The meeting commenced at 3:02 p.m.
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Consent Calendar
Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to increase, by an amount not to exceed $6,000, contract #DPAR08000046 with artists Packard Jennings and Steve Lambert for their Art on Market Street Program kiosk poster series and auxiliary programming. Additional funds are for the printing of a catalog. The revised total contract amount is not to exceed $17,000.
Motion: Motion to adopt the consent calendar items
Moved: Rinder/Zhao
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Gallery Report
Gallery Director Meg Shiffler presented the upcoming gallery exhibition Make You Notice, March 27 to May 24, 2008. This exhibition is being curated by guest curator Patricia Maloney. Ms. Maloney is currently the Associate Curator at Ampersand International Arts, San Francisco. She has organized and written for numerous exhibitions including The Searchers at White Box, New York; Close Calls 2006 at the Headlands Center for the Arts, Sausalito; Open Network: Brooklyn at Ampersand; and Firmament, which traveled to Immanence espace d'art contemporain in Paris and Turpentine Gallery in Reykjavik. Ms. Maloney has previously worked as a Curatorial Assistant for the Matrix Program at the University of California Berkeley Art Museum and at the Mori Art Museum in Tokyo, and as a Program Associate for the International Program of MoMA in New York. Currently, she is completing her MA in Theory and History of Contemporary Art at the San Francisco Art Institute.
Ms. Shiffler went on to report that Make You Notice is an exhibition about four young women artists utilizing performance in their practice to examine issues of power and identity.
Ms. Shiffler showed images of all four artists included in Make You Notice. Lisa Ann Auerbach's work encompasses knitting, bicycling, and the creation of various ephemera. Kate Gilmore builds structures out of various materials, then videos herself climbing on or squeezing her body through these precarious forms. Laura Swanson is a little person who is creating a new body of work for the exhibition that will feature images of her trying to disappear within the photographed environment. Jennifer Wofford builds elaborate narratives to assume different personas, such as a mail-order bride.
Ms. Shiffler added that there are a number of shows in the Bay Area exploring similar themes, creating a lively crossover dialogue between the Gallery and the other institutions in San Francisco
Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with Curator Patricia Maloney for her curatorial work on the Arts Commission Gallery exhibition Make You Notice, for an amount not to exceed $5,100.
Moved: Hunter/Rinder
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Patricia's Green
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton stated that the Hayes Valley Art Coalition ("HVAC") has elected to place temporary public art on Patricia's Green in Hayes Valley. The Arts Commission has already placed a rich and successful series of temporary public art pieces on Patricia's Green; beginning with the Hayes Green Temple Project by artist David Best, followed by the Golden Gateway by artist Seyed Alavi, and most recently The Historic Miniature Golf Extravaganza by the artist team Wowhaus.
Ms. Manton stated that HVAC had originally proposed a piece entitled The Trash Tea Temple, but that the cost of installation proved to be prohibitive. HVAC's current proposal is the temporary public art project Koilos Aeionic by artist Michael Christian. Ms. Manton introduced Russell Pritchard, co-founder of HVAC.
Mr. Pritchard showed images of Koilos Aeionic, which was originally displayed at Burning Man. Koilos Aeionic is an oversized crouching figure. The figure is based on a human form, and seems ready to pounce or play. Conceptually, the figure reflects knowledge and wisdom. There is a light source in the head of the figure, and the artist has installed a solar power source so no electrical connection is needed.
Koilos Aeionic is constructed from a metal armature covered with metal cutouts, which have been sanded smooth for safety. The piece is twelve feet high by nineteen feet long and nine feet wide, and weighs approximately four hundred and fifty pounds. Installation will require a small forklift. Mr. Pritchard stated that HVAC feels that this piece is well-suited for Patricia's Green. Additionally, while future temporary installations will ideally rotate every four months, this first piece will remain for a period of six months. Mr. Christian will also attach explanatory signage to the piece itself.
Ms. Manton stated that HVAC will obtain a permit from the Recreation and Parks Department, and will supply engineering drawings and insurance at that time.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that the Hayes Valley Community is impressive, and that she is eager to see the community embracing diversity in terms of their artist selections for future temporary art installations by going outside of the Black Rock Arts community.
Motion: Motion to approve the temporary installation of the sculpture Koilos Aeionic by artist Michael Christian on Patricia's Green, sponsored by the Hayes Valley Art Coalition for a period of six months pending approval from the Recreation and Parks Department.
