Visual Arts Committee - October 18, 2017 - Minutes

Meeting Date: 
October 18, 2017 - 3:00pm
Location: 
401 Van Ness Avenue
Room 125
San Francisco, CA 94102
SAN FRANCISCO ARTS COMMISSION
VISUAL ARTS COMMITTEE
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
3 p.m.
401 Van Ness Avenue, Room 125
San Francisco, CA 94102
________________________________________
 
Minutes 
 
Visual Arts Committee Members:
JD Beltran, President
Mary Jung
Dorka Keehn, Chair
Jessica Silverman
Barbara Sklar 
 
1. Call to Order, Roll Call, and Agenda Changes
 
Commissioners Present:
President Beltran
Commissioner Jung
Commissioner Keehn
 
Commissioners Absent:
Commissioner Silverman 
Commissioner Sklar
 
The meeting commenced at 3:03 p.m.
 
Commissioner Keehn announced that Item #7 was tabled.
 
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
 
2. General Public Comment
Discussion 
 
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
 
3. Consent Calendar
Action
 
1. Motion to rescind Resolution No. 1002-17-261, which authorized a $600,000 increase of the contract with Kiboworks to extend the linear footage of the Jenny Holzer artwork at the Transbay Transit Center by 110 linear feet for a new total linear footage of 200 feet and a contract amount not to exceed $1,340,000.
 
2. Motion to approve a $600,000 increase to the contract with Kiboworks, Inc. to increase the height of the Jenny Holzer LED artwork at the Transbay Transit Center to a maximum of 15 feet and the length of the artwork to a new total ranging from 173 to 200 linear feet. The total amount of the contract with Kiboworks shall not exceed $1,340,000.
 
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
 
Motion: Motion to approve consent calendar items.
Moved: Beltran/Jung
The motion was unanimously approved
 
4. SFAC Galleries
Jackie Im
Action
 
SFAC Galleries Associate Curator, Jackie Im presented the upcoming SFAC Main Gallery exhibition, Conversation 7. Ms. Im shared that Conversation is ongoing series of exhibitions featuring a local artist paired alongside an international or national artist. The exhibition will take place February 9 through April 7, 2018. Ms. Im stated that Conversation 7 is a two-person exhibition and the Galleries is currently looking for the second artist to join artist Kenyatta A.C. Hinkle. The two artists will work closely in production and the exhibition will highlight how artists from our region contribute to the international contemporary art dialogue.
 
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
 
Motion: Motion to approve artist honorarium for the research and development of works in the SFAC Main Gallery exhibition, Conversation 7 (opening February 2018): Kenyatta A.C. Hinkle $3,000.
Moved: Jung/Beltran
The motion was unanimously approved
 
5. In Chan Kaajal Park – Carmen Lomas Garza
Justine Topfer 
Action
 
Project Manager Justine Topfer presented images of the installed artwork by Carmen Lomas Garza for In Chan Kaajal Park. The installed artwork consists of two painted water-jet cut steel fence panels. 
 
Commissioner Keehn stated that In Chan Kaajal Park on 17th and Folsom Streets is greatly used and enjoyed by the neighboring community.
 
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
 
Motion: Motion to approve as installed, The Great Blue Heron, 2017, painted water-jet cut steel panel, and The California Condor, 2017, painted water-jet cut steel panel, by Carmen Lomas Garza for In Chan Kaajal Park at 17th and Folsom Streets. 
Moved: Beltran/Jung
The motion was unanimously approved
 
6. San Francisco International Airport
 
A. International Terminal, Boarding Area G, Gate Room 100 – Kota Ezawa
Justine Topfer
Action
 
Ms. Topfer presented images of the installed artwork by Kota Ezawa for San Francisco International Airport: International Terminal, Boarding Area G, Gate Room 100. Ms. Topfer stated that the installation of the artwork required a spider crane because of the large pieces measuring at 26 feet by 30 feet. Ms. Topfer mentioned that the artwork as a lot of dimensionality with a depth of 18 inches of three layers of plywood.
 
