SALEM PUBLIC ART COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
JULY 28, 2014
The first meeting of the Salem Public Art Commission (PAC) was held on Monday, July 28, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. in Room 313, Third Floor, at 120 Washington Street, Salem, Massachusetts.
Roll Call
Those present were: Juliette Fritsch, Ellen Hardy, Lillian Hsu and J. Michael Sullivan
Absent: Victor Miguel Cruz, Norene Gachignard, Claudia Paraschiv
Also present: Lynn Duncan, Director of Planning and Community Development, and Deborah Greel, Public Art Planner,
The meeting was opened at 6:30pm after a quorum of commissioners was reached.
Public Art Master Plan
Lynn Duncan informed the commission about the creation of the Public Art Initiative that resulted in the Public Art Master Plan.
Clarification of the Role of the Commission
Hsu asked for clarification of the role of the Public Art Commission in reviewing, approving public art projects. Duncan explained that the PCA will work in collaboration with the Planning and Community Development and Greel in developing a work plan using the master plan guidelines.
Current Initiatives and Recent Public Art Projects
Commissioners inquired of the recent public art projects, the sculptures, Kenny Scharf mural and the Artbox program. Duncan commented that Mike Lash, from his contacts with artists as the former Public Art Director in Chicago, solicited the Kenny Scharf mural on the garage, the Rob Lorensen’s sculptures in 2012/2013 placed on the pedestrian mall and Washington Street; and the most recent sculptures by Austin Collins were installed in 2013 and are at the end of Artist Row, Washington Street and on the Green in front of the Old Salem jail. The projects were closely coordinated with and approved by the city.
The Artbox program is in its third year with 16 boxes primarily in the downtown have been complete.
A suggestion was made by David Pelletier (public comment) to consider painting the six boxes on North Street to tell the story of Salem.
Artist Row
A discussion ensued about Artist Row and potential changes to the current configuration of the tables at the Lobster Shanty and a place for a plinth (performing stage). The changes discussed would give more access and visibility to the other four buildings on Artist Row. No action is recommended at this time.
Hardy commented that the Austin Collins sculpture at the end of Artist Row has made an impact on visitation with more people coming from the Derby Street entrance.
Urban Environment
Hsu and Fritsch gave a perspective on the public art responding to the space it is located, art that is specific to the space and incorporates a larger vision for the city. Hsu suggested the pedestrian mall, Derby Square and the Artist Row be seen as one vista for public use and thought that incorporating these spaces might be more convincing for grant funders. Other examples of site specific art suggested by Fritsch are painted crosswalks, such as Abbey Road in England and painted stairs.
Adjournment:
Hsu made motion to adjourn
Sullivan seconded: passes 4-0
Meeting adjourned at 7:30pm
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