Visual_Arts_Committee
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 VISUAL ARTS COMMITTEE
Wednesday, June 16, 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; Absent: Stanlee Gatti.
Staff Present
Richard Newirth, Director of Cultural Affairs; Nina Dunbar, Rupert Jenkins, Debra Lehane, Jennifer Lovvorn, Tonia Macneil, Jill Manton, Judy Moran, Susan Pontious, Kristen Zaremba.
Note: All votes are unanimous unless recorded otherwise.
The meeting commenced at 3:00 p.m.
- Consent
- Motion to approve Champions of Market Street, six final poster designs for the Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series 2004, by artist Katherine Aoki, to be printed and installed in 24 kiosks on Market Street from August 13 to November 11, 2004.
Motion: Motion to adopt the consent calendar items.
Moved: Przyblyski/Solomon
- Gallery Report
Gallery Director Rupert Jenkins began his report by announcing that there is a forum and an opening reception for “Global Priority” at the gallery on Thursday, June 17th. “Global Priority” is an exhibition which explores the intersection between the personal and the "global." Each piece addresses an aspect or impression of the point of contact between the individual and the collective, often focusing on the process of "globalization." The exhibition features the work of 63 artists.
Mr. Jenkins reported that a new office space is being built in the gallery. Because the Gallery Manager position has been eliminated, Mr. Jenkins will be moving his office to the gallery to work more closely with the interim gallery staff.
Mr. Jenkins gave an update on the 155 Grove Street building explaining that the space had been added to a list of city-owned buildings to be sold in order to raise funds for affordable housing. He added that the Board of Supervisor’s has already passed the legislation authorizing the sale of those building. He stated that the Arts Commission is making efforts to not lose the building. The Grove Street space has been cleaned up and there is a new show installed in the window. He added that he is working with a designer to develop a visual history time-line of the space, which will be on display in the windows in between exhibitions.
Commissioner Przyblyski inquired whether the Arts Commission has informal jurisdiction over the lot adjacent to 155 Grove Street. She suggested that the lot be cleared of debris and used to exhibit artwork, such as a few of the “Hearts in San Francisco” sculptures. She stated that it is important to activate the space.
Mr. Jenkins concluded his report by announcing that four new exhibitions opened in City Hall: Justly Married, featuring photographs of the historic same sex weddings that took place at City Hall earlier this year; First Exposures: Youth Opportunities Through Photography; A Way of Life: Asthma in Hunters Point; and Freedom of Impression: Prints from the Graphic Arts Workshop. He added that the Mayor suggested that perhaps the Art Commission’s City Hall exhibitions could be moved from the basement to the Light Court on the ground floor of City Hall. Mr. Jenkins and Commissioner Przyblyski have been meeting with the Mayor’s staff to explore this possible move.
- Collections Report
Civic Art Collection Program Director Debra Lehane stated that next month will be her last Visual Arts Committee meeting. At that meeting she would like to present a review of projects that have been completed during her tenure. She will also outline those projects that have unresolved issues.
- Holly Park
There was no report.
The following motion was removed.
Motion: Motion to approve Joyce Hsu's conceptual design for her artwork at Holly Park.
- Moscone Center
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton reported on the progress of the Diller + Scofidio Project. She stated that because the new Moscone Center is in full operation, it is difficult to complete the small amount of remaining work. The Moscone Center staff will not allow work while conventioneers are in the space. Work days are scheduled for June 24th and June 25th. The remaining audio visual work will take two days. The motion system refinements and punch list are almost complete. Ms. Manton reported that she has responded to all of Moscone’s specific concerns regarding the project as reflected in a letter sent to the Arts Commission. 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. Those agreements have been drafted and have been submitted to the City Attorney for feedback. 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.
- Central Subway
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton reported that Muni is planning to build a new subway line as the second phase of the 3rd Street Light Rail Line which will extend from Clay and Stockton Streets to the Caltrain station at 4th and King Streets. This line will include four new subway stations and will connect Visitacion Valley and Bay View/Hunter’s Point to downtown and Chinatown. The new line will connect to the existing Muni lines under Market Street via an underground station-to-station concourse. Ms. Manton stated that there are multiple public art opportunities, including design collaboration with the project architects and artwork at the four stations. She has developed a Request for Qualifications that will soon be distributed to artists locally and nationally. She has requested artist mailing lists from Public Art Programs across the country and has received the names of approximately 10,000 new artists to be added to our database. The Arts Commission will create a large pool of qualified artists from a selection of those who respond to the RFQ. Ms. Manton stated that the Central Subway Public Art Program will be very substantial with a large number of projects at various stages of the design and construction of the Central Subway. She distributed a draft of the RFQ to Commissioners and requested that they review it and provide feedback.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that both Portland, Oregon and Los Angles have dynamic metro art programs. Commissioner Draisin suggested that there be a presentation on exemplary art in transit projects at an upcoming Visual Arts Committee meeting. Ms. Manton stated that Project Manager Judy Moran had created just such a slide show, which could be updated with new slides to show Commissioners a broad range of successful transit projects that have been done in other cities.
