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Meeting Information



Visual_Arts_Committee

2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 

VISUAL ARTS COMMITTEE
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
3:00 pm
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70


 

Minutes 

 

Commissioners Present:
P.J. Johnston, Lorraine Garcia-Nakata, Maya Draisin, Greg Chew, Barbara Sklar

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

Note: All votes are unanimous unless recorded otherwise.

The meeting commenced at 3:05 pm.

  1. Consent Calendar

    1. Motion to approve a painted mural on a privately owned building at 191 Golden Gate Avenue at Leavenworth from Precita Eyes and San Francisco Clean City Coalition. The mural will be painted by Precita Eyes muralists Catalina Gonzalez-Hill and Cory Calandra-Devereaux, collaboration with the North of Market/Tenderloin Community Benefit Corporation. Painting will commence September 14, 2009 and will be completed by October 9, 2009.

    2. Motion to approve a painted mural on Central Drug Store, a privately owned building at 4494 Mission Street at Santa Rosa St. The mural will be painted by Precita Eyes muralists Cory Calandra-Devereaux and Jason Gilmore in collaboration with the San Francisco Clean City Coalition, the Excelsior District Improvement Association, Excelsior Action Group, Friends and Advocates of Crocker Amazon & the Excelsior, District 11 Council members and Balboa High School Alumni Association. Painting will commence September 14, 2009 and will be completed by October 22, 2009.

    3. Motion to approve a painted mural on the rear wall of the Instituto Familiar de la Raza, Inc. a privately owned building at 2919 Mission Street. The mural will be painted by muralist Darren Villegas and youth from Instituto Familiar de la Raza, Inc.'s La Cultura Cura program. Painting will commence October 7, 2009 and will be completed by October 30, 2009.

    4. Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with the artist Laurel True (dba True Mosaics, Inc.) in an amount not to exceed $20,000 for the design, fabrication, and transportation of an artwork for the Hayes Valley Playground.

    5. Motion to approve an honorarium in the amount of $2000 ($1000 for research and development, and $1000 upon delivery of artwork) to the following artists for newly commissioned artwork for the SFAC Gallery's 40th Anniversary celebration: Packard Jennings, Lynn Hershman Leeson, Ken Lo, Guillermo Gomez Pena, Joseph del Pesco, Margaret Tedesco, Jeannene Przyblyski, and Paul Schiek.

    6. Motion to approve the revision of Sections 4.3.1 and 4.3.2 of the Public Art Program Policies and Guidelines relative to California State Proposition 209.

    Motion: Approve consent calendar items.
    Moved: Draisin/Johnston

  2. Wonderland exhibition
    Programs Director Jill Manton introduced artist John Melvin to present an artwork proposal for the Wonderland exhibition, curated by Lance Fung, scheduled to open on October 17, 2009 in the Tenderloin District. She explained that the exhibition is a private endeavor that complements the City’s efforts to bring arts to the Tenderloin, and takes place both on private as well as government property. The exhibition is supported by the Mayor's Office of Economic Development and the community partner is the North of Market Tenderloin CBD. Ms. Manton stated that Director of Cultural Affairs Luis. R. Cancel will dedicate a Culturewire episode to the exhibition and the Examiner will have a free insert with a map of the different exhibition sites for the public.

    Mr. Melvin stated that he is working with a collaborative group called CENTS, whose projects are related to the idea of home, public and private space, and community and dialogue. He explained that CENTS conducted workshops with two after-school youth programs where the children made drawings that reflect on the idea of home. CENTS then produced an amalgam of the different drawings to create an inventive and playful structure that will be fabricated and displayed on the grassy, enclosed and locked property on the corner of McAllister and Larkin from as early as October 1 to November 15. Ms. Manton stated that the public will only have visual access to the sculpture and that Mr. Cancel has arranged for permission from the Department of Real Estate to place the object in that location.

    Commissioner Garcia-Nakata stated that there is truth and power to children’s drawings and she hopes the children from the workshops will be able to visit the sculpture. Mr. Melvin responded that its location in the Tenderloin is easily accessible to the children who assisted in the creation of the sculpture. Commissioner Chew stated that the sculpture can become an icon for that neighborhood and create a sense of pride among the children who participated in the workshops.

