HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember_9_2013_MinutesMinutes: Art in Public Places Board Meeting
Monday, September 9, 2013, 8:30 a.m.,Town Council Chambers
AIPP Board Members Present: Doe Browning, Kaili Chipman, Cookie Flaum, Kathy Langenwalter, Bill
Pierce, Dana Patterson, Wendy St. Charles, Dan Telleen, Margaret Rogers – Council Rep
AIPP Members absent: Jen Mason
Others Present: Molly Eppard AIPP Coordinator
1. Approval of minutes from August 12, 2013 meeting.
2. No citizen input.
3. Review of artist and artist team proposals for the Seventh Annual Triumph Winterfest
Molly explains to the Board that today we will review the proposals for the Triumph Winterfest. Today is an
opportunity to review the work, presentations, and discuss timeline. In the past two years we have staged the
exhibition in phases, so that an element begins amidst Christmas Holidays with the bulk of the exhibition
installed after the New Year. There has been interest from the town in doing this to have more exposure to the
event, but we do need to consider this is also the busiest time of year for the sculptors. We should consider
whether or not we are able to stage an exhibition, as there is interest from the CSE in doing so as well. Molly
has asked the artists to show previous examples of their work and sketches or computer renderings of what
they are proposing for the Seventh Annual Triumph Winterfest.
Paul Wertin – Paul reviews last year’s Triumph Winterfest and the concept of combining geometric
architectural shapes with the organic shapes. The result was 19 sculptures of Asian inspired lanterns
atop aspen trees. The lighting was a unique approach in that the colored light was inserted in the
lantern while the tree trunks of the aspens remained white light. Paul was responsible for creating the
lighting of the AlpenGLOW exhibition as well. The sculptures varied from 2 feet to 12 feet in height. He
believes the creek is integral to the space and he likes the challenge of getting the sculptures into the
creek which is something he would like to do again. He reviews the ice theater from last year as well
with placement, scale, and location. He reviews the Beaver Creek Winterfest animals of winter ice
exhibition that he was commissioned to do last year, as well as this coming year. For this year’s
Triumph Winterfest, his concept is to work with the entire landscape and the creek at the Promenade.
He proposes arch shaped sculptures along the creek both towards and into the creek with a running
fence / ice wall inspired by Christo’s environmental installation. It would be an undulating wall of ice that
goes from the walkway to the river ending with an arch rough cut, stone arch shape with horizontal
breaks as it terminates at the creek. Paul reviews the scale of the wall which will have openings, so that
people can walk through it to make it more interactive. The termination of the smooth ice wall would
transform into the rougher cut of the arches. There would be two additional arches with the rough cut
into the creek. The wall would also have a pattern with a visual texture to it. The wall would be a
smooth continuous curve. He would like the wall to have a slow fade of changing color light to have a
kinetic feel to it. The texture of the planes of the wall will have the light play differently. Molly asks about
the lighting in the other arches. He explains that the lighting can be decided along the way. It could be
either changing or static. He thinks the arches could be a static color while the wall has changing
colors. Kathy asks about the longevity. He thinks it could last into March depending on weather. He
explains that the weather and rain last year compromised the integrity of the ice, so he actually
removed the screen and sculptures which we later replaced from our contingency plan. Paul’s second
proposal is more of a representational concept of underwater creatures. There could be 5 to 8 midsized
sculptures with varying lighting. Molly asks Paul about his budget. He went with what the budget was
from last year. The wall/arches is in the same vicinity of the previous year’s budget.
Solar Sculptures – Molly reviews a proposal on behalf of Solar Sculptures. She reads their letter of
interest to the Board: “Our company, Solar Sculptures TM is extremely interested in creating a beautiful,
new media, contemporary, ice, snow and light sculptural installation for Vail’s upcoming Triumph
Winterfest. We propose creating 2 or more life size ice castings of winter sports participants (see
example images), illuminated from within by our signature light emitting diode (LED) display, positioned
within appropriate snow mound settings. Each figure would be interactive: motion sensors incorporated
with it would sense passersby and trigger the software, causing the sculptures light displays to change
colors, activities, and frequencies in response to passersby movements. The LEDs would create a
rainbow of constantly changing colors and patterns within the figures and on the snow around them,
creating a beautiful, colorful exhibition for visitors to Winterfest.” Molly then goes through images that
they presented of a luge ice sculpture and female downhill skier. The acrylic armature would be
encased into the mold. She goes through images of their previous public art project and explains the
fish bench project that is proposed in Silverthorne. They would work within a budget of $25,000. Kathy
confirms the two figures they are proposing. Molly comments on the thoroughness of their presentation.
