Visual_Arts_Committee
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 VISUAL ARTS COMMITTEE
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
3:00 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70
Minutes
Commissioners Present
Maya Draisin, Jeannene Przyblyski, Barbara Stauffacher Solomon
Absent: Dugald Stermer, Dede Wilsey
Staff Present
Richard Newirth, Director of Cultural Affairs; Carol Marie Daniels, Nina Dunbar, Rupert Jenkins, Jennifer Lovvorn, Jill Manton, Judy Moran, Susan Pontious, Kristen Zaremba
Note: All votes are unanimous unless recorded otherwise.
The meeting commenced at 3:05 p.m.
- Consent
- Motion to increase the contract with Conservation Artisans by $18,000 for a total contract amount not to exceed $33,000 for repair and conservation of the Miguel Hidalgo y Castillo monument and Liberty Bell in Dolores Park.
- Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into an agreement with Rainbow Waterproofing and Restoration Company to repair the granite base of the Miguel Hidalgo y Castillo monument in Dolores Park for an amount not to exceed $6,000.
- Motion to approve the installation of the ceramic tile mural portion of Aileen Barr’s artwork for the West Portal Clubhouse.
Motion: Motion to adopt the consent calendar items
Moved: Draisin/Przyblyski
- Gallery Report
Gallery Director Rupert Jenkins reported that Commission '04 was by far the most successful event, taking in approximately $42,000. Feedback about the fundraiser has been tremendously positive and the Mayor’s office was quite pleased with the event. Mr. Jenkins thanked the Commissioners for their support. He added that he has just installed the work from past Commission box collections at the gallery. That work, along with the remaining work from Commission 04, is on view through November 6.
Mr. Jenkins stated that although there will be no programming in City Hall during November and December, exhibitions are scheduled to begin again on January 12, 2005, with a San Francisco Art Institute photography class exchange in collaboration with the Institute of Italian Culture.
Mr. Jenkins reported that Meleksah Henderson will be hired officially as the Gallery Manager as of Saturday, October 23. He added that he and Director of Cultural Affairs Richard Newirth have been discussing possibly using some of the money raised at Commission '04 to hire a staff person one day a week for City Hall.
Mr. Jenkins reported that the preliminary review and selection of finalists for “Construct,” the annual juried installation award occurred on Wednesday, September 22. The five finalists are Charles Gute, Charles Goodman, Desiree Holman, Sarah Cain, and Bari Zipperstein. On October 30, 2004 each finalist will present a proposal to this year’s juror, Mary Ceruti, Executive Director, Sculpture Center, who will select the award winner.
Mr. Jenkins concluded his report by presenting images for a proposed exhibition “Reflecting Buddha: Images by Contemporary Photographers” on the theme of Buddhism that would occur in conjunction with the International Buddhist Film Festival. “Reflecting Buddha” is a travelling exhibition curated by Photo Alliance founder Linda Connor. He stated that the exhibition would be on view at the gallery from January 19 to January 29, 2005. Mr. Jenkins believes that “Reflecting Buddha” would bring a lot of viewers into the gallery. Additionally, the publicity and outreach would be handled by the International Buddhist Film Festival.
Motion: Motion to approve the exhibition “Reflecting Buddha: Images by Contemporary Photographers” for the gallery at 401 Van Ness, January 19-29, 2005.
