HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary_4_2013_MinutesMinutes: Art in Public Places Board Meeting
Monday, February 4, 2013, 8:30 a.m.,Town Council Chambers
AIPP Board Members Present: Doe Browning, Cookie Flaum, Susan Frampton, Kathy Langenwalter, Jen
Mason, Bill Pierce, Margaret Rogers – Council Rep
AIPP Members absent: Kaili Chipman, Monica Mattingly, Dan Telleen
Others Present: Molly Eppard AIPP Coordinator
1. No citizen input
2. Colleen Everett - Vail’s Plein Art Festival
Colleen introduces herself and reviews her experience as a professional artist, instructor on faculty at CMC,
founder of Vail Valley Arts League, the director of the Art on the Rockies art fair in Edwards, etc. As an artist
and administrator she has keen interest in brining a “Plein Air Vail” festival to Vail at no cost to AIPP. However,
it can be a fundraising event for AIPP. It is modeled after the Telluride and Easton, MD plein air festivals. She
reviews the proposal which has been distributed to the Board members. She discusses the history and
technique of plein air painting. It is a one week (dates flexible) where we invite and jury 10 – 15 artists to come
to Vail and paint outdoors. These nationally recognized artists arrive on a Friday/Saturday given painting
locations, etc, to paint for 5 days and build a body of work over this period of time. The artists are working on
the streets, parks, mountains, gardens, of Vail for a week. People can watch and connect with the artists
directly during this time. Many events can be tied into this week. Logistics (such as housing and organization)
are discussed. A headquarters will be needed – Colleen asks about the Grand View – where people can come
and go and see the progress of the work through sketches. Colleen’s production company will handle the sales
of works from this viewing location. At the end of the week, the artists submit two best works which are framed
and put on exhibit where there is a silent auction sale. Colleen suggests coordinating the plein air Vail with the
Dance Festival. Colleen proposes that her events production company will handle the logistics of sales,
organization, etc. She will get sponsorship on board for the prize monies and marketing. She believes AIPP will
come out with $5000 in the first year. She would like to work with AIPP on this project because artists like to
give back to non-profit artist organizations, and ultimately AIPP knows Vail. Doe asks the Board about past
plein air events that we tried. Margaret explains it was a contest and that the artists were not professional.
Molly explains that a large instructional event was considered, but lodging was the deterrent during the high
summer season. Doe suggests that Colleen perhaps reach out to Vail Resorts for lodging possibilities. Colleen
also suggests people housing the artists in their homes, as they are reputable artists who would be
participating. Margaret thinks it is a great idea. She explains special events funding to Colleen and the process
should she like to look into it for 2014, as 2013 funds have already been allocated. Colleen explains that she is
looking for in-kind sponsorship this year. She wants to work with AIPP through their connections to get the
word out about the event. Molly likes the idea and the direct connection with visual artists that this event will
provide. She thinks Colleen has good momentum to organize the event. She does think we would need to work
with the in kind sponsorship sooner than later if it be from Vail Resorts for mountain access or other outlets.
Colleen wants learn today whether or not AIPP would like to be behind such an event. Colleen thinks we can
start on a smaller manageable scale this summer and then build on it for the next 3 to 5 years. Margaret thinks
it may be worthwhile to work with the galleries in Vail to create energy, as there will be those interested in
purchasing art for the event. Molly thinks it would be worthwhile for them to reach out to the front range for
marketing. Colleen would like to have artists work during the Dance Festival to capture the event. The artists
would work with portable French easels, so it would only take up 3 x 4 feet. Jen asks about weather, because
tents are not allowed in the amphitheater. Colleen assures that the weather is not of concern and that the
artists are used to working in outdoor elements. Doe mentions the social plaza in Solaris as a high trafficked
area. Margaret explains that the Solaris plaza is managed by TOV special events. Jen suggests Liz Biebl as
the person to contact in marketing at Vail Resorts. Kathy inquires about the selling price point for these artists.
Colleen explains that the studies range from $400 - $600 and the large completed canvases can really range
from $2,000 to up to $20,000. The Board is enthusiastic about a potential plein air festival in Vail and would like
for Colleen to explore the logistics further. Jen mentions that we should also keep in mind it is the 25th
anniversary of the Dance Festival. Colleen will launch a website and get the event in motion. She would like to
update the Board on the progress of the event at future AIPP meetings.
3. Lionshead Parking Structure Graphics/Way-finding update – Greg Hall TOV
Kathy updates the Board on her participation in a meeting regarding the way-finding initiative in Vail and how it
affects works of art within the TOV collection. As far as the AIPP concerns with the LH parking structure
murals, she said everyone respects what is artistically in place in the structure, but they would like to integrate
their system within LH as a part of this way-finding initiative. It won’t affect Randy’s murals in a large sense.
She is concerned that there is not a member from the DRB, nor PEC on this way-finding committee. This gives
the design firm a great deal of power without these boards/commissions represented on this committee.
Margaret is willing to bring this concern up at the next council meeting. Bill thinks it is a more global issue and
the character that the way-finding will evolve should be addressed. Kathy reviews the scope of the project from
the interstate, to parking structures, to street signage and way-finding. Molly explains that now that Kathy is
representing AIPP on the committee, the nature of the art collection will be addressed in this initiative. Doe
asks if the Ford Park portals are a part of this committee – they are not. The Board discusses a bit of the Ford
Park project including the Ford Family Tribute being placed on TOV property and the review process that it will
undergo given it is on TOV property. Greg Hall arrives to further discuss the way-finding initiatives in the TOV
and specifically the Lionshead parking structure.
