Visual_Arts_Committee
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 VISUAL ARTS COMMITTEE
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
3:00 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70
Revised Minutes
Commissioners Present
Leonard Hunter, Jeannene Przyblyski, Lawrence Rinder, Pop Zhao
Absent: Dede Wilsey
Staff Present
Richard Newirth, Director of Cultural Affairs; Jennifer Lovvorn, Tonia Macneil, Jill Manton, Judy Moran, Susan Pontious, Meg Shiffler
Note: All votes are unanimous unless recorded otherwise.
The meeting commenced at 3:05 p.m.
- The following motion was withdrawn from the Consent Calendar.
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- Motion to approve the six final poster designs by artist Abner Nolan to be reproduced into 24 posters for temporary exhibition in kiosks on Market Street from February 10 to May 11, 2006, as part of the Art on Market Street 2006 Kiosk Poster Program.
Commissioners recommended slight revisions to the poster designs by Abner Nolan. Commissioner Przyblyski stated that the design needs to include more context to help clarify the artist’s concept. Commissioner Hunter suggested putting the newspaper caption in quotes or altering it graphically to look more like a newspaper caption. Commissioner Przyblyski recommended that the caption be separated from the photo. Project Manager Judy Moran stated that she would convey these recommendations to the artist. Commissioner Przyblyski further suggested that it would be interesting to develop a related website where viewers could post their responses to the posters.
The motion was revised as follows:
Motion to approve the six poster designs by artist Abner Nolan (contingent upon recommended revisions) to be reproduced into 24 posters for temporary exhibition in kiosks on Market Street from February 10 to May 11, 2006, as part of the Art on Market Street 2006 Kiosk Poster Program.
Motion: Motion to adopt the revised consent calendar item
Moved: Rinder/Hunter
- Review of Design by Alexander MacLeitch for private Percent-for-Art at the Patson Building at 275 Sacramento
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton stated that the Patson Building at 275 Sacramento is in the C-3 zone of downtown San Francisco, and therefore is subject to a 1% for art requirement. The design proposal by Alexander MacLeitch associated with this building requires Arts Commission approval because the artwork would be located on the sidewalk,in the public right-of-way. She introduced Kelley Amdur of the Planning Department and artist Alexander MacLeitch.
Mr. MacLeitch stated that in 2001 he had been invited by the developer of the Patson Building to submit an artwork proposal for the lobby. His proposed cityscape sculpture had the approval of the developer and tenants but was rejected by the Planning Department because the lobby was not designated as public space. At that point, Mr. MacLeitch began research to create a new proposal for outside the building. His current proposal is based on the history of the site, which had been underwater as part of the bay (Yerba Buena Cove), and later became a shoreline street to early San Francisco. He presented photographs and historic maps of the evolution of the site to the Commissioners. Mr. MacLeitch stated that he would like to create 28 bronze bas-relief fish-shaped plaques integrated into brick-colored concrete which would be embedded in the sidewalk (skewed from the grid) surrounding the Patson Building. While he has a background in art and fishery biology, he was interested in creating a fun piece and has therefore not rendered the fish in a realistic manner. He presented a mockup of the tile and a site plan of the sidewalk. Mr. MacLeitch added that he consulted with a concrete contractor who stated that the placement of the colored concrete art elements into the sidewalk skewed from the sidewalk grid would not pose a cracking issue.
Commission Hunter stated that he likes the skewed placement of the concrete squares and feels that the concept is fine, but the fish design falls short of his predilections and taste. He thinks the imagery is too cartoony.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that Mr. MacLeitch has done a lot of work on the two proposals, and has taken the process very seriously. She stated that this sort of curatorial work needs to be consolidated within the Arts Commission. As a historian, she has some problems with the design proposal conceptually. Historical markers have already been placed in sidewalks along the old waterfront. She cited an example of an embedded bronze plaque that marks the original shoreline, which is currently hidden under newsstands and other sidewalk elements, and is subject to maintenance problems due to gum and other grime. She noted that while staff has problems with the proposal, they commented that the artist has broader experience. She stated that another proposal would serve the artist better. She suggested that the artist move the originally proposed cityscape sculpture to the sidewalk.
Ms. Amdur stated that the artwork needs to be placed in the most visible location possible and the Planning Department thought that the bulb-out was a good location. She added that the Zoning Administrator made a determination that the developer could either have the artist do a piece on the sidewalk or give the money to the Mint.
