CASE Committee Meeting Materials Packet 2022.01.27
970-748-4065 ddempsey@avon.org
TO: CASE Committee FROM: Danita Dempsey, CASE Manager
RE: Staff Update
DATE: January 21, 2022
SUMMARY: This report provides a status update on the (1) the Special Events Calendar and (2) invites the
continued conversation on the Culture, Arts & Special Events Strategic Plan and 10-Year Vision.
CURRENT ACTIVITY & PLANNING:
1. 2022 Special Event Calendar: Below are a few adjustments to the Special Events
Calendar. Exhibit A provides detailed calendar of events.
a. Dancing in the Park – Moved to Thursday, August 4th instead of the 11th
b. Sunset SUP Race – Moved to Thursday, August 11th instead of the 4th
2. Art Around Avon Program: The RFP is in the works, and I have delayed the release
date to early/mid-February. The program includes the same nine (9) locations as in 2021 and four
(4) new locations on W. Benchmark Road. These new locations are circular cement pedestals
which the Town has leased from Avon Town Square Commercial Condominium Association for a
three-year term
Also, on the Tuesday, January 25th agenda for Town Council is a Town Manager Report requesting
Council consider including contemporary issues which are likely to spark conversation and possibly
controversy. The location for this type of art and included in the Art Around Avon Program is at
Roundabout #4 which is prominent and highly visible. The full Report is attached as Exhibit B.
3. Culture, Arts & Special Events Strategic Planning: Modifications discussed at the
December 16, 2021, CASE Committee meeting have been incorporated in the (V3) Strategic Plan
and attached as Exhibit C. I believe this document clearly defines the purpose and the vision for
CASE; and identifies our “pillars” (cornerstones) on (1) how we achieve and (2) are accountable to
the purpose and vision.
We discussed the next step in the Strategic Plan work was to further develop the draft 10-Year
Vision and to include culture and art. The 10-Year Vision will assist the Town in (1) making
decision regarding allocation of funds in CIP for infrastructure investments, (2) Community
Development planning process in collaboration with our stakeholders, (3) drive the CASE budget
process. To that end, the DRAFT (V2) 10-Year Vision will be delivered separately to the CASE
Committee for review and discussion.
Additionally, I wanted to share the definitions you will see in the 10-Year Vision for both “signature”
events and “ambient” events/activations/attractions.
a. Signature Event: Defined as a reoccurring yearly event or event series with strong
association with Avon (brand recognition and brand equity) and typically with attendance of
more than 3,000. The Avon community, Avon staff, and main athletic field can
970-748-4065 ddempsey@avon.org
accommodate/tolerate a large signature event once every three to four weeks during the
summer. Below is a list of those events that are (1) already identified as signature, or (2)
being developed for Town production in the next two to five years.
b. Activating Events: Defined as other reoccurring events and activations that are well-
established and provide a variety of culture, activities and attractions for the Avon
community and Avon visitors.
4. Additional support materials (appendices) for the Strategic Plan will include:
a. Art Fixed Assets (a spreadsheet detailing purchase price, installation date, current
valuation, etc.).
b. Visual Map Inventory of Art.
c. Definitions and/or goals for each event (event synopsis, goals, and definition of signature
quality, etc.).
