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CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION
MINUTES
April 13, 2000
I. CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the Cultural Arts Commission was called to order at 7:04 p.m. in the Study Session
Room of the La Quinta Civic Center. Chairperson Hull presided over the meeting. Chairperson Hull led the
Pledge of Allegiance.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Commissioner Jan Blakley
Commissioner Kathryn Hull (Chairperson)
Commissioner Leslie McMillan (Arrived at 7:08)
Commissioner Elaine Reynolds
VACANCY:
Two
STAFF PRESENT:
Dodie Horvitz, Community Services Director
II. PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
III. CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Approval of Minutes of March 9, 2000
B. Art in Public Places Financial Report of March 2000
C. Department Report for February & March 2000
It was moved by Commissioners Reynolds/Blakley to approve the Consent Calendar as submitted.
Unanimous.
V. PUBLIC HEARING
None.
VI. BUSINESS ITEMS
A. Presentation by Artists for Civic Center Campus Artwork
The Commission listened to the information presented by the artists for the Civic Center Campus
Artwork Project:
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Sandy Swan: Bronze Relief Map: Ms. Swan explained her previous experience in creating bronze relief
maps, most recently one of the entire Coachella Valley for the Living Desert Preserve. She is
proposing a 24" X 34" project for the Civic Center Campus, depicting the original boundaries of La
Ouinta at the date of incorporation, May 1, 1982.
Ms. Swan would like to provide a braille aspect to the map, for the visually impaired visitors that visit
the campus.
The base of the map could be constructed out of one of the following materials: steel pipe, slump
stone base or decorative rock. If the steel pipe is used, the pipe could be left in its natural state or
painted. If a slump stone base is used, the artist would like to see the base constructed so that a
wheelchair could easily fit under the map without obstruction.
The recommendation was made by Ms. Swan that a shade tree or structure be placed over the map,
to provide shade to participants viewing the map as well as to help keep the map protected from the
sun, given that heat would build up on the bronze.
An option available would be to include the La Ouinta Cove street grid on the map.
The topic of handicap accessibility was discussed, and Mr. Tom Doczi of TKD stated that all features
of the Campus must be handicap accessible. Discussion regarding a concrete apron around the base
of the map that would allow wheelchairs to access the map from all sides.
Chairperson Hull asked if the shape of the map could be something other than the standard
rectangular shape that is often seen in bronze relief maps. Ms. Swan responded that the map can
be any shape, depending on the direction of the City Council.
The Commission thanked Ms. Swan for her presentation.
The Commission then reviewed the submittal by Gene Montez-Flores regarding the bridge railing
enhancements. Mr. Flores was not available to answer questions from the Commission. The
Commission briefly reviewed the work submitted by Mr. Flores. The Commission determined that
they would like to review this proposal in more detail at a later time.
The Commission then heard the presentation from Gwen Hughes/Rick Barber regarding the bridge
railing enhancements. Ms. Hughes is proposing 3/8" steel figures welded onto the bridge supports,
these could be of a pack of coyotes crossing the bridge, or a herd of Big Horn Sheep. The figures
would be painted with enamel paint and the spacing would allow for viewing through the bridge
railings.
Ms. Hughes asked how long the bridge railings would be, in which Mr. Doczi responded that one
bridge railing would be 45 feet long, and the other would be 20 feet in length.
The Commission reviewed slides of Ms. Hughes/Mr. Barber's previous work in Palm Springs. The
Commission then thanked Ms. Hughes for her presentation.
Ms. Jennifer Johnson and Mr. Jim Taylor presented their concepts for mosaic sculptures for the
Campus. The concept included six sculptures of various shapes to be placed in locations throughout
the Campus. The base would include mosaic work depicting the history of La Ouinta and the top part
of the sculpture would be constructed of steel. The shape and materials would react to the changing
position of the sun, casting dramatic shadows upon the ground throughout the day.
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Mr. Taylor would work with local astronomers to identify constellations that are visible in the sky of
La Quinta and would then incorporate the shape of the constellation into the sculpture, so when the
sun filters through the sculpture, the constellation would be reflected in the shadow cast upon the
ground.
Commissioner Reynolds asked Ms. Johnson if she had worked with High School students in the past
on mosaic projects. Ms. Johnson is currently working with students on one of her projects. Mr.
Taylor stated that working with students is difficult from the liability and insurance standpoint, and
the cost of the project would be increased if students were to work on the project.
Both Ms. Johnson and Mr. Taylor stated that the pieces proposed for this location would be site
specific and one of a kind.
The Commission viewed slides provided by Ms. Johnson and Mr. Taylor of their previous work. The
Commission then thanked the artists for their presentation.
Mr. Bill Ware presented his concepts of sculptures for the Campus project. Mr. Ware presented a
road runner made of bronze, that is made to 200% of life size that could be placed on the Campus,
perhaps on a bench.
Mr. Ware then provided sketches of a wall comprised of large boulders with steel tubing to represent
water flowing down behind the boulders. Mosaic tiles would then be installed behind the tubing to
provide color to the project. Mr. Ware's proposal also showed two figures standing on the boulders.
Mr. Ware stated that real water could be incorporated into the project. Along the backside of the
wall, the memorial areas for sports figures, celebrities and veterans could be incorporated, preferably
in the bronze relief style.
