Visual_Arts_Committee
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 VISUAL ARTS COMMITTEE
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
3:00 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70
Minutes
Commissioners Present
Leonard Hunter, Jeannene Przyblyski, Lawrence Rinder, Pop Zhao
Absent: Dede Wilsey
Staff Present
Richard Newirth, Director of Cultural Affairs; Carol Marie Daniels, Nancy Gonchar, Jennifer Lovvorn, Tonia Macneil, Jill Manton, Judy Moran, Susan Pontious, Meg Shiffler
Note: All votes are unanimous unless recorded otherwise.
The meeting commenced at 3:00 p.m.
- Consent
- Motion to authorize payment of an honorarium to graduate collection management intern, Marcus Davies, in an amount not to exceed $3,000, to temporarily take over the duties of the collection archivist while she assists Cultural Equity Grants with a staff transition.
Motion: Motion to adopt the consent calendar items
Moved: Rinder/Zhao
- Portola Branch Library
Project Manager Judy Moran reported on the preliminary proposal by artist Dana Zed of an artwork for the Portola Branch Library. She explained that because the architectural plans are progressing quickly, the artwork approval process will be in two phases. The first phase will be to approve the artwork location in order to ensure that it is integrated into the architectural plans for the bid document. At a later meeting, she will present the artist’s design to the Commissioners for approval. Ms. Moran presented the architectural model for the Library and stated that the architect’s building design references books and linear elements. She recommended that the shutters just behind the entryway windows of the building would be the best site for the artwork, as it would be visible from both the interior and exterior of the building. She added that the shutters can be rotated on their poles, making visible the full range of the colors in the artwork’s glass panels. She introduced artist Dana Zed and stated that she would design glass panels for the four shutters. Each panel, which is 7' x 2' and attached to a vertical hinged bar, will be engineered to move safely and not clang into the adjacent panel. The panels, which will be translucent in some sections and more opaque in others, will provide shade. Ms. Moran stated that the design for the panels is not yet determined, but she is seeking Commission approval for the artwork location.
Commissioner Rinder stated that the artwork location is ingenious. Commissioner Hunter stated that the artwork will help mark the entrance to the building. Commissioner Przyblyski complimented Ms. Moran on finding a way to make the artwork a signature part of the building. She suggested that the artist’s design should work in dialog with the architectural design of the building by referencing books and having linear elements. Commissioner Rinder stated that color would help enliven the space, and suggested that the artist not use neutral or ochre shades. He added that the artist should make sure that the panels look attractive when they are pushed together. The artist stated that the color of the glass would change depending on the angle of light.
Motion: Motion to approve a preliminary proposal of an artwork by artist Dana Zed, to be further developed by the artist, for installation in the Portola Branch Library.
Moved: Hunter/Rinder
- Review of Design by Alex MacLeitch for private Percent-for-Art at the Patson Building at 275 Sacramento
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton stated that the artist was unable to attend today’s meeting due to a family emergency. Therefore, this motion will be continued to the next meeting. She explained that the proposed project is for private Percent-for-Art work to be located on the sidewalk at 275 Sacramento. She explained that in the C-3 zone of downtown San Francisco, private construction projects are subject to a 1% for art requirement. Selection of the artist is left to the discretion of the property developer. This requirement is overseen by the Department of City Planning. Planning staff ensure that the art is publicly accessible, falls into one of their categories of acceptable public art and is equal to 1% of the construction cost. Artwork of this kind does not have to go through any kind of public process and Arts Commission approval is not required unless the artwork is placed on City property. Ms. Manton stated that staff reviewed Mr. MacLeitch’s design proposal which calls for bronze elements to be embedded in the sidewalk, which is City property and therefore requires Arts Commission approval. Staff suggested alternatives to the artist, but for a variety of reasons the artist was not responsive to these suggestions. This is the artist’s second project proposal. The first, which was designed for the building’s lobby, was unable to go forward because the lobby is not designated as public space. If the Arts Commission does not approve the artist’s design, the developer will likely contribute the 1% to a fund to support renovation of the Mint.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that this could be an exemplary case to take to the Mayor to discuss the issue of art dollars being redirected to historic preservation.
The following motion was continued to the next meeting.
