December 18, 2013

 

The meeting commenced at 3:03 p.m.

1. Roll Call

Commissioners Present:
Commissioner Sklar
Commissioner Chew
Commissioner Keehn
Commissioner Silverman

Commissioners Absent:
President Beltran

2. Consent Calendar
Action

 

1. Motion to approve Jennie Emiré Rodríguez, Executive Director of Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, and Carolina Ponce de León, art critic, as potential panelists for upcoming public art selection panels in Fiscal Year 2013/2014.

2. Motion to approve and accept into the Civic Art Collection the commemorative sculpture, Adolph Sutro, 2013 by Jonah Hendrickson. The artwork measures 90 inches x 36 inches x 24 inches with a bronze sculpture bust of the former mayor Adolph Sutro mounted on a granite base with engraved text. The artwork is a gift to the City of San Francisco for City Hall from the United Humanitarian Mission. The final design was approved (Resolution No. 0401-13-101) and the artwork was dedicated on April 29, 2013.

3. Motion to retroactively approve and accept into the Civic Art Collection the artwork Games of the World, 1995, by Hilda Shum. The artwork is 18 inches x 36 inches, mixed-media on paper. The artwork is a proposal for the artwork by the same name commissioned for the San Francisco Mental Health Rehabilitation Facility at San Francisco General Hospital and accepted into the Civic Art Collection (Resolution No.0710-95-345).

4. Motion to approve and accept into the Civic Art Collection the artwork, Spirit and Nature Dancing Together, 2013 by Ron Moultrie Saunders. The artwork consists of four black-and-white photogram images, each on a 60 inch by 48 inch porcelain enamel panel. The artwork was commissioned for the San Francisco Public Library, Bayview Branch. The final installation was approved (Resolution No. 0401-13-096) and the artwork was dedicated on February 23, 2013.

5. Motion to approve and accept into the Civic Art Collection the artwork, Symbiotic Relationships, 2013 by Ron Moultrie Saunders. The artwork consists of five black-and-white photogram images. Each image is an archival pigment print on aluminum panel with plexi, measuring 44 inches by 55 inches. The artwork was commissioned for the San Francisco Public Library, Bayview Branch. The final installation was approved (Resolution No. 0401-13-096) and the artwork was dedicated on February 23, 2013.

6. Motion to approve the mural design by Clare Rojas to be temporarily installed on the Warfield Building (982 Market Street) from January 2014 to January 2015 with grant funds to the 509 Cultural Center from the San Francisco Arts Commission’s National Endowment for the Arts grant.

 

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment. There was no public comment.

Motion: Motion to approve consent calendar items.
Moved: Keehn/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

3. Market Street Temporary Art Installation
Jill Manton/Ben Davis
Action

Jill Manton, Director of Public Art Trust and Special Initiatives, introduced Ben Davis of Illuminate the Arts and artist George Zisiadis who presented a proposal for a privately funded, temporary artwork on Market Street called LightRail. Mr. Davis described the project as a two-mile LED light installation attached to the main catenary system on Market Street that seeks to activate the Market Street Corridor from The Embarcadero to Van Ness Avenue. He noted that the project is currently in a nascent stage and will require additional fundraising, multiple approvals and permits from various city entities, and technical solutions.

Commissioner Sklar asked why the project was being presented to the Arts Commission so early in the project’s development. Ms. Manton clarified that other city agencies wanted to gauge the Arts Commission’s interest before the artists and Illuminate the Arts embarked on a lengthy process of obtaining approvals. She suggested the motion be amended to approve the preliminary, rather than final, concept and to do so upon certain contingencies.

Commissioner Silverman asked if the artwork intended to have a daytime presence and how technical maintenance would be addressed. Mr. Davis said that he was looking into specific lighting technology that would be visible during the day. He added that installation, maintenance, and deinstallation would be included in the budget.

Commissioner Chew asked if the management or maintenance of the artwork would fall to the Arts Commission. Ms. Manton clarified that the Arts Commission’s only jurisdiction and responsibility is to approve the design.

