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Consent Calendar
1. Motion to approve a multiphase mural entitled "The Bayview is________" by artists Malik Seneferu and Heidi Hardin working in collaboration with Bayview Footprints and Quesada Garden Initiative. The mural is located at the intersection of Newhall and Bridgeview Streets. During this first phase, sun and bird imagery will visually divide the wall into five distinct sections and provide space for community artists and youth to add imagery pending funding and design approval from relevant parties.
2. Motion to approve and to accept into the Civic Art Collection, the artwork Swimmers' Waves, consisting of 27 porcelain enamel panels with photographic images of blue water, completed in 2008 by artist Catherine Wagner, installed on the east wall of the Larsen Park Sava Pool natatorium at 19th Avenue and Ulloa Street in the Sunset District.
3. Motion to approve and accept into the Civic Art Collection the artwork California Wildflowers, consisting of four glass and stainless steel shutters, each shutter with five hand crafted tempered glass panels with flower imagery, completed in 2008 by artist Dana Zed, installed behind the front windows of the Portola Branch Library located at Bacon and Goettengen Streets in the Portola District.
4. Motion to approve and accept into the Civic Art Collection the artwork Sun Spheres, consisting of three mosaic-covered spheres, measuring three feet, four feet, and five feet in diameter, respectively, completed in 2008 by artist Laurel True, installed on three corners of the intersection of Ocean and Granada Avenues in the Ocean View-Merced Heights-Ingleside District.
5. Motion to approve the addition of the following arts professionals and community representatives to the Branch Library Improvement Artist Selection Panel: Kevin Chen, Gallery Director, Intersection for the Arts; Carrie Brewster, Director, Hearst Art Gallery, St. Mary's College; Carrie Lederer, Director, Bedford Gallery; Sharon Wilchar, Artist and member of the Emeryville Public Art Advisory Committee; Michelle Seville, Cultural Arts Manager, City of Richmond; Karen Tsujimoto, Curator, Oakland Art Museum; and Amana Johnson, artist.
6. Motion to approve the addition of the following arts professionals and community representatives to the Central Subway Artist Pool Selection Panel: Ellen Oh, Director of Kearny Street Workshop; Shiree Dyson, Director of Public Programs, Education, and Museum Exhibitions, Museum of the African Diaspora; Hou Hanru, Director of Public Programs, San Francisco Art Institute; and Ellen Magnin Newman, Union Square Association board member.
7. Motion to approve honoraria in the amount of $200 to each artist participating in the Chinese video and photography exhibition taking place at the SFAC Gallery from February 13 through April 18, 2009. The artists include: Zhu Jia, Ni Haifeng, Lu Chunsheng, Shi Yong, Xu Zhen, Xing Danwen, Yang Zhenzhong, and Michael Zheng.
Motion: Motion to adopt the consent calendar items.
Moved: Lloyd/Garcia-Nakata
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Gallery - North Light Court Banner
Gallery Director Meg Shiffler explained that due to gallery budget cuts this fiscal year, the Gallery will raise funds to organize the next North Light Court Banner exhibition. She stated that she will first select an artist for the exhibition, then begin fundraising efforts. Ms. Shiffler presented artist Christina Seely and a recent series of her works called Lux. The series consists of photographs of the three brightest spots on the globe from space; the artist is interested in the loss of darkness. Ms. Shiffler will ask the artist to create a new image of San Francisco, to be exhibited alongside existing photographs of other cities. The images will encourage people to think about the City and its relationship to the rest of the world. She also stated that she will work with the Public Utilities Commission ("PUC") and other city agencies to create programming related to the topic of light and its impact on energy resources. Ms. Shiffler explained that this work also takes into consideration the Mayor's goals towards making the City a world leader in city greening.
Commissioners expressed their support for the proposed artist and project and noted that light output has been found to be directly related to carbon emissions. Ms. Shiffler stated that she would raise $15,000 for this project, which includes $2,500 for the artist and $1,000 to print each of the ten banners. Commissioner Garcia-Nakata asked if Ms. Shiffler had spoken to PG&E regarding fundraising and Ms. Shiffler responded that she had not yet started to solicit funds but would take the suggestion into consideration.
