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Meeting Information



Visual_Arts_Committee

2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 

VISUAL ARTS COMMITTEE
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
3:00 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70


Minutes

Commissioners Present:
Jeannene Przyblyski, Lorraine Garcia-Nakata, P.J. Johnston, Dede Wilsey
Absent: Alexander Lloyd

Staff Present:
Mary Chou, Allison Cummings, Marcus Davies, Tonia Macneil, Jill Manton, Judy Moran, Susan Pontious

Note: All votes are unanimous unless recorded otherwise.

The meeting commenced at 3:03 p.m.

  1. Consent Calendar

    1. Motion to approve the following individuals as candidates for the Central Subway Chinatown Station Artist Selection Panel: Mona Tamari, Central Subway Architect, KwanHenmi; Luis Zurinaga, Consultant, San Francisco County Transportation Authority; Suzette Min, faculty, University of California, Davis; Hung Liu, artist, faculty, Mills College; Tan Chow, Senior Community Organizer, Chinatown Community Development Center; Hou Hanru, Director, SFAI Gallery; Abby Chen, Curator, Chinese Culture Center; Jay Xu, Director, Asian Art Museum; Jean Ma, faculty, Stanford University; Sue Lee, Executive Director, Chinese Historical Society of America; Judy Hu, Communications Manager, Chinese Historical Society of America; Kota Ezawa, artist, faculty, California College of the Arts ("CCA"); René de Guzman, Visual Art Director, Oakland Museum of California; Mark Johnson, Director, Gallery, San Francisco State University.

    2. Motion to approve the following individuals as candidates for the Central Subway Union Square/Market Street Station Artist Selection Panel: Mona Tamari, Central Subway Architect, Kwan Henmi; Luis Zurinaga, Consultant, San Francisco County Transportation Authority; Lawrence Rinder, Executive Director, Berkeley Art Museum; Margie Driscoll, Executive Director, American Institute of Architects; Jens Hoffman, Director, Wattis Gallery, CCA; Ellen Newman, Board Member, Union Square Association; Barbara Goldstein, Director, San Jose Public Art Program; Ellen Oh, Executive Director, Kearny Street Workshop; Amy Trachtenberg, artist; Kota Ezawa, artist, faculty, CCA; Stephanie Syjuco, artist; and René Green, artist, Dean of Graduate Studies, San Francisco Art Institute ("SFAI").

    3. Motion to approve the following individuals as candidates for the Central Subway Moscone Station Artist Selection Panel: Mona Tamari, Central Subway Architect, Kwan Henmi; Luis Zurinaga, Consultant, San Francisco County Transportation Authority; Gary Garrels, Chief Curator, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art ("SFMoMA"); Julie Bishop, Associate Curator, SFMoMA; Betti-Sue Hertz, Visual Arts Curator, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts ("YBCA"); Charles Ward, Development Director, YBCA; Shiree Dyson, Director of Public Programs, Museum of the African Diaspora; Alleluia Panis, Executive Director, Kularts; Fred Wasserman, Deputy Director of Programs, Contemporary Jewish Museum; Jens Hoffman, Director, Wattis Gallery, CCA; René de Guzman, Visual Art Curator, Oakland Museum of California; Hou Hanru, Director, Gallery, SFAI.

    4. Motion to approve a mural by lead artist Josef Norris covering a retaining wall on Fell Street between Pierce and Steiner Streets in collaboration with Kids Serve Youth Murals and youth from Ida B. Wells High School. The mural will consist of mosaic tile birds created by high school students.

    5. Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to take action, without a resolution of the full Commission, on the following items: Approve contracts or purchase orders with conservators, art technicians, or other qualified contractors for the purposes of performing conservation, maintenance and repair on works of art in the City's collection; and approve contracts with art service providers for the transport, installation and storage of artwork.

    Motion: To accept consent calendar items.
    Moved: Garcia-Nakata/Johnston

  2. Community Arts and Education Program Poster
    Melissa Hung, WritersCorps Program Associate, presented poster designs submitted by WritersCorps, a Community Arts and Education program, for display in the Market Street kiosks. Ms. Hung explained that the posters celebrate the fifthteenth anniversary of WritersCorps, and the artwork on the posters was created for the SFAC Gallery exhibition This Place Called Poetry, an interactive art project led by multimedia artist Katharine Gin and sound artist Kjell Nordeson. The artwork includes images of WritersCorps students with their poems; the posters were designed by Adrienne Aquino, who also worked on the design of the SFAC gallery exhibition. Ms. Hung explained that even though the gallery exhibition has ended, elements of the exhibition can still be accessed on the WritersCorps website. Commissioners stated that the posters look great and the poetry is wonderful.

