City and County of San FranciscoSan Francisco Arts Commission

May 7, 2012

Full Commission - May 7, 2012

MEETING OF THE FULL ARTS COMMISSION
Monday, May 7, 2012
3:00 p.m.
African American Art and Culture Complex


Minutes

Commission President JD Beltran called the meeting to order at 3:04 p.m.
 

  1. Roll Call
    Commissioners Present
    JD Beltran, President
    Sherene Melania, Vice President
    Mark Breitenberg
    John Calloway
    Gregory Chew
    Amy Chuang
    Charles Collins
    Roberto Ordeñana
    Barbara Sklar
    Ron Miguel, ex officio

    Commissioners Absent
    Leo Chow
    Dorka Keehn
    Jessica Silverman
    Cass Calder Smith
    Kimberlee Stryker

     

  2. Approval of Minutes
    Commissioner Ordeñana made the correction in the Consent Calendar, Item 5, that he is Development Director at the San Francisco Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center, not the Queer Cultural Center. There were no other corrections, and the minutes were approved with that correction.

    RESOLUTION NO. 0507-12-127: Motion to approve April 2, 2012 Minutes.

     

  3. President’s Report
    President Beltran was thrilled to report the removal of a public artwork: The Keith Haring sculpture at Third and Howard has been removed for cleaning and conservation, and the pedestal will be upgraded with new lighting. She added that the best news was that the work was being done with a $65,000 grant from the Keith Haring Foundation, and $10,000 from ArtCare. She noted the fast track on this project: the sculpture will be reinstalled this summer in time for Pride at the end of June. President Beltran showed photos of the statue being deinstalled in preparation for the work, and thanked Collections Senior Registrar Allison Cummings for her work on the project.

    There was no public comment.

     

  4. Director’s Report
    Director of Cultural Affairs Tom DeCaigny reported thanked everyone for coming to the African American Art and Culture Complex (“AAACC”), and thanked AAACC Director London Breed and her staff for their help in setting up the meeting. He explained that as a way to increase community involvement, the Commission was meeting at one of the City-owned Cultural Centers, and he hoped Commissioners and others would take this opportunity to tour the Center and see what the agency is supporting.

    Mr. DeCaigny reported that discussions and planning for the agency’s move to the War Memorial Veterans Building, scheduled for 2015, are proceeding. He met with War Memorial Director Beth Murray and the project architects, signed off on the floor plan for the third floor office space, and draft plans for the first floor gallery and Street Artists Program office. He reported that he and staff planned to meet with Commissioner Chow to discuss ideas for the space. He reported that they will be assessing storage in the basement and other areas, with an eye toward the needs of collections storage. He noted that San Francisco Museum of Modern Art was a previous occupant, and was therefore confident that there was a good starting point for museum-quality storage. He reported that he will continue to update the Commission, and that he and staff are working to secure capital funding for the move over the next couple of years.

    Mr. DeCaigny reported that he had presented a full third-quarter financial review to the Executive Committee at its April meeting. He said that the actual expenditures were slightly over budget in salaries and benefits, because of a budget assumption by the Mayor’s Budget Office of a set attrition rate. While this attrition rate may be accurate for larger departments, it is not accurate for a small agency like the Arts Commission with few staff and low turnover. He explained that this shortfall has historically been met with prior-year savings, and that he and staff are looking for a longer-term solution.

    Turning to the budget, Mr. DeCaigny reported that it is moving forward, on schedule for approval by the Mayor’s office, submission to budget analyst Harvey Rose, and submission to the Board of Supervisors for approval in June. He added that Arts Commission staff gathered a number of people from various parts of the arts community to meet with the Mayor, making the case that the arts should be part of policy discussions throughout the City’s departments, and can be a valuable contributor throughout. The group also discussed the challenge of finding affordable space for artists, both for housing and for studio and performance spaces; the importance of the Hotel Tax Fund as a significant revenue stream for the arts; how to expand the successes with Central Market to up to 28 other commercial corridors throughout the city.

    Mr. DeCaigny reported that there will be a request for proposals in June, for a consultant to work with the agency on strategic planning over the next two years. This will include capital planning, arts education planning tied to Public Education and Enrichment funds at the San Francisco Unified School District, the core agency plan, and planning for all seven programs at the Arts Commission.

