HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-02-01 PAC Meeting Agenda Packet
PUBLIC ARTS COMMISSION
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
MEETING AGENDA
Thursday
February 1, 2024
5:30 PM
Palm Springs City Hall
3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon
Way
Large Conference Room
Gary Armstrong, Chair Barrett Newkirk, Vice Chair Shawnda Thomas Faveau
Christopher Ramirez Melissa Shelton Tom Burns
Carlos Silveira
To view/listen/participate in the meeting live, please contact Jay Virata at
jay.virata@palmspringsca.gov or the following telephone number 760-323-8228 to
register for the Zoom meeting. There will be an email with Zoom credentials sent after
registration is complete, in order to access the meeting and offer public comments.
Any person who wishes to provide public testimony for an item on the agenda is requested
to file a speaker card before the Public Testimony portion of the meeting. You may submit
your public comment to the Public Arts C ommission electronically. Materials may be
emailed to jay.virata@palmspringsca.gov. Transmittal prior to the start of the meeting will
help ensure that your correspondence is fully considered. Any correspondence received
during or after the meeting will be distributed to the Public Arts Commission and retained
for the official record.
View the Public Arts Commission meeting videos on the City’s website
http://www.palmspringsca.gov/psctv, or on YouTube.
A. CALL TO ORDER:
B. ROLL CALL:
C. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA:
D. PUBLIC COMMENTS: This time has been set aside for members of the public to
address the Public Arts Commission on items of general interest within the subject
matter jurisdiction of the Commission, and agenda items if the member of the public
cannot be present later in the meeting at the time the item is heard by the
Commission. Additionally, members of the public may address the Commission on
Public Arts Commission
Meeting Agenda – February 1, 2024
Page 2
each item listed on the posted agenda at the time each item is heard. Although the
Public Arts Commission values your comments, pursuant to the Brown Act, it
generally cannot take any action on items not listed on the posted agenda. Three
(3) minutes are assigned for each speaker.
E. REMARKS FROM THE CHAIR:
F. REMARKS FROM THE VICE CHAIR :
G. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of the minutes from the meetings of January
4, 2024.
H. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/APPROVAL:
1. Con sider El Ranch Vista Estates for Gene Autry Trail Park Public Art
2. Review and discuss the process of hiring someone to research and put
together the city’s public art inventory.
3. Discuss and approve a budget of $50,000 for Artscape in the Parks –
Victoria Park project.
4. Discuss and approve a budget of $50,000 for Artscape in the Parks –
James O. Jesse Park project.
I. PROJECT UPDATES
1. Pillars of Palm Springs
2. Beautiful Shade
3. Asphalt Art Update
4. Wyatt Mural Subcommittee Update
J. REPORT FROM DIRECTOR/STAFF:
ADJOURNMENT: The Public Arts Commission will adjourn 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.
Public Arts Commission
Meeting Agenda – February 1, 2024
Page 3
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
I, JAY VIRATA, Community & Economic Development Director for the City of Palm Springs, California, certify
this Agenda was posted at or before 5:00 p.m. on January 29, 2024, as required by established policies and procedures.
/s/ Jay Virata
___________________
Jay Virata, Director
Housing & Community
Development Department
Pursuant to G.C. Section 54957.5(b)(2) the designated office for inspection of records in connection with the meeting is
the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way (760) 323-8204.
It is the intention of the City of Palm Springs to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all respects. If, as an attendee
or a participant at this meeting, or in meetings on a regular basis, you will need special assistance beyond what is normally provided,
the City will attempt to accommodate you in every reasonable manner. Please contact the Office of the City Clerk, (760) 323-8204, at
least 72 hours prior to the meeting to inform us of your particular needs and to determine if accommodation is feasible.
Item G
PUBLIC ARTS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
January 4, 2024
Palm Springs City Hall
3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way
Large Conference Room
Pursuant to Assembly Bill 361, this meeting was conducted by teleconference and in-
person.
