Visual_Arts_Committee
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 VISUAL ARTS COMMITTEE
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
3:00 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70
Minutes
Commissioners Present
Maya Draisin, Jeannene Przyblyski, Barbara Stauffacher Solomon
Absent: Dede Wilsey
Staff Present
Richard Newirth, Director of Cultural Affairs; Carol Marie Daniels, Nina Dunbar, Nancy Gonchar, Rupert Jenkins, Sarah Lenoue, Jennifer Lovvorn, Jill Manton, Judy Moran, Susan Pontious, Rommel Taylor, Kristen Zaremba
Note: All votes are unanimous unless recorded otherwise.
The meeting commenced at 3:10 p.m.
- Consent
- Motion to approve the installation of Joyce Hsu’s “Odonata – Kinetic Dragonfly” in Holly Park and to accept the sculpture into the Civic Art Collection.
- Motion to approve the following arts professionals for the Central Subway juror pool: Michelle Lopez, Suzette Min, June Lee, Mabel Wilson, Janet Bishop, Madeline Grynstein, Maya Emsden, Tad Savinar, Lewis DeSoto, Ned Kahn, Doug Hollis, and Anna Nabokov.
Motion: Motion to adopt the consent calendar items
Moved: Solomon/Draisin
- Larsen Park Sava Pool – New Project
Project Manager Nina Dunbar introduced the new Department of Recreation and Parks project at Larsen Park Sava Pool. The pool is located on Wawona Street between 19th and 20th Avenues. The art enrichment budget is $102,000, with approximately $75,000 for the artwork contract. She stated that the architectural designs will be presented to Civic Design on Monday, January 24th for Phase I approval.
Ms. Dunbar introduced project architects Paulett Taggart and Mark Cavagnero, who presented the facility construction plans. Ms. Taggart explained that the site is adjacent to Stern Grove. The new building will be located on the same site as the old building with its entry moved to the Wawona Street side. The new building will include a fenced-in courtyard off the natatorium. Mr. Cavagnero explained that the new building will be cast concrete with a broad window that looks out to the south. He added that there will be acoustic treatment and some inlaid tile on the interior. The design of the new building is intended to make the natatorium seem like a big lofty space.
Ms. Dunbar stated that because the project is moving forward quickly, it will be difficult to involve an artist at the architectural design phase. She added that although the exterior is not ideal for placing an artwork, the interior presented some good opportunities. Ms. Dunbar stated that a particularly good site is in the east wall of the natatorium, above the entrance doors where there is a 10’ x 40’ area which would be a good location for a large two-dimensional piece. She suggested that the Arts Commission could work with a painter and use a glass fabricator to render the design in permanent materials. She added that there is an opportunity on the exterior of the building in the courtyard to locate a companion artwork. The architects stated that the acoustical baffles, which sit between the trusses on the ceiling above the pool, could be another art opportunity. Ms. Dunbar stated that there would be an architectural credit to produce the baffles. Ms. Taggart stated that the material selection for the baffles would have to be researched to ensure their durability.
Ms. Dunbar reported that the project artist will be selected this spring from artists who have applied to the Commission's Central Subway and General Pre-qualified Artist Pools. The selected artist will be presented to the Visual Arts Committee for approval by June. Commissioners Solomon and Draisin supported the idea of commissioning an artwork for the ceiling of the natatorium. Commissioner Przyblyski inquired whether an oil painting or fresco might be considered for the area above the entrance doors. Ms. Dunbar stated that due to the environmental conditions within the natatorium, those materials would not be suitable.
Commissioner Solomon volunteered to participate on the selection panel for this project.
Motion: Motion to approve the Larsen Park Sava Pool public art plan and selection process.
Moved: Draisin/Solomon
Motion: Motion to approve the following individuals for the juror pool for the Larsen Park Sava Pool public art project: J.D. Beltran (artist), Larry Rinder (curator), Philip Linhares (curator), Katherine Westerhout (artist), and Berin Golonu (curator).
