Cary Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department

Public Art Advisory Board

MINUTES

  Wednesday, February 16, 2005

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, Gary Bishop, Luan Harmeson, Julia Kunkel Morrison, Carl Regutti, Smythe Richbourg, Larry Schessel, Ella Williams, Marla Dorrel -Council Liaison

 

STAFF:  Lyman Collins; Nancy Novell; Vicki Hayes

 

ABSENCES:  Rajesh Patel

 

GUESTS:  Maril Yeske and June Finkbeiner

A.    CALL TO ORDER – Carol Aupperle, Chair

B.    MINUTES OF DECEMBER 15, 2005
        Julia Kunkel Morrison moved to approve the minutes of  December 15, 2004.
        Carl Regutti seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.

C.    THANK YOU TO OUT-GOING BOARD MEMBERS - Carol Aupperle, Chair
        Carol Aupperle prepared the following for out-going members: 
        Commitment has become an unwelcome term.  For that reason, I particularly
        want to thank our outgoing Public Art Advisory Board members, June Finkbeiner,
        Barbara Petty and Maril Yeske, for their commitment to this board and their
        commitment to art in our community.  Each of you have made a tremendous
        contribution to our town.
        
        Maril, you spent several years as a Cultural Arts Committee volunteer, helping to
        make the Public Art Master Plan a  reality.  Then, despite an overwhelming personal
        schedule, you took the time to join this board and help bring that grand plan to fruition.
        For that, we are all grateful.
        
        June, you, too, have been a part of developing a public art program for Cary from the
        idea’s inception.  As an active community supporter and local businesswoman, you
        have helped Cary Visual Art shape a successful community art program,and you
        actively participated in the public art charette designed to shape the town’s Public
        Art Master Plan.
        
        And you, Barbara, have brought to the Public Art Advisory Board the art background,
        business background and entrepreneurial spirit we needed to create balance.  Thanks
        to your insight, we have been able to see  Cary’s Public Art Program from a fresh
        perspective, something sorely needed to identify the plan’s strengths, as well as the
        weaknesses that don’t translate well from a written plan to actual citizen needs here in
        Cary.
        
        I could focus on each vote and each contribution the three of you have made to grow
        and strengthen Cary’s Public Art Program, but that would keep us here well into the
        night.  Suffice it to say, your contributions are invaluable, and we all thank you for
        your commitment.
        
        Lyman Collins thanked the out-going Board members on behalf of Council Member
        Marla Dorrel, who unfortunately was unable to attend tonight, but wanted to express
        her thanks to outgoing Board volunteers.
        
        Nancy Novell thanked the out-going Board members on behalf of Town Staff, and
        said that it is through their diligent volunteer efforts that the Public Art Advisory
        Board has gotten off to such a great start in its first full year as a Council appointed Board.

D.    INTRODUCTIONS – Carol Aupperle, Chair
        Carol Aupperle welcomed the Board to their first meeting of the new term.  She requested
        everyone give introductions and a brief description of their background. Carol thanked the
        Board for their time and support of the arts in Cary.

E.    TOWN OF CARY BOARD ORIENTATION – Karen Gray, Deputy Town Clerk
        Karen Gray, Deputy Town Clerk, gave a brief description of what her duties include.  She
        explained Marla Dorrel is the Town appointed liaison for the Board.  Karen discussed the
        material she had distributed to the new members.  She also reviewed “Working with the
        Town of Cary” and “Citizen’s Guide to Services” and discussed volunteers and their roles.
        Everyone was given a Town of Cary pin, notebook, and a pen.  Nametags and polo shirts
        will be available at a later time.  Karen explained that the Board cannot conduct business
        via email and cannot meet unless there is a quorum.  You can not vote by proxy if you are
        not present at the meetings.  If a Member abstains from a vote it goes towards a “yes.” 
        There is an attendance policy if you miss three meetings between February and September
        you will have to reapply.  Staff understands that things will happen, but it will also allow for
        those who can not attend the meetings a way to decline for the next term.

F.    TOWN HALL CAMPUS GATEWAY PROJECT
        Update
        Carol Aupperle explained this project was introduced to this Board in June 2003.  Cary
        Visual Arts (CVA) proposed working with the Town to develop a gateway sculpture.
        The project is located at the corner of Academy Street and Chapel Hill Road on the
        Town Hall campus.  Nancy Novell explained to the new members, she would send them a
        staff report that would give them all of the information on this project.  Carol explained the
        budget for this project falls short and fundraising ideas have been discussed with this Board.
        Carol further discussed the Festival Committee is in charge of Spring Daze and Lazy
        Daze Arts and Crafts Festival for the Town.  The proceeds from Lazy Daze are given
        back to the community in grants.  The Festival Committee granted $1500 to the “Gates
        of Lights,” to show their support of this project.  Larry Schessel asked what has this
        Board recommended.  Lyman Collins explained this Board endorses this project.

