The meeting commenced at 3:03 p.m.
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Consent
1. Motion to rescind Resolution No. 0107-08-013 authorizing an agreement with the artist team of Peter Richards and Susan Schwartzenberg for an amount not to exceed $142,000, to design, fabricate, and install a public art project at McLaren Park.
2. Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into agreement with Peter Richards for a public art project to be executed in conjunction with Susan Schwartzenberg in McLaren Park, for a total amount not to exceed $145,000, for the design, development, fabrication, transportation and installation of an artwork as well as identification plaques.
3. Motion to approve the Harvey Milk Memorial sculpture base materials: Autumn Brown granite with Optima regular typeface for the text, with real-gold leaf infill.
Motion: Motion to adopt the consent calendar items.
Moved: Rinder/Hunter
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Gallery Report
Gallery Director Meg Shiffler presented the upcoming SFAC Gallery window installation at 155 Grove Street by local artist collective Kunsole from March 20 to May 10, 2008. She stated that she will postpone her report on Jon Rubin's international project, Never Been to Tehran, which has not yet been confirmed at 155 Grove Street. Kunsole is a collaborative group composed of three artists, Deric Carner, Rebecca Miller and Roddy Schrock, who create works that focus on how patterns relate to sound. They will be doing a residency at Grove Street which will include creating evolving installation components and a new soundtrack every week. They will also host regularly scheduled performance events ranging from jam sessions to readings. Ms. Shiffler stressed that the group has been instructed to gear their performances to a passerby audience instead of a captive audience. Recording sessions will take place on Thursday evenings at 8:00 p.m., but Ms. Shiffler wants to make sure the recording sessions do not become concerts or performances as the group often works with local musicians. The $1,200 honorarium will include a mailer or flyers to be distributed.
Motion: Motion to provide an artist honorarium of $1200 to Deric Carner, for his commissioned window installation at 155 Grove Street. The honorarium amount should be made available to the artist upon the installation of artwork on March 19, 2008.
Moved: Hunter/Rinder
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Broadway Streetscape Phases I & II
Project Manager Tonia Macneil noted that Brian Goggin and his collaborator, Dorka Keehn, are currently in the final design phase of the Broadway Streetscape Public Art Project. Ms. Macneil confirmed that there will be a total of 23 book sculptures which are also referred to as "birds" because of their shape. She reported that the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art ("SFMOMA") may agree to sponsor a one-time happening for the scattering of words that will be incorporated into the design of the surrounding sidewalk. Among the outstanding items to be submitted by the artist is a lighting analysis assessing the artwork's impact on neighbors as well as final structural engineering. Ms. Macneil referenced an addition to the staff report which includes a list of authors and an image depicting the design of words on the pavement.
Artist Brian Goggin then presented his project and explained that he has been working closely with Dorka Keehn, who unfortunately could not attend the meeting. He showed a prototype of the illuminated book and its fabrication. The books will be suspended from a steel cable system, at heights ranging from about 14 feet to 25 feet above the plaza. The polycarbonate book pages will be vacuumformed and attached to bindings of the same material using a silicone seal and a tab and bolt system. The interiors will have LED lights that connect to a computer which varies the lighting levels to create a pulsing effect that gives the impression of flight. The plaza floor will consist of 59 pavers with a scattering of words from texts proposed by various members of the community. Mr. Goggin will take phrases from the text that relate to the artwork, separate them into words, and scatter them in a random pattern. Photographs of this event will be taken and the resulting pattern of words from the images will be stenciled onto the paving. The cavities in the paving will be filled with UV-rated white epoxy to give the effect of silent movie title cards. Mr. Goggin explained that the performance of the scattering of the text with SFMOMA has not yet been confirmed, but he has other options for hosts of the event. Mr. Goggin then showed Commissioners the model of the work installed on the plaza but noted that the books will be suspended by their bindings rather than by their pages, as shown in the model, and that the layout of the electrical lines and light controller box will be designed to minimize the exposed wires.