    Mr. DeCaigny reported that he and Cultural Equity Grants (“CEG”) staff met with CEG grantees to discuss the future of the granting program. He said that it was a great conversation, with 20 to 25 grantees, both long-time and new, covering what the grants have meant to them and their visions of the future. Mr. DeCaigny saw this as an interim year, and he expected that there would be some changes as a result of the strategic planning process.

    He reported that at the invitation of Vice President Melania, he had spoken briefly at a performance by Presidio Dance Theatre. Vice President Melania explained that her company had given two free 45-minute performances for about 6,000 San Francisco Unified School District students at the Opera House, and she very much appreciated Mr. DeCaigny’s inspiring introductory remarks.

    Public Comment:

    Peter Warfield of Library Users Association apologized for being late, and said that he had not heard the Director mention the Sunshine Ordinance Task Force hearing the preceding Wednesday, which unanimously found the Arts Commission in violation of a requirement to record all meetings, including the Visual Arts Committee. He said that the Committee did not record the meeting he attended in August, 2011. He said that he saw puzzlement on one Commissioner’s face, and said that the Sunshine Ordinance Task Force had made it clear that all subcommittees are subject to the requirement that Charter bodies make audiorecordings of their meetings. He said that the previous ruling relied on a misunderstanding, and that this was a rehearing. He was disappointed not to hear it mentioned in the Director’s report.

    He thanked Vice President Melania for announcing at the Commission’s last meeting a program which he attended, and had a nice time.

    President Beltran noted that it is now the Commission’s policy to record all public meetings.

     

  5. Consent Calendar
    President Beltran severed item 6 on the Consent Calendar, the Individual Artist Commissions from Cultural Equity Grants, to allow Commissioner Calloway to recuse himself, since he had a potential conflict. He left the room, and the Commission considered the item separately.

    There was no public comment.

    The motion passed unanimously, with the recusal of Commissioner Calloway.

    Community Arts, Education and Grants Committee Recommendations (April 10, 2012)
    RESOLUTION NO. 0507-12-134:
    Motion to approve recommendations to award 58 grants totaling $235,860 in the 2011-2012 cycle of Individual Artist Commission grants to the following individuals, and to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into grant agreements with each for the amounts listed:
    Annie Danger, $5,060
    Anthony Williams, $10,000
    Benjamin Levy, $8,100
    Dave End, $8,100
    Deborah Slater, $7,700
    Elizabeth Stephens, $10,000
    Erling Wold, $10,000
    Francis Wong, $9,500
    Guillermo Gómez-Peña, $10,000
    Idris Ackamoor, $8,100
    Jacob Felix Heule, $8,100
    Jewlia Eisenberg, $7,700
    Jon Jang, $9,500
    Lenora Lee, $8,100
    Leticia Hernandez, $7,700
    Lily Cai, $8,100
    Lisa Gray-Garcia, $8,100
    Marcus Shelby, $10,000
    Mica Sigourney, $8,100
    Monique Jenkinson, $10,000
    Nathaniel Justiniano, $8,100
    Sara Shelton Mann, $10,000
    Sascha Jacobsen, $8,100
    Scott Wells, $10,000
    Sean Dorsey, $10,000
    Todd Brown, $10,000
    Weishan Liu, $7,700

    Commissioner Calloway returned after the vote, and President Beltran took up the remainder of the Consent Calendar. She called for public comment.

    Public Comment:

    Mr. Warfield requested that items 14 and 15 (regarding blanket resolutions for collections and public art projects) be severed from the Consent Calendar. He said that these motions would make major changes. He was not sure what the current financial threshold was, and said that item 14 allowed for approval of contracts up to $500,000, and that this would certainly change the ability of the Director of Cultural Affairs to make these arrangements.

    As to item 15, Mr. Warfield said that this was an apparent change to allow approval of contracts and purchase orders without any resolution from the Commission as a policy body.

    There was no further public comment.

    President Beltran severed items 14 and 15 and called for a vote on the remainder of the Consent Calendar; it was approved as follows.