    Motion: Motion to approve proposal from Lance Fung, the Curator of the Wonderland exhibition, scheduled to open on October 17, 2009 in the Tenderloin district.
    Moved: Draisin/Johnston

  3. General Hospital Acute Care Unit – Potrero Avenue Pedestrian Entry and Walkway
    Project Manager Jennifer Lovvorn introduced artist Tom Otterness for his presentation of artwork proposals for the Potrero Avenue Pedestrian Entry and Walkway of the General Hospital Acute Care Unit. Mr. Otterness began his presentation by showing images of his past work including his sculptures at the 14th Street Subway Station in New York City. He then presented the two proposals for General Hospital. For the Potrero Avenue Entrance Plaza, he proposes a large sculpture titled “Mother with Children,” an 8-foot sculpture of a mother with a new born and young girl holding a heart in her hand. The second part of his proposal is a series of bronze “Hearts” which are smaller sculptures to be installed along the Pedestrian Walkway leading visitors from the Potrero Avenue Entrance Plaza into General Hospital campus. The “Hearts” are a collection of characters based on General Hospital’s logo that would be acting out different scenes such as a heart with a band-aid, a heart with a fever, and a teenage heart on her cell phone. Four of these sculptures would be approximately two-feet tall and the remaining twelve would be approximately one-foot tall. The material for all of the proposed sculptures would be bronze with a honey brown patina.

    Ms. Lovvorn stated that the General Hospital Art Steering Committee loved the proposal not only because Mr. Otterness was able to translate the hospital’s heart logo into his own style, but also because it makes people smile, it is multicultural by being universal, and it is durable. Commissioner Johnston stated that hospital staff members were delighted with both the artist’s design and his presentation.

    Motion: Motion to approve the artwork proposal by Tom Otterness for the Potrero Avenue Pedestrian Entry and Walkway of the General Hospital Acute Care Unit.
    Moved: Sklar/Johnston

    Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a contract with Tom Otterness for an amount not to exceed $700,000 for design, fabrication, transportation and installation consultation for artwork for the Potrero Avenue Pedestrian Entry and Walkway of the General Hospital Acute Care Unit.
    Moved: Sklar/Johnston

  4. General Hospital Acute Care Unit – Roof Garden
    Ms. Lovvorn presented the artwork proposal by Masayuki Nagase for the Roof Garden of the General Hospital Acute Care Unit. The artist proposes to create a series of five carved stone sculptural benches, two carved stone sculptures and an integral paving design utilizing exposed aggregate punctuated by a series of carved stone pavers. The dimensions of the seating elements, which are approximately six feet by three feet and 1 ½ feet tall, will be revised during final design. The two sculptural elements are vertically oriented and will have texture to encourage patients to touch the works. All of the artwork will be ADA accessible.

    Commissioner Sklar stated that the number of elements proposed by the artist seems tight for the garden space. Commissioner Johnston responded that in the drawing of the plan, the elements may look crowded, but the roof garden is a decent size. Commissioner Chew responded to the quality of serenity in the garden and the sophisticated blend of surface treatments and textures presented in the artist’s proposal. Ms. Lovvorn stated that the artist was challenged to develop work for a formally designed space but was able to create a visual statement that reflects his own aesthetics.

    Motion: Motion to approve the artwork proposal by Masayuki Nagase for the Roof Garden of the General Hospital Acute Care Unit.
    Moved: Chew/Sklar

    Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a contract with Masayuki Nagase for an amount not to exceed $200,000 for design, fabrication, transportation and installation consultation for artwork for the Roof Garden of the General Hospital Acute Care Unit.
    Moved: Sklar/Johnston

  5. General Hospital Acute Care Unit – Second Floor Corridor
    Ms. Lovvorn presented Lena Wolff’s design proposal for two artworks for the corridor of the Women and Children’s Floor (Floor 2) of the General Hospital Acute Care Unit. For the wall at the west end of the corridor, the “Tree of Life” features a tree emerging from two intersecting circles at its base, on whose branches dwell multiple birds and two deer. The dimensions for this piece are approximately 6 ½ feet tall by 6 ½ feet wide. For the wall opposite the elevator lobby, the second image portrays three overlapping branches bursting with circular coral colored flowers and a California quail (symbolizing a mother figure) perching on the lowest branch, facing a small monkey running toward her along with other birds and moths resting or fluttering around the branches. The dimensions for this piece are approximately 6 ½ feet tall by 7 feet and 4 inches wide.

