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Consent Calendar
Commissioner Przyblyski severed Motion 2 from the Consent Calendar in order to have a presentation and discussion of the item.
Motion to approve the six final poster designs by artist Jenifer Wofford scheduled for reproduction and installation in 24 kiosks on Market Street from September 22 to December 18, 2008 for the Art on Market Street 2008 Program.
Motion: Motion to adopt the consent calendar item.
Moved: Lloyd/Zhao
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Mural at Excelsior Playground
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton reported on a proposal to paint over an existing mural located at Excelsior Playground at 579 Madrid Avenue. She explained that the year in which the existing mural was painted is significant because of the California Art Preservation Act (CAPA), which states that the City does not have the right to repaint or remove the existing mural unless the City has permission from all the artists who painted the mural. Ms. Manton explained that the City Charter requires Arts Commission approval for both the removal of artwork from public property as well as for the design of any new artwork to be placed on city property. There are about twenty artists who contributed to the existing mural at Excelsior Playground. Ms. Manton stated that there will be a motion on the September Full Commission agenda to approve the removal of the mural pending further direction from the City Attorney's office. Ms. Manton explained that the new mural is sponsored by the Giants Foundation and painted in part by San Francisco Giants player Omar Vizquel. Ms. Manton then introduced Cory Calandra, one of the muralists and Business Director from Precita Eyes, and Chris Boettcher, a representative of the Recreation and Park Department, to present the design of the new mural.
Ms. Calandra explained that the Giants Community Fund, which funds community projects throughout the Bay Area, is renovating the Excelsior Playground, in part, due to Mr. Vizquel's interest in the playground and his contribution to the mural. The height of the wall upon which the mural is to be painted slopes from 11 inches to 8 feet and 4 inches and the width is 129 feet. Ms. Calandra explained that the treatment of the color of the figures depicted in the audience vary from sepia toned to full color to represent and honor figures from the past to the present. The image of the angel is of Mr. Vizquel and reflects not only his athletic prowess but his desire to help the community. Mr. Vizquel completed the drawing of the angel while Ms. Calandra completed the rendering of the figure.
Commissioner Zhao stated that the expression on the faces of the figures should be happier. Commissioner Przyblyski asked if the mural will credit Mr. Vizquel as one of the artists and Ms. Calandra confirmed that it would. Commissioner Przyblyski stated that she likes the mural pictorially and conceptually, but is concerned that the different ways in which the figures and letters are rendered may invite graffiti. Ms. Calandra explained that the design of the mural was completed with workshop participants from The Giants Community Fund, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, and the Excelsior Playground Program and she wants to respect the idea and designs that emerged from the workshops. She believes this collaboration has created a sense of ownership over the mural, which would deter vandalism. In addition, Ms. Calandra stated that because the figures in question are located on the shorter part of the wall, a more dimensional rendering of the figures would probably get lost. Mr. Boettcher stated that the existing mural is in poor shape so the new design is really an enhancement to the site and will freshen up the park.
Motion: Motion to approve a mural by artist Cory Calandra working in collaboration with workshop participants from The Giants Community Fund, San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, the Excelsior Playground Program, and San Francisco Giants player Omar Vizquel, located at the Excelsior Playground at 579 Madrid Avenue in proximity of first base, pending approval from relevant parties to paint over an existing mural in the same location.