Commissioner Johnston stated that the current exhibition of Lonnie Graham's work is powerful and has a great impact in City Hall. Ms. Shiffler stated that she plans to meet with the City Hall Events Department to ensure that the installation and de-installation of the covers placed in front of the banners during events do not harm the artwork.
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Gallery - 401 Van Ness
Ms. Shiffler presented artists for the 2009 exhibition City of Glass, to be co-curated by Ferris Plock. The exhibition takes as its starting point Paul Auster's story "City of Glass," which was also published as a graphic novel in 2004. The book includes tales about the City of New York and themes that include hidden codes in the urban environment, the way history is pieced together, and the ease in which people can disappear in cities. Ms. Shiffler will ask eight to ten local artists to create new work for the exhibition based on these themes; each artist will be allocated a certain amount of space for their work. She then showed images of the works of artists proposed for the exhibition: Deth P. Sun, Doze Green, Clare Rojas, Mike Davis, Casey Jex Smith, Dan Nakamura, Ferris Plock and Kelly Tunstall, Michelle Blade, Marci Washington, Hamburger Eyes, and Maya Hayak for the Grove Street site. Ms. Shiffler stated that these artists have a comics, graffiti, illustration and fine art background, and are shown in galleries such as Shooting Gallery and Park Life Gallery in San Francisco. She stated that the exhibition includes a group of young, lively and energetic artists who will attract a new audience to the Gallery. Ms. Shiffler explained that she has not yet entered into contract with these artists.
Motion: Motion to approve an honorarium in the amount of $1000 to Ferris Plock for his contributions as co-curator of the City of Glass exhibition at the SFAC Gallery at 401 Van Ness Avenue on view from May 1 to July 3, 2009.
Moved: Garcia-Nakata/Lloyd
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Central Subway
Project Manager Judy Moran stated that she had sent the final draft of the Artwork Goals and Guidelines section of the Central Subway Arts Master Plan to Commissioners last week for their review and she is looking for their input and feedback on the document.
Commissioner Johnston stated that the document successfully incorporated the issues discussed during the last Visual Arts Committee meeting and suggested Ms. Moran contact Commissioner Przyblyski, who is absent from this meeting, for her comments before final approval during Full Commission in November. Ms. Moran responded that she would contact Commissioner Przyblyski for her comments. Commissioner Garcia-Nakata also stated that the final draft was comprehensive and included her specific concerns about fundraising.
Commissioner Johnston stated that he is still concerned that the building that will house the entrance to the Chinatown station has not yet been determined, especially since the Chinatown community is interested in artwork that is located at the entrance to the station. Commissioner Lloyd expressed his concern about how the artwork would interact with the advertisements in the stations, both in terms of placement and technology. Ms. Moran explained that she has begun discussions with MUNI regarding this issue and the Arts Commission will work with MUNI to develop a plan for the location of the artwork and the advertising.
Motion: Motion to approve the final draft of the Artwork Goals and Guidelines sections of the Central Subway Arts Master Plan.
Moved: Lloyd/Garcia-Nakata
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Philosopher's Walk
Project Manager Regina Almaguer presented the artist team of Peter Richards and Susan Schwartzenberg to describe the design development phase of their work Philosopher's Walk at McLaren Park. Mr. Richards explained that his inspiration for the artwork came from his walks through McLaren Park with its intimate wooded areas to its wide vistas; its diversity of users ranging from dog walkers to people practicing tai chi; and its year-round creeks with redwood groves and a recently restored pond. Ms. Schwartzenberg explained that philosophers' walks appear in many cities ranging from Toronto to Heidelberg. She stated that based on community meetings, it was clear that the community wanted art but did not want the artwork to change the ecology of the park. The artists proposed art elements that would enhance the existing trails by creating better connections between the trails and by repositioning stones to be used as seating at vista points that provide views of the Bay Area.
