Visual Arts Committee - July 16, 2014 - Meeting Minutes
SAN FRANCISCO ARTS COMMISSION
VISUAL ARTS COMMITTEE
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
3 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70
San Francisco, CA 94102
________________________________________
Minutes
1. Roll Call
Commissioners Present:
Commissioner Keehn, Chair
Commissioner Chew
Commissioner Silverman
Commissioners Absent:
Commissioner Beltran
Commissioner Skalr
2. Temporary Exhibition of Eight Sculptures by Aitor Urdangurin
Susan Pontious, Gwenda Joyce, Art Ambassador
Action
Civic Art Collection and Public Art Program Director Susan Pontious introduced Gwenda Joyce, Art Ambassador, to present the proposal for a six month exhibition of eight sculptures by Airor Urdangurin at Civic Center. Ms. Joyce showed images of the sculptures and described their proposed locations. Commissioner Keehn asked if the artist was able to fund the project including transportation and installation costs. Ms. Joyce said the project would be funded by the Axel Corporation.
Ms. Pontious noted that the artist is requesting the Arts Commission pay the carnet fee, for which there is no legal funding source. She stated concerns from the Arts Commission staff that the sculptures were too small in scale in relationship to the site. She suggested that they may be better suited for installation along the Embarcadero.
Director of Cultural Affairs Tom DeCaigny asked Ms. Joyce if she had conducted any community outreach around this project, particularly to the Asian Art Museum. Ms. Joyce said she had not.
Commissioner Silverman suggested that the Commissioners have a larger discussion at the next Visual Arts Committee meeting regarding the use of Civic Center as a place for temporary art installations.
Commissioner Keehn stated she would like more information about the Axel Corporation before endorsing the project. She suggested Ms. Joyce do further outreach to the stakeholders in the area about this project, present more information about the Axel Corporation, and address alternate ways to pay the carnet fee before seeking approval from the Arts Commission at a later date.
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
THE FOLLOWING MOTION WAS TABLED
Motion: Motion to approve the proposal by Axel Corporation for a six month exhibition of eight sculptures by Airor Urdangurin in Civic Center Plaza, or alternate location, in front of the Opera House and Davies Symphony Hall, all costs of the exhibition to be paid by the sponsor with the exception of the import carnet (merchandise passport), which the sponsor requests be paid by the City.
3. SFAC Galleries
Meg Shiffler
Action
SFAC Galleries Assistant Nicole Cofini presented on behalf of SFAC Galleries Director Meg Shiffler. Ms. Cofini explained that artist Lisa Ostapinski is developing a new installation for the SFAC Galleries Grove Street location by students, age four to eleven, at the Chinese American International School in Hayes Valley. Ms. Ostapinski is working with the students to create paper-cut artworks that will be translated to vinyl and installed in the exhibition space. The project asks the students to consider what it means to be American, and what it means to be Chinese American. Ms. Cofini displayed examples of paper-cuts created by the students.
Commissioner Chew commented favorably on the project.
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
Motion: Motion to approve an honorarium payment in the amount of $1000 to Lisa Ostapinski, Artist Lead, for a new installation being created for the SFAC Galleries Grove Street location by students at the Chinese American International School in Hayes Valley.
Moved: Silverman/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved.
4. Moscone Expansion: Enclosed Pedestrian Bridge
Marcus Davies
Action
Project Manager Marcus Davies presented an overview of the three selected finalists for the Moscone Expansion: Enclosed Pedestrian Bridge Project. Mr. Davies stated that the goal of the project is to commission an artwork that utilizes light to transform the enclosed pedestrian bridge and enhance its architecture. Mr. Davies explained that 86 artists responded to a Request for Qualifications and were evaluated by a Qualification Panel. The Qualification Panel selected 20 artists for further review by the Public Art Selection Panel who selected three finalists to make proposals for the site: Jennifer Steinkamp, Camille Utterback, and Leo Villareal. Mr. Davies showed images of the finalists’ past work.
Commissioners Keehn and Chew commented that the finalists were a great selection for the project opportunity.
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
Motion: Motion to approve the three selected finalists Jennifer Steinkamp, Camille Utterback, and Leo Villareal for the Moscone Expansion: Enclosed Pedestrian Bridge Public Art Project, as recommended by the Moscone Expansion Enclosed Pedestrian Bridge Public Art Selection Panel.