Moved: Draisin/Solomon
- Gallery Report
Gallery Director Rupert Jenkins announced that there are new exhibitions at City Hall: “Fragments of Contemporary Urban Life,” an exchange between photography students at the San Francisco Art Institute and photography students in the City of Modena, Italy, and “Through the Eyes of the 22,” photographs by Peikwen Cheng, partially funded by the Arts Commission’s Cultural Equity Grant Program. He added that a version of the exhibition by Peikwen Cheng is on display on the Muni “Art Buses.” Mr. Jenkins distributed announcements for two upcoming exhibitions, which have opening receptions on Friday, January 21. At the Gallery at 401 Van Ness is “Reflecting Buddha: Images By Contemporary Photographers,” curated by Linda Connor in conjunction with the Buddhist Film Festival. At the Grove Street Windows is “Sisyphish,” a 3-D stroboscopic zoetrope of 20 individual life-size casts of swimmers in motion by Peter Hudson. On February 11, there will be an opening reception for this year’s Construct Award exhibition: “Breath Holes,” a sculpture and video installation by Desiree Holman.
Mr. Jenkins reported that there was a Citizens Advisory Committee hearing at which the 155/165 Grove Street site was addressed with regard to its status as surplus property suitable for development for housing. The matter had been introduced at the end of the December 20th Committee hearing, but was continued to the January meeting. There was a good showing of gallery supporters at the recent hearing and the Real Estate Department sent a staff person to speak against housing being built on that site. Director of Cultural Affairs Richard Newirth spoke to the Committee regarding the Arts Commission’s sense of urgency. After much discussion and public testimony by gallery supporters and housing advocates, the Citizens Advisory Committee passed a resolution to direct the Mayor’s Office of Housing staff to draft a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a mixed-use development that includes art uses on the ground floor and housing for homeless, formerly homeless and very low-income people on the top floors. Committee-member Mr. Franklin amended the motion to include directing staff to explore the feasibility of leasing the parcels for cultural uses that can generate ongoing income revenue for housing development at another location.
Gallery Advisory Board member Jennifer Lovvorn reported that the Advisory Board met to discuss what options there are for the gallery. Mr. Jenkins will be calling a meeting between the Advisory Board and the Commissioners to devise a plan of action.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that the Arts Commission does not intend to take a position against being part of a mixed-use building, but she believes that housing is not appropriate for the site.
Deputy Director Nancy Gonchar recommended that the gallery consider the ground-floor level of 25 Van Ness as a temporary gallery space, if displaced by a retrofit of 401 Van Ness Avenue.
- Civic Art Collection Report
Deputy Director Nancy Gonchar reported on recent activities of the Collection Team. She stated that Sarah Lenoue has researched collections database programs and the Civic Art Collection Program will soon be purchasing a new database program. Ms. Gonchar added that working as team comprised of Civic Art Collection and Public Art staff has further integrated the two programs. She thanked Rommel Taylor for all his work with the City’s monuments, and added that she recently submitted a capital improvement funding request to complete the restoration of Portals of the Past. Capital funding requests also included repairing and seismically upgrading the Bayview Opera House, as well as maintenance for the cultural centers and monuments in the Civic Art Collection.
Mr. Taylor reported on recent Collection projects. He stated that one of the Supervisors had promised to have the Hidalgo restoration completed by January without consulting with the Arts Commission, and due to weather delays this work will not be completed until spring. He reported that the Robert Howard Whale Fountain, which had been located in the courtyard at the California Academy of Sciences, is now at the Sheedy Drayage Company crane yard due to lack of coordination between the Academy and City College of San Francisco (CCSF). Further, the fountain was moved without the Arts Commission’s consent and was transported without adequate structural support. Mr. Taylor stated that Sheedy is fabricating a steel support cradle, and the fountain will be moved to CCSF long-term storage in the next 10 days. He stated that he is researching whether the new site which was built to house the International Longshoremen’s & Warehousemen’s Union Memorial is spacious enough to accommodate the piece. He is in conversation with the Department of Street Use and Mapping to determine if the piece can encroach into the public way. He is also researching accessibility issues related to the piece. Mr. Taylor reported that the plan to move the Juan Bautista de Anza and King Carlos monuments to Lake Merced has been delayed. The Department of Recreation and Parks currently has reservations about placing the monuments on Recreation and Parks property. He stated that he is working to come to an agreement and is researching alternative sites.
