The meeting commenced at 3:00 p.m.
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Gallery - 155 Grove Street exhibition
Gallery Director Meg Shiffler presented an exhibition at Grove Street that will be on view from late August to October 28, 2008. Ms. Shiffler explained that while this exhibition slot is usually reserved for works by artists awarded the Murphy and Cadogan Fellowship, there were no artists this year that were appropriate for creating an installation at Grove Street. The upcoming exhibition is a collaborative between the SFAC Gallery and New Langton Arts in response to the Slow Food conference (August 28 to September 1, 2008) located in Civic Center Plaza. New Langton Arts regulars, chef Jerome Waag and Chez Panisse host Sam White, will collaborate with artist and farm owner Jesse Schlesinger to create an installation for 155 Grove Street. Mr. Schlesinger will lead the artist team and be the liaison with the Gallery.
The Gallery will contribute a $1200 honorarium to Mr. Schlesinger, which includes his artist fee and the production and distribution of a postcard about the exhibition. New Langton Arts will contribute $300 to $500 to installation costs. Related events will include a brown bag lunch discussion with the artists at the Gallery, and a dinner at New Langton Arts called "OPEN City," part of their ongoing series called OPENrestaurant that explores the urban environment as a site for food production.
Commissioner Hunter expressed his support for exhibitions that relate to other events and festivals occurring at Civic Center.
Motion: Motion to approve an artist honorarium to Jesse Schlesinger in the amount of $1200 for his contribution to the installation at Grove Street to be installed on August 24, 2008.
Moved: Hunter/Lloyd
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Gallery - SFAC Gallery exhibition at 401 Van Ness
Ms. Shiffler reported that proposals for the three Gallery exhibition spaces now need to be reviewed and approved by the Director of Cultural Affairs before they are brought to the Visual Arts Committee for review and discussion. Ms. Shiffler then presented an upcoming exhibition at the Gallery, with the working title
That's Absurd, organized by local artist Michael Zheng and a collective of Chinese artists living both in China and within the diaspora. The exhibition will take place at the Gallery at 401 Van Ness, as well as at Mission 17, a nonprofit center for visual culture in the Mission district, from February 13 to April 18, 2009. Ms. Shiffler explained that Director of Cultural Affairs Luis R. Cancel stated that the proposal could only move forward if the exhibition were expanded to include the work of at least one female artist and the title were changed. The collective is currently in conversation with internationally renowned artist Patty Chang, but her participation is not confirmed.
There was some discussion among Commissioners and staff about whether the exhibition was a survey of contemporary Chinese video and photography related to the theme of absurdity or whether the exhibition focused on the work of an artist collective. Commissioner Przyblyski stated that she did not take issue with an exhibition of works by only male artists if the collective consists of only men. If, however, it is an exhibition of a collective, she thought it was important for the collective to clearly state its vision and mission in the proposal. Mr. Cancel explained that he had understood the exhibition to be a survey of contemporary Chinese video and photography, in which case an exhibition of only males would not be representative of the field. Ms. Shiffler responded that the exhibition is not a survey, but that the proposal is from a collective of artists who have formed with the hopes of exhibiting their works together. Commissioner Przyblyski stated that a proposal from a collective that has formed simply for the sake of one exhibition opportunity would not be of strong interest to the Arts Commission, but that a proposal from an artist group that is clear about the nature of their collective mission would be of more interest. Commissioners Hunter and Lloyd concurred. Ms. Shiffler stated that she would ask Mr. Zheng and the collective to contribute more information about the nature of the collective including their mission and goals.
Commissioner
Przyblyski stated that action on the motion will be postponed until a decision about the focus of the exhibition has been determined.
THIS MOTION HAS BEEN POSTPONED.
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.
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Installation Design for Whales Sculpture at CCSF
Collections Manager Allison Cummings reported on the proposed conceptual plan for the installation of Robert Howard's Whales sculpture at the Ocean campus of City College San Francisco. She explained that the sculpture was originally installed at Golden Gate International Exposition on Treasure Island in 1939, then moved to Golden Gate Park, before it was placed at the Academy of Sciences. When the Academy of Sciences began to build its new facility, the sculpture was moved to City College and was damaged in the process of being relocated. Ms. Cummings reported that the Arts Commission is currently pursuing restitution with the Academy of Sciences, as the Arts Commission does not have the funds repair the sculpture. Ms. Cummings presented images of the sculpture proposed for a location at the foot of the grand staircase leading to the Science Hall. The plan also calls for the relocation of Beniamo Bufano's sculpture St. Francis of the Guns, with one possible location near the Child Care Center on the eastern part of campus.
