San Antonio Arts Commission
Public Art Committee
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
9am
Plaza de Armas
115 Plaza de Armas
San Antonio, TX 78205
Members Present Staff
Suhail Arastu - Mayoral Debbie Racca-Sittre
Rene Barilleaux - Mayoral James LeFlore
Eduardo Garcia - Mayoral (Vice-Chair) Alma Lozano
Jessica Sanchez - Mayoral Henry Estrada
Yadhira Lozano - D3 Lauren Faske
Valeria Hernandez - D5
Freda Facey - D9
Meeting called to order at 9:05 a.m. by Eduardo Garcia.
Roll Call taken by Lauren Faske.
Approval of minutes:
a. Motion: Rene Barilleaux set forth a motion to approve the Public Art Committee meeting minutes from the meeting held on May 3, 2016. Suhail seconded the motion.
Discussion: None
Vote: Motion approved.
ACTION ITEMS
a. Mission San Jose Portal (Final Design)
James LeFlore introduced the San Antonio River Foundation project, by artist Mel Chin, being led by Stuart Johnson and the San Antonio River Foundation (SARF). The proposed Portal design entitled CoCobijos is a large corten steel metal sculpture, located near the San Juan Mission and the San Antonio River. The design is based on the San Antonio quatrefoil and the state plant of Texas, the prickly pear cactus. The sculpture will provide shade, and support a habitat for plant growth while providing an intersection to the mission trail.
Ms. Lozano asked for the specific location, to which the answer was VFW BLVD.
Ms. Facey inquired if illumination was being considered for safety, and identification purposes. Mr. Leflore and Johnson stated that there was currently no plan for lighting but that future funds may allow for it. Ms. Sanchez stated that the light may inhibit the natural wildlife area, and Mr. Garcia stated that lighting would help to prevent vandalism and honor the work.
Mr. Garcia inquired if there would be a protective coating, to which Mr. Johnson replied that there would not, but graffiti could be buffered out of the corten steel finish.
Ms. Hernandez asked what was the expected installation timeline, and Stuart Johnson stated that the expected installation would begin in Spring 2017.
Mr Garcia asked if there would be branding or a connection to the Tricentennial plan, and Mr. LeFlore replied that a marketing plan would be presented at the next PAC meeting for public awareness and project recognition in connection to Tricentennial.
Ms. Lozano stated that the indigenous/native heritage should somehow be incorporated into the story told within the Tricentennial. A Tricentennial staff member present confirmed that the native histories and stories would be recognized.
Motion: Ms Sanchez set forth a motion to approve the Mission San Jose Portal Final Design. Valeria Hernandez seconded the motion.
Discussion: None.
Vote: Motion approved.
2017 Call for Public Art Qualifications (Briefing Item)
Mr. LeFlore shared an overview of the2017 Call for Public Art Qualifications, including the application timeline, categories & opportunities, changes to the 2017 call, and Artist Self identifying career levels; Emerging, Mid-Career & Established. Mr. Leflore also discussed & explained a local emerging artist training program that would be offered to 10 local applicants, and completion be required as part of the application.
Mr. Garcia asked if the criteria for the self-identifying career levels would be published for the 10 local emerging artists? Mr. LeFlore replied yes, it could be. Ms. Lozano clarified if the class would be required prior to submitting the application, to which the answer was yes.
Mr. Arastu stated that he appreciated the efforts for local artists, and asked if certain projects would be precluded from the prequalification list. Mr. Leflore explained the Public Art policy and guidelines, stating that open calls for specific projects are allowed, but require a more timely contracting/approval process.
Ms. Lozano requested to the see the current Prequalified list, and determine a timeline for outreach for the 2017 call.
Ms. Sanchez stated that it is the job of the commissioners to promote the call and opportunity.
Ms. Lozano asked if the selection panel changed annually, and Mr. LeFlore replied that the selection panel does change but includes veteran panelists each year.
Mr. Barilleaux asked if the online application system has been a problem for applicants, and Mr. LeFlore stated that it had not but that it has become necessary for the process of document verification.
Ms. Lozano asked if there would be handhouts/brochure, as well as mentorship opportunities. Mr. LeFlore replied that brochures would be evergreen, and that the call allowed for applicants to apply in teams, and as individuals.
Ms. Facey requested the presentation and information be emailed to her.
Announcements and Reports
Mr. Guajardo briefed the Committee on the World Heritage Mission Beautification Trail banners. The project includes historic images printed on large scale banners, and placed along the Mission Trail Areas on fences, buildings, etc Working with the Office of Historic preservation, the images were selected by the City’s Cultural Historian, and will be installed by September 2016.
Ms. Facey asked how long the banners would be in place, to which Mr. Guajardo replied 90 days.
Citizens to be Heard
None
Adjournment:
Motion: Mr. Garcia set forth a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Arastu(?) seconded the motion.
Discussion: None.
Vote: Approved unanimously, motion approved.
Meeting adjourned at 10:25 a.m.