    Ms. Lovvorn presented samples for the two possible fabrication approaches for the finished artwork: 1. The artwork could be made on paper per her usual technique of collage, paint, drawing and surface treatment on paper which would be installed behind glass in a niche (as if in a frame), or 2. The imagery could be translated into tile mosaic or glass and installed on the wall in a recessed area with the artwork surface not under glass. She stated that the artist is pleased with the mosaic, but would work with her fabricator to better match the tile colors to the artwork palette. Ms. Pontious stated she was confident that Mosaika will be able to match the colors of the artwork. Ms. Lovvorn added that the proposal drawing shows that a wall color would be used to help bring more color into the corridor, although the color shown on the proposal is not the final color to be used. The artist plans to work with the architect to find an appropriate wall color that works well with the artwork and the architect’s interior design palette.

    Ms. Lovvorn stated that based on the artist’s cost estimates for the proposed artwork for both fabrication techniques, the artwork budget allocation for the second floor would allow for the artist to propose a third artwork for the second floor. The artist would work with the architect to determine a good location for that additional element.

    Ms. Lovvorn stated that the artist and the General Hospital Art Steering Committee had a preference for mosaic as material choice for the artwork. In addition, hospital staff like that the artwork could be touchable if translated into tile.

    Commissioner Johnston complimented staff for working with the artist to bring more color into the artwork. Ms. Pontious stated that the Arts Commission will purchase the original proposal drawings, which will make nice companion artworks for the permanent installation on the second floor of the new hospital building.

    Motion: Motion to approve the artwork proposal by Lena Wolff for the Second Floor Corridor of the General Hospital Acute Care Unit.
    Moved: Johnston/Chew

    Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a contract with Lena Wolff for an amount not to exceed $138,000 for design, fabrication, transportation and installation consultation for artwork for the Second Floor Corridor of the General Hospital Acute Care Unit.
    Moved: Sklar/Johnston

  6. General Hospital Acute Care Unit - Lobby
    Ms. Pontious presented Rupert Garcia’s design for the lobby and pedestrian bridge for General Hospital. She stated that the Art Steering Committee was thrilled that the artist was able to capture the spirit of the Mission District in his design. She stated that his design included a tulip-inspired form on the terrazzo floor, a mural located above the entry desk and an image along the two-story high wall, both executed in tile mosaic, and a pedestrian bridge treated with colored glass that connects to the old building across the plaza. Commissioner Nakata stated that the artist was very receptive to earlier comments and suggestions and his revised proposal is a great improvement.

    Motion: Motion to Authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into an agreement with Rupert Garcia for an amount not to exceed $50,000 for design through construction documents for the lobby and pedestrian bridge for General Hospital.
    Moved: Johnson/Draisin

  7. Laguna Honda Hospital
    Ms. Pontious stated that during the last Visual Arts Committee meeting, Commissioners approved the revised design of Cliff Garten’s handrail for Laguna Honda Hospital. The revised design to ensure ADA accessibility will also require 38 extra returns and the fabrication of stanchion posts for areas where the handrail cannot attach to the wall. Ms. Pontious asked Commissioners for approval of the motion to modify the agreement and increase the contract amount to accommodate for these changes

    Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to modify the agreement with Cliff Garten and Assoc. Inc. to increase the amount $44,124 for a new contract amount of $276,824 in order to 1) modify the handrail mold to meet ADA requirements, 2) create 38 extra returns, and 3) fabricate the stanchion posts for areas where the handrail cannot attach to the wall.
    Moved: Johnston/Sklar

