Manhattan Beach Cultural Arts Commission
November 20, 2023
1 CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH
MINUTES OF THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION
November 20, 2023
Hybrid format: by teleconference (Zoom) and in person in accordance with procedures on agenda 1400 Highland Avenue
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
A. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Spackman called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
B. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
C. ROLL CALL
Present: Dohner, Erlich-Fein, Karger, Vice Chair Tokashiki, Chair Spackman
Absent: None
Staff present: Cultural Arts Manager (CAM) Eilen Stewart, Ceramics Supervisor Eric Brinkman, Recording Secretary Rosemary Lackow
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – October 16, 2023
It was moved and seconded (Tokashiki/Karger/) to approve as submitted.
The above motion passed by voice vote: 5-0-1 - Ayes: Dohner, Karger, Patterson, Vice Chair Tokashiki, Chair Spackman; Absent: Erlich-Fein (seated at 4:03).
E. CEREMONIAL - None
F. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION (3-Minute Limit) (re-opened by Chair at 6:36 pm)
William Victor spoke on the subject of his fire damaged property near the ocean. Upon Chair Spackman informing Mr. Victor that such an issue is not under the purview of the Cultural Arts Commission , Mr.
Victor apologized, acknowledging that his intent is to address the Council and he will make his comments before that body.
Chair Spackman closed public comments following Mr. Victor’s comments.
G. GENERAL BUSINESS
1. Work Plan Item Discussion
a. Utility Box Beautification - Phase III
CAM Stewart noted more information is being solicited from two city BIDs (Downtown MBB&PA and
Manhattan Beach Cultural Arts Commission
November 20, 2023
2 North Manhattan Beach). The Commission agreed that each of them will canvass certain areas to find new cabinets for this third round, to report back in December. Chair Spackman will contact Mike Simms for input (North MB BID), Commissioner Karger will contact Jill Lamkin (downtown BID), Commissioner Dohner will check the Tree Section; Commissioner Patterson, the Hill Section, V ice Chair Tokashiki, Liberty Village and Commissioner Erlich-Fein, areas near Mira Costa and MBMS.
CAM Stewart suggested about 5 new utility box locations per Commissioner is desired, added to ones suggested by the BIDs; also, the commissioners can look along major streets (e.g. Sepulveda, Marine, MBB). The commissioners should check the exterior of the cabinets because those that are rusty and not smooth may not be able to be wrapped. This project will go to City Council for appropriation and allocation of funds in January. Chair Spackman requested that at the next meeting staff provide an estimate for the total number of cabinets that would appropriate for this round and have a map ready that will show the locations of cabinets designated for the first two phases. CAM Stewart noted that multiple cabinets at one location that would count as a single location with multiple cabinets and a total of 20-30 cabinets is desired.
Vice Chair Tokashiki noted that a map of the utility box locations for prior Phases I and II can be found on page 2 of a PowerPoint attached to the June 19, 2023 CAC meeting agenda.
CAM Stewart reviewed the Phase II RFP with the Commission for possible revisions; it was determined that there should be no changes in the main criteria, including but not limited to parameters for artist location (reside, work or attend classes in Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach or El Segundo) and stipend ($600 per box). It was also agreed that it would be ok for an artist to re -submit a wrap graphic previously submitted but not selected. It was discussed but decided against, to have the installation contractor measure the cabinets prior to selection of artwork because the artwork can be moved from one cabinet location (as proposed in the application) to another during the review and approval process. .
Staff will plan to have the RFP open for 45 days. A revised draft RFP will be presented at the next meeting.
b. Murals
CAM Stewart informed that tomorrow the City Council will be determining finalists among the Commission recommendations for MBAC (wall facing MBB), the Fire Department (facing 15th Street), and will consider the shark mural as a possible mural and lastly, to clarify the selection of graphics to be installed by artist Armelle Vervialle Ngo at Manhattan Heights. As a separate item, the council will be deciding whether to further discuss the LA vs. Hate mural concept in terms of its viability in the mural program.
CAM Stewart also pointed out and it was briefly discussed that the LA vs. Hate mural, as some others on the new initiates list, is only a potential future project at this time and not fully discussed by the Commission including not having a location. Director Leyman will talk to the City Manager and Fire Chief as to what they would like to see on Fire Station No. 2 on MBB as construction is nearing completion.
c. Sculpture Garden
CAM Stewart recapped prior City Council direction—that the Cultural Arts Commission “go shopping” and assemble a list of 15 sculptures, from which City Council will select a few to purchase for permanent display with no specific direction on a total number, locations or budget. To assist the Commission in assessing the viability of the artworks research ed, CAM Stewart referred to a guide of criteria she had emailed.
Manhattan Beach Cultural Arts Commission
November 20, 2023
3 CAM Stewart proceeded to review using a slide presentation, and the Commission discussed sculptural artworks suggested by the Commission as well as some that were previously suggested in October by staff. The Commission decided on the following as a preliminary list of 15 artists/works including 12 as “Plan A” with higher recommendations, and 3 as “Plan B” alternates. Possible locations also discussed are indicated in the table below.
The Commission discussed the artist Maya Lin (the Vietnam Memorial in D.C.) as a possible candidate for the Sculpture Garden and came to a consensus that , if possible, Maya Lin instead be considered for the Bruce’s Beach memorial; CAM Stewart will look into that suggestion.
It was discussed that additional (8 -10 more) candidates would be desirable . Homework for the next meeting: 3 -5 new artworks should be suggested by those Commissioners who have not y et made suggestions, and the Commissioners should do additional research as needed (e.g. Commissioner Karger looking into whether the Dale Dunning piece (“wings” with face) might be modified. All commissioners should be able to cite 3 -5 pieces that they firmly support. It was confirmed that staff will look into whether City Council’s review can be pushed from January to February, giving the Commission more time to further refine a final list.
