<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//IETF//DTD HTML//EN">

TOWN Of  CARY

Parks Recreation and Cultural Resources Department

Public Art Advisory Board

2003 Minutes

Tuesday, September 30 , 2003

Bldg. A, Front Conference Room

316 North Academy Street

Cary, NC 27511 

Attendance:  Carl Regutti, Chair; Carol Aupperle; Adam Cave; June Finkbeiner; Luan Harmeson; Julia Kunkel Morrison; Marla Dorrell, Council Liaison

Staff:  Lyman Collins; Nancy Novell; Vicki Hayes

Absent: Melanie Chernoff, Nick Merola

Guest:  Laura Coats Harrar, Cary Visual Art, Inc.; Ella Williams, FALC; Dick Ladd

   

I

Call To Order – Carl Regutti, Chair

Carl introduced and welcomed guests.

II

Minutes
Carol Aupperle moved to approve the minutes of September 2, 2003.  Julia Kunkel Morrison seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.

III

Public Art Ordinance

 

Update on Review Process in conjunction with Planning Department – Nancy Novell
Nancy Novell reported that she and Randy Guthrie, Principal Planner of the Planning Department had written an interim review process for placement of public art.  This will be guidelines for Planning, PRCR and Public Art Advisory Board for approvals to place public art in the community.  This process helps Council see that the Board is using a fair process to evaluate the art.  Carl Regutti asked Marla Dorrell, Council Liaison if this process was what Council was looking for.  Marla explained the only thing Council requested was to add public meetings.   

Dick Ladd asked if a homeowner purchased a piece of art from another state and wanted to place the piece on their private property would the piece be subjected to this review.  Lyman explained that was correct because it would change the site plan and would have to be reviewed by the Planning Department.  Nancy explained a site plan would have to be submitted first and then it would come before this Board for approval.  Adam Cave wanted to know where the line was for submitting approval for private property art (example: Gnomes).  Lyman stated if it requires a site plan change then it would have to go before the Planning Department.

IV

Project Updates

 

Sears Farm Road Park: Sculpture by Russ RuBert – Nancy Novell
Nancy Novell reported Council has accepted the donation of Russ Rubert’s sculpture by CVA.  Laura Harrar, CVA Exec. Director, will move forward and commission the artist. Marla Dorrel commented that Council liked having the community meeting held with the Sears Farm Road Park neighbors, and therefore Council suggested that a community meeting approach be incorporated into the review process for placement of Town owned public art.  April 2004 is the estimated completion date for the park.

V

Town Hall Campus Gateway Project

 

Review of Catherine Widgery’s visit to Cary – Nancy Novell
Nancy Novell reported last Thursday, September 25 and Friday, September 26 began a series of meetings with Catherine Widgery to discuss the design phase of Town Hall Campus public art.  The first meeting on Thursday was with staff, Jamey Glueck, architect with Smith Sinnett and Amy McIntosh with Mark Robinson & Assoc.  Jamey gave Catherine a tour of the Town Hall site.  The public meeting held that evening was informative and had good open dialog.  Catherine showed a slide presentation of her past works.  The meeting on Friday was with PAAB, Town Hall Campus Gateway Committee, CVA Discovery Committee, CVA Board and Catherine Widgery to discuss preliminary community input towards the Town Hall Gateway project. 

Nancy Novell reported that Catherine Widgery has submitted information highlighting the two main insights that this first Planning Phase afforded.  First the meeting with the public and the involved members of the PAAB, CVA and the Town of Cary as well as the architects, engineers and landscape architects provided crucial insights and input that will profoundly influence the final design. 

Secondly, there was a clear consensus among those in attendance that the Gateway Project will be greatly enhanced by taking a more comprehensive approach towards the whole campus.  This means looking at all the possible opportunities where art can be integrated into the existing materials and surfaces as well as creating some new forms and structures in those areas where this is deemed possible. This integrated approach of her part of the project will in no way eliminate the possibility of future art works by other artists being integrated into the campus and will not hold up the construction process.  However by integrating consistent images and forms directly into the fabric of the building itself, cohesion of image and vision is created that has been deemed to be one of the goals of this project and of Cary as a place.

There also appeared to be a consensus by those attending that she should approach the whole project with a comprehensive and fairly large vision and not at the present time be limited to specific areas only.  She will suggest a number of possible areas which could be treated with the understanding that there will be further discussion and decisions made about which areas are deemed most important, and priorities being established at future meetings.

Catherine’s next visit will be November 19 – 21, 2003.

VI

Town Hall Campus Expansion

 

Overview of Town Hall expansion and public art project opportunities – Julia Kunkel Morrison
 Julia Morrison had diagrams of the site plans for the Town Hall Campus which she had hand colored and coded, and distributed a handout of 41 priorities for the Board to discuss.  She explained some of the design elements will be determined by the architect because of the construction.  Julia discussed the courtyard, water features, entry points, location of each building and the bridge.  Nancy Novell reminded the Board of the new TTA platform with additional tracks.  Triangle Transit Authority is in the processing of conducting public meetings in Cary, Durham, RTP and Raleigh.  Nothing should be placed in the rail road right of way.

