Potential exhibit space to be discussed

During his visit earlier this week, National Park Service official David Vela took the opportunity to visit some of the proposed exhibition space for the city’s upcoming commemorations prior to attending a workshop to discuss the inaugural meeting of the federal 450th commission.

Further analysis of potential exhibition space for the planned events will be reported to the St. Augustine City Commission at their regular meeting Monday night.

Commissioners last year authorized funds to assess available properties for space, choosing to spread exhibits through existing facilities rather than build a new 8-10,000 square foot exhibit hall.

Dixon and Associates has analyzed 28 sites as potential exhibition areas, 15 indoors and 13 outdoors; including the Visitor Information Center.

There has been some discussion, but no commitment, for a traveling exhibit of works by Pablo Picasso to be displayed in St. Augustine. In order to be seriously considered to receive the nod for such an exhibit, the city would have to show, among other things, adequate, secure facilities suitable to house the display.

“We won’t get (all exhibits) under one roof,” Commissioner Don Crichlow said at the time, “and there’s an advantage to having different exhibits in different places.”

Crichlow, an architect, also suggested temporary structures, “more modern tents that have the feel of permanence but can be disassembled after the commemoration.”

If you are planning to attend — the regular St. Augustine City Commission meeting will begin at 5:00 p.m. Monday and will be held in the Alcazar Room; on the first floor of City Hall, located at 75 King Street in St. Augustine. It will be broadcast live on Comcast Government TV (Cable Channel 3) and is streamed over the Internet.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News staff photographer