    Jill Manton, Public Art Program Director, explained that this series of posters is not part of the Art on Market Street Program. She stated that MUNI wanted to make more visible its contribution to youth arts, and as a result, one of the annual three-month display slots for the posters in the Market Street kiosks is managed by the Community Arts and Education Program.

    Motion: Motion to approve a project of the Community Arts and Education Program for an exhibition in kiosks on Market Street of posters submitted by WritersCorps in March, 2009.
    Moved: Johnston, Garcia-Nakata

  3. Patricia's Green Temporary Sculpture
    Ms. Manton reported on a temporary sculpture proposal by Mark Baugh Sasaki to be placed in Patricia's Green from July 1, 2009 to January 1, 2010. The work is sponsored by the Hayes Valley Art Coalition ("HVAC"), which raises private funds to bring temporary art projects to Hayes Valley. She introduced Russell Pritchard, co-founder of HVAC and local store owner. Mr. Pritchard stated that the goal of HVAC is to collaborate with the Arts Commission to continue exhibiting art at Patricia's Green. He then introduced Mr. Baugh Sasaki, a local artist who received Community Challenge Grant. He stated that the artist's proposal is titled Adaptations and consists of three arches composed of steel and wood that range in height from 3 to 10 feet high and from 6 to 18 feet long. Mr. Baugh Sasaki explained that his work explores the relationship between the built and natural world using both natural and man-made materials. Mr. Pritchard stated that Mr. Baugh Sasaki will use tree trimmings and fallen trees in San Francisco for his sculpture.

    Commissioner Przyblyski stated that the work will have an interesting resonance in the neighborhood with its new architecture. Commissioner Garcia-Nakata asked how the wood in the proposed artwork would change during the length of the installation. Mr. Baugh Sasaki responded that the natural process of decay that would occur in the wood is a component of his work.

    Motion: Motion to approve the temporary installation of artwork by Mark Baugh Sasaki in Patricia's Green pending final permit approval from the Recreation and Park Department.
    Moved: Wilsey/Garcia-Nakata

  4. Broadway Streetscape
    Public Art Project Manager Tonia Macneil reported on the completion of the artwork Language of the Birds by Brian Goggin and Dorka Keehn. Ms. Macneil explained that she met with the text installation contractor and the artists to discuss the issue of inadequate contrast between the words and the paving. She reported that it was difficult to attribute fault to either the contractor or the artists for the installation of the correct shade of the microtop. Ms. Macneil explained that short of replacing the entire sidewalk, there was no viable method of correction. In any case, after the corrections made at the time of installation, the contrast between the microtop and the paving is actually better than on the approved mockup. She reported that the artists no longer desired to pursue the issue, so requested on-going maintenance of the sealant on the plaza as the best way to preserve the contrast. Ms. Macneil then stated that in reference to maintenance, there is a limited budget of $2,000, and she agreed with the artists to pay a technician $1,000 to clean and remove the graffiti and reseal the plaza. She stated that Mr. Goggin has made a verbal commitment to maintain the sidewalk according to the standards of the Arts Commission and the fabricator. She stated that she and Ms. Manton will set up a meeting with the Department of Public Works ("DPW") to determine the extent of the support they can provide. Ms. Macneil asked for approval of the artwork as installed in order to submit final payment to the artists.

    Commissioner Przyblyski stated that her problem was not so much with the execution of the paving as with the advisability of calling out the paving as a component of the artwork given the difficulty with maintenance. She expressed her concern about approving a paving project in one of the most heavily trafficked parts of the City, as well as in one of the neighborhoods with the most attentive group of stakeholders. Commissioner Przyblyski suggested talking to the artists about the possibility of considering the paving an ephemeral component of the artwork, with the overhead installation and lighting as the permanent component. Commissioner Johnston recommended accepting the final work as completed and then working with the artists and stakeholders to set up a maintenance fund, similar to the one proposed by the Friends of Lincoln Park for the artwork to be placed on Lincoln Steps.

    Ms. Manton stated that she will work with DPW to attempt to arrange for the care and cleaning of the paving with specific instructions from the Arts Commission. She reported that while the Collections Manager also has concerns about accepting a public sidewalk into the Collection, Luis Cancel, Director of Cultural Affairs, considers the paving as a part of the artwork. She explained that the Arts Commission will work with the artists, DPW, and other relevant parties to resolve the issue of maintenance and ownership.