Moved: Draisin/Przyblyski
Motion: Motion to approve honoraria payments in the amount of $100 to each of the five “Construct 4” finalists for exhibition proposals. Finalists: Charles Gute, Charles Goodman, Desiree Holman, Sarah Cain, and Bari Zipperstein
Moved: Przyblyski/Draisin
Motion: Motion to approve an artist honorarium not to exceed $4,000 to one artist to be named following the “Construct 4” jurying on October 30, 2004. Finalists: Charles Gute, Charles Goodman, Desiree Holman, Sarah Cain, and Bari Zipperstein
Moved: Draisin/Przyblyski
- Ocean Avenue Streetscape Project
Project Manager Kristen Zaremba began her report by reminding Commissioners that in February, 2004 the Visual Arts Committee approved Laurel True’s revised concept, to develop a trio of “Sun Sphere” mosaic sculptures ranging from 3' to 5' in diameter, for the intersection of Ocean Avenue and Granada. Ms. Zaremba presented the artist’s mock-up for the project and explained that it is intended to show the quality of the materials and craftsmanship of the work. She stated that the artwork is being funded by money that remained after the commissioning of the Ocean Avenue Master Plan. She added that Laurel True was selected for her use of bright colors and simple shapes. Ms. Zaremba stated that she is seeking approval of the mock-up so that the artist may proceed with fabrication.
Commissioner Solomon recommended that there be less contrast between the flower shapes and the orange background. She stated that she would prefer that the spheres be monochromatic. Commissioner Przyblyski recommended that the design be made more abstract, and that the artist dispense with the decorative floral motif, as it is not specific to the Ocean Avenue neighborhood. The Commissioners requested that the artist present a revised proposal at the next meeting.
Director of Cultural Affairs Richard Newirth stated that Ocean Avenue Master Plan is a great document and that both Ms. Zaremba and Public Art Program Director Jill Manton did a lot of work on it. Ms. Zaremba stated that she hopes that the Ocean Avenue Master Plan can still be used as a planning tool for public art in that neighborhood.
The following motion was continued to the next meeting.
Motion: Motion to approve artist Laurel True’s mock-up for the Ocean Avenue Streetscape Sun Spheres project, and to authorize the artist to proceed with fabrication.
- Airport
A. Staff report on Airport Art Steering Committee meeting
Project Manager Susan Pontious reported that the Airport Art Steering Committee met last month. She stated that in order to cut costs, she has been working with Carol Marie Daniels and Rommel Taylor to move artwork out of storage. Some of the artwork will be put on display and some will be moved to storage at the airport.
B. Report on de-accessioning of artwork in the Airport Collection
Ms. Pontious stated that the steering committee is also proposing to de-accession certain works and she provided the rationale for each.
“Masquerade in Black” by Jay De Feo is an important artwork in the collection, but its size and imagery make it a difficult piece to site within the airport. The piece was purchased in the late 1970s for just over $5,000, and it may now be worth over $100,000. Ms. Pontious stated that because the artwork is located in a public space, it must be enclosed in a Plexiglas case for protection, which creates reflections obscuring the details of the image. Ms. Pontious stated that without the case, the piece is amazing. She reported that the Berkeley Art Museum would love to have this piece on loan. She added that the Arts Commission could also seek to sell it with a preference for having it purchased by a museum. Ms. Manton stated that she and Ms. Pontious are working with the estate of Jay De Feo to identify the best course of action. She mentioned that it is possible that a donor may want to purchase the piece for a local museum. Ms. Manton added that if the Arts Commission were to de-accession the piece, the funds would be returned to the airport art fund source and could be used to acquire new work for the airport. Commissioner Przyblyski agreed that it would be good to de-accession the work, but added that since one of De Feo’s most significant works was recently sold to the Whitney Museum in New York City, it would be important to have the piece remain in the Bay Area.
“Grapevine” by Zhu Qizhan was purchased as a result of agreements between former mayor Dianne Feinstein and the Shanghai Friendship Committee as part of sister city activities with Shanghai. The problem with the installation of the work at the airport is that it is a watercolor on paper, and therefore cannot tolerate the high light levels present in the airport. The painting has been in storage for many years. It was offered to the Asian Art Museum, but the Museum declined it because it was too large for them to store. Ms. Pontious stated that if the artwork were deemed to be in good condition and if the piece could be removed from the strainers and rolled, the Asian Art Museum might be interested in the piece.
“Star of the North” by Micheline Beauchemin is currently in storage. Its size and light-sensitivity also make it difficult to re-install at the airport. It is also too big to put in a Plexiglas case. Maintenance of the piece has been an issue in the past.
