HomeMy WebLinkAboutDecember_3_2012_MinutesMinutes: Art in Public Places Board Meeting
Monday, December 3, 2012, 8:30 a.m.,Town Council Chambers
AIPP Board Members Present: Cookie Flaum, Susan Frampton, Kathy Langenwalter, Jen Mason, Monica
Mattingly, Dan Telleen
AIPP Members absent: Doe Browning, Kaili Chipman, Bill Pierce, Margaret Rogers – Council Rep
Others Present: Molly Eppard AIPP Coordinator, Todd Oppenheimer TOV, Pedro Campos Zehren
1. Approval of minutes from November 12th meeting
2. No citizen input
3. Ford park – Lower Bench – Todd Oppenheimer, TOV
Todd Oppenheimer wants to cover a few topics regarding Ford Park with AIPP today: Temporary art locations,
usage of the Art Shack, the East West donation, the Logan collection, winter draw to Ford Park, and the
planning of this area which might be integral to discussion of the Lower Bench. Molly thinks it is important for
Todd to update the Board now, as they are moving along and this is the time for AIPP to voice any opinions
about the lower bench design and future usage. Todd updates the Board on the construction progress thus far
with maps of the park. He reviews the construction calendar with the Board for the park. He looks at the master
plan with the Board and how they have progressed. It is still a work in progress, so this is an update to the
Board as there are some approval processes which have not yet taken place. He reviews the location of the
Ford Tribute at present. It is at the intersection of where the Manor Vail Bridge meets Betty Ford Way. He
discusses some enhancements to this area with pavers, landscaping, etc. He reviews potential locations which
he has discussed with Molly for possible art placement (permanent or temporary), one being the flat grassy
area just north of the Art Shack. We want to ask the Board if they do agree that this is a location for potential or
permanent art placement. Jen confirms with Todd that they are re-grading a walking path that goes behind the
Apollo. Molly describes the sightline from this path as optimal to this grassy area for art placement. Dan asks
about seating along the path as well. Todd shows a drawing from Pedro of Zehren Associates. He identifies
landmarks to orient the Board. In this drawing the Art Shack has been removed. He discusses the limited
vehicular traffic through this corridor which requires 13 feet. Spatially this is where the iconic elements of the
Ford Family Tribute would be located. Pedro who is present from Zehren & Associates reviews the early
stages of where the VVF is with deciding content and specifics for the tribute, but now they are looking at
space, prior to getting into materials, content, etc. They want to elevate the landscape design along the
pathways creating an entry feature to the park. Molly asks about the height of the tribute wall. He said it would
probably be no more than 5 feet, but they are not at that level of detail. It would receive you and create a sense
of enclosure to the park. He reviews the locations of present trees in the park at this location. Kathy asks
whether the wall might be a visual barrier in this location. Pedro describes it more as layered and only 5 to 6
feet. Todd reviews the restrooms and playground location in this area. Todd reviews the plans in progress for
the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens Education Center. Jen asks about winter parking for the BFAG. Todd agrees
that this is a valid question that might generate more traffic which is what we are trying to reduce. Todd shows
the two temporary art locations: south of Moroles between the installation and BFAG Schoolhouse & the area
north of the Art Shack. Molly describes the location near the Art Shack for sculpture placement. She reviews a
sketch by Todd when we were looking at placement possibilities for the Logan collection this summer. While
Mr. Logan, was not completely sold on this location for his works, Molly thinks we should consider it strongly
for other future art placement. It is a tucked away, pleasant flat grassy area that could probably have 6 works
at a time depending upon the scale. It has nice sightlines from several areas in the park and is quiet and
serene along the creek despite its proximity to the playground. The existing trees offer a bit of shade and
seclusion from other activities in the park and it may well make for a nice sculpture display and experience. In
a past meeting the AIPP Board discussed not having the appropriate funding to refurbish for the Art Shack for
a studio or artist in residency program. As we are looking at this space for sculpture, the Art Shack should be
addressed. Todd describes that the existence of the building in this space does not hinder temporary art
placement, but it is an under utilized building. It is presently a storage site for the Vail Rec District. It would
however effect the installation of The Ford Family Tribute in this location. Todd needs to hear definitively that
the AIPP Board does not want to take on this building for their operations. He states that it is one of the original
residences in Vail and does have historical significance. He would like to hear suggestions from the Board for
the potential usage, relocation, refurbishment, etc. of this building. Dan asks about the possibility of water and
restroom facilities in this location. Todd said that there is water and sewer in that location can be used. Molly
reminds the Board about discussions at our previous meetings regarding the wide range of logistics both
financial and administrative for an artist in residency program. The Board decided not to pursue an artist in
residency program due to these financial and administrative parameters. Monica asks if it could be used as a
museum space since it is an historical building. Molly reviews the history of the shack and the monies that
have already been spent towards the roof and windows ($35,000 from AIPP budget). It would require much
more than the $50,000 donation that the East West Partners donation would cover to refurbish the structure.