    RESOLUTION NO. 0507-12-128:
    Approval: RESOLVED, that this Commission does hereby adopt the following items on the Consent Calendar and their related Resolutions:

    Approval of Committee Minutes

    1. RESOLUTION NO. 0507-12-129: Motion to approve the Civic Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes of March 19, 2012.
       
    2. RESOLUTION NO. 0507-12-130: Motion to approve the Community Arts, Education and Grants Committee Meeting Minutes of April 10, 2012.
       
    3. RESOLUTION NO. 0507-12-131: Motion to approve the Visual Arts Committee Meeting Minutes of April 18, 2012.
       
    4. RESOLUTION NO. 0507-12-132: Motion to approve the Civic Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes of April 23, 2012.

      Visual Arts Committee Recommendations (September 11, 2011)

    5. RESOLUTION NO. 0507-12-133: Motion to approve an artist honorarium in the amount of $1,500 to Bert Bergen for his curatorial and artistic contributions to an SFAC Gallery exhibition about silkscreening in the Bay Area scheduled for exhibition at San Francisco City Hall.

      Visual Arts Committee Recommendations (April 18, 2012)

    6. RESOLUTION NO. 0507-12-135: Motion to approve Gays Without Borders to shroud the Harvey Milk Bust at City Hall for International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, May 17, 2012.
       
    7. RESOLUTION NO. 0507-12-136: Motion to approve the following arts professionals as potential panelists for the Art on Market Street Selection Panel:
      Ellen Oh, Program Administrator, Institute for Diversity in the Arts, Stanford University
      Julio Morales, Adjunct Curator, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
      Courtney Fink, Executive Director, Southern Exposure
      Maysoun Wazwaz, Program Manager, Mills College Art Museum
      Kevin Chen, Program Director, Intersection
      Jenifer Wofford, artist
      Thien Pham, artist
      Packard Jennings, artist
      Helena Keeffe, artist
      Stephanie Syjuco, artist
       
    8. RESOLUTION NO. 0507-12-137: Motion to approve the final designs with revised text for Celebrating Bay Area Arts poster series by artist Paul Madonna for the Art on Market Street Program 2012-2013, which includes a total of 36 posters installed in 18 bus shelters on Market Street between Embarcadero and 8th streets from June to September 2012.
       
    9. RESOLUTION NO. 0507-12-138: Motion to approve revised designs by Merge Conceptual Design for the fire station artwork at the new Public Safety Building.
       
    10. RESOLUTION NO. 0507-12-139: Motion to approve the design proposal by Johanna Poethig for an artwork at Hamilton Park.
       
    11. RESOLUTION NO. 0507-12-140: Motion to approve two new tapestry designs by artist Lewis deSoto for Laguna Honda.
       
    12. RESOLUTION NO. 0507-12-141: Motion to approve the project approach for a public artwork at Fire Station 36 as part of the Earthquake Safety Emergency Response Neighborhood Fire Stations Public Art Project.
       
    13. RESOLUTION NO. 0507-12-144: Motion to approve final material and finish sample for Cayuga Playground artwork gates by Eric Powell.
       
    14. RESOLUTION NO. 0507-12-145: Motion to approve Boeddeker Park Public Art Program Project Outline, including direct selection of artist Amy Blackstone for art enrichment.
       
    15. RESOLUTION NO. 0507-12-146: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a contract with Amy Blackstone for design, fabrication, transportation and installation of an artwork for Father Alfred E. Boeddeker Park in an amount not to exceed $25,600.

      Executive Committee Recommendations (April 23, 2012)

    16. RESOLUTION NO. 0507-12-147: Motion to approve expenditure of up to $12,000 from Administrative Fund to cover costs of celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Street Artists Program on June 30, 2012.
       
    17. RESOLUTION NO. 0507-12-148: Motion to approve Advance Written Determination for Director of Cultural Affairs to serve on the Board of Directors for the California Alliance for Arts Education.

      Civic Design Review Committee Recommendations (April 23, 2012)

    18. RESOLUTION NO. 0507-12-149: Motion to approve Phase 3 of the Third Street Light Rail 4th and Brannan Station.
       
    19. RESOLUTION NO. 0507-12-150: Motion to approve Phase 1 of the 17th and Folsom Playground contingent upon reorienting the shade structure, reducing the service area, exploring additional entryways, lowering the fencing, opening visual permeability from the street, and relating the planting and design to the history and culture of the Mission Creek area.

