Visual_Arts_Committee
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 VISUAL ARTS COMMITTEE
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
3:00 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70
Minutes
Commissioners Present:
Jeannene Przyblyski, Pop Zhao, Leonard Hunter, Lawrence Rinder
Absent: Dede Wilsey
Staff Present:
Carol Marie Daniels, Marcus Davies, Nancy Gonchar, Judy Moran, Susan Pontious, Ellen Shershow, Meg Shiffler
Note: All votes are unanimous unless recorded otherwise.
The meeting commenced at 3:02 p.m.
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Consent Calendar
There were no consent calendar items.
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Gallery Report
Gallery Director Meg Shiffler and Interim Director of Cultural Affairs Nancy Gonchar reported on continued programming at the Grove Street window site.
Ms. Shiffler stated that during the last six months the large front window at the Grove Street building has been shattered twice. The total cost to replace it is $6,000, or larger than the entire exhibition budget at Grove Street. Ms. Shiffler stated that Ms. Gonchar is looking into finding ways to pay for this maintenance without using Arts Commission funds. At present, funding for maintenance comes from the Arts Commission. Ms. Gonchar stated that we need to decide whether or not to continue programming in this venue, given the cost of repair. In addition, since the building has been condemned, the City will not provide insurance for it. Ms. Shiffler stated that she is not comfortable placing art in a building that is frequently vandalized, though this is a valuable space to show art. Commissioner Przyblyski inquired whether we can assume this vandalism will continue, and Commissioner Hunter suggested adding a metal grating to protect both the window and the art. The Commissioners agreed that a rushed decision on this question would not be wise, but that they would take it under advisement and continue the discussion at a later date.
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525 Golden Gate Avenue-New PUC Office Building
Public Art Project Manager Susan Pontious introduced artist Ned Kahn to present his proposal for the integrated artwork for the north façade of the new Public Utilities Commission office building at 525 Golden Gate Avenue.
Mr. Kahn stated that his proposal was originally developed almost eight years ago. At that time, he had designed what now look like very simple wind turbines for the exterior of the building. Mr. Kahn stated that technology has grown at such an astounding rate that he is now able to combine sculpture and wind power in a far more advanced and interesting way. Essentially, he proposes to make multiple electromechanical motors that will be powered by wind currents. This will accomplish two tasks: Technically, it will generate power for the building, and conceptually, it will encourage people to use the stairs instead of the elevator. The interior of the building will utilize a crystal material that will reflect light on the lobby floor, creating the illusion that one is walking on water. All of the Commissioners were thrilled with this proposal.
Motion: Motion to approve the design proposal for an integrated wind-activated artwork submitted by Ned Kahn for the north façade of the new Public Utilities Commission office building at 525 Golden Gate Avenue.
Moved: Hunter/Rinder
Ms. Pontious next reported on commissioning artist Isabella Kirkland for a two-dimensional artwork in the lobby of the Public Utilities Commission office building at 525 Golden Gate Avenue. The Commissioners unanimously agreed that Ms. Kirkland is a talented artist whose work would be very appropriate for the lobby of 525 Golden Gate Avenue.
Motion: Motion to approve an honorarium payment in the amount of $2,500 to Isabelle Kirkland for the development of a proposal for a two-dimensional artwork to be placed in the lobby of the new Public Utilities Commission office building at 525 Golden Gate Avenue.
Moved: Rinder/Zhao
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Patricia’s Green
This item has been moved to a future Visual Arts Committee meeting.
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California Academy of Sciences Public Art Project
Susan Pontious reported on the status of artist Maya Lin’s project. Arts Commission staff is requesting an extension of the completion date for the LED video artwork entitled Missing to mid-February 2009, to be unveiled on Earth Day, April 22, 2009. The Academy of Sciences is in support of this extension, as it will allow them to produce a second large event following the Academy’s opening event. Ms. Lin has requested this extension as well, particularly given the challenge of developing an art project in a new medium. The extension will also provide time to explore additional donor opportunities. The Commissioners unanimously supported this extension.