Commissioners had a series of technical questions, all of which Mr. Goggin addressed. In his responses, Mr. Goggin clarified that there will be four poles on the plaza to which the artwork will be attached: two are street lamp poles and two will have traffic lights. The poles will be reinforced at the base to ensure the stability of the artwork. Mr. Goggin also explained that the gaps in the books would be sealed with silicon to prevent water from getting into the books, and there would be a venting system for each book for the circulation of air and the release of any water that may get into the books. He also explained that the LED lights should last for 100,000 hours because they will be dimmed for part of the time. They should last for ten years or more before they need to be replaced, at which time there may be better LEDs on the market. Mr. Goggin then stated that the installation will occur in phases, first the text in the paving, then the rigging of the books, and he will work closely with the contractors. Ms. Macneil explained that the materials list will be reviewed by a conservator.
Commissioner Rinder asked about the artist's method for selecting the authors. Mr. Goggin explained that he met with community members and researched authors who spent time in the Bay Area and those who had cultural and artistic influences on the North Beach/Chinatown community. He then looked for elements and themes in these texts that could be integral to the artwork.
Commissioner Rinder questioned whether it was possible that the phrases of text, when scattered, would overlap. Mr. Goggin explained that he will do tests, which he could show to the Commissioners for their approval. He also stated that the scattered words, potentially piled up and distorted, could be an interesting element of the project.
Public Art Program Deputy Director Susan Pontious asked about the potential discoloration of the book material and the possible accumulation of grime. Mr. Goggin explained that he will be using UV-rated sign materials which are supposed to last over forty years with the possibility that they may yellow slightly, although he believes this would be an acceptable and even interesting element as it may approach the color of parchment. Also Mr. Goggin believes the light inside will counteract the effect of the coloring that may happen over time.
Commissioner Przyblyski asked about the local pigeon population. Mr. Goggin reported that while he hasn't looked at any studies in the area, he has noticed that the pigeons usually inhabit the trees in the nearby park. He also stated that the books will be suspended and rigged in a way that slopes the front and back covers so that birds, who prefer to stand on horizontal surfaces, would not want to perch on them.
Commissioner Przyblyski confirmed that the Commissioners will have an opportunity to review the design of the paving elements with the scattered words during the final design phase.
Motion: Motion to approve the design development for Language of the Birds by Brian Goggin and authorization to the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with the artist for fabrication, transportation, and installation of the artwork for an amount not to exceed $130,000.
Moved: Hunter/Rinder
Motion: Motion to accept a gift of restricted funds in an amount of up to $65,000 to augment the previous gift of $30,000 supplementing the Broadway Streetscape Project art enrichment allocation. The funds will be set up in an interest-bearing account that will be used exclusively for the art project by Brian Goggin.
Moved: Rinder/Hunter
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Proposed Installation of Sculptures by Manolo Valdes in Civic Center Plaza
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton reported on the proposed temporary installation of nine bronze sculptures by artist Manolo Valdes for a four-month period beginning in late April or May 2008. She explained that the transportation, insurance, and supervision of installation costs will be covered by the lender and the City will absorb costs associated with engineering, permit, signage, and crane rental. The total cost has not yet been confirmed, but she estimates that the costs to be covered by the City will range from $20,000 to $30,000. She stated that, based upon her experience with the Louise Bourgeois sculpture, private sponsors would likely absorb up to $90,000 for the project. The nine sculptures range in size and are crafted from bronze and stainless steel. Based on conversations with the Recreation and Park Department, Ms. Manton believes the plaza will be able to support the weight of the sculptures; however, the location of the crane will be the greatest concern. She will retain the same engineer who worked on a previous Civic Center art installation and who therefore studied the placement and weight-bearing capacity of the structural columns of the plaza to identify the exact location for the crane. Ms. Manton stated that Recreation and Park Department staff appeared supportive of the temporary installation during her meetings with them. She reported that if this Committee authorized her to proceed, the installation could be brought to the Recreation and Park Commission's meeting on March 6, 2008. Ms. Manton explained that she is exploring a couple of options for City funding.