Mr. Richards explained that the locations of the trail connections and seating areas were mapped out during a community meeting in June, which included the artist team with collaborator George Gonzales, who will build the benches and signposts, and community members including Franco Mancini, spokesperson for the Friends of McLaren Park. The artists will hire a cartographer to map out the paths upon which the trail markers and benches will be sited.. Ms. Schwartzenberg showed samples of the designs of the benches and explained that the Department of Public Works ("DPW") has a supply of granite curbstones at Candlestick Park that the artists will use for the benches and signposts. The design of the benches and posts will be dictated by the shape of the granite stones. The artists also showed a conceptual rendering of a sign post with a photo-transfer on a piece of polished black granite. The trail markers will consist of shorter granite stones that mark the trails. The next step will include the development of stories, quotes, and musings with the community as well as the selection of photographs. The map will be placed on a series of city websites, and a trail stabilization plan will be developed in partnership with volunteer groups.
Commissioner Johnston stated that Mohammed Nuru of DPW might be helpful with the development of the trail stabilization plan. Commissioner Lloyd asked the artists what kind of content would be printed on the sign posts. Mr. Richards responded that the imagery and text would reflect the diversity of the surrounding neighborhoods and help people become more aware of their immediate surroundings as well as their place within the context of the larger Bay Area. Ms. Schwartzenberg also explained that the neighborhood had changed a lot over time - languages from all over the world are spoken in the neighborhood - and quotes by authors such as Thoreau and Jane Jacobs would be included on the signposts.
Commissioner Garcia-Nakata stated that she enjoys the fact that the artwork is reflective and takes into account the context of the surrounding land and the way in which the artists engaged the community during the inception of the artwork. She recommended artist engage members of the African American community in the neighborhood and also that the quotes of philosophers come from a diverse source and not only include one genre of philosophical thinking. Commissioner Garcia-Nakata stated that such an approach would give the diverse communities a sense of ownership over the work; she enjoyed the universal nature of the work.
Commissioner Johnston stated that the ability to view the Bay Area in all four directions and to see major sites in the area makes the park a special area; he also expressed his support for the project and for integrating the map onto the city's websites. Commissioner Lloyd encouraged artists to promote their work and expressed his support for the design of the benches and signposts.
Motion: Motion to approve the design development phase of the Philosopher's Walk by Peter Richards and Susan Schwartzenberg at McLaren Park.
Moved: Garcia-Nakata/Lloyd
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Moscone Recreation Center
Ms. Almaguer presented the conceptual design submitted by Kent Roberts for the Moscone Recreation Center. The design is a ship-like steel structure with concrete "wake" pavers that are flush with the grass and a potential bed of river rock that will lie under the base of the steel structure. The length of the sculpture, including the concrete trail, is about 57 feet and the height is just over 5 feet. The sculpture will be located off of Laguna Street, between Francisco and Bay Streets. Ms. Almaguer explained that she will work with the Recreation and Park Department regarding safety and maintenance issues during the design development phase. Ms. Manton explained that the funding for the public art project was generated from the renovation of the Moscone Recreation Center.
Motion: Motion to approve the conceptual design submitted by Kent Roberts for the Moscone Recreation Center, and to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with the artist for design development, fabrication, transportation, and installation of the artwork for an amount not to exceed $70,000.
Moved: Garcia-Nakata/Lloyd
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Randall Museum
Ms. Almaguer explained that two of the three finalists for the Randall Museum project were asked to revise their proposals. The artists included Charles Sowers and the artist team of Wang Po Shu and Louise Bertelesen. The selection panel reconvened to review the proposals and recommended the proposal by Charles Sowers titled Windswept, which consists of wind vanes that will be attach to a bare exterior wall of the Randall Museum and which will become animated by the wind.
Commissioner Garcia-Nakata stated that the kinetic aspect of the work is wonderful but recommended that the wind vanes be tested at the particular site to make sure they will move as intended. Ms. Almaguer stated that the artist has completed tests, but agreed that the installation of some wind vanes on the proposed wall of the museum to test the effects would be a good idea. Ms. Manton stated that the artist also plans to conduct workshops with children.
