Visual_Arts_Committee
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
VISUAL ARTS COMMITTEE
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
3:30 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70
Minutes
Commissioners Present: Jeannene Przyblyski, Leonard Hunter, Dede Wilsey, Pop Zhao
Absent: Lawrence Rinder
Staff Present: Nancy Gonchar, Jennifer Lovvorn, Tonia Macneil, Jill Manton, Judy Moran, Richard Newirth, Susan Pontious, Jaime Schwartz, Meg Shiffler
Note: All votes are unanimous unless recorded otherwise.
The meeting commenced at 3:40 p.m.
1. Consent
1. Motion to approve the six final designs for reproduction for an Art on Market Street kiosk poster series by the artist team of Amanda Hughen and Jennifer Starkweather with writer David Buuck, scheduled for exhibition from March 12 to June 7, 2007, and to approve the preliminary design by the artist team of a catalog related to the exhibition for publication and public distribution.
2. Motion to increase the contract amount with Joyce Hsu from $23,500 to a new amount not to exceed $25,713 to compensate the artist for additional work on the artwork for Argonne Playground.
Motion: Motion to adopt the consent calendar items.
Moved: Hunter/Zhao
2. City Hall Sound Project
Director of Cultural Affairs Richard Newirth introduced the proposed sound installation by Bill Fontana which would be at City Hall between August and October of 2007.
Artist Bill Fontana demonstrated the “ultrasonic transducer” technology to the Commissioners and staff present. He stated that the sound installation will produce directional beams of sound which can interact with reflective surfaces. He proposes to locate the seven or eight moving speakers in the circular colonnade of City Hall. The speakers will be on pan tilt heads that will be programmed to move. The artist hopes to translate the visual experience of the architecture of City Hall into sound. He will conduct research to decide upon the actual sounds for the installation, which would be inspired and derived from the city and/or the history of City Hall. Mr. Fontana believes the sounds will have a dreamlike quality.
Commissioner Przyblyski inquired whether each speaker would have a different sound content and if the speakers would be on 24 hours a day.
Mr. Newirth answered that the speakers will be on during City Hall’s hours of operation and can be turned off if needed.
Commissioner Przyblyski suggested that the project should include interpretive elements such as signage.
Commissioner Hunter stated that while an interpretive element would be helpful in explaining the project, it could also be interesting for visitors to encounter and experience the sounds unknowingly.
Mr. Newirth explained that there is a City Hall Docent on staff who would be available to answer questions about the installation. He also stated that the publicity generated from this installation could result in even more visitors to City Hall to experience the project.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that the installation could also encourage visitors to stay longer and explore more of City Hall.
Mr. Newirth stated that while Mr. Fontana has done a number of projects internationally, this will be an excellent opportunity for him to undertake a project in his home town of San Francisco.
Mr. Newirth stated that he will present a budget and timeline by the next Visual Arts Committee meeting.
Commissioner Przyblyski observed that this installation continues the same theme as the temporary project by Wang Po Shu in Civic Center Plaza last year, which also interacted with the architecture of City Hall.
Motion: Motion to approve an honorarium payment in an amount not to exceed $5,000 for further research and development of Spiraling Echoes, a sound art piece by artist Bill Fontana to be installed in City Hall in August through October, 2007.
Moved: Hunter/ Przyblyski
3. Policy Discussion — Public Art Ideas and Opportunities
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton presented a staff report which opened a brainstorming session with Commissioners regarding Public Art ideas and opportunities. Ms. Manton said that for some time Public Art staff has been thinking about the current artist selection process and its results. Although staff has tried to take a more proactive approach with a stronger curatorial vision, limitations from funding sources have made this difficult; typically, the funding dictates the type of art and site.
Ms. Manton stated that art funds from the PUC and from Art on Market Street are available for particular sites. The PUC funds have been pooled and may be used at various sites throughout the city, subject to the PUC’s approval and their request that the artwork somehow reflect the mission of the PUC.
Ms. Manton asked for the Commissioners’ suggestions regarding artists and/or projects. She also stated that PUC funding may support long-term temporary installations that could be on display for up to two years.
Ms. Manton showed the Commissioners work by artist Janet Echelman as an example of the type of work that could be commissioned. The artist has used transparent materials to make large outdoor kinetic sculptures that are on display internationally. Ms. Echelman is already part of the Public Art pre-qualified pool of artists.
Ms. Manton commented that part of the appeal of Echelman’s work is that while the sculptures are large; their transparent materials do not interfere with their location or block views. The sculptures have an appearance of lightness.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that it is important to work with artists who are interested and willing to work within City bureaucracy.
Commissioner Hunter suggested that it would be a good idea to use Civic Center Plaza as a place to introduce artists or project ideas.
Commissioner Przyblyski requested that Commissioners make recommendations to staff regarding both local and international artists to commission for projects.