Commissioner Przyblyski inquired about the anticipated May completion date. Ms. Manton explained that the installation may not occur until late spring or early summer, but there is a time constraint because of a festival planned for the plaza in October and because the lender is only interested in a four-month display.
Commissioner Hunter expressed his enthusiasm about the project and the opportunity to present work of such high quality, and noted that Manolo Valdes represented Spain in the Venice Biennale ten years ago.
Commissioner Rinder questioned the significance and meaning behind the temporary placement of these monumental Spanish sculptures in the plaza.
Commissioner Przyblyski explained that it is important for the Arts Commission to be nimble and entrepreneurial and to take advantage of possible funding sources. However, she stated that if there is a possibility to get private funding, then she would like to consider using these resources for funding artist Bill Fontana's proposal for City Hall. She believes that the burden is on the Commission to think about a cultural nexus that makes the installation of the Manolo Valdes sculptures more relevant and suggested contacting the Spanish Consulate.
Commissioner Hunter stated that this work is not only beautiful and traditionally conceived but contemporary and powerful. He stated that since the plaza already has the structural ability to house the sculptures, it is a grand opportunity.
Director of Cultural Affairs Luis Cancel stated that the use of plazas resonates with Spanish culture, and he liked that the proposed installation of these sculptures comes on the heels of the installation of the Louise Bourgeois sculpture.
Ms. Shiffler suggested contacting other cultural institutions and museums in the Bay area to determine if there are any exhibitions concentrating on Spain or Spanish artists in order to incorporate it into a larger context.
Commissioner Przyblyski commented that based on her experience, one of the major ways to get temporary projects is via private/public partnerships.
Commissioner Rinder inquired about the placement of these two series. Ms. Manton explained that there will be five figures from the Las Meninas series and four busts from the Regina/Yvonne series; the figures will be lined up single file on the lawn, and the busts will be placed at each of the four corners of the plaza.
THIS MOTION HAS BEEN AMENDED
Motion: Motion to approve the temporary installation of nine bronze sculptures by artist Manolo Valdés in late spring or early summer 2008 for a total duration of four months based upon the assumption that all transportation, insurance and installation supervision and coordination costs will be privately sponsored.
Moved: Hunter/Rinder
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Moscone Center West Project
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton reported on the modification of an agreement with Pol-X West for the Moscone Center West project. She explained that she spoke with Ric Scofidio of Diller + Scofidio, who said he has evaluated the redesign proposed by Pol-X West after considering the perspectives of an outside engineer and a City engineer consulting with the Arts Commission. Diller + Scofidio wish to move forward with the proposed wheel and bogie redesign for the motion system of the Facsimile video project at Moscone Center West. Further, to the Arts Commission, she stated that Sheedy Crane will honor their previous commitment to do the work rigging and provide crane service at no charge, which Ms. Manton estimates to be worth about $15,000 to $20,000. She stated that manufacturing, shipping, and supervision costs will be about $60,000. Ms. Manton explained that she has asked Diller + Scofidio for a contribution toward the cost of the retrofit, but that remains undetermined. She is currently working on the contract modifications and will pursue every opportunity to secure more funding as there is a great need to move forward on this project.
Motion: Motion to approve a modification of the agreement with Pol-X West to include an extension of the project completion date until December 31, 2010, an additional allocation of $60,000 for the fabrication, and shipping costs associated with the redesign of the motion system for the Facsimile artwork at Moscone Center West, the supervision of the removal of existing motion system components, the supervision of the installation of new motion system components, and the ongoing adjustments and repairs to the system.
Moved: Rinder/Hunter
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Proposed Gift of World War II Memorial
Public Art Program Deputy Director Susan Pontious reported on the proposed gift by the Russian American Veterans Legion of World War II of a memorial to the meeting of Russian and American troops at the Elba River on April 25, 1945. She introduced Illan Palat as the proposer of the memorial.