  8. Cayuga Playground
    Ms. Lovvorn presented the three finalists and one alternate for the Cayuga Playground art enrichment project. She stated that the panelists included client agency representative Marvin Yee; community representative Josie Porter; and two arts professionals, Michael Arcega and Kate Eilertsen. The art opportunities include the metal artwork for the main entry and possible design enhancements for the secondary entry for a budget of $47,000. The selection panel reviewed fifteen artists from the 2009 Bay Area Registry and additional invited artists who work in metal. The panel selected three artists: Jefferson Mack, a blacksmith artisan who creates hand-hewn metal work for gates and other architectural elements; Eric Powell, a metal artist who works with organic shapes and found objects; Bryan Tedrick, a metal craftsman and sculptor who has created many interactive sculptures for Burning Man; and alternate Amy Blackstone who has created torch-cut steel artworks including a piece at Helen Willis Playground in the collection of the Arts Commission. Ms. Lovvorn stated that the next steps are an artist orientation, proposal development, display of the proposals at Cayuga playground, a final selection panel meeting, and a motion to approve the recommended artist at a future Visual Arts Committee meeting.

    Motion: Motion to approve the artist selection panel's recommendation of the following artists as finalists for the Cayuga Playground public art project: Jefferson Mack, Eric Powell, Bryan Tedrick, and alternate Amy Blackstone.
    Moved: Sklar/Chew

  9. Sunset Playground
    Ms. Lovvorn presented the three finalists and one alternate for the Sunset Playground art enrichment project. She stated that the art opportunities for this site include enhancements for the main entry and possibly a secondary entry as the art budget of $69,000 allows. Because the opportunities at this site are similar to those at Cayuga Playground, there was some overlap in the artists included in the pool of candidates. The selection panelists included client agency representative Dan Mauer; community representative Shawna McGrew; two arts professionals, Ellen Oh and Walter Kitundu; and the DPW architect Douglas Ullman as a non-voting participant. The three artist finalists are Amy Blackstone, Jefferson Mack, Bryan Tedrick, and the alternate is Julie Chang.

    Motion: Motion to approve the artist selection panel's recommendation of the following artists as finalists for the Sunset Playground Public Art Project: Amy Blackstone, Jefferson Mack, Bryan Tedrick, and alternate Julie Chang.
    Moved: Chew/Johnston

  10. Church and Duboce Streetscape Improvement Project
    Ms. Lovvorn reported that the Castro/Upper Market Community Benefit District would like to donate $50,000 to be added to the Church and Duboce Public Art Project budget for additional artwork to be located at Church and Market Streets. She presented an image of the proposed artwork site at the north east corner of this intersection. She stated that $40,000 of the donation would be for the artwork budget and $10,000 for the administration fee. If the funds are approved, then the artist selected for the Church and Duboce project will be asked to create a design proposal for the additional site as part of his design contract. The proposed artwork design for this new site would be presented to the Visual Arts Committee for review and approval.

    Motion: Motion to approve the donation of funds in the amount of $50,000 by the Castro/Upper Market Community Benefit District to the San Francisco Arts Commission of the City and County of San Francisco to be added to the Church and Duboce Public Art Project budget for additional artwork to be located at Church and Market Streets: $40,000 to help supplement the funds available for the creation and installation of the artwork and for any additional future expenses related to the display, care, conservation and current or future maintenance of this artwork and $10,000 for Arts Commission administrative fees.
    Moved: Draisin/Johnston

  11. Valencia Streetscape Improvement Project
    Project Manager Regina Almaguer presented the selection of artist finalists recommended by the Valencia Streetscape Artist Selection Panel. She stated that of the four proposals reviewed, the panel recommended artist Michael Arcega, whose proposal consists of six poles topped with crown-like sculptures based on the architecture of Victorian homes. She stated that the design of the poles and the color shown in the proposal will be revised for final design. Ms. Almaguer also reported that the poles will be provided by the Department of Public Works (“DPW”), and are specified as powder coated metal. The artist, however, prefers that the poles be constructed of wood, as the intention of the artwork is for the community to be able to post notices on the poles as a way of exchanging information and keeping the neighborhood vibrant. The Selection Panel recommended that the poles be wood so that the postings can be stapled to the poles and become layered over time, thus enhancing the idea of community history. The artist’s proposal also includes etching in the sidewalk in the design of a Victorian rug to complement the sculptural crowns. Ms. Almaguer explained that she will work with the artist in continuing to develop the proposal.

