HomeMy WebLinkAboutCPAAC Minutes 07.21.20Carmel Public Art Advisory Committee
Tuesday, July 21, 2020, 5:00 p.m.
Microsoft Teams Meeting
Minutes
In Attendance:
Returning committee members: Julia Saltsgaver, Cathy Strawn, Kelvin Okamoto, Karen
Poyser (acting recording secretary).
New committee members:Dru Doyle, Jill Reese, Bill Cooler, Donna Tutwiler.
City of Carmel:Mayor Jim Brainard.
City Councilors:Jeff Worrell, Timothy Hannon, Sue Finkam, Adam Aasen,
Kevin Rider
City Employees:Jeremy Kashman
Acting chair, Julia opened the meeting at 5:03 p.m. by welcoming everyone in attendance and
asking each person present to introduce themselves. Julia specifically welcomed the new
committee members and Carmel City Councilors and Carmel employees present. Julia gave an
overview of the committee’s responsibilities. Julia explained she was acting chair for this
meeting but opened nominations for 2020-21 chair. Cathy nominated Julia and Karen to co-
chair the committee with Julia responsible for chairing meetings and preparing reports for city
council and Karen to be the point person for the City of Carmel and responsible for meeting
agendas. It was seconded by Kelvin and all approved. Karen then nominated Kelvin to be
recording secretary and public art submission form recorder. Cathy seconded and all approved.
Sculpture and Location
Julia introduced the paperwork surrounding the project to be discussed, acknowledging that most
probably had not read it yet because it was only sent to her by the City at 4 p.m. Julia introduced
the sculpture entitled Pulpo by Brad Howe. Mayor Brainard explained there is a new roundabout
planned at Range Line Road and Walnut Street, and the sculpture to be reviewed had been
tentatively chosen for that roundabout. The Mayor further explained this contemporary piece
was done by the same artist who designed the sculpture at 136th and Range Line Road, and
Range Line Road and Elm Street. It was in the spirit of grouping these contemporary sculptures
together that this roundabout was chosen.
Discussion
1.Question was raised regarding the proximity of this contemporary sculpture to the
traditional architecture of the Carmel Methodist Church, several members weighed in
with their opinions.
2.Questions were asked about the style of sculpture being considered for the Range Line
Road and City Center roundabout.
3.The Mayor answered that the sculpture for that location has not been designed yet, but it
will not be contemporary in nature. That sculpture would be more in the traditional style
to compliment the City Center architecture.
4.The consensus was that this proposed sculpture was liked and the grouping of the
contemporary pieces was appropriate. However, many were concerned that this
roundabout might not be the best place for a contemporary sculpture. The mayor was
asked if the church nearest to this roundabout had been contacted regarding the design of
the proposed sculpture
5.Mayor Brainard offered to contact Carmel Methodist Church regarding proposed
sculpture location
6.Karen asked about other possible roundabouts on Range Line north of the 136th Street
and Range Line Road roundabout.
7.Mayor Brainard identified one roundabout north of the 136th Street and Range Line Road
that could be another possible location for the sculpture.
8.Jeremy indicated that roundabout construction would begin after Labor Day with
decision needed by the committee in that timeframe.
9.Julia initiated a discussion to better understand the artist’s vision for the piece and what
he intended the piece to convey. Other committee members felt that information would
be helpful as this piece’s location is considered. Councilor Worrell agreed and asked the
committee to add this point to the committee’s intake form so that future submissions can
provide this information.
10.Kelvin offered to rewrite the current intake form to include that request for information
11.The committee agreed more information was needed before a vote could be taken.
Jeremy agreed to provided additional information to the committee by Tuesday, July 28.
The committee will convene virtually on August 18 at 5 p.m. to consider the piece’s
suggested location and provide feedback to the City.
Committee Order
1.Regular Meeting Schedule – 3rd Tuesday of each month, virtually at 5 p.m. Julia asked
committee members to put this meeting on their calendars. Materials will be sent prior to
meetings to committee members.
2.Report to Carmel Common Council – Julia will provide a committee update to Council
on Monday, August 17.
Next Meeting
The committee is next scheduled to meet by Microsoft Team Meeting on August 18th at 5 p.m.
Julia adjourned the meeting at 5:57 p.m.