HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-02-01 PAC Meeting MinutesPUBLIC ARTS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
February 1, 2024
Palm Springs City Hall
3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way
Large Conference Room
A. CALL TO ORDER:
A regular meeting of the Palm Springs Public Arts Commission was called to order by
Chair Gary Armstrong on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at 5:30 p.m.
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Present: Commissioners Shawnda Thomas Faveau, Carlos Silveira, Christopher
Ramirez, Tom Burns, Vice Chair Newkirk, and Chair Armstrong. Not present:
Commissioner Melissa Shelton.
City Staff: Director, Jay Virata
C. PRESENTATIONS:
D. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA:
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER BURNS TO MOVE THE AGENDA ITEM OF
"BEAUTIFUL SHADES" TO THE DISCUSSION AND APPROVAL SECTION OF THE
AGENDA, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER RAMIREZ, CARRIED 6-0 TO ACCEPT THE
AGENDA CHANGE.
E. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
No public comments.
F. REMARKS FROM THE CHAIR:
The Chair remarked that larger installations such as Crawler, the donated Pride
monument, and projects such as the Frances Stevens Park project, which is designated
a historical site, have involved additional departmentsto coordinateand obtain approvals.
He recommends that the Commission factor in more time for approvals and the possible
involvement of other departments when planning these projects.
G. REMARKS FROM THE VICE CHAIR:
The Vice Chair had no remarks.
H. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes from the meeting of January 4, 2024.
Public Arts Commission Meeting
Action Summary — February 1, 2024
Page 2
MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES WITH A DATE CHANGE IN ITEM K
FROM FEBRUARY 4 TO FEBRUARY 1 MADE BY CHAIR ARMSTRONG,
SECOND BY VICE CHAIR NEWKIRK, CARRIED 6-0 TO APPROVE AS
AMENDED.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/APPROVAL:
1. Consider El Ranch Vista Estates for Gene Autry Trail Park Public Art —
Commissioner Burns who went to inspect the site commented that it would be
great for seeing "art in a flash" as it gets lots of traffic driving by butthere is noway
to slow down and enjoy the art. He also shared these observations and concerns:
i. it's unclearhowthis project fits into a broader publicart strategy; ii. it's unclear
whatthe community approval process is since so far, we've onlyheard from one
person; iii. Instead of five smaller pieces, onelarge colorful piece might work better
at the location, and iv. instead of the artists proposed by the neighborhood rep,
local artists should be given the first opportunity to bid.
Chair Armstrong agreed that one substantial piece might be the better approach
forthe Iocation.The piece would welcome visitors and make the statement that we
are a culturethatsupports art. He suggested reframingthe role of the park, agreed
about using local artists, and asked Commissioner Burns to attend a community
meeting to present the residents with our proposal when ready.
2. Discuss Hiring a Consultant to Conduct the City's Public Art Inventory — The
commissioners all agreed that it makes sense to hire someone who can dedicate
time to doing research and handling all the steps that would be required to best
catalog the city's art and set up a digital database that included institutional
knowledge abouteach artist. Director Virata to email the scope of work developed
in 2021 to everyone.
3. Discuss and approve a budget of $50,000 forArtscape in the Parks —Victoria Park
project.
MOTION TO APPROVE A BUDGET OF $50,000 FOR ARTSCAPE IN THE PARK
FOR VICTORIA PARK MADE BY VICE CHAIR NEWKIRK, SECOND BY
COMMISSICIE4 R FAVEAU, AND CARRIED 6-0.
4. Discuss and approve a budget of $50,000 for Artscape in the Parks — James O.
Jessie Park project.
MOTION TO FUND ARTSCAPE IN THE PARK FOR $50,000 FOR JAMES O.
JESSIE DESERT HIGHLAND UNITY CENTER MADE BY COMMISSIONER
BURNS, SECOND BY COMMISSIC114 R FAVEAU, AND CARRIED 6-0.
5. Discuss and approve a budget of $80,000 for Beautiful Shade Parks Project (one
commission at 5k, one at 25k and one at 50k).
Public Arts Commission Meeting
Action Summary — February 1, 2024
Page 3
MOTION TO APPROVE A BUDGET OF $80,000 FOR THE BEAUTIFUL SHADE
PROGRAM MADE BY VICE CHAIR NEWKIRK, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER
BURNS, AND CARRIED 6-0.
J. PROJECT UPDATES:
1. Pillars of Palm Springs — Permit and Planning departments are working to get
permits approved. We are to ask the artists to share photos of their work in
progress.
2. Asphalt Art Update — Commission erSilveira to meet with other members of the
sub -committee to determine how to proceed with a call for artist and approach the
community for feedback.
3. Wyatt Mural Subcommittee Update — Commissioner Silveira shared that the sub-
committee met with members of the community. At the meeting, someone
suggested digitally transferring the image onto ceramic tiles, a service that
TileArtisans.com and others provide. Chair Armstrong would be interested in
seeing a sample tile up close and Commissioner Ramirez would like to get work
esti mates.
K. REPORT FROM DIRECTOR/STAFF:
Director Virata shared that Riverside County is observing Arts & Culture month in March
to highlight things to visit in the county. They requested a proclamation from the City of
Palm Springs and Director Virata will be asking the commissioners for feedback on what
to include in the proclamation. Director Virata also shared that the name of his
department was recently changed to the Housing and Community Development
department.
After a discussion about the graffitied George Floyd memorial mural, Director Virata
said he would reach out to the property owner to find out about removing or repairing
the mural.
ADJOURNMENT: The Public Arts Commission adjourned to a meeting on March 7,
2024, at 5:30 p.m. in the Large Conference Room of Palm Springs City Hall located at
3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER RAMIREZ, SECONDED BY VICE CHAIR
NEWKIRK, CARRIED 6-0 TO ADJOURN at 7:01 PM TO A REGULAR MEETING
ON MARCH 7, 2024, AT 5:30 PM IN THE LARGE CONFERENCE ROOM OF
CITY HALL LOCATED AT 3200 E. TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY.
Respectful I ly submitted,
Public Arts Commission Meeting
Action Summary — February 1, 2024
Page 4
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