VISUAL
ARTS COMMITTEE
Wednesday, December 18, 2002
3:00 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70
Notices
Explanatory documents are available for public inspection and
copying at the Arts Commission office, 25 Van Ness Ave, Ste 240,
San Francisco CA 94102 during regular business hours. Tel:
415-252-2594.
Public comment in regard to specific items will be taken before or
during consideration of the item.
The ringing of and use of cell phones, pagers and similar
sound-producing electronic devices are prohibited at this meeting.
Please be advised that the Chair may order the removal from the
meeting room of any person(s) responsible for the ringing or use
of a cell phone, pager, or other similar sound producing
electronic devices.
Minutes
Commissioners Present
Ralph Guggenheim, Barbara Stauffacher Solomon, Dugald Stermer,
Dede Wilsey; Absent: Stanlee Gatti.
Staff Present
Richard Newirth, Director of Cultural Affairs; Natasha
Garcia-Lomas, Rupert Jenkins, Jennifer Lovvorn, Tonia Macneil,
Jill Manton, Judy Moran, Susan Pontious, Kristen Zaremba.
Note: All votes are unanimous unless recorded
otherwise.
The meeting commenced at 3:20 p.m.
- Consent
- Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to
increase the contract of Vicki Saulls for North Beach Pool in
the amount of $32,000 for design modifications previously
approved by the Arts Commission.
- Motion to approve six original poster designs for 24
posters by artist Robert Gutierrez for exhibition in 24 kiosks
on Market Street from February 14 to May 15, 2003, for the Art
on Market Street Kiosk Poster Program.
Motion: Motion to move the
consent calendar items.
Moved: Solomon /Wilsey
- Gallery
Gallery Director Rupert Jenkins reported that 2002 had been a
successful year for the gallery with significant attention from
the press. Mr. Jenkins distributed to the Commissioners a packet
of press reviews from the past 12 months and stated that two
additional reviews are expected in the near future. Mr. Jenkins
also reported that three of the gallery's exhibitions are
travelling: "Film Show" is travelling to the Gotlief Gallery,
Center for Jewish Culture in La Jolla, California, "Mary Ellen
Pleasant" is currently on display at the Oakland African American
Museum and may travel to Los Angeles in the new year, and the
video component of "Construct 2002" will be shown in Mexico City.
Mr. Jenkins concluded his report by thanking the Commissioners for
their continued support of the gallery programming.
Gallery Manager Natasha Garcia-Lomas presented the work of two
proposed exhibitions beginning with a slide presentation of the
proposed exhibition, "Exhibition Game" curated by Leah Modigliani.
"Exhibition Game" takes as its theme the notion of competition as
it relates sports and extends that metaphor to the art world. The
exhibition features work by artists: Jona Frank, Tim Kelley, Paul
Mullins, Karina Skvirsky, and Lee Walton. Ms. Garcia-Lomas
presented slides of these artists' past works and described their
proposed work for the exhibition. Jona Frank is a photographer
whose work focuses on the American teen experience. Tim Kelly's
past work includes sculpture, video and mixed media pieces that
refer to routine physical actions. Karina Skvirsky's video titled
"Go, Go, Go" features a montage of still frame close-ups of
athletes' mouth gestures and evokes the raw emotion of the
athletes. Lee Walton is a performance artist who proposes to
develop a new live performance for a broad audience of sports fans
and artists to participate in on opening night. Paul Mullins has
developed a body of work consisting of drawings and paintings that
reflect an ongoing interest in notions of male physical strength
and physical depletion.
Commissioner Stermer stated that in his opinion the work included
in the proposed exhibition was too close to sports but not as
interesting as a sports game. Commissioner Stermer went on to say
that he would not oppose the approval of the proposed exhibition,
but he could not vote in support of it. Commissioner Wilsey stated
that it isn't clear to her how this work is art. Commissioner
Solomon said that anything is art. Gallery Director Rupert Jenkins
asserted that it is the role of the gallery to present challenging
work that stretches the boundaries of what is considered art. This
includes conceptual works such as those proposed for "Exhibition
Game" which have been seen regularly in other gallery shows. Mr.