G.    PUBLIC ART ON BRIDGES
        Update
        Nancy Novell explained that Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources staff is in the
        process of discussing new projects where the public could be introduced to public art.
        Lyman Collins explained it is an overall Town goal for greenways to be connected.  A
        pedestrian bridge will be constructed over Hwy 1/64, connecting McDonald Woods Park
         to Kids Together Park.  The project will be funded by the Town and State D.O.T.  Staff
        is working on developing a standard plan that would guide staff through the projects and
        funding.  Nancy will keep this Board informed on what developments are made. Carol
        Aupperle asked Luan Harmeson if she would like to be the chair for the public art bridge.
        Luan agreed.  Carol explained Luan had been selected to be the chair for the USA
        baseball, but this project is on hold.  Carol thanked Luan for taking this position.

H.    REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVE ORGANIZATIONS
        Cary Visual Art, Laura Coats 
        February 16, 2005

          Permanent Exhibitions
        Balancing Act II at SAS Soccer Park – The sculpture by artists Holly Jones and Chad
        Bush was installed on December 14, 2004.  A retaining wall is now in place. The
        concrete walkway will be completed when the weather permits.

        Chatham Gateway – Due to concerns by property owner Curtis Westbrook about the
        aesthetics of the sculptural design compared to the style of the Westbrook building,
        CVA will not be moving forward with the placement of the work by James Myford at
        Chatham and Maynard.

        Other Projects and Updates
        WakeMed Cary Hospital – CVA is partnering with WakeMed Cary Hospital and the
        Explore! Beyond School Center of Cary to provide exhibitions of children’s art in the
        atrium of the Cary facility.  The first exhibition is scheduled for January 24 – 
        March 9, 2005.  The opening reception on Saturday, February 5th was attended by
        approximately 100 people.  During the pilot phase of the program, the featured artwork
        will be from students at the Explore! Beyond School Center of  Cary.  We anticipate
        expanding the exhibition opportunities to public schools, private schools, and after
        school programs in the future.

        The CVA Discovery Committee researches artists, artworks, and sites for public art in
        Cary.  The committee, composed of 12 voting members, advises the CVA Board of
        Directors about placements and acquisitions.  Meetings are held once a month on
        Mondays at 4:00 p.m.   Visitors are welcome to attend the meetings.  If you would
        like to attend the meetings, please contact Laura Coats at 531-9149.

        The Temporary Exhibitions sub-committee will be visiting Greensboro in March to tour
        the current NC Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition and discuss prospective artworks for
        exhibition in Cary (beginning fall 2005).  The committee may expand the pool of prospective
        artworks through a regional call to artist.  The committee is planning to focus the exhibition
        in the Town Center area, with particular emphasis on Academy Street.  Other sites,
        including the MacGregor Office Park,  Waverly Place, and the Regency Park area were
        also discussed by the committee. Once the artworks have been selected, the committee
        plans to invite downtown area property owners to attend a presentation to learn more
        about hosting an artwork as part of the exhibition. 

        Fine Arts League of Cary, Ella Williams
        February 16, 2005

        The annual show for the Fine Arts League continues to be a focus.

        Many took the prospectuses to other communities.  New people are calling in and
        interested.

        The laptop and a database, designed by a FALC member, will be put to extensive use 
        during the exhibit tracking members, new people, prizewinners etc.  It has greatly aided the
        organization of exhibiting as they are on going monthly throughout the year.

        FALC members are excited about the show at Jordan Hall Arts Center, “Out and about
        Cary”.  The exhibit runs March 3 – March 31.  A reception will be held on March 4th.

        Although the organization is currently running by a Transition Committee of past leaders,
        most of the organization’s  unctions are operating as there are many volunteers.

        On a personal note, Ella said she has some of her art work at Mr. Toads Café for a month,
        which will hang until next Wednesday, so if you are out and about she invites all to have
        a look.

        Other Organizations

I.       OLD BUSINESS

J.       NEW BUSINESS
          2005 Meeting Schedule
          A copy of the 2005 meeting scheduled was distributed to all members.

         March meeting – Board input 
        Carol Aupperle asked the Board to read the executive summary in their notebooks before
        the March meeting. Nancy Novell will present the executive summary, as well as the maste
        plan for discussion and to answer questions.  Carol asked if staff would bring in the last
        priorities set by the past Board.  The next meeting will be more of a working meeting.

        Spring Daze 2005
        Nancy Novell explained Spring Daze 2005 will be April 23rd.  Staff needs to know if this
        Board is interested in having a space at this year’s festival.  Carol Aupperle explained
        to the Board this is a great opportunity to educate citizens on public art.  The hours
        of the festival are from  8:00 am – 5:00 pm and each Board Member could sign up for
        1 three-hour shift.  Nancy explained she will put together the materials for the booth, but 
        unfortunately she will not be able to attend.  Nancy asked the Board to email her over
        the next month with questions that they would like to ask the public in a questionnaire.

         Vice-Chair 
         Julia Kunkel Morrison will continue to be the vice-chair for this committee.

K.       ADJOURN

The Town of Cary is committed to providing all citizens with the opportunity to participate fully in the public meeting process. Any person with a disability who needs an auxiliary aid or service in order to participate in any meeting may contact the Town Clerk at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. The e-mail address is sue.rowland@townofcary.org; the phone number is (919) 469-4011; the TDD number is (919) 469-4012.

Please contact the Vicki Hayes with any questions about this agenda. The e-mail address is vicki.hayes@townofcary.org, and the phone number is (919) 469-4061.