January 19, 2011

Commissioners Present: Lorraine Garcia-Nakata, JD Beltran, Barbara Sklar.

Commissioners Absent: PJ Johnston, Dorka Keehn.

Staff Present: Mary Chou, Allison Cummings, Carol Marie Daniels, Marcus Davies, Jill Manton, Judy Moran, Kate Patterson, Zoë Taleporos.

Note: All votes are unanimous unless recorded otherwise.

The meeting commenced at 3:04 p.m.


1. Consent Calendar

1. Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to modify the agreement with Alan Masaoka to increase the amount by $139,145 for a total amount not to exceed $154,145 for design, fabrication and transportation of artwork for General Hospital Acute Care Unit: Floor 7.

2. Motion to approve the following arts professionals as potential panelists for the Public Safety Building Selection Panel: Lucinda Barnes, Chief Curator, Berkeley Art Museum; Kate Eilertsen, Executive Director, Sonoma Valley Museum of Art; Jennifer Easton, Public Art Project Manager, San Jose Public Art Program; Mark Pally, artist and independent curator; Chris Johnson, Professor of Photography, California College of Arts; Ned Kahn, artist; Constance Lewallen, independent curator; and Walter Kitundu, artist.

3. Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with Pam Garcia Consulting for an amount not to exceed $10,000 to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the Public Art Program Accounting system requirements, provide expertise in currently available project management and accounting software programs, and recommend, customize and perform an initial set-up of an appropriate new accounting software system.

Motion: Motion to approve consent calendar items
Moved: Beltran/Sklar

2. Sunset Playground
Jennifer Lovvorn

Director of Programs Jill Manton presented the Construction Documents Phase deliverables by artist Bryan Tedrick for artwork for Sunset Playground on behalf of Project Manager Jennifer Lovvorn. Ms. Manton reported that Mr. Tedrick had gone through seven iterations of his design to be installed as a series of sculptures topping the Sunset Playground fence. Through the multiple revisions, the artist worked to streamline the design at the request of the Selection Panel and the Commissioners. Ms. Manton noted that the design had been evaluated and approved by a structural engineer, resolving the Commissioner’s previous concerns regarding the relationship between the work’s height and weight.

Ms. Manton stated that the artist is in the process of finalizing the color palette and finish for the work and showed various samples that the artist is considering. She noted that the artist will be hiring Architectural Resources Group to evaluate the chosen surface treatment for longevity and maintenance. Commissioner Beltran commented that she liked the rich tones the artist had chosen, but wondered what the color of the fencing was and how it would relate to the artwork. Ms. Manton said that she was unsure of the fence color, but would convey that information at future meeting.

Motion: Motion to approve Construction Documents Phase deliverables (final design of sculptural artwork elements, project budget, surface treatment samples, and structural engineering) by Bryan Tedrick for Sunset Playground.
Moved: Beltran/Sklar

3. Palega Recreation Center
Jennifer Lovvorn

Ms. Manton presented, on Ms. Lovvorn’s behalf, the artists recommended by the Palega Recreation Center Artist Selection Panel for two public art project opportunities (one interior and one exterior). Ms. Manton began by describing artist Kelly Ording’s proposal chosen for the interior artwork opportunity. The artist’s design comments on the history of the Portola neighborhood, which was originally settled as a flower nursery district and was once populated by many windmills. The artist will be working with Pippa Murray’s studio to fabricate the design in tile mosaic. Ms. Manton added that Kelly Ording won the recommendation from the Selection Panel by one point over artist Jeffery Long. The Panel as a whole was pleased with the decision, but recommended that the artist brighten her color palette and adjusts the scale of her work to be read from afar. Commissioner Beltran noted that lighting the work should also be addressed.

Ms. Manton reported that the artist team Rebar Group’s proposal was selected for the exterior artwork opportunity. Rebar Group proposed a project called Zepyros, inspired by popular wind ornaments of the same name. The sculpture consists of three steel masts at various heights adorned by reflective helix forms that rotate by wind activation. As the helixes rotate, they become a visual representation of the various wind patterns in the area while reflecting the activity of the Center’s green space. Ms. Manton commented that Rebar Group’s proposal was a unanimous first choice selection of the Selection Panel.