Moved: Rinder/Zhao
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Proposed Gifts to the City
Public Art Program Deputy Director Susan Pontious reported on a proposal from Leonid Nakhodkin of the United Humanitarian Mission ("UHM"). Mr. Nakhodkin is proposing a memorial bust to former Mayor Adolph Sutro to be placed in City Hall. Ms. Pontious stated that UHM does not yet have a design to present, but that they plan to approach the artist team of Daub Firmin Hendrickson, the artist team selected for the Harvey Milk memorial bust. Further, while UHM has a site within City Hall in mind for the bust of Mayor Sutro, the Arts Commission is aware that bust placement can be a sensitive subject. The Arts Commission has therefore suggested the City Hall Preservation Committee might wish to develop a master plan to accommodate future donations of commemorative busts.
Ms. Pontious clarified that the motion for this item asks for approval of the concept of this project, pending approval of the design. Once UHM has a design proposal and a specific site is identified, the project will come back to the Visual Arts Committee. Ms. Pontious introduced Mr. Nakhodkin to the Committee. Mr. Nakhodkin expressed great pride in the opportunity to introduce this proposal to the Visual Arts Committee.
He explained that Adolph Sutro was born in 1830, and arrived in the U.S. from Prussia in 1850. He became the first populist mayor of San Francisco, serving in office from 1894 to 1896. Mr. Nakhodin said that Mr. Sutro is today perhaps best remembered for the various San Francisco properties and landmarks that he purchased and developed, the best known being the Sutro Baths and the Cliff House. Mr. Nakhodkin stated that Adolph Sutro was one of the great citizens of San Francisco.
There was some discussion regarding the current budget that UHM is proposing, and whether they will need to supplement this with additional funds. The Committee unanimously agreed that Adolph Sutro is an important person to commemorate, and thanked Mr. Nakhodkin and the United Humanitarian Mission for their generosity to the City.
Ms. Pontious closed by stating that a second proposed gift to the City will be presented at the February Visual Arts Committee meeting. It is a proposal for a monument in honor of the Russian soldiers who fought in World War II, which the donors would like to place in Golden Gate Park. A staff report on this matter will be forthcoming.
THIS MOTION HAS BEEN AMENDED
Motion: Motion to support the concept of placing a memorial bust to former Mayor Adolph Sutro in City Hall, pending Arts Commission approval of the design, the identification of an appropriate location in City Hall, and the raising of funds for all project costs including the maintenance endowment.
Moved: Hunter/Zhao
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Airport
Public Art Program Deputy Director Susan Pontious reported on artist Clare Rojas' proposal for a Boarding Area G gateroom wall. Ms. Pontious showed the Committee a small painting by Ms. Rojas. She then reminded the Commissioners of Hung Liu's work, which is currently in fabrication at the San Francisco International Airport. Ms. Liu worked with Dan Farnsworth to have her images printed on wood panels for installation at the airport. Ms. Pontious thought that this seems an ideal route for Ms. Rojas' work as well. Ms. Rojas supports this solution.
Motion: Motion to approve artist Clare Rojas' proposal for Boarding Area G gateroom wall.
Moved: Rinder/Hunter
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Rabbinoid Sculpture
Ms. Manton reported on the proposed relocation of the Rabbinoid sculpture by artist Gerald Heffernon from Stern Grove to Esprit Park. Ms. Manton reminded the Commissioners that the Rabbinoid sculpture has been repeatedly damaged in its current location. It has sustained numerous graffiti incidents and recently had one toe broken off. Initially, staff felt it could be moved to a different location in the park, but have discovered that vandalism is rampant throughout Stern Grove and Pine Lake Park. Ms. Manton has been in extensive discussions with the Recreation and Park Department, and this has resulted in the current proposed move of the Rabbinoid from Stern Grove to Esprit Park in the Dogpatch neighborhood of San Francisco.
Ms. Manton reported that Esprit Park is new, and it is in pristine condition. Though the park is often used by members of the community, there has not been a single incident of vandalism. She said that the artist has been consulted and is enthusiastic about the new site. Arts Commission staff will attend a community meeting in February to involve the community in this proposed move. The move will cost approximately three to four thousand dollars.
Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to relocate the Rabbinoid sculpture by Gerald Heffernon from Stern Grove to Esprit Park pending favorable response from community groups in the surrounding vicinity.
Moved: Hunter/Zhao
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Third Street Light Rail Project-Metro East Facility
Project Manager Judy Moranreported on the final installation of two artworks on the facade of the new San Francisco Municipal Railway Metro East Vehicle Operations and Maintenance Facility at Illinois and Cesar Chavez Streets by artists Nobuho Nagasawa and Anita Margrill.