Mr. Ware then presented the idea of a cube sculpture, where various sized cubes are stacked in an
uneven manner. The Commission viewed slides of Mr. Ware's previous work and then thanked Mr.
Ware for his presentation.
Ms. Gwen Hughes and Mr. Patrick Keenan presented their concept of the "Walk of History". The
sculpture would begin in a Cahuilla village, surrounded on three sides by walls, with the tribal story
teller seated with children seated around his feet. There would be Cahuilla women in the back of the
sculpture weaving baskets. On the floor of the village would be bear tracks that turn into human
footprints as they lead through a "cave" door. On the other side of the cave door, the footprints
would turn into shoe prints with cleats, depicting the golf atmosphere of the present La Ouinta.
Bronze statues of golfers would be standing on a green patch of grass, in various golf stances. This
sculpture is designed to be an interactive piece, with participants able to walk through the "cave".
The back side of the walls would be covered with pictographs.
The piece could be surrounded by indiginous trees and plants. The Cahuilla figures would be
constructed of a styrofoam base and covered with a material to look like stone. The figures would
be life size.
Ms. Hughes then presented another concept of a 8' round replica of a Cahuilla basket. This would
be made out of wire rope and would have details "woven" throughout the basket.
The Commission viewed slides of Ms. Hughes/Mr. Keenan's work throughout the Coachella Valley
and thanked the artists for their presentation.
It was moved by Commissioners McMillan/Blakely to hold a special Cultural Arts Commission meeting
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on Monday, April 17 at 1:30 p.m. to discuss the concepts in more detail. Unanimous.
B. Community Picnic and Birthday Bash
Ms. Horvitz updated the Commission on the Community Picnic and Birthday Bash plans, and handed
out key rings that were purchased for the Commission to hand out at the picnic. The shape of the key
ring is a heart with the wording "A heart for the Arts City of La Quinta".
The Commission discussed being available at the Picnic to hand out the key rings and to answer
questions regarding the Art in Public Places program.
It was moved by Commissioners Reynolds/McMillan to participate in the Community Picnic and City
Birthday Bash. Unanimous.
C. Symposium for Cultural Development
Chairperson Hull reviewed the agenda and stated that Jack Mackie has tentatively agreed to be the
Key Note Speaker for the Symposium for a total of $1,658. No other speaker would receive a fee
for their participation. The cost for Mr. Mackie, the reception and printing and mailing of invitations
would need to be included in the Community Services Department budget. It was also discussed that
an amount for live entertainment be included in the budget. It was determined that $3,000 would
be adequate to fund the symposium.
The speakers confirmed for the symposium already include Mr. Tom Doczi and Richard Oliphant
representing the Professional aspect of public art.
Individuals that still need to be confirmed include: Dr. Doris Wilson of Desert Sands Unified School
District, Kajsa Thuresson-Frary from the McCallum Theatre and others from the community.
It was moved by Commissioner McMillan/Reynolds to direct staff to budget $3,000 in the Community
Services Department budget for the Symposium for Cultural Development. Unanimous.
D. June Meeting Date
Ms. Horvitz advised the Commission, that due to a prior commitment on June 8, 2000, she will not
be available to attend the Cultural Arts Commission meeting. It was determined that Thursday, June
15, 2000 would be acceptable to hold the June Cultural Arts Commission meeting.
It was moved by Commissioner McMillan/Reynolds to hold the June Cultural Arts Commission
meeting on Thursday, June 15, 2000 at 7:00 p.m. Unanimous.
VII.
CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIALS
A.
B.
C.
Letter to Joyce Spizer - Meet the La Quinta Artist- From the Commission - Received and filed.
Letter of resignation from Jackie Rasmussen - Received and filed
CVCA Annual Meeting - Commissioner Shamis will be presenting information on the Civic
Center Campus project in Palm Springs on April 20, 2000.
VIII. COMMISSIONER ITEMS
Commissioner Reynolds asked what the City could do about the maintenance of the art piece on the
corner of Hwy. 111 and Washington Street. Ms. Horvitz explained that the art piece is the property
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of Mr. Shovlin and the City cannot mandate Mr. Shovlin to make improvements to the piece. It was
suggested that Mrs. Reynolds, as a La Quinta resident could talk to Mr. Shovlin regarding the art
piece.
Commissioner Hull handed out an e-mail article from the Americans for the Arts regarding the
testimony before the House of Representatives regardng the funding of the National Endowments for
the Arts.
Commissioner Hull also presented the section of the Palm Desert/La Quinta Post dedicated to "Art In
the Workplace".
Commissioner Hull inquired as to when current Commissioners would be receiving an application to
reapply for a the Commission seat as their terms are coming to an end. Ms. Horvitz stated that the
City Clerk will be sending out applications the first part of May.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Commissioners McMillan/Blakley to adjourn the Cultural Arts Commission meeting.
Unanimous. Meeting adjourned at 9:48 p.m.
NEXT MEETING INFORMATION
SPECIAL MEETING
April 17, 2000 7:00 PM
La Ouinta Civic Center Study Session Room
. Consideration of Civic Center Campus Art Work Proposals
ssion Secretary
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