Moved: Zhao/Lloyd
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Gallery
Gallery Director Meg Shiffler provided an update on the upcoming exhibition proposed by Michael Zheng on behalf of a group of Chinese artists. She explained that Mr. Zheng and the artists are considering a change of the exhibition title to "Liminal Stage," with a more descriptive subtitle. The word "liminal" refers to transition and change while the word "stage" reflects the artists' interests in theatricality. The group is talking to female artists such as Patty Chang in order to include a more diverse group of artists in the exhibition. Ms. Shiffler stated that the group is not willing to formulate and write a mission statement for their loose collective simply for the purpose of this exhibition. She then showed clips from three video works in the exhibition. Michael Zheng's video "14 Minutes a Revolution" is a recording of the artist singing, and then re-recording the song between two tape-recorders until it becomes incomprehensible. The next clip from the video titled "I will die" by artist Yang Zhenzhong shows people saying "I will die" in both Chinese and English, first with a smile and chuckle, then in a more serious manner. The final video from artist Zhu Jia titled "Never take off" depicts a plane that never takes off, with a ballad that starts and stops throughout the video. The videos will be played on a constant loop and the exhibition will include photography as well.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that the collective vision for this exhibition is thin and it seemed to reflect more about new genres practice than about China. However, as all the video clips seem to have a particular point of view, the exhibition thesis should state that this exhibition represents a particular strand of work and thematic interest, rather than being a survey of contemporary Chinese artists. Commissioner Lloyd agreed that the exhibition does not need to include works by artists with different perspectives if it is labeled as show focused on a specific theme.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated there needs to be a clear explanation for why this exhibition is important to show in the City's Gallery. Director of Cultural Affairs Luis R. Cancel asked if it was a question about the value of having this exhibition at the City's Gallery. Commissioner Przyblyski responded that there is value in seeing all types of artwork but the Arts Commission needs to think about why it needs to be in the City's Gallery.
Commissioner Zhao stated that the works do not appear to him to reflect changes in China and believes that as a group show, the range of works included seems to narrow. Commissioner Przyblyski stated that while it is important to present work from different perspectives, this is just one perspective. Mr. Cancel stated that this exhibition is unusual because typically, a curatorial view is clearly identified at the beginning of the planning stages. However, he believes there is value to doing this exhibition. Ms. Shiffler stated that the Gallery often hosts exhibition with tight thematic approaches, and that the benefit to that approach is the opportunity to hold more exhibitions of works by Chinese artists in the future. This is not meant to be a broad survey.
Motion: Motion to approve an artist honorarium to Michael Zheng in the amount of $1000 for his organizational contribution to the main gallery exhibition to be installed on January 25, 2009.
Moved: Lloyd/Zhao
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Gallery
Ms. Shiffler distributed a report that presents the work of three artists under consideration for the next North Light Court Banner installation in City Hall: Todd Hido, Dave Maisel and Christina Seely. The gallery will hold a competitive process similar to the process used to select artists for the Market Street posters. The Gallery will offer a small amount of $200 to the three artists to create the proposals, which will then be presented to the Commissioners. The selection of the artist will be based on their proposals. The selected artist will receive $2,500 to create the work, which includes ten banners, one of the ten being an informational banner.
Commissioner Przyblyski cautioned that a couple of the artists proposed generally work on a small scale and might have difficulty creating a work for the large banners of the North Light Court. Ms. Shiffler explained that the Gallery will work carefully with whoever is chosen to create a successful work.
Motion: Motion to approve artist honoraria in the amount of $200 each to artists Todd Hido, David Maisel and Christina Seely to develop unique proposals for new North Light Court art banners in City Hall.
Moved: Lloyd/Zhao
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Temporary Projects in Natural Settings
Ms. Manton provided an update on artist Patrick Dougherty's proposal for a temporary exhibition at Civic Center Plaza for a six-month installation commencing in the winter of 2009. The swirling sculpture will span 125 feet and rise 8 feet above the tree tops. She explained that the Recreation and Park Department is concerned about the harm the sculpture may cause to the trees and about the stability of the sculpture given the strong winds at Civic Center Plaza. She stated that Mr. Dougherty has a lot of experience working with trees and contends that his sculpture will not damage the trees. Mr. Dougherty will work with a crew of student volunteers and a local artist to head the crew. Ms. Manton stated that the budget is not yet final, but is estimated to be about $55,000. The installation, which will be on view for about one year, will take place in the winter when the trees are pruned and in a dormant stage.
Commissioner Przyblyski asked to see an image of the installed artwork on top of the pruned trees. She stated that the sculpture could be quite dynamic if it is installed for over one year as the trees grow and shed their leaves. Ms. Manton stated that she will obtain a photograph of the sycamores from the Recreation and Park Department when the trees are bare. Commissioner Przyblyski postponed the motion pending review of a drawing of the proposed sculpture by the artist when the trees are bare.
THIS MOTION HAS BEEN POSTPONED.