Ms. Moran stated that this is the last phase of the new T-Third Street Light Rail project. She showed an image of the facility, which is scheduled to open in June, 2008. Ms. Moran explained that the artists designed and fabricated two curtain walls, each comprised of 21 insulated glass units, for two stair towers on the rear facade of the building. The artists were inspired by 100-year-old and 50-year-old mechanical blueprints. The Commissioners unanimously agreed that this is a very successful project and were thrilled to see it completed.
Motion: Motion to approve the final installation of Blueprint, two curtain wall artworks, each consisting of a total of 21 insulated glass units, installed in two stair towers on the facade of the new San Francisco Municipal Railway Metro East Vehicle Operations and Maintenance Facility at Illinois and Cesar Chavez Streets by artists Nobuho Nagasawa and Anita Margrill, and to accept the two artworks into the Civic Art Collection.
Moved: Rinder/Hunter
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Collections Report
Project Manager Carol Marie Daniels gave an update on the vandalism to the Embarcadero Ribbon. Ms. Daniels stated that she attended the Restitution hearing on December 20, 2007. Superior Court Judge Kathleen A. Kelly issued an Order for Restitution and Abstract of Judgment against the three defendants. The court ordered the defendants to pay $7,710.73 to the City. However, as the defendants do not have the funds to pay the judgment, it is unlikely that the Arts Commission will recover any money. Ms. Daniels has contacted San Francisco Deputy City Attorney Adine Varah, who advised Ms. Daniels that the City can enforce the court's Order of Restitution by bringing a civil suit against the defendants. Alternatively, a payment schedule may be set by the Adult Probation Department, given that restitution is a condition of the three defendants' probation. Ms. Varah will evaluate both options and inform staff of the best way to proceed by the February 20 Visual Arts Committee meeting. The fifty stolen skateblocks became the property of 850 Bryant Street at the time of the defendants' arrests, and will be released to the Department of Public Works ("DPW") Cement Shop. The skateblocks will remain at this location until the Arts Commission is ready to coordinate reinstallation.
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Art on Market Street
Project Manager Judy Moran reported on the Art on Market Street Program. Ms. Moran stated that over the past year, three projects were commissioned by the Art on Market Street Program under the umbrella theme of travel and urban systems. These included posters and related programmatic projects by Helena Keeffe, the artist team of Amanda Hughen and Jennifer Starkweather, and the artist team of Packard Jennings and Steve Lambert. Mr. Jennings and Mr. Lambert will participate in a panel discussion on Monday, February 4 at 7:00 p.m. The panel will take place at the California College of the Arts and is co-sponsored by the California College of the Arts Graduate Fine Arts Program and Livable City and will include urban planners and architects interviewed by Mr. Jennings and Mr. Lambert for this project. Ms. Moran thanked Commissioner Przyblyski and Commissioner Rinder for their help and support with this project.
For the 2008 calendar year, Ms. Moran proposed the umbrella theme of the narrative, or storytelling. The first artist Ms. Moran presented under this theme was Owen Smith. Ms. Moran provided the Commissioners with copies of Mr. Smith's proposal, which gets its inspiration from mystery and detective fiction. Mr. Smith proposes to pay tribute to one of San Francisco's iconic authors of detective and mystery fiction, Dashiell Hammett, and the famous and infamous cast of memorable characters he created. Ms. Moran showed a selection of images Mr. Smith has already created towards this concept. The Commissioners responded favorably to this work, commenting that it seems an ideal context for Mr. Smith's unique style.
Motion: Motion to approve the proposal by artist Owen Smith for the Art on Market Street Program in 2008 and to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with Owen Smith for the design of six original artworks and the printing of 24 kiosk poster reproductions, with auxiliary programming, for an amount not to exceed $18,000.
Moved: Hunter/Zhao
Ms. Moran reported on two additional artists for the Art on Market Street Program. Colter Jacobson creates drawings based on found photographs that he alters in subtle ways. Ms. Moran presented images of Mr. Jacobson's work, and stated that she was interested in asking him for a specific proposal for Market Street. Mr. Jacobson is currently in a group show entitled "Boomerang," which Ms. Moran encouraged the Commissioners to view.
Lastly, Ms. Moran presented the artist team Rebar. Rebar often engages in temporary public installation and performance works. For example, they transformed a parking spot in downtown San Francisco into a mini-park for a day, laying down sod, a park bench, and a tree, and inviting passers-by to feed the meter and use the time to sit on the bench.
