SFAC | Visual Arts Committee | January 15, 2003

VISUAL ARTS COMMITTEE
Wednesday, March 19, 2003

3:00 p.m.

25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70

Notices
Explanatory documents are available for public inspection and copying at the Arts Commission office, 25 Van Ness Ave, Ste 240, San Francisco CA 94102 during regular business hours. Tel: 415-252-2594.

Public comment in regard to specific items will be taken before or during consideration of the item.

The ringing of and use of cell phones, pagers and similar sound-producing electronic devices are prohibited at this meeting. Please be advised that the Chair may order the removal from the meeting room of any person(s) responsible for the ringing or use of a cell phone, pager, or other similar sound producing electronic devices.

Minutes
Commissioners Present

Ralph Guggenheim, Barbara Stauffacher Solomon, Dugald Stermer, Dede Wilsey; Absent: Stanlee Gatti.

Staff Present

Richard Newirth, Director of Cultural Affairs; Nina Dunbar, Rupert Jenkins, Jennifer Lovvorn, Tonia Macneil, Jill Manton, Susan Pontious, Kristen Zaremba.

Note: All votes are unanimous unless recorded otherwise.

The meeting commenced at 3:09 p.m.

Consent
1. Motion to authorize the Civic Art Collection Program Director as agent to conduct negotiations, execute and submit all documents for grants from the State of California Department of Parks and Recreations for restoration of the Portals of the Past Monument in Golden Gate Park.
2. Motion to approve Boom Town, six designs by artist Kara Maria, for the Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series 2003, to be installed in 24 kiosks along Market Street, from May 16 to August 14, 2003.
3. Motion to approve the mural design by Susan Cervantes at 100 Alemany Street (Farmers Market) funded by Neighborhood Beautification.
4. Motion to approve the mural design by Khalil Bendib, Said Nuseibeh, and Fayeq Oweis, Ph.D. at 20 Jones Street funded by Neighborhood Beautification.
5. Motion to approve the mural design by Josef Norris on the side of the Performing Arts Garage at the corner of Fulton and Gough Streets funded by The San Francisco Arts Commission Cultural Equity Grants Program.
6. Motion to approve tactile signage/mural for the Wawona Club House done by sight impaired and deaf youth.
  
  Motion: Motion to move the consent calendar items.
  Moved: Stermer/Solomon
Gallery
Gallery Director Rupert Jenkins reported that the Gallery just held its first Advisory Board retreat, which was held at the Green Gulch Zen Center. The Gallery Board and staff discussed fundraising, programming and marketing. The 2003 fundraiser is tentatively scheduled for November 7, 2003. One outstanding programming initiative was to commission an annual juried project by emerging curators. This idea will be developed along the lines of the annual Construct show, and will be presented at a future Visual Arts Committee meeting. Regarding marketing, Mr. Jenkins reported that a strategy to link the three exhibition sites together by signage, exhibitions, and events is a priority.

Mr. Jenkins continued his report by announcing the upcoming City Hall exhibition "Aging in America" by photojournalist Ed Kashi. The project is being produced in conjunction with Fifty Crows Gallery and the Berkeley Art Museum. Mr. Jenkins added that a book of the work in the exhibition will be published in September.

Mr. Jenkins concluded his report by announcing that "Exhibition Game" opens at 401 Van Ness on Friday, March 28. He invited the Commissioners to attend a reception for the show on that evening, 6 - 8 pm.
Collections
Barbara Wenger from the Hayes Valley Neighborhood Parks Group reported on the progress that had been made on the design for the Koshland Park Peace Wall. Ms. Wenger explained that the Hayes Valley Neighborhood Parks Group had hired an architect, Sean Gorman, to create an integrated design for the Peace Wall tiles. Ms. Wenger stated that she and Mr. Gorman met with Commissioners Guggenheim and Solomon. Ms. Wenger noted that Mr. Gorman took many of the Commissioners' recommendations into consideration when reworking the design for the layout of the tiles.

Mr. Gorman presented a schematic drawing of the new design and a photo-collage representation of smaller sections of the design. Mr. Gorman noted that in the new layout the lead artist's larger tile panels had been removed so that the design would reflect a more random display and a flowing sight line. Mr. Gorman stated that the lead artist's smaller tiles would be interspersed among the other tiles in the new design and also used as punctuation at the ends of various sections of wall. He stated that the wall would be finished in a solid color with smooth gray stucco before the tiles are installed. Mr. Gorman stated that half-inch raised bronze lettering would be used for the wall's signage and credits.

Commissioner Stermer stated that the new layout is very pleasant and quite an improvement. Commissioner Guggenheim added that the photo-documention helped to make the presentation clear and that he likes Mr. Gorman's design.

