Visual_Arts_Committee
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
VISUAL ARTS COMMITTEE
Friday, September 29, 2006
3:00 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70
Minutes
Commissioners Present
Leonard Hunter, Jeannene Przyblyski, Lawrence Rinder
Absent: Dede Wilsey, Pop Zhao
Staff Present
Richard Newirth, Director of Cultural Affairs; Carol Marie Daniels, Nancy Gonchar, Jennifer Lovvorn, Tonia Macneil, Jill Manton, Judy Moran, Susan Pontious
Note: All votes are unanimous unless recorded otherwise.
The meeting commenced at 3:00 p.m.
- Consent
1. Motion to approve a change of material for Irene Pijoan’s fence panels for SOMA Park, from painted aluminum to unpainted marine grade stainless steel, based on conservator’s recommendations for long-term conservation.
2. Motion to accept into the Civic Art Collection Cliffs at Land’s End (2003), Bay Area Foothills (2003) and Marin Headlands (2004), three fabric collages on linen (53” x 67” framed) by Merle Axelrad Serlin, for installation at Laguna Honda Hospital.
3. Motion to approve an increase in the contract with David Perry and Associates for providing promotional consultation for the Third Street Light Rail Art Enrichment Program from an original contract amount of $4,500 to a new total amount not to exceed $10,000, for providing additional consultation related to the Art on Market Street Program.
4. Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Port of San Francisco regarding the siting of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade monument on Port property.
Motion: Motion to adopt the revised consent calendar item
Moved: Rinder/Hunter
- Collections
Deputy Director Nancy Gonchar reported that Valencia Gardens is complete and there will be an opening celebration on November 20 from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 noon. The Bufano sculptures have been moved back from the Randall Museum where they had been on temporary loan during construction. Commissioner Przyblyski has been helping the Randall Museum find sculptures to replace the Bufanos. Ms. Gonchar stated that the Arts Commission would like to enter into an agreement with Valencia Gardens and Mission Housing regarding the Bufano sculptures. The Memorandum of Understanding addresses such issues as notification to the Arts Commission if the artworks are vandalized, and a requirement to use art conservators for any repair and maintenance of the sculptures. The loan initially will be for a five-year period. Mission Housing and Valencia Gardens will need to produce a small brochure and provide public access to the artwork.
Public Art Program Deputy Director Susan Pontious reported that the Arts Commission has recently received some critical publicity with regard to the Collection. She stated that an article went out through the Associated Press, which reported on some missing works from our Collection. On the advice of the City Attorney, staff provided the reporter background on the Collections Program. Ms. Pontious stated that all the work that was in storage at San Francisco General Hospital has been relocated to Brooks Hall.
Ms. Pontious reported on the Edvard Munch prints which were given to the Arts Commission in 1954. The bequest indicated that the Arts Commission was to acquire works by Scandinavian artists for the purpose of lending such works to local museums. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art would now like to return to the Arts Commission the Munch prints on loan to the Museum. Staff is consulting with the City Attorney regarding what options there are for deaccessioning the work. Ms. Pontious has provided the Commissioners with the acquisition history for these works in advance of receiving the City Attorney’s recommendations.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that the Arts Commission should carefully consider whether to deaccession works which add to the patrimony of the City. She would be in favor of giving the prints to an institution such as the Achenbach. Commissioner Rinder agreed that the Arts Commission should not sell the prints, but place them at another local institution.
Ms. Pontious stated that the discussion regarding the Collections mission statement would be continued to the next meeting.
Ms. Gonchar suggested that an hour be reserved at an upcoming Visual Arts Committee meeting to discuss Collections issues.
Regarding the missing artwork, Commissioner Przyblyski stated that she feels grave concern about the significant loss of City assets. She felt that staff should have emphasized to the press the good work the Commission is doing.
Ms. Manton suggested that one of the many things the Arts Commission should do is to send a report about the missing work to the police.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that she would like to have a discussion about Collections issues at the next Visual Arts Committee meeting. She would like the Commissioners to help determine the next steps.
