City of Lawrence

Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission (LCAC)

Monthly Meeting, May 1, 2013

 

Members present:

Chair: Patrick Kelly, Mandy Enfield, Lois Greene, Grace Peterson, Kathy Porsch, Katherine Simmons, Jerry Johnson, and Richard Renner

 

 

Members absent:

John Hachmeister, Christie Dobson, Jane Pennington

 

 

Also present:

Diane Stoddard, City Liaison, and Patti McCormic, consultant for the owners of the Cider Gallery

 

MINUTES

 

Chair Patrick Kelly called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. at the Cider Gallery

 

Action Items:

The April 10, 2013 minutes were approved with changes to correct misspelling of Katherine's last name in the Outdoor Downtown Sculpture Exhibit Committee report; replace “Dumpster Show” with “Give Take Give” in the Percolator Liaison report; and, in the last paragraph, identify Callahan Creek as a public relations and marketing firm rather than an architecture firm.

 

The LCAC members welcomed new member Jerry Johnson and asked him to introduce himself. He has lived in Lawrence since 1992 and recently changed jobs so he now is not traveling for work and has more time for volunteer efforts. He is interested in arts and culture in generally, but specifically has connections to the local music scene, having run an independent studio in Lawrence for seven years. He still has a small label and works with a few bands and musicians.

 

Patrick Kelly made the following motion, which was seconded by Katherine Simmons and approved unanimously by the LCAC members present:

 

The Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission moves to recommend that the City Commission approve the Bowersock Mills & Power Company request for temporary display of a mosaic sculpture comprised of driftwood and pieces of plastic and aluminum at its ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, May 10th; with concerns for longer-term preservation and public safety on and around the sculpture to be addressed by City staff and Bowersock before permanent installation.

 

Patrick Kelly made the following motion, which was seconded by Mandy Enfield and approved unanimously by the LCAC members present.

 

The Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission moves to recommend that the City Commission approve the request made by The Burger Stand for a 56 sq. ft. mural to be painted by John Sebelius on wood boards and mounted on the walls in the alleyway behind the establishment at 803 Massachusetts.

 

Richard Renner made the following motion, which was seconded by Grace Peterson and approved unanimously by the LCAC members present:

 

The Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission moves to request that the Diane Stoddard direct a letter to Gregory Thomas indicating the Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission’s support for the artwork in “The Phoenix Project: From Ashes to Immortality.”

 

It was a consensus of the LCAC members present to approve the Phoenix Committee approaching Alicia Kelly about serving as the artist for the 2013 Phoenix awards.

 

Discussion:

 

New Business:

1) Diane reported that the city had received a request on April 22 from the Bowersock Mills & Power Company asking for approval to place a sculpture on City property on the Kansas River levee near the new Bowersock powerhouse. The sculpture would be owned by Browersock, although it would be located on City-owned property, she said. Bowersock officials would like to pour a permanent pad for the sculpture at their cost and indicated they would take full responsibility for placement and maintenance. They asked for a fast track decision because they wish to have the sculpture on display for their upcoming ribbon-cutting event on May 10, 2013.

 

Kathy indicated that this request is similar to requests for approval of murals that are not owned by the City; the LCAC is asked by the City Commission to offer an opinion on the advisability of approving the artwork. Patrick expressed concern that the short turn-around time may not offer enough opportunity for public input. Diane noted that the next step is for the LCAC’s recommendation and the materials provided by Bowersock to be presented to the City Commission, which would offer another opportunity for public comment.

 

Concerns were expressed about safety. The sculpture is made of driftwood and other items found along the Kansas River shores, apparently held together with screws. Grace said, If this is made of unsealed driftwood, I don't think this is a matter of if it will deteriorate, but when If it does fall apart, there may be pieces of sharp wood around.” Mandy said it seems like a temporary sculpture.

 

I don't have a problem with placing the sculpture here if its secure enough and the City doesn't have to maintain it, Katherine said. She asked if a fence would protect the sculpture from people climbing on it or stumbling into it.

 

Diane said it would be outside of Bowersock’s fence. There will be public access there because people fish near the dam and go under the bridges to the other side, she said. Diane said this is a unique location and she doubted there would be problems with people climbing on it there because the rock on the levee will make that difficult. She said liability is covered in the lease the City has with Browersock, but added that the City does not want to approve putting up something that will be hazardous. If it is placed and then is found to be hazardous or is deteriorating, the City will request that the sculpture be taken down, she said.

