McHenry Times

City of Woodstock Arts Commission met March 30.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

A Special Meeting of the City of Woodstock Arts Commission was called to order by Chairperson Wendy Piersall at 7:00PM, in the Council Chambers of Woodstock City Hall. Notice of this Special Meeting was provided to all Commission members and any media requesting such and was posted at the location of the meeting and on the City’s website as required.

A roll call was taken.

COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: John Hegner, Susan Stelford, Cassandra Vohs-Demann, and Chairperson Wendy Piersall

COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Jessica Campbell and Jeff Kleinschmidt

STAFF PRESENT: Economic Development Coordinator/Staff Liaison Krista Coltrin, Executive Director of Business Development Danielle Gulli, and City Clerk Cindy Smiley

WELCOME AND OPENING COMMENTS

Chairperson Piersall welcomed everyone to the meeting.

GENERAL BUSINESS/DISCUSSION

Review of Submissions for North Benton Street Mural with Recommendation of Finalist to City Council

She noted the purpose of this evening’s meeting was to look at the mural submissions, stating she has had conversations with several people already. Chairperson Piersall stated the Commission will not be voting on these options or making a recommendation to Council this evening, stating she would like to move forward with the discussion of the three submissions to give the artists constructive feedback so they can come back with new renderings. She stated she would also like to discuss opening the process to give two additional artists the opportunity to submit renderings.

Ms. Coltrin stated she has a listing of all artists who submitted. She noted in speaking with mural professionals it was recommended that artists be looked at more artistically rather than graphically or sign based. She opined this will be very different and make a difference in who is attracted to the kind of work Woodstock is interested in.

Chairperson Piersall opined the three artists whose renderings are being discussed this evening should receive the Commission’s feedback and comments, so they have the same information as any new artists that are invited to submit.

Chairperson Piersall then discussed the RFP, including what was approved by the Commission, stating that language did not appear in the final document that was disseminated. She opined this would have been helpful for the artist to have to know what the City was looking for.

Ms. Coltrin stated the artists did receive this information in e-mails and phone calls noting it was included in the call for artists. She provided more information on communications she had with the artists noting they were very aware of the circumstances and opining the responses did not reflect her conversations with the artists.

Commissioner Stelford reiterated the information was not included in the RFP and questioned the picture that was included in the RFP opining a picture of the Boardwalk should have been included. Ms. Gulli stated there are other pictures available that can be included as well as black & white renderings of the area that include landscaping and other amenities. It was the consensus of the Commission that this information would be helpful for the artists to have.

Ms. Coltrin stated Commissioner Campbell has suggested that going forward the process should include requesting the artists be available by phone or in person to answer questions from the Commission. Chairperson Piersall stated if any of the artists wish to have a conversation with her, she would make herself available.

Noting originally there was hesitation about providing concrete ideas, Chairperson Piersall stated she now feels this would be helpful for the artists. She suggested part of this evening’s discussion should be developing a general list of things identifiable to Woodstock, i.e., how does Woodstock see itself and what are Woodstock’s symbols or identities.

Ms. Coltrin stated all of the artists did their homework to be able to come back with what they would do for a mural. She stated the current mural contains most of Woodstock’s symbol or identities noting the City Council is looking for something new and vibrant looking to Woodstock’s future, not where it comes from which is in the current mural. Chairperson Piersall opined what Woodstock about is not in any of the renderings being reviewed this evening. Ms. Coltrin stated the artists were told the mural should be about the future not the past but were not given information on what the City specifically wanted.

Discussion followed of what information the Commission wishes to provide to the artists to receive submittals that reflect Woodstock and the message it wishes to convey with all Commissioners and Ms. Coltrin participating. The discussion also included comments regarding the three submissions.

Concerning the timeline, Ms. Coltrin stated the Commission can take a couple of weeks more to review submissions and still be able to have the mural completed by mid-summer. Chairperson Piersall stated she has spoken with Mayor Turner who is fine with the Commission taking more time.

Commissioner Hegner stated he has seen art that he did not initially like but came to love over time. He opined a fine line must be walked to have vibrancy and yet be pleasing and inviting to a wide range of people.

Commissioner Stelford expressed the need to go back to the idea that this mural is in the entertainment district opining the site-specific element is the missing key and stating she would like the artists to keep this in mind. She opined as this is the first mural overseen by the Arts Commission, it must be a crowd pleaser.

Commissioner Hegner stated he would like to mural to reflect that Woodstock is a vibrant, creative community noting Woodstock wishes to be seen as an arts destination.

Chairperson Piersall expressed her agreement with the Mayor’s statement that the mural must be unique to Woodstock and reflect Woodstock. She stated she does not want a generic mural that just says “Woodstock” somewhere.

Following additional discussion, it was the consensus of the Commission that the mural can reflect the artist’s vision but must be representative of Woodstock.