Mr. Palat presented a preliminary model of the memorial which included two soldiers, one American and one Russian, placed on top of a granite pedestal. The design references the meeting of American and Russian soldiers at the Elba River on April 25, 1945. He explained the importance of this memorial as an educational tool for younger generations and stated that he has received many signatures in support of this project. He also stated that he has potential funding sources in mind. Mr. Palat said that he would prefer to have the memorial located in Golden Gate Park, but if this was not possible, then he would work to find another place in San Francisco. He explained that his concept for the memorial includes two lights that will shine up from the ground to illuminate the figures at night, and an audio component in both Russian and English. In reference to questions from Commissioners about the model, Mr. Palat said that the height of the figures will vary depending on the location. If the memorial is installed near trees, it would be about 15 to 18 feet high, and if not, he envisions the height to be 7 or 8 feet. There is also an eternal flame emerging from a star-shaped pattern on the ground, as shown in the model. Mr. Palat also stated that the idea for the design of the meeting of two soldiers came from his own research of other monuments.
Commissioner Hunter asked Mr. Palat if he had ever constructed figures like the ones shown in the model. Mr. Palat explained that he had not, he was a civil engineer by training, but he would certainly engage the services of an artist to create the design of the figures.
Commissioner Przyblyski explained the Visual Arts Committee process for public comment to the members of the public and then requested public comment.
David Gorodyansky expressed his support for the memorial and the dedication and passion of his friends who have been working on this idea for the last year and a half. He views the memorial as a symbol of respect for veterans who risked their lives, and stressed its importance both locally as well as globally. He currently serves as an advisor on the Technology Expert Council to Mayor Gavin Newsom and is very passionate about this project and believes the logistical issues can happen quickly if the Commissioners provide their support for the project.
Larisa Neymark introduced herself as an employee of the Mayor's Office who serves as a liaison to the Russian-American community and expressed her support for the importance of the memorial for future generations. She stated that she works closely with the local Russian community and they will all be happy to see such a memorial located in San Francisco.
Vladimir Ermakov stated that he heard a statistic that around 200,000 Russians live in the Bay Area. He went on to say that Russians are a significant part of the community and many have relatives who lost their lives in the war, including himself. He expressed his desire to have a place to bring his children to educate them about the war and to honor those who lost their lives. He emphasized that this memorial acts as a symbol of friendship between Russians and Americans, and the installation of this memorial at this current period represents a new era of collaboration.
Commissioner Przyblyski thanked members of the public for their comments. She then went on to explain that this issue was a difficult one and there is a responsibility that everyone shares to honor the presence and experiences of all San Franciscans. She then stated that there were some bureaucratic problems that impact this proposal: First, there is a moratorium on monuments in Golden Gate Park, so the likelihood of the Recreation and Parks Department accepting this proposal is very small; second, the Arts Commission has a moratorium on accepting gifts because of the limited funds available for maintenance of existing works in the collection; and third, having seen a number of projects under consideration by the Arts Commission, taking a position on this project is premature for a number of reasons. First, the model shown here is not far enough in the design process to provide Commissioners with a solid understanding of the memorial as a work of art. Second, the Committee normally accepts works of art only when issues about location have been resolved. Third, there is also the concern about raising money to build and care for the memorial. She said that this question of determining how to have a shared history remembered and honored still needs to be addressed. She expressed her inclination to decline to take action because it the item is not ready to adjudicate.
Ms. Pontious stated that the artistic expression of the memorial needs to be developed by a professional and respected artist to give it the emotional impact it needs, because it is not enough just to have a concept. She suggested that the proposers first find an artist. Ms. Pontious also suggested that the proposers look at the ways in which other memorials have been developed and installed in the City, for example, the Abraham Lincoln Brigade's memorial to the United States citizens who fought against fascism in the Spanish Civil War. That monument will soon be unveiled on the Embarcadero Plaza.
Commissioner Przyblyski explained that the Commission is bound to accept projects as works of art, not memorials. She said that although it can be frustrating to go through this process, the process cannot be short-circuited. She encouraged the proposers to honor their commitment to the project and look at it with a plan in mind for this process: identify an artist; work with City agencies; establish a site; determine a budget; and develop a specific plan with the scale and materials. She said that after the proposers go through this process, the Committee would be happy to review it again.