Jenkins proposed that guest curator Leah Modigliani attend the
next Visual Arts Committee meeting to re-present the proposal. The
Commissioners agreed that she should present at the next meeting.
Commissioner Stermer stated that he would like clarification
around the role of the Commissioners as related to the gallery
programming.
Gallery Manager Natasha Garcia-Lomas then showed slides of work
for a second proposed exhibition: "Power & Affection," mixed
media work by Ulrika Andersson. For "Power & Affection,"
Andersson proposes to saturate the gallery with visual landscapes
of song lyrics that cover passionate issues including: love,
drama, overt intimacy, disheartening moments, failure, verbal
slams and fights. Her large-scale murals and drawings are
realistically rendered and illustrate exchanges of closeness and
affection and they are often graced with text.
Motion: Motion to approve $300
honorarium for exhibition artist Chris Cobb
Moved: Stermer/Solomon
The following motion was
tabled.
Motion: Motion to approve the
following artists for gallery exhibitions March -May 2003: Paul
Mullins, Karina Skvirsky, Lee Walton, Tim Kelley, and Jona Frank,
curated by Leah Modigliani.
Motion: Motion to approve the
following artist for gallery exhibition May - July 2003: Ulrika
Andersson, curated by Natasha Garcia-Lomas.
Moved: Stermer/Solomon
- Collections
There was no Collections report.
- Minnie and Lovie Ward Recreation Center
Project Manager Tonia Macneil reported on the status of the
selection process for an artwork for the Minnie and Lovie Ward
Recreation Center which is being reconstructed. Ms. Macneil
explained that although the selection panel had two meetings, the
process had not yielded consensus for any one artist or artist
team. Ms. Macneil stated the selection panel originally met to
review proposals for the artwork on November 19. At that meeting,
the vote was four in favor of the proposal by Dan Snyder and three
in favor of the proposal by the artist team Jon Rubin and Jim
Goldberg. In the face of strong opposition to the proposal by Dan
Snyder, Ms. Macneil decided, and the panel agreed, to ask the two
finalists to consider comments from the panel and return to the
panel in December. In the second proposal review meeting on
December 17, the panel approved the proposal by Jon Rubin and Jim
Goldberg with four votes to three votes for Dan Snyder. The
artwork proposal by Jon Rubin and Jim Goldberg calls for creating
and locating four realistic fiberglass sculptures of actual, yet
to be selected community members on four pedestal-like columns so
that they are positioned at the roofline of the Recreation Center.
Dan Snyder proposes to create a Lion sculpture to be placed at the
entrance to the Center and to work with children from the
community to create star chart designs that would be integrated as
laser cut bronze into the concrete courtyard. Ms. Macneil said
that although the proposal by Jon Rubin and Jim Goldberg received
more votes, she hesitates to recommend it for approval due to
strong opposition to the piece from both the community and the
architect. Ms. Macneil stated that the community would support the
artwork by Dan Snyder. The community opposes the artwork by Jon
Rubin and Jim Goldberg because they feel it looks too commercial.
They also feel there may be a potential controversy regarding the
selection of the individuals represented in the artwork.
Commissioner Wilsey stated that the problem of representing a
living individual in the artwork to symbolize a particular virtue
as the artists' proposal suggests is that this individual may
commit an unlawful or disgraceful act in the years to come which
would alter the intended meaning of the piece.
Ms. Macneil introduced architect Mike Pierron who wished to
express his opposition to the Jon Rubin and Jim Goldberg proposal.
Mr. Pierron stated that the artwork by Jon Rubin and Jim Goldberg
is not stylistically appropriate for the architecture of the
Minnie and Lovie Ward Recreation Center because it uses postmodern
elements that change the overall look of the building. Mr. Pierron
added that if the proposal were accepted, the roofline would have
to be altered. Because the roof has a three-foot overhang for
shading, holes would have to be cut in it in order to accommodate
the sculptures. Mr. Pierron requested that the Commissioners
approve the proposal in concept only. Commissioner Guggenheim
suggested moving the sculptures below the roofline, but Ms.
Macneil stated that the artists are opposed to this solution.