Commissioners Beltran and Keehn expressed their excitement for how great the installed artwork looked in the Gate Room space.
 
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
 
Motion: Motion to approve the artwork, Mondrian Meets the Beatles, 2017 by Kota Ezawa as installed at the San Francisco International Airport: International Terminal, Boarding Area G, Gate Room 100.
Moved: Beltran/Jung
The motion was unanimously approved
 
B. Long Term Parking Garage 2 
Justine Topfer
Action
 
Ms. Topfer presented the selected finalists for the San Francisco International Airport: Long Term Parking Garage project. The artist selection panel met on October 3, 2017, where panelists were given an overview of the Long Term Parking Garage art opportunity for a glass façade. Ms. Topfer thanked Commissioner Silverman for serving on the panel. The panelists were presented with qualifications from 12 artists and selected five finalists. The artist selection panel selected artists Larry Bell, Jim Campbell, Johanna Grawunder, Jennifer Steinkamp, and Diana Thater.
 
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
 
Motion: Motion to approve the selected finalists, Larry Bell, Jim Campbell, Johanna Grawunder, Jennifer Steinkamp, and Diana Thater as recommended by the artist selection panel for the San Francisco International Airport: Long Term Parking Garage Project.
Moved: Jung/Beltran
The motion was unanimously approved
 
C. Terminal 1, South Courtyard 
Justine Topfer
Action
 
Ms. Topfer presented the public art project outline for San Francisco International Airport: Terminal 1, South Courtyard. The South Courtyard will be located at the entrance of the newly redeveloped Terminal 1. There will be three sculpture opportunities for the South Courtyard and Ms. Topfer is looking for sculpture artists who can complement the existing furniture and landscape architecture. Ms. Topfer stated that there will be a panel in November, which will include the three South Courtyard opportunities, as well as the sculpture opportunities in the International Terminal, Boarding Area G, and SFO Hotel. The budget for the Terminal 1, South Courtyard three sculpture opportunities is about $900,000.
 
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
 
Motion: Motion to approve the public art project outline for the San Francisco International Airport: Terminal 1, South Courtyard.
Moved: Jung/Beltran
The motion was unanimously approved
 
D.  International Terminal, Boarding Area G
Marcus Davies
Action
 
Project Manager Marcus Davies, presented the public art project outline for San Francisco International Airport: International Terminal, Boarding Area G. Mr. Davies stated the art opportunity in the International Terminal, Boarding Area G is for an outdoor terrace that will include raised planters and landscape design. There will be three sculpture opportunities, likely by one artist, for the outdoor terrace. Mr. Davies shared that this is the second half of the International Terminal refresh for the passenger areas. This public art project will be part of the artist selection panel in November Ms. Topfer mentioned previously. The artist contract will be up $597,000 for the three sculpture opportunities. 
 
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
 
Motion: Motion to approve the public art project outline for San Francisco International Airport: International Terminal, Boarding Area G
Moved: Jung/Beltran
The motion was unanimously approved
 
THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS TABLED
7. Southeast Wastewater Treatment Plant (SEP) – Headworks Building
Mary Chou with Artist Norie Sato
Action
 
Presentation of the revised design (transition between artwork and building) for the Headworks Building.
 
Motion: Motion to approve revised design (transition between artwork and building) for the Headworks Building of the Southeast Wastewater Treatment Plant.
 
8.  Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series 
Zoë Taleporos
Action
 
Project Manager Zoë Taleporos presented the selected finalists for the 2018 Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series. The artist selection panel met on October 16, 2017, where six finalists presented their proposal for the 2018 Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series. The theme of the 2018 series is Exploring San Francisco as a Sanctuary City. The artist selection panel selected artist Miguel Arzabe, Sofía Córdova, Rodney Ewing, and Weston Teruya, and their conceptual proposals. 
 