Motion: Motion to approve proposal for a temporary artwork submitted by Patrick Dougherty for the Civic Center Plaza for a six-month installation commencing in winter 2009 pending approval from the Recreation and Park Commission.
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Transbay Terminal Project
Ms. Manton reported on the progress of the new Transbay Terminal, designed by Cesar Pelli and estimated to be complete in 2014. The total art budget is $4.75 million, with approximately $3.2 million for the artwork. Ms. Manton stated that she met with the architects and discussed options for the placement of the artwork, including the entrance at Mission Street and the rooftop park with its pools and fountains. She stated that she would like to designate both an Arts Commissioner and an additional representative, Walter Hood, a renowned landscape architect, to serve on the Steering Committee for the Transbay Terminal project. The Steering Committee will also include three other participants appointed by the Transbay Joint Powers Authority (TJPA).
Mr. Cancel questioned why the Arts Commission would invite representatives who are not Arts Commissioners to participate on the panel. Ms. Manton explained that the inclusion of a participant who is not an Arts Commissioner is a way to broaden the artistic and curatorial perspective of the Steering Committee. She explained that there is no guarantee that TJPA will select arts professionals to participate on the Committee and this is the opportunity to ensure their input. Mr. Cancel stated that this seemed like an important relationship that needs to be well thought-out and suggested staff to consider other Arts Commissioners to fill the two openings on the Steering Committee. Ms. Manton responded that she believes Visual Arts Commissioners would be the most appropriate to serve on the Committee. She stated that Commissioner approval and review is not mandated but value-added. Commissioner Przyblyski stated that she believes one Visual Arts Commissioner would be appropriate for the Transbay Terminal Steering Committee. Mr. Cancel stated that he would like a better understanding about what the representation of these individuals would consist of.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that Mr. Hood is a great choice for participation on the Steering Committee and it is important not only to have arts professionals involved in this process, but also to have a representative that the Arts Commission is confident will act in that role. She stated that $3.25 million is not a lot of money given the size of the construction and questioned the need for an Arts Master Plan given that there will probably only several larger works commissioned for the site. Ms. Manton responded that the Arts Master Plan is required as part of the contract and that she had discussed with the architects and project staff the possibility of smaller works and as well as larger ones. Commissioner Przyblyski stated that projects with a small budget, like $50,000 will not register in the passenger waiting area.
In response to questions from Commissioners and staff about the meeting dates of the Steering Committee, Ms. Manton stated the meetings will begin in the fall, 2008. She explained that the schematic design will be complete by this fall so there is some urgency to proceed with the artist selection process. Given the timeframe, Ms. Manton recommended an invitational competition for this phase of the artist selection process. The Steering Committee will meet at key points of the planning process throughout the several years of implementing the art program. In response to a question about why the selection process does not have to go through an open call, Ms. Manton stated that the artists will enter into contract with the Transbay Terminal and the Federal Transportation Authority (FTA) does not require an open competition, but it does have certain stipulations about the jurying process.
Commissioner Przyblyski suggested that the Arts Master Plan include a list of potential sites and potential artists. Commissioner Lloyd inquired about the definition of an Arts Master Plan. Ms. Manton explained that an Arts Master Plan usually identifies the location, approach and general scale of the artworks for a particular project, but doesn't necessarily need to follow that form.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that she wanted to take this opportunity to thank Commissioner Hunter for his service at the Arts Commission. Despite his absence from this meeting, she expressed her appreciation for his dedication to his role as a Visual Arts Commissioner. She stated that Commissioner Hunter served on the Airport Arts Steering Committee and then asked Commissioner Lloyd if he would be interested in serving on the Airport Arts Steering Committee. She also stated that former Arts Commissioners could be a valuable resource in terms of serving on panels and committees. Commissioner Przyblyski suspended the motion pending further discussion.
THIS MOTION HAS BEEN POSTPONED.
Motion: Motion to approve designation of an Arts Commission representative and Walter Hood to serve on the Steering Committee for the Transbay Terminal Project.
