HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 11, 2016 Minutes
Minutes: Art in Public Places Board Retreat Meeting
Monday, July 11th, 2016, 8:30 a.m., Grand View, Lionshead Welcome Center
AIPP board members present: Patricia Donovan, Julie Hansen, Nancy Lassetter, Michael
Kurz, Kara Woods
AIPP Board members absent: Bill Pierce, Amanda Zinn
Others present: Molly Eppard, AIPP Coordinator
1. Approval of minutes from June 6th retreat meeting.
2. No citizen input
3. Lauren Merrill, Alpine Arts Center
Lauren is present to discuss ways to collaborate and to offer visual art programing on a
consistent basis in Vail. When there is consistency in the monthly programs, there is greater
interest and attendance in the classes. She discusses the trend of art classes and social art
classes in local towns and around the country. It is a way for people to feel connected to the
community as a guest or resident. The programs are open to everyone no matter of neither
ability nor age. The cultural tourists in ski towns have created a demand for participatory visual
art programs. She thinks a partnership with AIPP would be beneficial for the town in general.
She has had great success with corporate retreats and team building events and would like to
open this to the public. The first event of growler painting she had at the amphitheater went very
well despite the number of pre-registered guests. We will have cupcakes, cocktails, and canvas
on Thursday afternoons also in the amphitheater. These classes could host up to 40 people in
this exceptional setting. Michael asks who provides her funding. The program is self-funded with
class fees. With the town of Avon she received some funding from the town so was able to bring
the class cost down. Molly comments that with the lantern making AIPP paid Lauren a stipend
to bring the cost of the workshop down. Lauren shows images from other classes including
some on Vail Mountain. Classes could also be geared towards the Vail ART Pass members or
even a book club project. For winter there could be programs on the mountain or with the VRD.
There could also be a snowman making completion. She would like to look at programming for
locals during the off-season which could also have an educational component. Kara comments
that her daughter participated on Thursday and had a fantastic time. She remarks that when her
family travels they often look for programs like this for the vacation experience. She also likes
the concept of cultivating local interest in our art programming. It would be a fun way to bring
everyone together. Michael comments that the timing is good in looking at the educational
component of the strategic plan: art appreciation and the practical workshops. The ART Pass
will bring a benefit to residents as a quality of life. The amphitheater is a perfect summer setting.
The funding would have to take place within the town of Vail in existing facilities. He thinks it is a
natural partnership with mutual benefits. Molly comments that she and Lauren have been
discussing possibilities for years now. Experimentally, the amphitheater canopy has served as a
good place for this programming. Lauren comments that finding a place within Vail for the winter
would be ideal for continued programming as driving down Valley is often not feasible for
guests. Nancy agrees that tourists and locals will enjoy the programming in this ideal setting.
Trish likes the possibilities and thinks we need to examine what is most successful in her past
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programs and to bring those events to the community. She thinks we should look at impact with
larger crowds. Molly comments that consistency is key because then the marketing will fall
naturally. Kara likes the concept of looking towards educational components as the program
grows. The board agrees that the ART Pass is a good connection for the programming. Julie
remarks that we need to push out the marketing and work on the consistency for awareness.
She thinks it is a great compliment to AIPP. Lauren thinks the biggest challenge will be looking
at spaces for the programming. Michael comments that we can also look at the park pavilions
as spaces. Molly comments that we should look at solidifying the partnership and how we might
be able to bring the funding down. Lauren is going to look at funding through the CSE. Michael
comments that education is missing quite a bit from the CSE events and to look towards that
component in applying for funding.
4. Vail ART Pass event dates
JULY 15 - Anderson Ranch
We presently have 11 people confirmed for the tour. Molly will send the details out again as
20 would be an ideal number. It is a tour of the arts facilities followed by their popular
summer lunchtime auctionette meeting at 10:30 at the ranch. While the ranch is open to the
public, this tour is arranged as a special event for the Vail ART Pass. Barbeque lunch is
served from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. for $10, including an ice cream sundae bar. The
Auctionettes are free and open to the public, from 12:15 to 1:00 p.m. in Schermer Meeting
Hall.
August 12 – 21 – BRECKENRIDGE- BIFA
(Breckenridge International Fine ArtFestival) Tour of creative arts district. Molly asks for
feedback from the board as to what they might think of the programming. She remarks it
may be best to tour their facilities at a down time for them. Kara comments that we could do
Alpine Arts Center as the August event.
September – DENVER – possible trips could include.
Denver Art Museum: Women of Abstract Expressionism, Through – September 25
Denver Art Museum: Rhythm & Roots: Dance in American Art, Through – October 2,
Denver Botanic Gardens – Through – October 2, Stories in Sculpture: Selections from the
Walker Art Center Collection
Michael asks about cross-promoting with Denver. Trish comments that she went on the light
rail recently from DIA and enjoyed the public art installations. She comments it might be
interesting to look at it for a possible tour. Molly comments that Patrick Marold, the artist who
created the bloom concept for our Big Horn park, is the artist who received the large
commission from DIA for the light rail. Molly also remarks that she could reach out to Jan
Mayer for a tour of her personal art collection.
5. Coordinator Updates
Art Magazines – AIPP advertisement and article from press release
Petey Hartung a resident of East Vail is requesting approval to paint the transformer box
in front of her home in a professional manner. The subject would be flowers. She would
cover the expenses for painting the box and has received permission from Holy Cross
which she submitted to Molly. The board approves the request.
Tiny Cinema review. Molly asks Nancy to let the board know of her experience in the
Tiny Cinema. Nancy comments that it is really charming. She went to view it in
Lionshead. She enjoyed a couple of films. She said it was a true surprise. Molly
comments that just over 100 people attended. His attendance in Vail was better and it
might have been due to the evening time slot. Nancy comments that he is a true
showman as well. She comments that it was a delight. Molly gives feedback from Davey
that evenings would be best and perhaps just having one drop location. He said Alice in
Wonderful was the most popular and those who took the plunge were most satisfied with
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the experience. Molly said it is a bit of a leap of faith to experience the Tiny Cinema.