    Commissioner Garcia-Nakata stated that she would like to approve the motion so that the artists could receive final payment, but is concerned that there is no solution to resolve the pavement issue and does not want to set a precedent for future projects. Commissioner Johnston stated that he liked the piece and believes it will age reasonably well, but thinks the sidewalk remains an issue.

    Commissioners agreed to amend the motion to approve final payment and take action on the amended motion on the upcoming Full Commission.

    THIS MOTION WAS AMENDED AND POSTPONED.
    Motion: Motion to approve final payment to the artists for Language of the Birds, 2008, an installation made of concrete paves, UV rated Polycarbonate, silicon, stainless steel wire, LED lights, custom circuit boards, electronic light dimmer, electronic controller, and program card, by Brian Goggin and Dorka Keehn at the intersection of Broadway and Columbus Avenues in San Francisco.

  5. Art on Market Street Program
    Public Art Project Manager Judy Moran presented Kota Ezawa's Art on Market Street Program second proposal for the 2009/10 Kiosk Poster Projects. She reminded Commissioners that she presented Mr. Ezawa's first proposal, which was determined to be inappropriate for placement on Market Street, at a previous meeting and the Commissioners agreed to have Ms. Moran request a second proposal from Mr. Ezawa. Ms. Moran then presented images of the artist's past works and explained that he is an internationally-known Bay Area artist who is not in the City's Civic Art Collection. Ms. Moran explained that his photographically-sourced artwork focuses on recent American history and culture and uses iconic and powerful images from media and advertising. His work is in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and included in the Whitney Biennial.

    Ms. Moran stated that Mr. Ezawa's new proposal is for poster designs that take text and imagery from advertisements along Market Street, as well as earlier Art on Market Street posters, to create new combinations of text and imagery. He refers to these posters as "mash-ups," a reference to music composition. Ms. Moran presented a preliminary sample with an advertisement image of a young couple juxtaposed with text from an Academy of Art advertisement, "Complete your bachelor's degree."

    Commissioner Przyblyski asked about the degree to which viewers along Market Street will understand the irony of the posters. Commissioner Garcia-Nakata stated that while the artist's intended meaning may come across clearly in the context of a museum or gallery, it might be more difficult to convey in the context of Market Street. Ms. Moran suggested including explanatory text at the bottom of the poster; Commissioner Przyblyski responded that it is the artist's obligation to create images that will work in the proposed setting and not require an explanation. Commissioner Johnston stated that the artist's intent could be to create ambiguous images. Ms. Moran stated that she agrees with Commissioners that Mr. Ezawa would have to pick the text and images carefully in order to engage people in a way that makes his intent clear. Commissioner Wilsey stated that this type of work requires a high level of sophistication from the artist.

    Motion: Motion to approve the proposal by artist Kota Ezawa for an Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Project for the Art on Market Street 2009/10 Program, and to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with Kota Ezawa for the design and printing of 4 copies each of 6 original poster designs and a related public event for an amount not to exceed $17,000.
    Moved: Johnston/Wilsey

  6. New Public Art Projects
    Tonia Macneil reported on a new Call for Artists titled the 2009 Bay Area Artists Registry. The applications received from this Call will be used for a number of upcoming projects including the Chinese Recreation Center, North Beach Branch Library, McCoppin Square, Mission Playground, and numerous streetscape and Recreation and Park Department projects. She explained that the project budgets range from $30,000 to $200,000 and the deadline for submitting applications on CaFÉ is March 23, 2009.

    She asked Commissioners to recommend artists who work in variety of a media for the registry; to suggest panelists to serve on the selection panels; and to serve as a panelist on the upcoming selection panels in April, May and June of 2009. She explained that the Arts Commission is looking for artists who may be new to the public art field and have interesting ways of approaching public art. Ms. Macneil agreed to send out an email to Commissioners with these various requests.

    Commissioner Przyblyski stated the Arts Commission has had success with Commissioners serving on panels and offers Commissioners the opportunity to consider projects from different viewpoints.

  7. North Beach Branch Library
    Public Art Project Manager Jennifer Lovvorn reported on a new public art project at the North Beach Branch Library. She explained that the Library Commission and the Recreation and Park Department have proposed to locate the new library on the triangular lot across Mason Street from the existing library. The new building will have a triangular footprint with entrances on Columbus Avenue and Mason Street. The building design features vertical windows (referred to as "lanterns") which span a two story height on the building's three corners. Ms. Lovvorn and Ms. Moran met with the project architect to discuss art opportunities and identified two prominent sites for artwork: 1. Suspended sculpture in the two "lanterns" on the Columbus Avenue side of the building; and 2. Sculpture and/or glass artwork for the areas above the two entrances. She reported that there is an upcoming community meeting on February 24 and artist selection panels in April and June. She stated that the budget for the library artwork is $75,000. Ms. Manton explained that Mr. Cancel suggested that Commissioner Bihan serve on the panel because he is a North Beach resident and he has a particular interest in this project. Commissioner Przyblyski expressed her interest in commissioning a sculpture for the site as there have been several glass pieces and integrated works installed at other branch libraries.

