Visual_Arts_Committee
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 VISUAL ARTS COMMITTEE
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
3:00 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70
Minutes
Commissioners Present
Maya Draisin, Barbara Stauffacher Solomon, Dugald Stermer; Absent: Jeannene Przyblyski, Dede Wilsey.
Staff Present
Richard Newirth, Director of Cultural Affairs; Nina Dunbar, Rupert Jenkins, Jennifer Lovvorn, Tonia Macneil, Jill Manton, Judy Moran, Susan Pontious, Kristen Zaremba.
Note: All votes are unanimous unless recorded otherwise.
The meeting commenced at 3:05 p.m.
-
Consent
- Motion to approve the relocation of the Whale Fountain by Robert Howard from the Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park to City College on Phelan Avenue.
- Motion to approve the relocation of the statue of Juan Bautista de Anza to the Sunset Circle at the end of Sunset Boulevard at Lake Merced contingent upon approval of the Department of Public Works and the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two departments.
- Motion to approve the relocation of the statue of King Carlos III to the picnic area of the Boathouse at Lake Merced contingent upon the approval of the Recreation and Park Department.
Motion: Motion to adopt the consent calendar items.
Moved: Solomon/Draisin
- Gallery Report
Gallery Director Rupert Jenkins reported that the Gallery Advisory Board had a meeting on July 20. He stated that there has been no progress with regard to securing the 155 Grove Street space. He announced that the gallery’s City Hall Exhibition Coordinator is leaving and that he has submitted a requisition to replace her. Mr. Jenkins added that he hopes to increase the position to three days a week. He announced that the date for the gallery’s annual fundraiser has been set for October 15. The event will take place at the gallery at 401 Van Ness and will extend into the building’s lobby and out front. The gallery will be working with a party designer to orchestrate the space. Mr. Jenkins explained that the advisory board and a subcommittee of volunteers are working on various aspects of the fundraiser such as donation requests and securing artwork. Mr. Jenkins announced that the annual Construct installation exhibition will take place in early 2005. The selected artist will be given a $4,000 honorarium and will have use of the entire gallery space. Mr. Jenkins is currently trying to recruit a nationally recognized juror such as Mel Chin or Fred Wilson.
Mr. Jenkins continued his report by presenting slides of work by the artists to be included in the three proposed exhibitions: "In Passing" curated by Todd Herman, "Meatology" curated by Kara Maria, and "Element of Temporary" curated by ev Funes and James Bewley.
Mr. Jenkins stated that “In Passing” was selected as the winner of the annual curator award. This exhibition includes work by established artists as well as by non-artists and touches on the theme of death while exploring both the diversity as well as the common threads in responses to the passing of life. The exhibition will take place at the gallery in spring 2005 and will include an off-site component such as placing part of the show in a local casket shop. The curator is also currently working on a related book which will include all of the images presented in the exhibition. “In Passing” includes work by the following artists: Amy Auerbach, Albert Baris, Amanda Coslor, Brenda Rasmussen, Kimberly Campbell, David Balluff, Doug Stoddard, Erik Auerbach, Ester Hernandez, E. Francis Kohler, Group Project, Gordon Shepard, John Baumann, Jim Goldberg, Kelly Kerslake, Ken Miller, Katherine Wiemelt, Leroy Moore, Lori Sampson, Larry Sultan, Marco Berger, Michael Loggins, Mindy Zlotnick, Nakkali Rupta, Peter Cordova, Paula Levine, Richard Lichtman, Stefanie J. Atkinson, Steven Geeter, Wolf Gomez, and Zoe Ryan. Off-site venues are also being sought for satellite presentations.
Mr. Jenkins explained that “Meatology” had been submitted to the curator award competition and although it was not selected as the award winner, the proposal was very strong. Mr. Jenkins stated that he would like to show the exhibition at the gallery this fall. The exhibition includes work by the following artists: Jaqueline Cooper, Laura Dufont, Jean Friscia, Noah Lang, Laura Splan, Jacqueline Summell, and Lava Thomas.
Mr. Jenkins stated that the “Element of Temporary” is a one-night exhibition that includes a range of time-based visual and performance works related to the theme "temporary." Included in this exhibition are the following artists: Michael Campbell, Renee Delores, Susan Husky, Ishan Clemenco, and Margaret Tedesco.