Ms. Manton stated that the staff is also starting to take a more proactive role in developing projects and soliciting artists. She credited Judy Moran for initiating this approach for the Art on Market Street program.
Ms. Manton has asked staff, as a way to reevaluate the effectiveness of the pre-qualified pool, to review their projects and assess how many were actually selected out of the pool.
Commissioner Hunter inquired how often the pool of artists is renewed. Ms. Manton answered that it is not done annually. Commissioner Zhao inquired how many artists were in the pre-qualified pool. Ms. Manton responded that there are over 100 and their names are available for review on the Public Art website.
Ms. Manton ended the reported by stating that the Public Art staff is moving in the direction of having a curated preselection of artists to present to clients and community.
4. Gallery Report
Gallery Director Meg Shiffler presented the Commissioners with two drafts of the Gallery’s mission statement that were created at the last Board retreat.
She described the first version of the drafted mission statement as more straightforward and concise, and the second as more spirited and narrative.
Ms. Shiffler solicited the Commissioners for feedback on both versions for details they would like added or omitted in a final version.
Commissioner Hunter stated that the first version is very professional and timeless. He felt that the second contained language that may become irrelevant as trends change. He also felt that the term “local” has the tendency to trivialize the agency, and that without this word the first statement seems complete.
Ms. Shiffler informed the Commissioners that while the previous mission statement had emphasized the Gallery’s three locations, she took out that reference in order to reflect new programming goals which seek to expand the reach of the Gallery.
Commissioner Hunter asked if the Gallery plans on getting rid of old locations such as Grove Street.
Ms. Shiffler answered that the fate of the Grove Street location is uncertain. She clarified that the expanded reach of new programming would go beyond the historical three locations to include a larger presence at City Hall, as well as other locations such as kiosks, site-specific temporary projects, blogs, or podcasts.
Mr. Newirth added that the old statement put equal emphasis on all three sites, which is misleading considering the Gallery’s current situation.
Commissioner Wilsey made the specific recommendation that the mission statement be less wordy. She also recommended that it not include overused “buzz words.” She specifically suggested that the mission statement end after the words “contemporary art” and agreed with Commissioner Hunter that the word “local” should be omitted.
Mr. Newirth recommended omitting parts relating to the Gallery’s history, since it is unnecessary information for a mission statement; this would shorten its length.
Commissioner Przyblyski recommended that Ms. Shiffler draft another version that addresses the feedback from the Commissioners. She asked that Ms. Shiffler e-mail the revised statement to each Commissioner along with the original mission statement for review before the next Visual Arts Committee meeting.
Ms. Shiffler introduced the following motions pertaining to the upcoming exhibition at the Arts Commission Gallery.
Motion: Motion to approve a payment in the amount of $4,000 to PhotoAlliance for co-curating four exhibitions for the 2007 Art at City Hall program with the San Francisco Arts Commission Gallery (City Hall, Lower Level), which will be issued in four installments of $1000 each (one for each exhibition) within the next 12 months.
Moved: Wilsey/Zhao
Motion: Motion to approve an honorarium payment in the amount of $700 to Derek Powazek for co-curating the upcoming exhibition JPG: A Photography Revolution, on display in the San Francisco Arts Commission Gallery from April 13 through June 16, 2007.
Moved: Hunter/Wilsey
5. Collections Report
This item was continued to a future Visual Arts Commission meeting.
6. Hamilton Pool and Recreation Center
Project Manager Tonia Macneil presented artist Horace Washington’s conceptual proposal of artwork for the Hamilton Pool and Recreation Center.
Ms. Macneil presented architectural plans of the Recreation Center indicating the nine 22’ x 4’ panels above the exterior windows and doors where the artist proposes to install designs in ceramic tile. The artwork will incorporate multiple patterns from African and Asian culture, thus reflecting the ethnic makeup of the neighboring community. Color renderings of Washington’s designs were presented, along with samples of the proposed tile colors.
Ms. Macneil explained that the artist and design team had agreed to cover the areas around the artwork in a compatible color of green tile, not stucco as previously planned. The main panel over the front door has been designed by the artist to accommodate the name of the building. The design references West African kente cloth and carved wood doors from the Nupe culture in Nigeria. The recreation center’s name will be fabricated in the typical Parks and Recreation cut-metal letters.
The other panels will consist of horizontal bands with linear patterns taken from African, Japanese and Korean sources. These will be fabricated using 1” or 2” square mosaic tile. Cut tile will be used to delineate the more complex ethnic designs of medallions centered in each panel. The green background will consist of larger single tiles.
Commissioner Hunter asked if the project will receive an architectural credit, since the artist is providing a portion of the surface of the building. Ms. Macneil indicated that the issue had not yet been discussed. She stated that the architect mentioned that the design might interrupt the verticality of the overall architectural design scheme. The Commissioners disagreed, responding that the artist’s contribution seems to enhance the architectural design.