Commissioner Johnston explained that when the Valencia Gardens were being rebuilt, the Arts Commission temporarily housed sculptures by Beniamo Bufano at the Randall Museum. When the sculptures were returned to Valencia Gardens, Supervisor Bevan Dufty worked with the staff at the Randall Museum, the Arts Commission, and the PUC to have public artwork installed at the Randall.
Motion: Motion to approve the conceptual design submitted by Charles Sowers for the Randall Museum and to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with the artist for design development, fabrication, transportation, and installation of the artwork for an amount not to exceed $100,000.
Moved: Garcia-Nakata/Lloyd
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San Francisco International Airport - Terminal Two
Public Art Program Deputy Director Susan Pontious reported on the selection of artists to prepare proposals for the new Terminal Two at San Francisco International Airport. Ms. Pontious explained that the design of the new terminal is on the fast track and therefore provides a very limited time period for the development of artworks that will be integrated into the architecture of the new terminal. The deadline for finishing the design is February 1, 2009. She stated that when she first met with the architects, they had already developed design concepts for where the art should be located. Ms. Pontious explained that the Arts Commission agreed with the architect's recommendations for the location of the artworks, and the selection of artists was based not only on their aesthetics but also their experience creating works of such size and scale. Given the tight timeframe, there was not an opportunity to have an artist unfamiliar with the public art process to create a work for the new terminal.
Ms. Pontious presented images of the artwork sites in the new Terminal Two. The first site is on the glass facade of the terminal with a fritted design to protect the ticket agents from the glare of the sun on either side of the pedestrian bridge. Sites in the interior of the terminal include the Ticketing Area with room for an overhead work that leads people into the Security Area and the Recomposure Area for a suspended work. Other interior locations for artworks include the gaterooms which are open and resemble a lobby; the fractured ceilings in the gateroom may change if there is not enough funding. Ms. Pontious explained that the project was advertised through mailings and through the posting of the call on CaFE, an online application process used by the Arts Commission. The Arts Commission received 530 applications and the work was first prescreened by curatorial consultant Chandra Cerrito and then Ms. Pontious, before the works were presented to the panel.
Ms. Pontious presented images of past works by artists Janet Echelman and Buster Kendall who were selected to design suspended artworks for the new terminal and images of past works by artists Linda Beaumont and Norie Sato as finalists for the glass facade curtainwall for the new terminal. She also presented the work of artist Charles Sowers for a prequalified pool of artists for works placed in the waiting area.
Commissioner Garcia-Nakata, who served as a juror on the selection panel stated that there were a lot of strong artists in the pool but with the understanding that the project is on the fast track and already in the design development phase, she felt comfortable with the selection and the way that the past works of the selected artists fit with the vision of the new terminal. Commissioner Lloyd agreed that the works of the selected artists matched well with the architectural design of the space.
Commissioner Johnston asked for public comment regarding this item.
Dan Macchiarini, on behalf of the Art and Culture Committee of the Telegraph Hill Dwellers, introduced himself and stated that he found it difficult to understand how a selection of artists could be made without a design proposal. He then read a letter expressing frustration that none of the four finalists selected for Terminal Two were from San Francisco. He concluded by asking the Visual Arts Committee to reject or amend the current recommendation of artist for Terminal Two until a process is implemented to ensure greater inclusion of San Francisco based artists. He stated that the Arts Commission should form an internal policy to ensure more San Francisco artists receive contracts to create public artworks.
In response, Commissioner Johnston stated that he has heard this issue presented on several occasions and was not impressed with argument. Public Art Program Director Jill Manton stated that of the 25 recent contracts, 96 percent were awarded to San Francisco Bay Area artists; of that group, 56 percent reside in San Francisco. She explained that the Arts Commission typically limits the award of commissions for neighborhood projects such as libraries and recreation centers only to San Francisco Bay Area artists. The Art on Market Street poster series is only open to San Francisco artists and almost three-quarters of the artists selected for the International Terminal were local artists. Commissioner Garcia-Nakata stated that the airport has a long history of major projects completed by artists of color as well, but she thanked Mr. Macchiarini for presenting his argument and the letter at the Visual Arts Committee meeting.
