MINUTES
ARTS Commission
MARCH 15, 2006
The Sunnyvale Arts Commission adjourned from 6 p.m. Art in Private Development (AIPD) Training Session held in City Hall, West Conference Room, and met in regular session in the Council Chambers, 456 W. Olive Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA at 7:05 p.m. with Chair Draganowski Davis presiding.
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
ROLL CALL
|
Commissioners Present: |
Chair Monica Draganowski Davis
Vice Chair Wallace Harper |
|
|
Commissioner Dixie Carney |
|
|
Commissioner Charlie Fenton |
|
|
Commissioner Robert Obrey |
|
|
|
|
Staff Present: |
David Lewis, Director of Parks and Recreation |
|
|
Cathy Merrill, Assistant to the Director |
|
|
Diane Moglen, Arts Recreation Supervisor |
|
|
Kristin Dance, Visual Arts Recreation Coordinator |
1.A. Approval of Draft Minutes from Regular Meeting of February 15, 2006
Commissioner Obrey moved, Chair Draganowski Davis seconded, to approve the February 15, 2006, Arts Commission minutes as amended with the following revision to Commission Comments. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.
Revision to Commission Comments:
Commissioner Obrey said he was pleased to see the news article on the Braly School mural project that was funded via a grant from the Sunnyvale School District. The Euphrat Museum helped to recruit artists for the project through their afterschool art programs. Superintendent Steward added the Euphrat Museum receives outside group funding from the City. Chair Draganowski Davis said she has been thanked repeatedly for the outside group funding from the City that has been granted to the Euphrat Museum to assist with its programs.
None
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS
2. Art in Private Development (AIPD) – 811 E. Arques Avenue/Lowe’s Home Improvement
Kristin Dance, Visual Arts Recreation Coordinator, presented the staff report regarding Art in Private Development (AIPD) at Lowe’s Home Improvement Center located at 811 E. Arques Avenue, Sunnyvale. She reviewed the project location, project, site layout, artwork location, selected artist, artwork proposal, lighting, maintenance, corporate logo, and staff recommendation to approve the artwork as it is proposed, with four conditions.
Visual Arts Coordinator Dance introduced Mr. Steve Dolan, Project Art Consultant, Andrea Schwartz Gallery, and Mr. Jim Manion, Sr. Site Development Manager, Lowes Home Improvement. Ms. Dance said the artist, Mr. John King, lives in Eureka and was not available to attend the Commission meeting.
Chair Draganowski Davis asked questions about the staff recommendation for additional lighting on the artwork. She is very sensitive to not wanting artwork lighting to be a nuisance into residential areas. Ms. Dance responded that staff is concerned that the proposed lighting will be inadequate and is, therefore, recommending additional lighting. She said the ambient lighting from the parking lot is not enough light to see the detail within the artwork.
Commissioner Fenton expressed concern about the small size of the tiles (16” x 16” and 12” x 12”) and asked if the tiles will be large enough to be seen from the street. Ms. Dance responded that the tiles will be located high on the building, above tree height, allowing for good visibility.
Commissioner Harper said Lowes is a large building and large site and asked if the artwork could be both large and small utilizing different locations. Ms. Dance said the mural will appear to be solid ribbons of color from a distance, but up close the viewer will see the details, colors, and distinct features of the artwork.
Chair Draganowski Davis opened the Public Hearing.
Mr. Steve Dolan, Project Art Consultant, Andrea Schwartz Gallery
Mr. Steve Dolan responded to Commissioner Harper and said that there are larger pieces of cast concrete artwork panels near the building’s entry. He also stated the 16” x 16” and 12” x 12” tiles would be placed on the building next to 3’ to 5’ wide artwork bands that show relief, detail and shadow. Mr. Dolan also spoke regarding the background of the artist, John King.
Commissioner Harper’s questions were answered regarding the length and height of the mural band and kind of symbols that will be incorporated into the narrative panels that illustrate the story of tool evolution. Mr. Dolan said the artist is still working on the details and works as inspiration comes to him.
Chair Draganowski Davis likes the fact that materials in artwork will be materials used in common construction.
