Smyrna Public Art Committee - HR Training Room — Minutes
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January 17, 2025 11:30 AM City of Smyrna Smyrna Public Art Committee Meeting 2800 King Street SE HR Training Room Page 2 of 4 proposed requiring artists to submit a 2D rendering of how their design would appear on the hydrant. Anna Talarico agreed to update the RFQ to include this requirement. Robert Harrison inquired about the time frame for painting. Anna Talarico confirmed that artists will have Saturday and Sunday of the designated weekend. Deputy Chief Mohrmann asked to be informed of the painting schedule so that the Fire Department can coordinate with its staff. Anna Talarico suggested that the fire hydrant painting could be an annual or biannual investment. The committee proposed dedicating one hydrant to the Fire Department or City employees. Deputy Chief Mohrmann will discuss commissioning the hydrant in front of Fire Station 1. If this happens, the number of available hydrants in the RFQ will be reduced from fifteen to fourteen. Rickey Oglesby proposed that all artists should paint their hydrants on the same weekend, turning the event into a Smyrna Artery event. This would help the Police Department manage traffic control. Carson Haynie and Richard Garland confirmed that May 10-11, 2025, are the best available dates, with May 24-25, 2025, as the rain-out weekend. The Parks and Recreation Department will provide reflective vests for the artists, and Carson Haynie will coordinate traffic control with the Police Department. Anna Talarico asked whether the RFQ should be limited to artists from Smyrna and surrounding areas. Robert Harrison suggested limiting the RFQ initially, but opening it up if there is an underwhelming response. Rickey Oglesby confirmed that he would like to open the RFQ to artists from the metro Atlanta area. Burke Scott asked about student artists’ involvement. Carson Haynie explained that, after consulting with the city’s insurance company, involving students would not be feasible for this project due to the timeline. However, this could be explored for future projects. Rickey Oglesby decided to table the idea of student artists and mentorships for this project to stay on schedule. Rickey Oglesby asked if artists could be solicited for this project. Richard Garland confirmed that the RFQ could be mailed to a curated list and shared on social media. Richard Garland suggested creating a "Hydrant of the Year" award and distributing merchandise (e.g., stickers, coasters) to promote the public arts program. The committee supported this idea and offered additional suggestions for distribution. Richard Garland suggested using proceeds from public art sales to support the art program. Charles Rhome proposed turning the program into a self-funded initiative. Anna clarified that, according to current artist contracts, the city cannot profit from public art that was not originally intended for profit. B. 2025-022 Crosswalk Mural Updates Anna Talarico addressed the issue of paint coming off the crosswalk murals. Both artists primed their surfaces, but it may be due to either surface issues or weather conditions. Public Works has offered to apply a clear coat to the murals. Anna Talarico will ask the artists to mix the sealant with their paint when touching up the murals in the spring.