Plan “A”: Artist/Description/Comments Possible Locations
1. Jan Hoy - large steel rolling wave El Porto beach parkette.
2. Alejandro Vega Beuvrin - large steel
succulents/clouds; in color?
Polliwog, water tower park
3. Pedro Villalta - shells, can be customized Sand Dune Park, Veterans Parkway, Library terraces
4. Kevin Barrett - bronze, abstract ribbon; no
pointy ends
Marine Ave Park, Waterwise Parkette
5. Anthony Howe: tall, kinetic Civic Center (away from residential area)
6. Jeremy Guy: large granite – heart shaped
weight issue?
Civic Center, Veteran’s Parkway, Manhattan
Heights Park, Marine Avenue Park
7. Jorge Blanco: tall metal sports figures
(groups or single pieces)
At new scout house
8. Aristedes Demetrios – stainless steel vertical
spiral with cutout shapes
Civic Center (where boat was)
9. David Boyajian: yellow powder coated
steel, California poppy or city flower?
Waterwise parkette
10. Ania Biczysko: steel strings/ribbons, 14' tall Civic Center, Library
11. Shayne Dark; coral-like MBAC, Civic Center, Botanic Garden
12. David Hofstedler: “Duo” MBAC
Plan “B”: Artist/Description/Comments
13. Sopheap Pich: metal mesh flower, possibly
one or both city flowers
Marine Park, MBAC
14. John Randall Nelson: smaller, not a coyote Veterans Parkway
15. Paula Hart (LA Fence): include birds? Sand Dune Park fencing
d. New Art Initiatives
Manhattan Beach Cultural Arts Commission
November 20, 2023
4 Commissioner Dohner explained and the Commission discussed, an “Additional Projects” table to use for tracking the new project initiatives. Commissioner Dohner will revise: 1) remove Public Art Tour and Instruments in the Park off the table (per council direction ); 2) note council direction that “Public Performing Art Space” be incorporated into existing programming at the staff level; and 3) for Art Vending Machine, correct the internet link based on info Commissioner Erlich-Fein will email to her.
Commissioner Erlich-Fein will contact City IT to again resolve a city email problem. CAM Stewart encouraged all commissioners to view council discussion on the City website to understand the direction being given for these items, noting that the m ost recent discussion was at the October 3rd City Council meeting.
CAM Stewart directed that at this time, no further research needs to be done by the Commission.
At 6:36 p.m. Mr. William Victor requested to speak - see Audience Participation.
H. STAFF ITEMS
Cultural Arts Division updates – Cultural Arts Supervisor Eric Brinkman highlighted:
The Cultural Arts Division will be changing its delivery of digital communications to be through the city’s “Government Delivery” platform, making class and event signups more user friendly with links now being embedded in newsletters.
October 27 th: MBAC exhibition opening for Homeira Goldstein “Legacy” retrospective was attended by 250 guests. Exhibit has had record weekday attendance; the closing will be on December 29 (Friday, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.) with jazz entertainment from 6-7 p.m. The actual exhibit funded by Ms. Goldstein, closes December 31st.
December 2, MBAC succulent wreath workshop.
December 4, resident class registration opens; December 18 for non-residents. During break between classes, a ceramics workshop series to be held in Live Oaks Ceramics studio (basics, image transfer, raku, etc.).
Wed Dec 20th 10 a.m. to noon: Community input meeting regarding ceramics programming Staff participation: ceramics studio open house during the Hometown Fair provided free crafting for 250 people; at Pumpkin races free crafts for 300 persons. Dec 9 th / Dec 10 th: Santa Holiday craft workshop (small fee), at Manhattan Height community center.
Staff has been assisting History Associates in going through archives; RLA with public art assessment program, and assisting the contract installer in finalizing the last utility box program. New payment system started at MBAC for ceramic users to purchase ceramics bucks - allows this to happen on the weekend instead of only M-F at City Hall.
PATF (Public Art Trust Fund) Update - CAM Stewart reported:
Current balance: $1.759,477.16 with just over $1 million allocated, $671,000 unallocated. This could change tomorrow with action taken by the council to fund murals. The earliest expiration of funds will be December 31, 2024 ($241,000); after that, in 2025 $46,000 will expire.
City Council meeting updates: CAM Stewart reported:
Manhattan Beach Cultural Arts Commission
November 20, 2023
5 November 21 (tomorrow): council to consider CAC recommendations for murals December: Public Works will report to Council about funding the digital wall project in City Hall. January: Cultural Arts will bring the CAC recommendations for Phase III of utility box beautification.
February: Cultural Arts will report on Sculpture Garden research and possible allocations.
I. COMMISSION ITEMS
Chair Spackman commented he understood a notice emailed to the Commissioners regarding upcoming community meetings on the update of the city ’s Hazard Mitigation Plan was a courtesy invitation to the Commission with no action needed by the Commission. CAM Stewart will double check.
Commissioner event announcements: Commissioner Dohner announced December Mira Costa events: comedy sports match on 12/ 1 and holiday benefit 12/12. Commissioner Karger noted the pier to pier Santa Stroll will be 12/9 . Commissioner T okashiki announced a holiday acapella barbershop concert on December 17th. Commissioner Patterson applauded Mira Costa singers at the Christmas Tree lighting. Commissioner Erlich-Fein will be photographing the Santa Stroll.
Chair Spackman thanked all who worked on the Commission pumpkin for the races in late October and wished all a great Thanksgiving.
J. ADJOURNMENT
Chair Spackman adjourned the meeting, with no objections, at 7:00 p.m. to December 18th at 4:00 p.m.