Noting she has lived in Woodstock her entire life, Commissioner Vohs-Demann opined Woodstock is focused on the past. She stated if the Commission gives any direction, it should be to focus on the present and the future noting the current mural does not reflect on anyone that is a success now. She urged that the mural bring forward what is vibrant now and what is moving forward opining young people will be in this area. Commissioner Vohs-Demann opined the questions should be what is Woodstock and where is Woodstock going?

Commissioner Hegner opined there could be something that is historic Woodstock that could be depicted with a twist showing where Woodstock is going, giving an example of how a typewriter could be used.

Commissioner Stelford opined in marketing Woodstock it must be noted where were we are, opining this can be expressed.

Following additional discussion, it was the consensus of the Commission that a historic piece is not what is wanted but there could be historic references.

Commissioner Hegner opined Woodstock is a blank canvas in terms of the vision to become an arts destination with a lot of space to fill in.

Discussion ensued of what information should be provided to the artists including the original statement from the RFP, information that reflects the sense of place, pictures of Benton Street as discussed earlier, and a picture of the current mural. A discussion also took place of including something that identifies Woodstock and provides an opportunity to say “this is Woodstock Illinois” in a clever way. It was also noted that this entertainment district is being promoted to ages 25 to 35 years.

A discussion ensued of whether to identify a theme for the artists. Ms. Gulli stated she heard the Council talk extensively about an entertainment district and music, advocating for being more specific. Chairperson Piersall opined perhaps nightlife might be more representative than music noting the nightlife on the Square, not just on Benton Street. She suggested crafting something around music or entertainment with a nod to Woodstock’s history thereby incorporating some of Woodstock’s history in a contemporary piece. Commissioner Hegner noted there are ways to incorporate historic elements more subliminally.

Ms. Coltrin opined it is not the goal to see the same thing from every artist, but rather something unique from each artist. She suggested taking each rendering and building on something the Commission likes about it, giving the artists additional criteria and asking them to tweak their rendering.

Chairperson Piersall stated she has reviewed the portfolios of the three finalists noting she found pieces she thought would be good starting points for Woodstock’s mural.

She stated she wishes to be clear on the theme if one is decided upon, noting the Commission must be consistent in telling the artists what it is looking for. Commissioner Stelford suggested starting with a broader theme and providing the artists with some signature Woodstock elements and giving them a sense of the space. Commissioner Hegner suggested giving them a sense of a music or wine festival, the idea of activity.

In response to a discussion of what could be provided to convey this, Ms. Gulli noted the Visitor’s Guide contains much of the material being discussed by the Commission. It was agreed this could be provided to the artists. Noting artwork can transport people and make them feel something, Ms. Gulli opined the Commission should communicate what it wants people to feel and experience, conveying the sense of the words being used tonight. She opined this would give the artist a sense of feeling but allow for creativity.

Commissioner Vohs-Demann opined people should always want to look at the piece, noting the words upbeat, vibrant, alive, movement, and create a festive atmosphere of a music festival. In response to her question as to whether this is broad enough, Chairperson Piersall opined those emotions are too broad and would allow for too broad an interpretation.

Commissioner Stelford opined it is important to convey this is an entertainment district. Ms. Coltrin noted the City is also interested in attracting families to this area opining it might be important to make the experience somewhat educational.

In response to Commissioner Vohs-Demann’s statement that this should also be an opportunity for photo ops, the Commission agreed, noting the piece should be Instagram and Selfie-worthy.

Following further discussion, it was agreed Commissioner Stelford will work on a statement and a list of criteria as outlined by the Commission this evening.

At Chairperson Piersall’s direction, the Commission then discussed the rendering of the three current finalists, reviewing their submittals and their portfolios and providing comments. Chairperson Piersall stated she would be happy to talk with the artists and go through their portfolios with them.

Beau Stanton – Chairperson Piersall opined this mural would need to be more gender neutral and convey a sense of place, showing examples of two of Mr. Stanton’s other murals which do this, talking about them further.

The Commissioners questioned whether Mr. Stanton’s rendering depicts a sense of place or reflects the entertainment district. Commissioner Hegner suggested it could reflect prairie flowers and look at what makes Woodstock unique as an agricultural community.

Chairperson Piersall opined it might be helpful for the artists for know what murals the Commission is talking about as starting points stating she likes Mr. Stanton’s mural with the ship and the mandalas and the Global Exploration Summit mural. She suggested he take his artistic elements and incorporate an element that says “Woodstock” so that it doesn’t feel historic but has a nod to history.

Rafael Blanco – Chairperson Piersall expressed her feeling that so much of what he does is about a person, opining this is not the place for a face on the wall. The Commission discussed the Dorothea Lang Photography mural with Commissioner Vohs-Demann opining it tells a story and draws the viewer into the story. It was noted something with this feel could be acceptable with a person in the background and not featured prominently in the foreground with Chairperson Piersall opining the story needs to be central, not the person in the mural.