Thank you, Danita
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit A – Special Events Calendar 2022
Exhibit B – Final RPT – Roundabout 4 Art Theme
Exhibit C – Cultural, Arts & Special Events Strategic Plan
Exhibit A - 2022 Events Calendar
January February March
Su M T W T F Sa Su M T W T F Sa Su M T W T F Sa
1 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
23 24 25 26 27 28 29 27 28 27 28 29 30 31
30 31
April M May June
Su M T W T F Sa Su M T W T F Sa Su M T W T F Sa
1 2 1 2 3 4
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
24 25 26 27 28 29 30 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 26 27 28 29 30
29 30 31
July August S September
Su M T W T F Sa Su M T W T F Sa Su M T W T F Sa
1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29 30
31
October November December
Su M T W T F Sa Su M T W T F Sa Su M T W T F Sa
1 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
23 24 25 26 27 28 29 27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
30 31
Event Type Legend
Music Education
Recreation Private Rental / APP
Arts & Culinary MSM Activation
Participatory & Athletic Field Maintenance
2+ colors for multiple
Events/Venues
APRIL
April 16 | Egg Hunt UF
MAY
May 29 | SunsetLIVE! T
JUNE
June 10 | Art Around Avon Walk A
June 4,11,18,25 | Yoga in the Park T
June 5,12,19,26 | SunsetLIVE!T
June 19 | Daddy-Daughter Tutu 2K TR
June 22, 29 | Weekly Art Expo** MSM
June 25 | Pop Up Music MSM
June 4 | Town Clean Up A
June 9,16,23,30 | OW Swim NB, NL
June 18 | Pride in the Park P, UF
June 21-23 | Lacrosse** UF,LF
June 22 | AvonLIVE! P, UF
June 20, 27 | Dunk-N-Dash NB, NL, TR
JULY
July 7,14,21,28 | OW Swim NL, NB
July 6,13,20,27 | AvonLIVE! P, UF
July 8,15,22,29 | LS Cinema P, UF
July 9 | Colorado Disc Dogs UF
July 10,17,24,31 | SunsetLIVE! T
July 15-16 | Xterra**UF,NL
July 22-24 | Avon Arts Celebration UF
July 3 | Salute to the USA P
July 6,13,20,27 | Weekly Art Expo**
MSM
July 9,16,23,30 | Pop Up Music MSM
July 9,16,23,30 | Yoga in the Park T
July 11,18,25 | Dunk-N-Dash NB, NL, TR
AUGUST
August 1 | Dunk-N-Dash NB, NL, TR
August 3,10,17,24,31 | AvonLIVE! P, UF
August 4 | Dancing in the Park** P
August 4,11 | OW Swim NL, NB
August 11 | Sunset SUP Race NL
August 6,13,20,27 | Pop Up Music MSM
August 13-14 | OW Swim Ch’ship NL, NB
August 7,14,21,28 | SunsetLIVE! T
August 3,10,17,24,31| Weekly Art
Expo** MSM
August 5,12,19,26, | LS Cinema P, UF
August 6,13,20,27 | Yoga in the Park T
August 10-15 | Colorado CircusLF
August 13 | Vail Valley Brew-Au** P,UF
SEPTEMBER
September 2 | LS Cinema P, UF
September 4 | Paddle Battles NB, NL
September 15 | Community Picnic UF
September 3 | Pop Up Music MSM
September 4 | SunsetLIVE! T
September 5 | Summer’s End Concert
OCTOBER
October 1-2 | Vail Valley Soccer** UF October 7-8 | Man of the Cliff** UF
October 29 | Polar Plunge NL,T
** Third party produced event dates are subject to change
Venue Legend
Main Street Mall | MSM Pavilion | P Terrace | T All-town | A Trails | TR Lower Rec Field | LF Upper Rec Field | UF Nottingham Lake | NL Nottingham Beach | NB
970.748.4004 eric@avon.org
TO: Honorable Mayor Smith Hymes and Council members FROM: Eric Heil, Town Manager
RE: Roundabout #4 Art
DATE: January 19, 2022
SUMMARY: Roundabout #4 is the most prominent location in the Art Around Avon program (rotating art
displays). The rotating art display program involves an artist solicitation in the early winter, selection of
proposed art pieces, installation in early June, a walking tour event to view the art pieces and meet the
artists, and then the art pieces remain on display until the next year.
The Round-About #4 location is highly visible. We learned this last year that we will require minimum
dimensions to promote an art piece with a scale that is appropriate for this location. The solicitation this
year will specify that the art piece selected for Round-About #4 needs to be a scale that is appropriate for
the location and should be between 12’ to 20’ in height.
Due to the prominence and visibility of this location and taking into consideration that any art piece will
remain on display for only one year, the concept of an art piece that addresses a contemporary issue and
evokes community conversation is presented for Council consideration.