Adam Cave asked what is in the southwest corner of the campus and was informed that there are different types of grasses.  Adam suggested that would be a good spot for some art.  Julia said that she would discuss the priority list. 


Gateway pieces by Cathernie Widgery which could include:

Priority 1 - Gateway piece at corner of Old Chapel Hill Road and Academy and the pieces                                incorporated through the campus (#2 - #13).

Priority 2 - Gateway piece at corner of Ambassador Loop and Academy by Catherine

Priority 3 -  Bronze seal in Lobby floor in Building D*

Response:

Adam Cave asked what the seal would be made of.  Lyman Collins said the Board could specify to the artist what the seal should be made of.  Marla Dorrell stated the bronze seal is a standard in the Town Hall and asked if this is an item the Board would want to change? She said the seals are part of the construction budget. Luan Harmeson said that this needs consideration since the seal is traditional.  Adam felt the Board could receive criticism for changing the seal.  Julia felt the seal is a traditional and stability point for the Town.  The Board was in agreement that the Town’s seal should stay bronze and as part of the construction as planned.  Carol Aupperle suggested this be taken off the priority list.

MOTION: Carol made a motion to remove from the priority list the Town’s bronze seal in the floor and in the Council Chambers

ACTION:  Julia 2nd the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Priority 4 -  Bronze seal in Town Council Chambers*

Priority 5 -  Cohesive pattern design in pathways by Catherine

Response:

Some pathways will need to be completed in order to receive certificate of occupancy in January.  Would need approval by this November to have this done. It’s possible that the pathways won’t be done by then, but don’t want to hold up the process for essential enhancements.  The choices are either herringbone design or have Catherine design a unique pattern to reflect Cary.  Carol asked if everyone was okay with the herringbone and consensus was that they are okay with this.  Julia said she would like to keep it open for Catherine to consider.  If walkways are to be considered, staff could ask engineering about a temporary walkway.

Lyman reported that CVA anticipates $135,000 for the implementation phase of the project with the intention that the Town will match this amount.  Laura Harrar said that after the design phase is completed by Catherine, CVA will decide on how much they will commit.

Priority 6 -  Cohesive pattern design in round bluestone terraces by Catherine

Response:

Surface decoration was suggested.  Adam felt good pieces placed appropriately would make a better statement and that is okay to not have art everywhere.  Julia agreed that less is more and good pieces in fewer places are okay.

Priority 7 -   Cohesive design for brick in flagpoles by Catherine

Response:

This is not a large enough area for impact

Priority 8 -  Gateway piece on lawn facing major parking area east of Building C

Response:

Carol said she anticipates half of the people coming from the parking garage and half from the parking lot.

Priority 9 – Way finding signage – a design and motif to be coordinated (motif to be used for all signage) by Catherine*

Priority 10 – Monumental Signage (ex. Entrance to Town Council Chamber) to be coordinated by Catherine*

Response:

Decorative or pre-cast concrete that will say Town of Cary

Priority 11 – Kiosk Signage (coordinated by Catherine)*

Response:

Coordinate the motif throughout the campus.

Priority 12 – Etched glass design for bridge (design by Catherine)*

Priority 13 – Etched clerestory window design for Building B (design by Catherine)*

Priority 14Mobile or hanging sculpture for entrance lobby for Building D

Response:

Carl Regutti said the architect agreed to put holes in steel eye beams to add mobiles later.

Priority 15Mobile or hanging sculpture for entrance lobby for Building A

Priority 16Mobile or hanging sculpture for entrance lobby for Building B

Priority 17Mobile or hanging sculpture for entrance lobby for Building C

Priority 18 – Sculpture for main courtyard pool

Priority 19 – Additional 4 sculptures to be planned for court yard area

Priority 20 – Blue paving stone for retaining wall seating in main courtyard

Priority 21 – Electricity to allow for temporary and permanent artwork in gallery spaces*

Priority 22 – Electricity to allow for temporary and permanent artwork in lobbies, corridors and stairways*

Priority 23 – Electricity to allow for temporary and permanent artwork in outdoor spaces*

Response:

The architect said there was enough electricity for the outdoor space.  However we do have the capability of adding onto the power.

Priority 24 – Benches as works of art like the Kids Together Playground*

Response:

Benches have been specked.  Asked if there can be a hold on ordering benches.

Priority 25 – Outdoor tables and chairs as artwork or manufactured choices to complement art.*

Priority 26 – Outdoor waste receptacles cans as artwork or manufactured choices to complement art*

Priority 27 – Outdoor light fixtures/poles as artwork or manufactured choices to complement art*

Priority 28 – Art project for retaining wall outside parking garage at southwest entrance (joint project involving the community, esp. children with the artist)

Response:

Carol mentioned that CVA never said they would do anything specific.  June Finkbeiner said that CVA is working on an Artist in Residence program that could tie in.  Laura Harrar said that the Town would need to apply and all agreed that this could be something to do in the future.

Priority 29 – Art for arbor entrance at Page Walker

Priority 30 – Fountain for Page Walker pool

Priority 31 – Retaining wall with art for Page Walker stage.