Commissioner Hunter expressed his approval of the placement of the Whales sculpture, which he thought was harmonious in style with the surrounding architecture.
In response to Mr. Cancel ' s inquiry about the need for a public meeting regarding the relocation of the Whales sculpture, Commissioner Przyblyski and Ms. Cummings confirmed that a public hearing regarding the relocation of the sculpture would not be necessary as the sculpture will remain on campus.
Motion: Motion to approve the design in concept by RHAA Landscape Architects for the installation of Robert Howard's Whales sculpture at the Ocean Campus of City College San Francisco.
Moved: Lloyd, Hunter
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San Francisco International Airport - Clare Rojas
Public Art Program Deputy Director Susan Pontious presented an image of the revised proposal by artist Clare Rojas for boarding area G gateroom wall at the San Francisco International Airport. Ms. Pontious explained that Ms. Rojas added a faux molding along the top of the wall and a picture hanging hook to her design. An image printed and painted on board will be suspended from the hook and will tilt slightly forward.
Commissioners liked the additional details of the molding and the hook. They thought it gave the work a comforting feeling and folk art appearance. Ms. Pontious explained that this particular work came in under budget at about $68,000, and the remaining funds would stay in the Airport's art budget to be used for future projects.
Motion: Motion to approve the revised proposal by Clare Rojas for boarding area G gateroom wall at the San Francisco International Airport, which includes a faux molding and picture hanging hook.
Moved: Hunter, Lloyd
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San Francisco International Airport - Terminal Two
Ms. Pontious explained that the construction of San Francisco International Airport's Terminal Two is a design-build project in which the architect is also the general contractor; such projects move at a quicker pace because the construction documents do not go out to bid for a general contractor. Ms. Pontious stated that Virgin America is the primary client for the remodeled terminal and the airline wants a dynamic environment. Several opportunities have been identified, including a custom-made fritted glass facade with finials on the facade of the terminal. Ms. Pontious stated her preference for having an artist design the fritted glass facade, and possibly having elements of the work respond to wind or other natural elements. She also explained that the Arts Commission would be primarily responsible for design costs, as fabrication and installation costs are already included in the building costs. Commissioner Przyblyski stated that it would be nice to have a piece on the facade of the terminal that reflects the high quality and value of the Arts Commission's collection in the interior of the terminals.
Ms. Pontious explained that a request for qualifications ("RFQ") was posted with a basic description of the opportunities and she is working to gather a pre-qualified pool of artists.
Ms. Pontious explained that as there are almost no walls in the terminal, a work suspended from the ceiling would be appropriate as well as visible from a distance. One possible location for a hanging piece would be in the recompose area, after security. As the focus of the space is open sky, a large hanging piece would be well-suited for the site.
Ms. Pontious also stated that the gateroom areas would be an appropriate site for free-standing large sculptures in the Airport's Collection such as Arnaldo Pomodoro's Cilindro Costruito and Seiji Kunishima's Stacking Stones. She noted that Rufino Tamayo's Conquest of Space sculpture was approved for placement at an outside side at the north end of the Departures level drop-off area. Ms. Pontious did note that there is a wall in the waiting area that would be perfect for the display of artist Micheline Beauchemin's tapestries, which are currently in storage. Re-installation of the paintings by Joan Brown and Roy De Forest is also a priority. In response to a question about total art budget from Commissioner Lloyd, Ms. Pontious stated that there is about $3.2 million available for art. She proposed that this funding be used to commission two to three large, prominent works as well as smaller free-standing sculptures.
In response to Commissioner Przyblyski's question about how the Artist Pool Selection Panel relates to the Airport Art Steering Committee in terms of selecting artists for the commissions, Ms. Pontious explained that the Airport's representative for the Artist Pool Selection Panel is a member of the Airport Art Steering Committee, and Arts Commission staff will present the proposals of the selected artists to the Airport Art Steering Committee for approval prior to presenting proposals to the Airport Commission for approval. Commissioner Hunter confirmed that he will participate on the Artist Pool Selection Panel.