Motion: Motion to approve the selection of artists Janet Echelman and Buster Kendall to design suspended artworks for Terminal Two of the San Francisco International Airport, and to pay each an honorarium of $2,000 for the conceptual design.
Moved: Lloyd/Garcia-Nakata
Motion: Motion to approve the selection of artists Linda Beaumont and Norie Sato as finalists for the glass facade curtainwall, and approval to pay each an honorarium of $2,000.
Moved: Lloyd/Garcia-Nakata
THIS MOTION HAS BEEN POSTPONED
Motion: Motion to approve the selection of a following pre-qualified pool of artists for future opportunities at Terminal Two of the San Francisco International Airport: Seyed Alavi, Terry Allen, Freya Bardell, Ron Baron, Dan Corson, Brian Goggin, Doug Hollis, Anna Murch, Jody Pinto, Wendy Ross, Charles Sowers, and May Sun.
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San Francisco International Airport - Secure Connector
Ms. Pontious presented images and samples of Bob Zoell's final design for the glass panels for the Secure Connector at San Francisco International Airport. The work will consist of lightly frosted translucent glass panels with colorful designs depicting birds and typography that extend 80 feet along either side of the connector. Ms. Pontious explained that the color panels will be fabricated in Germany in order to achieve a richness in color. Sand-blasted glass panels will frame the top of the bottom of the large color panels with a similar pattern. Wall niches with eight by eight foot glass panels will have a black background with white images. Ms. Pontious explained that the artist is also a print-setter and grew up playing with typography. Mr. Zoell has created numerous covers for the New Yorker magazine and the image of birds is a recurring element in his work.
Commissioner Garcia-Nakata stated that the artwork is a nice combination of design and story-telling.
Motion: Motion to approve Bob Zoell's final design for glass panels for the Secure Connector at San Francisco International Airport.
Moved: Garcia-Nakata/Lloyd
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Laguna Honda Hospital
Ms. Pontious presented the design of Lewis deSoto's tapestries 1999 and 2003 & 2006 to be installed at Laguna Honda Hospital. She explained that the series consists of sixteen tapestries with the history of Laguna Honda Hospital, which was established in the mid-1800s. Mr. deSoto has completed the first twelve and is now working on the remaining four for the new hospital. The tapestry titled 1999 depicts newspaper clippings regarding the passage of Proposition A for the rebuilding of Laguna Honda Hospital with 73 percent of the vote. The tapestry includes an image of City Attorney Louise Renne and a depiction of her in a cartoon by Phil Frank. The tapestry titled 2003 & 2006 depicts the groundbreaking for the new building and images of construction. Ms. Pontious explained that the images are carefully pieced together with Photoshop and the tapestries are woven in Belgium with a computer program that allows for a complex blending of colors to create a photographic effect. The dimensions for each tapestry are four by seven feet. The image of a campaign button will be included on the tapestry entitled 1999. The final two tapestries will celebrate the dedication of the completed hospital.
Motion: Motion to approve design of Lewis deSoto's tapestries 1999 and 2003 & 2006 for Laguna Honda Hospital.
Moved: Lloyd/Garcia-Nakata
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Civic Art Collection Inventory - Progress Report
Ms. Pontious referred Commissioners to a staff report that includes the progress made on the full inventory of the Civic Art Collection, including data from the completion of Phase I and the plans for Phases II and III. Ms. Pontious emphasized the importance of completing the inventory, which includes locating and documenting all the works in the collection. She also stated that once the inventory is complete, the Arts Commission can consider reinstating its loan program, which the Commission suspended when former Collections Manager Debra Lehane retired.