Webster dictionary defines “art” as, something that is created with imagination and skill and that is
beautiful or that expresses important ideas or feelings. There are many potential contemporary issues
which could be designated as a theme for the Round-About #4 art location and which could change
each year with each new round of art solicitations.
A partial list contemporary themes include:
•Climate Change
•Diversity
•Water Conservation
•Black Lives Matter
•Mental Health
•Recycling
•River Health
•Wildlife
Under this approach Council could establish the contemporary theme. Of course, artwork which addresses
a contemporary theme and expresses an important idea or feeling is likely to generate conversation, if not
some criticism and controversy.
As one example, attached is an article from Aspen on The Melted Gondola art piece that was installed to
invoke conversations on climate change.
REQUESTED DIRECTION: Council direction is requested on whether to designate a contemporary issue
theme for the Round About #4 or simply leave this art piece for “something that is beautiful.”
Thank you, Eric
ATTACHMENT: The Melted Gondola article
Exhibit B
1/19/22, 4:03 PM Melting Art with a Message | Climate Stories | Inside Aspen Snowmass
https://www.aspensnowmass.com/discover/experiences/stories/melting-art-with-a-message?utm_source=AcousticMailing&utm_medium=email&utm_c…1/8
This winter, as skiers, snowboarders, and sightseers exit the Silver Queen Gondola at
12,212 feet and make their way towards the Sundeck, they may notice a solo gondola
Back to Stories
Melting Art witha Message
The Melted Gondola at the top of Aspen Mountain helps us visualize the impacts of
global warming—and encourages us to act.
20°F Book Now
1/19/22, 4:03 PM Melting Art with a Message | Climate Stories | Inside Aspen Snowmass
https://www.aspensnowmass.com/discover/experiences/stories/melting-art-with-a-message?utm_source=AcousticMailing&utm_medium=email&utm_c…2/8
Smoke rises from the distant Grizzly Creek Fire in Glenwood Canyon in 2020.
car, resting on a platform strategically perched atop Aspen Mountain. They may also
notice that this particular gondola car is not in operation—because, in fact, it’s
melting.
Or rather, it’s been artfully designed to appear as if it’s melting, the way ice cream
melts on pavement on a hot July day—slowly liquifying under the pressure of its
heated surroundings.
Since Aspen Snowmass first opened in 1946-47, Aspen, Colorado’s average
temperature has warmed by three degrees Fahrenheit. In total, Aspen Snowmass has
lost 30 days of winter since 1980 alone. This season, as part of our 75th anniversary,
we’ve installed The Melted Gondola art installation at the top of Aspen Mountain to
get people thinking about the next 75 years—and to draw attention to the urgent
need to aggressively address climate change.
"We've Warmed 0.4 Degrees Per Decade"
20°F Book Now
1/19/22, 4:03 PM Melting Art with a Message | Climate Stories | Inside Aspen Snowmass
https://www.aspensnowmass.com/discover/experiences/stories/melting-art-with-a-message?utm_source=AcousticMailing&utm_medium=email&utm_c…3/8
“We’ve warmed about 0.4 degrees per decade,” says Aspen Skiing Company’s SVP of
Sustainability, Auden Schendler. “In the summer, we’re increasingly threatened by
fire and flood; we’ve had two major fires in the last five years and flooding that has
closed and destroyed parts of Interstate 70.” Collectively, extreme weather due to
the warming climate can have a major impact on everything from resort terrain to
community infrastructure like roads. Not to mention an increase less reliable
snowfall, which creates shorter seasons, negatively impacting the region’s economy.
Simply put, climate change is putting skiing out of business.
Though the Melted Gondola was fabricated entirely in Aspen’s Roaring Fork Valley by
an artist named Chris Erikson, the piece was inspired by James Dive and The Glue
“In the summer, we’re increasingly threatened by fire and flood; we’ve had two major
fires in the last five years and flooding that has closed and destroyed parts of
Interstate 70.” –Auden Schendler, SVP of Sustainability Aspen Skiing Company
20°F Book Now
1/19/22, 4:03 PM Melting Art with a Message | Climate Stories | Inside Aspen Snowmass
https://www.aspensnowmass.com/discover/experiences/stories/melting-art-with-a-message?utm_source=AcousticMailing&utm_medium=email&utm_c…4/8
Society’s Hot with the Chance of a Late Storm, a potent message in sculptural form
about our quickly warming world.
