HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/11/2015 - City Arts Commission - Approved Minutes
Newport Beach City Arts Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
Thursday, June 11, 2015 – 5:00 PM
Newport Beach Public Library Staff Conference Room
I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Chair Goldberg called the meeting to order at 5:03 PM.
II. ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Rita Goldberg, Chair
Arlene Greer, Vice Chair
Caroline Logan, Secretary
Judy Chang (Absent)
Lynn Selich
Robert Smith
Charles Ware
Staff Present: Tim Hetherton, Library Services Director
Elaine McMillion, Administrative Support Specialist
III. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - DRAFT MINUTES – May 14, 2015
Members of the Commission offered corrections to the minutes.
Motion made by Secretary Logan, seconded by Vice Chair Greer, and carried (6-0-0-1) to approve
the minutes of May 14, 2015, as revised.
AYES: Goldberg, Greer, Logan, Selich, Smith, Ware
NOES: None
ABSTENTIONS: None
ABSENT: Chang
V. CURRENT BUSINESS
A. CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Correspondence and Press - Review of any Arts Commission correspondence and/or
marketing materials that have been received.
2. Financial Report - Review of attached financial information.
3. Cultural Arts Activities - Monthly review of cultural arts activities from the Library
Administrative Office for upcoming Library and City arts events and services.
Motion made by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Secretary Logan, and carried (6-0-0-1) to
approve the Consent Calendar.
AYES: Goldberg, Greer, Logan, Selich, Smith, Ware
NOES: None
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ABSTENTIONS: None
ABSENT: Chang
B. ITEMS FOR REVIEW AND POSSIBLE ACTION
1. Ben Carlson Foundation Memorial Sculpture Donation/Site Placement – Jake Janz of the
Ben Carlson Foundation will provide an update on the Foundation’s activities; the Newport
Pier is recommended as the site for the statue.
Jake Janz, Ben Carlson Foundation, provided an update on the Foundation's efforts and
activities. He reported that the Foundation's fundraising goal has been met through a number of
successful events. Additionally, he reported that the Newport Beach Pier is recommended as the
site for the statue, as this is where Ben's story takes place. He added that it will be close to the
newly named Lifeguard Headquarters and explained the reason why the specific plot was chosen.
He commented on possible challenges to be avoided and asked for the Art Commission's
approval of the specific site. Mr. Janz presented a concept of the statue on the site and noted
meeting with staff to discuss the item. Other potential locations were considered and Mr. Janz
asked for approval of the site.
Discussion followed regarding the donations covering the cost of the proposed benches,
maintenance of the statue and the type of material for the statue.
Ensuing discussion pertained to the process, supporting the project, the scale and the possibility
of building a mockup, the appropriate visibility of the site, the possibility of adding landscaping,
maintaining the landscape and consideration of supplying water to the site. It was noted that
currently, there are drip lines through the trees. Brief discussion followed regarding the possibility
of using drought-tolerant plants.
Mr. Janz reported that the statue would be placed looking at the ocean. He reported that plaques
will be discreetly placed on the benches.
Motion made by Commissioner Ware, seconded by Secretary Logan, and carried (6-0-0-1) to
approve the proposed site location and concept for the Ben Carlson Memorial Statue and
present recommendations to Council at its meeting on June 23, 2015.
AYES: Goldberg, Greer, Logan, Selich, Smith, Ware
NOES: None
ABSTENTIONS: None
ABSENT: Chang
Commissioner Selich commented on getting as many people as possible to attend the June 23rd
City Council meeting in support of the arts.
2. Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park – The City Arts Commission will be asked to
recommend the selection of sculptures for Phase II of the Sculpture Exhibition in the Civic
Center Park for City Council approval. An overview of the process and a presentation of the
recommended works will be presented.
Commissioner Smith reported that the Newport Beach Sculpture Garden Ad Hoc Subcommittee
screened eighty-one potential art pieces and selected ten with three or four alternates for the
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June 11, 2015
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Commission's review. He requested replacing the sculpture "Venus" with the first alternate
"Demoiselle" as after deliberation and input, the Subcommittee believes that piece better meets
the criteria of the Sculpture Exhibition. Recommendations will be presented to City Council at its
meeting on June 23, 2015. He introduced and deferred to Rick Stein, Executive Director of Arts
OC, who has been managing the process for the City.
Rich Stein, Executive Director of Arts OC, addressed the call for artists, submissions, judges, the
selection criteria and partnering with Rebecca Eman, with Green Public Art in the process. He
reported that she was unable to attend, but showed a video of her providing detailed information
regarding each of the proposed pieces.
Mr. Stein provided details of the alternate pieces proposed.
Chair Goldberg opened public comments.
Members of the public commented positively on the proposed pieces.
Chair Goldberg closed public comments.
Motion made by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Secretary Logan, and carried (6-0-0-1) to
approve the ten proposed sculpture pieces, substituting the piece "Demoiselle" for "Venus", for
recommendation to City Council.