Scott Rella/Richard – They have two presentations both of which will involve Nathan Cox. Scott
introduces himself and sculpting history in Vail. He sculpted works for 8 years at the Covered Bridge.
He says that when the opportunity came with a bigger budget he hand-picked the location along the
Gore Creek where the Winterfest has taken place since then. He likes the location for many reasons,
but especially that it never sees sun. He likes to draw people into the sculptures creating individual
experiences. He shows the Board his work on the first three Winterfest exhibitions and explains the
awards won by the first installation. They are more about creating ice art. He shows images of Verdant
Meadows. He likes to have his work close to the river. He then shows Are You Listening?. Doe explains
to the new Board members that these Winterfest exhibitions were collaborations with the artist
Lawrence Argent out of Denver. Scott explains the process of collaborating with Lawrence on the three
Winterfest projects. He then shows an image of Conduit and explains the meaning of the work and the
connection from the past to the present. He describes how the shell actually evolved to the concept of
the ear sculptures. Richard now presents their proposal of “Amaze Me.” He describes the CNC
machine which is a computer designed base machine that they use to carve the ice. The walls of ice
will be 7 feet tall and a maze, so one has to find their way out. They propose using different colors of
light so that it will be a focal work down by the creek. There will be messages, words, and quotes,
carved into the walls of the maze. There will be a bench in the middle, so people can read and be
inspired by the words. Molly asks how they get the messages into the ice. He explains it is possible with
the CNC machine, so that the words will be carved perfectly. He reviews the floor plan of the maze. It is
100 inches wide and 160 inches long in the drawing, but they can go bigger. Molly clarifies precisely
where they envision the maze. Kathy asks them to return to the plan and clarifies the scale 8 x 13 feet
approximately. The walls will be 10 inches thick and they explain it will last a long time. Molly asks if the
messages disappear first once the melt starts. Richard explains that the messages are carved deep
into the ice. Scott explains further the technique of using this particular machine. Molly asks how they
envision it oriented in the spot on the creek. Scott says that they have not thought about it, but there are
options. Kathy inquires about wall thickness. She asks about 50 inches of walls with 4 walkways and
questions the scale they have proposed. Wendy also questions how the scale will work with the
dimensions that they have provided. Doe asks about the narrowness of the entries. Richard says they
are 30 inches and then Scott says they are 20 to 25 inches. Scott explains that you don’t want it to be
massive. Wendy thinks the width sounds too small when you consider jackets, etc. Richard explains it
is the width of a normal doorway. Kathy corrects them that the width of a door is 3 feet and if you have
four walkways, it would have to be a lot larger than 100 inches. Doe reminds the Board that we are not
selecting a proposal today, but it is good to ask questions. Any designs today are concept
developments, so we should understand that if it is an idea we would want to go forward with they
should work on the flow of the maze. Molly asks them about budget and if they have considered it with
the scale of the maze. Scott then proposes the concept of “Single Species Many Eyes” a collaboration
of video imaging with Pink Monkey Solutions. It will be an opportunity for viewers to entertain their own
interpretation and mutual experiences from multi-dimensional perspectives. The design is a series of 10
8 foot tri-frames wrapped in video screen, veneered in ice, and resulting in a 12 foot triangle. The video
projection will hit the tri-frames on all three sides. Nathan explains it is an extrapolation on the screen
concept, so that it hits a surface and refracts on all of the ice. Molly asks if it is moving or still images.
Nathan would like to do moving images, but still and color images are an option with a smaller budget.
The video will cast through the ice to the screen. Scott explains that he has been doing video projection
on ice for 17 years and has experience doing it. Molly asks about the opaqueness and if it would
actually be visually confusing. Doe asks about the thickness of the ice veneer. They explain it is 4 to 5
inches. Kathy questions what will keep it from melting because it is only that thickness. Scott answers
that it is enough. Doe questions the core of the triangles. Nathan explains it is a 20 inch prism with the
additional 4 to 5 inches of ice. Scott explains it is a multi-dimensional screen you can see from three
locations. Nathan explains that it turns into an art installation. He thinks the Logan Ice Theater could be
a forum for people to submit their Go-Pro footage and he can have it on one dvd scrolling through
which would be good for the screen. Molly asks who the content manager would be, as we did hit some
difficulties with that last year. Nathan confirms he would accept the responsibility of gathering the
content. The Tri-Piece would be more for video mapping. Doe asks the Board if they have any
questions. Nathan explains the video mapping that he was able to create on the façade of his shop.