Commissioner Hunter stated that the community specifically requested Japanese and Korean references and inquired if the community has been presented with the artist’s proposed project. Ms. Macneil responded that the community has not yet been approached for comment. Commissioner Hunter recommended that the design be shown to the community for input before its final approval.
Macneil pointed out that she is seeking approval for this only as a preliminary design and that changes can be made as needed in later phases of the project. The artist, who was present, stated that he considered the history of the community in his color scheme which reflects typical colors in African art and the raku colors in Asian ceramics.
Commissioner Przyblyski recommended that the artist further explore the diversity and cultural history of the neighborhood and community before any final design decisions are made.
Motion: Motion to approve the conceptual proposal by Horace Washington of a work of art for Hamilton Pool and Recreation Center.
Moved: Zhao/Hunter
Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a contract with Horace Washington for an amount not to exceed $145,000 for the completion of design, fabrication, transportation, and installation of an artwork for the Hamilton Pool and Recreation Center.
Moved: Wilsey/Hunter
7. Laguna Honda Hospital
Program Manager Susan Pontious presented images of the minor modification of the design by Owen Smith for the H wall of Laguna Honda Hospital. This is the only wall seen from a distance. Taking this into account, the design has been changed from bas-relief to mosaic in order to add color.
Motion: Motion to approve the revised proposal by Owen Smith for an artwork for the "H" walls at Laguna Honda Hospital.
Moved: Hunter/Zhao
Motion: Motion to increase Diane Andrews Hall's contract amount from $80,000 to $87,000 for payment of an artist fee comparable to other Laguna Honda Hospital artists.
Moved: Przyblyski /Wilsey
8. South East Community Facility Founders’ Mural
Program Director Jill Manton expressed staff approval for the proposed mural of the founders of the South East Community Facility. However, she stated her concern for creating “visual chaos” by adding the mural to the context of the two already existing children’s murals.
Ms. Manton presented copied digital photographs of the front of the building to the Commissioners so they could see the existing murals and the proposed site for the new founders’ mural. Jill inquired of the Commissioners whether or not they felt the existing murals should be relocated.
Commissioner Hunter stated that he liked all three murals and did not see a problem with all three being in the same location.
Ms. Manton added that because the building is concrete and monochromatic, the additional color from all the murals helps to enhance the building’s aesthetics.
Commissioner Przyblyski agreed and stated of the murals “the more the better.”
Motion: Motion to approve the mural design by Santie Huckaby featuring the South East Community Facility Founders, to be installed near the entrance to the facility at 1800 Oakdale Avenue.
Moved: Zhao/Hunter
9. Harvey Milk Commemorative Sculpture in City Hall
Program Director Jill Manton reported on the selection panel that met on February 27, 2007, to choose a proposal for a commemorative sculpture of Harvey Milk to be placed in City Hall. The panel chose the Daub Firmin Hendrickson Sculpture Group, favoring its use of relief elements on the pedestal and the expressive qualities of the sculpture. The panel also felt that it best fit with the existing busts in City Hall.
The sculpture will be 30” tall, and will reach a total height of 75” including the pedestal, which is in scale with the other busts already in City Hall. The bust will be fabricated in marble with a granite pedestal.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that presentation of the proposals at City Hall was very professional. She also stated that the panel had a very spirited discussion about whether to choose an idealized representation of Harvey Milk or an anecdotal “lived-in” version which might be a more accurate depiction.
Ms. Manton informed the Commissioners that public comment was overwhelmingly in favor of the Daub Firmin Hendrickson Sculpture Group.
Motion: Motion to accept the selection panel’s recommendation of the artist team Daub Firmin Hendrickson Sculpture Group, LLC, for the Harvey Milk Commemorative Sculpture in City Hall.
Moved: Hunter/Przyblyski
Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into an agreement with the artist team Daub Firmin Hendrickson Sculpture Group, LLC, in an amount not to exceed $57,500 for design, fabrication and transportation of a commemorative sculpture of Harvey Milk for City Hall.
Moved: Przyblyski/Wilsey
10. New Art Enrichment—Randall Museum
Project Director Jill Manton presented a report on the possible sites and approaches to placing artwork at the Randall Museum.
The site had temporarily displayed eight Bufano sculptures while their permanent home at Valencia Gardens was being renovated. As a result of negotiations between the PUC, the Arts Commission, the Randall Museum, and Supervisor Bevan Dufty, an agreement had been reached to use a portion of the PUC art enrichment pooled funds to acquire new artwork for the site.
There is $100,000 available for one to two new sculptural pieces.
The Commissioners were presented with photographs of the site.
Commissioner Przyblyski inquired how the selection process will be carried out.