Motion: Motion to approve the extension of the completion date for the LED video artwork entitled Missing to mid-February 2009 to be unveiled on Earth Day, April 22, 2009
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Randall Museum
Public Art Project Manager Regina Almaguer reported on the Randall Museum selection panel’s recommendations of the following four artists/artist teams as finalists for the Randall Museum project: Ene Osteraas-Constable and Scott Constable (Wowhaus); Po Shu Wang and Louise Bertelsen; Charles Sowers and Walter Kitundu.
Ms. Almaguer stated that the Randall Museum staff is thrilled with the selection of the finalists. The finalists have already spent time exploring the grounds of the museum at an on-site orientation, and will prepare proposals with a budget of $100,000.
Motion: Motion to accept the Randall Museum selection panel’s recommendation to select the following four artists/artist teams as finalists for the Randall Museum project: Ene and Scott Constable (Wowhaus); Po Shu Wang and Louise Bertelsen; Charles Sowers and Walter Kitundu and to authorize the Interim Director of Cultural Affairs to pay each of the artists an honorarium of $750 for the development of site-specific proposals for the project.
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Laguna Honda Hospital
Public Art Project Manager Susan Pontious reported on Diana Pumpelly Bates’ conceptual design for the Laguna Honda Hospital entry gates and Takenobu Igarashi’s prototype of the color terracotta reliefs for the Laguna Honda Hospital residence buildings. The Commissioners responded very favorably to both these projects, particularly Mr. Igarashi’s terra cotta depictions of cities.
Motion: Motion to approve Diana Pumpelly Bates’ conceptual design for the Laguna Honda Hospital entry gates.
Motion: Motion to approve Takenobu Igarashi’s prototype of the color terracotta reliefs for the Laguna Honda Hospital residence buildings.
Ms. Pontious reported on artist Owen Smith’s revised wall mosaic for Laguna Honda Hospital. Ms. Pontious reminded the Commissioners that Mr. Smith had originally planned to utilize glass mosaic and sculptural relief on the walls of the hospital. However, because one of walls he is working on, wall ‘H,’ can be viewed from a distance, it made more sense to use only the more colorful ceramic mosaic in this particular location. Ms. Pontious showed the Committee several of Mr. Smith’s completed images, again reminding them that they reference the WPA murals in the lobby of the hospital.
Motion: Motion to approve the design for the steelworkers mosaic for the ‘H’ Wall of Laguna Honda Hospital.
Motion: Motion to approve Owen Smith’s change of material from glass mosaic to ceramic mosaic for the ‘H’ wall mosaic at Laguna Honda.
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Collections Report
Project Manager Carol Marie Daniels and Interim Registrar Marcus Davies reported on several Collections items, including the conservator’s report regarding the final deaccessioning of two textiles from the Civic Art Collection due to severe insect infestation resulting in irreparable damage to the artwork.
Mr. Davies distributed a report from conservator Joyce Hulbert. In this report, Ms. Hulbert explained that both pieces are actively sustaining significant damage from both adult and larvae moth consumption. Further, Ms. Hulbert stated that, while sections of each piece retain structural integrity, due to the near total infestation, the overall value and appreciation of each object of art has been damaged to an irreversible extent.
Mr. Davies stated that, based on this experience, the Collections team will endeavor to schedule regular inspections of all textile pieces in the Collection. In addition, Mr. Davies will work with City Attorney Adine Varah to assure that the pieces are deaccessioned correctly.
Motion: Motion to approve the final deaccessioning of two textiles from the Civic Art Collection due to severe insect infestation resulting in irreparable damage to the artworks and the intentions of the artists.
Project Manager Carol Marie Daniels reported on the vandalism of the Embarcadero Ribbon. The Promenade Ribbon is a two-mile linear sculpture consisting of a five-foot-wide section of concrete, bisected at its center by a continuous band of solid glass block. It is flat in areas to allow vehicle access to waterfront piers and commercial areas. In other locations, the Ribbon rises to alternately function as seating and tables for al fresco dining. The Ribbon was implemented over a number of years in the 1990’s and the project cost was approximately $2 million.
