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


MINUTES

Wednesday, March 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; Mathias Bishop; Luan Harmeson; Julia Kunkel Morrison; Rajesh Patel; Carl Regutti; Smythe Richbourg; Larry Schessel; Ella Williams; Marla Dorrel, Council Liaison

STAFF:  Lyman Collins; Nancy Novell; Vicki Hayes

ABSENCES: 


A.    CALL TO ORDER Carol Aupperle, Chair

B.   
MINUTES OF DECEMBER 15, 2004
   
     Julia Kunkel Morrison moved to approve the minutes of February 16, 2005.  Rajesh Patel
        seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.


C.   
RULES OF ORDER – Carol Aupperle, Chair
   
     Discuss Rules of Order as proposed by Carol Aupperle
   
     Carol Aupperle presented the Rules of Order handout to the Board and asked for review.
        Luan Harmeson made a motion to accept the Rules of Order as presented.  Julia Kunkel
        Morrison seconded.  The motion was open for discussion, but hearing none, the motion
        passed unanimously.


D.    TOWN HALL CAMPUS GATEWAY PROJECT
        Update on etching of glass for the Glass Walled Pedestrian Bridge
   
     Lyman Collins reported the bridge is continuing to move forward.  The frame of the bridge
        is standing and you can see the size and location of it.  Catherine continues to work
        with the glass manufacture and hopefully will be installed this summer. Luan Harmeson
        asked where the glass manufacture is located.  Nancy Novell knew that the
         manufacture was located in the United States, but was not sure exactly where.  She
        explained that for a time the glass was going to be produced overseas, which would
        have been difficult.  Nancy explained more updates on this project will be reported at
        the next meeting. 

        Update on fundraising for Gates of Light sculpture
   
     Lyman Collins explained Catherine will be available this summer to discuss the
        project when she is here installing the glass bridge.  This could be helpful with
        the fundraising efforts.  Staff continues to work with Cary Visual Arts (CVA) on
        the structure and leadership of this project. 

E.    PRIORITIZE GOALS FOR POTENTIAL CAPITAL PROJECTS WITH PUBLIC ART
        OPPORTUNITIES
   
     Discuss potential capital projects with public art opportunities
   
     Nancy Novell hoped everyone had an opportunity to review the Public Art Master Plan
        executive summary.  The Public Art Master Plan was unanimously adopted by Town
        Council in October 2001.  Nancy explained it is now time to consider the next phase
        of the Master Plan.  Lyman Collins explained we have been looking at the specific
        areas, but we need to put the frame work of how to address these specific areas first.
        Nancy explained in section 4: Vision, it addresses the various intangible levels of the
        community that contribute to its character.  There are six vision layers – connected;
        diverse; distinct; integral; social; and welcoming
.  Staff would like to know which one of 
        these six layers is the most important to the Board.  Nancy explained we will go over
        the six layers in detail and answer questions the Board may have.


           
Vision Layers
   
         1.         WELCOMING
   
                     The Welcome Layer considers the community’s act of greeting and
                        consciously inviting or opening itself  for exploration and discovery.

   
                     Consideration Areas
   
                     Gateways
   
                     Town Center

                        Discussion:  Ella Williams wanted to know how you could call one place the
                        Town Center Area, when Cary is expanding into the West, as well as other
                        areas.  Also, how do you bring all of these areas together?  Lyman felt one way
                        to bring all of these areas together was through public art. He explained the
                        Master Plan refers to the historic downtown as the Town Center Area.  Marla
                        Dorrel said the Town Center Area is considered inside the Maynard Loop. She
                        explained public art has the opportunity to show people they have arrived in
                        Cary.  She also wanted this Board to think about Cary’s ultimate boundaries
                        as they reach to Apex and Holly Springs.  These areas are growing and
                        people commute through Cary to do business.  Smythe Richbourg asked if staff
                        could provide overlays showing where Apex and Holly Springs boarder Cary.
                        Carl Regutti felt the public art should have some common thread to alert citizens
                        that they have arrived in Cary.  He suggested things like a pole or base to
                        identify the public art pieces. Julia Kunkel Morrison did not want all the pieces to
                        look the same. She felt that was something that made the art unique.

2.         CONNECTED
           
The Connected Layer considers the community’s act of purposefully joining or
            linking its physical and spiritual properties into a unified whole.

           
Consideration Areas
           
Transportation
           
Greenways

   
         Discussion:  Lyman Collins felt this layer would host a lot of opportunities for
            this Board.  Mathias Bishop asked if this only related to public transportation.
           
Lyman explained this would include bridges and walkways.  Marla Dorrel said it
             could even include manhole covers.

3.       DIVERSE
         
The Diverse Layer considers the community’s act of recognizing and celebrating
          its unique elements or qualities.

  
          Consideration Areas
           
Neighborhoods
           
Parks

            Discussion:  No discussion on this layer.

 4.        DISTINCT
           
The Distinct Layer considers the community’s act of distinguishing itself visually
            and experientially from other communities.