Motion: Motion to decline approval of the design by Alex MacLeitch for numerous cast bronze fish embedded in the sidewalk surrounding the Patson Building at 275 Sacramento.
- Gallery Report
Gallery Director Meg Shiffler announced that there are new exhibitions opening in the Gallery, City Hall and the Grove Street windows. She distributed announcements for these exhibitions to the Commissioners. She stated that Oliver Herring, who is one of the two artists showing in the gallery, will be showing five or six different videos throughout the show. She added that he is experimenting in this exhibition for a future museum installation. The other Gallery artist, Tim Sullivan, has created all new work for this exhibition. Ms. Shiffler hopes that these exhibitions will garner good media coverage.
She reported that the Gallery’s annual fundraiser “Commission 05” was very successful. She stated that although the numbers have not been finalized, the fundraiser made about the same amount of money as last year ($30,000). While the earnings from the auction were lower, the amount earned at the door was much higher. There were more people at the event and the tickets were priced slightly higher than last year. There are already questions about whether this event has outgrown the gallery space.
Ms. Shiffler reported that she met with the Gallery Advisory Board and introduced a new programming vision. She proposed thinking about the Gallery as the hub of the Gallery Program, with City Hall and the Windows as two of many additional projects. She would also like to create a “generative income” project. She stated that there will be a strategic planning retreat with the Advisory Board in January to further discuss programming and a new mission statement. After the strategic planning retreat, she’ll give a fuller programming vision presentation to the Commissioners. She would also like to meet with Commissioners individually to discuss these ideas.
- Broadway Streetscape Improvements
Project Manager Tonia Macneil gave an informational presentation of the artwork proposal by Brian Goggin for the plaza at Broadway and Columbus Streets in North Beach. The intersection is very complex because it is located where many cultures and neighborhoods meet, such as Chinatown, North Beach, the Adult Entertainment District, the Beat Generation historic sites, and the Financial District. The Department of Public Works is creating a small plaza at this intersection as part of the Broadway Streetscape Improvements.
Initially Arts Commission staff had proposed commissioning an artist to create a sculptural light fixture or “art on a pole” for this site. However, the selection panel selected artist Brian Goggin, and through the selection process the approach has changed. Ms. Macneil presented Mr. Goggin’s proposal for feedback and comments, but not for approval at today’s meeting. She then presented slides of the artist’s past work.
Ms. Macneil introduced artist Brian Goggin. Mr. Goggin noted that he was inspired by the trailblazing energy of the communities surrounding the intersection to create an artwork related to the theme of “discovery.” He had researched explorers who had ties to those communities, including Chinese explorers who came to North America prior to the Europeans, the Beat Poets who explored culture and creativity, and the political and intellectual explorers of the Bay Area. He also read “Operating Manual for Spaceship Earth” by R. Buckminster Fuller, which inspired the image and the use of a schematic of a globe on the paving at the base. He wanted to design a piece that would bring all of these ideas together. He presented his proposal for an artwork called “Driving the Earth” and explained that the 15 foot tall “spaceship” sculpture would be made of salvaged materials from past technological devices. The sculpture would be crowned by a “cockpit,” which includes a navigational helmet and steering wheel. He added that the height and slope of the piece would make it difficult to climb. He would use LED on the piece so that it would have a presence both day and night. He would also like to engrave a pictographic illustration on the sculpture, explaining how to drive the earth, like the NASA interpretive plate about earth and mankind that was sent into deep space.
The artist has met and collaborated with the landscape architects in an effort to integrate the artwork and the plaza. The landscape architects developed the design of the central raised dome upon which the sculpture will be installed, as well as a set of way-finding systems, including a compass and street grid.
Commissioner Rinder stated that he likes the fantastical nature of the theme. He said that the idea of the place from which one steers the planet is wonderful. His one quibble is that the sculpture doesn’t quite look like the place from which one steers. He likes the idea of the helmet and a wheel, but suggests that the artist not use a car wheel. He suggested that the artist think more about the form of the sculpture.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that there is something wonderful about the artist’s concept but would also like to push the artist to further develop it. She expressed concern that at a height of 15 feet, the elements at the top of the sculpture will need to be accentuated a bit more. She stated that she likes the finishes and would like to compliment the selection panel on their choice of Mr. Goggin. Commissioner Przyblyski added that she appreciates the willingness of the landscape architects to redesign the plaza with the artist.