Commissioner Keehn asked when the project is expected to be installed, how long it would be on view, how the installation timeline would affect street traffic, and what type of permits were necessary. Mr. Davis said that the project’s duration, installation timeline and completion date were all to be determined. He added that he hoped for a completion date sometime in 2014. Mr. Davis explained the Department of Public Works (“DPW”), The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Authority (“SFMTA”), the Public Utilities Commission (“PUC”), and possibly others would be consulted about necessary permits and impact on street traffic.

Commissioner Keehn asked what type of community outreach would be conducted for LightRail as she expects the project to impact many businesses and residents along the corridor. Mr. Davis said he intended to present the project to neighborhood meetings for feedback. Commissioner Keehn expressed concern that the project lacked sufficient community involvement.

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment.

Galleries Director Meg Shiffler and Simon Bertrang of DPW spoke in favor of the project.

Commissioner Keehn stated that while she was hired as an independent contractor for Illuminate the Arts’ project The Bay Lights, she was not connected to the LightRail project in any way.

THE FOLLOWING MOTION WAS REVISED

Motion: Motion to approve the preliminary concept for the project entitled LightRail designed by artists George Zisiadis and Stefano Corazza which consists of the installation of a two mile long LED artwork on Market Street from Van Ness Avenue to The Embarcadero which shall be managed by Illuminate the Arts to be contingent upon community outreach and support, final design approval, final implementation and maintenance budget, and approval of all relevant City agencies.
Moved: Silverman/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

4. Patricia’s Green Temporary Art Installation
Jill Manton
Action

Ms. Manton reported that the Arts Commission has received funding from the Capital Planning Committee to curate and manage the installation of temporary public art projects at Patricia’s Green in Hayes Valley, commencing 2014. Due to a yearly budget amount of $20,000 meant to cover all aspects of project implementation, Ms. Manton recommended a method to select artworks she felt was cost effective. The Arts Commission staff will present a short list of qualified artists with existing, exhibition ready artworks to the Visual Arts Committee (“VAC”) who would then select one for installation. Ms. Manton noted that she plans to inform the Capital Planning Committee, the Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association and the Hayes Valley Art Coalition of artist selection results.

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment. There was no public comment.

Motion: Motion to approve the proposed project outline for a temporary art installation at Patricia’s Green from mid-May, 2014 through mid-November 2014.
Moved: Keehn/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved

5. SFAC Galleries
Meg Shiffler
Action

Ms. Shiffler presented the artists for two upcoming SFAC Galleries exhibitions: a photography-based group show at City Hall presented in partnership with PhotoAlliance, and a new project at the SFAC Galleries Window Installation Site. She noted that the all programming for the SFAC Galleries in 2014 will be based on architecture. Ms. Shiffler presented the work of artists Steven Brock, Charles Byrne, DeWitt Cheng, Mark Citret, Janet Delaney, Dennis Hearne, Jason Tannen, Leo vanMunching, and Yelena Zhavoronkova who will exhibit at City Hall. Each artist will display a series of photographs on a particular San Francisco neighborhood without people present. Ms. Shiffler clarified that the artists’ honoraria for their involvement varies to reflect the different needs for printing and framing artwork. She then presented the work of artist Alexander Cheves who will exhibit a new project at the SFAC Galleries Window Installation Site in May 2014.

Ms. Shiffler noted that in conjunction with these exhibitions, public programs about architecture and the urban environment will be produced in partnership with SPUR.

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment. There was no public comment.