  8. City Hall Commemorative Bust Guidelines
    Ms. Manton reported on comments and recommendations from the City Hall Preservation Advisory Commission regarding the draft of the City Hall Commemorative Bust Guidelines. She stated that the most important issue raised during the discussion was the specification of a designated mayoral zone. In earlier drafts, she specified the Mayor's Rotunda to be reserved for mayors' busts, but the Visual Arts Committee suggested a more broad and general approach to location. Ms. Manton explained that during the presentation to the City Hall Preservation Advisory Commission, the Commission recommended reserving the Mayor's Rotunda as well as the Carlton B. Goodlett lobby for the busts of mayors going forward. Ms. Manton explained that Collections Program Associate Marcus Davies identified 72 potential sites in the City Hall for busts, but due to special events needs and the concerns of the Facilities Management Department, the list was narrowed to 45 sites that will be identified as first and second tier. Ms. Manton requested feedback from Commissioners regarding the recommendations from the City Hall Preservation Advisory Commission.

    Commissioner Johnston stated that the wiser course would be more flexibility in the guidelines. He stated that while it is logical to have a policy regarding the placement and design of busts in City Hall, he cautioned against identifying two areas specifically for mayors. Commissioner Wilsey agreed that the guidelines should be more general and Commissioner Przyblyski stated that while it is appropriate to identify potential sites for the placement of busts, territorializing the busts can be a dangerous proposition. Ms. Manton stated that she will forward Commissioners an updated version of the guidelines to be voted on during the March Visual Arts Committee meeting.

  9. Jay DeFeo Painting
    Ms. Manton reported on possible options for the placement of the Jay DeFeo painting Masquerade in Black. She explained that the painting is currently in storage at the de Young Museum where it was on view during the spring of 2008; previously the work was displayed in a plexiglass case at the San Francisco International Airport until the Airport began to convert its public spaces into retail stores. She explained that if the Arts Commission deaccessioned and sold the work, the funds would be returned to the art enrichment fund for the Airport. She stated that the work appraised three years ago for $275,000, but she believes it is worth more as other smaller paintings by Jay DeFeo have sold for more over the past year. She stated that in her previous communication with the DeFeo Estate, the Estate stated that an East Coast museum had expressed interest in the work but that the Visual Arts Committee directed staff to explore sales opportunities exclusively in the Bay Area. She explained that both she and Public Art Deputy Director Susan Pontious contacted various Bay Area museums but received no indication of interest in purchasing the work. She asked Commissioners if they would support having the DeFeo Estate further explore interest from East Coast museums. Ms. Manton stated that she emailed Former Commissioner Larry Rinder, now Director of the Berkeley Art Museum ("BAM"), about his possible interest in acquiring the work but inquired if the price was flexible.

    Commissioner Przyblyski stated that we don't know that the work is undervalued at $275,000 and as Jay DeFeo is an important local artist, the work should remain in the Bay Area. She stated that if BAM came up with a reasonable offer, the work should remain in the Bay Area. Commission Wilsey stated that people on the East Coast may not fully understand or appreciate West Coast artists, and that the Arts Commission should make every effort to keep the work in the Bay Area, especially when one by such an iconic artist. Commissioner Wilsey agreed that if BAM makes a reasonable offer, the Arts Commission should accept it.

    Ms. Pontious stated her preference to keep the work in the Bay Area, especially if there is a commitment from the museum to display the work as it is a painting that rewards sustained attention. Commissioner Przyblyski suggested contacting Mr. Rinder to inform him that the ability to store the work at the de Young Museum is not infinite and that the Arts Commission is interested in selling the work to BAM at a reasonable price and within a reasonable timeframe.