Ms. Manton stated that Arts Commission staff did review the artist’s proposal and past work and had recommended alternatives to the fish proposal to the artist.
Commissioner Rinder stated that he likes the wavy cityscape sculpture and does not like the fish proposal. He added that the cityscape sculpture has the same charm as the public sculptures located along downtown sidewalks in Portland, Oregon.
Commissioner Przyblyski proposed that the Arts Commission work with the Planning Department to convince the developer to look at an alternative to the fish proposal.
Director of Cultural Affairs Richard Newirth stated that Mayor Newsom has made a point of championing public sculpture and he thinks that the Mayor would support the cityscape sculpture to be located on the sidewalk.
Ms. Manton added that the Arts Commission would assist the artist in consulting with the City’s ADA Coordinator on the sculpture’s placement on the sidewalk outside the building.
Mr. MacLeitch stated that while he feels that the bronze fish proposal has merit, he would be open to creating a cityscape sculpture to be located on the sidewalk. He expressed concern about whether the developer would be supportive of this alternate proposal.
Commissioner Przyblyski noted that there are many freestanding sculptures on sidewalks around San Francisco.
Commissioner Przyblyski and Mr. Newirth stated that they would each contact the Mayor’s Office to request support for the proposal of a freestanding cityscape sculpture by Mr. MacLeitch.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that there will be a meeting between the staff of the Arts Commission and the Planning Department with the developer to work on a resolution to this issue.
The following motion was tabled.
Motion: Motion to decline approval of the design by Alexander MacLeitch for numerous cast bronze fish embedded in the sidewalk surrounding the Patson Building at 275 Sacramento.
- Gallery Report
Gallery Program Director Meg Shiffler reported that she is working on upcoming programming for the Gallery for 2006. She has started to do research on an exhibition series that would coincide with the earthquake centennial. The series would be titled “Six,” and could include work from a Mission-based print collective, a web-based project, work by an artist who works with archives, an artist residency at the gallery, and work by an artist who does unconventional repairs to broken objects. The work will be related to a variety of concepts, but will not be a literal response to the 1906 earthquake. The series will span a three-month period, June to August. She would like half of the projects to be outside the Civic Center.
She stated that in the fall the Murphy Cadogan award exhibition takes place, and in the winter, there will be a theme-based group exhibition at the gallery with related satellite projects.
She stated that she would like to meet with Commissioners individually to discuss how she can utilize them as a resource.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that the projects sound interesting and she is very excited to see the exhibitions.
- Laguna Honda Hospital
Project Manager Susan Pontious reminded Commissioners that they had reviewed Terry Hoff’s design proposal a few months ago, and had recommended that the content of the pieces be more ambiguous. She stated that the artist made changes to the designs in response to the recommendations. She presented full scale mock-ups for the chalkboard and clocks pieces. She stated that the chalkboard piece is meant to be written on with chalk, and chalk will be supplied. Regarding the clock mock-up, Ms. Pontious stated that the artist could add flower elements to give the piece more interest and depth. She stated that both pieces are intended to help with way-finding. She stated that both pieces are designed to withstand interaction, and can be washed with soap and water. The niche into which the clock piece will be installed is four feet high by ten feet wide and will be built to include lighting for the artwork. The chalkboard piece will not be installed in a niche.
Motion: Motion to approve the Terry Hoff mockups for artwork for Laguna Honda Hospital.
Moved: Hunter/Rinder
- Airport
Project Manager Susan Pontious gave an update on the proposed Sister City artwork for San Francisco International Airport. She stated that Lewis deSoto’s proposed project uses the same light projection technology as his State Seal piece at the San Francisco Superior Court. Ms. Pontious presented an image of the proposed projection piece for the airport. The piece would include one projection per Sister City. This proposal has the advantage of allowing for easy, discrete and cost-effective removal or addition of Sister Cities as changes occur. This project would be located in the upstairs concourse.
Ms. Pontious stated that Lewis deSoto could also add Sister City medallions to his “On the Air” piece which is located on the downstairs concourse. “On the Air” is a piece which consists of 160 bronze medallions installed in the terrazzo floor representing the most heavily trafficked international airports. She stated that augmenting this piece to include Sister Cities would only happen once.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that the modifications to the “On the Air” piece are unnecessary and that it would muddle the original concept of the piece.