Greg Hall is now present to begin his update regarding the Town’s guest enhancements which includes way-
finding and sign programs. The signs need to be brought up to date in light of the redevelopment in Vail and
age/condition of the existing signs. One goal is creating consistency with the sign program especially between
the two garages. Vail is signed in blue and Lionshead is signed in red. In Lionshead’s garage, Milhoan’s mural
created in the mid-90s is a mix of color scheme and images. There are four levels – north and south within this
garage. The town would like to re-do the exit areas in particular, but maintain the art. They may possibly
introduce animal imagery, as children help with identifying animals. The pedestrian blades will be more
prominent as well. These ideas are not finalized, but he did want to come before AIPP to maintain the intent of
the art, but enhancing the graphics – information – for the user. Kathy thinks keeping the color over the portal
openings for pedestrians is vital. Greg explains that the viewing of graphics of the garage while full is vastly
different than when it is empty. The Board suggests having the graphics higher for this reason. The Board
thinks the additional graphics on the white background needs to be more complimentary to what already exists.
The stark white seems very harsh. Kathy asks if animals are necessary since colors are the identifying
elements. Doe thinks that anything additional, such as animals will be helpful for people identifying their level.
Bill asks if they can number the actually parking spots like at the airport. Perhaps these large signs are not
necessary if the individual spots are marked. Doe agrees that the columns at Denver Airport work for
identifying where you park in large lots. Margaret asks Greg what is being paid for this project and if he is
pleased with the work the consultant is providing. He says that he is, but it is a very tedious project. The goal is
to simplify versus add more signage. Bill discusses the lighting that he has used in working in garages. Greg
asks if it is ok to include the animals in the graphics of the Lionshead garage. The Board agrees that the more
streamlined it is the better. Doe suggests that Greg reach out to the artist on the original mural project for any
suggestions. Greg thanks the Board for their feedback.
4. Art Sled Exhibition
Molly would like to discuss with the Board the Art Sleds and price points. She would like to get feedback for the
beginning bidding prices and the “buy it now” prices. The Board acknowledges the work in Ben Roth’s “When
Pigs Fly” sculpture and that it may be priced higher. At present the sleds will be on view for a week in the 2nd
floor galleries of Solaris with the final sale/party being at the Four Seasons Feb 15th from 4-6:00 p.m. Mountain
Boy Sledworks is donating not only a Vail 50th sled, but also a sled for the Four Seasons. The online bidding
process was going to cost a bit to get the program. Molly instead will handle remote bids via email or phone.
The Board agrees that the buy it now is a good means to sell the sleds. The Board agrees that the “buy it now”
price for Ben’s sled will be $6,000 since it is a sculpture and this is in line with the value of his works. His
starting bid will be $500. The Board agrees to have the minimum bids start at $250. The remaining buy it now
prices will be $2,000. The exhibition will be advertised in SneakPeak, Vail Daily, and Vail Weekly. An article will
also be in SneakPeak and the spotlights will be in Vail Daily. The proceeds are split 50/50% with the artists.
5. Approval of minutes from January 7, 2013 meeting
6. Triumph Winterfest Review
Molly reports that the opening night at Mountain Standard was a great success. She has received lots of
positive feedback about the ice theater and ice sculptures. As the board is aware, the warm weather and rain
from the past weekend compromised the ice. The sculptor will look at the weather and determine when it is
best to rebuild the theater. The Board remarks that the first Triumph Winterfest didn’t last very long. It
vaporized quickly. The screen has actually lasted quite a while. Molly remarks that she was in Breckenridge for
the public art meeting when the warm temps occurred which was also during the snow sculpture competition.
The shopkeepers and restaurants have been very happy with the installations. Susan remarks that the Logans
are pleased. Molly asks the Board of their interest in bringing a snow sculpture exhibition similar to
Breckenridge to Vail. This is of interest to Mr. Logan which he asked her to explore. The Board feels that it will
be interesting to continue to be different in our exhibitions rather than repeating what is already being done.
The Board would rather be more artistic. Molly remarks that working along the creek is quite effective in
creating our ice installations. She will report back to Mr. Logan about our interests and that it may be
something rather that Special Events project. The Board likes working with the ice and lights. Molly commends
this year’s artists for their hard work and dedication to the Triumph Winterfest.
Coordinator Updates:
AIPP does not need to create a new bicycle themed work for the USA Pro Cycling challenge as we did
that the first year
Molly will arrange to meet with the BFAG to discuss possible inclusion of Logan’s sculptures within the
garden
Patrick Marold has been awarded a large commission with the expansion of the Denver International
Airport
Roxanne Granzow is having a talk along with her photography exhibition on Wednesday
Molly asks the Board to think about 2013. Doe asks if the plein air would be in addition to another
project for the summer.
The price for Tobin’s White Roots is $300,000 and Rusted Roots is $200,000. If we acquired the White
Roots, he would give the Rusted Roots. The area in Lionshead where the bus turnaround is a protected
view corridor. Kathy suggests moving to the lower bench next to Moroles. The $300,000 is more than
what is within the AIPP budget. Perhaps a donor could be found to assist with any acquisition. Sundial
Plaza will start construction in April of 2013, so we need to find a new location or return the works.
Molly reminds the Board that terms are expiring in April.
Meeting is adjourned.