AYES: Goldberg, Greer, Logan, Selich, Smith, Ware
NOES: None
ABSTENTIONS: None
ABSENT: Chang
Commissioner Smith reported that the matter will be heard by City Council at its meeting of June
23rd. Upon approval, installation will be in August, 2015, and an event similar to what was held
last year will be held on September 12, 2015.
C. MONTHLY REPORTS
1. Newport Beach Sculpture Garden Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Commissioner Robert Smith
(Chair), Chair Rita Goldberg, Commissioner Charles Ware
See Item No. B2, above.
2. Civic Center Art Placement Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Secretary Caroline Logan (Chair),
Commissioner Charles Ware
Commissioner Ware noted there are no new updates but commented on the last communication
with from OCMA.
3. Arts Master Plan Steering Committee - Chair Rita Goldberg (Chair) , Vice Chair Arlene
Greer, Secretary Caroline Logan
Chair Goldberg reported that at some point in the near future, consideration needs to be given to
the Arts Master Plan to take it to the next level.
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4. Arts Foundation Liaison Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Commissioner Robert Smith
Commissioner Smith reported that the Foundation will be in full support of the Juried Art Show,
continue to solicit artists and donations for their Art in the Park program.
5. Fine Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Vice Chair Arlene Greer (Chair), Commissioners Judy
Chang and Lynn Selich
Vice Chair Greer reported that City Council adopted the City Arts Commission recommendation to
accept the donation of Gene and Dianne Crain, paintings by Rex Brandt. She reported on the
recent exhibition for Raymond Otis, of Sea Coast and Harbors, noting that the exhibit lasted until
June 6th. She added that James Strombotne's work is currently on exhibit in the Central Library.
She announced that an artist's reception will be held on June 18th from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in
the Friend's Room. Mr. Strombotne's new book will be available for purchase and signing.
Vice Chair Greer reported on the 51st Newport Beach Art Exhibition noting that 156 artists will be
participating this year with nearly 300 works of art being exhibited. She addressed volunteers
and thanked the Arts Foundation Chair and Board for their help as well as the National Charity
League. She thanked the committee and colleagues as well as Library Services Director
Hetherton. She addressed promotion efforts and provided information regarding artist check-in
and orientation. Vice Chair Greer reported there will be a no-host bar from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
on Saturday and refreshments will be available at the City Café. Additionally, 30% of all proceeds
will be given back to City arts programming. She announced a reception and awards ceremony
and reported that the event is free.
6. Performing Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Chair Rita Goldberg, Commissioners Arlene
Greer and Lynn Selich
Chair Goldberg commented on a recent concert where 2,000 people attended and commented
positively on the event. The next concert will be on July 12, 2015 and the following weekend, a
Shakespeare in the Park program will be held.
Discussion followed regarding the budget for community amenities and the arts and costs per
resident.
Carmen Smith provided information regarding the Art in the Park program on October 10th, on
the Civic Green.
7. Cultural Arts Collaboration Subcommittee – Lynn Selich (Chair), Arlene Greer and Judy
Chang
Commissioner Selich reported on a recent meeting of the Subcommittee with the leadership of
the Pacific Symphony, to discuss the 2016 possible Concert on the Green. Additionally, she
reported meeting with Gary Sherwin to discuss public/private collaboration and the various
entities with which the Arts Commission should be working. She added the need to reach out to
City leadership to ensure they are informed of upcoming events, accomplishments and
opportunities.
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Discussion followed regarding encouraging Council Members to participate in events and
programs.
A suggestion was made that when Council Members attend programs and events, Members of
the Arts Commission should offer to show them around.
Discussion followed regarding signage and banners and encouraging attendees to post pictures
or videos of events on YouTube or Facebook.
Commissioner Selich commented on the need to set up an account for people to make direct
donations to City Arts programs.
VI. CITY ARTS COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERS WOULD
LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION, ACTION OR REPORT (NON-
DISCUSSION ITEM)
Chair Goldberg asked for consideration of monthly study sessions before regular meetings of the
Arts Commission to discuss the City's Arts Master Plan, in July, August and September, from 4:00
p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and provide opportunities for public input.
Discussion followed regarding notification of the public and working to expand communication
regarding arts programs.
Commissioner Selich requested placing the matter of electronic fundraising on a future agenda
for consideration.
Vice Chair Greer commented on cultural arts grants and suggested a review of the program at a
future meeting.
Commissioner Selich requested agendizing a possible boat parade entry.
Vice Chair Greer requested placing consideration of the Joan Irving Brandt Centennial
Celebration.
Commissioner Selich reported that Congressman Royce reached out to the Commission
regarding whether or not the City would be interested in a bust of John Wayne.
Discussion followed regarding considering that matter in the future and the Commissioner
schedule of assignments for the Art Exhibition.
VII. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS - None
VIII. ADJOURNMENT – 6:28 p.m.
Submitted by: Vice Chair Arlene Greer
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