Cary Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department
Public Art Advisory Board

MINUTES

Wednesday, May 19, 2004
6:00 p.m.

Temporary Council Chambers
Herb Young Community Center
101 Wilkinson Avenue, Cary, NC
Web Site: www.townofcary.org

ATTENDANCE:  Carol Aupperle, Chair; June Finkbeiner; Luan Harmeson; Julia Kunkel Morrison; Barbara Petty; Carl Regutti; Ella Williams; Maril Yeske; Marla Dorrel, Council Liaison

STAFF:  Lyman Collins; Nancy Novell; Vicki Hayes

ABSENCES: Rajesh Patel

GUESTS:  Laura Coats, Cary Visual Arts, Director

A.    CALL TO ORDER – Carol Aupperle, Chair

B.    MINUTES OF APRIL 21, 2004
        Julia Kunkel Morrison moved to approve the minutes as written.  Barbara Petty seconded.
        The motion to approve the minutes passed unanimously.

C.    TOWN HALL CAMPUS GATEWAY PROJECT
       Project Update
       Lyman Collins explained that staff is working on the contract for Catherine Widgery for the
       glass walled bridge.  Staff  has met with engineering and confirmed that the project is still
       in keeping with the timeline and moving forward.

       Lyman Collins explained that Council had its initial work session for the Capital Improvement
       budget and that $135,000 for the Town Hall Campus Gateway project has remained in the
       budget through the work session.  However, some members of Council have concerns with
       the project.  The areas of concern are the budget and the appropriateness of the design for
       the site.  Council has received some feedback from the general public with concerns on the
       design.  Marla Dorrel explained there are two issues – (1) not appropriate to use taxpayer’s
       money for a project like this and (2) some don’t like the design.  The design concept was
       approved by Council on a 5-2 vote.  Now there seems to be 3 dissenting votes against the
       design. There has been a tremendous amount of work put into this project, but we now have
       two new members of Council. 

        Julia Kunkel Morrison mentioned that there have been public meetings and approval of the
        design by Council.  It seems more of a waste to pay for the work and not use the design.

        Marla Dorrel explained the main problem is not hearing positive feedback from the general
        public. Carol Aupperle asked what the board could do.  Marla Dorrel suggested getting more
        public response.  Council needs to know that there is public support for the project, and
        Council needs confidence to support the project.  

        Lyman Collins explained Catherine Widgery had sent a new model that was delivered today.
        He said we need to provide information and further educate the general public on this piece.
        It was suggested to have the model on display in the Herb Young Community Center , the
        mall, the library and other public places.  Staff could develop a display to provide information
        on the piece and develop comment cards for public feedback.  Council needs reassurance
        that the public is behind them.  Luan Harmeson said that we need to do more than open
        houses and public meetings and that we need to go to the people.  Maril Yeske said that
        staff could speak well about the project, but that it should always be accompanied by
        volunteers (PAAB members, Town Hall Campus Gateway Committee members, CVA
        members).  That way the perception is that it’s not being pushed through and that citizens
        are behind the project.  Maril Yeske asked if we really know what we’re fighting here, budget
        or design? Which is the stronger voice?  Lyman Collins said that there are fewer design
        questions than budget questions.  Marla Dorrel said that if the project had been traditional
        statuary, it would have had at least one more vote of support.  She said she thinks it’s a
        combination, and as much the design.  Marla Dorrel said that we’d prefer a unanimous
        Council vote on this rather than a 4-3 vote.  Lyman Collins said that we can’t go forward with
        the project until there is a general consensus from the community.  Funding will remain in
        the budget but Council will need further information before authorizing spending the
        appropriation.

        June Finkbeiner suggested to the board that when you have an opportunity to speak with a
        Council Member you need to talk to them about public art.  Lyman explained that as a
        member of this board it is always appropriate to contact Council with your thoughts and
        input.

        Carol Aupperle asked if Nancy Novell could coordinate any opportunities to have the model
        on display.  Lyman suggested having a civic booth at Lazy Daze.  Other suggestions
        include Amphitheater at Regency Park , presentations at civic meetings such as Friends
        of Page-Walker, information in BUD news and BUD TV.  June Finkbeiner feels the
        presentations should be the same at each place and a volunteer should be there with
        talking points and information to answer  questions.  Carol Aupperle asked if the board
        could email Nancy Novell with dates and times of up coming meetings that would be good
        possibilities to attend.  Luan Harmeson asked if we would be accepting donations at these
        meetings.  It was suggested we educate the public and not accept donations.  Luan
        suggested having pledge cards available.  Members also wanted to provide activities for the
        kids, while parents filled out comment cards.  Barbara Petty suggested having a dot to dot
        with the spiral image.  Lyman explained staff will need the board and the Town Hall Campus
        Gateway Committee members to help staff these locations.  The board asked if the Town
        or CVA could post something on their website. 

        June Finkbeiner explained she likes the design concept, but asked if the support isn’t there
        will we look at changing the design?  We will keep conversation open with Catherine and
        see if she could provide a tailored design concept.  Lyman explained the educational
        process would end in early fall.  Staff will compile all the data to be presented to Council.

