Visual_Arts_Committee
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 VISUAL ARTS COMMITTEE
Wednesday, September 15, 2004
3:00 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70
Minutes
Commissioners Present
Maya Draisin, Jeannene Przyblyski, Barbara Stauffacher Solomon, Dugald Stermer, Dede Wilsey
Staff Present
Richard Newirth, Director of Cultural Affairs; Carol Marie Daniels, Nina Dunbar, Nancy Gonchar, Jennifer Lovvorn, Jill Manton, Judy Moran, Susan Pontious, Rommel Taylor
Note: All votes are unanimous unless recorded otherwise.
The meeting commenced at 3:05 p.m.
- Consent
- Motion to approve the six final poster designs titled “Peripheral Visions,” by artist Jason Jagel, to be installed in 24 kiosks on Market Street between Van Ness and the Embarcadero between November 12, 2004, and February 10, 2005, for the Art on Market Street 2004 Kiosk Poster Program.
Motion: Motion to adopt the consent calendar item
Moved: Draisin/Solomon
- Gallery Report
Public Art Program Associate Jennifer Lovvorn gave the gallery report on behalf of Gallery Director Rupert Jenkins. She stated that there are new exhibitions at all three sites. At the gallery at 401 Van Ness Avenue is the Murphy Cadogan award exhibition. At the Grove Street windows is “Yellow Descending,” a dual-channel video projection by Elaine Buckholtz. In City Hall are three new exhibitions: “Insights 2004,” the annual juried exhibition of work by artists who are legally blind; solo shows by Pete Eckert, Michael LeVell and Alison Ulman, who are featured artists for Insights’s 15th anniversary; and “Jazzography: Photographs of Legendary Jazz Musicians,” by Mars Breslow.
Ms. Lovvorn reported that the deadline for “Construct,” the annual installation award exhibition has just passed and that Mr. Jenkins has begun reviewing the submissions. There will be a preliminary review and selection of finalists on Wednesday, September 22. She stated that the Commissioners are welcome to attend. Mr. Jenkins will present the winning proposal at the November Visual Arts Committee meeting.
Ms. Lovvorn reminded the Commissioners that the annual fundraiser is upcoming on October 15.
- Pulgas Water Temple Project
Based on the Commissioners’ recommendations from the last Visual Arts Committee meeting, Project Manager Nina Dunbar reported that she spoke with the two semi-finalists for the Pulgas Water Temple Project. She stated that Tom Otterness will submit a revised proposal and Diana Pumpbelly Bates will respond to the selection panel’s initial concerns regarding her proposal. Ms. Dunbar stated that she would like to arrange a brief special meeting of the Visual Arts Committee prior to the Full Commission meeting on October 4 to present these revised proposals.
- Moscone Center
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton reported on the progress of the Diller + Scofidio Project. She stated that the project should be complete by the end of September. There is a final work date scheduled for September 25. She added that if all goes well, the required final inspection of the artwork and mechanical system could occur in early October. Ms. Manton stated that a security camera will be installed across the street from the Moscone West Center that will allow the Moscone Convention staff to monitor the screen. Additionally, warning signs regarding the need for the track to be clear will be installed on the roof along the system track and at the roof exit door.
Project Manager Nina Dunbar added that the lighting for “Tree” will finally be installed by next month.
- Overview of the Public Art Project Development Process
Explanatory Document: Staff Report, Summary of Public Art Project Development
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton presented an overview of the public art project development process. She explained that this is a good opportunity for both new and longer-serving Commissioners to review how the program manages the public art projects mandated by the art enrichment ordinance. She explained that a few years ago the Visual Arts Committee did not have meetings for several months due to lack of quorum, which threatened to delay many projects. In response to this, a resolution was passed allowing the development of projects to begin without Commission approval. Ms. Manton believes that reverting to the previously utilized practice of presenting new projects to the committee at the project’s inception will be of value to the project and will provide the Commissioners with more information and greater oversight.
Ms. Manton walked the Commissioners through the steps involved in planning, developing and managing a public art project. She explained that certain parts of the process are procedural and others derive from Commission-approved guidelines. She explained that she wanted to clarify staff roles and autonomy, and the interface with the Arts Commission. The Summary of Public Art Project Development defines at what point Commission approval is required.