In response to Commissioner Stelford’s observance that this artist’s work is largely figural, Chairperson Piersall stated perhaps he could do something that is more about the feeling of entertainment and music on the Square with people enjoying live theater or the band concert on the Square.

Discussion then ensued of the feeling of and the use of the word “Americana.” Chairperson Piersall suggested telling Mr. Blanco that the Commission liked his mural but is looking for something more “Woodstock” and “America,” with the feeling of the entertainment district and is more generic.

Mauricio Ramirez – Chairperson Piersall expressed concern with placing a mural with political overtones in the entertainment district. She suggested providing him with information regarding Woodstock’s Sister City program.

Noting Mr. Ramirez’ Gorilla mural, Chairperson Piersall asked if there are any animals that could be featured on the Benton Street mural that would be similar. In response, Ms. Coltrin noted Woodstock’s rich history in the dairy industry and agriculture. Commissioner Stelford opined that idea could be used somewhere else in Woodstock, rather than the entertainment district.

Commissioner Hegner stated he liked the Native American approach taken by Mr. Ramirez noting the inclusion of a QR code changed the dynamics of how he viewed the piece.

Discussion followed of how Mr. Ramirez’ concept could have more of a sense of place reflecting “Woodstock,” including the Indigenous people that lived in Woodstock and the City’s Sister City program.

In response to a discussion of how the feedback should be given to the artists, it was the consensus of the Commission to give individual feedback to the individual artists with the criteria developed this evening given to all artists.

Discussion continued around the criteria the Commission wishes to convey with it being suggested to be even more specific. Commissioner Stelford opined it should be pointed out this is a multigenerational space and what kind of nightlife should be depicted. Ms. Coltrin opined it should be stated this is not meant to be a social statement, with that possibly being featured in a future mural elsewhere rather than in the entertainment district. Commissioner Vohs-Demann advocated for giving the artists a clear picture of what it does and does not want.

The discussion continued with the Commission agreeing the story should be more prominent, not the person. Chairperson Piersall opined for her the most important words that encapsulate what the Commission is looking for are “vibrant,” “entertainment district,” and “Americana,” noting the other words agreed upon this evening should not be omitted.

Further discussion ensued of using the word “Americana” with Commissioner Vohs-Demann questioning the images this evokes and opining the mural should reflect a more modern feel, looking to the future not the past. It was agreed “Americana” would be acceptable if stated “Americana with a modern twist” or “Americana with a hip twist.”

Commissioner Stelford opined the historic Square should be acknowledged in some way.

Following a lengthy discussion, it was the consensus of the Commission to provide the artists with a statement of direction developed by Commissioner Stelford which was taken from the original RFP and this evening’s discussion:

“The project faces the North Benton Street outdoor dining area shared by several taverns and eateries. Imagery should be exciting and vibrant, appropriate for an entertainment district, reflect a sense of place, i.e., Woodstock, IL, and be Instagram-worthy with a possible nod to Woodstock’s history.”

In addition to some of the words and supplemental information that were discussed this evening, it was also the consensus of the Commission to provide the following criteria:

• The target audience is 25 to 35 years of age.

• No overt social, political, or religious statements.

• Woodstock is known for its historic Square, Americana with a hip twist, live music & theater performances.

Chairperson Piersall asked that the artists be referred to her should they come back with questions or comments.

Following a brief discussion of the inclusion of and choice of additional artists, it was the consensus of the Commission to solicit renderings from two additional artists. The Commission discussed the timeline for receipt of these renderings and its effect on timely completion of the project and on the availability of the artists. It was the consensus of the Commission that they were prepared to proceed with the discussion of additional artists this evening.

The Commission members shared their selections for two additional artists, with each artist being discussed and their websites/portfolios reviewed and discussed.

Following this discussion and review, it was the consensus that artists Britt Flood and Amanda Paulson be contacted and requested to submit renderings for the Benton Street Mural Project.

Commissioner Stelford again reviewed the information that will be provided to each artist, including the two chosen this evening.

It was the consensus of the Commission to postpone the recommendation of a finalist for the Benton Street Mural Project until additional information discussed this evening can be provided to the three current finalists and revisions are received from them, submissions are solicited and received from the additional two artists chosen as finalists this evening, and Commission review of the submittals of all five artists.

It was the consensus of the Commission to hold a Special Meeting at Noon on Thursday, April 14th for the discussion and review of the submittals.

PUBILC COMMENT

There were no comments forthcoming from the Public.

NEW BUSINESS

There was no New Business.

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

There were no additional items indicated for Future Agendas.

ADJOURN

Motion by C. Vohs-Demann, second by J. Hegner, to adjourn to a Special Meeting of the Woodstock Arts Commission to be held at Noon on Thursday, April 14, 2022.

Ayes: J. Hegner, S. Stelford, C. Vohs-Demann, and Chairperson W. Piersall. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: J. Campbell and J. Kleinschmidt. Motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:24PM.

https://www.woodstockil.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/arts_commission/meeting/45926/03-30-22_arts_commission_minutes.pdf