Motions made. Discussions had. Action taken. Plenty on the agenda today to keep the Arts Commission busy and making things happen for Yountville.
The meeting started on a very high note with the financials revealing over $69,000 fund balance in the Public Art Program fee category. As well as the fact that the other fund balance will be increasing with Art/Sip/Stroll tasting packages going on sale this week.
The Art Walk subcommittee presented a 16 ft tall, painted steel sculpture to be considered for the art walk by Ray Katz. The commissioners all liked the size and the color that would bring energy to the Town of Yountville. The Commissioners further determined that this would be a statement piece to be placed in front of the Community Center, and the current piece, Slingshot, could be moved to the pad in front of Town Hall. The pad at Town Hall has never been occupied, and as a piece of art that the Town owns, it would be a perfect place for display. It was a unanimous decision to move forward with this new piece.
Quite a bit of discussion revolved around the two art pieces at Van de Luer Park, Raven, and Polly. The artist, Bruce Gueswel, wants the art to remain in Yountville and get an additional stipend. Additionally, he would sell the pieces for a discount to the Town. The stipend extension would be a new policy, and Commissioner also suggested that they be purchased. Not all agreed. We were reminded that the Art Walk is meant to be a revolving program. The Commission asked the Art Walk Subcommittee to return to the artist for further discussion and options.
Loved the discussion about doing something with the utility boxes and how they could make that work and what type of art it should be. More research is being done.
The gallery at the Yountville Community Center will be seeing two more shows this season: Brad Holmes, a videographer who has a deep sports history and ties to Yountville, and Sam Chapman, who will bring flowers for the spring of 2022.
Art, Sip and Stroll, featuring Guy Buffet, will be selling 600 tasting pavilion tickets for scheduled wine tasting and the event is free to attend.
Watch it and see the agenda and staff reports with pictures.