HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-06-05 PAC Meeting MinutesPUBLIC ARTS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2025
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
3200 E. TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY — LARGE CONFERENCE ROOM
A. CALL TO ORDER:
A meeting of the Palm Springs Public Arts Commission was called to order by Chair Gary
Armstrong on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.
B. ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Commissioners Tina Gonsalves, Natasia Gascbn, Lauri Kibby, Michelle
Loya, Carlos Silveira, Jim Lande, and Chair Gary Armstrong
ABSENT: Commissioners Shawnda Thomas Faveau
CITY STAFF: Director, Jay Virata
C. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA:
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER LANDE, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KIBBY, AND
CARRIED 6-0 TO ACCEPT THE AGENDA.
D. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public comments were provided by Michael Joseph Pitkin and Rebecca Hendrickson.
E. REMARKS FROM CHAIR
Chair Armstrong welcomed the commissioners and provided updates on recent public
art initiatives, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and visibility for
public art installations.
F. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: May 1, 2025
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER KIBBY, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER LANDE,
AND CARRIED 6-0 TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF
MAY 1, 2025.
G. PRESENTATIONS
Historic Site Approval Process — Sarah Yoon
Sarah Yoon provided an overview of the city's process for approving historic
sites, including criteria for designation and the review process. Commissioners
engaged in a discussion about the integration of public art within historic sites
and the potential for future collaborations.
2. Mural Review Process —Alex Rubalcava
Alex Rubalcava presented the city's mural review process, detailing the steps
involved from application submission to final approval. Commissioners discussed
the importance of maintaining artistic integrity while ensuring compliance with city
guidelines.
H. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION:
Discuss and approve location for the TOT Artwork
The commission reviewed proposed sites for the TOT artwork. After discussion, it
was agreed that the artwork would be relocated across the walkway to sit at the
edge of the swim center sign and to reinstall the spider bike rack.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER KIBBY, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
GONSALVES, AND CARRIED 6 — 0 - 1 (ABSTENTION).
2. Discuss and approve location for the Intersecting Cubes Artwork
The commission considered various locations for the Intersecting Cubes
sculpture. It was decided to move the piece from its current location on North
Palm Canyon Drive to Sunrise Park in the grassy area to the north and east of
the paved walkway 100 feet north of the Teen Center building, where it will be
more accessible and appreciated by park visitors.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER GONSALVES, SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER SILVEIRA, AND CARRIED 6 — 0 - 1 (ABSTENTION).
3. Discuss strategies to fund plaques for public art
Commissioner Gonsalves presented potential funding strategies for installing
plaques at public art sites. Options discussed included seeking sponsorships,
applying for grants, having the City make the plaques, and allocating funds from
the public arts budget. The commission agreed to explore these avenues further.
4. Consider acceptance of Morris Kight Memorial Marker, Japanese Oleander
Tree, and Japanese Oleander Tree marker into the public arts collection;
and recommend new locations for these pieces
The commission reviewed the proposed acceptance of the Morris Kight Memorial
Marker and Japanese Oleander Tree into the public arts collection. After
discussion, it was agreed to accept these pieces and relocate them to Frances
Stevens Park at the gravel lot located by the southeast corner of North Palm
Canyon Drive and East Granvia Valmonte, subject to approval by the Historic
Site Preservation Board.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER GONSALVES, SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER SILVEIRA, AND CARRIED 4 — 2 -1 (2, NAYES, 1
ABSTENTION).
5. Discuss and approve new date for July Commission Meeting
The commission agreed to keep the July meeting on July 3, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in
the Large Conference Room of Palm Springs City Hall.
I. PROJECT UPDATES
1. Beautiful Shade
Director Virata provided an update on the Beautiful Shade project, noting that
contracts are in progress and installation is scheduled for the end of October to
avoid the summer heat.
2. Artscape in the Parks
Director Virata provided an update on the Artscape in the Parks project, noting
that no bids were received for the artwork base. A second round of bid requests
will be issued. Also noted was that one project has already been received and is
in storage.
3. Art Mai ntenancell nventory
Commissioner Gascon updated the commission on efforts to identify art pieces
for the inventory and suggested rotating displays at City Hall to increase visibility.
The Commission may discuss these matters further at a study session.
4. George Floyd Mural Removal
Director Virata reported that the property owner is unwilling to remove the panels,
necessitating city intervention. The commission confirmed it will not provide funds
for removal of the mural.
5. The Art of Taming Horses
Director Virata shared that the contract has been sent to the artist for execution
but that the artist has been away traveling.
6. Victoria Park Story Pole Updates
Chair Armstrong provided a report on the proper name for the Victoria Park Story
Pole project.
I. COMMISSIONER AGENDA REQUESTS AND COMMENTS:
Commissioner Gonsalves suggested adding a discussion on the city's public art website
to the next agenda. Director Virata will inquire about the city's plans for the website and
report back.
ADJOURNMENT: The Public Arts Commission adjourned to a meeting on July 3, 2025,
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 GONSALVES, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
KIBBY, AND CARRIED 7-0 TO ADJOURN at 7:12 PM TO A MEETING ON JULY 3,
2025, AT 5:30 PM IN THE LARGE CONFERENCE ROOM OF CITY HALL LOCATED
AT 3200 E. TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY.
Respectfully submitted,
Jay 'VPatl'",t irector
Housikg q Community Development Department