City and County of San FranciscoSan Francisco Arts Commission

January 15, 2014 Minutes

Visual Arts Committee - January 15, 2014
SAN FRANCISCO ARTS COMMISSION
VISUAL ARTS COMMITTEE
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
3 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70
San Francisco, CA 94102
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Minutes
 

 

The meeting commenced at 3:09 p.m.

 

1. Roll Call 

Commissioners Present:
JD Beltran, President
Barbara Sklar, Chair
Gregory Chew
Dorka Keehn 

Commissioners Absent:
Jessica Silverman

Consent Calendar 
Action

1.Motion to approve the mural design, A Song for the Portola, by Jason Jagel to be installed in Burrows Park along Route 101 and Burrows Street, pending final approval from the State Department of Transportation. The project is sponsored by Architecture for Humanity.

2.Motion to approve and accept into the Civic Art Collection the ceramic tile mosaic, Windmills, 2013 by Kelly Ording. The artwork is 16 feet high by 38 feet long and was fabricated by Pippa Murray Mosaics. The mural was commissioned for Palega Recreation Center.

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

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

THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS TABLED 

3.  General Hospital Acute Care Building: Two-Dimensional Artwork Program
Zoë Taleporos
Action

Explanatory Documents: Panel Summary; Images of Selected Artworks 
Presentation Time: Approximately 7 minutes

Presentation of the selected artworks for the General Hospital Acute Care Building: Two-Dimensional Artwork Program. 

Motion: Motion to approve the following artworks recommended by the General Hospital Acute Care Building: Two-Dimensional Artwork Program Artist Selection Panel for reproduction and installation at the General Hospital Acute Care Building: (list of artworks to be provided at meeting). 

Motion: Motion to pay the following artists an honorarium of $1,000 in return for license to the City to make a limited edition of reproduction of their following artworks for display in public waiting rooms and corridors at the General Hospital Acute Care Building: (list of artists and artworks to be provided at meeting).

4.  Glen Canyon Park Recreation Center 
Justine Topfer
Action

Ms. Topfer presented the results of the Artist Selection Panel for the for Glen Canyon Park Recreation Center.  She gave an overview of the three selected finalists: Mark Brest Van Kempen, a Bay Area site-specific land artist; John Roloff, who has created numerous public art projects usually with an environmental focus; and Chris Sollars, a San Francisco, Mission-based artist that works within the theme of investigation and reclamation of public space through urban interventions using found objects.

Commissioner Keehn asked for clarification of the art opportunity and budget. The total budget is $150,000, with an artist budget of approximately $96,000. 

President Beltran commented on the strong selection of the artists and that she knows recreation center well. She stated the art will enliven the secluded space. 

Ms. Topfer concluded by stating that there will a site visit with the artists on February 6, 2014 and the Final Selection Panel had not been chosen yet but will likely be at the beginning of April.

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

Motion: Motion to approve the three selected finalists: Mark Brest Van Kempen, John Roloff, Chris Sollars, (and an alternate, Scott Oliver) for the Glen Canyon Park Recreation Center Public Art Project as recommended by the Glen Canyon Park Recreation Center Public Art Selection Panel.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

5.  Randall Museum 
Justine Topfer
Action

Ms. Topfer presented the results of the Artist Selection Panel for the Randall Musuem.   She gave an overview of the three selected finalists: Ball-Nouges Studio, who is based in Los Angeles whose practice sits at the intersection of architecture, art, and industrial design;  Ben Trautman, an Oakland-based artist who creates sculptures combining organic and mechanical forms; and Smith|Allen a collaborative team, also based in Oakland, who’s practice encompasses digital craft. All the artists combine science and technology in a creative way. It is the desire of the Randall Museum that the art reflect their mission to present a confluence of art and science.

Commissioner Chew asked to clarify the art opportunities. Ms.Topfer explained that the exact location hasn’t been determined yet, but there will likely be an opportunity to create a 2D wall piece or a hanging sculpture in the atrium of the lobby. There will be a site visit on February 3 with the artists and designers to discuss the possibilities. 

President Beltran asked for the budget of the project. The total budget is $96,000, with an artist budget of approximately $63,000.

Commissioner Chew commented that many of the visitors will be school children and that should factor into the artists’ proposals. 
 
Commissioner Sklar called for public comment. There was no public comment.