Motion: Motion to approve artist honoraria payments in the amount of: $1000 each to Janet Delaney and Charles Byrne; $700 each to DeWitt Cheng, Yelena Zhavoronkova, Dennis Hearne, and Steven Brock; $300 each to Jason Tannen, Mark Citret, and Leo vanMunching for their contributions to an exhibition at City Hall opening in February, 2014.
Moved: Silverman/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

Motion: Motion to approve an artist honorarium in the amount of $2000 to Alexander Cheves for his development and production of a new installation at the SFAC Galleries Window Installation Site opening in May 2014.
Moved: Keehn/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved

THE FOLLOWING ITEM MOVED FROM ITEM 7 TO ITEM 6

6. Marina Earthquake Memorial
Susan Pontious
Action

Program Director Susan Pontious presented a proposal to reallocate $435,894 in Art Enrichment funds generated by new construction of Fire Station 16 and the Public Safety Building to the Marina Earthquake Memorial Project. She requested to modify Merge Conceptual Design’s current contract for the Public Safety Building to develop a proposal for the memorial. Ms. Pontious explained that the proposal was presented to the Marina Earthquake Monument Committee (“MEMC”) who feels comfortable with this approach. She added that the project will be discussed with District 2 Supervisor Mark Farrell to strategize community outreach efforts and raise money for a maintenance endowment. She introduced Dennis Kennedy, Co-Chair of the MEMC, to speak on behalf of the group.

Mr. Kennedy said that the MEMC had been working for over ten years to create a memorial where people could gather annually reflect on the importance of earthquake preparedness. He thanked Ms. Pontious for her efforts and stated he was grateful the memorial would finally come to fruition.

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment. There was no public comment.

Motion: Motion to approve the project outline for the Marina Earthquake Memorial Project, which calls for creating an artwork commemorating the San Francisco Fire Department and Marina community’s response to the Loma Prieta Earthquake, and approval to re-allocate $435,894 in art enrichment funds generated by new construction of Fire Station 16 and the Public Safety Building to the Marina Earthquake Memorial.
Moved: Silverman/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to modify Merge Conceptual Design’s contract to modify their scope of work to develop a design for the Marina Earthquake Memorial.
Moved: Keehn/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved

7. 2013/14 Two-Dimensional Artwork Registry
Zoë Taleporos
Action

Program Associate Zoë Taleporos reported on the Artist Selection Panel’s recommendations for the 2013/14 Two-Dimensional Artwork Registry. She reminded the Commissioners that the Registry will be used during the 2013/14 Fiscal Year to identify two-dimensional artworks for purchase or reproduction to be displayed in civic buildings. Ms. Taleporos noted that the panel reviewed the portfolios of 516 artists’ applications. Using a numeric scoring system based on a set of criteria advertised in the Request for Proposals, the panel identified 102 artists that fell within a competitive range to be included in the Registry. Ms. Taleporos mentioned that the panel to select two-dimensional artworks for the new General Hospital Acute Care Building will take place in January. She showed examples of work from the Registry that will be presented at that panel for consideration.

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment. There was no public comment.

Motion: Motion to approve the following artists for the 2013/14 Two-Dimensional Artwork Registry:
Jessalyn Aaland
Nora Akino
Lennell Allen
Kathy Aoki
Deborah Aschheim
Amy Auerbach
Jo Babcock
Rob Badger
Hyun Ji Bae
Jennifer Bain
John Bankston
Tom Baril
Suzy Barnard
Brian Barneclo
Steve Bartlett
Louisiana Bendolph
Timothy Berry
Leo Bersamina
Marianne Bland
Val Britton
Christopher Brown
Mark Brown
Squeak Carnwath
Vicky Chen
James Chronister
Patricia Claro
Greg Colson
Elaine Coombs
Alika Cooper
Beatrice Coron
Counterpoint Studio
Binh Danh
Eileen David
Peter de Lory
Michael Eade
Christina Empedocles
Kota Ezawa
Evah Fan
Caio Fonseca
Bernadette Jiyong Frank
Annie Galvin
Cliff Garten
Carmen Lomas Garza
Linda Gass
Sheila Ghidini
Stanley Goldstein
Rachel Granofsky
Isca Greenfield-Sanders
Michael Hall
Frederick Hayes
Adrienne Heloise
Sonja Hinrichsen
Ophelia Ho
Cynthia Innis
Josie Iselin
Diane Jacobs
Ivy Jacobsen
Chris Johanson
David Johnson
Kevin B. Jones
Todd Lanam
Beryl Landau
Bovey Lee
Katja Leibenath
Lisa Levine
Hung Liu
Peter Loftus
Steven Lopez
Sharon Louden
Reagan Louie
Paul Madonna
Kara Maria
Kegan Marling
Vanessa Marsh
Adam McCauley
Nikki McClure
Robert Minervini
Kelly Neidig
Kelly Ording
Siddharth Parasnis
Maria Park
Hendrik Paul
Tahiti Pehrson
Michele Ramirez
Eric Rewitzer
Lance Rivers
Mary Robertson
Lordy Rodriguez
Clare Rojas
Rom Moultrie Saunders
Shan Shan Sheng
Jenn Shifflet
Tim Sullivan
Deth P. Sun
Seiko Tacchibana
Jason Tannen
David Tomb
Martin Webb
Pamela Wilson-Ryckman
Sarah Winkler
Lena Wolf
June Yokell
Moved: Silverman/Keehn
The motion was unanimously approved