Ms. Manton recommended that Mr. deSoto do a light check on the projection prototype on a very bright day to ensure that it will be visible.
Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into an agreement with Lewis deSoto for an amount not to exceed $6,000 for design development (including development of a prototype) of his proposal for a project honoring San Francisco ’s Sister Cities at San Francisco International Airport.
Moved: Hunter/Rinder
- Upper Noe Recreation Center
Project Manager Tonia Macneil reported on the conceptual proposal by Troy Corliss for the Upper Noe Recreation Center. She presented site plans and photos, indicating that it was determined that the best location for artwork would be at the entrances. The selected artist, Troy Corliss, has developed a conceptual proposal to create oversized steel and brass sculptures of local native flora which would be mounted above head level at three entryways from the street and one on the site. Ms. Macneil presented material samples of the steel and brass and explained that the artist would like the sculptures to have a non-decorative, forged feel. She presented conceptual designs for the pieces to be located at the west Day Street entrance, the Children’s Play Area, the east Day Street entrance and the 30th Street entrance. The sculptures range from four to six feet tall and all, except the Children’s Play Area piece, would be mounted on top of gate columns. Ms. Macneil stated that the artist would like to include glass elements at the center of several of the flowers, including the Yellow Verbena sculpture to be located at the Day Street pedestrian gate.
Commissioner Hunter noted that the piece for the Children’s Play Area would be a climbing opportunity in its current configuration. He asked that it be redesigned so that it cannot be climbed or otherwise damaged. He asked that the artist consider revising the single floret at Day Street west so that it would be more three-dimensional instead of flat as the artist had proposed.
Motion: Motion to approve the conceptual proposal by Troy Corliss for an artwork for the Upper Noe Recreation Center.
Moved: Rinder/Zhao
- Minnie and Lovie Ward Recreation Center
There was no report on this item.
The following motion was continued to the next meeting.
Motion: Motion to approve the trophy mockups created by Jon Rubin and Jim Goldberg, replacing the normal statuettes with two-dimensional photographs of community members, as the artwork for Minnie and Lovie Ward Recreation Center.
- Third Street Light Rail
Project Manager Judy Moran stated that she is seeking approval for increases in the amount of two contracts for the Third Street Light Rail due to increased consultation and project oversight requirements during fabrication and installation of the artworks.
Motion: Motion to increase the amount of the Art Rail, Ltd. contract for Fabrication, Transportation and Consultation for Installation of Artworks on the Third Street Light Rail transit platforms from a total amount not to exceed $340,000 to a total amount not to exceed $350,000, to include an increase in the Artist Fee from $15,000 to $23,000, and an increase in the expense budget from an amount not to exceed $325,000 to an amount not to exceed $327,000, for increased consultation, project oversight requirements and windscreen design costs during fabrication and installation of the artworks.
Moved: Zhao/Rinder
Motion: Motion to increase the amount of the Nobuho Nagasawa and Anita Margrill contract for Fabrication, Transportation and Consultation for Installation of Artworks for the Third Street Light Rail transit platforms from a total amount not to exceed $400,000 to an amount not to exceed $417,000, to include an increase in the Artist Fee from $15,000 to $32,000, for increased consultation and project oversight requirements during fabrication and installation of the artworks.
Moved: Rinder/Hunter
- Central Subway
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton reported that the selection panel for the Central Subway Art Pool recently met and reviewed the work of 75 artists. The panelists included: Commissioner Rinder; John Thomas, MUNI Project Manager; Constance Lewallen, Senior Curator, University Art Museum; and Kendal Henry, Public Art Consultant. The panel narrowed the pool down to 30 artists. She explained that when the projects move forward Commissioners will have the opportunity to recommend additional artists. The Central Subway Pool artists are also eligible for the 2005-2007 Qualified Artist Pool.
Commissioner Rinder stated that it was nice to work with the other panelists.
The following motion was revised.