Mr. Jim Manion, Sr. Site Development Manager, Lowes Home Improvement
In response to Commissioner Fenton, Mr. Manion said the drawing depicted on Attachment C was done well before the project went to the City with landscaping plans, so it does not reflect the final approved landscaping plans.
Commissioner Carney asked if the artwork would have a title. Commissioner Harper emphasized that a title is important and gives the viewer a way to approach the piece. Mr. Sloan responded that he would ask this of the artist, and the title could be placed on a plaque that is required to be displayed with the artwork.
Mr. Manion noted his willingness to work with staff on the additional lighting, but he expressed concerns with the inability to truly spotlight the artwork.
Mr. Manion said Lowes’ employees are being educated regarding the significance of the artwork so employees will be aware if customers have questions. Commissioner Harper complimented Mr. Manion in his efforts to educate employees regarding the artwork.
Chair Draganowski Davis thanked Mr. Sloan and Mr. Manion for their comments and closed the Public Hearing.
Commissioner Fenton moved, Commissioner Obrey seconded, to approve the proposed artwork as it is presented along with the four conditions of approval as listed in the staff recommendation:
1. Final landscaping plans shall be designed to assure that visibility of the artwork is not impaired by initial or future growth of landscaping.
2. Final landscaping plans shall be reviewed and approved by the Director of Community Development prior to approval of the Art Permit.
3. A final accounting of allowable costs with documentation provided by the developer will be submitted to the Visual Arts Coordinator prior to the completion of the project to ensure the 1% expenditure has been met.
4. Final lighting plans shall be reviewed and approved by the Visual Arts Coordinator prior to completion of the project and the subsequent release of the art bond.
The motion passed unanimously 5-0.
NON-AGENDA ITEMS AND COMMENTS
COMMISSION
Commissioner Carney thanked Assistant to the Director Merrill for her letter in response to questions regarding art in-lieu fees.
Commissioner Harper distributed copies of the following items:
- Sunnyvale Sun news article titled “Council letter urges developer to deal with residents’ complaints” regarding the Best Buy and PetSmart buildings on E. El Camino Real.
- San Jose Mercury news article regarding how sculptures can get placed in inappropriate places.
- Two chapters of the book titled The Unknown Craftsman. Commissioner Harper noted that he does not always agree with the author, but he finds quotes and articles which he believes could apply to the Commission.
Commissioner Obrey said there was a very interesting article in Sunnyvale Sun, dated March 15, 2006, by Joseph DiSalvo, regarding a strong arts education being linked to high academic achievement. He said he would like to write to Sunnyvale Sun to thank the author, but asked the Commission if they would like to respond together. The Commission felt it was important for Commissioner Obrey to write to the Sunnyvale Sun and applaud the importance of arts and music education. The Commission determined that Commissioner Obrey can identify himself as an Arts Commissioner, but he should not respond on behalf of the Arts Commission since this was not a public hearing business item.
Commissioner Harper talked about the importance of art in giving students a hands-on way to learn.
Commissioner Fenton said Fremont High School is conducting a play called “Laramie Project” and is also presenting a concert on April 6 and 7. He added that he currently has four pieces of artwork displayed until March 31 at Downey Savings in Los Altos.
Commissioner Obrey added local symphonies he has seen at Cal Theatre in San Jose.
STAFF
Assistant to the Director Merrill noted the message in her staff report correcting a previous statement. Chair Draganowski Davis’ term ends in June 2006, and Commissioner Harper’s term ends in June 2007. She also noted that there will be a correction forthcoming in the Roster of Elected and Appointed Officials noting Commissioner Carney is serving her second term as an Arts Commissioner.
Visual Arts Coordinator Dance provided more detail about the Artist Apprenticeship Program at Columbia Middle School. Commissioners viewed the 30-second promotional announcement created by the instructor and aired at Columbia Middle School. She noted approximately 7 – 9 students regularly attend the program led by Ms. Melissa Duggan.
INFORMATION ONLY ITEMS
- Staff Liaison Written Report
- Miscellaneous Items of Interest
ADJOURNMENT 8:20 p.m.
Chair Draganowski Davis declared the meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Merrill
Assistant to the Director
Parks and Recreation Department
Reviewed by,
David A. Lewis
Director
Parks and Recreation Department