Moved: Silverman/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved.
5. San Francisco International Airport
Justine Topfer
Action
A. Terminal 3 East: Departures – Vanessa Marsh
Project Manager Justine Topfer presented six images by artist Vanessa Marsh from the Everywhere All at Once series, to be reproduced and installed at the San Francisco International Airport: Terminal 3 East, Departures area. Ms. Topfer reminded the Commissioners that three of the images had been previously approved by the Committee. Since that approval, additional wall space had become available for artwork. Ms. Topfer requested the approval to obtain the licensing agreement with the artist for three additional images for reproduction and installation in the Departures area.
Commissioner Keehn asked if Arts Commission staff had considered the addition of other artists for that location. Ms. Topfer said the request to show only one artist in that particular location was a directive from the Airport Art Steering Committee.
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
Motion: Motion to approve a licensing agreement with Vanessa March for $4,500 ($1,500 per artwork) to reproduce, in a lightfast material, three additional artworks from the Everywhere All at Once series: Landscape #5, Landscape #17 and Landscape #18, for installation at San Francisco International Airport: Terminal 3 East; these artworks will be displayed with the three other works from the series previously approved by the Commission under Resolution No. 0505-14-129.
Moved: Chew/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved.
B. Control Tower - Jim Melchert
Ms. Topfer presented images of the completed ceramic tile artwork by Jim Melchert for the San Francisco International Airport: Control Tower. She reported that she and Ms. Pontious had visited the artist’s studio to see the final artwork and was pleased with the outcome. Commissioner Keehn commented that the artwork turned out well.
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
Motion: Motion to approve Jim Melchert’s final artwork for San Francisco International Airport: Control Tower.
Moved: Chew/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved.
6. SOMA West
Mary Chou
Action
A. Skatepark
Project Manager Mary Chou presented artist Jovi Schnell’s completed mural, There Slipped Saturn a Perpetual Tock – A.K.A. The Saturn Clock, as installed on the freeway underpass structure and columns at SOMA West Skatepark. Ms. Chou noted that since opening, the Skatepark has been very well attended. She added that the artist worked through the challenges of the installation site and was able to integrate her mural in a seamless fashion. Director DeCaigny added that the Skatepark was featured in a press release issued by Mayor Lee that morning.
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
Motion: Motion to approve Jovi Schnell’s completed mural, There Slipped Saturn a Perpetual Tock – A.K.A. The Saturn Clock, as installed on the freeway underpass structure and columns at SOMA West Skatepark.
Moved: Chew/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved.
THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS TABLED
B. McCoppin Hub
Presentation of MoreLab’s artwork Handsignals, as installed at SOMA West McCoppin Hub.
Motion: Motion to approve MoreLab’s artwork Handsignals, as installed at SOMA West McCoppin Hub.
7. Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
Mary Chou
Action
Ms. Chou presented the project outline for the public art program at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The Office will be relocating to a warehouse slated for renovation at 1 Newhall Street in the India Basin neighborhood, thereby generating Art Enrichment funding for several public art opportunities. Ms. Chou noted that the new building will house approximately 50 employees and will serve members of the public who come to the building with the main purpose of identifying and retrieving belongings of the deceased. Ms. Chou stated that the goal of the public art program was to provide a sense of calm, peace and tranquility to members of the public who visit and staff who work in the building.
Ms. Chou noted that three main art opportunities have been identified for this location. The first is a sculptural opportunity in the entryway. The second is an integrated artwork on a 10’ x 10’ interior wall. And the third is a two-dimensional artwork program for the waiting rooms and corridors. Ms. Chou gave an overview of the selection process, noting that a Request for Qualifications/Request for Proposals will be issued for the two permanent artworks first, with the option of either commissioning or purchasing a sculpture for the entryway. Artists for the two-dimensional artwork program will be selected from the upcoming 2014/15 Two-Dimensional Artwork Registry.
Commissioner Chew volunteered to serve on the Artist Selection Panel for this site.
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
Motion: Motion to approve the project outline for the public art program at Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Moved: Silverman/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved.