    Motion: Motion to approve the artist Michael Arcega and his proposal recommended by the Valencia Streetscape Artist Selection Panel for the Valencia Streetscape Improvement Project.
    Moved: Sklar/Johnston

    Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with the artist Michael Arcega, selected by the Valencia Streetscape Artist Selection Panel, for the final design, fabrication, and transportation of artwork for the Valencia Streetscape Improvement Project in an amount not to exceed $52,000.
    Moved: Sklar/Chew

  12. Chinese Recreation Center – Interior Work
    Ms. Almaguer presented the artist finalists recommended by the Chinese Recreation Center Artist Selection Panel for the interior lobby. She reported that the panel recommended Shan Shan Sheng for her preliminary design and the Arts Commission will work closely with the artist to further refine her proposal which consists of a suspended sculpture of blown glass pieces. Each glass piece is a Chinese language character that refers to words like “immigration” and “mist” instead of a single line of poetry. Ms. Almaguer stated that the Arts Commission will work closely with the artist to ensure that the material and design of the artwork passes code requirements. She also stated that the artist has proposed LED lights for the artwork but that the lighting is not included in the artist’s budget.

    Ms. Pontious stated that while the artwork is beautiful, its practicality is highly questionable primarily due to maintenance issues, but as Ms. Sheng is an experienced artist, staff is confident that they can work with the artist to create a successful artwork. Commissioner Johnston stated that he thought this proposal was the most imaginative of the three and if feasible, the artwork could be something great.

    Motion: Motion to approve the artist Shan Shan Sheng and her proposal recommended by the Chinese Recreation Center Artist Selection Panel for the interior lobby of the Chinese Recreation Center.
    Moved: Johnston/Chew

    Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with the artist Shan Shan Sheng, selected by the Chinese Recreation Center Artist Selection Panel, for the final design, fabrication, and transportation of artwork for the interior lobby of the Chinese Recreation Center in an amount not to exceed $170,000.
    Moved: Sklar/Johnston

  13. Chinese Recreation Center – Exterior Work
    Ms. Almaguer asked Commissioners to table the approval of the recommended artist by the Chinese Recreation Center Artist Selection Panel for an exterior work so that staff can reconsider idea of art on the façade on building. Commissioner Garcia-Nakata approved her request.

    THIS MOTION WAS TABLED.
    Motion: Motion to approve the artist and proposal (to be announced at the meeting) recommended by the Chinese Recreation Center Artist Selection Panel for the exterior facade of the Chinese Recreation Center from the following list of finalists: Colette Crutcher, Li Qing Liang, and artist team Margarita Soyfertis and Vadim Goretsky.

    THIS MOTION WAS TABLED.
    Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with the artist selected by the Chinese Recreation Center Artist Selection Panel from the following list of finalists—Colette Crutcher, Li Qing Liang, and artist team Margarita Soyfertis and Vadim Goretsky—for final design, fabrication, and transportation of artwork for the exterior facade of the Chinese Recreation Center in an amount not to exceed $42,000.

  14. SOMA West
    Project Manager Judy Moran presented the past work of three artist finalists Seyed Alavi, Mark Grieve, and Scott Oliver, selected by the SOMA West Artist Selection Panel to prepare artwork proposals for the SOMA West Garden Project. Seyed Alavi has created numerous projects in the Bay Area, typically site-specific, and often working in collaboration with community members and youth; Mark Grieve creates sculptures from recycled bicycle parts and from recycle wood; and Scott Oliver is a sculptor and conceptual artist who has worked with a variety of materials.

