HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 2, 2018 Minutes
Public Notice - Art in Public Places Board Meeting
Monday, July 2, 2018 - 8:30 a.m.
Town Council Chambers
AIPP Board members present: Susan Bristol, Patricia Donovan, Julie Hansen, Kathy Langenwalter, Bill
Pierce, Margaret Rogers,
AIPP Board members absent: Kara Woods
Others present: Molly Eppard, AIPP Coordinator
1. Approval of minutes from May 30th meeting.
2. No citizen input.
3. RSES Garage update
Molly explains we are in the midst of negotiating the contract and payment timeline with selected artist John
Fleming. We are also examining the exhibits A (location) & B (design) for the contract. The location for the art
was determined to be flanking the pathway just east of the pedestrian bridge. Molly asks Kathy to address
some of these changes Fleming has proposed in his design. Molly notes his heights are now varying from 16
to 20 feet, but the total of 18 is the same. Julie comments that trees vary in height, so it makes sense to her.
Molly notes that the “aspening” is now on the interior of the blades versus both sides. The board would like to
know why the artist is now focusing on the inside of the “aspening.” Molly explains that we will want to see an
example of the steel with “aspening.” Margaret comments the blades are staggered, so we would see the
“aspening” from both sides regardless. Bill comments it would be beneficial to understand his reasoning.
Susan would like to discuss in Fleming’s original presentation squares were alternating, but that no longer
seems to be the design. She thinks it should have some visual break-up. Molly comments we are also
discussing possibilities for the foundation and footing. At this point, there are no benches which would make it
better for snow removal. We are hoping for a fall installation. The foundations should be poured by August at
this stage in the construction. Julie asks if he has selected a fabricator. Molly mentions he is familiar with
Demiurge, but not sure what Fleming has decided. Susan asks the board their thoughts on children versus the
artist creating the “aspening.” Molly comments it was presented to have interaction with the children, so the
board should consider this when they selected his proposal. Julie and Kathy are ambivalent because of the
timeline. Margaret comments that the students should be involved in the classroom level and the artist should
execute the work in the studio. Susan agrees. Trish comments that he can have involvement with the children
participating in another aspect if time is an issue. She explains that there are other ways he can stimulate
artistic interest with the students. Molly remarks involving the school children was a big part of his presentation,
so he should maintain that aspect of his proposal for the art. Trish thinks the work should be meaningful for the
school children so they have a connection to it.
4. Lawrence Weiner installation review
Demiurge and ShipArt did a great job with the installation of the work. Kent Logan is very pleased with the
installation. The plants in the landscaping will grow to about 3 to 4 feet to cover the imperfections of the lower
level of the wall. The landscaping was thoughtfully designed with height and color by Gregg Barrie. Molly
shows the board the design for the plaque which includes the Logan’s commentary on the work. It is a
stainless steel plaque with black etched text located in close proximity of the sidewalk so people can read it.
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Molly reached out to LaTour about potential dates for a thank you reception for the Logan’s. We would have a
dedication and remarks at the site and then walk to the patio of LaTour. Molly comments colleagues at the
Americans for the Arts conference in Denver were very impressed that Vail secured this donation for the public
art collection. Molly will look at dates for the reception.
5. Patrick Dougherty installation review
We have a full page “Thank You” ad with images running in the Daily. We have received a lot of social media
attention and have been able to track with hash-tags. We have received a lot of press from her various
contacts. Molly goes down daily to check on the installation and is working on additional informational signage.
We applied the fire retardant to the entire installation. There are signs which indicate the art is under
surveillance. Patrick was very happy, complimented the organization and said it was a well oiled machine.
Molly also compliments the public works department for their involvement. She has received a lot of positive
compliments on the project. When she goes to check on the installation, she is constantly being asked
questions and everyone has been incredibly mesmerized with the installation. Many are familiar with the artist
and impressed Vail was able to have Dougherty in Vail. Trish mentions Patrick told her that it was an
impressive operation and everything has been very straightforward and a pleasure working with Town of Vail.
Molly comments that his artist fee was $30,000. She is still waiting for several bills to get the total expenditure
on the project. Julie comments that this is money well spent on such an impressive project which is getting so
much public attention. Molly comments that we had people from the Front Range come up for just the book
signing. The books are being sold at the BFAG shop. She knows they have already sold 20 and has delivered
more to them. Kathy comments the board should let the others know how many non-local volunteers came to
participate on the project and how it has drawn many people to town.