A. CALL TO ORDER:
A regular meeting of the Palm Springs Public Arts Commission was called to order by
Chair Gary Armstrong on Wednesday, January 4, 2024, at 5:30 p.m.
B. ROLL CALL:
Present: Commissioners Shawnda Thomas Faveau, Carlos Silveira, Christopher
Ramirez, Tom Burns, Vice Chair Newkirk, and Chair Armstrong. Not present:
Commissioners Melissa Shelton and Christopher Ramirez.
City Staff: Director, Jay Virata
C. PRESENTATIONS:
D. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA:
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER NEWKIRK, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BURNS,
CARRIED 5-0 TO ACCEPT THE AGENDA.
E. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Janice Kleinschmidt of the El Rancho Vista Estates Neighborhood Organization wanted
to be on hand to clear up any confusion that may have resulted from her presentation in
December, as well as clarify that they believe the project should be fully funded by the
City—the Red Dragon funding model shouldn’t apply.
F. REMARKS FROM THE CHAIR:
The Chair remarked on the overwhelmingly positive accomplishments of the commission
over the past six months and did a rundown of active projects: The Pillars of Palm Springs
project to be installed on World Art Day 2024, the Beautiful Shade program in
collaboration with the Sustainability Commission and the Parks Department, the Eco-Art
Walk project along Riverside, the Crawler installation, the Pop Art Park project (an
installation of popsicles, lawn chairs, and pinwheels art), the Park Art installation, the
Airport Mural project, the Airport Art sub-committee, and the upcoming Red Dragon
Public Arts Commission Meeting
Action Summary – January 4, 2024
Page 2
dedication. Additionally, there is a project underway to catalog all of the City’s public art
and several other ongoing projects and assignments with different components to be
managed by the Commission. Based on his lessons learned so far, the Chair suggested
that each new project have a team leader from the commission attached to it, that a
contingency that is 20% above the contract price be added to a project’s budget, and the
Commission ought to make calculated decisions about the projects they choose to take
on.
G. REMARKS FROM THE VICE CHAIR:
Vice Chair Newkirk suggested that it would be helpful to have a checklist of the steps
and considerations involved in the public art acquisition process, from approval to
installation. This would be helpful to both current and future commissioners.
H. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes from the meeting of December 20, 2023.
MOTION TO APPROVE MADE BY COMMISSIONER BURNS, SECOND BY
COMMISSIONER FAVEAU, CARRIED 5-0 TO APPROVE THE MINUTES.
I. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/APPROVAL:
1. Consider request from El Ranch Vista Estates for Gene Autry Trail Park Public Art
Commissioner Burns agreed to inspect the site to see whether it’s a project he
could lead.
2. Selection of Palm Springs Airport Mural
MOTION TO APPROVE WITH SOME REVISIONS MADE BY COMMISSIONER
SILVEIRA, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER FAVEAU, CARRIED 5-0 TO ACCEPT
LOGAN ADAIR’S CONCEPT AND START WORKING WITH HIM.
3. Park Art Installation Update and Discussion (Victoria Park, JOJ Community
Center)
Chair Armstrong shared some points about this project that are still being
considered. This includes how the park is being used by residents during the day
and at night, which would dictate what type of art is installed, as well as what the
Call for Artists process should look like. He will do a write-up to be circulated before
the next meeting.
J. PROJECT UPDATES:
1. Art Collection Inventory – Vice Chair Newkirk gave an update of the challenges
involved with this task, such as tracking down all the art we own and finding out
Public Arts Commission Meeting
Action Summary – January 4, 2024
Page 3
the background on older pieces. It was decided to consider hiring a specialist with
expertise in doing things like tracking and researching, doing art valuation,
securing insurance, etc.
2. Red Dragon Donation Ceremony – Chair Armstrong reminded everyone of the time
of the dedication and encouraged those who are able, to come.
3. Pillars of Palm Springs – Director Virata and Chair Armstrong discussed the status
of the electrical considerations, such as permits, required by three of the six artists.
4. Beautiful Shade – Commissioner Silveira agreed to join Commissioner Burns and
Chair Armstrong in heading up the sub-committee for this project.