         Fundraising Strategy Meeting Report
      Barbara Petty explained this committee has meet twice to discuss fundraising.  The first
        meeting discussed how to raise $70,000 with different levels of funding while maintaining
        partnership with CVA (see attachment:  “Pillars of Our Community”).  The idea was to
        interest the community and keep contributions low for clubs like Boys/Girls Scout and
        Kiwanis Club.  The second meeting discussed holding off on fundraising because of
        Council’s feedback.  The committee decided that educational outreach is essential to get
        the backing of the community, and decided to sit back for a little bit and keep a low focus
        on fundraising until the educational outreach program is complete.  Marla Dorrell explained
        the committee had discussed soliciting a brick donation, but first we need to get feedback
        from the general public.  Nancy Novell explained the informational purpose is to get
        people educated on this project as well as public art and get feedback.  Meril Yeske
        asked if this board will be involved in the fundraising.  Lyman Collins explained the board
        could be involved with fundraising.  Nancy Novell explained once the material was together,
        she would bring it before the board. 

        Carl Regutti said he has been critical and wants to see the way the corner piece will look.
        He said the model gives a better idea, but he still has some reservations.  He said it’s
        important for people to know that this is their chance to comment.  His concern is that
        we not sound like salesmen, but rather let the public know we are asking their opinions.
        He said it sounds like we’re in the fundraising business, and he doesn’t like that.  Barbara
        Petty said that this is for one project only.  She said we need to have a Plan B if we don’t
        raise enough funds, and that the project would need to be scaled back.  The corner piece
        has to fit into $270,000 budget.  Lyman Collins said that without including the cost for filling
        the swale, the budget is $308,000.  Carl Regutti said that the design was for $270,000 and
        it needs to meet that budget.  Lyman Collins said this model does not meet it.  Carl Regutti
        said he is not going to go out and raise money for more than $270,000.  Luan Harmeson
        said that people will question why we are over budget. She thinks the Town will look more
        favorably if we stay within the budget.  Carl Regutti said he does not like the idea of
        fundraising.  He explained that if Catherine said she could build the project for $270,000,
        she should do it for that amount and that he would like to see the funds used for other
        projects like the stone seating area.  Barbara Petty said the funds for the glass walled
        bridge came out of that budget.  Lyman Collins said we have asked the artist for
        modifications to do the project for $240,000 (already used $30,00 for design, $31,500
        for bridge) and that there is still the swale to contend with. Ella Williams explained that
        we had requested Catherine to go back and do the biggest and best project, after the
        fact of the initial agreement.  She said that this led Catherine to design the projects we
        see. Lyman Collins said that this model can’t be realized without additional funds and
        he would not support asking Council for those funds.

        Maril Yeske said she has reservations about presenting an educational program to raise
        funds.  Carl Regutti asked if fewer columns could be used.  Lyman Collins explained
        there has been no motion from this board to use fewer columns. Carl Regutti suggested that
        the project could be done in 2 parts: 1)  get the project infrastructure in (pathways, lighting,
        swale) so Catherine could do the sculpture with this concept, and 2) then raise funds to add
        additional columns.  Lyman Collins said that Catherine feels strongly about having 100
        columns.  If this board wants to discuss the possibility of a resolution for Catherine to
        reduce the number of columns, they should do that.  It’s never been done.  Carol
        Aupperle said that we all need to be comfortable with what we are all saying when we
        go to the public with the educational program.  Barbara Petty said that in the presentation
        this could be stated as our goal, and if the goal is not reached, then the project would have
        to be scaled back.  Carl Reguttil asked if Catherine would be cooperative in scaling back.
        Lyman Collins stated that from her perspective she has done this (reduced columns from
        120 to 100). He suggested that the board vote and go on record as to where the
        community stands on this.

        MOTION:  Julia Kunkel Morrison made a motion that the board move forward with the
        development of an educational campaign.
        ACTION:  Carl Regutti seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.

        Carol Aupperle stated there were two separate issues:  1) educational program and to find
        out community interest based on response and 2) fundraising could come later.

        Marla Dorrel stated that she felt Council would not put more funding into the project as
        things stand today, but with overwhelming community support, perhaps so. 

        Carl Regutti questioned Catherine’s fee amount of the design budget and wondered if she
        should be asked to allocate more of that amount to the project.  Carol Aupperle said that
        her past work speaks well for itself and she was selected based on this.

D.    CARY VISUAL ART DOWNTOWN TEMPORARY ART EXHIBITION
       Project update - Laura Coats updated on the following:
       Black Cross will be placed at Cary Elementary. 

       Duet will be placed at the Chamber of Commerce

       There’s been a small shift at library

       Paradox will be placed at the Train Depot

       Red, Yellow and Blue Seed Pods will be spread between two properties (Serendipity and
       Comfort and Joy).  Laura reported that this project has been approved by Council.  Lyman
       Collins said that CVA has worked well with the community to establish these sites.  Luan
       Harmeson asked if there would be a scheduled downtown area tour.  Laura Coats said they
       have not planned a tour, but that a self guided tour would be available.  Luan Harmeson
       suggested that the Town Hall Campus Gateway model could be put this at the end of the
       sculpture walk in a lobby.  Laura Coats said they will have to put a time frame on the self
       guided brochure or do an insert.  The Town has walking tour and the sculpture walk could
       be incorporated into the walking tours provide by Page-Walker. 