Mr. Jenkins also presented work by three artists to be exhibited in the Grove Street window space. He stated that he would include the motions for these exhibitions on the upcoming Full Commission agenda. Elaine Buckholtz is an artist who works with light, movement and sound. Kamau Paton combines paint, paper, and balsa wood to create works that investigate the relationship between myth and science. Sarah Cain creates paint installations that interact with the gallery architecture. Mr. Jenkins stated that he would like to pay the artists an honorarium of $400 each.
Motion: Motion to approve the exhibition "Meatology" curated by Kara Maria, to be exhibited at the 401 Van Ness gallery in November 2004.
Moved: Solomon/Draisin
Motion: Motion to approve the one-day exhibition and performance event "Element of Temporary" curated by ev Funes and James Bewley, to be held on August 20, 2004 at the 401 Van Ness gallery.
Moved: Draisin/Solomon
Motion: Motion to approve the exhibition "In Passing" curated by Todd Herman, to be exhibited at the 401 Van Ness gallery in Spring 2005.
Moved: Solomon/Draisin
- Ocean View Library
Project Manager Tonia Macneil presented images of “Words Fly Away,” the recently completed artwork by John Wehrle for the Ocean View Library. She stated because the community so liked the existing public art on the exterior of the library, they chose to allocate remaining funds raised by the community and Friends of the Library ($125,000) to commission Wehrle’s work. The artist's proposal included painted murals in the stairwell, laser-cut linoleum on the stairs and in the hall, painted ceiling tile and ceramic tile in the drinking fountain alcove. The design was later expanded to include a custom color on the walls of the upstairs hallway. Wehrle researched literary references on reading and books to find inspiration for his concept and design. Ranging from an anonymous Latin quotation to Alice in Wonderland and Chicken Little, Wehrle created a verbal and visual puzzle that requires more than a passing glance to decipher. A professional photographer has been hired to make final images in both digital and slide format. Staff will request approval to accept the artwork into the Civic Art Collection at a future meeting.
- SoMa Park
Project Manager Susan Pontious gave an update on Irene Pijoan’s project for SoMa Park which is located on Folsom at 6th Street. She stated that the Commission had approved the artist’s proposal to create designs to be incorporated into the fence that surrounds the new recreation center. Ms. Pontious stated that although the original art enrichment budget was $43,000, there is a surplus in the construction budget and the architects have given some of that money to commission an additional five artist designed panels. Ms. Pontious presented two examples of the panel designs which will be 72” x 72”.
Motion: Motion to increase Irene Pijoan's contract by $12,725, for a total contract amount of $14,725, for final design development, construction documents for 5 artist designed aluminum fence panels, and consulting services during fabrication and installation.
Moved: Draisin/Solomon
- Laguna Honda Hospital
Project Manager Susan Pontious distributed to Commissioners a comprehensive overview of the art enrichment program for Laguna Honda Hospital. She explained that the hospital is being rebuilt and there are currently 15 artists involved in designing works that will help patients with way finding. She presented a resident floor plan and pointed out the primary walls where the artwork will be located.
Ms. Pontious presented to the Commissioners the approved design proposals by each artist prior to seeking approval to enter into a contract for fabrication.
She presented examples of past work by glass artist Arlan Huang. For Laguna Honda Hospital he proposed to install a wall of glass blocks at an intersection of four hallways. Each glass block in the wall contains a color blown-glass “stone” with each section of the wall having a specific color which is based on the direction of the hallway.
Ms. Pontious presented slides of artwork by Jonathan Bonner who proposed to create round carved granite sculptures for the hospital courtyard. She stated that the artwork will be viewed from the courtyard as well as from the windows of the surrounding buildings. She added that all the proposed pieces are wheel chair accessible.
Ms. Pontious also presented a maquette of the proposed cedar log sculpture by Wang Po Shu. She explained that the artist did extensive research for his project including meeting with and interviewing doctors, other hospital staff and patients. She stated that the design is based on interlocking circles. She explained that the artist revised his original design proposal by eliminating the drip pool that was to be located under the center span of the log structure. ADA code would require a cast curb to be installed around the pool which would have substantially altered the proposed design. Because the artist does not want to make those changes, he will eliminate the drip pool. This change would allow people to pass through the sculpture.
Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into an agreement with Arlan Huang for an amount not to exceed $250,000 for the fabrication, transportation and installation of fifteen glass panels with glass rondels and four 5' x 5' glass block and blown glass windows for Laguna Honda Hospital.
Moved: Solomon/Draisin
Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into an agreement with Jonathan Bonner for an amount not to exceed $55,000 for the fabrication, storage, transportation and installation of a granite sculpture for Laguna Honda Hospital.