Mr. Gorodyansky responded that he thought logistics would be secondary and support for the concept would come first. He stated that he understood that all these issues need to be ironed out, but he did not feel like this was the meeting to do this. He asked the Commission to help them to figure out how to get the memorial developed and installed and urged them not to let bureaucracy kill the project as it is too important.
Commissioner Przyblyski clarified that the Arts Commission was their friend and the Commissioners were available to the public. She said that the good thing about procedures is that they ensure fairness to everyone. She explained that while she understands the urgency of their feelings, part of the challenge is how to consistently address the question of how history is honored.
Commissioner Hunter encouraged proposers to contact Arts Commission staff for advice during the development process. He explained that the Commission does not have the authority to give them approval at this juncture in the project's conceptualization.
Ms. Pontious cautioned that one of the reasons that there is a moratorium is that staff time is very limited, but she can certainly provide advice.
Commissioner Przyblyski explained that the monument proposed by the Abraham Lincoln Brigade took many years to go through the process and the monument design is more contemporary. She suggested that proposers look at the process used in installing the bust of Harvey Milk in City Hall, which is a more traditional piece. She concluded that there are several examples of various processes and the availability of people to assist and advise. She concluded by saying that the Committee is going to decline to act at this meeting and this presentation will be seen as an informational meeting.
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San Francisco International Airport
Public Art Program Deputy Director Susan Pontious presented the remodeling of Terminal Two of the San Francisco International Airport. She provided an update on the Secure Connector Project, which connects Terminal 3 to the International Terminal Boarding Area G. The Airport anticipates 2,000 people daily will pass through the space. The interior of the connector is 9.5 feet from floor to ceiling with glass curtain walls and what she believes, based on the drawings, to be four niches, two on each side of the connector. She stated that the budget is $250,000 and the glass panels would be inserted into the frames. The connector walls are each about 80 feet long, with 20 feet between the columns, and the dark bands shown above the clear glass walls in the diagram represent opaque glass. Ms. Pontious stated that she hoped the budget would allow for an artwork throughout the length of the secure connector, including the glass panels as well as the niches. There will be a selection panel meeting at the end of March.
Ms. Pontious went on to explain that the niches would ideally be used as an extension of the expression of the artwork on the glass walls. She said the niches are probably about 8 feet based on the overall 9.5 foot height of the interior. She said an alternative use for the niches would be for the placement of didactic materials or paintings from Terminal 2.
Commissioner Hunter supported the idea of a sandblasted glass narrative for the secure connector and expressed his preference for the niches to be designed in dialogue with the narrative.
Ms. Pontious then presented the redesign of the old International Terminal. She stated that the terminal will be inhabited by Virgin Airlines and the gates are supposed to be open in 30 months. Ms. Pontious explained that while Virgin desires a high-level finish and high-quality artworks, the opportunities are limited. She showed a diagram of the upper level of the terminal and stated that the front part would be gutted in ten years, so any projects sited for that location would either have to be relocated or designed to last for only ten years. Ms. Pontious is currently looking at possible sites, which include some glass opportunities and a proposed skylight above the concessions area towards the back. Blake Summers, Director of San Francisco Airport Museums, is interested in creating a site where media works could be shown as part of a rotating exhibit and Ms. Pontious is open to such a collaboration with the Airport Museums.
Commissioner Hunter expressed his support for this collaboration and the rotating exhibition of media works.
Ms. Pontious then presented the first floor of the redesign and explained that the only public area is towards the front which has many columns. She requested that Commissioners contact her with for their ideas for artists. She stated that the selection process for the Secure Connector and Terminal 2 projects can be combined. In response to a question from Commissioner Rinder, Ms. Pontious responded that in terms of outreach, the opportunities are advertised in Artweek, on the Arts Commission website, to contacts in the Public Art Program mailing lists, and based on suggestions from the Commissioners as well as staff research. Also, when there is a quick turnaround time, artists may be selected from calls for other projects such as the Central Subway Art Program and be structured more as an invitational.