5. Asphalt Art Update – Commissioner Silveira indicated that he had an artist in mind
that he would like to invite to present a Zen-themed teamwork project that would
be painted by community members. Chair Armstrong suggested getting multiple
artists’ work to consider. The durability of the paint, materials and the process used
was discussed as well as other considerations to be made.
6. Wyatt Mural Subcommittee Update – Commissioners Ramirez and Faveau shared
that they had a meeting with the community leaders scheduled and would have
more to up at the next meeting.
K. REPORT FROM DIRECTOR/STAFF:
Director Virata shared that with this meeting, the commission is reverting back to in-
person attendance.
ADJOURNMENT: The Public Arts Commission adjourned to a meeting on February 1,
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 CHAIR ARMSTRONG, SECONDED BY VICE CHAIR NEWKIRK,
CARRIED 5-0 TO ADJOURN at 6:56 PM TO A REGULAR MEETING ON
FEBRUARY 1, 2024, AT 5:30 PM IN THE LARGE CONFERENCE ROOM OF
CITY HALL LOCATED AT 3200 E. TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY.
Respectfully submitted,
______________________________
Jay Virata, Director
Housing & Community Development Department
Item H3
The Palm Springs Public Arts Commission:
Artscape in the Parks
The City of Palm Springs Public Arts Commission is seeking artwork for their inaugural
Artscape In The Parks program.
The artwork will be part of a public art expansion and park improvement project lead by
the Palm Springs Public Arts Commission in conjunction with the Palm Springs Parks &
Recreation Commission. The goal of this project is to honor the rich cultural history of
the each community and to bring art into each neighborhood hub—their local park.
The first two commissions will be for two installations: one in Victoria Park and one at
the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center.
Future installations in other parks will be announced separately.
Each commission is for 50k.
The sculpture can be any shape, form or design.
The installation can be one large piece, or multiple smaller pieces which enhance
each other. The total commission amount per park does not change.
The proposed site-specific artwork should feature imagery and a color palette
that is welcoming, with the focus on themes that promote community, healthy
living, family, and mutual collaboration.
Works that explore an expanded notion of public sculpture and engage the
community members are encouraged.
The Artscape program is open to all artists 18 years of age or older. All entries must be
original work and artists are encouraged to be creative in their selection of materials
while considering safety requirements common to publicly accessible works of art.
All work must be safe, tamper-resistant, and easily maintained, regardless of ease of
public reach.
Artwork must withstand a public and desert environment, mainly extreme heat but
including windy conditions, for the duration of the installation.
In addition to being relevant to the demographics of each community, the artwork must
satisfy reasonable standards of permanence and safety, meet all relevant codes
required for public places, and offer reasonable proof of soundness against theft,
vandalism or excessive maintenance and repair.
As the two sites where the works will be displayed are in high pedestrian traffic areas,
the safety of the public, including children, must be taken into consideration. Work must
be as vandal-proof as possible and cannot have sharp edges or be easily breakable or
bendable. Work must be of sufficient size to minimize possibility for theft.
All work entered must be freestanding and suitable for long-term outdoor public display.
All accepted entries must be capable of being properly secured to a concrete pad, or
securely anchored in the ground.
In making their decision, the Arts Commission will consider the submission of
appropriateness to each community; the applicant’s professional qualifications; proven
ability to undertake projects of a similar scope; and artistic merit as evidenced by the
submitted materials and professional history.
One artist can submit distinct proposals for each commission opportunity, but will only
be awarded for park. The winners will not be eligible for future Artscape opportunities.
Rough timetable (coincidentally aligns with World Art Day 2025)
Feb 1: Arts Commission approves
March 14/28 Council approves
April 1- May 24: Contract work
June 10- Call For Artists goes live
August/September Submissions chosen by the Arts Commission.
September: Council approval.
April 15 2025: Installation in Parks.
Note: Timing is conditional on Council approval at the beginning and the end of
the process.