           
Consideration Areas
           
Infrastructure and Function
           
Sound and Technology


   
           Discussion:  The Board was unclear on the infrastructure and function along
            with the sound and technology.  Nancy Novell explained infrastructure and
            function would include water towers, cellular towers, power stations, gates,
            wall structures, benches and drinking fountains.  In general the inclusion of
            public art with embellishments to existing situations or objects.  Sound
            artworks and other technologically interactive artworks add whimsy, delight,
            and discovery to the urban environment.  Works that would engage citizens
            and visitors through sound, electronics, light, computerization, or other
            technologically advanced media forms are recommended. 

5.         INTEGRAL
           
The Integral Layer considers the community’s act of composing parts into
            meaningful completeness and wholeness.

           
Consideration Areas
           
Buildings
           
Private Development


           
Discussion:  Community integration is the respectful, considerate, and
            conscientious balance of disparate parts, functions, and personalities
            of “place” within its self.  An integral community is one that enlists respect
            and admiration as well as one that exhibits a strong sense of place.

6.         SOCIAL
           
The Social Layer considers the community’s act of forming cooperative and
            interdependent relationships between individuals and groups.

           
Consideration Areas
           
Partnerships
           
Festivals, Events, and Exhibits

            Discussion:
  Nancy Novell explained partnerships can occur locally, regionally,
            nationally and internationally.  Partnerships could include public/private,
            neighborhood collaborations, or organizations.

   
          Nancy Novell explained that each member needs to take a minute and think
             of how they would prioritize these   six layers.  Each member has nine green
             dots that need to be place under the six layers.  Members may  choose to
             place all nine dots on one layer or place a few dots on each layer that they
             feel is important.  Below are the prioritized results:

             Welcoming - 27
             Connected – 18
             Social – 15
             Diverse – 13
             Integral – 8
             Distinct – 0

            Nancy explained it was clear that the Board felt the most important layer is
            Welcoming.  This layer would include Town Hall Gateway, the board current
            number one priority. Another potential project that could be included in this
            layer is the Town Center Park.  The Connected layer would include projects
            related to bridges, greenways and other transportation areas.  Other 
            projects would fit into the following layers: USA Baseball, Bond Park
            Boathouse, Bartley Park, Middle Creek Park, all fit into the Diverse layer;
            the next community center would be part of the Integral layer.  This exercise
            provides another way of looking at projects as they come forward.

F.    US1/64 Pedestrian Bridge
   
     Update
       
Nancy Novell explained 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 Department of Transportation.  Nancy explained
        that Town Council will be asked to authorize the inclusion of public art as part
        of the bridge in a future staff report.  What is needed tonight from the Board
        is goals for the project.  Luan Harmeson asked if the bridge was already
        designed. Nancy said the bridge has been designed.  Lyman Collins explained
        some of the questions  we  need to address tonight are: will the art be for vehicles
        or pedestrians or both and who would this impact more.  Carol Aupperle
        suggested thinking about the new pedestrian bridge in Raleigh; it is not distracting
        to vehicles. Carol felt we should look at how many people will be impacted by the
        design.  Carl Regutti wanted to address both the vehicles and pedestrians.  Carol
        wanted to set us apart from everyone else.  Marla Dorrel felt one way to look at
        if is to answer the question what is this bridge connecting.  In this case it would
        get people to the greenways and parks. Larry Schessel thought people driving
        along US 1/64 may not even know that they are going through Cary, but with a
        project like this they would know they were in Cary.  Smythe Richbourg enjoys
        living in Cary, but does not like when he tells people where he lives and they roll
        their eyes with a preconceived notion of Cary.  He wants to change the way the
        surrounding areas think about Cary.  Cary is a great place to come to and we want
        people to come back and see what we have to offer.  Julia Kunkel Morrison wanted
        to see something more down to earth.  Carol felt the public art that is now being
        displayed throughout Cary is very contemporary and she was hoping for something
        more natural on this project.  One of the goals would be to connect Kids Together
        and MacDonald  Woods Park.  Luan suggested doing signage that has the names
        of the parks.  Lyman said you could incorporate  this into the art work.  Carol
        explained she has more traditional, reflective, and natural pictured in her mind.  Larry
        Schessel suggested having the art relate as a continuation of the greenway onto the
        bridge.  Luan asked when  placing a Call To Artists do we want to be specific with the
        artist.  Lyman said we want to tell them as much information as possible without
        saying this is what we want.  Carol asked will we be involving the community with
        public meetings. Nancy
said an announcement could be sent to all of the surrounding
        neighborhoods.  If anyone has more suggestions, please email Nancy.

       
The Board came to consensus for goals for this project as indicated below:
       
·         Serve as a landmark and create a memorable sense of place
        
      -     Should make a dramatic statement

       
·         Relate to vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
   
           -     Make an impression to vehicular traffic as well as pedestrian friendly
   
           -     Welcoming to Cary
   
           -     Seen in daytime and at night

       
·         Contribute to the visual character and texture of the community. 
   