Motion: Motion to approve the recommendation by the Central Subway selection panel of the following thirty artists and artist teams for the prequalified Central Subway Artist Pool, to be eligible for future consideration for artwork at each of three underground transit stations and one light rail transit platform planned for the Central Subway transit project, and also eligible for the 2005-2007 Prequalified Artist Pool: Ming Fay, Ann Gardner, Mike Mandel, Michele Oka Doner, Elwood LLC, Carl Cheng, Christian Moeller, Xavier Roux, Janet Zweig, Vito Acconci, James Carpenter, Mags Harries and Lajos Heder, Sheila Levant de Bretteville and Glen Cummings, Jody Pinto, Jim Campbell and Werner Klotz, Mildred Howard and John Winder, Roberto Behar and Rosario Marquardt, Janet Echelman, Keith Godard, Ralph Helmick and Stuart Schechter, Christopher Janney, Donald Lipski, Don Merkt, Tom Otterness, Buster Simpson, Laurie Lundquist, Anna Valentina Murch, Susan Schwartzenberg and Michael Davis, Po Shu Wang, and Katherine Aoki.
Moved: Rinder/Hunter
- 2005 Prequalified Artist Pool
Project Manager Susan Pontious reported that the 2005 Prequalified Artist Pool selection panel met twice to review artists’ work. She explained that establishing a prequalified pool of artists is more efficient for the Public Art Program and for artists as there is only one call to artists and only one submission of materials by interested artists. The selected artists will be eligible for consideration for new public art projects through 2007.
Motion: Motion to approve the 2005 Selection Panel’s list of prequalified artists for the 2005-2007 pool: Seyed Alavi, Tomie Arai, Deborah G. Ascheim, Alice Aycock, Jo Babcock, Ron Baron, Todd Barricklow, Beep’ Inc., J.D. Beltran, Lynda Benglis, Donna Billick/Arthur Gonzales, Jaap Bongers, Sarah Bostwick, Beliz Brother, Cris Bruch, Bill and Mary Buchen, Mark Calderon, Ed Carpenter, James Carpenter, Robert Catalusci, Alfredo Ceibal, Dewey Crumpler, Joyce Dallal, Roberto Delgado, Lewis deSoto, Lisa Dinhofer, Ellen Driscoll, Felipe Dulzaides, Janet Echelman, Electroland, Jackie Ferrara, Claudia Fitch, Christian French, Karen Ganz, Cliff Garten, Sheila Ghidini, Brian Goggin, Red Grooms, Barbara Grygutis, Mags Harries and Lajos Heder, Al Held, Taraneh Hemami, Robin Hill, Timothy Horn, Oliver Jackson, Amana Brembry Johnson, Kristin Jones and Andrew Ginzel, Lorna Jordan, Ned Kahn, Jun Kaneko, Anne Marie Karlsen, Mel Katz, Sheila Klein, Paul Kos, Nils Krueger, Gyongy Laky, Mark Lere, Heidi Lippman, Cork Marcheschi, Fran Martin, Walter Martin and Paloma Muñoz, Howard Meehan, Mary Miss, Peter Mollica, Gwynn Murrill, Darlene Nguyen-Ely, Al Price, Peter Reiquam, Peter Richards, Kent Roberts, Roxene Rockwell, Isis Rodriguez, John Roloff, Jon Rubin, Jim Sanborn, Norie Sato, Vicki Saulls, Tad Savinar, Jovi Schnell, Leni Schwendinger, Vicki Scuri, Scott Snibbe, Christopher Sproat, Michael Stutz, Athena Tacha, Catherine Wagner, Ann Weber, Elizabeth Cheatham Wild, Otto Youngers, Faye Zhang, and Bob Zoell.
Moved: Hunter/Rinder
- Temporary Sculpture Installation in Justin Herman Plaza South
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton reported that Black Rock Foundation is seeking approval for the temporary exhibition of “Passage,” a sculpture by Dan DasMann and Karen Cusolito, in Justin Herman Plaza South for a period of approximately three months. She introduced Mark Van Proyen of Black Rock Foundation.
Mr. Van Proyen explained that “Passage” is a piece which was displayed at Burning Man in fall 2005 and features two welded steel figures, which stand at 30 feet (mother figure) and 20 feet (child figure). He distributed images of the sculptures as installed at Burning Man and photos of the proposed site. He stated that there will be design modifications to either eliminate the fire element or replace it with a lighting element. The budget for the temporary exhibition is approximately $18,000, all of which would be raised by Black Rock Foundation.