Regarding the plaza design, Commissioner Hunter stated that the simple patterning of the landscape is a natural response to the site and he thinks it works well. He stated that the artist’s explanation of the piece is wonderful, but it is not yet visible in the piece. He does like the Jules Verne feeling of the proposed piece and he is glad that the artist and the landscape architect are working together.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that this is one of the most heavily trafficked corners in the city. She wants to make sure that the artwork is not climbable and not attractive to skateboarders.
Ms. Macneil then explained that the plaza design would go before the Civic Design Committee for Phase One approval on November 21, after which the Commission would convene a community meeting to present the artwork. Following that meeting, the proposal would be submitted for committee approval.
- Minnie and Lovie Ward Recreation Center
This report was continued to the next meeting.
The following motion was continued to the next meeting.
Motion: Motion to approve the design of trophies by Jon Rubin and Jim Goldberg to be installed at Minnie and Lovie Ward Recreation Center.
- Airport
Project Manager Susan Pontious distributed the minutes from the last Airport Art Steering Committee meeting. She stated that since the last discussion about the proposed Sister City project, she expressed concern to artist Lewis deSoto about the cost of the project and the fact that sister cities sometimes change. Mr. deSoto suggested a concept similar to the one he used for the Civic Center Courthouse where the State Seal is projected onto the floor. Ms. Pontious stated that the virtue of this approach is that there is no physical object and the medallions could be discreetly added and removed. She stated that there continues to be pressure on the Airport from the Mayor’s Office to have a Sister Cities project.
Ms. Pontious would like to have the artist do a mockup of one medallion to test the approach. Commissioner Przyblyski asked if the lighting conditions are right for a projection piece. Ms. Pontious stated that the artist took light measurements, but the mockup will allow us to see how it works. Ms. Manton recommended that the mockup be viewed on a sunny day when the light conditions would be brightest.
Ms. Pontious gave an update on the removal and reinstallation of “Flight Patterns” by Larry Kirkland. Mr. Kirkland’s installer, Fred Stoltz, had provided an initial bid of $90,000, but as he got a better understanding of the scope of the work, he backed out as the entity to do the work. Because the construction work is due to occur soon, Ms. Pontious gave Mr. Stoltz the names of two possible sub-contractors who provided bids. Those bids took into account all possible expenses, and were therefore much higher. The scaffolding is a major expense ($50,000). It may be that they can reach all the pieces with lifts, but it is possible that they may not. The bids were also higher because the work must be done between midnight and 5:00 a.m., when the hourly rate is higher. Mr. Stoltz will map the artwork elements, which will come down first and be cleaned. The brackets will also be removed.
Commissioner Hunter asked whether it would be cheaper to just fabricate new brackets and leave the old brackets in place. Ms. Pontious stated that the construction will not affect the ceiling, and so the old brackets need to be removed. Ms. Pontious said that she will continue to investigate whether or not there is a more cost-effective means of executing the work.
Motion: Motion to rescind Resolution 0912-05-200, authorizing the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into an agreement with Larry Kirkland for $90,000 to relocate “Flight Patterns.”
Moved: Hunter/Rinder
Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a contract with Larry Kirkland in an amount not to exceed $250,000, to remove “Flight Patterns” from Boarding Area B at San Francisco International Airport, and re-install it in Boarding Area C.
Moved: Zhao/Rinder
Abstained: Hunter
- Mission Street Sidewalk Extensions
Project Manager Judy Moran stated that artist Brian Goggin has requested that the Arts Commission take ownership of nine latex molds that he used in the fabrication of nine cement artworks titled “Substrata,” installed as pavers in nine sidewalk extensions on Mission Street. Mr. Goggin lost adequate storage space for the molds as a result of relocating his studio. The latex molds are needed for replacement of any of the cement artworks, if damaged. If the Arts Commission does not accept ownership of the latex molds for storage, the artist may have to destroy the molds. If approved by the Arts Commission, the molds will be stored at this time at 155 Grove Street, with the understanding by the artist that the Arts Commission may have to relocate the molds at a future date, or, if at some point Arts Commission storage space cannot be identified for the molds, the artist will be notified to determine whether he wants to have ownership of the molds transferred back to him. A Deed of Gift to this effect has been written with the assistance of the City Attorney’s office.