- Report on “Pageant of the Pacific” Murals
Civic Art Collection Archivist Sarah Lenoue reported on the “Pageant of the Pacific” murals by Miguel Covarrubias. The murals were originally commissioned for and displayed at the Pacific House at the Golden Gate International Exposition (1939-40 Treasure Island World’s Fair), and later displayed at the World Trade Center, Ferry Building in San Francisco. The Arts Commission moved to preserve the murals in 1940 at the close of the Exposition. At that time and despite their remaining in the ownership of Pacific House, the murals received an object number in the Arts Commission’s Civic Art Collection: 1940.13.1-6. In order to have the Arts Commission’s records accurately reflect the fact that the Arts Commission has no jurisdiction over these murals, the Arts Commission wishes to deaccession these objects from our collection.
In addition, Treasure Island Development Authority (TIDA) has been approached by the Consulate General of Mexico about the possibility of loaning these murals to be displayed in Mexico for several years. The Mexican government has offered to pay for the costs of shipping, insurance, display and preservation of the murals in exchange for the loan. Additional funding for preservation has been offered in the form of a grant from Bay Area resident Philip Hudner. Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco will handle the condition reports, transportation and packing, as well as serve as couriers for the murals as they are unpacked in each of the three destination cities in Mexico.
Motion: Motion to ratify the 2001 transfer of the five extant “Pageant of the Pacific” murals by Miguel Covarrubias from the Port of San Francisco to Treasure Island Development Authority.
Moved: Solomon/Draisin
Motion: Motion to deaccession object 1940.13.1-6 from Civic Art Collection.
Moved: Draisin/Solomon
Motion: Motion to approve the preservation and exhibition in Mexico of the five extant “Pageant of the Pacific” murals by Miguel Covarrubias, as agreed upon by the Treasure Island Development Authority, Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco and the Consulate General of Mexico.
Moved: Draisin/Solomon
- Laguna Honda Hospital
Project Manager Susan Pontious gave a presentation on the Laguna Honda Hospital Art Enrichment Program, which included a discussion on program goals, project outline, Neighborhood Identity Projects program description, locations for artwork in the Neighborhoods, and a presentation of work by the project artists.
Ms. Pontious continued her report by presenting Suzanne Biaggi’s proposal and maquette for stone sculptures to be located in one of the courtyards. She explained that one of the sculptures is hollowed out and has a sprinkler installed so that at certain times of the day it would fill with water.
Ms. Pontious presented images of the proposed tapestries by Ann Chamberlain and Bernie Lubell. Chamberlain and Lubell plan to install a group of artworks inspired by the theme of the four elements created in different media. They include: 1. Photographic images inspired by “fire” and “water” on glass panels that will be incorporated into light boxes with companion flat glass panels; 2. The same images executed in a triangulated glass relief, which will read as either the sunset “fire” image seen from one direction, or the water image in the other; and 3. Woven tapestries inspired by “earth” and “air.” Ms. Pontious stated that the artists will be revising the water images. She stated that she is asking for approval of the light box images and the concept of the tapestries. Commissioner Przyblyski recommended that the artists might be helped in resolving the water image by researching how airflows are diagrammed.
Ms. Pontious presented Linnea Glatt’s proposal for button-shaped fiberglass sculptures for Courtyard E. Ms. Pontious stated that Laguna Honda Hospital staff want the artist to explore a greater variety of buttons. Such a revision would result in a cost increase. Commissioner Przyblyski stated that the piece should look like buttons spilling out of a button jar. Commissioner Solomon expressed concern over the material choice and stated that the piece would look horrible if the fiberglass started to crack. Ms. Pontious stated that she researched the fiberglass material and found that it is a fairly durable material. She stated that she will have the artist address these concerns before bringing the proposal back to the Committee for approval.
Motion: Motion to approve the revised proposal by Ann Chamberlain and Bernie Lubell for Laguna Honda Hospital.
Moved: Solomon/Draisin
Motion: Motion to approve the final proposal by Suzanne Biaggi for Laguna Honda Hospital.
Moved: Draisin/Solomon
- Pulgas Water Temple Project
This report was continued to the next meeting.
The following motion was continued to the next meeting.
Motion: Motion to rescind Resolution 0103-05-008 authorizing the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a contract with Tom Otterness in an amount not to exceed $250,000 (pending PUC approval of additional funds) for design, fabrication, and installation of artwork for the entry gates of the Pulgas Water Temple.