The Commissioners enjoyed the theme of the narrative, and requested that the Art on Market Street Program maintain a diverse range of projects.
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Central Subway
Project Manager Judy Moran and Public Art Program Director Jill Manton reported on the status of the Central Subway Public Art Program. Ms. Manton thanked the Commissioners for requesting this extensive report. She stated that Mona Tamari, the architect from Kwan Henmi Architecture/Planning, would give an overview of the current architectural design of the station interiors to indicate potential sites for artwork, and that Arts Commission staff would then show examples of existing Art in Transit public art projects, as well as reviewing the artists currently in the Central Subway pre-qualified artist pool. Ms. Moran added that an additional artist selection process was scheduled to begin in February.
Ms. Moran announced that the Arts Commission conducted the first community meeting in Chinatown, in conjunction with the Chinese Cultural Center and the Chinatown Community Development Center, and will conduct a second meeting in SOMA this February. Staff will continue to involve the community via meetings, website, and public outreach.
During Ms. Tamari's presentation, she stated that the Central Subway is an extension of the T-Third Street Light Rail. Under the current proposal, there will be three underground stations added: Chinatown, Union Square, and Moscone. All three stations will have three distinct sections: the entrance at the top level, pay stations at the middle level, and the train boarding area at the lowest level. Ms. Tamari went on to explain that the structure and architecture of each station will be determined by the soil conditions in that particular area. All of the stations will have a good deal of exposed concrete, steel, and glass.
Ms. Tamari showed a detailed animation of the Chinatown station. The Chinatown station will be unique in that it will be constructed entirely underground with a tunnel boring method, creating a curved tunnel structure with high ceilings, giving the station a light and airy feel. Ms. Tamari talked about the space in detail, pointing out areas where art could be installed or architecturally integrated. Many of the walls are as high as forty feet, making them ideal spots for large-scale artworks. In addition, small-scale art could be installed on the mezzanine level, and surface designs could be added to the terrazzo floors on both the lobby and the platform levels. The discussion continued for some time regarding specific aspects of the architectural design of the stations. Ms. Tamari clarified that they are still in the engineering phase of the design, so aspects could still change, although the basic concept will remain.
Unlike Chinatown, the Union Square station will not have curved walls, though it will contain a two-block-long concourse connecting Union Square, across from Macy's, with the intersection of Powell and Market Streets. At this time, the percentage of concourse space dedicated for retail use is not yet finally determined, nor has a decision been made about how artworks would be integrated into a more commercial setting. Ms. Tamari stated that Kwan Henmi Architecture/Planning welcomes the opportunity to work collaboratively with the Arts Commission on architecturally integrated artwork. Commissioner Przyblyski stated that she encouraged the Committee to see this project as a puzzle in which several groups each added a piece to the whole: the community, the architects, the Commission, Arts Commission staff, and the artists. The Committee also discussed designating several categories of art opportunities at each station, such as a large-scale signature piece for each station.
Lastly, Ms. Tamari gave a brief description of Moscone station. The Moscone station will not be as deep as Union Square or Chinatown; however, it will provide some opportunities similar to the other two stations, including a forty-foot wall that would be ideal for artwork.
Ms. Moran showed several examples of art on other transit systems, explaining that many of these images are also being shown at the community meetings conducted by Arts Commission staff. The range of artworks presented included architecturally integrated works, suspended works, light sculptures, tilework, terrazzo, and light boxes with reproductions of two-dimensional imagery.
Ms. Moran showed the work of all thirty artists currently in the pre-qualified artist pool. In addition to these artists, Arts Commission staff is engaged in extensive outreach in anticipation of the next artist selection process. The Committeee discussed artist selection at length. Commissioner Rinder stated that he would like to see more high-profile artists, while Commissioner Przyblyski stated that this is also a great opportunity to engage local artists, and perhaps youth artists, particularly if there is a rotating exhibition area. She also suggested considering artists from other countries, including China. Additionally, Ms. Moran announced that the Arts Commission will create a series of temporary projects in Central Subway neighborhoods throughout the nine-year design and construction phase. Ms. Manton stated that Arts Commission staff is planning a field trip along Stockton Street in Chinatown to identify potential sites for temporary projects. Given the congestion of this area, Commissioner Przyblyski suggested that Chinatown may be an ideal area to use bus wraps. Commissioners and staff expressed a great deal of excitement regarding the many opportunities this project presents.
