ARTS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES

 

 

ROLL CALL

 

 

ALSO PRESENT

Mayor Gerry Welch, Council Liaison

Jennifer Conrad, Staff Liaison

Andrew Andrasko, Visitor

Bob Springer, Chair of the Crossroads Special Business District

 

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN THE ARTS

The Commission discussed plans for the upcoming Lifetime Achievement in the Arts Award ceremony on October 28.

 

CROSSROADS PUBLIC ART

Mr. Allen and Mayor Welch went to the Crossroads meeting on September 20 and presented the plan for the sculpture at Elm and Big Bend. The district does not want the piece in their district. Ms. Bradley stated that she heard that they think it is too shiny and reflective, and thin, which is not necessarily factual. 

 

Mr. Allen stated that public art is sometimes controversial. 

 

Bob Springer, Chair of the Crossroads Business District stated that following their presentation, the Commission talked about the piece. There was discussion involving objections to the piece itself, as well as safety concerns with the intersection.  He stated that the piece is terrific, but not at that location. The Commission has put significant funding into the area. 

 

Ms. Mann asked if they were in favor of a piece at that intersection.  Mr. Springer stated that he doesn't know, but if the group is paying real estate taxes, they should have a say. They don't want people to drive their cars and stop at the intersection and cause accidents. This is the nicest corner in the district and could have a lot of accidents. 

 

Mr. Drissell asked if the concern is that the piece is kinetic?  It is very slow moving, and there is public art at intersections all over the country. 

 

Ms. Bradley stated that most people don't care. People thought it would be an issue at the Zoo and at Back Flip, but it hasn't been an issue. 

 

Ms. Mann stated that the simplicity of the piece is appropriate to the location. 

 

Mr. Springer stated that the six voting members at the meeting were unanimous in opposing the piece. 

 

Mayor Welch stated that it is the most travelled/visible corner in the City, which is why the Arts Commission has been eager to put a piece there. She stated that it would be good to get together with the (Crossroads) group to discuss this further. 

 

Mr. Springer stated that he wants an amicable relationship and hopes that the Commission doesn't pass this over their objections. 

 

Ms. Evans stated that we need to make sure we have the answers regarding thickness of the metal, bearings, etc. 

 

Mr. Allen, Ms. Bradley, Mr. Ahearn, and Ms. Mann will get together with the Crossroads group. 

 

KIRKHAM/GORE SCULPTURE AREA

There was a recent piece on the plans in the Post Dispatch.  Ms. Bradley stated that there will be a display at the Arts Weekend. 

 

Mr. Allen stated that we need to get a jump start on fundraising. Mayor Welch stated that Council is discussing the park area at their 10/4 Council meeting.

 

The Commission discussed potentially funding other pieces by local artists in the sculpture area.

 

A funding committee made up of Ms. Mann, Mr. Allen, Ms. Bakker, Ms. Ferrigno and Mayor Welch was put together.

 

Mr. Andrasko asked if this was primarily for established artists or if they were looking for rotating or student exhibits as well. 

 

Ms. Bradley and Ms. Mann stated that we are open. 

 

ARTS WEEKEND

There are many artists and performers lined up for the event. 

 

NIGHT AT THE …

Mr. Allen asked if the Commission was interested in participating in a Night at the Rep.  it was decided that the Commission would help sponsor a night at the Rep for Sunday in the Park with George on January 29 at 7 p.m. and Night at the Opera on June 20 for Sweeney Todd. 

 

WEBSTER UNIVERSITY PUBLIC ART COMMISSION

Ms. Conrad stated that the University is working on displaying the pieces that they currently have, as well as getting a new piece for their new building.    

 

MISCELLANEOUS UPDATES

Mr. Drissell stated that the Awards of Excellence have been postponed for a year due to a lack of submissions

 

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.