HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch_4_2013_MinutesMinutes: Art in Public Places Board Meeting
Monday, March 4, 2013, 8:30 a.m.,Town Council Chambers
AIPP Board Members Present: Doe Browning, Kaili Chipman, Susan Frampton, Kathy Langenwalter, Jen
Mason, Dan Telleen, Margaret Rogers – Council Rep
AIPP Members absent: Cookie Flaum, Monica Mattingly, Bill Pierce
Others Present: Molly Eppard AIPP Coordinator, Todd Oppenheimer, TOV
1. Approval of minutes from February 4th meeting.
2. No citizen input
3. Ford Park updates – Pedro Campos, Zehren & Associates
Molly sent the Board information on the process for approval on public art on private and public land which she
asked them to review prior to today’s meeting. She thought it would be important to review this information on
process prior to Pedro’s presentation today about the Ford Family Tribute (FFT). Margaret asks Pedro if the
FFT has been determined for the social courtyard by the PEC. Pedro updates the Board where they are in the
Phase II application process for the conditional use permit. They will meet with PEC on Monday to discuss
Phase II. They have gotten good comments from the public regarding the relocation of the FFT. In terms of the
congestion, maintenance, etc. this also further supports the relocation to the courtyard from original Manor Vail
location. The submitted application contemplates the FFT at social courtyard. They have engaged with the
artist Andy Dufford and want to make the sum of the parts bigger to celebrate the Ford family in a significant
manner at the entry to the amphitheater and the BFAG. This consolidation will result in a better tribute. They
hope not to debate location at this stage, as they are excited to launch into the planning for the FFT in a more
significant fashion. Today they would like to discuss the process which includes AIPP. Pedro reaffirms that the
advancements they have made will make it clear in everyone’s mind that the location is appropriate and timing
is of great importance if this project is to move forward. Pedro and Molly ask the Board to look at A – L site
criteria on the documents sent to the Board (attached). The location of the FFT in the social courtyard site
meets these criteria in general in a much better manner. Kathy’s greatest concern is safety and it makes sense
not to have it in a driveway (ie. Manor Vail location). The desire is to create something very special and
befitting of a tribute. Doe inquires if the Board’s recommendation helps. Pedro confirms that it does. The
Manor Vail location became of concern given these site criteria, especially the existing structure in proximity
and traffic patterns. Hopefully, some of the winter activities throughout Vail can be introduced to Ford Park.
Pedro comments on the work and the discussions with Andy Dufford with Chevo Studios in possibly assisting
with the Ford Park projects, such as the portals, but now the FFT. Dufford’s previous work in parks, open
spaces, urban spaces, and the materials in which he woks (stone) and Denver based studio, Pedro explains
that he is the right artist for this job. Dufford’s extraordinary craft is suitable for the project. Pedro reviews the
public open house from February and discussions with PEC and DRB. So, they are now engaging with Andy
before diving into the project. They have proposed a meeting with Andy which Molly, Todd, Jack Hunn, would
be a part of to work through some of these ideas. They would like to come back in April to AIPP and Town
Council to present the elements for the integrated design of the FFT in the social courtyard. They are
proposing to create an integrated solution in the social courtyard for the FFT. The artist states: “To create a
unified composition that makes the social courtyard a lively year round gathering space, that creates a vibrant
plaza that pays homage to the Ford Family contribution, and inspires other to continue their good works.” A
portrait of the Fords would be in stone in a high resolution. They are considering an interpretative triptych panel
capturing the Ford legacy – arts and culture, athletics and recreation, and community and environment. The
main gate would also be done in an artistic manner. The social courtyard will be an integrated space with
heavy landscaping as a part of the composition. It will be interactive and tactile. The artist has a great
understanding of process and a good communicator. Molly thanks Kathy for assisting her with determining
which process the AIPP would take in participating in the FFT review. Molly points out the section and a
criterion of “commissioned work on a public site” is most appropriate for AIPP review. She guides the AIPP
Board through the site and artwork criteria to consider in going through the review process of working with the
VVF and the artist for the FFT. The Board stands by their original motion for the location of the FFT in the
social courtyard. Kathy updates the motion that the AIPP Board feels the best location for the FFT is in the
social courtyard. The motion is seconded and approved unanimously by the Board.
4. Bart Gunderson – Not present for presentation
5. Art Sled Exhibition update
Molly reviews the Art Sled exhibition with the Board. Approximately 50 plus guests attended throughout the
evening of the sled sale at The Four Seasons. The Four Seasons space worked well and staff was very
helpful. The gross sale was $5450 with a net of $2875. Kathy asks how it compares to previous years. Molly
will check. It was more than last year, but about the same as the first year. The press was good through
articles and ads. It seemed like we needed to generate more bids and energy throughout the event. She is not
sure what the solution would be for getting people more actively bidding. Is this an event that we want to go
forward? How do we create more energy and buzz? Doe noticed that it is the same audience buying. Maybe
we just have one amazing sled with an auction rather than so many. Molly agrees that people struggle with
placement of the art objects. Kathy suggests that if we go forward we should look at having it prior to
Christmas. Molly reviews the number and methods of inviting guests. She wonders if a guest artist may draw a
crowd. Doe thinks auctions and silent auctions are really struggling and the model is no longer working. She
questions for all of the work if it is worth the results. Kaili wonders if an unveiling with the bidding may have
more intrigue. We had one bid by a Four Seasons guest. We had hoped that more guests would have joined
from the resort. Molly questions if a summer crowd might be a better target since it is a more cultural crowd
versus skiing? Molly explained that the information about the party was something on artinvail.com rather than
having that specified in the paper advertisements. Margaret thinks that the summer audience may be more
interested and a more diverse crowd. Molly thinks we need to address strategy going forward. Kathy and
Susan think it is uncomfortable to have artists do their work and not have it appreciated. Molly does encourage
the artists to invite friends, but that doesn’t seem to happen historically.
