VISUAL
ARTS COMMITTEE
Wednesday, March 19, 2003
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; Nina Dunbar,
Rupert Jenkins, Jennifer Lovvorn, Tonia Macneil, Jill Manton,
Susan Pontious, Kristen Zaremba.
Note: All votes are unanimous unless recorded
otherwise.
The meeting commenced at 3:09 p.m.
- Consent
- Motion to authorize the Civic Art Collection Program
Director as agent to conduct negotiations, execute and submit
all documents for grants from the State of California
Department of Parks and Recreations for restoration of the
Portals of the Past Monument in Golden Gate Park.
- Motion to approve Boom Town, six designs by artist Kara
Maria, for the Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series 2003,
to be installed in 24 kiosks along Market Street, from May 16
to August 14, 2003.
- Motion to approve the mural design by Susan Cervantes at
100 Alemany Street (Farmers Market) funded by Neighborhood
Beautification.
- Motion to approve the mural design by Khalil Bendib, Said
Nuseibeh, and Fayeq Oweis, Ph.D. at 20 Jones Street funded by
Neighborhood Beautification.
- Motion to approve the mural design by Josef Norris on the
side of the Performing Arts Garage at the corner of Fulton and
Gough Streets funded by The San Francisco Arts Commission
Cultural Equity Grants Program.
- Motion to approve tactile signage/mural for the Wawona Club
House done by sight impaired and deaf youth.
Motion: Motion to move the
consent calendar items.
Moved: Stermer/Solomon
- Gallery
Gallery Director Rupert Jenkins reported that the Gallery just
held its first Advisory Board retreat, which was held at the Green
Gulch Zen Center. The Gallery Board and staff discussed
fundraising, programming and marketing. The 2003 fundraiser is
tentatively scheduled for November 7, 2003. One outstanding
programming initiative was to commission an annual juried project
by emerging curators. This idea will be developed along the lines
of the annual Construct show, and will be presented at a future
Visual Arts Committee meeting. Regarding marketing, Mr. Jenkins
reported that a strategy to link the three exhibition sites
together by signage, exhibitions, and events is a priority.
Mr. Jenkins continued his report by announcing the upcoming City
Hall exhibition "Aging in America" by photojournalist Ed Kashi.
The project is being produced in conjunction with Fifty Crows
Gallery and the Berkeley Art Museum. Mr. Jenkins added that a book
of the work in the exhibition will be published in September.
Mr. Jenkins concluded his report by announcing that "Exhibition
Game" opens at 401 Van Ness on Friday, March 28. He invited the
Commissioners to attend a reception for the show on that evening,
6 - 8 pm.
- Collections
Barbara Wenger from the Hayes Valley Neighborhood Parks Group
reported on the progress that had been made on the design for the
Koshland Park Peace Wall. Ms. Wenger explained that the Hayes
Valley Neighborhood Parks Group had hired an architect, Sean
Gorman, to create an integrated design for the Peace Wall tiles.
Ms. Wenger stated that she and Mr. Gorman met with Commissioners
Guggenheim and Solomon. Ms. Wenger noted that Mr. Gorman took many
of the Commissioners' recommendations into consideration when
reworking the design for the layout of the tiles.
Mr. Gorman presented a schematic drawing of the new design and a
photo-collage representation of smaller sections of the design.
Mr. Gorman noted that in the new layout the lead artist's larger
tile panels had been removed so that the design would reflect a
more random display and a flowing sight line. Mr. Gorman stated
that the lead artist's smaller tiles would be interspersed among
the other tiles in the new design and also used as punctuation at
the ends of various sections of wall. He stated that the wall
would be finished in a solid color with smooth gray stucco before
the tiles are installed. Mr. Gorman stated that half-inch raised
bronze lettering would be used for the wall's signage and
credits.
Commissioner Stermer stated that the new layout is very pleasant
and quite an improvement. Commissioner Guggenheim added that the
photo-documention helped to make the presentation clear and that
he likes Mr. Gorman's design.
Motion: Motion to approve the design
of the Peace Wall project for Koshland Park
Moved: Stermer/Solomon
The following motion regarding the proposed gifts Peace Angel and
a memorial to David Brower titled Spaceship Earth was
continued.
Motion: Motion to accept the
recommendation of the staff committee to decline the gifts.
- Branch Library Improvement Program
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton presented the
preliminary proposal for the renovated Richmond Branch Library by
artist Scott Donahue, as recommended by the Richmond Branch
Community Artist Selection Panel. Ms. Manton reported that the
Richmond Branch is the first of six libraries that will be newly
constructed and/or are undergo renovation. For these projects the
Public Art Program undertook a very labor-intensive outreach in
order to create a quality pool of pre-qualified artists. Ms.
