Comments on: Art Commission Strategizes as Millage Looms

By: Alan Goldsmith

Alan Goldsmith — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 10:36:59 +0000

“Are all the commission members BLIND?” Not to insult the visually challenged but the answer to this questions is obvious from most of the AAPAC’s past approved projects.

By: Bil Mundus

Bil Mundus — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 17:08:03 +0000

No one seems to mention the “ROCK” at Hill and Washtenaw, This is a fine piece of Public Art dedicated to George Washington and maintained
by the City of Ann Arbor.
Since the city declared vandalism to be legal, if not an art form,
we have been treated to this eyesore.

Let this cleanup be the next project of the “Public Art Commission”.
Are all the commission members BLIND?

By: Alan Goldsmith

Alan Goldsmith — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 15:00:51 +0000

“No public funds can be spent on a campaign. Calling a piece of lit, for example, that is clearly an advocacy piece “educational” is a violation of the state Campaign Finance Act. In the past, dubious lit has had to be destroyed.”

One, why does this level of incompetence surprise anyone from AAPAC? And secondly, it’s touching seeing as Conan Smith wants to help. Has he paid back the funds he owes the County? Or is it time for another ‘I’m in a safe Democratic district so go screw yourself’ repeat rant in the works?

By: Steve Bean

Steve Bean — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 00:32:41 +0000

@7: Yes. Also,

“Regarding the campaign itself, Chamberlin said that commissioners can work on it as individuals – they just can’t use city resources.”

Too late. They just did. Best to remove the subject from future agendas as it’s also not within the commission’s charge.

By: David Cahill

David Cahill — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 22:07:03 +0000

Be careful about educating “out the wazoo”. No public funds can be spent on a campaign. Calling a piece of lit, for example, that is clearly an advocacy piece “educational” is a violation of the state Campaign Finance Act. In the past, dubious lit has had to be destroyed.

The Commission should take its lead from the Ann Arbor District Library and leave all the “education” to a completely independent campaign committee.

By: Vivienne Armentrout

Vivienne Armentrout — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 12:30:24 +0000

Re #3, I attended a DDA meeting where it was referred to as Transformer Plaza. It is one of the celebrated open spaces downtown that the DDA is citing as being truly “urban”, obviating the need for any more green space. Putting public art there really is lipstick on the pig! Now if only that could be a flying pig…

By: anna ercoli schnitzer

anna ercoli schnitzer — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 08:51:05 +0000

Another vote for The Cube as the best piece of public art around. Even after all these years, it still attracts positive attention from long-time Ann Arborites as well as students, and tourists to the campus. Everybody seems to learn quickly where The Cube is located, and it give “a sense of place” to the area.

By: Rod Johnson

Rod Johnson — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 04:25:36 +0000

By the Forest Plaza *project*, that was supposed to be. Forest Plaza itself just is what it is.

By: Rod Johnson

Rod Johnson — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 04:18:29 +0000

I am baffled by the Forest Plaza, and by the idea that it’s a “gathering place.” It’s a dead, empty space with all the panache of a loading dock. It’s an alley with benches. The idea that tarting it up with art will alter its fundamental lack of interest seems like something that only AAPAC could believe.

By: Vivienne Armentrout

Vivienne Armentrout — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 02:42:28 +0000

Yes! Agreed! The Cube!