Ms. Pontious stated that Ms. Manton and herself will be negotiating a new Memorandum of Understanding with the Airport in March. She explained that prior to the change of ordinance in 1996 which increased the Percent for Art to 2 percent, the Arts Commission received 1.5 percent from the Airport. The Airport wants to arrange a sliding percentage scale, and in exchange, make up the difference in funds by providing for full maintenance of the Arts Commission works in the Airport.
Mr. Cancel expressed his apprehension about a commitment based on operational costs.
Ms. Pontious agreed that this needs to be quantified in a written agreement and also stated that the Airport is unique in that it has own staff with three conservators, so they may be well-equipped to undertake the maintenance responsibility.
Commissioner Hunter also pointed out the advantage of having the Airport maintain the works in the terminals includes not having to work through all the requirements and security at the Airport.
Ms. Pontious then presented the Rufino Tamayo artwork, originally installed in 1983, 30 feet high and 5,000 lbs., which needs to be painted and resited. Two potential sites have been identified. The first site is a triangular landscaped area which is adjacent to the roadway located on the south side of the old International Terminal and which will therefore be visible to visitors entering the terminal. As the Airport controls this location, no other approvals would be necessary. The other site is out at the south end of the airport and part of the Bay Trail. It is maintained by the Airport but is under the jurisdiction of the City of Millbrae. Ms. Pontious explained that Project Manager Ray Quesada said that the Airport planning staff would assist in the acquisition of approvals from the City of Millbrae and the Bay Conservation and Development Commission. She believes that there are both positive and negative elements to each site. The first site would make the work look like part of the Airport's collection. The second site is a bit removed from the airport but is more a traditionally bucolic site.
Commissioner Rinder preferred the second site based on the images shown in the presentation.
Commissioner Hunter expressed his desire for a site visit in order to view the actual surroundings.
Commissioner Przyblyski said that action would be deferred.
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Junipero Serra Playground
Project Manager Tonia Macneil said she would table this item for the next meeting.
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Hamilton Recreation Center
Project Manager Tonia Macneil presented the design development proposal for artwork by Horace Washington for the facade of Hamilton Recreation Center, located at Geary and Steiner Streets. She explained that Mr. Washington has been working with Karen Thompson, a mosaic artist, to make some changes to the original design. Ms. Thompson introduced glass tiles as well as a textural variation in the green areas of the design, thus increasing the visual complexity of the artwork. Ms. Macneil explained that while Mr. Washington is partial to the green hue he chose for the horizontal bands on the design, she thought the shade of green seemed to flatten the colors of the artwork. Ms. Macneil proposed changing the current hue to one with a bit of yellow that would be more compatible with the rest of the design. Ms. Macneil presented samples of the green-yellow tile (American Olean A30 Olive) and asked Commissioners for their feedback. Commissioners approved the motion contingent upon the revised design which includes the change in tile color.
Motion: Motion to approve the design development of artwork by Horace Washington for the facade of Hamilton Recreation Center.
Moved: Rinder/Hunter
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Branch Library Improvement Program
Project Manager Judy Moran's request to have this item withdrawn was approved by the Committee.
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New Public Art Opportunity - SOMA Ancilliary Project
Project Manager Regina Almaguer presented John Thomas, Landscape Architect, DPW BOE Landscape Architecture Division, to report on a new public art opportunity created by the removal of the Central Freeway, which includes developments along Pearl Street, Elgin Park, Stevenson Street, Jessie Street, and McCoppin Street, with a landscape medium on McCoppin between Valencia and Otis Streets, as well as a new small community park on McCoppin. He explained that Valencia Street would be repaved and the seed-inspired motif of the park would continue onto the street at the intersection of McCoppin and Valencia Streets and have a life of five to ten years before it fades away (as shown on the map he distributed). The community planning process consisted of several meetings from January to June of 2007, and he reported that the community appeared excited and supportive of the design.
Mr. Thomas stated that the improvements would give the area identity, as well as dispersing traffic and improving the quality of life. He explained that the art enrichment element would be most appropriate for the community garden, which is sloped with a ramp on the south side that rises up to a level area for seating and plots. He stated that the garden would be completely enclosed with perimeter fencing and that the project has not yet been through the Civic Design process.