THIS MOTION WAS REVISED.

Motion: Motion to approve the selected artist Kelly Ording and her proposal for an interior artwork for Palega Recreation Center with the suggestions that she brighten the color palette and adjust the scale as recommended by the Palega Recreation Center Artist Selection Panel.
Moved: Beltran/Sklar

Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a contract with Kelly Ording for design, fabrication, transportation and installation/consultation during installation of an interior artwork for Palega Recreation Center in an amount not to exceed $127,400.
Moved: Sklar/Beltran

Motion: Motion to approve the selected artist team Rebar Group and their proposal as recommended by the Palega Recreation Center Artist Selection Panel for an exterior artwork for Palega Recreation Center.
Moved: Beltran/Sklar

Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a contract with the artist team Rebar Group for design, fabrication, transportation and installation/consultation during installation for exterior artwork for Palega Recreation Center in an amount not to exceed $140,000.
Moved: Sklar/Beltran

THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS MOVED FROM ITEM 7 TO ITEM 4.

4. San Francisco International Airport Boarding Area E (“SFOBAE”)
Mary Chou

Project Manager Mary Chou presented an update of Amy Ellingson's revised design for the terrazzo floor at San Francisco International Airport Boarding Area E (“SFOBAE”). Ms. Chou began her presentation by reviewing the various stages of the artist’s design. She noted that during the course of the Design Development Phase, the artist had been working closely with Public Art Program staff to respond to color palette recommendations from Airport staff, the Airport Art Steering Committee, the Airport’s Design Review Committee (“DRC”) as well as the San Francisco Arts Commission’s Visual Arts Committee (“VAC”). Ms. Chou mentioned that Ms. Ellingson was chosen by the Artist Selection Panel based on her previous work that often incorporates bold color with strong design elements. However, it was recommended by Airport staff and the DRC that the artist subdue her color palette to be more appropriate for the Airport setting. In order to maintain the artist’s original intention and aesthetic, a recent design revision included a change from color to black-and-white. After a review with the DRC, it was decided that the contrast in the black-and-white version was too great and potentially disorienting to the public. Ms. Chou then worked with Ms. Ellingson to incorporate warmer, earthier tones and soften the contrast to address all concerns expressed by the DRC. She explained that the latest design was sent to Magnolia Editions who scanned the artist’s terrazzo color samples to create a life-sized (true to color and scale) five-foot-by-fifteen-foot mock-up representing the midsection where the design was most dense. Ms. Chou reported that this mock-up was presented to the DRC on January 13, 2011 who expressed approval of the new color palette. Ms. Chou presented the mock-up to Commissioners who expressed their support for the design and current color palette.

Ms. Chou introduced Robin Chiang, an architect working on the Airport renovation of Terminal Two, a member of the DRC, and one of the Panelists that chose Ms. Ellingson for this commission. Mr. Chiang explained that the DRC did express approval for the latest version of the design. He stated that following the meeting, he spoke with Judi Mosqueda, Project Manager of SFOBAE, about showing the design to Airport Director John Martin as Mr. Chiang was under the impression that Mr. Martin had not yet seen the design. Mr. Chiang stated that Ms. Mosqueda agreed with the presentation, and that he proceeded to show the artist’s mock-up to Mr. Martin and other members of the Airport’s senior staff. Mr. Chiang explained that after the viewing, Ms. Ellingson’s design was rejected by Mr. Martin. Mr. Chiang mentioned that there was some discussion of moving the design to Tunnel E, but ultimately Mr. Martin concluded that Ms. Ellingson’s design would no longer continue as an Airport project.

