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Campus Landscape and Outdoor Art Subcommittee (CLOA)

Meeting Notes, October 11, 2004
Room 201, Bunnell Bldg.

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

Absent:  P. Kastelic, M. Wright, J. Jones (ex-officio)

1% for art

First item of business was a report on 1% for art funding.  Wendy Croskrey had researched this topic and had some interesting information to share.  She indicated that the university (UA) had opted out of the program quite some time ago.  Her understanding was that UA legal counsel had recommended this action but that she was not totally clear on the exact reasons.  Recently, a one time approval was given so that art work could be installed at the newly remodeled Hutch building. 

Wendy is going to do some further research, particularly as regards BOR action on this item.  It was recommended that she contact Jeanne Phillips at SW for more information.  Steve Bouta is going to talk with Wanda Chin, who was on the 1% for art committee at UAF; Deb Horner will talk with Karen Cedzo, who also served on the committee.  Ed Foster will speak with Kathleen Schedler to get her take on this issue. Members believe that it is important to include art in the campus landscape, and that this source of funding for art should not be overlooked. 

Another item related to art on campus was whether or not there currently exists a guided artwalk for campus.  Steve indicated that the regular campus tour focuses on much of the campus art but was not aware of a specific artwalk or any brochure detailing such.  Deb will check in to this with University Relations.  John Alden mentioned that UAA currently has an artwalk that is coupled with trees on campus. 

Deb raised the question as to where the metal sculpture that was located in the interior courtyard of Duckering is being stored.  Ed said that his efforts to locate the piece have not been successful. 

Ruth Hewitt Beautification Fund 

Second item of discussion was the Ruth Hewitt Beautification Fund.  According to Pat Holloway, the fund was originally intended to be used specifically for flowers on campus, or the support of efforts to do flower plantings.  Ed Foster reports that almost all of the money in the fund is currently used to support Myra Laakso’s salary.  Since there does not appear to be a conflict, and given that Ed can be a liaison between the two, it doesn’t appear that there are any obvious conflicts between the CLOA and the Ruth Hewitt group.  However, Deb will contact Michelle Hebert, chair of the latter group, to discuss how the two groups can complement efforts. 

Arboretum 101 

Pat Holloway gave a presentation on the campus arboretum concept.  In its most specific definition, an arboretum is a collection of trees and shrubs.  However, as Pat’s presentation showed, the definition is fairly broad.  At many universities, the botanical garden and arboretum are considered one entity.  At some, the arboretum is located far away from campus; at others, it is part of campus, and still others consider the entire campus an arboretum.  Pat’s proposal to turn the UAF campus into an arboretum was submitted a few years ago as part of the initiative process and was favorably reviewed.  Unfortunately, the initiative process seems to have died, although no one in the group was quite sure about the actual reasons for its untimely demise!  John Alden provided copies of correspondence between the Alaska Community Forest Council and both Provost Reichardt and President Hamilton regarding the establishment of an arboretum.  

There was discussion about the original arboretum that is on North Campus.  It had its origins as an area that showcased growth of indigenous species in a natural area.  There was an additional area that had been set aside by the Forest Service to experiment with growth of exotics.  The creation of a campus wide arboretum would, in all likelihood, not impact the original arboretum.  The Arboretum Committee does not meet regularly, although Dean Lewis with SNRAS has indicated that she would like to generate some new enthusiasm in this area. 

The basic goal of creating a campus wide arboretum would be to formalize campus as a classroom.  By linking the campus landscape to an academic program and the support infrastructure of such, overall landscape efforts would benefit.  (Pat, could you add some language here to flesh this out – I was listening and forgot to take good notes!). 

Committee members voiced an interest in pursuing the possibilities of establishing the campus as an arboretum.  However, continued discussion is necessary prior to any recommendations going forward to the MPC. 

Other 

John Alden provided the group with a draft outline of a campus landscape tree inventory methodology.  He and Bob Wheeler will continue their efforts to put together a presentation for the subcommittee.

Deb mentioned that a committee has been appointed to come up with a concept design for the entrance sign, kiosk and pullout area of the new Thompson Drive.  Since the concept should include additional landscaping, Deb invited members to attend the meetings of this new group.  She also shared some entrance sign ideas that have been put together by University Relations. 

The next meeting will be held on Monday, October 25, from 9:30-11:30; location TBA.  Jake Poole will attend to talk about fund raising potential for landscaping activities..