Motion: Motion to approve the three selected finalists: Smith|Allen, Ball-Nouges Studio, Ben Trautman, (and an alternate, Jay Atherton) for the Randall Museum Public Art Project as recommended by the Randall Museum Public Art Selection Panel.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

6. San Francisco International Airport: Terminal 1, Sculpture Opportunity
Justine Topfer
Action

Ms. Topfer presented the Public Art Project Outline for the San Francisco International Airport: Terminal 1, Sculpture Opportunity. The new opportunity is part of the control tower project and the sculpture will serve as a wayfinding element from the exit of Boarding Area C into the connector site. The rough dimensions of the location are 25 feet by 25 feet. 

Ms.Pontious explained that the connector site is behind security but will still be visible from the non-secure meeting area.

Commissioner Keehn asked for the budget. Ms. Topfer stated it may be up to $400,000.  She also explained she would be folding the artist selections into the Artist Selection Panel for the Terminal 3 sculpture taking place next week. Commissioner Keehn questioned that idea, stating that it was not enough time for major artists and galleries to respond to Request for Qualifications (“RFQ”), especially with holidays.
  
Ms. Pontious explained that Terminal 3 has a fast timeline, and plans must move forward as scheduled. However, Terminal 1 has more flexible timeline. If the applicants to the RFQ do not yield the results desired the RFQ can be reposted.

Director DeCaigny explained that Director of Communications Kate Patterson is also working hard at getting the word out about the RFQ’s. She has forwarded these calls to arts networks and will continue to support Public Art with all RFQ endeavors. 

Commissioner Sklar 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, Sculpture Opportunity.
Moved: Beltran/Keehn
The motion was unanimously approved

7. Public Plaza at Clementina and Fourth Streets
Jennifer Lovvorn
Action

Senior Project Manager Jennifer Lovvorn gave an update on the process of contracting with Roxy Paine to produce a sculpture for the public plaza at Clementina and Fourth Streets. Due to the City’s indemnification requirements, Roxy Paine’s studio has requested that the scope of work be split and that the fabrication be contracted directly with the fabricator.

Commissioner Keehn stated that she would be interested in having further policy discussion about the City’s indemnity requirements and stated that it may be a barrier for artists to enter into contract with the City. 

Director Tom DeCaigny commented that while the indemnification requirement is currently non-negotiable and is contained in all City contracts, he has been in discussion about this with the Office of Small Business as it aligns with similar small business concerns citywide.

Ms. Lovvorn stated that the fabricator has reviewed the contract and has indicated his willingness to sign the agreement. She added that the fabricator’s preliminary estimate includes an allowance to upgrade the stainless steel to a higher grade than what was originally proposed by the artist. She stated that the grade of steel will be evaluated during the engineering phase of design and will include a review by a metallurgist.  Based upon those reviews, Ms. Lovvorn will bring the steel grade recommendation and exact additional cost information to the Commission for approval prior to entering into contract with the fabricator. 

Ms. Lovvorn is also checking with other institutions that have Mr. Paine’s work in their collection to discuss maintenance strategies and budgets regarding care of his works.  Director DeCaigny interjected that as an approach, the Arts Commission should look at front-end investment for projects. He would always recommend opting for the best quality material up front rather than pay for conservation later. The Committee agreed.

Commissioner Chew asked if there is a contingency in the budget. Ms. Lovvorn replied the standard 10% will be set aside.

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

Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with Bollinger Atelier for an amount not to exceed $600,000 for fabrication and transportation of Roxy Paine’s sculpture for the public plaza at Clementina and Fourth streets.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

8. Central Subway: Chinatown Station Construction Barricade Temporary Art Project
Jennifer Lovvorn
Action

Ms. Lovvorn presented images of the installed mural, titled Panorama, by Kota Ezawa for the Central Subway: Chinatown Station Construction Barricade Temporary Art Project. The mural runs along the temporary construction barricade located on Stockton Street. The mural will be on display for one year. 

Commissioners Chew remarked he had seen the mural that morning and that it looks great. 
  
Commissioner Sklar called for public comment. There was no public comment..

Motion: Motion to approve the installation of the mural Panorama, by Kota Ezawa, for the Central Subway: Chinatown Station Construction Barricade Temporary Art Project along Stockton Street to be on display for one year beginning January 15, 2014.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

9. Bayview Gateway
Mary Chou
Action

Project Manager Mary Chou presented the results of the Artist Selection Panel for the Bayview Gateway Public Art Project. The panel selected three artists and one alternate for the opportunity. The artists included: Alice Aycock, an accomplished artist located in New York City,  whose work incorporates idea of motion and travel; Cliff Garten a sculptor and landscape architect based in Los Angeles; and Brian Tolle, also based in New York City. The alternate artist selected is Donald Lipski.

