HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-11-07 PAC Meeting MinutesPUBLIC ARTS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
November 7, 2024
Palm Springs City Hall
3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way
Council Chambers
A. CALL TO ORDER:
A regular meeting of the Palm Springs Public Arts Commission was called to order by
Chair Gary Armstrong on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 5:31 p.m.
B. ROLL CALL:
Present: Commissioners Tina Gonsalves, Carlos Silveira, Jim Lande, Christopher
Ramirez, Lauri Kibby, Natasfa Gascon (arrived 18 minutes late), Vice Chair Tom Burns,
and Chair Gary Armstrong. Not present: Commissioner Shawnda Thomas Faveau.
City Staff: Director, Jay Virata
C. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA:
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER RAMIREZ TO ACCEPT THE AGENDA WITH ONE
REVISION, SECONDED BY VICE CHAIR BURNS, AND CARRIED 7-0.
D. PUBLIC COMMENTS
THERE WERE NO PUBLIC COMMENTS
E. REMARKS FROM THE CHAIR:
Chair Armstrong reflected on the outcome of the U.S. election, emphasizing the role of
public art in fostering unity and hope. With the meeting's agenda including discussions
about the AIDS Memorial, a Pride Monument, and the consideration of placing art in 12
locations citywide, the Chair said the Commission reiterates its commitment to empathy,
inspiration, and resilience-values that transcend any single administration.
F. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
THERE WERE NO MINUTES TO APPROVE
G. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/APPROVAL:
1. Discuss art project evaluation process:
Public Arts Commission Meeting
Action Summary -November 7, 2024
Page 2
Commissioners debated the efficiency of the existing evaluation process versus the
potential benefits of implementing a matrix system. No changes were made to the
current process, but the commission emphasized the need for clearer criteria for future
submissions.
2.Discuss partial funding of privately funded donations to the city's Public Art
Collection.
A.Consider request for $65,000 of Public Art Funds for the sitework and installation
of the Palm Springs AIDS Memorial by Artist Philip K. Smith; and recommend the
Palm Springs City Council approve the allocation of Public Art Funds for sitework
and installation:
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER LANDE TO RECOMMEND THE CITY COUNCIL
ALLOCATE $65,000 WITH STIPULATION THAT THE FUNDS ARE TO BE USED
SPECIFICALLY FOR AIDS MEMORIAL SITE WORK AND INSTALLATION,
SECONDED BY VICE CHAIR BURNS, AND CARRIED 8-0.
B.Consider request for $70,000 of Public Art Funds for the PS Pride Monument by
Artist Jim lsermann; and recommend the Palm Springs City Council approve the
allocation of Public Art Funds for the PS Pride Monument:
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER LANDE TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF
$70,000 FOR THE PS PRIDE MONUMENT INSTALLATION AND RELATED
COSTS, WITH THE CONDITION THAT THE FUNDS WILL BE RECAPTURED BY
THE END OF MARCH 2025 UNLESS A FINAL BUDGET IS SUBMITTED,
SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GONSALVES, AND CARRIED 8-0.
3.Discuss Asphalt Art project schedule:
Commissioner Silveira shared that the event is planned for a 12:30 p.m. start on
Saturday, November 9. He also shared that the Community hopes the event can
be an annual one. Chair Armstrong spoke to the safety benefits of asphalt art and
emphasized that it would be temporary art.
4.Review and approve relocation of art in Sunrise Park: Spider Bike Rack, R. Hero,
and Tot:
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER RAMIREZ TO MOVE THE SPIDER RACK TO ITS
ORIGINAL LOCATION AT THE SWIM CENTER, THE R. HERO SCULPTURE
FROM THE LIBRARY TO THE CURRENT SITE OF THE BIKE RACK AND THE
TOT SCULPTURE TO A LOCATION TBD, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
KIBBY, AND CARRIED 8-0.
Public Arts Commission Meeting
Action Summary -November 7, 2024
Page 3
5. Discuss Artscape in the Park:
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER KIBBY TO ACCEPT ARTWORK SHAPES AND
SIZES BY ARTIST BEN SINOR FOR DESERT HIGHLAND PARK, SECONDED
BY COMMISSIONER LANDE, AND CARRIED 8-0.
H. PROJECT UPDATES:
1. Artscape in the Park: Installations planned for the week before Memorial Day.
2. Crawler: Is installed with plans for a dedication ceremony being discussed.
3. Installation of the Pop Art Park: Pieces will be evaluated by an engineer due
to challenges associated with installing the artwork on a deck above a parking
garage.
4. Eco-art Walk/ Taming of the Horses: Director Virata shared that he has not
received feedback from the gallery and will follow up.
5. Airport Mural: Is on schedule.
I. COMMISSIONER AGENDA REQUESTS AND COMMENTS
Vice Chair Burns requested a legal discussion to define what a monument is versus
public art.
J. REPORT FROM DIRECTOR/STAFF:
Director Virata shared that the George Floyd mural was vandalized again. It was
suggested that the Commision hold a special meeting within the next two weeks to
discuss how to proceed. Director Virata to check room availability and provide dates.
ADJOURNMENT: The Public Arts Commission will adjourn to a meeting on a date TBD
in the Large Conference Room of Palm Springs City Hall located at 3200 E. Tahquitz
Canyon Way.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER KIBBY, SECONDED BY VICE CHAIR BURNS CARRIED
8-0 TO ADJOURN at 7:36 PM TO A MEETING ON A DATE TBD IN THE LARGE
CONFERENCE ROOM OF CITY HALL LOCATED AT 3200 E. TAHQUITZ CANYON
WAY.
Respectfully submitted,
Public Arts Commission Meeting
Action Summary- November 7, 2024
Page 4
Jay , , Director
Hou · g & Community Development Department