      President Beltran called for discussion of items 14 and 15. She began by reporting that both of these items were explained and discussed at the Visual Arts Committee by Mr. DeCaigny, and were reviewed and approved by the City Attorney’s office. Mr. DeCaigny explained that this is one of several blanket resolutions for the Arts Commission to be reviewed and revisited. He explained that these two motions were intended to clarify the prior resolutions, and that several other departments use similar blanket resolutions.

      Public Art Program Director Susan Pontious explained that the two resolutions were primarily clarifications of the language of the prior resolutions, which, for example, did not make clear what kinds of agreements they applied to. She explained that, at the recommendation of the City Attorney’s office, a cap on the dollar amount has been added; the prior resolutions had no cap. She explained that these resolutions applied to the execution of ongoing projects already reviewed and approved by the Commission. She reiterated that any design decisions still require approval by the Commission, and these resolutions do not diminish their authority. She compared the resolutions to the Commission’s approval of people for prequalified pools, to allow the agency to do the necessary work in a timely manner, or to deal with emergencies. She added that these resolutions provide for greater efficiency.

      President Beltran pointed out a key phrase, “subject to any required approvals from” the City Attorney’s office, the Controller’s office and the Arts Commission. She said that neither resolution obviates the need for the Arts Commission’s approval of projects and designs.

      Public Comment:

      Mr. Warfield said that the Commission had just received a very unfavorable audit from the Controller’s office, that funds were being spent without being authorized, and taken from unauthorized sources. He said there was no need to detail the problems. He said that he was very concerned with the destruction of the Bernal Heights Library mural, and the abject failure of this Commission to review it. He considered it very concerning that the Commission wants to have very high amounts authorized without its approval. He said that, if anything, the Commission should want to tighten up the financial controls. He said that it was not just that he was unhappy with this particular project. He said that the Controller’s report said that the Commission did not exercise sufficient oversight over the previous Director’s spending. He said that he appreciated Ms. Pontious’s explanation, and asked the Commission to very seriously reconsider the amounts in the two resolutions. He said that he was not alleging there was illegality, and was glad that the Commission has consulted the City Attorney’s office. He said that to authorize paying vendors half a million dollars, or $100,000, the Commission should seriously consider tightening its supervision and review. He said that all of this seems to require a public agenda, and that this cuts out the public, that the public would not have the same kind of notice as if these expenditures were on an agenda with explanatory documents.

      There was no further public comment.

      President Beltran said that the Commission has been very cognizant of being in compliance with the Controller’s report, and she is very familiar with how the agency is responding to it. She said that this is largely because of the efforts of Deputy Director Rebekah Krell and Mr. DeCaigny, who meet regularly with the Controller’s office. She said that the numbers in the resolutions are high, but these expenditures are for projects and items subject to the approval of the Commission. As an example, she said, once the Commission approves entering into a multimillion dollar contract, there may be a required demolition cost of $300,000 as part of that project, which this resolution authorizes.

      Commissioner Breitenberg said that he wanted the record to reflect that the new leadership has worked extremely hard to create openness, and he and the Commission are very confident. He added that any move to increase nimbleness in the agency’s operations is to be applauded.

      Commissioner Sklar added that these resolutions were discussed at the Visual Arts Committee meeting, and the goal was to make government operations more efficient. She said that things were going very well, and the Committee wanted this process to be carefully thought-out, and would not have brought it to the full Commission without that.

      The resolutions were passed unanimously as follows.

      Visual Arts Committee Recommendations (April 18, 2012)  

    20. RESOLUTION NO. 0507-12-142: Motion to modify blanket Resolution #0806-07-216 to read as follows: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs, in consultation with the City Attorney’s Office and the Controller’s Office, and subject to any required approvals from those or other City agencies, to take action, without a resolution from the full Commission, on the following items: Approve contracts, purchase orders or direct payment vouchers up to $500,000 with conservators, art technicians, or other qualified contractors for the purpose of performing conservation, maintenance and repair on works of art in the City’s art collection; approve contracts, purchase orders, or direct payment vouchers up to $500,000 with art service providers for transportation, storage, installation, de-installation of artwork, construction of cases, vitrines and framing, and other similar work related to the care and maintenance of the City’s collection that does not require design approval from the Commission.
       