6. Coordinator updates:
Art Cottage:
Margaret would like to discuss the status of the Art Cottage in Ford Park on behalf of the BFAG. Molly
comments that it was on her agenda in coordinator notes as well. She explains that the building has VRD
equipment stored in it. AIPP has monies from the Manor Vail project allocated to the cottage to create a
working artist residency studio. Molly asks the board where their thoughts are on exploring the space and what
the vision might be. Kathy confirms that the $50,000 was designated for this space. Molly confirms it was the
agreed upon public art contribution and allocation during their development process. Margaret comments the
BFAG would like to rent this space for their gift shop. They would like to turn the schoolhouse into a program
space. Margaret comments since it would only be used as a gift shop they would only need drywall. Molly
remarks it is pretty rough shape and it requires quite a bit more work than drywall for it to be occupied. The
topic of water comes up and Molly notes the new sewer line should make it more feasible. The space needs to
be cleared out, so it can be properly assessed. Kathy comments that the board should go down to look at the
building. Molly remarks we can all agree the space should be utilized in a more functional way rather than for
storage. Trish remarks about the conference in Breckenridge a few years ago and their use of older buildings
for artist spaces is a real draw for their town. She does not think we should let the building be rented by
another entity at this time. It seems too soon to make any commitment for leasing out the space. She thinks it
can be used in multiple ways to promote the visual arts. Molly remarks she often gets asked about artist
residencies and studios - questioning why Vail does not have a program. Kathy remarks now we have the
funds from Manor Vail, we can properly explore the space. Plans were done a number of years ago and she
thinks the timing is appropriate for the discussion of repurposing the space. Bill asks what the AIPP vision
would be. Molly comments it has been discussed to be a working studio, activating interaction with an artist
creating in the park, classes, talks, etc. Molly observed after having Patrick Dougherty in the park, there is
definite interest for visual arts in the park. We would need to clearly outline our mission and vision. Kathy
remarks after having volunteered in Ford Park for Stickwork she can confirm it is exceptionally busy in the
summer. People are curious, looking for activation in the park, and programming. She explains we have the
right to the one building and not the schoolhouse. We need to assess this particular building. Julie comments
we are not landlords, so renting the building is not of interest. Bill comments we need to look at water/sewer,
electricity, utilities, foundation. We need to look at the expectation of the space and investment. Molly
comments it would be worthwhile to see the activity, usage of space, and how a small building can be
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converted into an arts space similar to the many buildings in Breckenridge. Molly comments we are not
creating a district, we are looking at a singular space and reiterates it would be worthwhile for board members
to see the spaces in Breckenridge being activated in order to have the vision of what is possible. We have one
building which can be utilized for this activity, so we should explore it. She reiterates Kathy’s comments that it
is incredibly busy in the summer months. Susan moves that we look at the plans, utilities, and if they can clear
the building, take a site visit. Kathy thinks the bigger part of this issue is that this has been put on hold, so if
there is interest now as a board, we need to reexamine the original concepts. Trish agrees with Kathy’s
comments that we need to look at the vision of the board for the usage of the space. The board approves the
motion to review the plans at the next meeting and have a site visit if it is cleaned out.
Relocation of sculptures:
Molly reviews the two works already approved for relocation by the board – the Tobolowsky and Bird of
Paradise. These works will be relocated after the Fourth of July. The Tobolowsky will be in front of the Vail
Village transit center and the Bird of Paradise will be in close proximity to where it was in front of the Lionshead
parking structure. The Resurrecting the Matriarch sculpture was restored by the new body shop painter in
public works. It was removed from the bus turnaround west of Dobson due to tree removal. New trees were
replanted in the turnaround. It is a great improvement with the new paint surface. Molly shows the board some
options along the southern area by the Lionshead parking structure. Molly comments anything in Lionshead
which is removed typically has to be relocated within the district. It will be just east of the present sculpture in
place at this location. The board agrees to the relocation.
Collection:
The bronze TOV works were cleaned June 11 except for the 10th Mountain Soldier. The 10th Mountain Division
Soldier should be completely refurbished this fall. Molly has an estimate for this conservation from the
DeDecker’s in Loveland.
Summer Art Walks:
July 11 – August 29 @ 11 am
Golf/Nordic Clubhouse:
The Ford Tournament posters and photos were reproduced from Diana and John Donovan’s ephemera. A
second photo was courtesy of the Vail Valley Foundation. The VRD wanted the works upstairs in the grill area
versus the pro-shop. Julie comments on the dim lighting in the space. The AC control in the middle of the grill
wall is unfortunate for the placement, but it seems to be well received.
Meeting adjourned.