    Motion: Motion to approve three artist finalists—Seyed Alavi, Mark Grieve, and Scott Oliver—selected by the SOMA West Artist Selection Panel to prepare artwork proposals for the SOMA West Garden Project.
    Moved: Draisin/Johnston

  15. Bernal Heights Branch Library
    Ms. Manton reported on the request from the San Francisco Library Commission to conserve the mural by Arch Williams and others on the front façade of the Bernal Heights Branch building and to remove the murals on the sides and back of the building. She presented images of the mural and then read the letter by Mr. Cancel supporting the decision of the Library Commission and the resolution adopted by the Library Commission on August 20. She then stated that of the numerous letters received by the Arts Commission from individuals, 19 supported the removal of the mural and two supported the restoration of the mural on the façade of the building.

    Commissioner Garcia-Nakata clarified the role of the Arts Commission in this matter in order to help guide public comment. She stated that the Arts Commission cannot dictate or compel the library to restore the mural or to remove the mural. The role of the Arts Commission is to review and approve how a re-creation or restoration plan would be implemented. She stated that today, Commissioners can approve in concept the approach recommended by the library, but they can also table the item if they feel they do not have enough information to make a decision. Commissioner Johnston stated that the Chair has the authority to limit public comment to three minutes, and asked the public to be respectful. He also stated that the public comment period will not consist of interaction between participants and Commissioners. Commissioner Garcia-Nakata called the names of individuals for public comment.

    Andre Rothblatt stated that the mural should be removed because it detracts from the architecture of the building, which was built during the WPA program and constructed to be mono-programmatic. He questioned the source and availability of funds to restore the mural. He also stated that a ramp to be built along the building against the mural will further degrade the mural as people lean and rub against it. He also expressed his confusion about the process because during the Library Commission meeting, they stated that the Arts Commission would have final authority over the state of the mural, whereas now the Arts Commission is stating the Library has final authority.

    Jane Wattenberg stated that she has lived in the neighborhood for thirty years and as she is an author and illustrator, the library is close to her heart. She is against the restoration of the mural and supports a renewed library along Courtland Avenue. She stated that the issue has been divisive in the community even though it’s an inclusive neighborhood and encourages the community to look towards the future, not the past.

    Deena Zacharin stated that as a resident of the neighborhood, she feels demoralized by the whole civic process surrounding this issue. She stated that after months of looking at incredible renderings of the restored building, news of restoring the mural on the front façade came as a complete surprise. She also expressed concern about the availability of funds to complete the work.

    Darcy Lee, President of the Bernal Business Alliance, stated that a petition in the neighborhood opposing the restoration of the mural received 156 signatures. Community members oppose the restoration because the mural detracts from building, the quality of art in the mural does not merit preservation, and the mural does not represent the diversity in the community. He also questioned the funding available for maintenance and expressed confusion about the process.

    Linnette Peralta Haynes, Legislative Aide to Supervisor David Campos, stated that is speaking on behalf of Supervisor Campos and Assemblymember Tom Ammiano. She stated that both Supervisor Campos and Assemblymember Amiano's offices have received letters and phone calls of concern about retaining the murals on all three sides of the building. Recently, after attending meetings at the Library Commission, they have heard from neighbors who wanted the murals removed. Both Mr. Campos and Mr. Ammiano believe that the community is best served if the mural on the front of the building is restored and preserved, and the murals on the two sides of the building are only painted over if there is a community process to determine what will be done to these two sides of the library. The murals represent the culture, history and diversity of the community and are a valuable part of the neighborhood. She concluded by stating that Supervisors Campos and Assemblymember Ammiano support the Library Commission's position for preservation of the north-facing mural, but that they do not support the removal of murals on the two sides of the library unless there is a comprehensive community process which will ensure that everyone's voices are represented.

    Ellen Egbert stated that while the mural was necessary and relevant at the time it was painted, it does not hold up aesthetically or historically. The mural is not an adequate representation of folk music in the seventies, and the design of the mural conflicts with the architecture and mute lines of the building.

    Gregory Gavin stated that he is an artist-in-residence at Bernal Heights and as the Bernal Heights Branch Library is the dominant building downtown, a permanent mural should be inclusive. He stated that as an artist, he is uncomfortable with the removal of art but supports the removal of this mural because it does not respect the architecture and it privileges a particular cultural heritage on a building that should be symbolize inclusiveness.