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
 
Motion: Motion to approve artists Miguel Arzabe, Sofía Córdova, Rodney Ewing, and Weston
Teruya, and their conceptual proposals for the 2018 Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series as recommended by the artist selection panel. 
Moved: Jung/Beltran
The motion was unanimously approved
 
Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contracts with Miguel Arzabe, Sofía Córdova, Rodney Ewing, and Weston Teruya, for an amount not exceed $10,000 each for the 2018 Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series. 
Moved: Beltran/Jung
The motion was unanimously approved
 
9. Golden Gate Tennis Center 
Zoë Taleporos
Action
 
Ms. Taleporos presented the selected finalists for the Golden Gate Tennis Center Public Art Project. The artist selection panel met on October 17, 2017, where panelists were given an overview of the Golden Gate Park Tennis Center art opportunity. The panelists were presented with qualifications from 17 artists and selected three finalists. The artist selection panel selected artists David Huffman, Sanaz Mazinani, and Muzae Sesay. 
 
Ms. Taleporos presented the selected location to the Committee. The art opportunity will be for two-dimensional artwork on the façade of clubhouse, near the youth and education center entrance. This art opportunity will be viewable from a pathway in the park. The materiality of the two-dimensional artwork is yet to be determined.
 
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
 
Motion: Motion to approve David Huffman, Sanaz Mazinani, and Muzae Sesay as finalists for the Golden Gate Tennis Center Public Art Project as recommended by the artist selection panel.
Moved: Beltran/Jung
The motion was unanimously approved
 
10. Geneva Powerhouse
Susan Pontious
Action
 
Civic Art Collection and Public Art Program Director Susan Pontious presented the public art project outline for the Geneva Powerhouse Public Art Project. The Geneva Powerhouse is a conversion of current Muni Facilities into a new community facility and art center. The interior of the Powerhouse will be used for exhibits and performances. The art budget for this project is $125,000. 
 
Ms. Pontious was then joined by the Capital Partnerships Project Director at Recreation and Parks Department, Nicole Avril, to provide supplemental information about the Geneva Powerhouse public art project outline. 
 
Ms. Pontious stated that there were two major art opportunities. The first art opportunity is in the interior entry to the facility, where there is a two-story wall on the north side of the building. The second opportunity is in the floor of the Powerhouse. Ms. Pontious stated that architects are designing vitrines that will be covered in glass, where the envision that historical artifacts from the Powerhouse and tunnels could be displayed. The architects suggested that these historical artifacts could be used by an artist to create new sculptures to be showcased in the vitrines.  
 
Commissioner Keehn asked if the artist would be allowed to adapt and change the artifacts. 
 
Ms. Avril stated that the artists would be allowed to adapt the artifacts for a new sculpture. She also stated the vitrines will be installed to cover the already existing holes from old generators in the ground. Lighting will be included. 
 
Ms. Pontious stated that the budget for the Powerhouse only allows for an artist to address one of the opportunities. She stated that the Commission could select a site, or give the finalist the choice of which site to address. 
 
The Commissioners agreed that they would like the finalists to select the site for their proposal so that the creativity could be left up to the artists.
 
Ms. Avril further commented on the wall opportunity by stating it is a historic wall that needed to be left intact. Ms. Pontious said that requirement would not be an issue for the Arts Commission staff. Ms. Pontious stated that for this opportunity, it might be best to select an artist that works with sculpture or light. 
 
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
 
Motion: Motion to approve the public art project outline for Geneva Powerhouse.
Moved: Beltran/Jung 
The motion was unanimously approved
 
11. Yerba Buena Public Art Asset Transfer
Allison Cummings and Susan Pontious
Action
 
Senior Registrar Allison Cummings and Ms. Pontious presented the proposed jurisdiction transfer of public art assets located at the Yerba Buena Gardens, from the Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure to the City and County of San Francisco. Ms. Cummings stated that at this preliminary stage of the property transfer to the City, there is still a conversation to be had regarding long-term maintenance of the artwork.
 
Director of Cultural Affairs Tom DeCaigny stated that the Arts Commission is waiting on additional data from MJM Management Group, detailing the maintenance requirements of ownership, and Ms. Cummings is working with a contract conservator to assess the current condition of the assets. Ms. Cummings will bring the report back to the Committee to present the best determination for the art maintenance and management structure. The final decision for the art asset transfer will be made by the Board of Supervisors with the Yerba Buena Conservancy.
 