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Leland Avenue Streetscape Improvement (Great Streets) Project
Project Manager Tonia Macneil presented the program for a new public art opportunity generated by DPW's Leland Avenue Streetscape Improvement project. She distributed plans to the Commissioners and screened images of the street, explaining that the community would like to have a free-standing sculpture at the corner of Leland and Bayshore Boulevard. According to DPW planners, the community is interested in creating a sense of destination at this intersection and would like the artwork to have some relationship to the recently completed Visitacion Valley Greenway, with sculptures and mosaics by Fran Martin and Jim Growden, which has been more than ten years in the making and extends six blocks up an adjacent hillside. Ms. Macneil noted that the improvements to Leland Avenue will include new lighting, seating areas, a bulbed-out sidewalk, and deciduous trees on the sidewalk. Another possible site for artwork would be at the entrance to the Greenway, at the intersection of Leland and Peabody. Ms. Macneil introduced Adam Varat of the Planning Department who was available for questions. Ms. Macneil showed an example of the type of work that might be appropriate for the site: a columnar light fixture created with a tile base that would resist graffiti. Ms. Macneil requested approval from the Commissioners to proceed with the project.
Ms. Macneil stated that the budget is $38,000 for the design and installation of the artwork, and DPW has provisionally committed to providing the concrete base for the artwork. Commissioner Johnston inquired about the bulbed-out sidewalk and how that would affect traffic at the intersection of Leland and Bayshore Boulevard. Mr. Varat explained that there are a few parking spaces that will be removed to prevent congestion. Ms. Macneil indicated that the timeline for the selection of an artwork for the site is tight. Arts Commission staff will need to convene a community meeting within the next month to confirm the artwork location and obtain their input. Community response will be a factor in determining the final location of the artwork. Commissioner Johnston acknowledged the need to consult with the community and honor their strong opinions if possible. Commissioner Garcia-Nakata emphasized the importance of informing the community of the limited possibilities due to the size of the budget.
Motion: Motion to approve the public art program for the Leland Avenue Streetscape Improvement Project.
Moved: Garcia-Nakata/Lloyd
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City Hall Commemorative Bust Guidelines
Ms. Manton distributed a draft of the City Hall Commemorative Bust Guidelines and presented some of the major points in the guidelines. She began by stating that the only gift of artwork that will be considered for placement in City Hall will be commemorative busts of either an elected official or someone whose contribution to the history of the city are well documented. Any recommendations regarding the placement, removal or relocation of a bust will be reviewed with the Mayor's Office. In addition, the Arts Commission will require a $5,000 maintenance reserve for each new bust. When possible, the Arts Commission will make its best effort to communicate with the family and relatives of the official honored by the bust if the bust needs to be relocated. In order to achieve consistency in style and look, the pedestals of the busts will be stone and the bust itself will be made of bronze; in addition, the pedestals will be clad on all four sides. Ms. Manton also stated that the Mayor's Rotunda will be reserved for the busts of individuals who have served as Mayor of the City and County of San Francisco; similarly, the Board of Supervisor's Ceremonial Rotunda will be reserved for individuals who served as a member of the Board of Supervisors for the City and County of San Francisco.
Commissioner Johnston stated that the guidelines reflect common sense. While he has some reluctance over introducing a new set of guidelines that involve the Mayor's Office as well as the City Hall Preservation Advisory Commission, he is aware that not having the guidelines makes the Arts Commission vulnerable to criticism. Commissioner Johnston continued to say that he does take issue with reserving the Mayor's Rotunda and the Board of Supervisor's Ceremonial Rotunda strictly for individuals who served as a Mayor and Supervisor. Commissioner Garcia-Nakata agreed that the guidelines do not need to be so specific. She stated that there should be fewer guidelines, but simplified and broader. Commissioner Garcia-Nakata also suggested that the language regarding a maintenance endowment should be revised to include a reserve, in addition to an endowment.