Motion: Motion to approve the design of the Peace Wall project for Koshland Park
Moved: Stermer/Solomon

The following motion regarding the proposed gifts Peace Angel and a memorial to David Brower titled Spaceship Earth was continued.
Motion: Motion to accept the recommendation of the staff committee to decline the gifts.
Branch Library Improvement Program
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton presented the preliminary proposal for the renovated Richmond Branch Library by artist Scott Donahue, as recommended by the Richmond Branch Community Artist Selection Panel. Ms. Manton reported that the Richmond Branch is the first of six libraries that will be newly constructed and/or are undergo renovation. For these projects the Public Art Program undertook a very labor-intensive outreach in order to create a quality pool of pre-qualified artists. Ms. Manton explained that the panel selected Scott Donahue's proposal but with the stipulation that the artist alter certain aspects of the proposed artwork Specifically, the panel felt that the concrete foundation shapes on which the circular convex bronze topographical maps are set were too massive and bowl-like. Commissioners Stermer and Solomon both stated that they liked the shape of the bollards. Commissioner Wilsey stated that their shape seems very appropriate for the site. Ms. Manton added that the jeweled ceramic insets which are to be set into the bronze maps may be too vulnerable and may need to fabricated in a more durable material. The artist is currently exploring various materials for creating the insets. Commissioner Guggenheim suggested that recessing the ceramic insets might be considered as well.

Motion: Motion to approve the preliminary proposal for two sculptures with possible change to the jeweled ceramic insets by artist Scott Donahue to be installed in the landscaping for the renovated Richmond Branch Library.
Moved: Stermer/Wilsey

Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract in an amount not to exceed $36,000 with Scott Donahue for design development, fabrication and installation of two sculptures for the Richmond Branch Library.
Moved: Wilsey/Stermer
23rd and Treat Park and Clubhouse
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton presented both slides and samples of the completed mosaic tiles by artist Isis Rodriguez to be installed on retaining walls at the 23rd and Treat Park and Clubhouse. Ms. Manton stated that although Isis Rodriguez is new to the Public Art Program, she received guidance on this project from Ruth O'Day who is a more experienced public artist. Ms. Manton added that the tiles reflect Ms. Rodriguez's drawing style that often features cartoon-like characters.

Motion: Motion to approve the final mosaic tile artworks by Isis Rodriguez to be installed on retaining walls at the 23rd and Treat Park and Clubhouse.
Moved: Stermer/Wilsey
Rochambeau Playground
Project Manager Tonia Macneil presented the revised proposal by Johanna Poethig in fulfillment of the design development for the artwork at Rochambeau Playground. Ms. Macneil explained that due to the vulnerability of the sculpture in the initial design, the artist altered the proposal to include only two columns on 30-inch bases with heights of 7.5 and 8.6 feet, respectively. This modification places the most vulnerable part of the sculpture above reach. Ms. Macneil introduced Johanna Poethig who passed around examples of the multi-glazed tiles that will be used on the base. The tiles will have various drawings and images that reference the sports that are played at this site. Ms. Poethig stated that she is interested in creating an interesting texture on the surface of the tiles. Commissioner Stermer stated that the revised design is very successful and that he likes the scale.

Motion: Motion to approve final design for artwork by Johanna Poethig for Rochambeau Playground.
Moved: Stermer/Wilsey
Helen Wills Playground
Project Manager Tonia Macneil presented the proposal for artwork by artist Amy Blackstone, as recommended by the Helen Wills Playground Artist Selection Panel. Ms. Macneil stated that the current Helen Wills Clubhouse is being demolished and replaced. Because the architectural design was so far along when the artist opportunity was identified, the artwork site is limited to a specific location on the second level boardwalk and the artist was directed to make work that would be vertical and open at the base. Ms. Macneil explained that Amy Blackstone proposed to create four steel cylinder sculptures with cutout shapes that reference a motif of the four elements. She added that the backside of the cutout metal will have a sheet of colored plastic so that the negative space will cast a tinted light. Ms. Macneil stated that the artist is still exploring how the color backing will work. Public Art Program Director Jill Manton stated that the Artist Selection Panel members had suggested varying the scale and height of the cylinders. They agreed that the proposed animal shapes on the top of each sculpture were too cute and they asked the artist to redesign those details. Commissioner Stermer stated that the cutout pattern looks like lace from far away, and may not be effective from a distance. Because the artist's proposal looked very different in material treatment from her past work, Ms. Macneil suggested that the Commissioners look at slides of the artist's past work. Ms. Macneil presented slides of the artist's work in Tutubi Park. Commissioner Wilsey stated that the work looks very whimsical as opposed to the proposal for the Helen Wills Playground. Based on the artist's past work, Ms. Macneil suggested that the Commissioners direct staff to enter into a design development contract. Commissioner Stermer stated that the slides were helpful to better understand how the artwork would look.