Ms. Cummings listed the art on the asset transfer, including the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. Ms. Cummings stated there are multiple components to the memorial, including the art glass elements, paving, and a monumental waterfall fountain. Ms. Pontious asked if the Arts Commission staff was going to take maintenance responsibility for the waterfall. Ms. Cummings replied that responsibility for maintenance of the waterfall will be negotiated.
 
Director DeCaigny stated pending Arts Commission staff review, the staff will return to the Committee with a formal recommendation for art transfer and maintenance structures. 
 
Ms. Cummings added that the Arts Commission Staff is currently having the artwork assessed by a conservator to provide a 30-year maintenance plan. Director DeCaigny stated how important the conservator assessment is for the clarity of the maintenance of the artworks, which will support conversations with the stakeholders when developing a proposal. This will also support the conversation about fund sources for the maintenance of the artwork. Director DeCaigny concluded that the Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure developed specific historical agreements for the care of the artwork, which will express the current maintenance of the selected artworks considered for transfer. 
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
 
Motion: Motion to approve the transfer of the public art assets associated with the Yerba Buena Center Redevelopment Project to the City and County of San Francisco, pending staff review of asset documentation, current artwork conditions and ongoing maintenance needs, and pending Board of Supervisors approval. These artworks were commissioned by the Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure (formerly San Francisco Redevelopment Agency) in the early 1990s.
Moved: Beltran/Jung
The motion was unanimously approved
 
12. New Business, Old Business, and Announcements
Discussion
 
Ms. Im announced that the SFAC Galleries Passport event will take place Sunday, October 22, 2017. Passport is a flagship event hosted by the SFAC Galleries and partners with the Mayor’s Investment Programs. The SFAC Galleries also partners a local business with an artist who created a stamp for participants’ passport notebooks. Passport will take place in the middle Polk neighborhood and feature stamps from 16 artists, with 18 participating venues. A passport can be purchased for $25 at the SFAC Main Gallery or on the Arts Commission website.
 
President Beltran shared the event, Culture Track, at Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture on Wednesday, October 25, 2017. Culture Track is a three-year data study that brings together all in the art world to discuss the future of culture and art through data focusing on audience trends. The Culture Track event will feature a panel of arts professionals discussing the results from the three-year data study of over 4,000 people tracking their ideas and thoughts about culture and creativity. The event is free and starts at 6:00 p.m. on October 25, 2017.
 
Commissioner Keehn announced Sites Unseen will be launching artist Hank Willis Thomas’ first permanent public art installation on Thursday, November 9, 2017 in Annie Alley. At 6:00 p.m., there will be an artist talk at the California Historical Society. The lighting of the artwork will be at 7:00 p.m. 
 
President Beltran announced that Friday, November 10, 2017 is the grand opening for the San Francisco Art Institute Graduate Facility at Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture. Commissioner Keehn added that she did a tour of the new facility with Commissioner Woolford and Director DeCaigny. The new graduate facility will feature 160 artist studios and 3,300 square feet of exhibition galleries.
 
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
 
13. Adjournment
Action
 
The meeting adjourned at 3:57 p.m.
 
posted AT 11/1/17 11:20 a.m.
approved  11/6/17
 
Notices
 
Translated written materials and interpretation services are available to you at no cost.
 
For assistance, please notify Alyssa Torres, alyssa.m.torres@sfgov.org, 415-252-2219.
 
我們將為閣下提供免費的書面翻譯資料和口譯服務。
 
如需協助,Alyssa Torres, alyssa.m.torres@sfgov.org, 415-252-2219.
 
Materiales traducidos y servicios de interpretación están disponibles para usted de manera gratuita. Para asistencia, notifique a Alyssa Torres, alyssa.m.torres@sfgov.org, 415-252-2219.
 
Ang mga materyales na nakasalin sa ibang wika at ang mga serbisyong tagapagsalin sa wika ay walang bayad. Para sa tulong, maaring i-contact si a Alyssa Torres, alyssa.m.torres@sfgov.org, 415-252-2219.