Ms. Manton stated that Ms. Almaguer, Mr. Thomas, and she have discussed different approaches for the public art to be commissioned for the site, including a sculpture by a Burning Man artist created from recycled bicycles that could serve as a gateway for the park and reference the bicycle lane along Valencia Street; a traditional small-scale sculpture on a pedestal of at the park center; and the third possibility, which would involved a partnership with Southern Exposure, a nonprofit art space located a block from the new park.
Commissioner Przyblyski expressed her support for this idea and suggested that they could have a partnership where the Arts Commission would have oversight of the project, and learn different ways to engage the community. Ms. Manton stated that she has not yet spoken to Southern Exposure Executive Director Courtney Fink about this idea.
Commissioner Przyblyski recommended taking the information presented on this new public art opportunity under advisement and expressed her interest in alternative models of engaging the community in the selection and installation of public artworks.
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Academy of Sciences
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton reported that there would be a meeting on February 27, 2008 at the Academy of Sciences and she would submit the agenda and report issues to members of the Committee. She stated that artist Maya Lin would be at the meeting and participants would be viewing a scale model of the wire landscape sculpture and examples of the video technologies under consideration.
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Baker Street Pump Station
Project Manager Regina Almaguer reported on the artwork of Patrick Dougherty at the Baker Street Pump Station. She stated that there would be a meeting with the artist on March 11, 2008, to discuss the project and she will look for opportunities for students at the California College of the Arts and the San Francisco Art Institute to participate in the building process.
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Relocation of Bust of Mayor Angelo Rossi
Public Art Program Director Manton updated the Commissioners on the relocation of the bust of Mayor Angelo Rossi. Ms. Manton explained the difficulty and challenge of finding a new location for the bust of Mayor Rossi in City Hall. She stated that one of the alternate sites most seriously under consideration is the Mayor's Rotunda. The Rotunda currently houses the busts of former Mayor George Moscone and his successor, Dianne Feinstein. Both of these busts are placed with their backs to the Mayor's Office and faces outwards into the Rotunda. There are two more locations for busts to be placed in the Rotunda which would face the Mayor's Office. Based on communication with the Chair of the City Hall Preservation Advisory Commission and with support from the Mayor's Office, the Arts Commission feels that the Rotunda is the most appropriate space for the bust of Mayor Rossi, which would soon be joined by the recently proposed bust of Mayor Sutro. The Arts Commission has the opportunity to direct the artist to design the bust of Mayor Sutro to be consistent with that of Mayor Rossi. Ms. Manton explained that this is an honorable location that is highly visible to the many people that visit the Mayor's Office on a daily basis. Ms. Manton explained that the Arts Commission does not yet have a motion for this item because the matter is still under discussion.
Rose Marie Cleese, a granddaughter of Mayor Rossi, expressed her concerns about the relocation of the bust of Mayor Rossi. She first acknowledged James Haas for getting in touch with the Rossi family and Jill Manton for approaching her and working with her in trying to find an appropriate location for the bust. Ms. Cleese stated that she met with Ms. Manton twice, once at the end of December 2007 and once about two weeks before this meeting, and on neither occasion could they agree on a suitable location. Ms. Cleese explained that the bust of Mayor Rossi was dedicated in 1949 by the Arts Commission and placed in a niche in the Goodlett Lobby on the first floor of City Hall, and returned to the same niche in 1999 after the retrofit of City Hall. In that location, the bust stood next to a statue of Mayor George Christopher, whom Mayor Rossi had mentored. Ms. Cleese stated that it was a couple of years later, sometime in early 2000, when the bust was moved without any discussion or public comment and probably without the knowledge of the Arts Commission prior to its relocation. She also expressed the belief that many busts were moved at that time.