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Temporary Projects in Natural Settings
Ms. Manton reported on the current status of the proposal by artist John Melvin for Lake Merced, which was originally scheduled for installation this past week. Mr. Melvin worked with students from San Francisco State's Engineering Department but they could not produce signed and stamped engineering drawings. The project is on hold while the artist identifies another engineer and finds a solution that is environmentally acceptable. Ms. Manton explained that the problem lies with anchoring the balloons and suggested that Mr. Melvin consider using existing structures at Lake Merced, such as a concrete pedestrian bridge, to anchor the balloons or to suspend the balloon matrix with cranes placed in four locations around the lake. Ms. Manton stated that the original budget of $30,000 would likely increase given these challenges. She reported that the Arts Commission is considering an honorarium for the San Francisco State students who worked on the project and Mr. Melvin will be paid an additional honorarium for his additional time and research. To date, the Arts Commission has spent only $1,000 for the project. Commissioner Przyblyski stated that temporary projects should not take several years of planning, and suggested that if Mr. Melvin is unable to find a viable solution relatively soon, then the Arts Commission should begin to work with other artists on this series of temporary projects in natural settings.
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McClaren Park
Ms. Manton stated that she met with Mohammed Nuru, Deputy Director for Operations for the Department of Public Works and arranged for granite curb stones, currently in storage, to be donated to the artist team Susan Schwartzenberg and Peter Richards for their artwork Philosopher's Walk at McClaren Park. Commissioner Przyblyski stated that with the large size of McClaren Park and the small size of the artwork budget, she is delighted to hear of such a win-win opportunity where curb stones are recycled and artists are provided with granite for their artwork.
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Moscone Center West
Ms. Manton reported on the status of retrofit of the artwork Facsimile by Diller + Scofidio at the Moscone Center West. She stated that the $50,000 from the Convention Facilities is no longer available due to the City's budget crisis. She stated that Rick Scofidio will correspond with a San Francisco developer in an effort to obtain funding to repair the work, but currently, the Arts Commission does not have the funds to complete the repairs.
Mr. Lloyd asked if it was possible to ask for funding from high-tech companies. Ms. Manton stated that it would be possible but the issue of how to credit their contribution may be a problem because no advertising or commercial purpose may appear on the sign. She explained that she has not yet tried to seek private funds because she has been focused on working within City government to identify a source for the funds. Commissioner Przyblyski stated that as it has been five years since the video was created, she is concerned that the video might look outdated. Mr. Cancel expressed his concern that the video equipment itself would actually work and Ms. Manton stated that she would complete systems checks in the near future.
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Academy of Sciences
Ms. Manton reported on her visit to Walla Walla Foundry to examine the wire landscape sculpture by Maya Lin, which is based on the topology of the Bay Area land and ocean floor. She displayed images taken during this trip and explained that the blue tape shown in the images of the sculpture are places Ms. Lin identified as needing more dimension. Ms. Manton stated that it was a fascinating process to see the development of this sculpture, which will arrive at the Academy tomorrow, August 21, and will be installed this coming weekend. She stated that KQED started interviewing Ms. Lin two years ago and they will interview both Ms. Lin at the Academy of Sciences, as well as Commissioner Przyblyski about the installation.
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Laguna Honda Hospital
Public Art Deputy Program Director Susan Pontious presented images of artist Beliz Brother's photographic lightboxes, which depict images of flowers, on the south resident floors of Laguna Honda Hospital. Ms. Pontious presented a layout of the first floor of the hospital and explained that the darkened areas are the niches where the artwork will be installed. The smaller works are vertical in orientation and will be flat mounted; the larger works are all 4 x 6 feet and horizontal in orientation. The lightboxes will use the same energy-efficient light fixtures as the rest of the building.
Motion: Motion to approve final images of artist Beliz Brother's photographic lightboxes for south resident floors for Laguna Honda Hospital.
Moved: Zhao, Lloyd
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9-1-1 Emergency Communications Center
Project Manager Tonia Macneil reported on the repair and removal of the artwork Water Table by Clifford Rainey from the Emergency Communications Center (ECC). The sculpture is made up of two main elements, a cast-glass column formed around the hollow figure of a man, and a 3-foot by 6-foot granite slab carved out to create a shallow pool. She explained that the building staff had reacted negatively to the subject matter and the condition of the artwork, which originally functioned as a fountain. Although a rusting chain and algae build-up were removed, and in spite of ongoing efforts to allay concerns, the work was nevertheless vandalized by ECC staff, who had voiced objections to the figure's apparent nudity and their sense that the figure was trapped in its glass column.