“We wanted to create a statement piece that represents not just our resort, but our
whole industry,” says Aspen Snowmass Creative Director Mark Carolan. “With it, we
are encouraging dialogue, support, and most importantly—through our close
connection with POW—strong action.”
The Melted Gondola offers visitors an opportunity to reflect on what life would look
like if winter melted away. In partnership with Protect Our Winters (POW) a
community of athletes, scientists, creatives, and business leaders advancing non-
partisan climate policies— we encourage visitors to post photos of the art with the
hashtag #PowerToPOW, and more importantly, to donate and become members.
"We need a movement to create large-scale policy change on climate. POW is that
movement, mobilizing the outdoor industry as a political force,” says Schendler,
noting that the ski and larger outdoor industry are generally enthusiastic, but have
historically not wielded large amounts of power the way other industries, like oil and
gas or big pharma, often do.
20°F Book Now
1/19/22, 4:03 PM Melting Art with a Message | Climate Stories | Inside Aspen Snowmass
https://www.aspensnowmass.com/discover/experiences/stories/melting-art-with-a-message?utm_source=AcousticMailing&utm_medium=email&utm_c…5/8
While the Melted Gondola is an opportunity for people to reflect on the impact of the
warming climate and to become involved with one of the leading organizations in
climate activism, we also hope it is but one step of many.
“The best way to be a part of the fix is to think systemically,” says Schendler. “Sure,
that’s voting, but it’s also writing senators, it’s pressuring your favorite businesses to
use their voice and influence in Washington; it’s getting into local political and
getting your town to implement fixes like code changes, electrification, and clean
energy standards. Joining Protect Our Winters will give you all kinds of action steps.”
20°F Book Now
1/19/22, 4:03 PM Melting Art with a Message | Climate Stories | Inside Aspen Snowmass
https://www.aspensnowmass.com/discover/experiences/stories/melting-art-with-a-message?utm_source=AcousticMailing&utm_medium=email&utm_c…6/8
Aspen Snowmass plans to continue building on the Melted Gondola campaign and
its partnership with POW throughout the 2021-2022 season, generating further
opportunities for people to engage with the fight against climate change.
“Look around. Reach down and touch the snow. Think about your next run.” Reads
the sign next to the Melted Gondola. “Do you want all of this to melt away?
Visit the Melted Gondola
Guests are encouraged to visit the Melted Gondola throughout the season and to post pictures of the
installation utilizing the hashtag #PowerToPOW. Become a member of Protect Our Winters and learn
more about climate action today.
Become a Member
20°F Book Now
Cultural, Arts & Special
Events: Strategic Plan
December 27, 2021: V3
December 6, 2021: V2
April 16, 2020: V1
Exhibit C
Easily accessible from Intertate-70 and Highway 6
Vail Valley BrewFest in Avon
XTERRA Mountain Championship Race
Avon looking at Beaver Creek
Purpose & Vision
1.Purpose: To create a vibrant
mountain community.
2.Vision: Develop an environment
for healthy connection.
Flavors of Colorado
Flavors of Colorado
Avon Snapshot
•Located in heart of the Vail Valley
•Eagle River runs through Town
•Easy access to I-70 and Hwy 6 which both run through Town
•Abundant outdoor recreation
•Pedestrian friendly
Goal: Community
Develop a portfolio of opportunities which build
vibrant and healthy community connections with
residents and visitors using these four
cornerstones to guide us:
1.Placemaking:tapping into what members of
the community love (and can imagine) about
the place they live, work and play.
2.Creativity:engaging our creative selves,
actively seek involvement with the creative and
art communities and enhance the visibility and
awareness of culture, arts and events.
3.Historic Preservation: through storytelling,
sharing of cultures and traditions and enhancing
the visibility and awareness of our heritage.
4.Stewardship: fostering a culture of waste
mitigation and energy conservation minimizing
the negative impacts to our collective
environment and community for the long term.