    Amy Trachtenberg stated she is an artist who has lived in the community for 26 years and has completed many public art projects in the Bay Area. She stated that that the mural does not merit restoration and the issue of its removal or restoration is an outlet for people who are upset about other changes in the neighborhood such as gentrification and affordability. She commented that the preservation of bad art does not remedy these larger issues. She also stated that Precita Eyes, the organization recommended to restore the mural is not a conservation or preservation organization, and encourage a fresh start for the neighborhood.

    Jeffrey Miller stated that he is a landscape architect and has developed community gardens throughout Bernal Heights. While he does not like saying the mural is of poor quality, he believes a new mural that is more inclusive of the diverse history as well as the future of the neighborhood would be more appropriate.

    Terry Milne stated that all the murals should be removed because they detract from the architecture on the building. He commented that there are a lot of good murals in the City, for example two in the Mission District on Cesar Chavez and Shotwell that were recently painted over, and asked if the Arts Commission is not supporting the preservation of good murals, than why support the bad ones.

    Rosanne Liggett stated that the murals mar the beautiful architecture of the library. She stated that the Library Commission’s recommendation was made under political duress and that most people who live in the community do not want the murals to remain. She commented that while some feel that the mural is a part of cultural history and eliminating the mural would erase that particular history, the community is made up of many ethnic groups.

    Mauricio Vela stated that he has lived in Bernal Heights for twenty years and everyone that he has spoken to supports preserving all three sides of the mural. There is support from the local preschool and neighborhood center, as well as from Supervisors Amiano and Campos. He stated that funds can be raised or provided by the Branch Library Improvement Program (BLIP) to restore the murals. The murals reflect the pride and international history of Bernal Heights, and the Library has shown a lack of responsibility in this matter. He stated that there has not been sufficient public process and the community is asking to restore all the murals that were originally commissioned for the building.

    Richard Everett expressed his support to remove the murals from the library. He stated that as a museum professional, he is required to consult with the community in full whenever the museum portrays a particular community. He stated that some people believe that the removal of the mural signals a loss for the Latino community, but he believes that a new mural could be inclusive of the community as a whole and possibly painted in the playground.

    Nancy Everett stated that she is a resident of Bernal Heights and believes the mural on front of the building is too dilapidated to restore. She suggested reapplying the mural on the back of the library as a community project and leaving the façade of the library bare. She stated that there is a lot of confusion about the process and although the restoration of the mural on the front façade seems like a compromise, it really is not.

    Joseph Smooke distributed a letter that expresses the opinions of the Board of Directors of the Bernal Heights Neighborhood Center. He explained that the Center is a non-profit organization that has the goal of preserving the ethnic diversity of Bernal Heights. He stated that the murals are an important part of the library and the Board has taken the position to preserve the three murals or to remove them as long as they are replaced with murals that reflect the same theme of cultural and ethnic diversity. He stated that the Library Commission’s resolution is consistent with their recommendation.

    Izzabella Velez stated that she was born in Bernal Heights. She explained that since she’s been kicked out of the neighborhood, the mural represents diversity and is the only thing that her community has left in the neighborhood.

    Rudy Corpus stated that he values everyone’s opinion and that used to work for the Bernal Heights Neighborhood Center. He stated that the demographics of the neighborhood have changed and the mural symbolizes the history of Bernal Heights. He stated that it is disrespectful to remove the mural and place it on the back of the library. He urged people not to let go of the people and history that made up the neighborhood, and asked that the murals be restored.

    Commissioner Garcia-Nakata thanked members of the public for taking the time to express their views. She reiterated that one department cannot dictate to another department how to spend their money. She stated that there are several issues that need to be clarified or resolved before a decision is made, one being the necessity to collect data to determine what is feasible or not feasible regarding the preservation of the mural. She also commented that discussion about origination is a slippery slope as there have always been communities before and there will be communities after. She stated that it is clear that the community process is not what it could have been regarding this issue. Ms. Manton stated that the work is not part of the Civic Art Collection but as the artwork is on public property, the removal of the mural would fall under the purview of the Arts Commission. She then asked Commissioners for clarification on the next steps.