Commissioner Garcia-Nakata commented that it was unprecedented for a decision of this kind to be made outside the normal channels and procedures as determined by the Airport Art Steering Committee, the VAC, and the DRC. Ms. Manton stated that the selection and development of an artist’s proposal is a public process and the decision to cancel the project should not be made privately or without consulting San Francisco Arts Commission staff. She suggested pursuing the relocation of the artist’s design to Tunnel E. Ms. Chou replied by stating that Ms. Ellingson’s design is site-specific to SFOBAE and would be highly compromised if moved to a different location. Ms. Chou also stated that Blake Summers, Director of Airport Museums, had shown the design to Mr. Martin prior to the last DRC meeting, and that Mr. Martin had said he would defer approval of the artwork to the DRC. Commissioner Garcia-Nakata suggested that Ms. Pontious and the Director of Cultural Affairs, Luis R. Cancel meet with Mr. Martin to discuss Amy Ellingson’s project and to clarify the artwork approval process for all permanent artworks at the Airport.

THIS MOTION WAS TABLED.

Motion: Motion to approve revised color palette for Amy Ellingson’s design for the terrazzo floor at SFOBAE.
Moved:

THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS MOVED FROM ITEM 4 TO ITEM 5.

5. Gerald Heffernon’s Rabbinoid on Cell Phone
Marcus Davies

Senior Registrar Allison Cumming presented on behalf of Registrar Marcus Davies, the proposed move of artist Gerald Heffernon's sculpture Rabbinoid on Cell Phone from its current location at Pine Lake Park to Laguna Honda Hospital and Rehabilitation Center. Ms. Cummings reported that the sculpture was originally commissioned for Pine Lake Park in 2007 and has sustained significant damage from graffiti ever since. She mentioned how the Civic Art Collection staff felt the sculpture would avoid consistent vandalism if moved to a hospital setting such as Laguna Honda. Ms. Cummings informed the Commissioners that administrative staff at Laguna Honda has approved a gift of the sculpture to the hospital and the exact location of its installation will be determined in the next few weeks.

Ms. Cummings stated that Atthowe Fine Art Services will remove the bronze sculpture from Pine Lake Park at the end of January, 2011 and transport it to Artworks Foundry where the patina will be restored to its original condition. She noted that the foundry will work closely with the artist on the patina restoration. Ms.Cummings explained how the original boulder acting as a support for the sculpture at Pine Lake Park was cost prohibitive to move to Laguna Honda. The solution agreed upon by the artist and Civic Art Collection staff was the purchase of a smaller boulder to be installed with the sculpture at Laguna Honda by Atthowe on February 22, 2011.

Motion: Motion to authorize the move of artist Gerald Heffernon's sculpture Rabbinoid on Cell Phone from its current location at Pine Lake Park to Laguna Honda Hospital and Rehabilitation Center.
Moved: Sklar/Beltran

THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS MOVED FROM ITEM 6, SUB CATEGORY 3 TO ITEM 6.

6. Guide by Cell at the San Francisco International Airport Terminal Two (“SFOT2”)
Susan Pontious

Project Manager Kate Patterson presented, on behalf of Susan Pontious, the Guide by Cell project at San Francisco International Airport Terminal Two (“SFOT2”). Ms. Patterson described the tour as one focused on the public art collection sited at SFOT2, offering users easy access to detailed information about artworks from their cell phones. Ms. Patterson explained that the tour will be done in the style of public radio, containing narratives and interviews while integrating the voices of non-art figures with those of artists and arts professionals. The tour will be non-linear in format allowing users to custom select information in both secured and non-secured areas. All information will be available for download on the Public Art Program website and on the Airport website. Additionally, each stop on the tour will contain an option for users to donate to ArtCare directly from their phones. Ms. Patterson explained that she will be working closely with Earprint Productions to develop the pilot program for the Guide by Cell tour which will launch in April 2011, in conjunction with the opening of Terminal Two. She added that if the pilot program was successful, there is the possibility of expanding the Guide by Cell tour to other parts of the Airport. Commissioner Garcia-Nakata remarked that the expansion of the Guide by Cell tour could be an opportunity to receive grant funding.