Motion: Motion to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between Mission Housing and the San Francisco Housing Authority regarding the loan of eight Bufano sculptures to Valencia Gardens.
Moved: Hunter/Rinder
- Laguna Honda Hospital
Project Manager Susan Pontious presented the proposal for an artwork by Michael Stutz for Laguna Honda Hospital. The Laguna Honda Hospital Art Steering Committee had wanted the artist to create a figurative sculpture. Instead, the artist has been interested in creating a work that is the height and scale of someone in a wheelchair. She stated that the artist has made a number of proposals, all of which had been rejected before being presented to the Commission. Ms. Pontious decided to present this latest proposal to the Commission in order to relay their recommendations to the artist. The proposal is for a woven metal band sculpture of a smiling face, which would be low relief and resemble a mask.
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton asked whether the artist could create a Kore figure similar to the one created for the Arts Commission at the Airport in bronze. Ms. Pontious stated that the artist does not want to make a standing figure, because there are so many Laguna Honda Hospital residents in wheelchairs.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that the current proposal has no concept and she finds the mask banal. She suggested that since the artist is intent on creating a wheelchair-scale sculpture, perhaps he should create a sculpture of a wheelchair.
Ms. Pontious stated that the scale of the proposed sculpture may have been determined by the budget. Commissioners stated that they would approve an increase of the budget if the proposal was so warranted.
Motion: Motion to reject the proposal for artwork by Michael Stutz for Laguna Honda Hospital.
Moved: Rinder/Hunter
- San Francisco International Airport
Project Manager Susan Pontious presented a painting by artist Clare Rojas which is representative of the direction in which the artist would like to take her revised proposal for an Airport gate room wall. Ms. Pontious stated that the artist’s painting would be translated into tile. With Commission approval, Ms. Pontious would like to take the proposed direction for the project to the San Francisco Airport Art Steering Committee.
Commissioner Rinder stated that this painting is very representative of the Mission School with its combination of abstract elements and the figure. He stated that the design is bold and would read well from a distance.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that overall the direction is good, but she would like the artist to work on the size and placement of the sun element.
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton stated that the Arts Commission would not want to commission the artist to merely recreate an existing work on a larger scale.
Ms. Pontious stated that the proposal is representative of a type of painting that she would do for the Airport. She will present a more developed proposal to the Airport Art Steering Committee, and will then bring the final proposal to the Commission for approval.
Ms. Pontious reported that artist Richard Misrach declined to create a work from his series of Golden Gate Bridge photographs for an Airport gate room wall. The artist feels that the photograph would seem commercial displayed in the context of the Airport. The artist did propose two alternate existing images from a new series of beach photographs. One is an image of people floating in the water, and the other is a bird’s-eye view of a beach scene.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that the Commission wants to showcase Bay Area artists at the Airport. Regarding the new proposals, the first is not appropriate for the Airport because of its associations, and the other seems to have little relevance to San Francisco. Commissioner Rinder, however, stated that a beach scene could be impressive. Commissioner Hunter asked if we could ask the artist for another proposal.
Ms. Manton suggested that staff speak with the artist’s gallery. Ms. Pontious reminded the Commisssion that a number of alternate artists had been approved in the event that we could not work something out.
The Commissioners agreed that Misrach’s work is representative of a type of art that is not currently in the collection at the Airport and that he is an important artist from the Bay Area.
The following motions were tabled:
Motion: Motion to approve artist Richard Misrach’s previous proposal of a beach or water scene photograph for a San Francisco Airport gate room wall.
Motion: Motion to request Arts Commission staff to present an alternative artist from the approved list of finalists for a San Francisco Airport gate room wall.
- Branch Library Improvement Project—Glen Park Library
In Project Manager Judy Moran’s absence, Project Manager Susan Pontious presented the preliminary proposal by the artist team of Reddy Lieb and Linda Raynsford for an artwork for the new Glen Park Library. Ms. Pontious stated that the Glen Park Library is part of a larger building that has other uses. The artists are proposing to create a glass and steel sculptural relief to be installed on the wall at the entryway to the library. Ms. Pontious introduced artists Reddy Lieb and Linda Raynsford.