Kathy asks if the image is the same on all three sides. Nathan explains the depth focus in the video of
video mapping technique and animation. Molly informs the Board that we need to proceed with the
other presentations in fairness to the other artists as we have gone over time. Nathan explains the ice
theater is a departure, but they can exist in the same space. Scott says one is a movie screen and the
other is an art installation.
Thomas Barlow – Thomas introduces himself to the Board. He is from Basalt and has been sculpting
ice for over 25 years. He passes around images of his work. He would like to incorporate snow into an
installation. He has been in many competitions and recipient of awards in both snow and ice. He then
went into sponsor recognition. He thinks snow has a lasting quality where as the ice is the illumination
aspect of the installation. He would like to combine the two elements. He pulls up his website to show
the Board his previous work. He works also in wood, marble, stone, and is a pastry chef as well. The
Board views some of his previous wintertime snow sculptures including some of his interactive
sculptures such as the castle and maze. Bill asks about enlarging the images. The Board comes to the
screen to better view the works from his website. He explains that the element of snow, so that he has
a contingency to have man-made snow. He goes through some of his ice sculptures from Cripple
Creek. Molly asks if he as included light in his sculptures and he confirms that he has. He shows his
work in Holland where he had to translate paintings by Rubens into ice sculptures. Thomas passes
around sketches of two different design concepts for Winterfest. His first concept incorporates snow
and ice. The lotus blossoms would be carved in snow 5 to 6 feet in height and the female figure
emerging from the blossom would be carved in ice. His second concept is to create numerous cylinders
of ice sculptures on both sides of the creek that would have the effect of being candle-lit creating a
landscape of luminaries. He would also hang some of the sculptures, so that they appear to be like
chandeliers from the trees and beneath the bridge. With the colors he thinks it will be an impactful
installation. Molly asks about the size of the cylinders. They would range from bucket size to towering
scale in height – 8 inches to 20 inches in diameter. It would run from bridge to bridge. The drawing has
100 depicted, but can go up from there. He could create a slide with the luminaries out of snow to have
an interactive element. Doe asks about the thickness of ice. The wall would be exactly the same on
each cylinder being an inch and a half in thickness. Doe then questions the life of the project given the
1.5 inch thickness of the wall of ice of the cylinder. He believes they could last for months. They are not
towering, so not having the direct sun exposure. He thinks we could also morph and phase in the
number of sculptures to add to the longevity of the sculptures. He confirms that he is staying within the
$25,000 budget. The tallest height would be unlimited because the machine can carve the ice at 10
inches in height and then he stacks the ice together. Bill confirms that they are illuminated and whether
they are multi-colored. Thomas explains that he could illuminate them with LED or battery operated
fake candles. Kathy asks about the lighting. The idea is to be lit with battery operated candles to give
the luminary effect, but could also use changing LED colors. Kathy questions whether the batteries
would work outdoors and for how long. He explains they would have to evaluate the duration and then
come in and change out the batteries. It may transpire into a changing exhibition. The cylinders are
hollow with the 1.5 inch wall thickness. Kathy asks if there is carving into the cylinders. Thomas
answers that there could be if desired. He explains that the two concepts could be combined as well.
He then shows a sketch to reality image.
Karl Krueger – Karl brings a table to the front of the room with a display of his concepts for Winterfest.
He has three concepts for Winterfest. Two are previous concepts and the third is a new concept. He
begins with the new concept. He would like to incorporate rebar with ice, a result of his working as an
architect on construction sites. This concept is about winter foliage where there would be illumination at
the bottom that would cast up. The tree forms would be made of rebar. He would take the heavy forms
and lathe them with snow. Over a period of days layers would be created on the rebar. The contact lens
shape of ice would form a canopy on the rebar trees. He comments on the ambient light in the area and
how that can be a challenge. He has an idea of burying pennies in the ice and how it will fall from the
canopy when it begins to melt. He explains that it will send a message of sustainability. He then
discusses his previous concept of the astronaut snow sculptures. He believes they are provocative
especially with the reflection of the astronaut’s helmet. Kaili asks about the size of the sculptures. They
are life-size. He then shows the snowball time capsule concept. Molly asks about location preferences.
He explains that shade is the most important factor. The spot in front of Wild Bill’s is not shady, but
highly visible. The maintenance of the bears is what is most costly. Molly clarifies to the Board that the
open space on the Gore Creek Promenade does indeed get sun. It was mentioned in an earlier
presentation that it does not get any sunlight. He also explains that there if very little shade in
Lionshead as well.
