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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.16.2018 Special Meeting Minutes TOWN OF TIBURON Tiburon Town Hall 1505 Tiburon Boulevard Tiburon, CA 94920 Heritage & Arts Commission Special Meeting April 16, 2018 10:00 a.m. HERITAGE & ARTS COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING APRIL 16, 2018 MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING – 10 AM CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL – 10 a.m. H&A Commissioner Victoria Fong, Chair H&A Commissioner Azita Mujica-Beavers Town of Tiburon Mayor Jim Fraser Jaleh Etemad, Former Artist Laureate – Arrived 10:25 a.m. James Malott INTERVIEWS FOR VACANCY - TOWN OF TIBURON ARTIST LAUREATE (1 vacancy) 10:00 Ingrid Lockowandt Mayor Fraser: “On reflection of your career, what was the project or artwork that has made the most impact on you so far?” Lockowandt explained a recent commission wherein she was asked to paint 4 grandchildren. As part of her preparation she interviewed the children and described the process of learning about her subjects, their inner strengths, sensitivity, etc. thereby enhancing her personal experience of the creative process. Commissioner Mujica-Beavers: Expressed her concern about permanent residency throughout the tenure and the time commitment needed for the role. Lockowandt assured her she was dedicated to remaining a resident of Tiburon, and that she is 100% committed to the Town. C. M-Beavers asked about any financial concerns Lockowandt might have as a “working artist”. She responded that she had no problem with that and that she was prepared to reach out to the community for support. James Malott: Explained his belief that the arts are lagging in Tiburon. There needs to be more artistic endeavor, more support for the artistic community. He asked what type of programs or events Lockowandt would implement to bring the arts to the community. Lockowandt pointed to her extensive list of proposed projects. She also spoke of her desire to work with Heritage & Arts Commission to create new community events, as well as Landmarks and the Chamber to raise local artist profiles. Former Laureate Etemad: “What are the specific projects you have in mind? – What is new?” Etemad felt that the proposals stated had already been tried and/or done before. Lockowandt pointed to social media as underutilized and a strong component of her new ideas for bringing art awareness to the town. Commissioner Fong: Cited that while the Artist Laureate is an honor and carries a title, it is more than that – “What does the honor and title mean to you?” Lockowandt replied with the “It’s an honor to be serving my community, and reiterated her desire to reach out to the work within the community at large, including the schools, direct contact approaches such as a table set up on the Boardwalk to illicit interest, ideas, and proposals to bring art to the community. Laureate outreach is wrapped up in “what does the community want?” Mayor Fraser indicated his interest in seeing the schools get involved, and Lockowandt detailed her interest in working with young people in particular and the schools. She feels that the parents will become involved exponentially if the children are involved, and that she would also reach out to the other foundations in town for support. 10:45 Richard Rozen Mayor Fraser: “What would you bring to the role of Artist Laureate?” Rozen started with his personal history and what lead him to his full time art career at this point in his life. Rozen sees this as compliment to his previous community service position and that his experience with public agencies qualifies him well for the role. C. Mujica-Beavers: Repeated the same question about time and commitment needed for the role. Rozen asked if there was any specific time commitment and said regardless of the demands, he felt given that painting is his main task of the day, he wouldn’t have any problem fulfilling the goals set by him and the entities he would reach out to. C. Fong and prior Laureate, Etemad, agreed that it comes down to “time management”. Jim Malott: One of his primary concerns is to promote the community of artists that reside in Tiburon and bring an “awareness of art itself” to the town. Rozen responded that he’s particularly interested in displaying quality public art pieces. He feels there are plenty of art classes and open studios around, so that’s not such a draw. He’s asking can there be: *Environmental installations, *Small “Discovery” pieces to promote art awareness, *Art & Music installations, *Overnight installations, *”Art that Engages”, in other words “thinking outside the box”. Former Laureate Etemad: Liked the new exciting approach, especially to include temporary sculptures, and something new. C. Fong: Spoke about the changing demographics of the Town and asked specifically what Rozen’s “Public vison of art” is and what would be his policy/action going forward? Rozen said he would like to see singular art pieces displayed in the public spaces and specifically review the selection process. Malott brought up the Del Mar “Tile Project” as a school installation he would like to see more of. Rozen concurred, that he too would like to reach out to the schools and create new directions. He mentioned that he is very comfortable working with various public entities having had previous experience and relationships with several. Etemad asked what would be his first step to introduce himself to the community. Rozen said he would probably approach the Town Council, the School Board, and other heads of the Community. ACTION ITEMS Discussion commenced to choose an applicant for presentation to full Heritage & Arts Commission at their regular meeting, April 24, 2018. C. Mujica Beavers: Stated she felt both candidates were highly qualified with different styles. She felt that Rozen had very forward thinking ideas, but would move slowly. Lockowandt has abundant enthusiasm, would move quickly, but needed perhaps some idea guidance. Mayor Fraser: Would defer to the artists and H&A present. At first he felt Rozen was putting himself and his art first, but then realized how attached he was and is to community service. Fraser agreed, energy is key in this role. He felt the Council would defer to the H&A choice, and preferred they take direction on this. Jim Malott: Was impressed with Lockowandt’s presentation and Rozen’s ability to formulate ideas and generate enthusiasm. He felt Ingrid would put in more hours, but Richard is more focused. C. Fong: Felt Lockowandt did indeed have lots of energy, but no real new ideas. Rozen would set a new direction for the town, and she had no concern about his time availability. She liked Rozen’s focus and felt it would pull the Heritage & Arts commission into new activities, realizing a new direction. She felt willing to take a chance. Etemad: Agreed, Lockowandt had a lot of energy, but nothing new to offer. She liked Lockowandt’s approach to involving the local schools, but felt that the public art championed by Rozen won out. C. Mujica-Beavers: Had concerns about Rozen perhaps having only one project, and it taking the entire term. What would he offer in the interim? She felt Lockowandt displayed so much energy; she would surely find projects to sustain the entire term. C. Fong reminded everyone that this was only a 2 year term in essence, due to the delay in finding a candidate, and that either candidate could fill that time. She did mention the possibility that Lockowandt, as a full time artist, might find herself with a bit of conflict of interest. Mayor Fraser: Wanted to know if the 2 year term could be reset to a 4 year term with the appointment of this new Laureate, in order to provide for the full term project fulfillment? Liaison explained the resolution behind the 2 year limitation under the current situation and said she would contact the attorney for guidance to make this change. Vote for new Artist Laureate candidate to be presented to the Heritage & Arts Commission for approval at the April 24 meeting: 4 Votes for Rozen – Fraser, Fong, Etemad, Malott 1 Vote for Lockowandt – Mujica-Beavers After deliberation Mujica-Beavers changed her vote to Rozen – Vote: Unanimous Special Committee will send recommended nominee to the Heritage & Arts Commission at their regular meeting, April 24, for approval and formation of a staff report asking approval by Town Council of the New Artist Laureate on June 6, 2018 ADJOURNMENT – 11:40 a.m.