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Private Percent for Art Legislation
Ms. Manton reported on the progress of the proposed amendments to the Private Percent for Art Legislation. She stated that she met with John Rahaim, Director of City Planning, Susan Cleveland-Knowles, Deputy City Attorney, Larry Badiner, Zoning Administrator, AnMarie Rodgers, Manager of Legislative Affairs, with Mike Farrah, Director of the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services, participating via telephone. Ms. Manton stated that the proposed legislation involves the one percent for art requirement for private developers in the Downtown C-3 District and responds to the Mayor's desire to improve the quality of commissioned artworks in public spaces. She stated that private developers currently have the option to spend the one percent for art requirement in a publicly accessible location on their property, in an adjacent public space, or towards the restoration of the Mint. Arts Commission staff joined the Mayor's staff in meeting with private developers to hear their concerns and interests in the development of this legislation. The first component consists of aesthetic oversight by the Arts Commission of the artwork selected by private developers for their properties in the C-3 downtown district. The Arts Commission would be required to comment within 60 days of submission and the Arts Commission would charge a reasonable administrative flat fee for the consultation and review of the proposed artworks. She reported that Mr. Rahaim was concerned about the additional work that would be required of private developers interested in creating a public artwork for the space.
Ms. Manton continued to say that after 9/11, the lobbies of buildings are no longer considered public spaces. As a result private developers are limited in the spaces where they can place an artwork. The new legislation would provide more options for the private developers who could opt to deposit funds in a Public Art Trust. The Trust would be used to commission new temporary and permanent work with a maximum of 15 percent from any particular project to be contributed to a repair and conservation reserve. Ms. Manton reported that the Planning Department viewed this option as less money for the commission of artwork, but stated that the Planning Department's biggest objection was the 20 percent administrative fee that would go to Arts Commission staff for managing the projects; Ms. Manton noted that the 20 percent figure is consistent with the current administrative fee allowed by the Art Enrichment ordinance for managing public art projects. She stated that the Planning Department thought the fee was too high and that it would take money away from artists. Ms. Manton stated that the thresholds for the administrative fee could be lowered depending on the total budget of the project. Commissioner Garcia-Nakata thought that a flat fee was okay, but there should be some flexibility in case a project lasts much longer than anticipated. Ms. Manton agreed that there could be two different fee structures depending on the total budget.
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Transbay Terminal Public Art Program
Ms. Manton stated that she will report on the progress of the Transbay Terminal Public Art Program during the next Visual Arts Committee meeting.
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Rabbinoid Relocation
Ms. Manton reported that Gerald Heffernon's bronze Rabbinoid sculpture will be placed at an alternate location, on the campus of the Laguna Honda Hospital, which was approved by the Hospital Chief Administrator, with a plaque that states the sculpture is there on a long-term loan. Ms. Manton stated that this is an interim solution to the Arts Commission's concern with the safety of the sculpture.
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California Street Steps Proposal
Ms. Manton reported on a proposal by the Friends of Lincoln Park for the beautification of the California Street Steps, which has been in the works for three years. She presented images of the proposed tile design by artist Aileen Barr. Ms. Manton stated that while the Arts Commission supports this project, there is currently a moratorium on the acceptance of gifts because of limited staff resources. The Friends have proposed a $45,000 maintenance endowment and the Arts Commission is interested in sharing maintenance responsibilities and costs with the Recreation and Park Department. Ms. Manton explained that she met with Dennis Kern, Recreation and Park Department's Director of Operations, who stated that he was willing to take the proposal of shared responsibility to Recreation and Park Department's General Manager Yomi Agunbiade. Commissioner Johnston stated that Mr. Agunbiade's last day in the office was last Friday. He stated that another possible solution after the $45,000 is exhausted is to include the maintenance money in a future bond. Commissioner Johnston stated that he will follow up with Steve Kawa regarding the proposal and stated his enthusiastic support for the project based upon the success of the 16th Avenue stairway by the same artist.
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New Business
Ms. Manton reported that Patrick Dougherty's proposal for Civic Center Plaza is moving forward based on a recent conversation between Director of Cultural Affairs Luis R. Cancel and the Mayor's Office.
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Old Business
There was no old business to report.