4. Lori Barnes – Town Librarian, Vail Public Library Temporary Art with AIPP update
Molly introduces Lori Barnes to the Board and her interest in discussing the temporary art at the Library above
the fireplace as the next application deadline is Oct. 2 at 5:00 p.m. The next AIPP review is Oct. 7 with
placement Oct. 14 – Jan. 10. Today we want to discuss the number of applications per artist/gallery and the
anonymity of the submission/review process. The goal now is to work out the kinks and make it a seamless
collaboration. Lori discusses that the Friends of Library saw the fireplace as an opportunity to place art in this
prominent location on a rotating basis. Lori comments that it is also another opportunity for the Library to
partner with AIPP which they have done so successfully on numerous occasions. Lori remarks that the
program is a work in progress and we would like to evaluate it in a year’s time for review. Lori met with the
Friends after the first selection and they would prefer to see an Eagle County artist, though Colorado is fine. In
the long term, they would like to the rotation every two months. They feel the anonymity is key in the selection
process. The Board will know the title and medium, but not the artist’s name, nor whether the work is from a
gallery. She wants to make sure it is equitable for everyone since it is a primary location. They would like to
only see only one submission per artist and per gallery per application. Doe comments that the mission needs
to be clarified, but the integrity of the project should be maintained. She refers to whether it is only Eagle
County artists or a broader range of artists. Molly comments that she could mark artists who are Eagle County
or Colorado, so that the Board can take that into consideration when they are voting. Doe comments that the
library should create the parameters. Kathy asks if the preference is weighed to Eagle County if you are on the
fence between two artists. Doe then questions the anonymity of the Eagle County preference. Kathy felt that
there was a good quality of submissions that we could have selected for three months. Doe thinks that bi-
monthly might be too time consuming for AIPP. Molly remarks that may hinder artists from selling their works if
we tie them up for a lengthy period of time. Lori thinks we should get through the first year and then consider
the bi-monthly rotation. Dan comments that the process we are going through is having an art show without the
show. He thinks that we should have a group exhibition with an event around the submissions. The public, the
librarians, etc. could select their favorites which would steer the work selected for over the fireplace. Molly
comments that the group show would be a nice annual event, but may be difficult in selecting a work on a
rotating basis. Doe likes Lori’s idea to have a reception celebrating the selected work. Molly asks if we should
have one submission per artist and gallery per application. Lori confirms. Dan asks to clarify the location of the
artist if it is a Colorado gallery submitting, can the artist then be out of state. Lori comments that it was
preferred Eagle County artist or Colorado artist. Doe thinks we need to be clear for the sake of the artists. If
they want Eagle County, the library should make it for Eagle County residents only. She thinks the criteria
should be clear. Lori thinks that if the Friends had their choice they would prefer to only have Eagle County.
Dan asks to clarify if it is part-time or full-time residents of Eagle County. Kathy remarks that it should be
residents or property owners. Lori reminds the Board about the free amenity of the community room as an
exhibition space for artists. Lori is asked if a percentage of sales from the community room exhibitions go back
to the library. She answers that only if the artists offer to do so. If they do, the monies go to the Friends of the
Library. Doe thinks the parameters should be an inner library organizational decision. AIPP is happy to jury, but
they should make the parameters for what the library truly envisions as their mission for the partnership. Molly
asks for direction from the Board and Lori, as we need to get the announcement out this week. Lori thinks that
we should keep it as Eagle County artists, including residents and property owners. Dan remarks that it would
include second home owners. Molly comments that she likes Dan’s idea of an annual group show. He
comments that there is a need for a local arts council. Molly comments that she reached out to the Vail Daily
about trying to organize art walks. Dan thinks the show would be an opportunity to showcase local artists. Doe
thinks we may want to consider having a comment book as a tool for feedback. Bill comments that it needs to
be kept simple and definable.
5. Coordinator/collection updates
Update on Rider 01 sale – We are waiting to hear whether Steve Virostek would like to go forward in
acquiring the work. The price is $10,000, $5,000 of which is a tax deduction. Molly has discussed with
finance the process of making it a clear donation so that the purchaser submits directly to the charitable
parties.
Transformer Box Update – Public Works is prepping the boxes to be painted by Jan Burch. Molly
bought the supplies for the PW crew and they have done a great job. Molly also informed Pam
Brandmeyer of the updated boxes and she was enthusiastic about the project.
Public Art Walking Map – Molly did not hear back from the Sebastian regarding the sponsorship page.
She did mention this to Triumph Properties as well in conjunction with possible acquisition of Rider 01
which is in part a donation to AIPP. They thought it sounded enticing.
Bird of Paradise – As it was a collaborative purchase with the Lionshead Merchant Association can it
be relocated outside of Lionshead? Bill and Kathy suggest that I contact Brian Nolen or Packy Walker.
Don Wilson – Clip Man. Presently in storage as the wall upon which it was placed was recently painted.