“Golden Gate Park” by Don Potts is a wooden model of Golden Gate Park that is currently in storage at Brooks Hall. This model was one of five architectural models of San Francisco landmarks by Don Potts commissioned as the result of an American Institute of Architects convention in 1982. Some of the models are on display in City Hall, but “Golden Gate Park” is too large to display there. The steering committee suggested that either the Department of Recreation and Parks or the Presidio Trust might be interested in the piece. Commissioner Solomon suggested that the model could be displayed by hanging it on a wall. Ms. Manton suggested that the model could be placed with the Museum of the City of San Francisco that will soon be located at the San Francisco Mint. Commissioner Draisin stated that it is important not to de-accession one of the models, and that it would be preferable to loan the model, since they were commissioned as a suite.
The following motion was modified.
Motion: Motion to de-accession and explore options for selling “Masquerade in Black” by Jay De Feo with a preference for placing it in a Bay Area museum.
Moved: Draisin/Przyblyski
The following motion was modified.
Motion: Motion to de-accession “Grapevine” by Zhu Qizhan.
Moved: Draisin/Przyblyski
Motion: Motion to de-accession “Star of the North” by Micheline Beauchemin.
Moved: Przyblyski/Draisin
The following motion was modified.
Motion: Motion to loan “Golden Gate Park” by Don Potts to a nonprofit or governmental agency.
Moved: Przyblyski/Draisin
C. Report on use of funds from de-accessioned artwork
Ms. Pontious reported that the Administrative Code allows the Arts Commission to use funds generated by the sale of artwork for either purchase of new work or to maintain the collection. She had discussed with the Assistant Deputy Airport Director of Capital Finance the possibility of placing any funds generated from the sale of artwork in the maintenance endowment to generate funds for maintenance until such time as the funds are used to purchase or commission new artwork.
Motion: Motion to recommend the temporary placement of funds from the sale of Airport art in the Airport Art Endowment Account until such time as a recommended use of the funds is identified for the purchasing or commissioning of additional artwork for the Airport.
Moved: Przyblyski/Draisin
D. Report on new projects for Gate Room Walls 3 and 5
Ms. Pontious reported that in 1996-1997 the Arts Commission commissioned nine artists/artist teams to create artworks for the two-story gate room walls in Boarding Areas A and G of the new International Terminal. Just prior to the new terminal opening, the airport made the decision not to open Gate Rooms 3 and 5 until a future date. This necessitated the moving of the artwork by Mildred Howard, intended for Gate Room 3, to Gate Room 2. The plan was for a new work to be commissioned for Gate Room 3 when the Airport decided to open that room. Ms. Pontious stated that the airport now plans to complete Gate Rooms 3 and 5 and to open them within approximately a year and a half. Since these are not operating gate rooms at present, and other construction will be occurring simultaneously, this is the most cost effective and convenient moment to access these walls for art installation. Ms. Pontious presented slides of the artwork in the surrounding Gate Rooms.
Motion: Motion to proceed with Gate Room projects for Boarding Area A, Gate Room 3 and Gate Room 5.
Moved: Draisin/Przyblyski
Motion: Motion to approve project outline for Gate Rooms 3 and 5 which calls for the following: 1. The project budget shall not exceed $278,000 inclusive of both Gate Rooms; 2. The project is open to artists nationally; and 3. Artist selection will be through the Arts Commission annual artist pool.
