jo �;chne.der and Stan Edmins~_er. the first and third
_.ace ?ws•::n ,ward winners r,-_ 'he viaduct project. He also
rrovi-i-d ",? :I^Siittet' - pips --f ♦h- :ic art plan for downt-wn
=Son aS wei1 -i: viSu31S _f 3 numb�t I1urals Whi_h he recently
saw in �... __.._ .
'_he ,,pr-r-unity t,:� re -schedule the
a weekday ...o..._, 71:e-ommittee -hose to
.. _F' 7-! Ptl. ; n the _ ina` ' UeSrl j't f .he month.
. . AFF -EF - FT . +. ^ - . - 'yPk: :,% . _ e i EA(-ent _ .
S 11,-=,er _ ._S I ,zn.. a -a t .71I.nI-muraiS t-+ "le
-n the Snu't : =i12 f the ".3= j +_onszru'_tion Site.
FK wil: prc:•:1e 3: span-9-r- mi Idle � c". of and high
s.hcr): students
NEW PUPL17 LIBRARY PRC JE-T: Ron stated that the +'ommlttee has
inti: - April t_ revise and apprcvP -he ;raft Library public art
plan. Ron _asked Ray to explain the _,tatus of the exterior sub-
committee. Ray stated that the sub-,-ommittee elected for a
national `Dmpeti*ion of site -specific and pre-existing artwork,
and Hstablished a calendar. Ray asked for suggestions for
selection panel candidates. Ray and Dave Mickenberg confirmed
that the project budget will include all artist expenses and that
Joe Powell or a representative of his will participate in all
selection panels.
Indira: explained that the interior sub -committee had not met, but
that she met with Joe Powell and Dave Wahl to review the interior
design plans. Based on that meeting Indira developed the
proposed list of interior artworks. Regarding the proposed floor
work, Indira suggested that the tiles may be placed in large
sections or randomly throughout the floor. and that additional
funds from the floor budget probably would not be available.
Indira also explained that she is suggesting a major piece of
sculpture for the stairwell because that piece may be viewed by
the community as a more traditional piece 3f art.
Indira also explained that a great deal of time needs to be spent
an the Jevelopment of the children's room plan. Beth Hart
Suggested that money presently marked for the children's room
furniture may be matched by donors for artist -designed sculptural
furniture.
Fred Malkinson conveyed to the Committee a number of _uestlons
provided by Neal Ney. Firstly. Neal was concerned about the
quality of the children's mural in the children's space.
Further, Neal was interested ,n the development of a standing
_vmmlttee to review all pieces in the collection and
appropriately place them in tte new Facility, as well is to
review all new gifts and possible de -accessions.
pave Mickenberg suggested that the plan in its current state
reads i_ a working document, not a final locument, and that the
''.isivns" of the -onsultant and the archii ect as well as the
.. -y ir,:Q r - .4 p P•:�,i . ` At ` « -F are attar pl ar 4 ,n an
appendix as supp,rting information. Dave recommended 3 more
general mission statement wh__n may be drafted by PAC Ray Green
suggested that the plan Feems `; ~over two distinct programs -
tie ex:=ting . l:octlon and the new ':olive tlon, and pcssihly the
same mission and 3oals 7o not spply. The Committee Agreed to ask
,nach—m is move the forement_,ned =ect_ n 3n appomlir. and
..3i '.e_�W , lFsl... -ts—menn �a__e,? n 11vas if N-11 '{Py.
Mal P:..,' hyKh in `h— `IX -ill PA.-
memters the I evin i n . ni ipt. - v it . ` . .
VIAPU77 7nMP£TIT:nN PROJECT: Nc report was given.
RETREAT: Beth Hart suggested that someone in her off__e may be
willing to facilitate the retreat. Ron asked Jonathon to contact
Hirsch Farm Progect for sugges ic.ns about possible facilitators
Dave asked Jonathon to contact Sculpture Chicago. while he would
explore the recent retreat held for the NU Library. Ron asked
that Jonathon explore alternate dates, possibly June 19 or June
6
Ron thanked Beth Hart for donating a recent honorarium which she
received for a presentinq a lecture on public art to a local
garden club and stated that the money may go towards the retreat.
OTHER ISSUES AND MEMBERS COMMENTS: No comments.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: No comments.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:45 pm.
Submitted by pli Coordinator Jonathon Glus, 7 April 1993.
�'13tll,�rtjGlus, Publ,c Art Coordinat^r