8. Glen Park Recreation Center
Justine Topfer
Action

Project Manager Justine Topfer presented the Public Art Project Outline for the Glen Park Recreation Center. Ms. Topfer explained that the center is undertaking an extensive renovation that will include a new auditorium, outdoor classrooms, and other features. She noted that a variety of artwork opportunities exist at the site and no one artwork location had been predetermined. However, the community has expressed a desire for the artwork to enhance and possibly integrate into the natural landscape surrounding the center. Ms. Topfer added that an Artist Selection Panel will identify three or more finalists to make artwork proposals. At that time, the finalists will have an orientation with the project team to discuss the possibilities of the site. She requested Commissioner participation on the Artist Selection Panel. Commissioners Silverman and Chew volunteered.

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment. There was no public comment.

Motion: Motion to approve the Public Art Project Outline for the Glen Park Recreation Center.
Moved: Silverman/Keehn
The motion was unanimously approved

9. Randall Museum
Justine Topfer
Action

Ms. Topfer reported that the Randall Museum is undertaking a renovation of their facilities that will enhance several of their key areas, and provide additional classroom and exhibition space. There are several locations at the site that are considered opportunities for a new public artwork. One potential location is the renovated lobby, which will include a glass façade entrance, skylight and atrium. The atrium will span from the skylight to the ground floor. A concrete wall will comprise the back of the atrium. A two-dimensional or sculptural art opportunity exists in relationship to this space: for either the wall or the atrium. Ms. Topfer noted that the artwork should reflect the mission of the Randall Museum, address the confluence of art and science, and respond to the natural environment. She explained that while the renovation of the museum was generating Art Enrichment funding for the new public artwork, funds remained from an artwork previously installed at the site by the artist Charles Sowers. Those funds will be pooled to create a total budget of $96,000. Ms. Topfer said that an Artist Selection Panel will choose three or more finalists to be interviewed for the project. From the interviews, the panel will select one artist to create a new commission for the site, based on their previous work. She requested Commissioner participation on the Artist Selection Panel. Commissioners Silverman and Chew volunteered.

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment. There was no public comment.

Motion: Motion to approve the Public Art Project Outline for the Randall Museum.
Moved: Silverman/Keehn
The motion was unanimously approved

10. Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series
Justine Topfer
Action

Ms. Topfer presented Anthony Discenza’s conceptual proposal for the 2014/15 Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series and requested an increase to the project budget to compensate for an augmented scope of work. While the artist had originally proposed to create six or more original poster designs, he will now create 36. Ms. Topfer explained that the Arts Commission had approved the artist’s conceptual proposal and contract in July of 2013. However, because the contract was never executed, Ms. Topfer requested the original resolution be rescinded.

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment. There was no public comment.