Commissioner Solomon stated that she feels that the sculptures
belong where they are proposed to be and that the artwork is an
improvement to the building.
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton raised the issue of
community involvement in the decision-making process. She stated
that while the Public Art Program has actively increased such
involvement, she wonders if the Program and the Commission are
giving too much of its charter-mandated responsibility and
authority to the public. Ms. Manton stated her concern about the
dilemma between commissioning the best quality work and winning
popular opinion. Commissioner Stermer wondered if the community
would protest if the Jon Rubin and Jim Goldberg proposal were
accepted. Ms. Macneil stated that the community would not approve
of this proposal in its current state. Commissioner Guggenheim
suggested that the artists base the sculptures on historical
figures instead of living community members. Commissioner Stermer
responded that the piece has a very different meaning if it
references historical figures. Commissioner Stermer added that in
his opinion the proposed artwork enhances the architecture.
Commissioner Stermer agreed that the artwork is stylistically out
of character with the building, but he feels that it makes the
building more interesting. Additionally, Commissioner Stermer
expressed concern that if the community doesn't approve of the
artwork, then they will take it to the Board of Supervisors.
Director of Cultural Affairs Richard Newirth agreed with Ms.
Manton's concern for the commissioning of quality work, but
questioned whether this is the appropriate time in which to fight
that battle. Mr. Newirth stated that the Commission should assert
its authority for citywide projects, but perhaps it should allow
the community to have a stronger voice in neighborhood
projects.
Ms. Macneil stated that the Commissioners have three options:
1. Approve the proposal as is; 2. Approve the artist team to work
on revising the proposal with the community and architect; or 3.
Start the selection process over with a new selection panel and a
new Request for Qualifications. Ms. Manton stated that artists are
often resistant to make changes to their original proposals.
Motion: Motion to approve the
Selection Panel recommendation of the artist team Jon Rubin and
Jim Goldberg to create a work of art for the Minnie and Lovie Ward
Recreation Center subject to interaction with the community,
client and architects.
Moved: Stermer/Wilsey
Motion: Motion to authorize the
Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with the
artist team Jon Rubin and Jim Goldberg to commence development of
a design for a work of art for the Minnie and Lovie Ward
Recreation Center subject to interaction with the community,
client and architects and subject to a 60 day review, for an
amount not to exceed $5,000.
Moved: Stermer/Solomon
- Rochambeau Playground
Project Manager Tonia Macneil presented the artwork proposal
by artist Johanna Poethig for the renovated Rochambeau Playground,
as recommended by the Rochambeau Playground selection panel. Ms.
Macneil stated that the Rochambeau Playground is small and is
located on 25th Avenue. Ms. Macneil added that there are two
planting areas and the walk-way which are most suitable for
artwork and explained that Johanna Poethig's proposal is to create
and install two three-foot columns that have tiles which feature
drawings of the various sports that are played in that playground.
The columns will be topped with ball forms fabricated from glass
tiles. Commissioner Solomon stated that she found the columns
uninteresting as sculpture and she would prefer to see fantasy
functional benches and decorative walls.
Motion: Motion to approve the
Selection Panel recommendation of the proposal by Johanna Poethig
to create a work for art for the renovated Rochambeau
Playground.
Moved: Stermer/Wilsey
Motion: Motion to authorize the
Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with Johanna
Poethig to complete design development, fabricate, transport and
install a work of art for the Rochambeau Playground for an amount
not to exceed $16,000.
Moved: Wilsey/Stermer
- Laguna Honda Hospital
Program Manager Susan Pontious presented artwork by Chenonae
Kim whom is selected to create work for the Aqua Therapy Center at
Laguna Honda Hospital, as recommended by the selection panel. Ms.
