Meeting Information

Visual_Arts_Committee

VISUAL ARTS COMMITTEE
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
3:00 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70

Minutes

Commissioners Present:
Jeannene Przyblyski, Leonard Hunter, Lawrence Rinder, Dede Wilsey
Absent: Pop Zhao

Staff Present:
Mary Chou, Allison Cummings, Carol Marie Daniels, Jill Manton, Judy Moran, Susan Pontious, Ellen Shershow

Note: All votes are unanimous unless recorded otherwise.

The meeting commenced at 3:11 p.m.

1. Consent
   
   1. Motion to accept into the Civic Art Collection the Abraham Lincoln Brigade National Monument, a gift to the City from the Abraham Lincoln Brigade Association, designed by artists Ann Chamberlain and Walter Hood and located in Justin Herman Plaza.
   
   2. Motion to accept into the Civic Art Collection Namoo House (2008), by Joyce Hsu, an anodized aluminum and stainless steel sculptural relief, installed at Gate A-3 of the San Francisco International Airport.
   
   3. Motion to accept into the Civic Art Collection, Take Off 2006 (2006-2008), by Hung Liu, a work of oil paint and pigmented ink on wood, installed at Gate A-5 of the San Francisco International Airport.
   
   4. Motion to approve the six original poster designs, to be reproduced and installed in 24 kiosks on Market Street from June 12 to September 18, 2008, by artist Owen Smith, for the Art on Market Street 2008 Program.
   
   Motion: Motion to adopt the consent calendar items.
   Moved: Wilsey/Rinder
   
   
2. Laguna Honda Hospital
   Public Art Program Deputy Director Susan Pontious presented minor changes to the work of artists Bernie Lubell and Ann Chamberlain for Laguna Honda Hospital. The work for the "A" and "D" walls has been changed from black-and-white to color images. Due to the lighting of the piece proposed for the "H" wall, the artists have decided to use imagery of the earth and sky, instead of fire and water, so that the subtleties of color on the surface of the work can be viewed in the available lighting.
   
   Ms. Pontious then presented the revised design of Diana Pumpelly Bates's gates, which have more distinct cuts through the stainless steel. Commissioners agreed to the minor design changes for each of the works presented.
   
   THIS MOTION HAS BEEN AMENDED
   Motion: Motion to approve Bernie Lubell and Ann Chamberlain's revised proposals for the "H" wall, which will use imagery of the air and earth, and the "A" and "D" walls, which replace the black and white images with color images, at Laguna Honda Hospital.
   Moved: Rinder/Hunter
   
   THIS MOTION HAS BEEN AMENDED
   Motion: Motion to approve Diana Pumpelly Bates's revised proposal for the Laguna Honda Hospital gates.
   Moved: Rinder/Wilsey
   
   
3. Guideposts by Brian Goggin
   Public Art Program Director Jill Manton reported on the relocation of artist Brian Goggin's work titled Guideposts. The sculpture was originally commissioned for Moscone Recreation Center, and then proposed for a lawn area north of Sava Pool. Upon conducting outreach to surrounding neighbors, staff learned of opposition to the sculpture. Rather than waging a campaign for this site, staff will seek an alternative site for the sculpture. Ms. Manton reported that the Recreation and Park Department suggested Brooks Park as a potential alternative.
   
   Commissioner Leonard Hunter stated that he is familiar with Brooks Park and feels the community would be receptive to Brian Goggin's work for that location. Ms. Manton said she will further investigate the site.
   
   
4. Relocation of Rabbinoid sculpture
   Ms. Manton reported on the possibility of relocating the Rabbinoid sculpture by artist Gerald Heffernon to Brooks Park. The sculpture will be removed from its current location in Stern Grove due to repeated acts of vandalism, and the proposed alternative of Esprit Park did not have the support of its neighborhood association.
   
   Commissioners believed Brooks Park would be a nice alternative. Commissioner Jeannene Przyblyski stated that perhaps a more effective process for relocating works is to contact Supervisors, who in turn would contact their constituents to let them know about the possibility of having a particular artwork for their neighborhood.
   