  10. Promenade Ribbon Sculpture
    Ms. Manton reported on a proposal to modify the Promenade Ribbon Sculpture, a two-mile long linear sculpture designed in five-foot segments to accommodate potential changes along the Embarcadero. She stated that the sculpture has fallen into disrepair with the 288 skate blocks that were hacked off and the lighting component that does not work because the conduits have been eroded from the bay waters as well as accidentally cut. She reported that the Exploratorium is relocating to Piers 15/17 and in order to increase access, the Port has asked the Arts Commission to agree to have the raised elements in front of the new building removed. She also reported that the Port is developing a new cruise terminal between Brannan Street and Pier 38 and would like to flatten the raised elements along that section as well. Ms. Manton stated that she met with the artists who agreed to remove the raised sections of the sculpture, which would be performed at no cost to the Arts Commission. She also reported that in her discussions with the artists, Stanley Saitowtiz proposed greening the ribbon by de-electrifying it and using a phosphorescent paint that would absorb sunlight and glow at night. Ms. Manton stated that the Port agreed to cover the costs associated with the artists' time conducting design and research, and arranging a test on the segments between Piers 30 and 38; the estimated cost would be approximately $10,000.

    Commissioner Przyblyski welcomed the great news and Ms. Manton confirmed that there is no downside to conducting a test. Ms. Manton stated that she will draft a resolution for the March Visual Arts Committee meeting to remove the raised bollards and enter into agreement with the artists for their design and research of the proposed greening of the ribbon.

  11. Civic Center Plaza - Temporary Sculpture
    Ms. Manton reported that the installation by Patrick Dougherty on Civic Center Plaza is on schedule and coming along beautifully. She stated that there is a press tour on February 19th at 10 am with the Mayor and the Director of Greening, who will also discuss plans to install planters, espresso bars, and seating at the plaza near the sculpture. Ms. Manton stated that Arts Commission staff has been answering questions and distributing information about the sculpture during lunchtime and the sculpture has attracted a lot of attention from the public; she stated that the Arts Commission will arrange for docent tours from 12 to 1 pm on one Tuesday each month throughout the length of the exhibition. Other upcoming events include a party for Mr. Dougherty, hosted by Commissioner Topher Delany at her studio on February 19th and a lecture by the artist on the evening of February 23rd.

  12. Public Utilities Commission ("PUC") Funding
    This item was postponed to the next Visual Arts Committee meeting.

  13. New Business
    Ms. Manton reported on possible options for the next Embarcadero Temporary Sculpture Display as the Louise Bourgeois sculpture will be deinstalled in April. Commissioner Przyblyski recommended displaying signage regarding the close of the exhibition. Ms. Manton then reported that she has been in contact with Gallery Paule Anglim regarding the installation of three sculptures of horses by Deborah Butterfield. She stated that the costs of transportation, installation, insurance, signage, and deinstallation are estimated to be between $20,000 and $30,000 and the bronze sculptures would be on display for a six-month period. She stated the Arts Commission would share the total cost of $30,000 equally with Gallery Paule Anglim. The Commissioners were enthusiastic about the proposal and Commissioner Przyblyski supported the partnership between the Arts Commission and Gallery Paule Anglim. Commissioner Przyblyski stated that while Hayes Green is a dedicated spot for local artists, the Embarcadero and Civic Center Plaza are locations for showcasing artists with international reputations. Commissioner Przyblyski asked if the Port wanted the selection of artists to be a public process and Ms. Manton responded that the Port supports recommendations of artists from the Arts Commission. Ms. Manton stated that installation of the Butterfield sculpture would probably take place in May 2009. She also mentioned the possibility of borrowing sculptures by Mark di Suvero for public display in the City.

    Collections Manager Allison Cummings reported on the relocation of the Beniamo Bufano sculpture at San Francisco General Hospital. She stated the sculpture was successfully moved about one block from its original location into a garden setting. She stated that the Gerald Walburg sculpture at General Hospital has some issues with the welding and may need to be moved to the Atthowe studio and rewelded for safety.

    Ms. Pontious stated that the Recreation and Park Department has recently laid off staff at the Beach Chalet Visitor Center, which has some very valuable WPA frescoes by Lucien Labaudt in the ground floor lobby that were restored in 1988. She expressed concern that the area is now unguarded and the murals may be vandalized. Commissioner Johnston stated that he frequents the Beach Chalet and has seen minimal staffing on the lower level in the past two years. Ms. Pontious stated that she is planning to contact the Recreation and Park Department to inquire about their plan to protect the murals. Commissioner Johnston suggested that Ms. Pontious work with the owner of the Beach Chalet Brewery and Restaurant because patrons of the restaurant need to pass by the murals in order to enter the restaurant, and the owner will be interested in keeping the area well-maintained. Commissioner Garcia-Nakata agreed. Commissioner Przyblyski agreed that the Recreation and Park Department would also have an interest in keeping the area clean and well-maintained.

  14. Old Business
    There was no old business to report.

  15. Adjournment
    The meeting was adjourned at 4:47 pm.


    MC 2/27/2009