 E.    BOARD MEMBERS - REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVE ORGANIZATIONS
        Cary Visual Arts (CVA) - June Finkbeiner - (see attached report)
           Report to the Public Art Advisory Board, 5/19/04

        Permanent Exhibitions

• Gates of Light – Catherine Widgery will be submitting final deliverables including options for a lower cost approach to the corner gateway component.  The Town Hall Campus Gateway Committee will be meeting to discuss the project once all of the deliverables have been submitted by artist Catherine Widgery.

• CVA has purchased a painting by Barbi Dalton entitled Rhythm Rapids from the Fine Arts League of Cary Annual Juried Exhibition.  The cost of the artwork was $1,000.  The painting was purchased with a placement in the Stephens Nature Center at Hemlock Bluffs in mind.  The proposed donation to the Town of Cary will be brought before the PAAB next month.

     Temporary Exhibitions  

• Anemotive Kinetic 4/97 is available for sale.  It is currently scheduled for exhibition until July 23, 2004 .  The selling price of the work is $90,000.

• Downtown Cary Sculpture Walk – CVA will be contracting with the artists and property owners for the temporary exhibition.  We anticipate installations over a 2-3 week period beginning soon.  CVA is working with Charlie Smith to obtain 12 concrete slabs measuring 4 x 4 feet and 8 inches high.  The slabs will be reinforced with rebar and have handles.  The updated list of sites includes:

June Finkbeiner said that CVA has purchased a painting from the Fine Art League of Cary’s
 Spring Show to donate to the Town of Cary.  The painting is an oil painting entitled Rhythm
  Rapids by Barbi Dalton and selected for Stevens Nature Center at Hemlock Bluffs.  The
  painting will come before the Public Art Advisory Board for approval.

        Fine Arts League of Cary (FALC) - Read by Vicki Hayes for Ella Williams
        The organization has gone through some chair changes. Bobbi Hopp will now be doing
        the lay out and editing of the newsletter. Our membership chair is moving , and Irma
        Grant has accepted this position. Diane Coidan has accepted the position of chair for
        next years annual juried show.

        Our Annual Show will come down June 1-2 and another exhibit will be hung at the Cary
        Ballet June 17^th under the direction of a new CBC chair  Kim Maselli. In August, The
        FALC Lazy Daze Booth will be under the chairmanship of Gio Argentati.

        A Chair and plans for two new projects will be on going. One of our artists is a graphic
        designer and will be designing a promotional brochure to introduce FALC to the public.
        A new membership brochure has been designed and is being printed.

        A first for us is to sponsor a workshop with a nationally known artist in the fall of 2005
        under the chairmanship of Jean Scholz.

        We are so grateful for our volunteer artists who make this organization the success it is.

        Other organizations

F.    OLD BUSINESS
       
G.    NEW BUSINESS
        Nancy Novell distributed a handout about the upcoming TTA Regional Rail System update
          meeting scheduled in Cary at Page- Walker on June 8, 4-7pm .  She also distributed a
         pamphlet about a public art work at NCSU’s Engineering Building , Liquid Order, by Jun
         Kaneko and gave a brief description.

H.    ADJOURN

“Pillars of Our Community”
A Campaign for Community Building and Fundraising
To Support the “Gates of Light” Gateway Project on Town Hall Campus
DRAFT – 5/19/04

Purpose:   Build community involvement in, and raise additional funds for, the “Gates of Light” Gateway Project, to supplement funds committed by the Town of Cary and Cary Visual Art.

Method:  Provide an opportunity for groups and individuals to be recognized as sponsors of the lighted columns in the gateway piece.

Appeal:    Katherine Widgery’s gateway sculpture was inspired by her observation that Cary is a community that both embraces and expands. Show that you are part of this embracing/expanding community, by placing your group’s, organization’s, or family’s name on the gateway piece.

Fundraising Goal:  $100,000  ((Sufficient to also cover costs of donor recognition)

Target Contributors:  Groups and individuals who provide the foundation of our community.  For example:

                 Arts Organizations                                  PTA/PTSA’s
Businesses                                            Social Services Organizations
Churches                                               Scout Troops
Civic Organizations                                 Senior Living Communities
Homeowners Associations                      Social Clubs
Honoraria  – Teacher, Friend                   Other?
Individuals/Families
Neighborhood Groups

Suggested sponsorship levels: 
$1,000  - Full Sponsorship of a column
 $500     - ½ Sponsorship
 $250     - ¼ Sponsorship

Steps to proceed with this or any similar capital campaign:
1)         Determine method and cost to be used for identifying donors at each column
2)         Develop a prospect list.
3)         Develop campaign materials.
4)         Develop communications/marketing plan and implementation.  Include a
            kick-off event.
5)         Assign groups of prospects to various steering committee members for
            contact and follow-up.