Ms. Cleese believes that the easiest resolution, based on conversations with Susan Goldstein, City Archivist, and other local historians, would be to return the bust of Mayor Rossi to its original location on the first floor of City Hall. Ms. Cleese explained that she had spoken to several people who encouraged her to send an email to the Mayor. She then handed out packets to the Commissioners that included information about Major Rossi, including his funeral and dedicatory services, an article about his Works Progress Administration work, and the letter she addressed to the Mayor regarding her concerns. She realized that a certain amount of action has already taken place and expressed her reluctance in having to create more work for the Arts Commission, but stated that it was a difficult situation for her. She explained there would have been no problem if the bust had never been moved in the first place.
Commissioner Przyblyski explained that as this was an informational meeting, action would not be taken at this time. She also spoke to the movement of the bust as example of "disappearing history" and to the lack of consistent policy when it comes to creating sites for honoring or remembering people and events. She emphasized the importance of determining how to deal with these issues consistently over time.
Ms. Cleese asked for advice on what to do procedurally going forward. Commissioner Przyblyski responded that more research needed to be done and the Commissioners would like to be further briefed about this issue. Commissioner Przyblyski also encouraged Ms. Cleese to continue making her feelings and concerns heard.
Ms. Cleese explained there were several historians in the Bay Area from whom she has received support.
Commissioner Rinder stated that while the Mayor's Rotunda is not organized in chronological order, as are the busts on the first floor, the location is very illustrious, so while the context in which it is displayed is different, the placement is still honorific.
Ms. Cleese explained that she feels as though the bust was moved from a highly visible location to a less visible one. She stated that Angelo Rossi was a significant mayor who led the city through hard times and fought relentlessly for WPA funds. She also stated that a book about his legacy is expected to be published soon, and since little information about him exists, the movement of his bust is an additional loss in terms of visibility. She reiterated her belief that while the Rotunda is a nice location, she believes it is hidden away and invisible to the public.
Ms. Manton stated that the Rotunda is perhaps the most ceremonial place in City Hall because it is outside the Mayor's Office.
Commissioner Przyblyski explained the need for a plan that determines where busts of mayors and supervisors should be placed and the way in which the busts should be organized, for example, by historical progression. She stated that when the debate is about one person and his legacy then trouble arises because the judgment of the importance of an individual is subjective.
Ms. Cleese explained that she wants the bust to have high visibility so that people can be curious and, therefore, learn more about him.
Mr. Cancel explained that while he has come into the conversation late, he also does not want the legacy of Mayor Rossi to be diminished. He expressed that the placement of the bust in the Rotunda positions it in a location with the highest traffic because the Mayor's office is a very prominent place. Ms. Manton confirmed that signage on the pedestal provides information about his life and legacy and there are also daily guided tours through the Rotunda for the general public and tourists.
Mr. Cancel asked about the time constraint for determining a location. Ms. Manton explained that the dedication ceremony for the bust of former City Supervisor Harvey Milk will be on May 22, 2008, and the goal is to find an appropriate place before then. Mr. Cancel asked Ms. Cleese if she would have any objection to having the bust of Mayor Rossi placed in a temporary location for the dedication ceremony.
Ms. Cleese responded that she would agree only if there is some indication of the probability of securing an agreed-upon location within a six-month timeframe. Mr. Cancel said that the Arts Commission could not give her this assurance.
Ms. Cleese stated that she wanted to be informed of developments going forward and Ms. Manton offered to contact her when the topic is on the agenda of any upcoming meeting.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that the Committee is not well-equipped to enter into negotiations regarding the placement of the bust at this time. She requested to have the item reagendized in two months, in April, for an update about the location and progress on the situation. Commissioner Przyblyski encouraged Ms. Cleese and her contacts of historians and archivists to submit her comments.
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Randall Museum
Project Manager Regina Almaguer stated that the artist selection panel for the Randall Museum Art Project will meet on March 6, 2008, and the proposals of the four artists/artist teams are currently available for viewing.
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New Business
There was no new business.
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Old Business
Ms. Manton stated that an update on the relocation of the Rabbinoid sculpture by Gerald Heffernon would be addressed at the next Visual Arts Committee meeting.
Ms. Manton stated that the art project at Sava Pool by Brian Goggin called Guideposts is progressing well so far.
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Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:33 pm.