   
5. Exhibition of sculptures by Manolo Valdes in Civic Center Plaza
   Ms. Manton reported on the installation of the eight Manolo Valdes sculptures which will begin on Sunday, April 27, 2008. A dedication is scheduled for Tuesday, April 29, but the time has not yet been determined, pending the Mayor's availability. The artist will attend the dedication, as well as representatives from Marlborough Gallery, who funded a large portion of the project costs. The installation cost escalated due to engineering requirements resulting from the Arts Commission not being allowed to anchor the sculpture to the plaza paving. Ms. Manton reported that she is optimistic about receiving $10,000 from Grants for the Arts for this project. Ms. Manton also stated that wooden curbs will be constructed around three of the sculptures for ADA compliance. She will inform the Commissioners of the exact time of the dedication when it has been confirmed.
   
   
6. San Francisco International Airport
   Ms. Pontious reported on negotiations with the San Francisco International Airport on the 2008 Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU"), which focuses on how to manage the maintenance of the Airport Collection. The last time the ordinance was changed, it allowed five percent of the two percent for art to be allocated to maintenance if the funding source permitted. Unfortunately, bonds do not allow for the funding to be used for maintenance. Ms. Pontious described meetings that she and Ms. Manton had with Peter Nardoza, former Deputy Director of the Airport, and Blake Summers, Director and Chief Curator of the San Francisco Airport Museums, about how to best address the challenge of maintaining the Airport Collection. At a meeting held in October 2006, staff of both departments agreed that Airport staff would handle the routine care of the works, which includes dusting and changing light bulbs, while Arts Commission staff would be responsible for larger maintenance projects that require conservators, the artist, and other outside contractors. At that meeting, there was no mention of art enrichment being charged for this work. Rather, an annual budget request would be made to the Airport Commission by the Arts Commission for any special maintenance projects and for a contribution towards Arts Commission staff time.
   
   However, over a year later, when the Arts Commission finally received a draft of the new Memorandum of Understanding, the Airport proposed reducing the money for art enrichment taken from bond funds and paying for maintenance from operating costs. The benefit of this arrangement is that it gives the Arts Commission a legal source of funds to pay for maintenance. The Airport has proposed a sliding scale for determining art enrichment on capital projects, which would reduce the funding for art, but increase the funding for maintenance. Presumably the total amount for art and maintenance would be equal to two percent. The most recent draft of the MOU prepared by Airport staff proposes reducing the art enrichment allocation to correspond to annual allocations for maintenance to be paid out of Airport operating funds. When the art enrichment funds are exhausted, the Arts Commission would run a deficit against future art enrichment funding for maintenance of the Airport Collection. Ms. Pontious prepared a spreadsheet for Ms. Manton and Director of Cultural Affairs Luis Cancel with a projection of the long-term financial impact of such a proposal. Included in the Airport's proposal is the annualization of the cost of an Airport Museum staff person to manage maintenance of the Airport Collection and a $50,000 facilities fund that the Airport would charge against for such costs as the changing of light bulbs.
   
   Ms. Pontious stated that she is not comfortable with the possibility of going into debt until the next series of renovations are made. History has shown that renovations usually occur every 10 years, but this is not guaranteed.
   
   Commissioner Przyblyski stated that part of the problem with the current funding structure is that Art Enrichment money is a one-time sum and operating money is a flow of money over time, as is maintenance. A maintenance endowment should be created to stabilize this money source. However, the amount of money set aside from Art Enrichment for the endowment needs to be significant enough to make a difference.
   
   Ms. Manton stated that the Airport now wants to charge for maintenance tasks, such as changing light bulbs, that they used to provide at no cost to the Arts Commission and that they want to hire a full-time staff person at the Airport for Arts Commission-related work. Ms. Manton stated that she would prefer to hire a full-time staff person at the Arts Commission to work with Ms. Pontious, rather than have this position reside at the Airport.
   
   Ms. Pontious stated that there is an advantage to having a staff person located at the Airport as it is time-consuming and costly for Arts Commission staff to arrange for maintenance to be completed on works in the Airport. Ms. Pontious said that she is not opposed to being flexible in allocating more maintenance funds from art enrichment, but the program can't sustain the entire cost of maintenance, particularly when it is expected to carry fixed overhead costs.
   
   Commissioner Przyblyski stated that if the Airport is mandated by charter to spend a certain amount of money on acquisitions for permanent artworks, then the Airport should not have much discretion between temporary and permanent works because it is a revenue-generating agency. She believes the final decision will have to be made between Mr. Cancel, Airport Director John Martin, and the City Administrator who oversees the Airport, as it is a matter of the City's resources.
   