 

A motion was made, seconded and approved unanimously to recommend that the City Commission approve the Bowersock Mills & Power Company request for temporary display of the mosaic sculpture comprised of driftwood and pieces of plastic and aluminum at its ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, May 10th; with concerns for longer-term preservation and public safety on and around the sculpture to be addressed by City staff and Bowersock before permanent installation.

 

2) The LCAC considered a mural request by the Burger Stand, 803 Massachusetts. Patrick gave the background, which is that this owner presented a mural request, for which the LCAC recommended approval for this same site, but the owner then had an advertisement for beer painted instead of the approved mural design. The City subsequently required that the large beer ad be removed. Mandy said, based on the current application, they seem to now understand that the design and artist approved for a mural cannot be changed to a different design and artist after approval and that logos and advertisements are prohibited.

 

A motion was made, seconded, and approved unanimously to recommend approval of the mural request.

 

Old Business:

The LCAC members toured the Cider Gallery , 810 Pennsylvania, http://cidergallery.com/, with Patti McCormic and saw the art gallery, with fine artworks on exhibit; the events space, complete with stage, bar, and catering kitchen; and the “office hub,” which offers three levels of office space and a conference room for entrepreneurs. Pattie wrapped-up the tour by saying, “We want your thoughts on everything, if you have any suggestions, please let us know and help to spread the word about us.”

 

Committee and Liaison Reports:

City Owned Art Maintenance Committee: Chair Katherine Simmons reported no further progress.

 

Lawrence Community Arts Grants Committee: Chair Kathy Porsch reported the grant awards will be given out by the Mayor with introductions by Patrick at the May 21st City Commission meeting and encouraged LCAC members to attend.

 

She reported that Gregory Thomas, whose project, “The Phoenix Project: From Ashes to Immortality,” was not recommended for Community Arts Grants Funding due to concerns about fire marshal approval and other city permitting that were not addressed in his proposal, had submitted a letter to Diane indicating that he has talked with the Lawrence fire marshal and that the site owner has filed for the city permits.

 

Diane said she talked with the fire marshal and he indicated that concerns about property and spectator safety can be worked out; that the size of the bonfire and its placement in relation to the surrounding structures should be okay, but the wind must be below 8 mph. He indicated there might be fewer concerns if it is at Burcham Park [on the south side of the Kansas River just northwest of downtown], Diane said. She said Mr. Thomas requested the LCAC’s general support in the form of a letter to help him gain legitimacy in his fund-raising efforts for the project.

 

A motion was made, seconded and approved to request that Diane Stoddard direct a letter to Gregory Thomas indicating the Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission’s support for the artwork in “The Phoenix Project: From Ashes to Immortality.”

 

Nominating Committee: The LCAC currently has no openings and this committee will go dormant until the fall LCAC officer nominations.

 

Outdoor Downtown Sculpture Exhibit Committee: In Chair John Hachmeister's absence, committee members Katherine Simmons and Grace Peterson asked Diane about the status of preparations to install a 500-pound sculpture. Diane reported that a larger pad had to be poured at the Carnegie Library and the City is now working with the sculptor to find a time to install it. All the sculptures are gradually being installed. The opening Reception and Tour is Saturday June 15, 5:30 pm at the Lawrence Arts Center.

 

Percent for Art: Chair Grace Peterson reported that progress continues by the artists in crafting the glass pieces for the Library and indicated that she hopes to visit the artists’ studio to view progress.

 

Phoenix Awards Committee: Chair Mandy Enfield reported that she and Committee member Grace Peterson looked at Alicia Kelly's art. They recommend her as the artist to create the Phoenix Awards for 2013 because she works in what a medium that has not appeared in the Phoenix Awards previously, cut paper that is sort of sculptural. Richard asked about long-term viability of the pieces based on the material. Mandy said she would have to package the artwork in a way that would be durable, for example, shadowboxes. It would be different from anything we've done before, she said. We’re open to other suggestions, but I'd like to move forward fairly soon with choosing the artist. It was a consensus of the LCAC members present to approve the Phoenix Committee approaching Alicia Kelly about serving as the artist for the 2013 Phoenix awards. Mandy also reported that the committee still needs to confirm the speaker for the awards ceremony.

