Public Art Advisory Board Meeting - May 7, 2024
Public Art Advisory Board Meeting - May 7, 2024
The Public Art Advisory Board of Lakewood, Ohio met on May 7, 2024, to approve previous meeting minutes, elect a chairperson and vice chairperson, review two proposed murals, discuss the 2024 Spectacular Vernacular Program (asphalt art), and launch the city's public art map. All actions were taken unanimously.
Consent Calendar
- February 6, 2024 Special Meeting Minutes: Approved unanimously after a procedural re-vote due to a prior public notice issue.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Anna Paulo (mother of Isabella Paulo) spoke in support of the proposed fence mural at 11831 Detroit Avenue, noting its visibility and the message of love and community it would bring.
Discussion Items
- 12815 Detroit Avenue Mural: Presented by property owner JP Patacha and his father, artist Jim Patacha. The mural depicts civic landmarks (Parks, Government, Schools, Library) in a stylized, non-literal composition. Board members praised the design and its relationship to the city. Approved unanimously.
- 11831 Detroit Avenue Fence Mural: Presented by Isabella Paulo (business owner) and her mother. The proposal involves a spray-painted mural by local artist David (known as "The Sign Guy") to deter tagging on a previously painted brick wall. The mural features birds and a heart; the design will extend around an L-shaped corner. Board members expressed support, noting it will be painted (not vinyl) and the brick is already painted. Approved unanimously with a note to include the additional painting on the left side.
- Existing Mural Maintenance: Staff reported that two vinyl wrap murals (Aladdin's and superscript) need full replacement due to damage. The board agreed to maintain the current policy (property/business owner responsibility) rather than allocate public art funds for maintenance, preserving the full $50,000 annual budget.
- 2024 Spectacular Vernacular Program – Asphalt Art: The board discussed the RFP for an asphalt art project at intersections near Hayes Elementary (Delaware & Woodward, Delaware & Olive, Delaware & Carabel). The $50,000 budget will be used for artist compensation, materials, community engagement, and a contingency for future maintenance (paint storage). The timeline includes artist selection by late spring, community engagement at the school in May (lunch periods), and installation in fall 2024. The board supported using the full $50,000, storing leftover paint for future touch-ups, and involving students via a paint-by-numbers approach under artist supervision.
- Public Art Map: Staff launched an interactive map on the city website, allowing users to locate murals and other public art. The map is mobile-friendly and will be promoted via social media and newsletters. Board members noted future enhancements (QR codes, printed brochures) and encouraged public feedback.
Key Outcomes
- Elected Leadership: Brian Evans as Chairperson and Dave Robar as Vice Chairperson (both unanimously).
- Approved Murals: Two murals approved (12815 Detroit Avenue and 11831 Detroit Avenue) as submitted with minor notes.
- Adopted Policy: Maintenance of existing vinyl murals remains the responsibility of property/business owners; no public art funds will be diverted for repairs.
- Program Direction: The 2024 Spectacular Vernacular Program will proceed with the full $50,000 budget for asphalt art, including a maintenance contingency and school engagement.
- Next Meeting: Scheduled for July 2024, with a possible special meeting in June to review RFP proposals.
Meeting Transcript
Well, welcome everyone uh to the May 7th 2024 uh meeting of the public art advisory board, City of Lakewood. Uh I would like to oh roll call, sorry. Uh Mr. Robar? Here. Mr. Frederick. Here. Miss Razi? Here. Ray, Razi, Razi. Razi. Great. Uh let's see. We have some opening remarks. We do. I heard. Welcome to the public art advisory board meeting. The purpose of the public art advisory board is to collaborate with city officials regarding its public art policies and practices, promote the city's public art initiatives, and educate residents on the benefits of public art on public and private properties. The board is composed of volunteer citizens serving without financial compensation. All documents shared with the board and any addendas, statements, maps, diagrams, sketches, letters, photographs, or other materials profered to the board by any person shall be considered by the board prior to rendering a decision. Those who offer a public comment are asked to come to the podium and sign in on the sign in sheet provided. And this serves as an oath or affirmation that you will tell the truth before the board. Before offering your comments, we ask that you please state your name and address for the record while speaking. Please stay close to the microphone so we can ensure all aspects of the discussion are accurately captured. Thank you. We will now begin with the regular business of the public art advisory board. Great. Thank you. All right. I did double check, and Marissa is able to vote on them as long as she's taking a look at them. So if she feels comfortable looking at them, she is allowed to vote on. All right. So we are uh doting some I's and crossing some T's here. So uh does anyone have I'd like to make a motion to approve? I would second that motion. Okay. Yeah, we'll do them separately. Yeah, any questions at all? No, they seem good. Okay. All in favor? Aye. All right. So for the February 6th, 2024 special meeting minutes. I will make a motion to approve those as well. Can I have a second? I second them. All right, thank you. Uh any questions?
openpublica.com