Pontious stated that the Aqua Therapy Room has 17' by 40' walls
where tile can be installed and that the project has a budget of
$15,000 for design and construction of the artwork. Ms. Pontious
presented slides of Chenonae Kim's past work and stated that some
of her work is currently on view at Brian Gross Gallery. Chenonae
Kim's works are colorfully painted geometrical compositions
ranging from miniature to large-scale wall installations. She
created site-specific murals for the UCLA Hammer Museum in Los
Angeles as part of the Hammer Project Series in 2000. Another
recent project includes a glass entry wall for the Chicago Police
Department. Ms. Pontious reported that the selection panel was
confident that Chenonae Kim would be able to work within the
project budget and with the site in a way that would not
compromise her artistic style. Ms. Pontious reported that Chenonae
Kim has been provided with a palette of available tile colors upon
which she will base her design.
Motion: Motion to authorize the
Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into an agreement with
Chenonae Kim for an amount not to exceed $15,000 for design and
construction supervision of tile walls in the Aqua Therapy Center
at Laguna Honda Hospital.
Moved: Solomon/Wilsey
- Moscone Center Expansion Project
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton reported on status of the
Diller + Scofidio artwork for the Moscone Center Expansion
Project. Ms. Manton stated that fabrication work, which is being
done at Olson Metals, is 20% complete and the expected date of
installation is mid-February. Ms. Manton added that the mechanical
engineer Pol-X West has inspected the facility and progress of the
work and was impressed with the quality of the work. The LED
fabrication by Multi-Media is now 80% complete. The LED will be
tested at the Multi-Media shop rather than on site at the Moscone
Center. Ms. Manton reported that the Moscone Project Management
paid to have a peer panel review the armature and track design and
installation plans. This panel's questions were successfully
addressed by the Commission's engineer Pol-X West. Ms. Manton said
that the only outstanding issue is the pending dispensation of the
State Board of Equalization regarding the payment of sales tax.
Ms. Manton received notification that the State Board of
Equalization needs an additional 30 days to review the brief that
was submitted last month.
- Southeast Water Pollution Control Plant
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton stated that the
Commissioners had given very specific critical feedback regarding
Victor Zaballa's proposal for the Southeast Water Pollution
Control Plant. Project Manager Kristen Zaremba added that the
artist was upset when he received this feedback because he had
worked closely with the staff at the PUC and felt that his
proposed artwork was a "nice fit." Ms. Manton stated that the
staff tried to mediate a resolution between the aesthetic
direction of the Commission, the artist's design intent and
integrity, and the PUC staff's expectations and anticipation
regarding the content and components of the piece. Ms. Zaremba
presented a drawing of the most current design for the tile wall.
The tile artwork, to be located at the entry way of the Southeast
Water Pollution Control Plant, has been modified to include
several ribbons or bands of brightly colored mosaic tiles
featuring aquatic creatures. This was in response to the
Commission's rejection of the extruded mosaic sea creatures. While
the Commission had also suggested the deletion of the brightly
colored acrylic birds, Ms. Zaremba stated that the PUC staff is
particularly fond of the birds and they are eager to have the
birds included in the project. Ms. Manton pointed out that this
artwork would be the only color in very bland environment and
stated that the bird design will be further addressed at a future
meeting.
- Ocean Avenue / Muni K-Line Project and Public Art Master
Plan
Program Manager Kristen Zaremba and Public Art Program
Director Jill Manton reported on the status of the Ocean
Avenue/Balboa Park Station Area Public Art Master Plan. Ms.
Zaremba distributed to the Commissioners a copy of the draft of
this plan that the Public Art Program has been working on for the
last two years. Ms. Zaremba added that the Ocean Avenue/Balboa
Park Station Area Public Art Master Plan has been funded by Muni
K-Line with any remaining funds to be used for a public artwork.
Ms. Manton stated that once the Commissioners review the plan,
staff would welcome any feedback. Commissioner Guggenheim inquired
if the purpose of this plan is to help educate the community. Ms.
Zaremba replied that this plan would be a tool for the community
to use in order to advocate for certain types of artwork. Ms.
Manton pointed out that credit should be given to Ms. Zaremba for
her large role in assembling the content and design of the plan.
Ms. Zaremba stated that she hopes to distribute the final document
next month.
- New Business
- Old Business
- Adjournment
As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at
5:00 p.m.
Submitted by Jennifer Lovvorn, Public Art Program
Assistant
Approved by Richard Newirth, Director of Cultural Affairs,
12/27/02
12/12/02