Ms. Manton explained that there is some uncertainty as to whether the Central Subway will be built. It will not be known for a couple years whether the project will actually go forward. Commissioner Wilsey stated that with the City’s budget crisis, it is a difficult time for new projects to gain public support. She added that it is important that the Arts Commission send out a clear message that the 2% for Public Art is mandated by the City’s Administrative Code. Commissioner Stermer suggested that we contact Jesse Hamlin of the Chronicle to explain the process by which the City funds public art. Commissioner Przyblyski stated there should be a public outreach campaign and that the local art schools should be engaged. Commissioner Solomon suggested that John King at the Chronicle should be contacted. Commissioner Wilsey stated that the message will not be sent out broadly enough with only one article, rather the Arts Commission needs months of public relations efforts.
- Art Enrichment Ordinance
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton reported that the revisions to Art Enrichment Ordinance were not submitted by the Mayor as part of his FY 04/05 budget. This was likely due to the fact that the proposed changes would not create savings with regard to the City’s budget. Director of Cultural Affairs Richard Newirth stated that the Arts Commission was encouraged to put forward the legislation, adding that he was not informed that proposals were required to positively impact the budget. Mr. Newirth stated that the only part of the legislation that was submitted by the Mayor as part of his budget was the proposed Civic Design review fee since it would generate revenue.
Commissioner Przyblyski inquired whether these proposed revisions to the Art Enrichment Ordinance would be submitted in the near future. Mr. Newirth stated that in 1996 when previous revisions to the Art Enrichment Ordinance were adopted, Ms. Manton worked with myriad staff members at numerous City agencies to ensure that the changes would be well received. By contrast, the intent of the current proposed changes is to provide more flexibility internally for the administration of the program. These changes wouldn’t substantially impact the client agencies. Many of the revisions would help clarify the administrative processes. Mr. Newirth added that this is perhaps not the best time politically to be requesting these changes, and that revising the Art Enrichment Ordinance may be a long-term project that is revisited when the political climate is more favorable. Commissioner Przyblyski stated that there are many good ideas in the proposed revisions that shouldn’t be abandoned.
Explanatory Document: Legislative Digest and Ordinance
- Octavia Boulevard
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton began her report on the art enrichment project for Octavia Boulevard by explaining that voters approved the removal of the Central Freeway and that a large boulevard with a large green open space is to be built in its place. She stated that the competition for the art commission went through an additional phase with the two finalists being asked to submit revised proposals. Ms. Manton explained that artist Wang Po Shu was selected and introduced him to the Commissioners.
Mr. Wang explained that the concept for his proposed artwork is based on the interface between the driver and the pedestrian. His proposal calls for twelve viewing stations each with a unique kaleidoscopic lens. He stated that his proposal references both painting and sculpture. At each of the twelve stations the pedestrian has a visual experience that is always changing. At the same time, the drivers view the living sculpture of the pedestrians viewing the passing cars.
Mr. Wang added that he is ready to begin the fabrication phase of his project. He presented a sample of the burnished stainless steel that will be used for the viewing stations and explained that this material is less likely to show damage and can be repaired more easily than other materials. He added that there will be a unique icon and word on each station which will serve to identify it. Ms. Manton added that there will be ADA compliant signage.
Mr. Wang then presented a video showing how the various lenses work. He explained that the viewing stations make an artwork out of the environment. The stations can pivot a full 360 degrees.
Commissioner Solomon stated that as a member of the selection panel, she really liked the concept. Commissioner Przyblyski stated that she prefers the lenses which allow the viewer to recognize elements from the streetscape and she hopes that the artist does not primarily use lenses which render the view abstract.
Motion: Motion to approve the final design by Wang Po Shu for an artwork for the Octavia Boulevard Streetscape Project.
Moved: Solomon/Wilsey
Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a contract with artist Wang Po Shu for fabrication, transportation and installation of an artwork for the Octavia Boulevard Streetscape Project in an amount not to exceed $142,500.
Moved: Wilsey/Przyblyski
- PUC Projects
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton reported that she and her staff have been working on PUC projects for the last four to five years. She explained that because so many of the new sites which qualify for art enrichment are not appropriate for artwork, the PUC is open to alternative approaches and non-site specific projects. Ms. Manton and Project Manager Nina Dunbar have been working with the PUC to develop a Request for Proposals to commission a Public Utilities Commission Arts Master Plan. The budget for the master plan is $100,000. She explained that PUC Arts Master Plan would be used as a guide for both artists and city staff.
Ms. Manton stated that the Arts Commission currently has a small reserve of art enrichment funding from PUC projects with sites not appropriate for public art. This funding will be used to start the master planning process. She is currently investigating whether there are any restrictions with regard to how the funding may be used. Ms. Manton welcomed Commissioners to forward any comments regarding the master plan to her directly.