Manton explained that the panel selected Scott Donahue's proposal
but with the stipulation that the artist alter certain aspects of
the proposed artwork Specifically, the panel felt that the
concrete foundation shapes on which the circular convex bronze
topographical maps are set were too massive and bowl-like.
Commissioners Stermer and Solomon both stated that they liked the
shape of the bollards. Commissioner Wilsey stated that their shape
seems very appropriate for the site. Ms. Manton added that the
jeweled ceramic insets which are to be set into the bronze maps
may be too vulnerable and may need to fabricated in a more durable
material. The artist is currently exploring various materials for
creating the insets. Commissioner Guggenheim suggested that
recessing the ceramic insets might be considered as well.
Motion: Motion to approve the
preliminary proposal for two sculptures with possible change to
the jeweled ceramic insets by artist Scott Donahue to be installed
in the landscaping for the renovated Richmond Branch Library.
Moved: Stermer/Wilsey
Motion: Motion to authorize the
Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract in an amount
not to exceed $36,000 with Scott Donahue for design development,
fabrication and installation of two sculptures for the Richmond
Branch Library.
Moved: Wilsey/Stermer
- 23rd and Treat Park and Clubhouse
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton presented both slides
and samples of the completed mosaic tiles by artist Isis Rodriguez
to be installed on retaining walls at the 23rd and Treat Park and
Clubhouse. Ms. Manton stated that although Isis Rodriguez is new
to the Public Art Program, she received guidance on this project
from Ruth O'Day who is a more experienced public artist. Ms.
Manton added that the tiles reflect Ms. Rodriguez's drawing style
that often features cartoon-like characters.
Motion: Motion to approve the final
mosaic tile artworks by Isis Rodriguez to be installed on
retaining walls at the 23rd and Treat Park and Clubhouse.
Moved: Stermer/Wilsey
- Rochambeau Playground
Project Manager Tonia Macneil presented the revised proposal by
Johanna Poethig in fulfillment of the design development for the
artwork at Rochambeau Playground. Ms. Macneil explained that due
to the vulnerability of the sculpture in the initial design, the
artist altered the proposal to include only two columns on 30-inch
bases with heights of 7.5 and 8.6 feet, respectively. This
modification places the most vulnerable part of the sculpture
above reach. Ms. Macneil introduced Johanna Poethig who passed
around examples of the multi-glazed tiles that will be used on the
base. The tiles will have various drawings and images that
reference the sports that are played at this site. Ms. Poethig
stated that she is interested in creating an interesting texture
on the surface of the tiles. Commissioner Stermer stated that the
revised design is very successful and that he likes the scale.
Motion: Motion to approve final
design for artwork by Johanna Poethig for Rochambeau
Playground.
Moved: Stermer/Wilsey
- Helen Wills Playground
Project Manager Tonia Macneil presented the proposal for artwork
by artist Amy Blackstone, as recommended by the Helen Wills
Playground Artist Selection Panel. Ms. Macneil stated that the
current Helen Wills Clubhouse is being demolished and replaced.
Because the architectural design was so far along when the artist
opportunity was identified, the artwork site is limited to a
specific location on the second level boardwalk and the artist was
directed to make work that would be vertical and open at the base.
Ms. Macneil explained that Amy Blackstone proposed to create four
steel cylinder sculptures with cutout shapes that reference a
motif of the four elements. She added that the backside of the
cutout metal will have a sheet of colored plastic so that the
negative space will cast a tinted light. Ms. Macneil stated that
the artist is still exploring how the color backing will work.
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton stated that the Artist
Selection Panel members had suggested varying the scale and height
of the cylinders. They agreed that the proposed animal shapes on
the top of each sculpture were too cute and they asked the artist
to redesign those details. Commissioner Stermer stated that the
cutout pattern looks like lace from far away, and may not be
effective from a distance. Because the artist's proposal looked
very different in material treatment from her past work, Ms.
Macneil suggested that the Commissioners look at slides of the
artist's past work. Ms. Macneil presented slides of the artist's
work in Tutubi Park. Commissioner Wilsey stated that the work
looks very whimsical as opposed to the proposal for the Helen
Wills Playground. Based on the artist's past work, Ms. Macneil
suggested that the Commissioners direct staff to enter into a
design development contract. Commissioner Stermer stated that the
slides were helpful to better understand how the artwork would
look.
Motion: Motion to approve the
Selection Panel's recommendation of artist Amy Blackstone to
implement her art proposal for Helen Wills Playground with
modifications.
Moved: Stermer/Wilsey
Motion: Motion to authorize the
Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a contract in an amount
not to exceed $5,000 with Amy Blackstone to develop a design of
her artwork proposal for Helen Wills Playground.
Moved: Wilsey/Stermer
- Ocean View Recreation Center
This project update was continued.
