ARTS COMMISSION

MEETING MINUTES

 

 

 

 

ROLL CALL

 

 

ALSO PRESENT

Mayor Gerry Welch, Council Liaison

Jennifer Conrad, Deputy City Clerk

 

FINAL PRESENTATION – GATEWAY FOUNDATION

Christy Fox, Director of the Gateway Foundation, gave a presentation on “Back Flip,” the piece of art proposed for the triangle at Lockwood and Big Bend.  The Commission discussed information distributed on the existing site, layout, grading plan, 3-d site views, landscaping, and lighting.  

 

The Commission discussed alternative groundcover.  Ms. Fox stated that she would check with the landscape architects about alternative groundcover.

 

Peter Sargent asked about the possibility of downlighting the piece.  Ms. Fox stated that the Foundation tends not to use downlighting, as it gets in the eyes of passersby and motorists.

 

The layout of the piece was discussed.  It was suggested that it might look better at a different angle.  Ms. Fox stated that the bases were large, so if necessary, they could tweak the placement.

 

 

There was consensus to discuss at the next meeting potential placement for the apple chairs and war monument currently located at the triangle.

 

A motion was made by Davis Allen, seconded by Marilynne Bradley, to move the proposal forward to the City Council at the June 6, 2006 meeting. 

AYES: ALLEN, BAKKER, BRADLEY, DRISSELL, EVANS, MANN, SARGENT, SHARPE

NOES: NONE

ABSENT: AHEARN

The motion was approved.

 

Ms. Fox stated that she would attend the June 6, 2006 City Council meeting and give a presentation.  She also stated that the time schedule for the project would be to try for completion by early fall 2006.  She will bring a timeline to the City Council meeting.

 

UPDATES

AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE

Don Drissell briefly described the Awards of Excellence program, instituted in 2005.  He stated that they plan on a similar timeline to last year’s program, with nominations accepted in June and July, the jury meeting in August, and the awards ceremony in October. 

 

Mayor Welch asked for ideas on how to pull the Arts Commission into the Awards of Excellence.  It was decided that at the next meeting, suggestions would be brought on how to involve the Commission. 

 

ART & AIR

Davis Allen gave a brief presentation on the 2006 Art & Air fair, to be held June 2-4, on the Eden Seminary grounds. He mentioned new features, including an “Ask a Designer” Booth, and a mural to be painted during the fair.  Commission members gave feedback on ideas for future use of the mural, including Community Days and various construction sites.  Bill Sharpe stated that he would talk with the Lions’ Club regarding a possible display during Community Days.

 

RECOGNIZING WEBSTER ARTISTS

DIRECTORY

Melody Evans-Mess stated that she was working with another group of Webster Groves artists, called 63119, in trying to put together a studio tour in early November.  There was discussion over possible issues surrounding this tour.

 

Ms. Evans-Mess also discussed issues surrounding a directory of local artists, including structure and the intended audience. 

 

OTHER

Mayor Welch asked for ideas on how to recognize artists Arthur Osver and Ernestine Betsberg. 

 

Mr. Sargent suggested a “Quality of Life” award, possibly something to be awarded annually. 

 

Mr. Allen suggested purchasing a piece or making a donation, and inviting them to an event to honor them. 

 

It was decided that at the next meeting there would be discussion on how to honor them and potential ways to raise funds.

 

ESTABLISH GOALS FOR 2006-2007 - (Was not addressed.)

 

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m.