Commissioner Przyblyski asked why there is public art in a non-public area. Ms. Macneil explained that while the building is essentially closed, the Emergency Management Department requested and the Commission approved the artwork for the common area of the building that would be the centerpiece of a quiet corner. Ms. Macneil explained that following the vandalism, the Emergency Management Department has provided the funds to have the glass sculpture repaired by the artist. In addition, the department has allocated $15,000 for the removal of the granite slab and re-installation at an alternate site. The glass has been repaired and will shortly be returned to the Commission. Ms. Macneil explained that the artwork was originally designed to function as a wet or dry sculpture, and given the difficulty in maintaining clean water, it was finally determined that the artwork would function as a dry fountain.
Commissioner Przyblyski inquired about the possibility of deaccessioning the work. Ms. Macneil stated that she had a conversation with Collections Manager Allison Cummings and came to the understanding that it would be an abrupt and less than ideal solution to deaccession the work from the City's Collection without making an effort to locate a new home for the work in another City building.
Commissioner Przyblyski expressed the opinion that the work does not really function as a public artwork. She stated that there is no clear reason why this work needs to be in the Civic Art Collection and there are no clear alternative locations to install the work. She explained it is also difficult for City Departments to allocate a space of six-by-three feet for the work given the already limited space for staff in most City buildings. Commissioner Lloyd asked if the base has to stay with the artwork and Ms. Macneil responded that it is an integral part of the artwork.
Mr. Cancel stated that the Arts Commission staff will engage in further discussion about the future of the piece. Ms. Macneil explained that the motion presented to Commissioners is to accept the money provided by the Emergency Management Department for the removal of the granite slab and its supporting structure.
Motion: Motion to expend up to $15,000 of funds provided by the Emergency Management Department for the removal of the artwork Water Table from the Emergency Communications Center, for its relocation to an alternate site, and for rehabilitation of the artwork to its original condition.
Moved: Lloyd/Zhao
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Upper Noe Valley Recreation Center
Ms. Macneil presented images and reported on the final installation of five stainless steel sculptures and one stainless steel and glass sculpture by artist Troy Corliss at the Upper Noe Valley Recreation Center. The sculptures rise from the tops of gate posts at the entrance to the complex and the entrance to the children's playground. She explained that the artist had explored nearby natural areas and researched San Francisco's native plants to identify specific species indigenous to the City. The six-foot high sculptures are enlargements of plants and flowers that are barely a few inches in actual size. Mr. Cancel inquired about replacement glass pieces for the sculpture and Ms. Macneil stated that she would look into this possibility. The dedication celebration for this artwork will take place on Saturday, September 6.
Motion: Motion to approve the final installation of five stainless steel sculptures and one stainless steel and glass sculpture by Troy Corliss at the Upper Noe Valley Recreation Center.
Moved: Lloyd/Zhao
Motion: Motion to accept five sculptures by artist Troy Corliss at the Upper Noe Valley Recreation Center into the Civic Art Collection.
Moved: Zhao/Lloyd
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Central Subway
Project Manager Judy Moran provided an update on the Central Subway Public Art Program. She stated that there have been two meetings of the Central Subway Arts Master Plan Advisory Group, which consists of 23 participants, facilitated in part by Francis Wong, the Central Subway Outreach Consultant. The Advisory Group will have one more meeting at the end of September. During the second meeting, the Advisory Group discussed their ideas about the Central Subway Public Art Program for both permanent and rotating works; their comments and suggestions will be used in the development of the Arts Master Plan, and an Appendix with a summary of their ideas and comments will be attached to Plan. Ms. Moran reminded Commissioners that at the last Visual Arts Committee meeting, there was a suggestion that Commissioners have a meeting solely dedicated to the Central Subway Arts Master Plan. Ms. Moran stated that she will provide Commissioners with a draft of the Arts Master Plan before the meeting for their review, and have the architects present revised designs of the stations as some of the larger open spaces are now intersected by structural beams and supports.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that she believes it is important to have one hour dedicated to the discussion of the Arts Master Plan. She strongly urged staff to have this discussion during the September Visual Arts Committee meeting, and arrange the agenda accordingly, because a separate meeting outside of the monthly Visual Arts Committee meetings can be difficult to schedule. Ms. Moran stated that her schedule is flexible and is willing to do whatever time works best for the Commissioners. Ms. Manton stated that she will work with staff to postpone agenda items planned for the September meeting to October in order to accommodate the Central Subway discussion.