 

Lawrence Arts Roundtable Liaison: Kathy Porsch reported that she cannot attend the April 8th Roundtable meeting and that Katherine Simmons will attend in her stead. Kathy reported briefly on the presentation by Brad Anderson, Executive Director of Salina Arts and Humanities, the City of Salina, on April 25 in which he discussed the impact of the creative economy in Salina. She said she wasn’t certain the attendance by City Commissioners and members of the Chamber of Commerce was a great as hoped, but she counted 45 people and more came in after the talk began. Kathy circulated her notes on Mr. Anderson’s talk, which included a link to the Lawrence Journal World article on the event.

 

Patrick said he had emailed Mr. Anderson to request his notes, and will circulate the notes when he receives him. What struck him about the talk, he said, was that we have more going on here in Lawrence than Salina has with their huge staff. When people like Brad Anderson express their appreciation for Lawrence arts the way he did, then what argument do we have to ask for a paid arts administrator, considering that all the grass roots efforts and unpaid labor seem to add up to more arts activity than in Salina, with its paid city staff of 17 [Anderson and his staff of 16]? One thing they do that we don’t is consistently document the impact of their programs, he added.

 

Kathy said the lack of consistent documentation across Lawrence arts has been an issue in terms of broadening support for the arts and artists in Lawrence since she joined the LCAC. That in itself is something that is a critical unmet need in Lawrence that a paid City staff member could address, she said. It’s become evident that volunteers and even the part-time paid Final Fridays coordinator just aren’t going to do this, she added, even when there’s funding hanging on it.

 

Katherine said she thought a lot of what Mr. Anderson said could have related to the Cultural District. The City engagement with the Cultural District is somewhat similar, she said. I think the Cultural District will help us identify that need. I do think there's a way to make our arguments. For example, look at Salina’s aggressive marketing campaign. His talk contained lots of little tidbits like that, which would have been beneficial to City Commissioners and Chamber members to hear.

 

Grace said she was impressed that the Smokey Hill River Festival sells $400,000 in art in two days. Something like that in Lawrence would be of tremendous benefit to local artists, she said.

 

Lawrence Arts Center Liaison: Patrick reported Executive Director Susan Tate was on vacation so he was unable to meet with her.

 

Percolator Liaison: Grace Peterson reported she has not met with Rachael Perry, Chair of the Percolator Board of Directors.

 

Cultural District Task Force: Members Mandy Enfield and Grace Peterson reported they had attended a meeting to get oriented and go over the agenda for the Task Force, and there is a meeting scheduled for next Tuesday, May 7th. At the first meeting, the Task Force members discussed the subject of gentrification and it became clear that in order to make progress towards achieving its directives the members will to first agree on a definition of “gentrification,” Grace said. The members of the Task Force do not all have the same understanding of what the term means, she said. At our [LCAC] retreat in January, a lot of the discussion leading up to our recommendation to create the task force was about gentrification, but now there seems to be some resistance to addressing the issues. It needs to be defined, really, in order to understand what we're avoiding.

 

Patrick asked if there's anything the LCAC members of the Task Force need from the LCAC and reminded them that there is a Cultural District Website where people can sign up to receive all the agendas and other items related to the Task Force. There are a lot of resources on the website to help people get on the same page.

 

Grace said there is a similar task force in Kansas City that has on its website a place where people can just fill in their thoughts about the cultural district and what they think it could be. I'd love to see something like that associated with our website, she said. It's not a blog, it's just specific questions that people can answer. Maybe someone has a fantastic idea for a model that we haven't considered. Patrick said the Task Force should consider the implications carefully. If you ask for that kind of input from the public, what are you going to do with that information? If you're gathering that information you're going to have to review and respond to it. Grace said there is no response indicated on the Kansas City website. Diane indicated that the Task Force meetings are open to the public and input is welcomed at the meetings.

 

Chair Items:

Patrick Kelly reported that the school district art exhibit at Lawrence Arts Center was just packed with people and the whole center was packed with student artwork, which is kudos to the Lawrence Arts Center. Patrick also announced he is now on the Lied Center Board.

 

Commissioner Items:

Mandy Enfield reported that Van Go has done a mural in the Pinckney Tunnel, which makes the tunnel a lot less scary and dark. There is an opening celebration on Friday, May 3 from 5-6 p.m. in the tunnel.

 

Staff Liaison Items:

Diane Stoddard said she had no items to report.

 

The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.