The work came to the town’s collection as a result of the folding of the Vail Valley Arts Council who
commissioned the work. The VVAC was to retain ownership of the piece, provide maintenance, and
liability insurance for the life of the piece. The town would simply provide the space and had hesitations
about the work due to the unknown maintenance issues of the work. Dan comments that the Arts
Council had an office just across from where it was installed. Molly comments that the minutes were
from 1990, so perhaps that is when it was handed over. Kathy and Dan do not foresee it being
complicated to de-access it. They suggest that I contact the artist and advise him of the decision of the
Board to de-access it due to the maintenance.
6. Triumph Winterfest Recap
Molly asks for direction from the Board regarding the presentations that were just given to the Board for the
Seventh Annual Triumph Winterfest. Doe comments that it was lovely that all of the previous artists
presented. Doe gives some history to the various Winterfest projects and the role of Triumph Properties in
sponsoring the annual event to the new Board members. Molly reviews the collaborative efforts of the sixth
annual Triumph Winterfest with Paul Wertin and Pink Monkey Solutions. The Board feels the rebar willow
presentation by Krueger is too experimental at this stage. They feel the maze by Rella is not to scale with
the location and does not work. Molly states that she has researched creating mazes/labyrinths and feels
that the location needs to be much larger for it to be intriguing and enjoyable. The open space on the lower
bench of Ford Park would work as an appropriate scale for a successful maze or labyrinth in snow or ice.
Doe compliments Barlow’s presentation of utilizing the entire location of the Gore Creek Promenade and
traveling though the entire space. She thinks the traveling idea of the luminaries is lovely. Molly agrees, but
has a few questions specific to his budget and lighting effects. She is concerned of the scale of the
luminaries (the width of 1 – 2 inches of ice wall for cylinder) and whether snowfall will cover the installation,
as some of the sculptures are quite small. Molly reminds the Board that this is the time where we can go
back to the artists to fine tune the concepts with a budget. Wendy asks if we have worked with him before.
AIPP has not and Molly would ask for references. The artists do have a concern about working so close to
the holidays, but seem flexible in staging / phasing the exhibition, so some elements are around the
holidays. Kathy likes the video mapping concept, but wonders who the lead is – Pink Monkey or Rella?
There is a concern with the costs associated with renting multiple projectors and the content management
of editing submitted videos. There is also concern that the project does not work visually at all during the
day. Molly is more concerned with the editing of content, so that it is appropriately monitored. There is
confusion as to whether the content is moving, still, or video mapped. Doe comments that we have always
wanted to do a light show. Molly mentions that she was disappointed that Legwork Studio from Denver had
to cancel presenting today due to other projects. They are a company that specializes in video mapping
and expressed interest in collaborating. Kathy comments that it may be a direction to go towards down the
road, but it is too premature at this stage. Molly asks for feedback regarding Wertin’s presentation. Kathy
likes it. Dan comments that he liked the textures of the arches, but not the size. He suggests that we need
to go larger with the ice to be more compatible with the scale of the area. He thinks the sculptures have
been too small in the past. He thinks Wertin’s presentation has potential. He thinks though the luminaries
are small, but the effect is that he utilizes the entire space. Molly asks if it is too similar to the concept of
last year’s lanterns in the AlpenGlow exhibition. A few Board members comment it might, but others do not
believe so. Margaret worries that they can be moved easily, turned over, jumped upon, and damaged.
Molly worries that they can be covered with snow. Kathy and Cookie worry about the size and melting
quickly. Kathy liked that the wall in Wertin’s proposal would start to melt close to the creek. It could be
interesting as it melts. Molly questions if we can combine the two artists concepts. Molly comments that the
larger the sculptures the longer they will last. Cookie thinks we need to get Barlow to narrow down his
budget more realistically. Kaili asks whether he is truly available to tend to the sculptures as necessary.
How often would he be coming to multiply the luminaries and change out batteries, etc.? Doe comments
that we need to get full commitments from the artists in their proposals. She questions the battery operated
candles and how much they will illuminate. These are details that need to be hammered out. Doe thinks we
should invite Barlow and Wertin to return to present their ideas in a more developed manner. Molly asks
the Board for feedback on the Logan Ice Theater. They think it was perfect for the 50th, but the content
management could be an issue this year. Molly comments that the Warren Miller and Ski School footage
was perfect for the ice theater. The Board does not wish to repeat it this year. Molly will reach out to both
Wertin and Barlow to fine tune their budgets and return to the Board with more developed proposals. The
Board motions that they would like these two artists to present their more fine-tuned proposals before the
Board at a future date.
MEETING ADJOURNED.