    21. RESOLUTION NO. 0507-12-143: Motion to modify blanket Resolution #0205-01-063 to read as follows: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs, in consultation with the City Attorney’s Office and the Controller’s Office, and subject to any required approvals from those or other City agencies, to take action, without a resolution from the full Commission, on the following items: Approve contracts, purchase orders, or direct payment vouchers not exceeding $100,000 for services provided by a wide range of vendors, including but not limited to: 1) artists, contractors, consultants, printers, graphic designers, photographers, signage fabricators and photo labs, whose services do not require design approval from the Commission; 2) approve of contract modifications and additional project expenses not exceeding $100,000 that are within the project budget, but do not require design approval by the Commission; 3) approve start-up of new art enrichment projects, including determination of overall project parameters; 4) approve short listed candidates recommended by Selection Panels 5) authorize entering into design contracts not to exceed $100,000.
       
  6. Committee Reports and Committee Matters
    1. Executive Committee
      1. Vice President Melania reported that the Committee reviewed the budget, and called the work Mr. DeCaigny and Ms. Krell are doing really amazing. She said there was a clear shift to the transparency everyone wants for the agency. She said that Mr. DeCaigny and Ms. Krell were extremely patient and thorough with the Committee’s questions about the variety of funding sources, including the General Fund, the Public Utilities Commission and others.

        She reported that the Committee received a report from Street Artists Program Director on the upcoming celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Street Artists Program. She reported that the Committee also approved a small budget for a small festival in celebration. She reiterated that this was at no cost to the street artists, and all of the money was coming from administrative funds. On behalf of the Commission, she thanked Mr. Lazar for his many years of service to the program from its beginning.

        She reported that the Committee had an update from researcher Brianna Smith on the book on the Arts Commission’s history. She said that it contains an amazing history, capturing the work done by the Commission over the years, and the Committee is looking forward to its publication in the spring.

        Finally, she reported, the Committee approved Mr. DeCaigny’s service on the Board of Directors of the California Alliance for Arts Education (“CAAE”). The Committee felt this was a natural fit to have a voice on arts education at a national level. They felt that with the broad impact of the CAAE, the Committee was happy to have Mr. DeCaigny’s voice in the national conversation.

         

    2. Civic Design Review Committee—Cass Calder Smith, Chair
      1. In the absence of Commissioner Smith, Commissioner Breitenberg reported that the Committee reviewed three projects. First, the Fourth and Brannan Street station on the Third Street Rail line. He explained that this is the last aboveground station before the line turns north to Moscone Center and Union Square.

        The second project, he reported, was the Kimbell Playground. He explained that there will be new restrooms, with the design reflecting a more naturalistic plan, and addressing safety concerns.

        Finally, he reported that the Committee reviewed a new park at 17th and Folsom streets, where there is currently a vacant lot. He reported that there was tremendous community support, and real influence from the community on what the park will look like. He said that it will be open to the street, and reflect community history. He added that some of the parking spaces will be removed to allow for increased community garden space.

         

    3. Community Arts, Education and Grants Committee
      1. Vice President Melania reported that the Committee had a midyear review of the African American Art and Culture Complex (“AAACC”), and it was wonderful to see the range of organizations that the Arts Commission is supporting.

        She announced several upcoming events, including the WritersCorps celebration at the Main Library on Wednesday, May 9, in the Latino/Hispanic meeting room. She encouraged everyone to attend, to support the students and meet the teachers. She announced that on Thursday, May 17, ArtPadSF would take place at the Phoenix Hotel, featuring emerging artists, StreetSmarts artists, and a live performance by soul singer Martin Luther. She announced that on Friday, May 18, 49ers tight end Vernon Davis would unveil a new Where Art Lives mural at Bayview Opera House, and would award the Vernon Davis Visual Arts Scholarship at Young at Art at the de Young Museum. Finally, she announced Kevin Epps’ screening of his film, Straight Outta Hunters Point 2, at Bayview Opera House on Sunday, May 20.