Motion: Motion to approve the Selection Panel's recommendation of artist Amy Blackstone to implement her art proposal for Helen Wills Playground with modifications.
Moved: Stermer/Wilsey

Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a contract in an amount not to exceed $5,000 with Amy Blackstone to develop a design of her artwork proposal for Helen Wills Playground.
Moved: Wilsey/Stermer
Ocean View Recreation Center
This project update was continued.
Union Square
Project Manager Nina Dunbar reported on the successful installation of the R.M. Fischer artwork at Union Square. Ms. Dunbar stated that lights are shining more brightly than they are intended to, but this problem will be corrected when the diffusers are installed. Ms. Dunbar added that two of the lamps are collecting water, which will also soon be corrected. Public Art Program Director Jill Manton stated that the sculptures have a strong presence and they add a nice counterpoint to the square. Ms. Manton added that Ferragamo will be hosting a reception for the artwork on Monday, April 7 after the Full Commission meeting. The reception will be followed by an illumination ceremony and dedication at 6:30 p.m. to be attended by the Mayor.
Recreation and Park Bond Projects: Coffman Pool
Project Manager Kristen Zaremba began her report on the Coffman Pool project by circulating photographs of the site. Ms. Zaremba explained that the pool is in good condition, but the building is being replaced. Ms. Zaremba stated that the community has been very involved in the process of redesigning the building and are now very interested and involved with the Public Art process. She added that the architects are excited to work with the artists. Ms. Zaremba reported that the selection panel met and chose the finalists for the project from the Recreation and Park Bond Projects Pre-Qualified Pool. The finalists are: Scott Donahue, Sheila Ghidini, John King and Regina Case, Horace Washington (Steve Gillman and Katherine Keefer, alternate). Ms. Zaremba stated that she is hoping to see a variety of proposals from these artists.

Motion: Motion to approve the following artists as finalists for the Coffman Pool Public Art Project, and to pay each artist/team an honorarium of $500 for development of a proposal: Scott Donahue, Sheila Ghidini, John King and Regina Case, Horace Washington (Steve Gillman and Katherine Keefer, alternate).
Moscone Center Expansion Project
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton reported on the status of the Diller + Scofidio project. Ms. Manton stated that the armature is installed and looks great. She added that there is a problem with the both the track and the wheels. Pol-X West has proposed ways in which this can be corrected, but working on-site will be difficult. Ms. Manton stated that the Multimedia screen is almost complete and she will be inspecting it at the beginning of April. Ms. Manton added that she will be presenting this project at the Cyber Arts Festival in Boston where she has been invited to speak.
Octavia Boulevard Streetscape Project
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton reported on the status of the public art selection process for the Octavia Boulevard Streetscape. Ms. Manton explained that the selection panel met to review the submitted proposals and rejected all three. The panel was interested in certain aspects of two of the proposals, and they asked Wang Po Shu and Jefferson Mack to submit revised proposals. Related to the failure of the proposals to win the support of the panelists, Ms. Manton stated the Public Art Program is currently working with an outside consultant to examine its artist selection procedures which will include how we communicate the role of the community in the process. Commissioner Solomon stated that she thinks it's a good idea for the program to do this sort of investigation. Ms. Manton added that she will report on the results and action plans once the work is complete.
New Business

Ocean Avenue / Balboa Park Area Public Art Master Plan
Project Manager Kristen Zaremba reported that the final public art master plan document is almost complete. Ms. Zaremba stated that the final draft will be complete and sent via mail to the Commissioners before the next Visual Arts Committee meeting.

Recreation and Park Department Bond Projects
Project Manager Tonia Macneil reported that the Public Art Program staff has been working on new guidelines for the selection of artwork for the Recreation and Park Department Bond Projects. Ms. Macneil stated that these new guidelines are a response to the impending City budget cuts and the need to streamline administrative procedures. Ms. Macneil explained that the new guidelines will be distributed to the Commissioners in the near future and will be placed on an upcoming Visual Arts Committee agenda. She added that the staff hopes that the Commissioners will give approval of these guidelines.

Sculpture in the City Publicity Campaign
Project Manager Susan Pontious announced that in addition to the R.M. Fischer reception at Ferragamo, this event inaugurates the Public Art Program's publicity campaign that will bring visibility to various new public sculptures around San Francisco. The following events are being planned: on May 8 there will be an event for the new artwork at the Zoo; in early June there will be an event for the artwork at the Airport; in July there will be an event for the new artwork at the Moscone Center; and in September there will be an event for the Arneson sculpture. Ms. Pontious stated that the publicity is being handled by Brown & Collins who bring special resources like the support of Ferragamo and Berggruen Gallery. She added that each of these events will have an individual mailing similar to "Art Takes Flight" and that Brown & Collins are handling the press list.
Old Business
Adjournment
As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:45 p.m.

Submitted by Jennifer Lovvorn, Public Art Program Assistant

Approved by Richard Newirth, Director of Cultural Affairs, 3/28/03

3/28/03