2018-11-13 FAC Minutes
Minutes of the Fine Arts Commission held on November 13, 2018.
Members present: Susan Ackley David Baker
Victor Bruce Joseph Clark
Carol Guzman Miryam Rojas
Michael Stock
Also present: Angela Dorney, Recreation Director
Leslie Rackl, Executive Assistant
Correction to the minutes of the October 9, 2018 meeting. Ms. Rojas asked in paragraph five,
line four, strikeout ‘Ms. Rojas said the images should be more abstract’. Ms. Guzman made a
motion to approve the minutes of the October 9th meeting with corrections. Motion
seconded by Mr. Stock and unanimously approved.
The Commission’s financial report, denoting anticipated costs for the coming year, was
discussed.
Self introductions were made at this time.
At this time the election of chair and vice chair of the Commission was explained to the new
members. Mr. Stock nominated Ms. Ackley for chair and Mr. Bruce as vice chair of the
Commission. All members agreed with the nomination and was unanimously approved.
Ms. Rojas noted the Fine Arts Commission is very hands on and responsibilities are distributed
among all members as evenly as possible.
Ms. Guzman noted that she has experience with grant writing.
Discussion turned to the sculpture garden. There was a great turnout, with 150 attending.
Former Commission member Janet Goodman is writing an article in the Biscayne Times about
the sculpture garden. In regards to lighting the sculptures, a suggestion was made to look into
solar lighting. Mr. Baker suggested contacting someone knowledgeable since there are many
options available. Mr. Stock made a motion to create a subcommittee to discuss lighting
the sculptures comprised of Mr. Baker, Mr. Bruce and Mr. Clark. Motion seconded by
Ms. Rojas and unanimously approved. Ms. Rojas said the sculptures either need to be
polished every few months or let the sculptures rust to their natural patina. It would be
necessary to let the public know that the artist’s intention is to let the sculptures revert to their
natural patina.
Ms. Ackley proposed one image on each side of the utility boxes. It was noted this would be
difficult since utility boxes are different sizes. Mr. Clark suggested having a competition with
art students at Barry University to be featured on a utility box. At this time art work from
Ernesto Kunde and Leonor Anthony was distributed for discussion. Members suggested
having a variety of artists for the boxes.
Discussion on refurbishing the Memorial Park Fountain was tabled.
Mr. Clark noted there is no crosswalk between Memorial Park and Optimist Park; there is a
need for blinking safety crosswalks.
Discussion turned to the mural wall at Village Hall, which is not able to be moved. Ms. Rojas
suggested leaving the wall up for another year. It was also suggested that another artist could
repaint the existing wall.
Discussion turned to the October artist exhibit. It was noted the poor attendance could be
attributed to the Commission’s lack of exhibitions. It was suggested that the Commission host
an exhibition in March 2019 with works from Vered Pasternak, which were distributed to the
Commission. It was suggested having a March exhibit either March 15 or March 22. A
suggestion was made for a full page ad in the March Egret to advertise the spring concert and
the artist exhibit. Mr. Stock made a motion to approve an additional $400 for a March
artist exhibit. Motion seconded by Mr. Bruce and unanimously approved.
It was suggested having an 8 unit Egret ad for the first two concerts and a full page ad for the
third concert. It was noted that any wine vendors will need to carry insurance, which Flight
provided to participate in Green Day. Miami Shores Country Club and Mimas Market are also
options.
Discussion turned to the dance performance at Miami Theater Center in April. MTC’s cost is
$1750 and Dance Now’s cost is $3000.
Discussion turned to Unity Day. A suggestion was made to present a box of materials for kids
to create something with a prize at the end of the day for the winner. Another suggestion was
to have Jewels the clown do a balloon art demonstration to kids. Further discussion on a Unity
Day activity was tabled until next month.
Discussion on the Commission’s new logo was tabled until the December meeting.
Meeting adjourned until 7:55 p.m.