         

      2. African American Art and Culture Complex (“AAACC”) Executive Director London Breed welcomed the Commission, staff and members of the public to the center. She reported that over the years, with the help of Community Arts and Education Program Director Judy Nemzoff, the center has completed over $2.5 million in repair work and upgrades, including bringing elevators, restrooms, doors and other features up to Americans with Disabilities Act standards, upgrading lighting and making the space brighter and more open. She said that this required cooperation with other Arts Commission staff, the Mayor’s Office on Disability, the Public Utilities Commission and other City agencies. She added that lots of work remains to be done, including upgrades to the downstairs restrooms and repairs to windows that have been cracked for many years.

        She thanked the Commission for their support and commitment, acknowledging that other Cultural Centers also have lots of issues, and it was important for their physical spaces to thrive to allow them to serve the community for many years to come.

        She reported on a few of AAACC’s activities, including the May 12 opening of A Raisin in the Sun, directed by L. Peter Callender for the African-American Shakespeare Company. She invited everyone to attend the opening reception and performance.

        Ms. Breed reported that the center has hosted amazing visual arts exhibitions, including the doll show that had just closed, funded by the San Francisco Foundation. She announced the upcoming show about the decline in the African American population in San Francisco, opening in the Sargent Johnson Gallery on the first floor. She pointed out the artwork on the walls of the meeting room, and noted that those who visit AAACC frequently see how often it is transformed by new artworks.

        She reported that the center had hired a full-time case manager, explaining that the neighborhood has lots of low-income housing, and lots of young people with lots of needs. She said it was critical to provide some social services, even though this is an arts center, because children cannot take advantage of the arts opportunities without addressing those other needs.

        She reported that the Talent Allstars dance troupe is a really positive program, and the kids love their instructor. They have traveled all over the state and to Nevada. She reported on Project Level, which has young people in the recording studio learning about positive messaging, audio technology, and the music industry. She explained that students have to apply to the programs and demonstrate their serious commitment.

        Acknowledging Thomas Simpson, Artistic Director of AfroSolo, Ms. Breed announced that AfroSolo, with a Kaiser grant of $5,000, held its annual Mo’Magic health fair and backpack giveaway.

        She mentioned some highlights of the center’s efforts to green the community, including the Zipcar in the parking lot, and workshops by the Bicycle Coalition on safe biking. She reported that the center is working with Hayes Valley Farm and Community Grows on activating the Buchanan Mall, among other projects. She concluded by saying that she tried to maximize the use of the cultural center’s indoor space, and also take it out to the streets around it, and she thanked the Commission for their time and attention.

        Commissioner Calloway said that he has served as liaison with AAACC, and he was very pleased with the work they are doing. He praised her efforts in addressing the social issues of underserved youth, as well as art for art’s sake. He said that the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts played a similar role for him when he was growing up.

        Ms. Breed added that she recently ran into one of the very talented young people who had come through the center’s arts programs, who has graduated and is now looking at job opportunities.

        Mr. Simpson spoke, explaining that AfroSolo is a resident organization at AAACC and has been since 2002, a few months before Ms. Breed began her tenure. He said that he has seen continued growth and development in the center. He argued that the hiring of a social worker, while perhaps not part of the arts, is key; if people can’t focus because of instability at home, they can’t do art. He sees this as “pre-art,” critical to getting prepared for what is available for them here. He said that the center was a supportive, safe and collaborative place, and that other larger organizations are coming to see what they can learn from AAACC’s leadership.

        Finally, he thanked the Commission for their hard and sometimes thankless work.

        Vice President Melania presented the following motion. There was no public comment, and the motion was approved.
         

      3. RESOLUTION NO. 0507-12-151: Motion to approve recommendations to award ten grants totaling $29,750 in the 2011-2012 cycle of Arts For Neighborhood Vitality to the following organizations, and to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into grant agreements with each for the amounts listed:

        Out of Site: Center for Arts Education, $3,000
        Bernal Heights Outdoor Cinema, $3,000
        Excelsior Action Group, $3,000
        Marigold Project, $2,750
        The Bay Bridged, $3,000
        Genryu Arts, $3,000
        Kulintang Arts Inc., $3,000
        Chinese Historical Society of America, $3,000
        Chinese Culture Foundation of San Francisco, $3,000
        Come Out and Play San Francisco, $3,000

        Vice President Melania presented the following motion, correcting an error in Organization Project Grant amounts.