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Fillmore Street Bridge
Ms. Manton reported on Three Shades of Blue on the Fillmore Street Bridge by artist Mildred Howard. This piece consists of twenty blue glass panels that take the place of a barrier, and travels the length of the bridge on each side. The glass is inscribed with the word "BLUE" and with a poem by Quincy Troupe that references the various cultures, past and present, of the neighborhood. Ms. Manton stated that the Redevelopment Agency is closing out their presence in the Western Addition and the bridge will soon be under the City's jurisdiction. At this time, the piece is in need of repair: four panels have been shattered by bullets, and it is scratched and cloudy in several spots. This may be due to improper cleaning after a graffiti coating was applied.
The Redevelopment Agency has researched removing the glass panels completely and using a different material as a barrier, but this would cost approximately five hundred thousand dollars. Redevelopment has additional glass panels already fabricated, but they do not want to move forward with the installation of these replacement panels until a decision has been made about the future of the bridge. Commissioner Przyblyski commented that the area is changing, and the past year has seen no new bullet holes or further scratches in the glass. Redevelopment staff is also exploring the possibility of establishing a maintenance endowment which would be overseen by the Arts Commission. The Commissioners concluded that this is a difficult situation, and that the best next step is to work with Redevelopment to establish a maintenance endowment for the future care of this important public art project.
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Juri Commons
Ms. Manton reported on extension of the temporary public art project at Juri Commons and the possible gift of this project to the City of San Francisco. Ms. Manton showed several images of this piece, and stated that the Committee was originally asked to approve this as a temporary project. The piece consists of mosaic tiles fabricated from recycled materials, such as bicycle reflectors, and is installed on the grounds of Juri Commons Park. Initially, the Committee expressed concern regarding the design and integrity of the fabrication of the work. In response to this, Jennifer Alexander, the project artist who designed the piece, worked with a professional tile fabricator. This improved the quality and durability of the project. At this time, the artist and the community would like to extend this project indefinitely.
Ms. Manton recommended that the Arts Commission agree to extend the project for an ongoing period, subject to the approval of the Recreation and Park Department. She informed the Commissioners that staff recommended against accepting the work into the Civic Art Collection. The Committee agreed that the piece should remain, but that the Arts Commission would not accept it into our collection and would therefore have no responsibility for its continued maintenance.
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Academy of Sciences
Ms. Manton updated the Commissioners on the Academy of Sciences project with artist Maya Lin. Ms. Manton stated that the Academy continues to have concerns regarding the issue of ownership and originality regarding the video table sculpture. The Academy Director would like to find a mutually agreeable solution to this. In addition, Ms. Lin's research regarding the video table options and cost estimates have led her to conclude that Option C is financially feasible. This is the option with a glass top for video projection and metal clad sides. Still undetermined are the cooling system requirements and maintenance or replacement costs.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that as the Academy building is now complete, she would like to see Ms. Lin construct a foam model of the video table so that the Academy of Sciences Advisory Committee is able to see the proposed scale in the context of the building. Commissioner Hunter recommended that Ms. Lin construct multiple foam models showing all of the proposed scales. In addition, given the remaining issues, Commissioner Przyblyski requested that the Academy Advisory Panel convene with the members of the Visual Arts Committee in order to have all of the decision-makers present at the same time. The discussion continued for some time about the various issues.
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New Business
There was no new business.
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Old Business
Project Manager Tonia Macneil stated that Brian Goggin and his collaborator, Dorka Keehn, are progressing with completion of design on the Broadway Streetscape Public Art Project. They have raised additional funds so that the number of bird/book sculptures will increase from 11 to 23, the original goal of the project. As well, the Museum of Modern Art has agreed to host their performance of the scattering of words to create the pavement element. The artist is still working on raising more funds. Ms. Macneil expects to present the final design documents, including the engineering design, to the Committee in February. According to the current construction schedule, the sculpture will be installed by November, 2008.
Ms. Manton introduced new Public Art Program Associate Mary Chou. Ms. Chou stated that she has bachelor's degrees in Art History and Business, and a master's degree in Modern Art and Curatorial Studies. Previously, Ms. Chou interned at the Whitney Museum of American Art, Art:21, and the Public Art Fund, and worked at the Asia Society Museum in New York. Most recently, Ms. Chou worked at Visual Aid here in the Bay Area. She is thrilled to join the staff at the Arts Commission.
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Adjournment
As there was no further business; the meeting was adjourned at 5:28 p.m.
ES and MC 1/23/2008