On October 8, 2007, three individuals were arrested for using a sledgehammer to tear out a large number of bronze skateblocks embedded in the concrete. Although 288 of these skateblocks are currently missing, only 50 were found in the defendants’ possession, hidden in a stolen golf cart. Several glass blocks were also removed from the concrete, causing further damage to the sculpture. The defendants were charged with felony vandalism and pled guilty to the charges. The defense attorneys are seeking to reduce the charges to a misdemeanor if full restitution is made. The restitution hearing is scheduled for November 14, 2007. Ms Daniels has been subpoenaed to provide evidence as to the extent of the damage and the cost of repairs.
Ms. Daniels stated that the bronze skateblocks are custom-made at a cost of $32 per unit. The Department of Public Works (“DPW”) estimates a cost of $36,500 to repair, patch, or reform the concrete, and re-drill and reset all 288 skateblocks. DPW has approximately 40 skateblocks in inventory. The cost of purchasing 248 new skateblocks is $7,936, for a combined total estimate of $44,436.
The Commissioners requested that Arts Commission staff keep them updated.
Ms. Daniels next reported on the physical inventory of artworks in the San Francisco General Hospital Collection (“SFGH”) as of September, 2007.
Ms. Daniels stated that Arts Commission staff Marcus Davies and Vicky Knoop accompanied her on a floor-by-floor search of all public spaces at SFGH. They each had a copy of an inventory data sheet which listed the 496 art objects thought to be at SFGH. Of these, only 49 artworks were located, or less than 10% of the missing objects. These 49 artworks are all in need of cleaning, and several will need additional restoration. Photo-documenting artwork in the Emergency Room was prohibited by hospital staff because of patient privacy concerns.
Ms. Daniels stated that the cooperation and participation of General Hospital staff is crucial for the completion of this search. Arts Commission staff are investigating the feasibility of uploading the images to the Commission website and directing hospital employees to visit the site and assist in the identification of the missing artworks.
Ms. Daniels went on to report on the conservation of the Dewey Crumpler mural The Fire Next Time I (1977). The Arts Commission has honored this lost mural by installing a 4′ x 4′ porcelain enamel color reproduction of the mural, which prominently hangs in the interior of the newly constructed recreation building.
On the exterior of an adjacent building within the same recreation center complex is The Fire Next Time II (1984), a two-part mural located on Mendell and Newcomb Streets. This mural was also painted by Dewey Crumpler when he was a young adult living in the Bayview neighborhood. He designed the work to convey the importance of education, religion and culture within the African American community. Conservation work on this mural was delayed due to scheduling conflicts between construction of the new recreation center and Architectural Conservation’s (“ACI”) crew schedule. ACI is no longer involved in the project and their final report is expected in December, 2007.
Architectural Resources Group-Conservation Services (“ARG-CS”) is developing a treatment proposal for the completion of the mural stabilization and restoration during summer 2008. They will submit their plan in December, 2007.
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Upper Noe Recreation Center
Project Manager Tonia Macneil reported on a request from the community for approval of design of a donor wall for Upper Noe Recreation Center. The wall will be composed of etched tiles created by neighborhood children and families. Donors will use paper templates to create designs which will then be translated into fired and glazed tiles. The community group will use the tile project to raise money to fund interior furnishings and equipment for the Recreation Center. There was some discussion on whether or not this project needed to come to the Visual Arts Committee. In the end, the Commissioners unanimously agreed that because this is a donor wall, and not an artist-designed wall, it did not need to come before the Committee.
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Larsen Park Sava Pool
Project Manager Judy Moran reported on the final design, fabrication, consultation and installation of an artwork for the Larsen Park Sava Pool facility by artist Catherine Wagner.
Ms. Moran stated that this project was originally scheduled, and the artists’ proposal conceived and approved, approximately two years ago, but was delayed due to lack of funding from the Recreation and Parks Department. Funding has now been obtained, but the cost of the artist’s materials has risen during the lag. The Recreation and Parks Department is amenable to providing increased funding to account for this. Ms. Moran requested that the Committee approve the cost increase so that the project can go forward.