Motion: Motion to approve the public art program plan for Terminal Two of the San Francisco International Airport.
Moved: Lloyd, Hunter
Motion: Motion to approve the following pool of potential panelists for the San Francisco International Airport Terminal Two Artist Pool Selection Panel: Ann Alger, Director of Public Art Program for Phoenix Airport; Janet Bishop, Curator, SFMOMA; Timothy Burgard, Chief Curator, de Young Museum; Susan Gray, Artist and Public Art Director, L.A. Redevelopment; René de Guzman, Chief Curator, Oakland Museum of California; Susan Harrison, Director of Art in Architecture for GSA, Washington, D.C.; Kendal Henry, Public Art Administrator, N.Y.; Walter Hood, Landscape Architect and Artist; Mildred Howard, Artist; Arlan Huang, Artist; Larry Kirkland, Artist, Washington, D.C.; Miwon Kwon, Art Dept. Faculty, UCLA; Lizzetta LeFalle-Collins, Independent Curator; Wang Po Shu, Artist; Renny Pritikin, Director of Richard L. Nelson Gallery, UCD; Mary Rubin, Public Art Administrator, San Jose; Richard Shaw, Artist; Hilda Shum, Artist; Meredith Tromble, Critic; Shelly Willis, Public Art Administrator, Sacramento; and Ruri Yampolsky, Seattle Arts Commission.
Moved: Hunter, Lloyd
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San Francisco International Airport - Secure Connector
Ms. Pontious presented the selection panel's recommendation of the proposal by artist Bob Zoell for the Secure Connector at San Francisco International Airport. Lightly frosted glass panels, each 5 x 10 feet, are translucent and have colorful designs depicting birds and typography. Sandblasted glass panels along the top and bottom of the large panels will have a similar pattern. Ms. Pontious also presented the artist's design for the niches, and told Commissioners that she would like to encourage the artist to use a technique like mosaic to create some contrast to the glass panels. Commissioner Przyblyski agreed with the suggestion and expressed her appreciation for the piece and its appropriateness for the site. Commissioner Hunter stated that, of the three proposals, Bob Zoell's had the most levity, was the easiest to view, and had a modern aesthetic.
Motion: Motion to approve the selection panel's recommendation of the proposal by artist Bob Zoell for the Secure Connector at San Francisco International Airport, and authorization for the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into an agreement with Bob Zoell for up to $200,000 to design, fabricate and transport their artwork for the Airport, pending Airport Commission approval of the design.
Moved: Lloyd, Hunter
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San Francisco General Hospital
Ms. Pontious presented the master plan for San Francisco General Hospital's public art program which indicates her recommendations regarding (1) the overall art enrichment budget breakdown; (2) locations for artwork and corresponding budget; (3) general thematic approach to the selection of artwork; (4) schedule; and (5) other considerations. She explained that the commissioned works would be based on the theme of the natural world, and incorporate light, texture and color. Ms. Pontious stated that the entry lobby would be an ideal place for a prominent work by one artist or a team of artists.
Commissioner Hunter expressed his appreciation for works by artists he saw as a panelist for SFO's Secure Connector who incorporate glass and painting in a remarkable way.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated the importance of including people on the Artist Pool Selection Panel with special expertise about selecting art for hospital settings, such as art therapists. She suggested Brenda Hutchinson as one of the panelists. Commissioner Przyblyski confirmed with Ms. Pontious that the names of potential panelists could be added to the list. Commissioner Hunter noted that General Hospital staff will also participate on the Artist Pool Selection Panel.
Ms. Pontious explained that her next steps will include creating an RFQ to gather a pool of qualified artists and identifying opportunities for architecturally integrated works and wall spaces for two-dimensional works.
Motion: Motion to approve the public art program plan for General Hospital.