Commissioner Rinder stated that the agreement with the artist should be written to ensure that we are not liable if the molds decay.
Motion: Motion to approve the acceptance of ownership by the Arts Commission of nine latex molds created by artist Brian Goggin that were used in the fabrication of “Substrata,” nine cement artworks currently in the Civic Art Collection and installed in nine sidewalk extensions on Mission Street in 1999.
Moved: Hunter/Rinder
- Larsen Park Sava Pool Facility
Project Manager Judy Moran stated that there was a miscommunication with the artist, Catherine Wagner, regarding her budget for the Larsen Park Sava Pool Public Art Project. Because of that, the artist did not include in her original budget the costs of hiring an engineer to review and approve the attachment method for the art panels on one of the facility walls. Ms. Moran requested approval to increase the artist’s contract amount to cover these costs.
Motion: Motion to increase the contract amount with Catherine Wagner for final design, fabrication and installation of an artwork for the Larsen Park Sava Pool Facility, from $72,000 to an amount not to exceed $74,000, to cover the costs of hiring an engineer to prepare a drawing for the artwork attachment system.
Moved: Rinder/Zhao
- Moscone Center
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton gave the following update on the Diller + Scofidio project.
1. She stated that a steel band for the soffit rail is being engineered, which will correct the problem of peeling paint caused by the lower system wheels rolling along the painted rail.
2. The mortar bed around one of the columns in the building will be excavated, pending Moscone Center ’s approval, to begin exploring the cause of the clanking noise that occurs as the screen passes. This work may happen at Thanksgiving or Christmas when the Convention Center is unoccupied.
3. Ric Scofidio will be coming out after Thanksgiving to investigate problems with the system and plans to seek an outside engineering consultation to determine what the problem with the system is: a design flaw, poor construction work, or the effects of the accident.
4. The City Attorney will soon be sending a final demand letter to Sheedy’s insurance.
5. The system hard drive failed and was replaced last week.
- Academy of Sciences
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton reported that artist Maya Lin came to town and attended her first project kickoff meeting. Ms. Lin is very knowledgeable about science, biodiversity, extinction, and other relevant topics. She met with various heads of departments at the Academy of Sciences and was well acquainted with current issues in their fields. Ms. Manton stated that this confirmed that we selected the most uniquely qualified artist for the project. Ms. Lin might take as long as a year to develop her idea. She has expressed interest in creating a piece related to the planetarium or for the rear of the building. There was a gathering at the home of Randi Fisher, Academy of Sciences Trustee, in Maya Lin’s honor, which Ms. Manton attended.
- New Business
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton stated that she would like to begin discussing the issue of artist selection with the Commissioners as part of the policy discussions. She asked Commissioners to send her any questions or issues that they would like addressed in that discussion. She suggested that they cover such issues as the role of the public in the selection process, and the development of a curatorial vision for the Collection and how that meshes with the existing ordinance mandate to place artwork at the site generating the funding.
Commissioner Przyblyski made a number of points, as follows. She stated that our Commission’s committee meetings are not well attended by the public. She feels that this impacts our ability to have a mutually educational dialog with the public, which could help the artists and communities. She stated that we should strive for consistency in the administration of our selection panel processes. There needs to be a mechanism for staff to communicate their professional opinion in the process. We should be thinking strategically about when to have locally defined art opportunities versus opportunities that are open to national and international artists. Finally, she said that we should be thinking about “Best Practices.”
Commissioner Rinder stated that the Arts Commission should identify a number of artists or types of artwork which the Commission can have as a goal to eventually include in the Collection.
- Old Business
- Adjournment
As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:40 p.m.
Submitted by Jennifer Lovvorn, Public Art Program Associate
Approved by Richard Newirth, Director of Cultural Affairs
11/29/2005
Notices
Explanatory documents are available for public inspection and copying at the Arts Commission office, 25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 240, San Francisco, CA 94102 during regular business hours. INFO: Jennifer Lovvorn (415) 252-2594.
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