Moved: Draisin/Przyblyski
- Laguna Honda Hospital
Project Manager Susan Pontious began her report by reminding the Commissioners that they had previously approved Terry Hoff’s design development drawings for artworks that will be located in three resident floors of Laguna Honda Hospital and approved entering into contract for construction documents, fabrication and installation. She presented slides of Terry Hoff’s past artwork. Ms. Pontious explained that Hoff was selected as one of the artists to produce artwork that would assist with way-finding. She stated that what the Commissioners would be reviewing at this meeting are Mr. Hoff’s final designs for the following artworks: 1. Three “Clocks” installations, which are groupings of electric clocks fabricated by the artist out of various materials, and backlit with LED ring lights; 2. Nine “Chalkboards” installations, which are groupings of chalkboards with simple images such as a house, dog, car, etc. accompanied by a letter and blank line that allows the viewer to participate by filling in the blank; and 3. Twelve “Wall Sculptures” installations, which are groupings of fabricated shapes inspired by the four seasons. Ms. Pontious stated that upon approval, the artist will begin fabrication. She presented the design proposals for the installations.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that she is concerned that the language and imagery in some of proposed installations may be oppressively cheerful and condescending to the patients. She added that the artist’s past work seems more ambiguous. Ms. Pontious stated that the artist certainly could make the artwork more open-ended. She added that Mr. Hoff’s work would be located on the psychosocial floor where the residents may be younger. She feels that Mr. Hoff’s work is appropriate for those residents. Commissioner Przyblyski suggested that for the “Chalkboard” installations, the artist should employ a mix of imagery and vary the level of complexity as per the example of his past work.
Ms. Pontious explained that based on concerns by Laguna Honda Hospital regarding the “Clocks” installation, the artist designed an alternative “Flowers” installation proposal. The Commissioners stated that they did not feel that the design for the “Flowers” was as strong as the “Clocks.” They recommended that the artist resolve Laguna Honda’s concerns about the piece by setting the clocks in the groupings to various times.
The Commissioners stated that they would like to see revised proposals for the “Chalkboards” and the “Clocks” at an upcoming meeting.
The following motion was modified.
Motion: Motion to approve Terry Hoff's final images and designs for the season reliefs for three resident floors at Laguna Honda Hospital.
Moved: Przyblyski/Draisin
- SoMa Park
Project Manager Susan Pontious began her report by reminding the Commissioners that they had previously approved two of Irene Pijoan’s designs for water-jet cut fence panels for SoMa Park. She presented the final three fence panel designs which are based on the following themes: crustacea, ducks and pelicans. She explained to the Commissioners that the artist recently passed away and that a fabricator will complete the fence panels. The panels will be silver painted aluminum.
Motion: Motion to approve the final three designs for fence panels designed for SoMa Park by Irene Pijoan.
Moved: Przyblyski/Draisin
- Pulgas Water Temple Project
This report was continued to the next meeting.
The following motion was continued to the next meeting.
Motion: Motion to authorize staff to work with the PUC in identifying an alternative location and funding pool for implementing the Diana Pumpbelly Bates proposal.
The following motion was continued to the next meeting.
Motion: Motion to authorize staff to develop a new artist competition for the Pulgas Water Temple Gates using a process and panelists to be approved at the next Visual Arts Committee meeting.
- Third Street Light Rail
Explanatory Document: Third Street Light Rail Staff Report
Project Manager Judy Moran gave an informational presentation about the planning process of the Third Street Light Rail Art Enrichment Program, with samples and photographs of artworks in fabrication.
- Moscone Center
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton reported on the progress of the Diller + Scofidio Project. She explained that although “Facsimile” is nearly complete, Multimedia has made a recent recommendation to upgrade the system at no cost to the City. They have recently honed the system technology through their work on the JP Chase sign in New York City. All parties involved with the project have reviewed the proposed changes. Multimedia has proposed to make these changes within the time frame it would have taken to implement a previously pending improvement. The new system will reduce the level of future maintenance, since the rooftop computer will be relocated to the indoor AV control room, thus reducing wear due to jostling and heat. Ms. Manton stated that this will be an important upgrade for the project. She is currently trying to coordinate the Multimedia work with the schedule constraints at Moscone Center.