Item I2
The Palm Springs Public Arts Commission
Presents
Beautiful Shade
The City of Palm Springs Public Arts Commission is seeking artwork for their inaugural
Beautiful Shade program
Shade equity in public parks is a concept aimed at ensuring that all members of the
Palm Springs community have equal access to comfortable and safe shaded areas
within these outdoor spaces AND access to Public Art.
It recognizes that some individuals or neighborhoods may have limited access to
shaded areas due to factors like socioeconomic disparities or geographic location. The
goal is to rectify these inequalities by strategically placing artful and original shade
structures in parks to benefit everyone.
Working with the PS Parks & Recreation Commission, and the PS Sustainability
Commission, PS Public Arts Commission (PSPAC) is pleased to present a “Call
For Artists” to design fully functional, permanent art pieces which create shade. These
will be art pieces, not architectural installations.
NOTE: these commissions are not intended to replace foundational or commercial
structures. We acknowledge that they may not provide 100% shade. These are art
installations which provide some degree of shade. The amount of shade that they
provide will be part of the evaluation process.
There will be three tiers of submissions:
-A design totaling 5k
-A design totaling 25k
-A design totaling 50k
The installation can be one large piece, or multiple smaller pieces which enhance
each other. The total commission amount per design does not change.
The commissioned money will be used by the artist to create one functioning and
installed prototype of their shade structure.
Once completed, the city of Palm Springs reserves the right to manufacture up to 10
additional copies of each work, as requested by the PS Parks & Recreation
Department and based on community response. More than one winner may be chosen
for each level.
Each of the potential parks have unique and distinct environmental challenges that
would benefit from this program. We encourage artists to visit each potential location
prior to submission.
The proposed artwork should feature imagery and a color palette that is welcoming,
with the focus on themes that promote community, healthy living, family, sustainability,
and offers maximized shade.
The sculptures can be any shape, form or design.
Works that explore an expanded notion of public sculpture and its surrounding
environments are encouraged. A mixture of natural and man-made materials is
acceptable, but if you are introducing vegetation (ie plant coverings on metal objects),
landscape maintenance, including irrigation, must be included in your budget.
We also encourage structures that can be used as customizable art: ie an oversized
uniquely shaped metal umbrella that can be repainted annually by local schools.
The Beautiful Shade program is open to all artists 18 years of age or older. All entries
must be original work and artists are encouraged to be creative in their selection of
materials while considering safety requirements common to publicly accessible works of
art.
All work must be safe, tamper-resistant, and easily maintained, regardless of ease of
public reach.
Artwork must withstand a public and desert environment, mainly extreme heat
but including windy conditions, for the duration of the installation.
In addition to being relevant to the demographics of each community, the artwork must
satisfy reasonable standards of permanence and safety, meet all relevant codes
required for public places, and offer reasonable proof of soundness against theft,
vandalism or excessive maintenance and repair.
As the sites where the works will be displayed are in high pedestrian traffic areas, the
safety of the public, including children, must be taken into consideration. Work must be
as vandal-proof as possible and cannot have sharp edges or be easily breakable or
bendable. Work must be of sufficient size to minimize possibility for theft.
All work entered must be freestanding and suitable for long-term outdoor public display.
All accepted entries must be capable of being properly secured to a concrete pad, or
securely anchored in the ground.
In making their decision, the Arts Commission will consider the submission of
appropriateness to each community; the applicant’s professional qualifications; proven
ability to undertake projects of a similar scope; and artistic merit as evidenced by the
submitted materials and professional history.
One artist can submit distinct proposals for each commission opportunity, but will only
be awarded for one level.
Rough timetable (coincidentally aligns with World Art Day 2025)
Feb 1: Arts Commission approves
March 14/28 Council approves
April 1- May 24: Contract work
June 10- Call For Artists goes live
August/September Submissions chosen by the Arts Commission including
representatives of the Parks Commission and the Sustainability Commission.
September: Council approval.
April 15 2025: Installation in Parks.
Note: Timing is conditional on Council approval at the beginning and the end of
the process.