THIS MOTION WAS REVISED.

Motion: Motion to approve entering into an agreement with Earprint Productions to create content for Guide by Cell tour of the art at SFOT2 for an amount not to exceed $15,000.
Moved: Beltan/Sklar

THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS MOVED FROM ITEM 5 TO ITEM 7.

7. William McKinley Monument
Marcus Davies

Senior Registrar Allison Cumming presented on behalf of Registrar Marcus Davies, an account of recent vandalism to the William McKinley monument located in the Panhandle. Ms. Cummings reported that the McKinley monument is the single most vandalized piece in the Civic Art Collection and much of staff time has been devoted to documenting damage, filing police reports and restoring its base. She informed the Commissioners that in May of 2011, Katie Dunbar (aka KKKatie) was caught and arrested for vandalizing the McKinley monument as well as other City property. Because of meticulous documentation of the vandalism carried out by Mr. Davies, the case was brought to court where Ms. Dunbar was convicted of a felony. Ms. Cummings noted that the Civic Art Collection staff is in the process of seeking compensation from the Dunbar family for the restoration of the monument base in the amount of $40,000 as estimated by Katy Untch, Director of Architectural Resource Group’s Conservations Services.

Ms. Cummings expressed that Civic Art Collection staff has begun discussions with the Recreation and Parks department to address solutions, including possible replanting of the area, up-lighting, and period-appropriate fencing. The staff also hopes to work with neighborhood associations, already a strong presence in the Panhandle, on seeking private funds for the monument’s care. Ms. Cumming concluded her presentation by commending the diligent efforts of Mr. Davies in addressing the vandalism of the McKinley monument over the past three years.

THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS MOVED FROM ITEM 6 TO ITEM 8.

8. San Francisco International Airport Terminal Two (“SFOT2”)
Susan Pontious

1. Janet Echelman

Project Manager Mary Chou presented, on behalf of Susan Pontious, the new net design for Janet Echelman’s sculptures at SFOT2. Ms. Chou explained that after the artwork was value engineered, it was determined that an alternate weaving technique would be more cost-effective. However, this new weaving technique would not allow for a band of color in the artist's original design. Ms. Chou showed images of the new net design for approval.

Motion: Motion to approve the value engineered inner net design for Janet Echelman’s sculptures at SFOT2.
Moved: Beltran/Sklar

Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to modify Public's contract to increase it from $215,738 to 235,738 for the increased cost of the net manufacturing for Janet Echelman's sculptures for SFOT2.
Moved: Beltran/Sklar

THIS ITEM WAS TABLED

2. Other SFOT2 Project Updates.

THIS ITEM WAS MOVED TO ITEM 5

3. Guide by Cell at SFOT2.

THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS MOVED FROM ITEM 8 TO ITEM 9.

9. New Business

Project Manager Judy Moran noted that the Artist Selection Panel for the Public Safety building will take place in late February or early March. She requested that one of the commissioners serve on the Panel. Both Commissioners Beltran and Sklar volunteered. Ms. Moran stated that one will be chosen at a later date on the basis of availability.

Ms. Manton reported that the San Francisco Arts Commission was asked to participate in the 75th Anniversary of Golden Gate Bridge celebration. An event or temporary public art installation may be commissioned.

Ms. Manton noted that she and Ms. Pontious had recently attended a fundraising event for the Memorial Court Veterans Memorial at the home of Dede Wilsey. Ms. Manton described Ms. Wilsey elegant residence and remarkable art collection. She mentioned that she approached Ms. Wilsey and asked her to consider hosting a benefit for ArtCare, to which Ms. Wilsey agreed. The Commissioners and San Francisco Arts Commission staff were excited and enthusiastic about the idea.

THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS MOVED FROM ITEM 9 TO ITEM 10.

10. Old Business

THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS MOVED FROM ITEM 10 TO ITEM 11.

11. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 4:33 p.m.

ZT 1/19/11
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Notices

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