- Stern Grove/Pine Lake Park Public Art Project
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton reported on the artist selection process for Stern Grove/Pine Lake Park. She explained that there are many opportunities for free standing sculpture or functional artworks and there are a number of possible sites for public art: Pine Lake Meadow, the entrances to Stern Grove, and the footbridges. Ms. Manton stated that the selection panel, which consisted of a designer, an artist, a Parks Council member, a PROSAC member and an Arts Commissioner, met last week. Commissioner Solomon stated that the four finalists are all good candidates. Ms. Manton explained that the finalists are not asked to create a specific proposal because it is important that the selected artist be able to develop their design with input from the project architect. Often with competition proposals, the artist does not have enough time or information to come up with a fully developed idea. Commissioner Solomon stated that an artist’s first idea may be the best idea and that overworking a proposal may ruin it. Ms. Manton stated that the program has used both approaches and that there are advantages and disadvantages to each. She stated that this issue could be explored in more depth at a different time.
Ms. Manton presented slides of past work by each of the finalists. Gerald Heffernon works with human and animal figures to create humorous sculptures. Peter Richards works at the Exploratorium and has created a wave organ, a pedestrian footbridge and various temporary sculptures. Mark Brest Van Kempen is a conceptual sculptor who works with the themes of nature and science and has done projects for the Arts Commission’s Grove Street windows, the Headlands Center for the Arts, and the City of Seattle. Michael Eckerman works primarily with stone to create swirling fanciful walls, portals and walkways.
Motion: Motion to approve selection panel's recommendation of the following four candidates to be interviewed for the Stern Grove/Pine Lake Park Public Art Project and to approve the payment of a $250 honorarium to each: Peter Richards, Mark Brest Van Kempen, Gerald Heffernon, and Michael Eckerman.
Moved: Wilsey/Solomon
- Branch Library Improvement Projects
Project Manager Judy Moran presented the conceptual design approach for the new Ingleside Branch Library by artist Eric Powell, who was recommended as the finalist by the Ingleside Branch Community Artist Selection Panel. Ms. Moran explained that several years ago Bond 14 was passed to upgrade the City's library branches, including the building of five new branches. The Public Art Program worked with the Library to develop a Library Arts Master Plan for the five new libraries and the renovation and expansion of the Richmond Branch. For each of the six branches, three artist finalists are selected from a prequalified pool of artists by a community panel, consisting of three community representatives elected by the community, the branch manager and the architect. Each of the three finalists proposes a conceptual approach, described on presentation boards displayed for public comment, and the community selection panel recommends one of the three to the Commission for approval.
Ms. Moran presented slides of past work by Eric Powell, the artist selected for the new Ingleside Branch Library. She explained that he primarily creates gates. For the Ingleside Branch Library, although the artist was not required to develop a specific proposal, he developed three different concepts for consideration: a mandala embedded in the building entrance, two gates and fence to enclose an outdoor area adjacent to the Library, and an interior hanging element. The community panel decided to support Powell developing the exterior fence and gates, although they stipulated that they wanted an abstract design similar to his previous work, not the motif of pens proposed by the artist. Commissioner Przyblyski expressed a preference for the mandala design, which Ms. Moran explained was determined by the architect not to be possible at the artist's proposed entryway location. Commissioner Przyblyski recommended locating an artwork, such as the mandala, in the enclosed outdoor area. The Commissioners approved the selection of the artist, but requested the artist work closely with the architect to develop a new artwork proposal rather than implementing any of the proposed concepts as presented. Ms. Moran stated that the process already includes having the artist work with the architect to develop a proposal to be brought back to the Visual Arts Committee for approval.
The following motion was revised.
Motion: Motion to approve the selection of artist Eric Powell as recommended by the Ingleside Branch Community Artist Selection Panel, for the new Ingleside Branch Library.
Moved: Solomon/Przyblyski
Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with artist Eric Powell, for an amount not to exceed $36,000, for the final design, fabrication and installation of an artwork for the new Ingleside Branch Library.
Moved: Wilsey/Przyblyski
- New Business
As an item of new business,Public Art Program Director Jill Manton stated that she would like to schedule an orientation for the new Commissioners to update them on current projects and explain the process of commissioning artwork. Ms. Manton stated that she will contact the new Commissioners to make arrangements.
As an additional item of new business, Ms. Manton announced that there is an upcoming meeting of the Public Art Administrators Network. That meeting will take place at the Arts Commission in Suite 70 on Friday, June 25 from 10 to 2 PM. She welcomed any interested Commissioners to attend.
- Old Business
- Adjournment
As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:50 p.m.
Submitted by Jennifer Lovvorn, Public Art Program Associate
Approved by Richard Newirth, Director of Cultural Affairs, 07/07/2004
7/07/2004
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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