The following motion was continued to the next meeting.
Motion: Motion to approve the revised conceptual proposal by Tom Otterness for the Pulgas Water Temple project.
The following motion was continued to the next meeting.
Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a contract with Tom Otterness in an amount not to exceed $155,000 for final design, fabrication, and installation of artwork for the Pulgas Water Temple project in accordance with the approved revised conceptual proposal.
- Harvey Milk Recreational Arts Center – Mural Removal Request
Project Manager Nina Dunbar reported on the Recreation and Park Department’s request to remove artist Johanna Poethig’s 1988 murals depicting slain gay rights leader Harvey Milk and noted photographer Imogen Cunningham on two of the Recreation Center’s south-facing walls. Ms. Dunbar explained that both murals will be impacted by new construction planned for the facility in October 2005.
The Recreation and Park Department recommends removing the murals based on the following factors: 1. Public survey results developed in consultation with the Arts Commission and distributed to facility users, Duboce Park users and area residents last fall; and 2. The physical impact of the facility construction work on the murals and their compatibility with the new design. Ms. Dunbar added that the Arts Commission also felt that it was important to investigate other issues affecting the future of the artworks, including: 1. The murals’ existing condition and the costs associated with protecting and restoring them in conjunction with the Center’s renovation; 2. The artist’s own sentiments on the murals’ possible removal, and her interest and ability to raise funds and participate in their restoration; 3. The sentiments of acknowledged friends of the late Harvey Milk; and 4. The subject matter, style and artistic significance of the murals in the context of San Francisco’s physical, cultural and aesthetic landscape. Ms. Dunbar reported that based on these findings, along with the artist’s acknowledgement of the difficulties of raising the $44,838 for the murals’ restoration and her interest in focusing full-time on her current projects, staff recommends that the murals be removed in conjunction with the facility’s renovation. The history of the murals will be documented on an enamel plaque, which will be installed on the new building.
In accordance with the City’s Art Enrichment Ordinance, a new work of art will be commissioned for the facility that will honor the work and life of Harvey Milk. The funds allocated for this commission cannot legally be used for the restoration of existing works of art.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that it is with sadness that the Arts Commission approves the removal of the mural. She stated that the Arts Commission honors and respects Johanna Poethig’s artistic contributions to the city of San Francisco. She added that murals have a limited duration.
The following motion was revised.
Motion: Motion to approve the removal of the Johanna Poethig murals at the Harvey Milk Recreation Arts Center.
Moved: Draisin/Solomon
- Ocean Avenue Streetscape Project
Project Manager Kristen Zaremba presented artist Laurel True’s revised designs and material samples for the Ocean Avenue Streetscape Project. She explained that in response to the Commissioners’ recommendations, the artist eliminated the floral imagery and the brightest colors from her revised color scheme. She is also proposing the use of varying colors of grout for each sphere. Ms. Zaremba stated that she is seeking approval of the mock-up and revised design so that the artist may proceed with fabrication.
Motion: Motion approve artist Laurel True’s mock-up and revised designs for the Ocean Avenue Streetscape Sun Spheres project, and to authorize the artist to proceed with fabrication.
Moved: Solomon/Draisin
- South East Water Pollution Control Plant (SEWPCP) Project
Project Manager Kristen Zaremba reported on the progress of Victor Zaballa’s project for the South East Water Pollution Control Plant, which began in 2001. Due to the artist’s health problems and contractual performance problems on the Visitacion Valley Clubhouse project, the Arts Commission will contract directly with the artist’s fabricator, Fire Clay Tile, for completion of the project. Mr. Zaballa has stated that he would like to work closely with the fabricator on the piece and has proposed a revised design for two water-themed tile mosaic walls, which will include mosaic sea creature figures. The artist would like to glaze the tiles and fabricate the sea creature figures himself to give to Fire Clay Tile for incorporation into the work. Ms. Zaremba stated that the two wall panels will be reduced to half the height of the work as originally proposed. Finally, Ms. Zaremba stated that she has explained to Mr. Zaballa that if Fire Clay Tile cannot meet the City's contractual requirements, staff would recommend not to proceed with fabrication of the project, but would offer Mr. Zaballa an honorarium for his additional time spent trying to realize the project.