8. Alameda Creek Watershed Center
Mary Chou
Action
Ms. Chou presented the selected artist Mark Brest van Kempen, as recommended by the Alameda Creek Watershed Center Public Art Selection Panel, for continuation of two conceptual designs for artworks at the new Alameda Creek Watershed Center. Ms. Chou reminded the Commissioners that three finalists were chosen by the Panel and asked to develop conceptual proposals for two different locations at the Center: one in the entryway, and one in the landscaped area. She explained that the Panel selected Mr. van Kempen for both artwork opportunities, but with some conditions.
Ms. Chou described the conceptual entryway artwork proposal; a sculptural form demonstrating a cross-section of the geology below the Center. Ms. Chou noted that while the panel liked the concept of the artwork, they felt the scale needed adjustment and the location should be further considered. Commissioner Keehn, who participated on the Panel, commented that the shape and armature of the piece may also be developed. Ms. Chou stated that she will work with the artists to further refine his concept and produce more accurate renderings to present to the Committee.
Ms. Chou described the conceptual landscape artwork proposal; a spiral glass walkway that descends into the pond on site. She stated that the Panel, the Public Utilities Commission (“PUC”), and Arts Commission staff had significant concerns about the feasibility and maintainability of this proposal. Ms. Chou noted that while the Arts Commission does not have the resources to maintain the project, the PUC has offered to provide support. She stated that the artist will meet with the PUC and the design team to discuss the artwork and how it may be executed and maintained. She also added that it may be beneficial for the artist to consult with the contractor who will build the pond.
Because both of the artist’s proposals have many unresolved issues, Ms. Chou requested approval to enter into contract with the artist for additional Conceptual Design only.
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
Motion: Motion to approve the selected finalist, Mark Brest van Kempen, as recommended by the Alameda Creek Watershed Center Public Art Selection Panel to further develop conceptual proposals for the Alameda Creek Watershed Center.
Moved: Chew/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved.
Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with Mark Brest van Kempen, as recommended by the Alameda Creek Watershed Center Public Art Selection Panel, to further develop conceptual designs for the entry way and landscape in an amount not to exceed $10,000.
Moved: Chew/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved.
9. Masonic Avenue Streetscape Improvements Project
Mary Chou
Action
Ms. Chou presented the selected artist Scott Oliver, as recommended by the Masonic Avenue Streetscape Improvements Project Public Art Selection Panel, for implementation of an artwork proposal for the Masonic Avenue Streetscape Improvements Project. Ms. Chou described the artwork as a series of four poles topped with a cluster of arrows reminiscent of sign posts. Each arrow contains the name of a place and approximate distance from the artwork location. Ms. Chou added that the places inscribed on the arrows will be determined by a series of interviews the artist will conduct with community members about places significant to their personal life story. The poles will represent the lives of four individuals who are yet to be selected. Ms. Chou explained how the Panel felt the artwork was engaging and could be read differently over time. She noted that the Panel was concerned about representing only four individuals in the piece, and felt each pole could represent a composite of people.
Director DeCaigny commented that the process to select the individuals may be contentious. Commissioner Keehn agreed that the each pole could be a composite of multiple individuals. Ms. Chou stated that she would work with the artist to further develop his concept.
The Commissioners expressed concern over the height of the arrows and how that would affect the readability of the text. They also had concerns about the height of the poles and how they would integrate into the surrounding landscape. Ms. Chou noted that the artist will work with the project architect to address these concerns.
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
Motion: Motion to approve the selected artist Scott Oliver as recommended by the Masonic Avenue Streetscape Improvements Project Public Art Selection Panel to develop conceptual proposals for the Masonic Avenue Streetscape Improvements Project.
Moved: Silverman/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved.
THE FOLLOWING MOTION WAS REVISED
Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with artist Scott Oliver as recommended by the Masonic Avenue Streetscape Improvements Project Public Art Selection Panel, for the design and implementation of an artwork in an amount not to exceed $117,000 pending further review of the concept by the Arts Commission.
Moved: Silverman/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved.
10. Public Comment
Discussion
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
11. New Business, Old Business, and Announcements
Discussion
Ms. Pontious announced that the revised Art Enrichment Ordinance was passed by the Board of Supervisors.
12. Adjournment
Action
The meeting adjourned at 4:31 p.m.
ZT 7/30/14
Notices
Explanatory documents listed above, as well as documents created or distributed after the posting of this agenda to the Arts Commission will be available for public inspection and copying at the Arts Commission office, 25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 345, San Francisco, CA 94102, during regular business hours. Info: Zoë Taleporos, zoe.taleporos@sfgov.org, 415-252-3215. PLEASE NOTE: The Arts Commission often receives documents created or submitted by other City officials, agencies or departments after the posting of the Arts Commission agenda. For such documents or presentations, members of the public may wish to contact the originating agency if they seek documents not yet provided to the Arts Commission.