Kathy reminds the Board that this discussion has been going on for many years for using the building as an
artist in residency program. She does think it could be used for something else and would be a shame to
destroy it. Cookie agrees that to make it to a working studio would require too much money which is not in our
budget, but there could be other uses such as an information center for the park. Could it be possible to work
with another entity to preserve the building? Susan agrees that she would not like to see it be torn down, but
not have it used for simply storage. Jen agrees that it should not be torn down. She suggests that it could be
something else – a historical museum with photos of the early days. Kathy asks if AIPP would like to explore
the idea of a museum in the building. Molly thinks that we need to stop calling it the Art Shack, if we are looking
for other purposes so there is no longer the confusion. Todd discusses some of the interior issues with the
building. Todd mentions that the moving of the building has been brought up which may not be in the purview
of the AIPP Board. Pedro shows the building as a barrier to the view corridor to the park. He does not think it is
in the greatest orientation in its current state. While it is not ugly, there is nothing notable and does not receive
people well. He thinks it should be considered that it be reoriented or moved within the park. He does not think
it should be removed given the historical significance, but it can be better served spatially if its position is
moved. Monica asks Pedro if there is a way to unify the building with the Ford family tribute so there is not
tension. Molly asks the Board if anyone feels strongly about the relocation of the building. Kathy says that she
does since it is in its original location and in sequence with the other original buildings. She has concerns that
the tribute is being placed in this location and being forced to fit, rather than considered in another location
where it may be better served spatially. She questions the response of a location that was discussed in a prior
meeting in closer proximity to the amphitheater and gardens. Those who do park in the parking lot for events in
the amphitheater will miss the tribute altogether in this location near the Manor Vail bridge. Todd asks the
Board to give some direction as to their feelings of utilizing the building to Council. He asks the Board to also
state where they would like to have sculpture placement within Ford Park on the lower bench. Kathy moves
that though the Board does not feel that they can use the Antholz home for an artist in residency location, but it
should be used for a community purpose or museum to honor its historical significance. The area around it
should be used for art placement, as well as the area between the Moroles and BFAG educational center for
continued AIPP programs. She asks for any discussion. Dan does not think that we should hand the building
over for other purposes than art programs. He could envision a children’s art program in the building. Kathy
amends the motion to state: at this time and not to give the building up for opportunity in the future. Molly asks
if we want to hold up the building from other potential uses since we do not have the funding or manpower to
use the building for art purposes. Dan does not think we should let it go. Todd suggests that the message be
that the building should remain in its current location until a use is found for it. Ultimately, it is the Town
Council’s decision. Molly suggests that the two locations for art placement and AIPP programs should be
stated for the master planning discussions. Pedro asks if the building could be altered to enhance the exterior
so it is more welcoming and a better experience. Kathy agrees with Pedro that it can be opened up and
enhanced. Molly states that it has already been altered from its original state, so it would not compromise its
integrity. The motion is approved. Molly informs the Board that we need to clearly state our purposes for the
$50,000 from East West Partners prior to receiving it. We could present it as funding art programs near Manor
Vail, perhaps it could be towards park specific art projects. Dan questions why we would not want to put the
money towards the building. Molly informs him that we have already put AIPP funds of $35,000 towards the
building that we have never benefitted from, so she would be hesitant to designate the funds towards the
building if it may be a multi purpose building. Kathy asks Molly to discuss the funding and parameters with
Comm Dev. regarding the mitigation.
4. Triumph Winterfest/Logan Ice Theater
Molly updates the Board on the marketing, publications, brochures, banners, etc. for Triumph Winterfest. She
is working with Warren Miller Entertainment regarding the content for the theater. Highline is also giving 50th
content for the theater. The Ski School is getting some footage of their film. Molly updates the Board on the
concept of submitting photos/memories of Vail so that it will be a more interactive installation. She is working
on the logistics for submitting photos digitally for these purposes. Holidaze has decided not to use the theater
because they wanted it from 3-5:00 pm and it is not dark enough then. Jen asks about the timing of the theater.