Motion: Motion to rescind RESOLUTION NO. 1007-13-244 to approve the conceptual proposal by Anthony Discenza for the 2014-15 Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series and to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with the artist to develop and complete six (or more) unique poster designs for an amount not to exceed $8,000.
Moved: Chew/Keehn
The motion was unanimously approved

THE FOLLOWING MOTION WAS REVISED

Motion: Motion to approve the conceptual proposal by Anthony Discenza for the 2014/15 Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series and to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with the artist to develop and complete 36 unique poster designs for an amount not to exceed $12,000.
Moved: Chew/Keehn
The motion was unanimously approved

11. San Francisco International Airport: Terminal 3, Boarding Area E
 

 

A. Entrance Sculpture and Two-Dimensional Art
Justine Topfer
Discussion

Ms. Topfer reminded the Commissioners of the new public art opportunities at San Francisco International Airport: Terminal 3, Boarding Area E: a sculpture marking the entryway, and a series of two-dimensional artworks. She stated that a Request for Qualifications/Proposals had been issued with a deadline of January 13, 2014. She invited the Commissioners to send recommendations of artists to outreach to. She then requested Commissioner participation on the Artist Selection Panel for two-dimensional artworks. Commissioner Sklar volunteered.

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment.

Paula Datesh commented that the Arts Commission should allocate money to maintain artwork at the airport.

B. Merge Conceptual Design
Marcus Davies, Franka Diehnelt of Merge Conceptual Design
Action

Project Manager Marcus Davies introduced Franka Diehnelt of Merge Conceptual Design to present the final lighting design for a sculpture at San Francisco International Airport: Terminal 3, Boarding Area E. Ms. Diehnelt described the project as 27 stainless steel hanging spheres whose rims are lined with LED lighting strips. She explained that the lighting is programed to change over the course of the day, mimicking hues cast by the sun. Ms. Diehnelt noted how the speed and patterns of the light changes are still to be finalized. Mr. Davies added that at test session will be conducted at the project site where the artists may make necessary adjustments.

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment. There was no public comment.

Motion: Motion to approve the Construction Document Phase deliverables (final lighting design) for a sculpture by Merge Conceptual Design at San Francisco International Airport: Terminal 3, Boarding Area E.
Moved: Chew/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved

 

12. Palega Recreation Center
Marcus Davies
Action

Mr. Davies presented the final ceramic tile mosaic, Windmills, by Kelly Ording as installed at Palega Recreation Center. Mr. Davies reminded the Commissioners that the imagery was inspired by the agricultural history of the Palega neighborhood. He noted that the 16’ high by 38’ long artwork was fabricated by Pippa Murray Mosaics, and commented on the high quality and detail the artist and fabricator were able to achieve.

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment. There was no public comment.

Motion: Motion to approve the installation of a ceramic tile mosaic, titled Windmills, 2013 by Kelly Ording, at Palega Recreation Center.
Moved: Silverman/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

13. North Beach Branch Library
Mary Chou
Action

Program Director Susan Pontious presented on behalf of Project Manager Mary Chou. She reported that Ms. Chou and a group of stakeholders conducted a studio visit with Bill Fontana to preview the final sound-based artwork for the North Beach Branch Library. She mentioned how Commissioner Keehn was present at the studio visit, and invited her to recount her experience. Commissioner Keehn said the artist presented a variety of interwoven, recorded sounds representing the North Beach neighborhood including: Lawrence Ferlinghetti poems, café sounds, bird calls and others. She spoke favorably of the work and noted how the artist’s next step is to test the recording on site.

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment. There was no public comment.

Motion: Motion to approve the Final Design Phase deliverable by Bill Fontana for the North Beach Branch Library.
Moved: Silverman/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

14. Central Subway: Yerba Buena/Moscone Station Construction Barricade Temporary Art  
Jennifer Lovvorn
Action

Senior Project Manager Jennifer Lovvorn presented the Final Design phase deliverables by Randy Colosky for the Central Subway Yerba Buena/Moscone Station construction barricade on Folsom Street. Ms. Lovvorn noted how the artist had adjusted his color palette to include less pastels based on a previous directive from the VAC. She explained that the new color palette was developed by the artist specifically in response to the surrounding neighborhood of the project site.