Moved: Hunter, Lloyd
Motion: Motion to approve the following pool of potential panelists for the San Francisco General Hospital Artist Pool Selection Panel: Ann Alger, Director of Public Art Program for Phoenix Airport; Janet Bishop, Curator SFMOMA; Timothy Burgard, Chief Curator, de Young Museum; Susan Gray, Artist and Public Art Director, L.A. Redevelopment; René de Guzman, Chief Curator, Oakland Museum of California; Susan Harrison, Director of Art in Architecture for GSA, Washington D.C.; Kendal Henry, Public Art Administrator, N.Y.; Walter Hood, Landscape Architect and Artist; Mildred Howard, Artist; Arlan Huang, Artist; Larry Kirkland, Artist, Washington D.C.; Miwon Kwon, Art Dept. Faculty, UCLA; Lizzetta LeFalle-Collins, Independent Curator; Julio Morales, Artist and Co-Director of Queen's Nails; Wang Po Shu, Artist; Renny Pritikin, Director of Richard L. Nelson Gallery, UCD; Favianna Rodriguez, Artist; Mary Rubin, Public Art Administrator, San Jose; Richard Shaw, Artist; Hilda Shum, Artist; Meredith Tromble, Critic; Shelly Willis, Public Art Administrator, Sacramento; and Ruri Yampolsky, Seattle Arts Commission.
Moved: Lloyd, Hunter
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Art on Market Street Program
Project Manager Judy Moran presented artwork proposals for the Art on Market Street 2008-2009 Program. Ms. Moran reminded Commissioners that they approved a proposal by Jenifer Wofford during the May Visual Arts Committee meeting as the second poster project for this year, leaving one additional slot to fill. Ms. Moran then presented proposals by two artists and one artist team. Artist Jaime Cortez submitted a proposal titled Maiden Voyage that depicts the adventures of one of the weeping maidens atop the ornate columns of the Palace of Fine Arts as she comes to life and tours San Francisco. Artists Briana Miller and Thien Pham submitted a proposal titled The Mighty Defender and the Unsung Hero, a poster series in the style of a comic that can be read in both directions and tells two different stories set in San Francisco. Ms. Moran then presented Kota Ezawa's proposal, which takes its imagery from a 1933 demonstration of a left-wing workers' union in Germany in reaction to the appointment of Adolf Hitler as Chancellor of Germany. Ms. Moran stated that although she very much wants to work with Mr. Ezawa, she was not sure this particular proposal is appropriate for this year's narrative theme series or for the Art on Market Street Program in general. She explained to Commissioners that she would like to have Mr. Ezawa submit another proposal for the Art on Market Street 2009 Program, which she proposed take the theme of artworks based on photographic methods.
Commissioners agreed with Ms. Moran's suggestion regarding Mr. Ezawa's proposal. Through further discussion, Commissioners agreed that Briana Miller and Thien Pham's proposal was the most appropriate for the final exhibition of the Art on Market Street 2008 Program narrative Poster Projects.
Ms. Moran also presented the work of Native American artist America Meredith for a future Art on Market Street Program Poster Project. Commissioners expressed their interest in requesting a proposal from Ms. Meredith.
THIS MOTION HAS BEEN AMENDED.
Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with the artist team of Briana Miller and Thien Pham for the development and implementation of a kiosk poster project with auxiliary programming for the Art on Market Street 2008 Program for a contract amount not to exceed $18,000.
Moved: Hunter, Lloyd
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Central Subway
Ms. Moran provided a brief update on the artist selection and public outreach process for the Central Subway Public Art Program. She stated that the Arts Commission received over 430 applications, with about 60 from the local Chinese community, a percentage greater than usual due to the collaborative outreach efforts of the Chinese Culture Center ("CCC") and the Chinese Community Development Center ("CCDC"), press conferences in Chinatown, and one-on-one solicitation with members of the Chinese community. Ms. Moran announced that the Arts Commission would be holding the first of three meetings of the Central Subway Arts Master Plan Advisory Group on Wednesday, July 30, 2008. The Arts Commission will also hold community meetings in Chinatown and SOMA for additional input. Ms. Moran announced that the Arts Commission has hired an outreach coordinator, Francis Wong, who has worked extensively at the senior management level in the performing arts field in the Bay Area. The Arts Commission has entered into a short-term contract with Mr. Wong to assist with the Arts Master Plan process. Ms. Moran stated that a draft Arts Master Plan will be developed based on broad community input for review by the Visual Arts Committee later this fall.