Children loved it. The board thinks that we should bring him back for an evening showing
this summer. It was also on the cover of the Vail Daily. Molly informs the board that a
sandwich board was on site explaining it was compliments of the TOV AIPP.
Artinvail site is updated and running with the help of Mike Richards from the TOV. Molly
walks through the site with the board. We are working on the interactive map.
Art Walks – Have consistently been 20+ attendees since starting in June.
San Miguel de Allende. Molly recaps the delegation in Vail, the Summerfest, Vail Arts
Festival and brunch with the Mexican Consulate from Denver. The selling of work is
what is difficult and the governmental issues need to be worked out. Julie comments that
it isn’t terribly difficult and certainly within the realm of possibilities. Trish asks about the
feedback and future of the exchange. Molly comments we are thinking creatively how to
promote the visual arts between the two communities whether it is through exhibitions,
visiting artists, residencies. The program will be discussed at the Council meeting on
July 16. Molly will send out the sister city agreement to the board for their knowledge.
Steve Tobin’s Steelroot sculptures have been picked up and returned to Pennsylvania.
Vail 50th Picnic will take place on August 23rd at Donovan Park. Molly is working with the
committee to have canvas painting with iconic Vail images by artist Natalie DeStefano.
Booth Creek playground is going well. The 53,000 pound rock will be placed next week.
I70 – Staff is actively discussing design development with the studio and working out
some concerns.
Relocation of Time Trial Wheel – East Vail. This parking lot off of Bighorn is going to be
redesigned and was suggested as a nice location. It is a meeting location for bikers
riding up the Vail Pass. It is very visible and could be quite interactive. Molly confirms it
is the east side versus west which was a concern of Michael’s. Molly will come back to
the board with timeline and plans.
Molly asks the board for any updates or suggestions.
6. Discussion of revised mission statement for AIPP’s strategic plan
Molly remarks that after the retreat she asked board members to brainstorm on a focused
updated mission statement for AIPP. She comments that there were many ideas floating
around, but the question is where we go from here. She wants the group to think of a statement
focusing on the 5 year plan. The feeling is to edit the existing strategic plan versus recreating
one. Much of the plan is applicable, but a bit is also outdated. Molly shows the board the task
force document which she gave to each board member which is a good basis for looking at
AIPP. The two to three sentence mission statements should define the program and be the
launch pad. Michael comments that he has been working on strategic plans as guiding
documents for many years. He remarks that the AIPP program in Vail is a good one especially
for our town size. In comparing the websites which Molly provided there is a consensus of what
an AIPP program is. There is finesse to some of the older language, but we should look at
future forward and what we are looking towards. He comments that we should look at education
both hands-on and art appreciation with our strategic plan and future growth. He remarks that
there is also the issue of not having a facility. Alpine Arts Center’s programs outside is a great
short term solution. There does not seem to have buy-in from the community as far as acquiring
Cascade or other facilities. He questions if we look this far in the future with education and
facilities operation requires more staffing. This is beyond an AIPP program. Trish interjects that
the mission and vision have gone beyond with an assumption that this is a goal. He comments
that the process is what he is talking about and that the town would need to be involved. She
comments that the mission statement and vision is essentially enriches the community through
public exposure to the arts. What we are aiming at in developing this unusual environment and
putting the people within this experience.
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Molly recently discussed with Greg Hall, the Director of Public Works, what would be beneficial
at this stage. He suggested first revising the sentence presently describing the program: The
intention of the program is to assemble a collection of works of art in public places which is
educational, attractive to residents and guests, and of an overall aesthetic quality equal to the
excellent international reputation the town enjoys as a resort.
Michael suggests: To develop artistic projects and programs and involve and educate the
community, enhance its vitality and works toward the goal of establishing a reputation for the
Town of Vail as a regional center of excellence for public art, education, and arts education
programs. Inherent in this is the facility issue which becomes an objective. He comments that
Lauren has nimbly approached this issue of not having a facility for consistent programming.
Molly reads a similar statement which she wrote: The Town of Vail’s Art in Public Places fosters
the visual arts by curating both a permanent art collection in public spaces and intriguing
contemporary temporary installations within the community. The enhanced cultural and
educational experiences offered by Art in Public Places engage both residents and guests to
stimulate creativity and dialogue further instituting the excellent international reputation the town
enjoys as a world class resort.
Trish recommends we should put forth a few examples to the group and look at them carefully.
She thinks simplicity is important and that the person who reads it feels they are invested in as
an individual. It should be less about promoting and more about the individual experience which
is what allows people to connect with AIPP. The breathtaking natural beauty takes people to an
elevated experience. The richness needs to speak to the individual. Molly comments that the
permanent collection must be included in the statement because that is the basis of art in public
places. The importance of permanent works in capital projects is vital to the program. Molly
comments that the experiential trend in public art does seem to be looking towards temporary
installations. Kara comments that the Rose Kennedy Greenway statement is a good example of
programming as well. “The Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy will bring innovative and
contemporary art to Boston through free, temporary exhibitions on the Greenway, engaging
people in meaningful experiences, interactions and dialogue with art and each other.” Molly
remarks that the program needs public awareness on the grassroots level, from the skatepark to
the Tiny Cinema, it is always changing. Nancy comments that the nature of changing programs
and projects keeps AIPP fresh for our guests and residents. Molly asks board members to
submit a sentence of what they think AIPP should be before the August meeting. Molly will also
send out the public art task force document.
Meeting adjourned.