Campus Landscape and Outdoor Art Subcommittee (CLOA)

Meeting Notes, Dec. 1, 2004
IARC 5^th floor

Present:   W. Croskrey, J. Alden, D. Horner (chair), S. Bouta,  
R. Wheeler, P. Holloway 

Absent:  E. Foster, P. Kastelic, J. Jones (ex-officio) 

The meeting began with an informal discussion of how the West Ridge Plaza landscaping project might relate to the International Polar Year observations coming up in 2007-09.  D. Horner met with Carol Lewis, Dean, SNRAS, and in the course of describing the initial plans for the plaza, Dean Lewis suggested that the project might be appropriate for research support from IPY.  At Dean Lewis’ suggestion, D. Horner has sent an email to the Provost asking him for his take on whether or not the project would be worthy of inclusion in IPY activities.  The Chancellor was copied, so he will also have an opportunity to give his opinion. Pat Holloway suggested that we might seek input from retired professor Dave Murray, who is an authority on plant communities of the Russian circumpolar north. 

Further discussion on the theme of plant communities from specific areas of the circumpolar north being the focus of West Ridge Plaza took place.  P. Holloway cautioned that we need to have a mix of tried and true species, along with some experimental species.  Otherwise, the plaza could end up looking like an experiment, rather than a carefully thought out landscaped area.  Pat indicated that she has some species already growing in the Botanical Gardens that would be appropriate; however, she will not transplant anything from the gardens to campus because of the overall lack of maintenance.  She voiced concern that the university can’t maintain existing landscaped areas, much less newly created areas.  In her opinion, a big part of the problem is that we do not have any one individual in charge of landscaping on campus who has a background in horticulture.  There is only one staff member at Facilities Services who actually has training in horticulture, and she is part time and devotes all of her time and effort to the campus flower beds.  The university needs to drastically increase its financial support of landscape activities if it wants to significantly improve the campus landscape.  Otherwise, Pat believes, we might as well leave everything in grass. 

Wendy Croskrey voiced a similar concern related to the maintenance of the outdoor art exhibits.  Many of them are in need of maintenance, but there doesn’t appear to be any one individual or department that is taking the lead on making sure that it gets done.  She commented that the International Sculpture Center is willing to help with maintenance efforts if a committee is formed on campus to be responsible for the collection. 

Wendy then gave a slide presentation on art on the UAF campus.  Once again, subcommittee members voiced their support for the university reinstating the 1% for art program.  Wendy shared several slides of bench projects that students have made.  All of them are currently located in interior locations, such as the Great Hall.  The issues concerning maintenance of benches that use wood and steel would have to be addressed before these pieces could be used outdoors.  One bench was made of Alaska yellow cedar, and B. Wheeler shared that there is a new preservative product made out of soybeans that is being used successfully to treat softwoods.  This application makes it possible to use softwoods for flooring and outdoor furniture, which was previously not advisable.  Bob will get additional information to committee members. 

P. Holloway suggested that maybe we could identify a few key locations outdoors where some of the “fine art” benches could be placed.  She also suggested that we need someone to manage the collection.  D. Horner asked S. Bouta if this might be something that the Museum could take under its wing, and P. Holloway thought that maybe Statewide should have someone do it for all of the campuses. 

D. Horner reminded members that there is supposedly a brochure detailing the outdoor art works, but she has not yet seen a copy.  She will query University Relations further about the brochure. 

D. Horner indicated that CLOA is undoubtedly in a good position to make recommendations regarding landscape projects on campus, given the Chancellor Steve and Judy Jones’ personal interest in this area.  However, W. Croskrey cautioned that we would probably not want to seek private funding for art work until the university participates again in the 1% for art program.   

It was suggested that the time may be appropriate for the CLOA to put together an update on its activities for the MPC and ultimately the Chancellor’s Cabinet.  The purpose would be to identify the ideas/projects that we have discussed to date, the impediments that we see to implementing those projects and possible solutions to remove the impediments.  The reality is that despite our best efforts to develop specific landscape projects and implement the goals and objectives of the campus landscape plan, adequate funding and infrastructure is required to support these efforts.  Deb will draft a position paper for review by subcommittee members prior to the next meeting. 

A short conversation about Cornerstone Plaza ensued.  Deb shared with members her concept of the possibility of focusing on AK history in the plaza, for example a grove of trees for commemorating the signers of the AK constitution, appropriate art work, etc.  W. Croskrey questioned whether or not it would be possible for artists to stick to an historic theme, but after some more discussion, she was more enthusiastic.  For example, artwork that reflected the mining history of UAF and the state; the building of the Pipeline, etc. would be possible.  P. Holloway liked the idea and pointed out that it would be appropriate for that area of campus.  Deb asked members to think about this possible theme, as well as others, prior to the next meeting. 

John Alden indicated that he had had further conversations with Patricia Joyner at DNR, and that he would put her in touch with Deb to further discuss what DNR might be able to offer to support our efforts. 

The next meeting is scheduled for Wed., 12/15, from 9-11 on IARC 5^th floor.