Ms. Manton stated that Black Rock Foundation is seeking Arts Commission approval and would then need to get approval from the Department of Recreation and Parks. They are hoping to get all the necessary approvals so that the work can be installed in March. Commissioner Przyblyski stated that Black Rock Foundation might also need approval from the Port, as that site might be under their jurisdiction.
Commissioner Rinder stated that he is not certain about this piece. He does not feel that it is aesthetically convincing.
Mr. Van Proyen stated that Black Rock Foundation has six or seven possible sculptures that it would like to place, but it has been difficult for find a suitable location for the others due to the special installation requirements of each piece.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that everyone appreciates all the work that Black Rock Foundation has done. She stated that the David Best “ Temple ” piece was a great success, but she agreed with Commissioner Rinder’s reservations about “Passage.” She also expressed concerns about the appropriateness of the work to the proposed site. She stated that the Ferry Building area is a prime location, and this work is better suited to a less mainstream location. She suggested that Black Rock Foundation consider alternate sites, especially in underserved areas of the city. She added that Black Rock Foundation may want to consider having an annual temporary exhibition of the best pieces from Burning Man every year in the fall after the event, rather than having ongoing temporary exhibitions year round.
Mr. Van Proyen responded that the ongoing temporary exhibitions help give Black Rock Foundation more visibility.
Commissioner Hunter recommended that the Arts Commission have an internal discussion regarding its temporary exhibitions policy. He also recommended that the motion be continued to a Special Visual Arts Committee meeting so that Black Rock Foundation could present better documentation of the proposed pieces, and explore whether there might be a more suitable site or alternate piece.
The following motion was continued to a Special Meeting of the VAC to occur on January 9, 2006.
Motion: Motion to approve the temporary exhibition of “Passage,” a sculpture by Dan DasMann and Karen Cusolito, in Justin Herman Plaza South sponsored by the Black Rock Arts Foundation for a period of three months after all required approvals are obtained.
- Moscone Center
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton gave an update on the Diller + Scofidio project. She reported that Ric Scofidio and Matthew Johnson of Diller + Scofidio met at the Moscone Center with Pol-X West and Honeybee Engineers to study the motion system. Honeybee Engineers is investigating the booming noise related to the motion system and a report and recommendation will be forthcoming. She stated that Diller + Scofidio also had a meeting about the stainless steel banding on the soffit rail and had suggested that no action be taken until a survey of the upper and lower tracks has been performed. Enclos Corporation, the curtain wall fabricator, finally excavated around the column to investigate the cause of the clanging noise. They may need to make a modification to the base of the column to remedy this problem.
- New Business
Commissioner Przyblyski wished Commissioners and staff happy holidays.
- Old Business
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that the Broadway Streetscape Project was discussed once at the Visual Arts Committee and twice at Civic Design. Both she and Commissioner Hunter have been very vigorous in asserting that the art should be an integral and strong component of the over all project. She added that the Visual Arts Committee likes the artist’s concept, but feels that the form needs to be further developed. She suggested that the design be finalized before it is presented to the community.
Ms. Macneil stated that the Department of Public Works Project Manager was asked to meet with Supervisor Aaron Peskin. This meeting was also attended by community members Julie Christianson and Lizzie Hirsh. They expressed concern about the appropriateness of having any art on the site. Ms. Macneil reported that the Department of Public Works suggested that there be a meeting with key community members prior to the larger community meeting.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that the Department of Public Works needs to do its outreach work. The Arts Commission selected an artist through a public process, but the design process is still in its preliminary stages. She added that the Arts Commission’s community outreach efforts are broad and not targeted to a single group. Commissioner Przyblyski recommended that staff attend the Department of Public Works community meetings in an informational capacity, but she stated that it is important to be clear that the artwork goes through a public process as part of the Arts Commission’s selection and review. She stated that the proper place for reviewing the artwork is at the Arts Commission and not at various community meetings. She added that any decision about the artwork will be made by the Arts Commission.
- Adjournment
As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:15 p.m.
Submitted by Jennifer Lovvorn, Public Art Program Associate
Approved by Richard Newirth, Director of Cultural Affairs
1/3/2006
Notices
Explanatory documents are available for public inspection and copying at the Arts Commission office, 25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 240, San Francisco, CA 94102 during regular business hours. INFO: Jennifer Lovvorn (415) 252-2594.
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