6. Triumph Winterfest and Logan Ice Theater update
The theater is starting to deteriorate due to weather, so it is time for public works to remove it. Molly asks about
leaving some of the sculptures, since they work well still in the evening. Some members think it is fine to leave
the sculptures which are still in tact, Doe questions if we remove it altogether. Molly will go to examine the
integrity of the sculptures. Molly reviews the recent press for the exhibitions. The banners have been taken to a
non-profit in Denver who will create bags from the banners. Molly asks the Board for reaction if we want to sell
the banners bags or make them as gifts if we go forward with a “Friends of AIPP.”
7. Summer 2013/coordinator/collection updates
Molly updates the Board with the Plein Air Vail event. She has met with Colleen Everett since the last
AIPP meeting and she has also met with Pam Brandmeyer to learn about reserving the Grand View
room. She has passed along this information to Colleen, but they have not talked since. She thinks it
would be nice to have the Grand View room utilized for something other than meetings, so that people
can envision using it in other manners. Margaret asks about why we cannot hang on the far wall of the
room. Since, it was built to be a multifunctional space that can house art exhibits she believes this
needs to be addressed. We are losing opportunities for using the space and events if people are
prohibited from displaying along the wall. Margaret explains that a gallery hanging method would be
very beneficial for the room. Molly agrees and will explore some of the methods for hanging and
displaying art without damaging walls. Kathy thinks the room should be equipped for hanging art. Dan
asks about the lighting. Jen explains that it is adjustable fixtures on a track and dimmer.
When Molly met with the coordinators of the Grand View, they also asked about the Lionshead Arts
Festival and how they can collaborate with AIPP. The dates are June 28 – 29. Perhaps we can have a
presence in the organizational booth. There may also be an opportunity with the construction of Sundial
plaza to have something artistic around the construction site. Molly mentions seeing crocheted flowers
on a construction fence in Denver. Margaret tells the Board about the Venice Beach graffiti wall. Molly
mentions there is also one in Bondi Beach and some great street art on display at DIA. Molly was
hesitant to go in that direction to have street art on a construction site and the messaging. The Board
thinks working with local kids may be fun.
Molly has also met with BFAG and possibilities of displaying some of the Logan works within the
gardens. Space and relationship to the gardens would need to be discussed with Mr. Logan, the BFAG,
and their Board as well. Molly asks if we should try to get a work on loan for the summer perhaps on
the International Bridge. The Board would like for Molly to discuss that option with Mr. Logan.
Dan asks if Rotary asked about the chalk art exhibition. Molly explains that she has, but wanted to be
sure that the project is steered by them rather than falling too much upon her for organization. She has
given them several suggestions regarding reaching out to Denver’s festival organizers; try to tag on
with their artists, as well as advising about the pavers in Village. She suggested looking at Betty Ford
Alpine Way since it is pavement rather than pavers which cannot be power washed.
The Oldenburg has its new display case in the Library. The carpenter who created the furniture in the
Library made the free standing case pedestal that can now be viewed in the round. It has a prominent
location and at a more appropriate level for viewing. She mentions the Vail 50th history publication
discusses the Oldenburg. She recommends that the Board visit the Library to take a look.
Dan inquires about the Steve Tobin Roots and whether the Board is going to look at acquiring the
sculptures. It was discussed at the last meeting. Molly reviews the cost of the sculptures. He would
“give” the rusted steel roots if we bought the white roots for $300,000. Molly told the artist that we do
not have it in our funds to do so. Dan asks if we can counter offer with $200,000. Molly explains that our
annual operational budget needs to be considered.
She asks the Board for direction in placing the Tobin sculptures once the Sundial Plaza work begins in
mid-April. The bus turnaround in Lionshead is a protected view corridor, but Molly is going to ask
Warren if art is omitted from these restricted locations. She also discusses location issues with the
sculptures, because the artist is not happy with the Tivoli winter location for the white roots. Margaret
would like to see it on the Grand Lawn, but does not see it happening. Molly thinks that people are
looking closely at Ford Park and we may not be able to place art in that location going forward, since it
is not on the masterplan. Molly explains that the location behind the Tivoli is Vail Resorts’ property and
we are in a contract now to have it placed in that location. It is a very accessible and highly visible
location. The Board discusses the locations in Ford Park. The Board discusses moving the rusted roots
to Ford Park. Doe asks about sending the works back given the struggle with the location placement
and the artist not being pleased with the present locations. Kathy asks Molly about the roundabout
placement and to discuss it with Warren. Margaret mentions that there is interest in sprucing up the
East Vail corridor.
Molly acknowledges and thanks Susan Frampton for eight years of service to the AIPP Board.
Molly reminds the Board to engage with people for the openings on the AIPP Board. She has sent it out
on Art in Vail Mail and someone has asked why people outside of Vail cannot serve. Margaret will bring
it up in Council discussion.
Meeting adjourned.