The artists stated that the inspiration for their artwork is derived from the notion of the library as a repository and a social space. The artists propose to take themes and narratives for the work from the community, including neighborhood historical references. The artwork will have multiple steel and fused glass elements above a large glass circle. They will use different types of frits, colors, and materials, and as many recycled materials as possible. A circle motif will be repeated throughout the piece, referencing wholeness and community. The artists reported that the Library and the community are happy with the design proposal.
Motion: Motion to approve the preliminary proposal by the artist team of Reddy Lieb and Linda Raynsford for an artwork for the new Glen Park Library and to approve the artist team to proceed with design development.
Moved: Hunter/Rinder
- Art on Market Street Program
This report was continued to the next meeting.
- Broadway Streetscape Improvements
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton stated that the public art project associated with the Broadway Streetscape Improvements has received unprecedented support from the community groups Renew SF and the Telegraph Hill Dwellers. She added that Department of Public Works (DPW) has also been very supportive and has agreed to provide much of the infrastructure for the artwork. She thanked DPW Project Manager Judy Mosqueda for her support. Ms. Manton reported that artist Brian Goggin has significantly developed his proposal beyond the preliminary sketch presented to the VAC in July 2006. The artist’s current proposal calls for a budget ($62,000) which is larger than the available art enrichment funds ($35,000). The community has expressed an interest in raising the additional necessary funds. Ms. Manton stated that staff will need to work with the City Attorney on crafting an agreement that addresses this unique funding arrangement. She added that the artist has offered to cover any budget shortfall, but she feels that this is not a desirable solution. Ms. Manton introduced artist Brian Goggin.
Mr. Goggin stated that he is energized and committed to completing the project. He proposes to create a suspended artwork comprised of 11 illuminated sculpted book forms. These pieces would be made from a milky colored polycarbonate that would be vacuum-formed in the shape of books. The book forms would be illuminated from the interior by LEDs which would be on a timer to turn on at dusk and off in the morning. The current proposal calls for 11 book forms to be suspended by a cable structure. Mr. Goggin has also provided an alternate proposal with 23 suspended book forms. The cable structure would be installed at approximately 15 to 30 feet above the plaza. The proposal also calls for an artwork paving component which would be integrated into the paving pattern of the plaza. The artist described the process in which he will design the layout for the pavers so that the text would appear to have fallen from the suspended books. The artwork pavers would feature fragments of text from various sources. He will invite the community to identify books for the artwork and to select words for the paving. He stated that the inspiration for the artwork came from a community meeting where the residents spoke of wanting a suspended artwork that used light. He added that the title, “The Language of Birds,” references alchemy and the Middle Ages. The artist stated that his artwork will be suspended from existing poles at or near the plaza and possibly from a neighboring building.
Ms. Mosqueda stated that DPW will be installing two traffic light poles and two pedestrian light poles. She offered to make any two of those poles up to 30 feet in height to accommodate the artwork.
Commissioner Hunter inquired whether the artwork needs such a heavy gauge cable. The artist responded that the cable width has been determined by engineers, and they have recommended a thickness of 1/8th inch.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that the project would have more of an impact with the alternate proposal of 23 book forms, but she acknowledged that the budget is already short by approximately $30,000 with the proposed 11 book forms. She was appreciative of the community’s enthusiasm for the project, but expressed concern about whether the community would raise the necessary funds.
The artist stated that he has various funders who have offered their support. Ms. Manton suggested that the donations be made directly to the City in support of this project, as the Arts Commission will write the contract for the full amount. She added that the full project costs will not be known until the engineering is completed.
Commissioner Przyblyski suggested that we get the community to formally pledge their support. Director of Cultural Affairs Richard Newirth suggested that the donors place the funds in an escrow account that would only be spent if the project goes forward.