Motion: Motion to amend Resolution No. 0711-05-157 to increase the original total contract amount of $71,000 for artist Catherine Wagner for final design, fabrication, transportation and consultation during installation of an artwork for the Larsen Park Sava Pool facility to an amount not to exceed $80,000.
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Moscone Recreation Center
Ms. Pontious reported on the new location of artist Brian Goggin’s Guide Post. Ms. Pontious reminded the Committee that this was first reported at the August 15, 2007, Visual Arts Committee meeting. All parties have mutually agreed that this sculpture should not be installed at the Moscone Recreation Center. Instead,it will be installed in the lawn area to the immediate north of Larsen Sava Pool. The Commissioners agreed that this was a very positive conclusion to a potentially challenging situation.
Motion: Motion to approve the location of Brian Goggin’s Guide Post to be installed in the lawn area to the immediate north of Larsen Park Sava Pool.
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Central Subway
Project Manager Judy Moran reported on thecurrent status of the Central Subway Public Art Program. The Municipal Transportation Agency (“MTA”) has released the environmental impact report, and is awaiting the selection of the final proposed alternate station designs in the summer of 2008. Ms. Moran stated that currently two community informational meetings are being scheduled, one in Chinatown and one South of Market. An RFQ for Bay Area artists will be released in January, 2008 to supplement the Central Subway Artist Pool established two years ago. Staff is also recruiting additional artists nationally. A workshop specifically for artists interested in applying for Central Subway will be scheduled in mid-to-late February.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that as a new art enrichment project, the Central Subway will provide an opportunity for this group of Visual Arts Committee Commissioners to provide the guidelines for this major capital improvement project at the very beginning and leave a legacy for the City. Commissioner Przyblyski requested that Arts Commission staff spend about thirty minutes at the next Committee meeting showing slides of what staff thinks are the strongest art in transit projects currently in existence, followed by a discussion. Ms. Moran offered to also show the current Central Subway Artist Pool, and Commissioners said they also wanted an update on the architecture of the stations by Kwan Henmi staff. Ms. Moran and the Commissioners agreed to extend the future presentation for this Committee to an hour.
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Pine Lake Park
Ms. Pontious reported on thevandalism and possible relocation of the Rabbinoid sculpture in Pine Lake Park. She stated that the vandalism has continued, and that it has become clear that the Rabbinoid is not the only target; the trees have been tagged, and the bathrooms vandalized. Arts Commission staff has actively contacted members of the community as well as the police, and the final assessment is that the only solution as far as the Rabbinoid is concerned is to have it moved to an alternate location. This might involve moving it closer to the Stern Grove Trocadero Clubhouse, perhaps in a nearby wooded area, or out of Stern Grove completely. Commissioner Hunter stated that it might work at the entrance to Stern Grove on 19 th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard. The Commissioners unanimously agreed that the Rabbinoid should be moved to an alternate location.
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Louise Bourgeois Crouching Spider
The Arts Commission staff is thrilled to report that the Louise Bourgeois sculpture Crouching Spider will be installed on November 8, 2007. The dedication event will take place on Thursday, November 15, 2007. It will begin at 10:00 am at the Market Bar and will involve Gallery Paule Anglim.
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New Business
Ms. Pontious reported that she and Public Art Program Director Jill Manton met with the General Hospital Project Manager Ron Alameda in regards to a new building at San Francisco General Hospital. This will be on the ballot in November, 2008, and, if passed by voters, will provide approximately $4.5 million in new art enrichment funds.
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Old Business
Public Art Project Manager Regina Almaguer reported that an engineering class at San Francisco State University has taken on artist John Melvin’s proposed project at Lake Merced, this is the first in a series of temporary public art pieces in natural settings. In addition, Public Art Program staff is in discussion with artist Patrick Dougherty in regards to the Baker Street pump station., in what will likely by the second temporary project in a natural setting.
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Adjournment
As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:58 p.m.
ES 1/4/2008
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: Ellen Shershow (415) 252-2594.
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