- Stern Grove Project
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton reported that the selection panel for the Stern Grove Project recently met to conduct the interviews of the finalists. She explained that for this project, the panel felt that they could have selected any of the four finalists. Coming to a final decision was very difficult and after three rounds of voting, the panel selected Gerald Heffernon. The panel felt that his work would bring an element of surprise and whimsy to the park. Mr. Heffernon creates sculptures that are hybrid figures that are part human, part animal. She added that he has recently completed a public art project for the City of Davis. Although the artists were discouraged from making a specific proposal, Mr. Heffernon indicated that he would like to create either a giant frog in the middle of the lake, or a figure that is part human, part bird with an empty leash that could be used as a photo opportunity for dogs who frequent the dog run. Ms. Manton stated that the alternate is Michael Eckerman. She explained that he typically creates flowing rock walls, benches and arches. Most of his work has been made as private commissions. Ms. Manton added that she might be able to use some pooled funds to commission a piece by Mr. Eckerman. If the funds are available, she will present that proposal to the Visual Arts Committee at a later date.
Commissioner Solomon stated that the selection of Gerald Heffernon’s work is in keeping with the great tradition of parks, where a realistic sculpture would be placed in the wilderness. She added that the panel was drawn to the surreal quality of Heffernon’s work.
Motion: Motion to approve to the selection panel’s recommendation of one of the following four finalists for the Stern Grove Project: Mark Brest van Kempen, Michael Eckerman, Gerald Heffernon, and Peter Richards.
Moved: Draisin/Przyblyski
Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a contract with Gerald Heffernon for an amount not to exceed $50,000 for design, fabrication, transportation and installation of an artwork for the Stern Grove Project.
Moved: Draisin/Przyblyski
- New Business
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton reported that the Academy of Sciences is currently running a deficit on the construction of the new museum. Director of Cultural Affairs Richard Newirth stated that he had met with the Director of the Academy of Sciences and requested the full two percent of the 1995 Steinhart Aquarium Bond for art enrichment. He stated that he had not yet received a response from the Academy. Mr. Newirth stated that, due to cost increases for steel and cement, the Academy of Sciences is trying to appeal to the Mayor’s Office to waive or reduce the art enrichment allocation from the 1995 bond. The City Attorney has already determined that the original Art Enrichment Ordinance does apply to this bond. Mr. Newirth stated that the Arts Commission may be willing to negotiate a lower percentage, but giving up the entire amount is not an option. Mr. Newirth anticipates that the Academy of Sciences may propose to allocate less than one percent. He added that the final decision would need to be approved by the Commissioners. The Academy of Sciences had previously wanted to use the art enrichment funds to move the existing monuments. They have been informed that doing so is an illegal use of the funds. Mr. Newirth and Ms. Manton stated that they would work out a variety of funds allocation scenarios and present them to the Commission next month. Ms. Manton added that the first meeting of the Academy of Sciences Art Steering Committee will occur soon.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that the Arts Commission needs to hold firm and not give up the funds.
Ms. Manton continued reporting on new business with the following items.
The Public Art Program is assembling a grant application for the Neighborhood Beautification Fund. The funds would allow the program to respond to graffiti removal within 24 hours as required by the Mayor’s new graffiti abatement initiative.
The Parque de Los Ninos at 23rd and Treat Streets, where the Public Art Program commissioned Isis Rodriguez to create a cartoon-like integrated tile piece, has been selected for a San Francisco Beautiful award. The Department of Public Works has invited the artist to attend the award ceremony as their guest.
The new City office building at 10th and Market may not be moving forward. However, Ms. Manton has heard that 525 Golden Gate may be revived.
The Department of Recreation and Parks survey for the Harvey Milk Recreation Center renovation was included as part of the agenda packet. The survey will soon be distributed.
Program Associate Jennifer Lovvorn has been working with a graduate student in Planning from Cornell University to develop GIS maps showing the sites of public art pieces and reflecting various associated statistics. Ms. Lovvorn is exploring working with SF GIS Enterprise to integrate the public art maps into the interactive on-line GIS maps of San Francisco.
- Old Business
- Adjournment
As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:20 p.m.
Submitted by Jennifer Lovvorn, Public Art Program Associate
Approved by Richard Newirth, Director of Cultural Affairs
10/27/2004
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.
Public comment in regard to specific items will be taken before or during consideration of the item.
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