Commissioners suggested the following panelists for the Central Subway Artist Pool Selection Panel: Larry Rinder, Director of the Berkeley Art Museum; Jeff Kelley, Independent Curator; and Hou Hanru, Director of Exhibitions and Public Programs at the San Francisco Art Institute. Commissioner Przyblyski suggested that Ms. Moran hold a separate meeting with Commissioners to discuss the goals and guidelines for the Central Subway Arts Master Plan, as focused attention during the Visual Arts Committee would be difficult. In response to Commissioners' questions about the total budget, Ms. Manton explained that the Arts Commission is in discussion with the Municipal Transportation Agency ("MTA") to determine whether the construction of the tunnels and relocation of utilities is eligible for art enrichment. If so, then the budget would be about $15 to $20 million; if not, the figure would be closer to $8 to $10 million.
THIS MOTION HAS BEEN AMENDED.
Motion: Motion to approve the following pool of potential panelists for the Central Subway Artist Pool Selection Panel: Jorge Pardo, Director, L.A. Metro Art; Courtney Fink, Director, Southern Exposure; Hung Liu, Artist; Jenifer Wofford, Artist; Fred Wasserman, Director of Programming, Contemporary Jewish Museum; Janet Bishop, Curator, SFMOMA; Elizabeth Thomas, Matrix Curator, Berkeley Art Museum; Lucinda Barnes, Chief Curator, Berkeley Art Museum; Suzette Min, Associate Professor, University of California, Davis; Jens Hoffman, Phyllis Wattis Curator, California College of the Arts; Walter Hood, Architect; René de Guzman, Chief Curator, Oakland Museum of California; Hilda Shum, Artist; Julio Morales, Artist and Co-Director of Queen's Nails; Sandra Percival, Executive Director, New Langton Arts; Jim Melchert, Artist; Marina MacDougal, Curator; Lawrence Rinder, Director, Berkeley Art Museum; Jeff Kelley, Independent Curator; and Hou Hanru, Director of Exhibitions and Public Programs at the San Francisco Art Institute.
Moved: Lloyd, Hunter
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Branch Library Improvement Project
Ms. Moran discussed the public art process for the four new branch libraries as part of the Branch Library Improvement Project ("BLIP"). The four new branches include Bayview/Anna E. Waden, Ortega, North Beach and Visitacion Valley. Ms. Moran explained that art enrichment funds for the four libraries would be pooled and divided equally among the four branches for a budget for each branch library of approximately $75,000, pending final determination of the North Beach and Bayview budgets.
Motion: Motion to approve the pooling of funds for the public art projects to be planned and developed for the four new branch libraries - Bayview/Anna E. Waden, Ortega, North Beach and Visitacion Valley - as part of the Branch Library Improvement Program.
Moved: Hunter, Lloyd
Motion: Motion to approve the following pool of potential panelists for the BLIP Artist Pool Selection Panel: Courtney Fink, Executive Director, Southern Exposure; Mark Thompson, Director, San Francisco State University Gallery; Carolina Ponce de León, Executive Director, Galeria de la Raza; Linda Raynsford, Artist; Reddy Lieb, Artist; Joyce Hsu, Artist; Elizabeth Thomas, Matrix Director, Berkeley Art Museum; Katherine Aoki, Artist; Leo Bersamina, Artist; Sabina Chen, Executive Director, Chinese Culture Center; Kristen Zaremba, Project Manager, Oakland Public Art Program; and René de Guzman, Chief Curator, Oakland Museum of California.
Moved: Lloyd, Hunter
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Collections
This item was postponed to the next Visual Arts Committee meeting.
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New Business
Commissioner Przyblyski welcomed Commissioner Lloyd to the Visual Arts Committee and asked Mr. Cancel if he could work with Mayor's Office to address the need for Visual Arts Commissioners who are committed to attending the monthly Visual Arts Committee meetings. Mr. Cancel stated that he understood the difficulty of the situation and has been in communication with the Mayor's Office regarding this matter.