    Commissioner Johnston stated that there is a problem with this process and with the motion. He stated that as this is not an art enrichment project and as the Arts Commission does not have the authority over this project nor the standards to implement a solution, he is not prepared to vote on the motion. He reported that the options are either to vote against the motion, or to ask the Chair to table it for reasons that speak to both sides concerned. He stated that the Supervisors’ solution to preserve the front, remove the sides, and have a great community process is unreasonable and such a solution is not fair to anyone. He stated that the Supervisors need to actively bring together members of the community as well as the library to help reach a solution and to help decide who should raise the funds necessary for the project. He recommended other Commissioners to either table or vote down the issue. He stated that he will help deliver this message to District Supervisors, Assemblymen, library staff, Library Commissioners, and other Arts Commissioners. He expressed his dismay at having to further delay the process, but stated that there needs to be more of a public process before moving forward. Commissioner Garcia-Nakata stated that a community process needs to be substantive, remain objective and not function like a town hall meeting.

    Ms. Manton stated that the library did have two years of meetings on this particular subject, although they might not have been public meetings. She asked Marcia Schneider, Director of Adult Services for the San Francisco Public Library if she could provide some background on the issue. Ms. Schneider stated that she has been communicating with the City Librarian Luis Herrera about comments regarding the mural and that the process dates back to the mid-1990s with numerous public meetings. She stated that the community has always been divided on this issue and while there is a preponderance of comments weighted in favor of restoring the 1930s façade, there are an equal number of people who are opposed to its restoration. She stated that Mr. Herrera has met with Mr. Cancel who assured him that $18,000 was enough to restore the mural and that the quality of the mural is good enough to be preserved. She stated that if the matter needs to be resolved by the Library, Mr. Herrera is happy to take that responsibility and continue the process with the caveat that the library will open in 2010 so the issue may not be resolved by time library opens.

    Ms. Manton stated that she was not present when the $18,000 figure was discussed and stated that she thought the figure came from Precita Eyes. Commissioner Garcia-Nakata explained that many issues need to be considered before a figure for the restoration or conservation of the mural is established. She stated that there is not enough information to make a decision, and it is unfortunate that two communities are pitted against each other in this situation.

    Commissioner Chew stated that there are too many unresolved issues regarding costs and accessibility that the process needs to be taken back a step.

    Commissioner Sklar stated that she supports the comments of the other Commissioners. As the process has not been conducted correctly or at least not to the satisfaction of the community, she does not want to vote on the motion.

    Commissioner Draisin stated that she is a Bernal Heights resident and the issue with murals is that they are not permanent works of art. There needs to be a process that looks at solutions to the problem that bridge the divisiveness. Commissioner Johnston agreed with Commissioner Draisin that the goal is not to have more meetings with public input, but to come up with a realistic solution to the process. The cost, time, and agencies involved should be detailed. He also admits that part of the problem lies in the way the motion was passed to Commissioners by internal staff.

    Commissioner Garcia-Nakata made a recommendation to table the motion and stated that the Arts Commission will ask for clarification on the motion with the Library as well as internal staff.

    THIS MOTION WAS TABLED.
    Motion: Motion to approve the request from the San Francisco Library Commission to conserve the mural by Arch Williams and others on the facade of the Bernal Heights Branch building, and to remove the murals on the sides and back of the building due to their deteriorated condition.

  16. Proposal for Recycled Sculpture Garden
    Ms. Manton stated that the presentation of a proposal by artist Jennifer Alexander for a recycled sculpture garden entitled “Bayview Patch” will be postponed to the following Visual Arts Committee meeting.

    THIS MOTION WAS POSTPONED.
    Motion: Motion to authorize the use of $25,000 of PUC funding for a recycled sculpture garden entitled “Bayview Patch” by artist Jennifer Alexander.

  17. New Business
    There was no new business to report.

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

  19. Adjournment

    Meeting adjourned at 6:00 pm.


    MC 9/28/09