Molly explains the concept behind AlpenGLOW creating an overall experience of ice, light, snow, and the
creek. We will have two ice lantern features as an entry point to the theater which will make a connection to the
AlpenGLOW installation later in January. We have the theater through February, but it is truly weather
dependent. Our contingency should aid in having the theater last longer. We are still on the calendar with
Mountain Standard or Sweet Basil for the Jan. 18th opening. Molly is getting both Lionshead and Village
banners since it makes more sense financially from the publicity budget for Triumph Winterfest.
5. Lionshead Welcome Center interior enhancements
Molly was asked to participate in troubleshooting some of the interior design and enhancement decisions for
the LHWC. We are looking at the corridor between the main room and locker area. She has asked Ben Roth to
take a look while he is in town installing the Sonnenalp gate. He has created some unique artistic objects for
the Four Seasons in Jackson Hole. We may be interested in similar tree coat racks for the LHWC. The
feedback has been that it is presently very sterile and guests are not lingering and utilizing the facility. Kathy
asks about the leaning slabs of rock in the island near the entry plaza. Molly confirms that it was a landscape
feature and not an art feature that was approved by DRB.
6. Art Sled Exhibition
Participating artists: Britten Roetzel, Dustin Zentz, Ben Roth, Joan Norris, Mary Jane McEachron. Mountain
Boy Sledworks will donate a Vail 50th sled. We have earmarked President’s Day week. She asks the Board for
feedback on how to best display, sell, and celebrate the sleds.
7. Maintenance/Collection/Coordinator Updates
Ben Roth is scheduled to install the Sonnenalp’s transformer box gate before Christmas
Molly advises about the potential removal of Randy Milhoan’s murals in the Lionshead Parking
Structure. This is a result of the new way finding meetings that have occurred regarding the uniformity
of signage in the structures. Molly was asked by the town to document the murals. Kathy suggests that
if the Board feels strongly about losing the murals we should write a letter to the Council. Dan believes
that at least some images should be maintained. The Board feels it is interesting and unique and it
should not be removed. Dan asks if the artist has an opinion. Molly is unsure. Jen thinks that there
should be a way to incorporate the murals with the new signage. The Board motions to write a letter to
Council to try to preserve Randy Milhoan’s murals in the parking structure. Dan states it is not signage
– it is art. It is moved that AIPP approaches Council with a desire to keep the Milhoan murals in the
Lionshead parking structure and to see if there is a way to integrate the art work.
We need to relocate the bicycle painting in the Vail transit center because of a business going into the
location where it is. Molly has looked at spaces with Mike Rose who hopes that we can keep it in the
transit center. Molly reviews these spots with the Board.
Molly informs the Board that The Blue Bird of Paradise is rusting well. It was sandblasted in house by
TOV carpenters. It is looking very nice. Jen suggests that the Board thanks them for this work. We
need to decide a new location for the sculpture. Molly shows images of the in town bus turnaround
island across from the Nature Center. The work will have nice backdrops of both the Gore Range and
Vail Mountain. It needs some space given the height of the work. The Board feels it is far enough from
any home on the Golf Course it would not interfere with any views should it be an issue in this location.
Another possible location could be on the Frontage Road near the old Lionshead Welcome Center. Dan
states it would have I-70 views on the Frontage Road. Kathy thinks the fun of it is that it truly needs to
be viewed as a bird. This is why Molly thinks the roundabout spot may give it that space to be viewed
from a distance as a bird with a blue sky as a backdrop.
Molly informs the Board that the Oldenburg has been returned to the Library. The conservation was
great, but the base was not adequate. It was not airtight and grooved to fit the plastic cover. Molly
revisits the location of the work with the Board. She thinks it will be unbalanced and lost in the window
nook where was previously discussed. If it has its own table created along with the base to be
freestanding as an art object it will carry more significance. It will be an object that can then be viewed
in the round, as the installation was intended. The Board agrees. If the Library has the space to have it
stand separately rather than against a wall or on the periodical shelf, they would strongly encourage
this to be done as a proper presentation of the work. Dan agrees and states that it is a sculpture and
should be viewed and appreciated in the round.
There will be training for the Board by Cirsa at the January meeting.
Meeting adjourned 10:30 a.m.