2022-01-25 FAC Minutes
Minutes of the Fine Arts Commission meeting held on January 25, 2022.
Members present:
Susan Ackley
Tia Bowman
Victor Bruce
Luis Crump
Beth Dunlop
Clarissa Rodriguez
Michael Stock
Also present:
Angela Dorney, Recreation Superintendent
Leslie Rackl, Executive Assistant
Jonathan Brooks, Artist
Baye Lizette Gary, Artist
The meeting was called to order at 5:50 p.m.
This meeting is not a regular Commission meeting but rather a meeting to have the finalists for the
NW 2nd Avenue Art In Public Places project present their site specific submissions to the
Commission. Ms. Ackley noted that there were only three responses to the call to artists for this
project. Ms. Ackley said the Commission is not limited to the three artists who will be making
presentations; another call to artists could go out if the Commission does not choose one of the
presenting artists. Ms. Dorney noted that Council, by resolution, created the Fine Arts Commission
to host events in the community; there is no budget for art in public places.
At this time Jonathan Brooks, a photographer, gave his presentation for the project to the
Commission. Mr. Brooks presentation can be likened to a framed 36 x 48 outdoor banner, and
added that Benson Lighting could donate LED spotlights for the banners. There would be a total of
three banners created for the project, each 2-sided, with each banner consisting of six groups of
photos on each side. Options for the banners are black and white, tinted or colored versions. The
submissions are botanical creations, having kaleidoscope effects. Mr. Brooks left the meeting at
this time and the Commission discussed his presentation. Ms. Bowman said it was a great idea,
noting a person could have different aspects of the piece depending on the ir view. Ms. Dunlop
would like to see the actual size but felt it would be fun to walk past. Ms. Bowman also like s the
idea that the piece is smaller in height. Mr. Bruce likes the images in portrait format rather than
horizontal format; a person could have differing views of the piece depending on their proximity to
it. Ms. Rodriguez noted it was family-friendly. Ms. Dorney noted that anything the Commission
chooses would need to go before the county for approval.
Ms. Dunlop left the meeting at this time.
The second finalist, Baye, gave her presentation for the project. Baye’s presentation centered on
the concept of bringing flowers to Miami Shores, created form the artist’s passion for Miami.
Flowers with varying numbers of petals are attached to a 4 x 8 rectangle structure. The numbers
of flowers will be dependent on the number of medians that are used for the project. It wa s noted
that the total budget for the project is $5,000 but the artist said that $50,000 is the worth of the
artist. The total project by the artist will be comprised of 12 flowers and 24 petals. It was noted the
design of the flowers is completely flexible. The artist presented a maquette to illustrate her vision.
Mr. Bruce suggested only one or two petals per flower; three petals would not be as stable. Baye
is open to feedback for installation; holes could be added into the petals to add to their stability.
Baye left the meeting at this time. Discussion followed. Mr. Bruce noted there is a lot of potential
to this design; suggested using fewer medians. The concept is good but the budget would be tight.
Mr. Stock noted that the presentation/proposal needed to be for $5,000. Mr. Bruce said the
Commission needs to take into account that the artist has arrived late for both of the meetings thus
far.
The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.