Commissioner Hunter stated that he prefers the alternate proposal with 23 book forms. Mr. Goggin stated that he thinks the project will be strong with 11 book forms, but agrees that it would have a stronger impact with 23. The artist stated that he would provide Commissioners a budget for 23 book forms at an upcoming meeting. He added that he will continue to raise funds for the artwork.
Ms. Mosqueda expressed concern regarding the schedule. She stated that DPW will advertise the construction bids in the fall and will start construction after Chinese New Year in February 2007. She stated that the artwork is the highlight of the plaza, and she wants to make sure the art can be installed by the time the plaza is constructed.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that, assuming that the funders have already committed, there should be no problem with having the artwork installed on schedule.
Commissioner Hunter thanked Ms. Mosqueda and DPW for their work and support.
The following motion was revised.
Motion: Motion to approve Brian Goggin’s conceptual design for The Language of Birds, to be located at the intersection of Broadway and Columbus Streets, and to direct staff to work expeditiously to come up with funding scenarios within one month.
Moved: Hunter/Rinder
- Junipero Serra Art Enrichment
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton presented elevation drawings of the new Junipero Serra Recreation Center. She stated that the architect has recommended a prominent site for the artwork. The new building has a large blank wall overlooking the ball field, which would be a good opportunity for public art in terms of visibility. The art budget is in the $30,000 range, which would be enough for a metal relief or bas-relief. Staff will select a short list of from the prequalified pool for presentation to the VAC. Due to the size of the budget, only local artists would be eligible. Although there will not be a community panel to select the artist, the project artist will meet with the community for input prior to developing a proposal. Ms. Manton will present the short list at an upcoming Visual Arts Committee meeting for Commissioners to select the project artist.
- Joseph Lee Recreation Center
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton reported on funding options for the restoration of Dewey Crumpler’s mural entitled The Fire Next Time, at the Joseph Lee Recreation Center. She stated that there is a small amount of art enrichment funding from a Metropolitan Transportation Authority project at Bay View Plaza. She would like to use that funding as part of the cost of restoring the remaining components of the Crumpler mural, which is revered in the community. The Commissioners supported the idea of using these funds to restore the mural.
- Academy of Sciences
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton reported on the recent meeting with Academy of Sciences artist Maya Lin. She stated that Ms. Lin met with the Academy Director and scientists, the architect’s representative, and Commissioner Przyblyski among others for a work session in August. At that meeting they discussed locating the artwork in the east and west wings of the museum. For the west wing, Ms. Lin is interested in creating a wire sculpture based on the topography of the bay floor. This piece would be similar to the works that were included in Ms. Lin’s “Systematic Landscape” exhibition at the Henry Art Gallery. For the east wing, Ms. Lin would like to create a piece on the theme of extinction, which would be her “last memorial” and may be a table with a water element. The Academy of Sciences is very excited about the proposed ideas. Ms. Lin will present her proposals to the Academy of Sciences Art Steering Committee in November.
Director of Cultural Affairs Richard Newirth stated that Ms. Lin’s presentation impressed the Academy of Sciences Trustees. Public Art Program Director Jill Manton stated that Ms. Lin spoke at length about her interest in the environment and her passionate concern about extinction, and it was clear how her artwork and commitment to the environment resonated with the mission and programs of the Academy of Sciences.
- Hayes Green Temporary Projects
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton reported that artist Seyed Alavi was in the final stages of his installation, which would be completed in the next day or two. The Recreation and Parks Department finally agreed to allow the artist to bolt the artwork to the concrete plaza.
- Jay DeFeo Painting
This report was continued.
- New Business
- Old Business
The update on the Facsimile project at Moscone Center was continued.
- Adjournment
As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
Submitted by Jennifer Lovvorn, Public Art Program Associate
Approved by Richard Newirth, Director of Cultural Affairs
10/19/2006
Notices
Explanatory documents are available for public inspection and copying at the Arts Commission office, 25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 240, San Francisco, CA 94102 during regular business hours. INFO: Jennifer Lovvorn (415) 252-2594.
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