Moved: Draisin/Solomon
Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into an agreement with Wang Po Shu for an amount not to exceed $55,000 for the fabrication, transportation and installation of a carved wood sculpture for Laguna Honda Hospital.
Moved: Solomon/Draisin
- Airport
Project Manager Susan Pontious began her report by explaining that the Art Enrichment Program at the San Francisco Airport requires oversight by an Art Steering Committee which is made up of appointees from the Arts Commission and the Airport. The current members from the Arts Commission are Jill Manton and Bob Larocca. Commissioner Guggenheim had been on the committee, and since he is no longer on the Commission, a new representative needs to be appointed to take his place. Commissioner Stermer suggested that Commissioner Solomon be appointed to that post. Ms. Pontious stated that the committee will be meeting again soon to discuss how to use the remaining art enrichment funds.
- Moscone Center
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton reported on the progress of the Diller + Scofidio Project. She stated that the project is very close to completion. After the final work is complete, we have to notify the Moscone Center 30 days prior to beginning regular operation of the system. She stated that the Arts Commission will have service agreements with Pol-X West (the motion system engineer), Ear Studios (the LED text programmer), and Multimedia (the manufacturer of the screen) in addition to the nine-year extended parts warranty. Ms. Manton added that after the first year, the LED text on the rear of the screen will be used primarily for advertising as a way to generate money to maintain the artwork and commission new video content. Ms. Manton stated that she will notify the Commissioners when the final work is complete. She would like to invite Commissioners to the final system inspection.
- PUC Arts Master Plan RFP
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton reminded the Commissioners that they are welcome to provide feedback related to the PUC Arts Master Plan RFP which was distributed at the previous Visual Arts Committee meeting. She stated that the RFP is calling for a consultant to look at the PUC’s capital improvement program and develop a master plan for the artwork program. Project Manager Nina Dunbar stated that the RFP will not be sent out until the new PUC General Manager is on board, which could take up to two months.
- New Business
As an item of new business, Public Art Program Director Jill Manton announced that she and Program Associate Jennifer Lovvorn were just in Washington D.C. attending the national Public Art Network Conference. She stated that there were very thoughtful presentations on memorials. Jenny Holzer was selected to receive the Public Art Annual Award of Excellence. Unfortunately she was unable to attend the conference due to health issues.
As an additional item of new business, Ms. Manton stated that there is a new city office building being designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill for 10th and Market Street. This project is a public/private collaboration and will have an art enrichment budget of approximately $1.2 million. The new building will contain City offices and residences.
- Old Business
As an item of old business, Project Manager Kristen Zaremba gave an update regarding Victor Zaballa’s project for the PUC's Southeast Water Pollution Control Plant. She reminded the Commissioners that they had recommended making a final design contract payment to Mr. Zaballa, but not to proceed with fabrication of the project. This decision was made based on the artist’s performance on the Visitacion Valley Clubhouse project and his ongoing health concerns, which impact his ability to complete work on schedule. However, the PUC was very fond of Mr. Zaballa’s proposed artwork and wants the Arts Commission to move forward with it. Ms. Zaremba stated that it may be desirable to have the artist complete the project since the Arts Commission is about to embark on a number of new projects with the PUC. She suggested that the solution may be to require the artist to hire a project manager to ensure that the project is installed smoothly. Commissioner Solomon recommended that if we were to have Mr. Zaballa complete the project, the contract should include an escape clause. Commissioner Draisin recommended that a PUC person be brought into the process so that they would be aware of problems as they arise. Ms. Zaremba stated that PUC staff is already involved in the process.
Ms. Manton stated that Ms. Zaremba has also managed Mr. Zaballa’s project at Visitacion Valley and she has overseen the correction of all the ills associated with that project. Ms. Zaremba stated that in that case the client and the community are happy with the outcome of the project.
As an additional item of old business, Ms. Macneil presented images of the recently completed artwork by Johanna Poethig for Rochambeau Park. Ms. Macneil stated that the artist designed the concrete columns and tile pattern and purchased prefabricated spheres for the top. She glazed, painted and installed the tile and added glass tile mosaic to the spheres to create the illusion of a basketball and tennis ball. Postcards of the artwork were distributed to the Commissioners. Ms. Macneil added that at a future meeting she will be requesting that the artwork be accepted into the Civic Art Collection.
- 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, 07/28/2004
7/28/2004
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. Tel: INFO: (Jennifer Lovvorn 415-252-2594).
Public comment in regard to specific items will be taken before or during consideration of the item.
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