   Commissioner Hunter stated that the most Arts Commission staff can do is to demonstrate the inability of the program to continue with its current funding structure. Commissioner Przyblyski stated that the permanent collection at the Airport could be as much, if not more, of a draw than the temporary exhibits if more attention were given to these permanent works.
   
   
7. General Hospital
   Ms. Pontious presented examples of artwork selected for the Mental Health Rehabilitation Facility ("MHRF") at General Hospital. MHRF functions as a transition facility between acute emergency care and the community. Ms. Pontious was given strict guidelines by General Hospital staff for the selection of works at MHRF: reality-based works showing positive interaction between people, positive ethnic images, family interaction, and works showing landscapes and still-lifes. During her slide presentation, she noted that the paintings by Hilda Shum were quite successful in masking the columns with scenes of nature, and the tile work by Johanna Poethig was successful in its collaboration with patients and its focus on life stories, aspirations, and goals. The group of artists selected to create works in the hospital matched the ethnic population of its patients. Ms. Pontious summarized that the collection at MHRF, while following the guidelines set by the hospital, was quite eclectic and did not feel institutional.
   
   Ms. Pontious discussed with Commissioners the different sites for artwork in the new San Francisco General Hospital. The design of floors could be an opportunity for work that breaks up the space for patients who walk up and down the hallways for exercise. The lobby is another main area for artwork, as well as the outdoor walkway by the side of the hospital, where the heart sculptures may be placed. Other possible locations are the landscaped areas on the roof and the area within the parking circle. It will be important to select works that are appropriate for the site, such as an uplifting and sensational work for the entry circle, and something more calming and contemplative for the waiting rooms.
   
   Commissioner Przyblyski was satisfied with the placement of the heart sculptures along the outdoor passageway on the side of the hospital. She inquired about the reference in the staff report to the existing collection of work at General Hospital. Ms. Pontious responded that much of the existing collection is not in good condition, and some of the works are not appropriate for a hospital setting. The works should be reframed and reinstalled, possibly in the old building, which will be used for administrative offices. Ms. Pontious noted that there is a sculpture by Gerald Warburg that will need to be relocated, as well as a painting which was badly damaged and should be restored before it is returned to the artist.
   
   Commissioner Lawrence Rinder stated that he is on the board of an organization called RxArt in New York that gives art to hospitals and has a good network of artists. Diane Brown is the president; Commissioner Rinder will provide Ms. Pontious with her contact information.
   
   In response to the presentation of work at MHRF, Commissioner Przyblyski commented that even within this notion of "evidence-based design" there seems to be a lot of possibility in the type of artworks that fit within the guidelines. She agrees that when commissioning work for places where people do not feel well or where they have a high-level of anxiety, it would make sense to have art that helps relieve stress and uplift spirits. Ms. Pontious stated that she would like to create works that undercut the institutional, sterile, and stern environment of the hospital.
   
   Commissioner Dede Wilsey stated that the psychology of color is an important element in the design of hospitals. She explained that she is involved with fundraising efforts for the new UCSF hospital at Mission Bay and has had the opportunity to tour many hospitals. Commissioner Wilsey emphasized the importance of having calming spaces and works that distract patients and visitors from the passage of time. Commissioner Hunter mentioned Paul Kos's work, Chartres Bleu, which captures the changing light through the stained glass windows of the Chartres Cathedral.
   
   Commissioner Rinder inquired about who was responsible for the wall color at General Hospital since it appears to be an important element of the design. Ms. Pontious stated that it is likely that interior designers will be responsible for the wall color.
   
   
8. Central Subway
   Project Manager Judy Moran provided an update on the Central Subway Public Art Program including the ongoing extensive outreach efforts by staff, which includes conducting three artist workshops, and an intensive collaboration effort with the Chinese Culture Center and Chinese Community Development Center. Next steps will include the development of a Central Subway Public Art Advisory Committee, as well as an Artist Pool Selection Panel and, eventually, determination of Artist Selection Panels for each station. Staff has also developed a rough outline for the content of the Central Subway Arts Master Plan. Ms. Moran met with Jorge Pardo, Director of the Los Angeles Metro Public Art Program, and will meet with Sandra Bloodworth, Director of the New York MTA Arts for Transit Program, to discuss their experiences with developing and maintaining artworks in an urban subway system. For the Visual Arts Committee meeting in May, Ms. Moran intends to provide Commissioners with a preliminary workbook for their review and feedback that begins to focus the overall vision for the Central Subway Art Program as well as to further articulate art opportunities at each station. Ms. Moran reported that work continues on finalizing the Art Enrichment budget amount for the Central Subway Public Art Program.
   