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Collections
Collections Manager Allison Cummings reported on three projects at Golden Gate Park. The column of Portals of the Past has been refabricated and will be installed on August 28. Work on the Francis Scott Key Monument has taken longer than anticipated because of the time involved with cleaning the green stains off of the stone, but will be completed before Labor Day and the opening of the Academy of Sciences. The Cider Press Bucket has been reinstalled and repatinated to match the monument. Ms. Cummings also reported that the Dewey Crumpler Mural Restoration project at the Joseph P. Lee Recreation Center in Bayview has been completed and a wonderful dedication ceremony took place on August 14. In addition, for the Embarcadero Historic Interpretive Signage project, the Bay Bridge and Herb Caen pylons were reinstalled and there is just one additional pylon to be reinstalled.
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Private Percent for Art Legislation
Ms. Manton confirmed with Commissioners that they received through email a draft of the Private Percent for Art Legislation, a privileged and confidential document. She announced that the development of this legislation is the culmination of several years of work. The legislation provides for the aesthetic oversight of the Arts Commission relative to the fulfillment of this requirement in the C3 downtown district and provides private developers with three options for how to apply their one percent public art requirement: (1) contribute 100 percent of the one percent public art fee to an onsite artwork; (2) contribute 100 percent of the public art fee to a Public Art Trust to be managed by the Arts Commission; or (3) contribute 50 percent of the public art fee to an onsite artwork, 45 percent to the Public Art Trust, and receive a five percent discount from their one percent requirement. Ms. Manton explained that with most of these development projects in downtown San Francisco, five percent of the one percent requirement can translate to budgets in the $1 million range. The Public Art Trust will be established by companion legislation, overseen by the Arts Commission, and may be used for both permanent and temporary artworks in the C3 district, as well as the repair and conservation of works in the Civic Art Collection located in the C3 district.
Ms. Manton explained that the legislation will be introduced to the Board of Supervisors and then referred back to City Planning because the legislation proposes a change in the Planning Code. City Planning will have 90 days to take action before it is returned to the Board. The goal is to have the legislation in place by January 2009. Ms. Manton requested comments and suggestions from Commissioners and asked them to please copy the City Attorney on all responses to ensure confidentiality. Commissioner Przyblyski congratulated Ms. Manton on the legislation and stated it would be wonderful to have more permanent and temporary artworks in downtown.
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New Business
Ms. Pontious reported that the Airport Commission approved Bob Zoell's proposal for the Secure Connector. They also approved the issuing of an RFQ for a pre-qualified pool of appraisers for both the Airport Museum Collection and the permanent collection at the Airport. Having more current appraised values is important for making sure that the artwork is properly insured. Ms. Pontious stated that with Commissioner Hunter resigning from the Visual Arts Committee, she needs a Commissioner to participate on the Airport Steering Committee and upcoming artist selection panels - an airport selection panel meeting on September 24, as well as a General Hospital selection panel meeting on October 24. Commissioner Przyblyski appointed Commissioner Lloyd to sit on the Airport Steering Committee. Commissioner Lloyd stated he would be happy to serve on the Committee if his schedule permits it. Ms. Pontious explained that the Arts Commissioner who sits on the Airport Steering Committee is usually the one who participates in the artist selection panels for the Airport.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that one of the newly appointed Arts Commissioners, Lorraine Garcia-Nakata, might be able to serve on the September 24 panel. Commissioner Przyblyski also suggested that former Visual Arts Commissioners such as Maya Draisan might be interested in participating in the panel selection process if the current Visual Arts Commissioners are unable to attend.
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Old Business
There was no old business.
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Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 5:14 p.m.