Regarding Civic Art Collection goals relative to the commissioning of new work through the Public Art Program, Ms. Manton remarked that the staff would like to work closely with the Commissioners on the development of goals for the collection, in terms of what additional kinds of artwork should be acquired, specific works or artists who should be included in the collection, and specific sites or sectors of the city which may be underrepresented.
Regarding Visual Arts Committee approvals, Ms. Manton stated that there is a need to coordinate the Commission mandates, approvals or directives with the interests of the community and/or client. Director of Cultural Affairs Richard Newirth stated that the longer-serving Commissioners are likely more aware of this issue and that the Arts Commission needs to set its own expectations with regard to community involvement. Ms. Manton suggested that it might be very informative for the Commissioners to join staff in attending a community meeting. Commissioner Przyblyski suggested that the Arts Commission do more outreach to the press to address the issue of community involvement and quality urban design.
Regarding the artwork selection process, Commissioner Stermer stated that the staff is a valuable resource and he would like to encourage staff recommendations. Ms. Manton responded that the Public Art Program plans to institute the submission of staff reports for all items on the Visual Arts Committee agenda.
Regarding artwork design, fabrication, and installation, Ms. Manton stated that there is a need to better coordinate the Commissioners’ progressive feedback through the design and review process. Ms. Manton spoke of instances in which prior decisions were revisited or rescinded by different combinations of Commissioners and how this had impacts regarding schedule, budget and the perception of professionalism. Commissioner Stermer suggested that any Commissioner who missed the meeting at which an issue was originally decided should not be permitted to vote at a later meeting to change that decision. Commissioner Draisin inquired whether an absentee may comment on an issue prior to the meeting. Ms. Manton stated that this would be possible but she added that it is more productive for the comments to occur as part of a discussion. Commissioner Przyblyski stated that staff should feel comfortable explaining the ramifications of the Commissioners’ directives. Commissioner Stermer reiterated the importance of attending the meetings. Project Manager Susan Pontious emphasized that the project start-up report establishes the direction for the work and it is very difficult and costly to change course once approval has been given and work has begun.
- New Business
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton stated that she hopes to introduce a new art enrichment project, the 10th & Market Office Building by Myers Development and architects Skidmore Owings Merrill, at the next Visual Arts Committee meeting. She is waiting to hear whether the project will be moving forward.
As an additional item of new business, Ms. Manton reported on the mural by Johanna Poethig at the Harvey Milk Recreation Center. She stated that the recreation center is being renovated and reconfigured as a campus of buildings rather than one large building. Ms. Manton presented photos of the site that show where the Poethig mural is located. Ms. Manton explained that for various reasons, such as the new architectural design of the campus, the Department of Recreation and Parks is exploring the possibility of having the mural removed. She added that the client (the Department of Recreation and Parks) has requested that the new art enrichment project be about Harvey Milk. With regard to the mural, she stated that legally the art enrichment funds cannot be used to restore an existing piece of artwork. The Department of Recreation and Parks has proposed distributing a survey to determine how the community feels about the mural. Ms. Manton stated that, based on the California Art Preservation Act, the artist has the right to document and attempt to remove the mural. She explained that in either case, the portion of the mural that features Imogen Cunningham will be destroyed, due to its location on a separate building which will be demolished. Mr. Newirth stated that the situation facing this mural brings up a larger issue regarding the role of murals in the community and the permanence of this type of public art. Commissioner Przyblyski suggested that the Arts Commission should develop a policy that would call for the designation of certain murals as cultural resources. Such murals would be permanent and should be made with durable materials. Ms. Manton stated that the Arts Commission’s current practice does not allow for the commissioning of outdoor murals because they are not considered “permanent.” She added that the Arts Commission is responsible for approving the installation or removal of any artwork on public property.
- Adjournment
As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:20 p.m.
Submitted by Jennifer Lovvorn, Public Art Program Associate
Approved by Richard Newirth, Director of Cultural Affairs
9/29/2004
Notices
Explanatory documents are available for public inspection and copying at the Arts Commission office, 25 Van Ness Ave, Suite 240, San Francisco, CA 94102 during regular business hours. INFO: Jennifer Lovvorn (415) 252-2594.
Public comment in regard to specific items will be taken before or during consideration of the item.
The ringing of and use of cell phones, pagers and similar sound-producing electronic devices are prohibited at this meeting. Please be advised that the Chair may order the removal from the meeting of any person(s) responsible for the ringing or use of a cell phone, pager, or other similar sound-producing electronic devices.
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