           -     Connects our greenways
   
           -     Lets people know they are coming to Cary
   
           -     Change surrounding area’s impression of Cary:  welcoming,
                    southern, connection with nature
   
           -     Connects Kids
Together Parks and Greenways (2 neighborhoods
                    (nature viewing area)

       
·         Select the highest quality art work in the most suitable style, scale, materials. 
              -     Traditional, natural, reflective, contemplative, color, growing community
   
           -     Emphasis on nature
   
           -     Extension of the greenway 
   
           -     Nature extending onto the bridge

       
·         Involve the community in the creative process.
   
           -     Get community input on design considerations
   
           -     Narrow down to 5 or 5 selected artists 
   
           -     Get community input on artists’ proposed designs
   
           -     After artist is selected, community works with artist to refine design

       
·         Maintenance considerations
   
           -     Make part of the specs and include in call for artist

G.    REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVE ORGANIZATIONS
        Cary Visual Art – Laura Coats
   
     Permanent Exhibitions

        Balancing Act II at SAS
Soccer Park – The sculpture is now lit at night.  The
        remaining landscaping at the site is being planned by the Town of 
Cary.
        CVA is planning a dedication for the piece sometime in early May.

       
Sears Farm Road Park – The sculpture and benches are scheduled for
        installation during the first week of April.

        CVA will be selecting artwork priced up to $1,500 from the Fine Art League
        of Cary Spring Show.

       
Gates of Light Etched Glass Bridge – The project is expected to be completed
        by June 30, 2005
   
    
        Other Projects and Updates
   
     Wishing Well WakeMed Cary Hospital Young Artists Exhibit – The next exhibition
        is scheduled for March 19 – May 8.

       
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 meeting, please contact Laura Coats at 531-9149.

       
The Temporary Exhibitions sub-committee will be visiting Greensboro on March 23rd
   
     to tour the current NC Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition and discuss prospective artworks
        for exhibition in Cary
(beginning fall 2005).  The exhibition will be located in the Town
   
     Center area, with particular emphasis on  Academy Street. 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.  The
        committee is also investigating exhibitions of individual artists, including Patrick
        Dougherty and Tom Otterness.

       
Fine Arts League of Cary – Ella Williams
   
    
The Fine Arts League of Cary is heavily involved in work centering around the Annual
        Show which is at the Cary Ballet Conservatory.  We have the use of the Conservatory
        for the week of spring break and the Committee spends most of the week there.  The
        work of the show, the receiving, judging, hanging, pick up of art for those not juried into
        the show and the reception on Sunday, April 3rd needs many volunteers and volunteer
        hours.  (Pass out invitations) Jerry’s Artarama will be at our registering of artwork and
        pass out catalogues and a $5.00 certificate to their store.

  
      We advertised the CALL for ARTIST from the Town every month in our newsletter and
        were gratified to hear that the largest number of artist applied this year.

       
The Teen Art Show Committee has contacted schools, and each person has fulfilled
        their responsibilities.  Jerry’s Artarama will be donating some art items to give as
        Honorable Mention Prizes.  Other prize money comes from the  FALC Treasury.  We
        still need a refreshment volunteer for the reception.


        
FALC is in the process of confirming the use of and storage of an overhead mirror to
        use in teaching, and will proceed to purchase the mirror in the next couple of weeks
        as to take advantage of a Blow Out Blitz Sale by Jerry’s Artarama.  FALC members
        and programs as well as JHAC teachers will be better able to demonstrate art
        techniques with the use of the mirror.

       
Other Organizations

H.    SPRING DAZE
   
     Discuss Public Art Advisory Board’s representation and volunteer schedule
   
     Nancy Novell asked if the Board was interested in donating their time to volunteer at
        Spring Daze.  The Board felt this would be a great opportunity to reach out to the
        community.  Nancy
explained she will email a time schedule, so everyone can sign-up.
        She will also check to see if all of the arts groups will be placed together.  The Board
        wanted to be with CVA.  Laura Coats explained Joy Cox the Festival Coordinator
        had explained that because they are doing a kids activity they should be in the kids’
        area.  Nancy
said she would talk with Joy and email the Board the information.  Larry
        Schessel asked if there would material to handout.  Mathias Bishop said we had
        discussed a survey at the last meeting.  Smythe Richbourg would like an updated
        map.  The board wanted to have pictures of all the pieces and how they were funded.
        Then on the survey you could ask what is their favorite pieces and how do they feel
        about public art.  Lyman said that on the Town’s website there is an opportunity for
        public feedback about public art.  Nancy
said she would get the materials ready for
        the Public Art Advisory Board booth at Spring Daze.

I.    OLD BUSINESS
     
Sear Farm Road Park – Russ RuBert sculpture update
   
   The sculpture and benches are scheduled for installation during the first
week of April.

J.    NEW BUSINESS
   
   
Reminder 
      
RSVP by March 25 for Boards/Commissions reception on Tuesday, April 5, 2005, at
   
    5:30 p.m. at the Cary Senior Center

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.