   Commissioner Przyblyski stated that it is important for the Central Subway Public Art Advisory Committee to have a written scope of work so that their roles in the process are clearly defined. Ms. Moran stated that the role of the Advisory Committee will be limited to the development of the Arts Master Plan. In order to clarify their role, Ms. Manton suggested that the panel be called the Arts Master Plan Advisory Committee.
   
   Commissioner Przyblyski stated that she believes stakeholder interest in the Central Subway will concentrate and disperse based on the station in question, and that it would be good to engage the transportation advocacy community in the planning process because they represent city-wide interests. Ms. Moran emphasized that in regard to the Central Subway public art planning process, it is important to have input from Commissioners early in the planning stage both in terms of process and aesthetics.
   
   Commissioner Hunter inquired about the period of time between the selection of the art proposals and the installation of the artists' works. Ms. Moran responded that the system will begin operating in 2016 at the earliest, so there will be a lead time of approximately six or more years between the final designs of the artworks and their implementation, as with the Third Street Light Rail Art Program. Ms. Moran stated that within that time, the Arts Commission will commission a series of occasional transit-related temporary art programs in neighborhoods along the Central Subway corridor in collaboration with existing organizations and communities to keep people involved and aware of the project. Commissioner Hunter thought this was a great idea and noted the effectiveness of the program of temporary works in Sacramento that engage the community.
   
   Commissioner Przyblyski stated that although she has previously advocated for Commissioner participation on every project artist selection panel, she has realized that a Commissioner's role on a panels in some cases has expanded to include project mediation. However, she also appreciated the value of the Commissioners' broad overview of a project as a panelist because of their broader involvement in and oversight of the public art collection at large and of the complete process for each project.
   
   
9. Coffman Pool
   Ms. Pontious announced that the installation of work by artist team Steve Gillman and Katherine Keefer at Coffman Pool has been completed and is quite successful. She stated that one glass panel is being re-fabricated and replaced because the color doesn't match with the rest of the panels. There were also two other panels that may have been slightly off in color, but the variation is so slight, both in the morning and afternoon light, that it is almost unnoticeable. The pool will not open for at least another month.
   
   
10. New Business
    Ms. Manton was proud to report that the Jay DeFeo painting, Masquerade in Black, loaned by the Arts Commission to the de Young Museum, is currently on display at the Museum. Ms. Manton reminded Commissioners that the work had previously been in storage for the past 12 years after it was removed from the Airport. Ms. Manton inquired about the possibility of doing a press release or having a reception at the de Young Museum to bring attention to the painting and let the public know that such an important work is available for viewing. Commissioner Wilsey agreed that a reception is a great idea, along with publicizing the work in the Museum's magazine.
    
    Ms. Manton reported that with a new Director of Cultural Affairs, it is a good time to reevaluate the public art ordinance and the way in which the Public Art Program proceeds with projects. Ms. Manton would like the Public Art Program to manage fewer projects and allow artists to engage in a longer-term and more constructive relationship with the communities and neighborhoods where they create artwork.
    
    Commissioner Hunter inquired about which departments allow for the pooling of funds. Ms. Manton responded that the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission is the only department that allows this pooling and the money is used for temporary projects. Commissioner Przyblyski inquired about the pooling of funds for the branch library improvement projects. Ms. Manton responded that the total amount of art enrichment funding generated from improvements at several branch libraries was divided equally among all eligible projects at the branch libraries.
    
    Commissioner Rinder asked if such a proposed policy change would have to be considered by the Board of Supervisors. Ms. Manton responded that it could be done at the executive level because the ordinance already allows for funds to be pooled.
    
    
11. Old Business
    
    There was no other old business.
    
    
12. Adjournment
    
    The meeting was adjourned at 4:51 p.m.
    

MC 4/21/08

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: Mary Chou (415) 252-3215.

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