HomeMy WebLinkAboutCPAAC Minutes 08.15.23Carmel Public Art Advisory Committee (CPAAC)
Meeting Minutes – Tuesday, August 15, 2023
Carmel City Hall Caucus Room
Call to Order
Committee Co-Chair Julia Saltsgaver called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
Attendance
Members Present in Person: Julia Saltsgaver, Jill Reese, Dru Doyle, Luci Snyder and Donna Tutwiler.
Additional City Representatives in Person: Sharon Kibbe, Mayor’s Office; Henry Mestetsky, Carmel
Redevelopment Commission; Jessica Komp, Deputy Clerk.
Guest Attendee: Ann-Marie Shambaugh, Current in Carmel
Minutes
Minutes from the May 15, 2023 meeting were unanimously approved – (5 votes in favor, 0 opposed.)
Preview of “EOS: The First Dawn”
Henry Mestetsky, Executive Director of the Carmel Redevelopment Commission, gave the CPAAC a
preview of the upcoming light-projection experience made exclusively for the city of Carmel, to be
projected onto the façade of the Palladium. Henry explained more about the process behind the
design of the show, and how this technology was used to create this one-of-a kind viewing system,
known as the Palladiscope. There will be a media launch on August 27th, 2023, with public shows
beginning on August 31, 2023. The 12-minute shows will begin at the top of every half-hour, as soon as
it gets dark, running until 11:00 pm. This means that the shows may begin as late as 9pm in the
summer but may begin as early as 6pm in the winter. The Palladiscope shows will not take place during
Christkindl Market season.
Intake Forms
The committee next proceeded with the discussion of five (5) new intake forms for Seward Johnson
sculptures, which were all purchased in 2018. These purchases were made when the committee’s
purview did not include advisement on purchase decisions, but on placement of art only.
Discussion of “Captured” Location
The proposed location of the “Captured” sculpture was discussed by the committee, which is the
public plaza of the 1st On Main development, on the Northeast corner of the Main Street and Rangeline
Road intersection. This plaza will be behind the rotary clock, with benches and planters along the
building. The “Captured” sculpture of a woman reading a book will be installed upon one of the 3
benches. Donna Tutwiler asked how many different Seward Johnson collections does Carmel have
pieces from. Sharon Kibbe responded that the majority of the city’s collection belongs to the
“Celebrating the Familiar” series, some exceptions being “My Sixteen-Year-Old Jazz Dreams” and
“Indian Heritage”, which is a custom designed piece. Julia asked if Lauth Property Group has been
consulted about the installation of “Captured” on the plaza, and Henry responded that they have. Luci
Snyder asked if there has been a conscious effort to cluster the sculptures around Main and Rangeline,
and Henry responded that this has been the intent. The timeline for installation will be October –
November of 2023, after the plaza is built out. The committee voted in favor of this proposed location
– (5 votes in favor, 0 opposed.)
Discussion of “Monet – Our Visiting Artist” Location
The proposed location of the “Monet – Our Visiting Artist” sculpture was discussed by the committee.
As there is already a sculpture of a painter on Main Street, this sculpture of Claude Monet painting a
landscape is to be placed near the patio of the Japanese garden, which is just south of City Hall. This is
a spot where artists actually come to paint quite frequently, setting up their easels to capture the
beautiful scenery. The sculpture will be customized to appear that Monet is painting the actual scene
around him. The Japanese garden will be updated in the next 2 years, but the patio and gazebo will not
be disturbed. This area is also popular for photo ops of graduates or prom-goers. There will not be light
pointed directly at the sculpture, because these statues are not meant to be on display, but to blend in
with the life that exists. There are, however, cameras pointed at all of the Seward Johnson sculptures
around Carmel, recording at all times. Timeline for installation is as soon as the committee makes its
advisement. The committee voted in favor of this location – (5 votes in favor, 0 opposed.)
Discussion of “Shaping Up” Location
The committee next discussed the proposed location of “Shaping Up”, a sculpture of a woman jogging.
This sculpture is to be placed along the Monon Trail, just on the edge of the trail, south of 1st Street
SW. She will appear to be jogging along the trail. ADA clearance was considered when deciding upon
this installation locale, as it always is. The timeline for installation is as soon as the committee makes
its advisement. The committee voted in favor of this proposed location – (5 votes in favor, 0 opposed.)
Discussion of “Strolling Professor” Location
The proposed location of the “Strolling Professor” sculpture was discussed by the committee. This
piece is proposed to be installed on the north side of Main Street, out of the main walkway, just
southwest of Woody’s Library entrance. Existing outdoor furniture along the sidewalk will be
rearranged to make room for the sculpture and to give as much clearance as possible to those walking
past. The committee voted in favor of this proposed location – (5 votes in favor, 0 opposed.)
Discussion of “Wine, Food & Thou” Location
Lastly, the proposed location of the “Wine, Food & Thou” sculpture was discussed. This sculpture of a
woman walking with a picnic basket is to be placed on the sidewalk in front of Savor, on the south side
of Main Street, out of the way of outdoor dining or passersby. She will be facing east. The committee
voted in favor of this proposed location – (5 votes in favor, 0 opposed.)
Further Discussion
Julia asked how many more Seward Johnson pieces the city owns, and Henry responded that there are
none. Sharon shared that these five were the only pieces still in storage, waiting for construction to be
completed so that they may be placed. Julia asked if we have intent to commission anything, and
Henry responded, “Who knows what the future may bring?” Julia also thanked Karen Poyser for
sending around the Current in Carmel article about the CPAAC and asked if anyone had anything to
discuss regarding such. There was no discussion.
Adjournment
Ms. Saltsgaver adjourned the meeting at 6:41 PM.