President Beltran expressed her approval and stated that the panel was really impressed with Mr. Tolle’s work. She felt that his work is smart and well-executed work. 
 
Commissioner Keehn asked if there were local people on the panel. President Beltran confirmed there were several from the Bayview and stated that they were a great panel, vocal about the function and location of the artwork.  

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

Motion: Motion to approve the selected finalists Brian Tolle, Alice Aycock, Cliff Garten and alternate Donald Lipski for the Bayview Gateway Public Art Project.
Moved: Chew/Beltran
The motion was unanimously approved

10. Project Updates 
Susan Pontious
Discussion

A. Public Safety Building

Ms, Pontious presented time-lapse images of the artwork installation of Shimon Attie’s artwork at the new Public Safety Building. Ms. Pontious explained how difficult the undertaking and the installation of the mammoth glass cylinder was.  She asked the Commissioners to recognize the efforts of Ms. Chou for her coordination and management of the project. President Beltran stated how exciting it was to see the evolution of the artist’s work throughout the process.

Director DeCaigny stated he would like to show the photos at Full Commission and asked if the Chief of Police had opportunity to see the artwork. Ms. Chou stated there are plans for a preview for the Chief and the board of the Bay Area Law Enforcement Assistance Fund (“BALEAF”). Director DeCaigny suggested sharing the time-lapse photos with the Chief and BALEAF in the meantime.

Ms. Pontious had a final suggestion to include the poem that is inscribed on the glass cylinder also be inscribed on a glass plaque at the site.

Commissioner Sklar left and President Beltran took over chairing the meeting. 

B. Public Utilities Commission: Southeast Treatment Plant (SEP) Master Plan

Ms. Pontious announced a new project with Public Utilities Commission. They will be significantly remodeling the SEP.  The SEP is located in the Bayview of off 3rd Street. A master plan will be drafted soon. 

C. Re-installation of the artwork Peace, 1939, by Beniamino Bufano

Peace was successfully reinstalled at 700 Brotherhood Way, under the direction of Project Manager Carol Marie Daniels. Ms. Daniels showed images of the installation process and explained there will be a plaza designed around where it is sited. The work will be completed by end of March and an April dedication date is expected. The artwork will also be conserved before the dedication.  

Commissioner Chew commented that many older San Franciscans remember Mr. Bufano and it is nice to see his work. Director DeCaigny also noted that Mr. Bufano is also a former Arts Commissioner. 

11. Public Comment

President Beltran called for public comment. There was no public comment. 

12. New Business and Announcements 
Discussion 

Ms. Pontious announced there will be a “Friends and Family Day” for San Francisco International Airport; Terminal 3, Boarding Area E on January 25, 2014. The event will include an artist reception at 11 a.m. at the site of Eric Stallers work and that Director DeCaigny will be speaking at 12 p.m..  President Beltran commented that the preview of Terminal 3 wing was met with enthusiasm and that the Jay Defeo looks spectacular. 

Director DeCaigny congratulated all the staff that worked on the project and noted that there has been great press coverage.  

President Beltran announced that the Fog Art Fair will be Fort Mason is at this weekend and urged people to attend. The fair will be open to public Saturday and Sunday. 

13. Old Business
Discussion 

Ms. Chou reminded the Committee that at the last Visual Arts Committee meeting there had been a request for a Commissioner to serve on the Alameda Creek Watershed Center Public Art Selection Panel. President Beltran agreed to serve on the panel. 

Director DeCaigny gave an update stating that the inventory project continues and Staff is looking at recommendations for capital improvements to put forth to the Capital Planning Committee. The Budget process is underway, planning for funds for conservation efforts to be put forth to the Executive Committee. 

President Beltran called for public comment. There was no public comment. 

14. Adjournment
Action

The meeting adjourned at 4:11 p.m.

JDC 1/28/14
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Translated written materials and interpretation services are available to you at no cost.

For assistance, please notify Jenn Doyle Crane, jennifer.crane@sfgov.org, 415-252-2586.

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,Jenn Doyle Crane, jennifer.crane@sfgov.org, 415-252-2586.

Materiales traducidos y servicios de interpretación están disponibles para usted de manera gratuita. Para asistencia, notifique a Jenn Doyle Crane, jennifer.crane@sfgov.org, 415-252-2586.