The following motion was revised.
Motion: Motion to approve Victor Zaballa’s revised design for two water-themed tile mosaic wall panels for the South East Water Pollution Control Plant.
Moved: Draisin/Solomon
The following motion was revised.
Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a contract with Fire Clay Tile for fabrication and installation of two tile artworks designed by Victor Zaballa for the South East Water Pollution Control Plant in an amount not to exceed $47,000.
Moved: Solomon/Draisin
- Juvenile Hall Replacement Project
Project Manager Kristen Zaremba reported on the progress of the project by Johanna Poethig and Julio Morales for Juvenile Hall. She explained that the artists propose to treat the soffits over the staff stations with color field applications that include text derived in the youth workshops. The soffits have a length of 20 feet. Ms. Zaremba added that due to continued delays and scheduling conflicts with the General Contractor's construction schedule, the artists have been requested to explore fabricating the work in their studios to condense the time required for on-site installation. The artists would use an established muralist technique working with a non-woven polyester material that is similar to wallpaper, in that it can be painted off-site and later adhered to the wall. Funds to cover the additional expense would be provided by DPW, if the proposal is accepted by DPW and the client, Juvenile Probation. Ms. Zaremba stated that was she pleased with how the material looks when adhered to a surface. She will bring a mock-up with a more developed design to a future Visual Arts Committee meeting.
The following motion was revised.
Motion: Motion to authorize the artists Johanna Poethig and Julio Morales to utilize an alternate fabrication and installation method for the Juvenile Hall Replacement Project Day Room soffits, and to increase their fabrication and installation contract amount by $8,700 for a total contract amount not to exceed $144,120 for this work.
Moved: Draisin/Solomon
- Academy of Sciences
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton reported on the art enrichment project for the Academy of Sciences. She stated that Mary Zlot was recommended as the designated arts professional representing the Academy of Sciences on the Academy of Sciences Art Advisory Committee. A motion for approval on her appointment will be included on the upcoming Full Commission Meeting agenda. Ms. Manton stated that she would like to recommend Karen Tsujimoto, senior curator at the Oakland Museum of California, to be included in the Arts Commission’s pool of jurors for the Academy of Sciences. Ms Manton added that she was an excellent resource for the Arts Commission with regard to the San Francisco Airport Art Enrichment project.
Motion: Motion to approve the following arts professionals for the Academy of Sciences juror pool: Michelle Lopez, Suzette Min, June Lee, Mabel Wilson, Janet Bishop, Madeline Grynstein, Chris Bratton, and Karen Tsujimoto.
Moved: Draisin/Solomon
- Moscone Center
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton reported that the Diller + Scofidio project is nearly complete. There are two workdays to test the system scheduled for January 24th and 25th. She added that once the piece is complete, she will be doing outreach to the press and has already promised to follow up with John King from the Chronicle.
- New Business
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton stated that because Commissioner Przyblyski has a schedule conflict with the regular Visual Arts Committee meetings, she would like to explore rescheduling it to a new day of the month. Ms. Manton stated that she will contact the Commissioners to find alternate days that might work.
Ms. Manton reported that the Public Art Program is working with an intern from Bennington College, Risa Kahn, who is documenting and performing condition reports for all the public artworks. She stated that this research will enable the program to apply for conservation grants.
Ms. Manton presented a preliminary draft of the Rincon Hill Development Plan and explained that Planning staff have asked the Arts Commission to write a proposal to develop an Arts Master Plan. She stated that the art, as well as other public improvements in the Rincon Hill area, would be paid for by the creation of a special property tax district.
Finally, Director of Cultural Affairs Richard Newirth stated that the Mayor’s Office has met with him regarding a new public art initiative. The Mayor would like the Arts Commission to explore the feasibility of having curatorial oversight for all artwork commissioned by the Redevelopment and Planning agencies.
- Old Business
- Adjournment
As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:25 p.m.
Submitted by Jennifer Lovvorn, Public Art Program Associate
Approved by Richard Newirth, Director of Cultural Affairs
2/2/2005
Notices
Explanatory documents are available for public inspection and copying at the Arts Commission office, 25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 240, San Francisco, CA 94102 during regular business hours. INFO: Jennifer Lovvorn (415) 252-2594.
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