Avon Snapshot
•Located in heart of the Vail Valley
•Eagle River runs through Town
•Easy access to I-70 and Hwy 6 which both run through Town
•Abundant outdoor recreation
•Pedestrian friendly
Cornerstone: Placemaking
Near Term: 2022-2023
1.Investment in East Nottingham Park: Restroom / Concession Bldg.
2.Investment in West Nottingham Park: Restrooms at Beach
3.Continued investment in Performance Pavilion upgrades and timely
maintenance
4.Growth of Summer’s End brand and attendance over LDW
5.Increase revenue stream and efficiencies related to concessions; tweak
menu
6.Develop summer SUP racing program
7.Develop two signature events in June (Best of the West) and Sept.
(Heart & Soul)
Long Term: 2024-2031
1.Utilizing Urban Renewal Authority (URA) to plan for future of old Avon
Fire Station location
2.URA for plan for future of Metcalf Cabin
3.URA for plan for connection of Main Street Mall and Nottingham Park
4.Continued investment in Performance Pavilion upgrades and timely
maintenance
5.Develop a winter event that makes a “splash” as well as programming
(i.e., Après Avon! Holiday Tree Lighting, Ice Skating, Ice Sculptures)
6.Ticketed single and/or multiday concerts at Avon Performance Pavilion
(Terrace)
7.Expand SunsetLIVE!: 25-40/summer
8.Expand AvonLIVE!: 12/summer
9.Multiple summer and/or winter events have a positive return on
investment through accommodation and sales tax revenue
Avon Snapshot
•Located in heart of the Vail Valley
•Eagle River runs through Town
•Easy access to I-70 and Hwy 6 which both run through Town
•Abundant outdoor recreation
•Pedestrian friendly
Cornerstone: Creativity
Near Term: 2022-2023
1.Expansion of Art Around Avon temporary installations; up to 20 total
2.Installation of six (6) Storm Drain Education Art Decals + expansion
3.Purchase one (1) new sculpture for permanent collection
4.Continue to develop a signature Weekly Art Expo
5.Continue to drive awareness of the arts in Avon (i.e., digital and printed
Walking map, engaging with creative community, etc.)
6.Create new plaques for Avon’s permanent sculpture collection
Long Term: 2024-2031
1.Host two or three multiday art festivals in summer
2.Develop winter event programming (i.e., Après Avon! Holiday Tree
Lighting, Ice Skating, Ice Sculptures)
3.Develop program to decorate trash/recycle containers
4.Expand Playable Musical Instruments program
5.Expand Painted Bench program
6.Develop immersive art experience or residence program
7.Incorporating art into new and existing development
Avon Snapshot
•Located in heart of the Vail Valley
•Eagle River runs through Town
•Easy access to I-70 and Hwy 6 which both run through Town
•Abundant outdoor recreation
•Pedestrian friendly
Cornerstone: Heritage
Preservation
Near Term: 2022-2023
1.Installation of nine (9) Historical Markers
2.Expanding Historical Markers with addition of two (2) more locations
Long Term: 2024-2031
1.Storytelling activations at key historical locations
2.Incorporating heritage into new and existing development
Cornerstone: Stewardship
Near Term: 2022-2023
1.Diversion rate in the 90’s percentile at events
Long Term: 2024-2031
1.100% Renewable Energy Goal Achieved
2.Reuse of old or used materials for art installation
Public Investment
in quality Infrastructu
re & Special Events
Accomplishments
In the most recent ten years Avon has made a few major advances in support of culture, arts and special events. To include but
not limited:
1.Building the Avon Performance Pavilion and the Main Street Mall
2.Relocation of bronze sculptures to the Mall
3.2015 FIS and Enjoy Life! Murals
4.Playhouse, Benches and Art Around Avon temporary art installation projects
5.Beautification of electrical boxes and park benches around Town
6.Preservation of the Water Wheel and Historical Markers installations
7.Creating a funding mechanism and process to attract and retain single and multi-day events and/or event producers
Thank you!
Danita Dempsey
ddempsey@avon.org