Ms. Manton responded that she will do an RFQ for a call for artists and the project will also be publicized by the Randall. Finalists will be invited to develop proposals which will be publicly displayed before being presented to a selection panel.
Motion: Motion to authorize staff to proceed to announce a competition for artwork for two exterior sites at the Randall Museum with a total budget of $100,000 to be expended on one or more sculptures.
Moved: Przyblyski/Hunter
11. MosconeCenterWest
Program Director Jill Manton updated Commissioners on the Diller + Scofidio project and presented the Commissioners with options on how to proceed.
“Plan A” is to figure out a way to get the project working as originally desired, with the display screen functioning and having the ability to move along its track. “Plan B” is to modify the video and concept so that the screen works, although its motion would be limited. Since neither of these plans has moved forward, at this point Ms. Manton is also investigating a “Plan C.”
“Plan C” would allow Moscone Center to temporarily use the LED sign to display information about their exhibitions. The City Attorney has stated that there is nothing in the zoning code that would preclude Moscone Center using the sign for “informational purposes,” such as the name of a conference.
Commissioner Hunter asked Ms. Manton to clarify the problem with the project.
She explained that there is a noise associated with the operation of the motion system and that design solutions are being investigated. Once there is consensus between Diller + Scofidio and the outside expert engineer, cost estimates will be obtained and the available resources to cover expenses will be assessed.
Jill stated that she would like the Commissioners’ feedback about the various options outlined above.
Ms. Shiffler inquired how long Moscone Center would use the screen and asked whether there had been discussion of its temporary use by artists. She mentioned a similar project launched by New York’s Creative Time and offered her assistance if such a direction were to be pursued.
Ms. Manton responded that nothing has been determined at this time.
Mr. Newirth stated that in the past Diller + Scofidio had also considered curating additional new video footage for the screen. Ms. Manton has yet to consult with them further about this idea.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that if Moscone Center uses the screen for informational purposes, that might make people ignore its presence, rendering it invisible. The informational use might also diminish the uniqueness and impact of the screen.
Mr. Newirth inquired what would happen if the screen moved, but did not turn the corner.
Jill responded that the screen would likely run on the 4th Street side of the building.
Commissioner Hunter stated that he would be willing to consider the option of having the screen be of mixed use, although he would like to continue exploring the options.
Commissioner Przyblyski also stated that she would like to see more exploration of the options since this project has the potential to be spectacular. She acknowledged that if the project does not proceed soon, the technology involved with the project might become obsolete.
12. Jay DeFeo Painting
Public Art Deputy Program Director Susan Pontious initiated a discussion with Commissioners regarding the Jay DeFeo painting Masquerade in Black owned by the San Francisco Arts Commission.
Ms. Pontious stated that there had been previous discussions about selling the painting to a local museum, such as the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. However, no buyer had been identified and she is requesting recommendations from the Commissioners for a new plan of action.
The work is currently in storage and, according the artist’s estate, its value has probably increased since its last appraisal over a year ago.
Ms. Manton stated that instead of trying to sell the work it would be better to loan the work to a museum like the de Young, where it could be on view for the public to enjoy instead of keeping it in storage. The work is being considered as part of a major DeFeo retrospective at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York and its value might likely increase due to its exhibition.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that she would much prefer that a painting by such a respected female Bay Area artist be seen locally then to sell it to another institution. She is much more in support of loaning it to a museum than selling the work. She said that it is an important reminder of the unfortunate loss to the Bay Area of The Rose, another DeFeo painting previously owned by the Arts Commission which is now at the Whitney.
Commissioner Wilsey highly recommended getting the painting on view to local institutions to stimulate interest in it.
13. Proposed Gift to the City
Program Director Jill Manton informed Commissioners of a proposed gift to the City of a sculpture by Italian artist Alberto Cristini.
Ms. Manton informed the Commissioners that the gift was referred to her by the Mayor’s Office and that the artist was particularly interested in having the sculpture displayed on the waterfront. She expressed her belief that the scale of the sculpture is too small for a waterfront location and that a more intimately scaled site would be more appropriate.
Commissioner Przyblyski declared that the City greatly appreciates being considered for such a gift, although the City is hard-pressed to find a suitable location for it. She said that this sculpture deserves to be seen but that because the City unfortunately cannot provide a suitable place for it, the City must decline this generous gift.
The Commissioners recommended that the sculpture be considered as a gift to the Museo ItaloAmericano here in San Francisco.
Motion: Motion to accept the staff recommendation to decline with gratitude the gift of sculpture from Alberto Cristini.
Moved: Wilsey/Hunter
14. New Business
There was no new business.
15. Old Business
There was no old business.
16. Adjournment
As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:20 p.m.
Submitted by Jaime Schwartz, Interim Public Art Program Associate
Approved by Richard Newirth, Director of Cultural Affairs
2/15/2007
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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