Public comment in regard to specific items will be taken before or during consideration of the item.
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To obtain a disability‐related modification or accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services, to participate in the meeting, please contact Zoë Taleporos, zoe.taleporos@sfgov.org, 415-252-3215, at least 48 hours before the meeting, except for Monday meetings, for which the deadline is 4:00 p.m. the previous Friday.
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Government’s duty is to serve the public, reaching its decision in full view of the public. Commissions, boards, councils and other agencies of the City and County exist to conduct the people’s business. This ordinance assures that deliberations are conducted before the people and that City operations are open to the people’s review. For more information on your rights under the Sunshine Ordinance or to report a violation of the ordinance, contact Frank Darby by mail to Administrator, Sunshine Ordinance Task Force, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 244, San Francisco CA 94102-4689; by phone at 415-554 7724; by fax at 415-554 7854; or by email at sotf@sfgov.org.
Citizens interested in obtaining a free copy of the Sunshine Ordinance can request a copy from Mr. Darby or by printing Chapter 67 of the San Francisco Administrative Code on the Internet, http://www.sfgov.org/sunshine/
ACCESSIBLE MEETING POLICY
Per the American Disabilities Act and the Language Access Ordinance, Chinese, Spanish, and/or American Sign Language interpreters will be available upon request. Additionally, every effort will be made to provide a sound enhancement system, meeting materials in alternative formats, and/or a reader. Minutes may be translated after they have been adopted by the Commission. For all these requests, please contact Program Associate, Zoë Taleporos, at least 48 hours before the meeting at 415-252-3215. Late requests will be honored if possible. The hearing room is wheelchair accessible.
利便参與會議的相關規定
根據美國殘疾人士法案和語言服務條例，中文、西班牙語、和/或美國手語翻譯人員在收到要求後將會提供翻譯服務。另外，我們將盡力提供擴音設備。同時也將會提供不同格式的會議資料， 和/或者提供閱讀器。此外，翻譯版本的會議記錄可在委員會通過後提供。上述的要求，請於會議前最少48小時致電 415-252-3215向Zoë Taleporos 提出。逾期提出的請求，若可能的話，亦會被考慮接納。聽證室設有輪椅通道。
POLITICA DE ACCESO A LA REUNIÓN
De acuerdo con la Ley sobre Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (American Disabilities Act) y la Ordenanza de Acceso a Idiomas (Language Access Ordinance) intérpretes de chino, español, y lenguaje de señas estarán disponibles de ser requeridos. En adición, se hará todo el esfuerzo posible para proveer un sistema mejoramiento de sonido, materiales de la reunión en formatos alternativos, y/o proveer un leedor. Las minutas podrán ser traducidas luego de ser aprobadas por la Comisión. Para solicitar estos servicios, favor contactar a Program Associate, Zoë Taleporos, por lo menos 48 horas antes de la reunión al 415-252-3215. Las solicitudes tardías serán consideradas de ser posible. La sala de audiencia es accesible a silla de ruedas.
PATAKARAN PARA SA PAG-ACCESS NG MGA MITING
Ayon sa batas ng American Disabilities Act at ng Language Access Ordinance, maaring mag-request ng mga tagapagsalin wika sa salitang Tsino, Espanyol at/o sa may kapansanan pandinig sa American Sign Language. Bukod pa dito, sisikapin gawan ng paraan na makapaglaan ng gamit upang lalong pabutihin ang inyong pakikinig, maibahagi ang mga kaganapan ng miting sa iba't ibang anyo, at/o isang tagapagbasa. Ang mga kaganapan ng miting ay maaring isalin sa ibang wika matapos ito ay aprobahan ng komisyon. Sa mga ganitong uri ng kahilingan, mangyari po lamang makipag ugnayan kay Program Associate, Zoë Taleporos sa 415-252-3215. Magbigay po lamang ng hindi bababa sa 48 oras na abiso bago ng miting. Kung maari, ang mga late na hiling ay posibleng tanggapin. Ang silid ng pagpupulungan ay accessible sa mga naka wheelchair.