Ms. Manton provided an update on the Transbay Terminal and stated that she had met with project architects Pelli Clarke Pelli and had seen preliminary designs for the new terminal. Ms. Manton reported that the Memorandum of Understanding with the Transbay Terminal has been approved and that it will provide the Public Art Program with an administrative fee of $925,000 over the next five years to manage their public art program. She explained that the Transbay Terminal, headed by the Transbay Joint Powers Authority ("TJPA"), is not a City agency but a collaboration of Bay Area government and transportation agencies that spans ten transit jurisdictions. Commissioner Hunter inquired whether the money came with any attachments, and Ms. Manton responded that there did not seem to be any particular restrictions at this stage of negotiations. Ms. Manton stated she would give a more detailed report about the Transbay Terminal in the upcoming Visual Arts Committee meeting.
Ms. Manton reported that Patrick Dougherty has submitted a proposal for a temporary installation at Civic Center Plaza, which is currently under review by the Recreation and Park Department. This temporary project would be funded by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission ("PUC"). Ms. Manton explained the Recreation and Park Department's concern that Dougherty's proposed work to be placed on the tops of the plaza trees might harm the trees. Commissioner Hunter asked if there was a way for Mr. Dougherty to create a self-supporting work that will address their concerns regarding the well-being of the trees. Ms. Manton explained that she has forwarded comments from the Recreation and Park Department to Mr. Dougherty, who will draft a response. The artist has told the Arts Commission that his work has never harmed trees. Ms. Manton clarified for Commissioners that her correspondence with the Recreation and Park Department includes Dennis Kern, Director of Operations, and Steve Cismowski, Neighborhood Services Area Manager in Neighborhood 4.
Ms. Manton reported on the progress of a proposed change to the Planning Code in which the private one-percent-for-art requirement could either be fully or partially contributed to a Public Art Trust to be managed by the Arts Commission. Funds in the Public Art Trust would be used to commission permanent or temporary works in downtown San Francisco, in the C3 District, and if approved, 15 percent of the funds would be allocated for repair and conservation of artwork in the C3 District. Ms. Manton explained that developers are often unsure about how to fulfill their one percent requirement, as building lobbies are not considered public spaces and developers often have few options except to place artwork on the facade of the building or the adjacent sidewalk. Ms. Manton stated that the city's Planning Department may have some resistance to the change because it would make it too easy for private developers to transfer their funds to the Public Art Trust instead of providing art at the site of the new development. Ms. Manton stated that the text of the draft resolution is almost final and should be ready to present to the Board of Supervisors in September, who will then refer the resolution to the Planning Commission for a maximum of 90 days before it is returned to the Board for action.
Commissioner Lloyd asked how safe this fund would be, given the current budget crisis. Ms. Manton responded that it would be a protected fund established by ordinance, and therefore fairly safe, but that it is always possible for another ordinance to be passed to use the funds for a different purpose.
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Old Business
Ms. Manton reported that she would be meeting with Maya Lin during her visit to San Francisco on Thursday, July 17. She stated that the wire landscape sculpture, which is a permanent work based on the topology of the Bay Area's ocean floor that will be suspended from the columns of the outdoor terrace, will be installed beginning August 18, 2008. Ms. Manton stated that she has a full conservation report for the wire landscape sculpture. She then reported that the video table sculpture has evolved to be a multi-component installation called the Whispering Benches, which focuses on the theme of extinction and endangered or lost species; this is Ms. Lin's first video project. Ms. Manton stated that Ms. Lin's studio plans to use LCD technology instead of LED technology, which will address many concerns regarding energy consumption and power use, infrastructure and cooling requirements, construction costs, and ongoing maintenance. She reported that the Academy of Sciences supports this alternate technology. The completion date for the video sculpture is targeted for Earth Day in April 2009. Ms. Manton stated that Ms. Lin will be working with scientists to develop storyboards, and working on the logistics of the wire landscape sculpture, during her visit to San Francisco this week.
Ms. Manton reported on the progress of Diller + Scofidio's Facsimile at Moscone Convention Center. She stated that Moscone will provide the $50,000 to retrofit the motion system and she is waiting for the transfer of funds to complete the work; she explained that she has reserved dates in late September for the work to be completed at the Moscone Convention Center. Ms. Manton clarified that the problem with the artwork is with the motion system. She stated that she will be meeting with Moscone staff to turn on the screen and confirm that the previously working parts of the artwork are still functioning. Commissioner Lloyd stated that the technology press should be contacted when the artwork begins to work again.
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Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 4:50 p.m.