Response:

Carol Aupperle said that the retaining wall on the front of the stage could feature Indian pictographs developed by first graders and that her son suggested this.  June suggested moving the location of stage.  Lyman said this was an unrealistic request at this point since it’s already been specked and bid on based on this design and costs associated with redesigning would be a major expense.  The users were comfortable with the design when it was presented.  Carol said it would be blinding looking into the setting sun.  

Priority 32 – Art in parking deck stairwells

Priority 33 – Art using parking garage wire railings

Priority 34 – Screening art in culvert between parking garage and building C staff entry

Priority 35 – Exterior art for the front of the Community Center

Priority 36 – Transitional art to reduce unsightliness of police radio tower near Page Walker Stage

Priority 37 – Relocation of Walter Hines Page bust

Response:

The time capsule is slated to go in the plaza area with the Walter Hines Page bust.  Some felt the bust should go closer to Page Walker.  Lyman said this location was where his birth place was – not beside Page Walker Hotel.   

Priority 38 -  Relocation of Join the Parade

Response:

Relocate closer to the parking deck. Carl said he wants to see what Catherine proposes and he stated that with all these projects this looks like a 10 year program.  Lyman stated that the Public Art Master Plan is a blueprint for public art, stressed the importance of partnerships,   Town Hall expansion with CVA as a partner should have high priority, and that Town Hall may continue to have many possibilities for public art projects and therefore maybe on-going.

Priority 39 – Relocation of Fred Bond Statue

Priority 40 – Statue of Koka Booth

Priority 41 – Corner of Chapel Hill Road and Academy expansion of artwork

*Items that require immediate coordination with the architect or changes by the architect.

Discussion:

Lyman stated the January date is the completion date for building C.  We will need a temporary CO to be able to get into the building.  This means certain priorities (example: walkways) have to be first in order to receive the CO

Adam Cave suggested designing a base for temporary sculpture and that we should have a place in mind for temporary exhibits.  He felt the Town should have a place to showcase artists and that would be a way to attract people into Town Hall.  Carl said that FALC could do that, too, if they have a temporary exhibit space.

Carol Aupperle asked what the Board needed to decided on tonight.  Nancy said to focus on the Timeline handout and make this a working priority for Catherine.  Lyman suggested that some projects should be separated out for later. Adam suggested that Catherine’s priority could be the image to tie everything together. Luan agreed and said that the gateway should be considered and that will carry her motif which could then be used on pathways and signage, then everything would come together after that.  These should come first.  Julia suggested that the Board continue to prioritize so that Council can see the long list. Adam suggested that areas been identified and held as long as possible.  They don’t have to be held as specific for Catherine’s work, but areas need to be identified. Lyman said they can’t hold up the project.  Adam said they are already behind the timeline.  Ella Williams said that if the builders knew they could take this into consideration.

Adam said the only thing we need to do is make a decision on what will take place by January.  Carl stated Catherine will come back and look at the budget.  As a team the Board will define areas that need to be decided on based on construction.  Julia suggested there be a breakdown of costs. 

Carl said that they need to make decisions as soon as possible, and with confidence in Catherine, need to move forward and need to be able to adjust.

Lyman explained that in February Catherine will make her final presentation. After that time, Cary Visual Art will make a decision about moving forward and this Board will make recommendations to Council. 

   
   

VII

Board Members – Reports from Representative Organizations

 

Cary Visual Arts (CVA)
 Permanent Exhibitions

  • Chatham Gateway – In August, the PAAB recommended that the public art gateway piece be included with the site plan.  Nancy Novell submitted a Staff Report for the Planning and Development Committee meeting on October 16, 2003 and Town Council on October 23, 2003.  The Staff Report was an FYI to Council informing them of the discussion and action taken at the Public Art Advisory Board meeting on August 5, 2003.
  • Sears Farm Road Park – CVA is working with artist Russ RuBert to commission a sculpture for the park.  The Town of Cary will be purchasing benches for the sculpture site and is involving the artist in discussions about the benches.
  • Town Hall Campus Gateway – Artist Catherine Widgery will be meeting with the Town Hall Campus Gateway Committee on November 19th.  Catherine will present her initial design concepts and gather community feedback at a public meeting on November 19th at 7:00 p.m. at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center.

Temporary Exhibitions

  • Up to 15 works are being planned for proposed installation in Cary during May/June 2004.  The CVA Temporary Exhibitions Committee will visit Greensboro on November 4, 2003 to view the North Carolina Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition and begin identifying potential artworks for display.
 

FALC
Ella Williams gave a report on FALC and distributed newsletters. 

 

Other Organizations
No report was given.

IX

Old Business

 

SAS Soccer Park
Carol Aupperle asked if everything is still on with Balancing Act at SAS Soccer Park.  Laura Harrar reported that it is still on.

X

New Business

 

Nancy Novell reported that applications for the Public Art Advisory Board would need to be submitted by December 1st.  The application is on the Town’s website on the Public Art Advisory Board page. Everyone will need to reapply.

XI

Adjourn