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2023-12-11 FAC Minutes Minutes of the Fine Arts Commission meeting held on December 11, 2023. Members present: Members absent: Kristen Adsit Ian Peter Hosfeld Victor Bruce Anne-Camille Hersh Clarissa Rodriguez Michael Stock Tara Strickstein Also present: Angela Dorney, Recreation Director Leslie Rackl, Executive Assistant Mark Weiser The meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m. Mr. Stock made a motion to approve the minutes of the November 28, 2023 meeting. Motion seconded by Ms. Adsit and unanimously approved. Ms. Dorney related that some residents have complained about the Streetscape Signs that were recently installed. Ms. Hersh related that some of her neighbors on 109th Street asked if the signs were temporary and why they were installed in front of their homes. Others thought the signs were up in conjunction with Art Basal. Ms. Dorney related that she has given the timeline of the Streetscape project to the Village Manager. It was noted that there were many delays in the project due to Covid, the Art in Public Places resolution and County issues. Even though the APP resolution states that projects do not need to go before Council, it may be a good idea to do this for future projects as a courtesy. Ms. Rodriguez also suggested distributing a flyer to residents. Mr. Bruce added that many people are noticing the signs with positive comments. Ms. Adsit suggested creating a checklist as the Commission unveils future projects to avoid any conflict. It was noted that Mary Benton would like to work with the Commission in the future and support future donations. A donation has been made towards improvements to the courtyard at the library; perhaps a mural or sculpture as well as native plants in the garden. Mr. Bruce noted that the Lady Unity mural wall has received very positive feedback from the community. Discussion turned to adding a clear acrylic coating to the wall; Samara Ash forwarded a quote of $1050 for the additional work. It was suggested following up with Mr. Hosford before deciding on a dollar amount for the coating. In regards to the financial report, Ms. Dorney suggested that for FY 2024-2025 the Commission create a more itemized budget which outline all of their planned events. It was noted that the budget cycle begins in March. Ms. Dorney noted that any board member can speak up at any Council meeting. Discussion turned to the upcoming concert series beginning in January. Ms. Hersh said that Liset Alea will not be able to perform the January concert; one member of the female trio is unavailable. They have agreed to perform on March 1st which coincides with Women’s History Month. Ms. Rodriguez indicated to Mark Weiser that the January concert date could be flexible, if needed. Mr. Weiser is still waiting to hear back from Afrobeta for a February 16th concert date. Mr. Weiser indicated that Nico Wayne Toussaint is a French artist with a four piece band and he may be available for a January 26 th concert. Mr. Stock made a motion to approve a budget of $2500 for each of the three concert performances, which will include the artist and sound. Motion seconded by Ms. Hersh and unanimously approved. Mr. Weiser will forward a list of bands with their links for the Commission members to listen to so that a band can be chosen. It was noted that a formal event to showcase the Streetscape Signs is needed. Ms. Hersh suggested a scavenger hunt. It was noted that Daniel Marosi is working on updating the QR codes for the signs on his website and then they will be added to the signs. Discussion turned to one of the existing art in public places sculptures; namely, the Brito sculpture in front of the Aquatic Center. Ms. Adsit noted that the sculpture is in need of a lot of work; a restoration quote is needed which would be very costly. Perhaps the artist has a more cost effective solution. Ms. Adsit expressed concert with the viability of maintaining the existing sculptures in Miami Shores. Discussion turned to the mountain sculptures. It was noted that the mountain sculpture would need to be presented to Council first for their approval. Ms. Hersh said that the preservation of the sculpture will also need to be reviewed. The basic question for the Commission is ‘do all the members like the mountains’. Ms. Adsit noted that it doesn’t appear to be family friendly adding that the existing sculptures need to be looked at in regards to maintenance and prevervation. The Commission members have been asked to look at the mountain sculpture prior to the January meeting for discussion. Mr. Bruce noted that the location space needs to have something with volume to encompass the area. Ms. Rodriguez asked if Ms. Adsit could create a catalog of the public art in Miami Shores and bring it to the January meeting. Discussion turned to the window coverings. Ms. Strickstein suggested having a call to artists to schools citywide and have them submit drawings of flowers with stems. This could be celebratory of families and kids with flower images. It was added that a variation of flowers would be good for the window coverings. This could be done on Photo Shop with a white background and flower borders. The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.