- Union Square
Project Manager Nina Dunbar reported on the successful
installation of the R.M. Fischer artwork at Union Square. Ms.
Dunbar stated that lights are shining more brightly than they are
intended to, but this problem will be corrected when the diffusers
are installed. Ms. Dunbar added that two of the lamps are
collecting water, which will also soon be corrected. Public Art
Program Director Jill Manton stated that the sculptures have a
strong presence and they add a nice counterpoint to the square.
Ms. Manton added that Ferragamo will be hosting a reception for
the artwork on Monday, April 7 after the Full Commission meeting.
The reception will be followed by an illumination ceremony and
dedication at 6:30 p.m. to be attended by the Mayor.
- Recreation and Park Bond Projects: Coffman Pool
Project Manager Kristen Zaremba began her report on the Coffman
Pool project by circulating photographs of the site. Ms. Zaremba
explained that the pool is in good condition, but the building is
being replaced. Ms. Zaremba stated that the community has been
very involved in the process of redesigning the building and are
now very interested and involved with the Public Art process. She
added that the architects are excited to work with the artists.
Ms. Zaremba reported that the selection panel met and chose the
finalists for the project from the Recreation and Park Bond
Projects Pre-Qualified Pool. The finalists are: Scott Donahue,
Sheila Ghidini, John King and Regina Case, Horace Washington
(Steve Gillman and Katherine Keefer, alternate). Ms. Zaremba
stated that she is hoping to see a variety of proposals from these
artists.
Motion: Motion to approve the
following artists as finalists for the Coffman Pool Public Art
Project, and to pay each artist/team an honorarium of $500 for
development of a proposal: Scott Donahue, Sheila Ghidini, John
King and Regina Case, Horace Washington (Steve Gillman and
Katherine Keefer, alternate).
- Moscone Center Expansion Project
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton reported on the status of
the Diller + Scofidio project. Ms. Manton stated that the armature
is installed and looks great. She added that there is a problem
with the both the track and the wheels. Pol-X West has proposed
ways in which this can be corrected, but working on-site will be
difficult. Ms. Manton stated that the Multimedia screen is almost
complete and she will be inspecting it at the beginning of April.
Ms. Manton added that she will be presenting this project at the
Cyber Arts Festival in Boston where she has been invited to
speak.
- Octavia Boulevard Streetscape Project
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton reported on the status of
the public art selection process for the Octavia Boulevard
Streetscape. Ms. Manton explained that the selection panel met to
review the submitted proposals and rejected all three. The panel
was interested in certain aspects of two of the proposals, and
they asked Wang Po Shu and Jefferson Mack to submit revised
proposals. Related to the failure of the proposals to win the
support of the panelists, Ms. Manton stated the Public Art Program
is currently working with an outside consultant to examine its
artist selection procedures which will include how we communicate
the role of the community in the process. Commissioner Solomon
stated that she thinks it's a good idea for the program to do this
sort of investigation. Ms. Manton added that she will report on
the results and action plans once the work is complete.
- New Business
Ocean Avenue / Balboa Park Area Public Art Master Plan
Project Manager Kristen Zaremba reported that the final public art
master plan document is almost complete. Ms. Zaremba stated that
the final draft will be complete and sent via mail to the
Commissioners before the next Visual Arts Committee meeting.
Recreation and Park Department Bond Projects
Project Manager Tonia Macneil reported that the Public Art Program
staff has been working on new guidelines for the selection of
artwork for the Recreation and Park Department Bond Projects. Ms.
Macneil stated that these new guidelines are a response to the
impending City budget cuts and the need to streamline
administrative procedures. Ms. Macneil explained that the new
guidelines will be distributed to the Commissioners in the near
future and will be placed on an upcoming Visual Arts Committee
agenda. She added that the staff hopes that the Commissioners will
give approval of these guidelines.
Sculpture in the City Publicity Campaign
Project Manager Susan Pontious announced that in addition to the
R.M. Fischer reception at Ferragamo, this event inaugurates the
Public Art Program's publicity campaign that will bring visibility
to various new public sculptures around San Francisco. The
following events are being planned: on May 8 there will be an
event for the new artwork at the Zoo; in early June there will be
an event for the artwork at the Airport; in July there will be an
event for the new artwork at the Moscone Center; and in September
there will be an event for the Arneson sculpture. Ms. Pontious
stated that the publicity is being handled by Brown & Collins
who bring special resources like the support of Ferragamo and
Berggruen Gallery. She added that each of these events will have
an individual mailing similar to "Art Takes Flight" and that Brown
& Collins are handling the press list.
- Old Business
- Adjournment
As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at
4:45 p.m.
Submitted by Jennifer Lovvorn, Public Art Program
Assistant
Approved by Richard Newirth, Director of Cultural Affairs,
3/28/03
3/28/03