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment. There was no public comment.

Motion: Motion to approve the Final Design Phase deliverables (rendering) by Randy Colosky for the Central Subway Yerba Buena/Moscone Station Construction Barricade along Folsom Street to be on display for one year beginning in early 2014 (exact date to be determined).
Moved: Chew/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved

15. Coit Memorial Tower Mural Conservation Project
Allison Cummings
Discussion

Senior Registrar Allison Cummings reported that the Coit Memorial Tower Mural Conservation Project is expected to commence shortly. The building restoration project, overseen by the Recreation and Parks Department is currently underway, and Coit Tower will be closed to the public until spring 2014. She noted that once the construction is complete, a mural assessment will be conducted and conservation will begin. Ms. Cummings stated that conservation efforts are anticipated to begin in March 2014 and possibly continue after the tower is re-opened, providing a good opportunity to share the process with the public.

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment.

Richard Rothman spoke in favor of the Coit Memorial Tower Mural Conservation Project.

16. Public Safety Building – Police Memorial
Mary Chou
Discussion

Ms. Pontious presented on behalf of Ms. Chou and provided an update on the installation of artwork by Shimon Attie at the Public Safety Building. Ms. Pontious explained how Ms. Chou hoped to share images of the completed artwork, as it was schedule to be installed before the VAC meeting. However, due to unexpected difficulties in the complicated installation, the project was running behind schedule. Ms. Pontious noted that Ms. Chou was currently at the project site overseeing the installation which is expected to be complete before the end of the month.

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment. There was no public comment.

17. Southeast Community Facility
Mary Chou
Discussion

Ms. Pontious presented on behalf of Ms. Chou and shared the results of the final artist selection panel for the Southeast Community Facility (“SECF”) Public Art Project. Ms. Pontious explained that the panel was comprised of a SECF Commissioner, two arts professionals, a community representative, and a representative from the PUC. She noted that after viewing four artwork proposals, the panel felt that none were strong enough to address the entire facility. The panel did, however, feel that the three highest scoring proposals had elements that would work well for the space. The SECF Commissioner suggested dividing the project opportunity among the three artists and allow them to produce a truncated version of their proposal. Ms. Pontious presented the three highest scoring proposals from artists t.w. five, Kipp Kobayashi, and Ron Saunders, pointing out elements that were favorable to the panel. She also noted the areas of the facility that may be best for each work. The Commissioners discussed the panel’s recommendation and agreed that it was a good solution. They specifically noted how they would like to see Mr. Saunders develop new imagery for the site.

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment. There was no public comment.

18. Alameda Creek Watershed Center
Mary Chou
Discussion

Ms. Taleporos requested on behalf of Ms. Chou for a Commissioner to serve on Alameda Creek Watershed Center Public Art Selection Panel, anticipated to take place early February 2014 and first week of May 2014. Commissioners Chew and Silverman said they may be available, but would like to give President Beltran an opportunity to participate.

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment. There was no public comment.

19. Public Comment
Discussion

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment.

Paula Datesh commented that the Arts Commission’s office was closed for a staff meeting on an occasion when she wished to pay a Street Artist licensing fee. She expressed her frustration with the Street Artist Program and the Arts Commission in general, and said she no longer had an interest in the agency. Ms. Datesh commented that an artwork at San Francisco International Airport was in disrepair and needed to be conserved.

20. New Business, Old Business, and Announcements
Discussion

There was no new business, old business, or announcements.

21. Adjournment
Action

The meeting was adjourned at 4:57 p.m.

ZT 1/3/14

Translated written materials and interpretation services are available to you at no cost.
For assistance, please notify Zoë Taleporos, zoe.taleporos@sfgov.org, 415-252-3215.

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，Zoë Taleporos, zoe.taleporos@sfgov.org, 415-252-3215.

Materiales traducidos y servicios de interpretación están disponibles para usted de manera gratuita.
Para asistencia, notifique a Zoë Taleporos, zoe.taleporos@sfgov.org, 415-252-3215