        Public Comment:

        Mr. Warfield asked whether these were the kinds of things not required to come before the Commission under the blanket resolutions approved above.

        President Beltran explained that grants like these always required the Commission’s approval of the individual amounts and did not fall under blanket resolutions.

        Mr. DeCaigny reiterated that the Commission must approve all grants, and that the blanket resolutions covered contracts or direct payments.

        There was no further public comment.

         

      4. RESOLUTION NO. 0507-12-152: Motion to revise Resolution No. 0402-12-093 to correct a clerical error. The corrected motion is as follows:

        Motion to enter into grant agreements to award 42 grants totaling $491,340 in the 2011-2012 Organization Project Grants cycle and to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into grant agreements with the following organizations for the amounts listed:

        3rd i South Asian Independent Film Festival, $11,260
        ABADA Capoeira San Francisco, $11,260
        Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center, $11,850
        Campo Santo, $11,260
        Center for the Art of Translation, $11,850
        Charming Hostess, $11,850
        Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco, $10,690
        Clerestory, $8,690
        Croatian American Cultural Center, $11,850
        CubaCaribe, $11,850
        Dancers’ Group, $11,850
        Eldergivers, $10,690
        EXIT Theater, $11,850
        Garret Moulton Productions, $11,850
        Genryu Arts/Gen Taiko, $11,850
        Intersection for the Arts, $11,850
        Jess Curtis/Gravity, $11,850
        Joe Goode Performance Group, $11,850
        Kearny Street Workshop, $11,250
        Kulintang Arts, Inc., $11,850
        Litquake, $11,850
        Margaret Jenkins Dance Company, $11,850
        ME’DI.ATE, $11,850
        Museum of Craft and Folk Art, $11,850
        National Japanese American Historical Society, $11,850
        Out of Site: Center for Arts Education, $11,850
        PlayGround, $11,850
        Playwrights Foundation, $11,850
        Post Ballet, $11,850
        Queer Rebel Productions, $6,600
        Root Division, $11,250
        San Francisco Chamber Orchestra, $11,850
        San Francisco Friends of Chamber of Music, $11,850
        San Francisco Transgender Film Festival (Tranny Fest), $5,090
        Scott Wells and Dancers, $11,850
        Shadowlight Productions, $11,850
        Small Press Traffic Literary Arts Center, $11,850
        Stepology, $11,850
        Voice of Witness, $11,850
        Women’s Audio Mission, $11,850
        Writers Among Artists, $1,660
        Yerba Buena Arts and Events, $11,850

         

    4. Street Artists Committee—Gregory Chew, Chair
      1. Commissioner Chew reported that the Committee was scheduled to meet on May 9, and would be interviewing candidates for the Advisory Committee of Street Artists and Craftsmen Examiners, and making recommendations to the Mayor’s office for their appointment. He thanked Mr. DeCaigny for his support in making possible the celebration of the program’s 40th anniversary on June 30.

        Commissioner Chew said that this was a great program, with more than 435 artists all around the city, generating $4,000,000 in revenue for the city. He encouraged everyone to check out the artists.

        Commissioner Chew presented the following motion.

         

      2. RESOLUTION NO. 0507-12-153: Motion to approve requests by former certificate-holders for priority issuance of certificate with waiver of re-screening of wares: Cristiano Rocha, Joseph Darby, Tania Echegaray, Joann Chen, David Aguilar, Guo Xie, Jampa Kalsang, Caroline Saxl, Glendon Codling.

         

    5. Visual Arts Committee
      1. Commissioner Sklar said that most of what the Committee discussed has already been reported. She said that they discussed the Keith Haring sculpture and parks projects, and spent a lot of time on the blanket resolutions. She said that the next round of Market Street posters were wonderful.

        She presented the following motion to approve fine art service providers.

        Public Comment:

        Mr. Warfield asked about blanket resolutions.

        There was no further public comment.

        The motion was approved as follows.

         

      2. RESOLUTION NO. 0507-12-154: Motion to approve the following vendors for the list of pre-qualified fine art service providers:
        Angotti & Reilly, Inc.
        Anne Rosenthal Fine Art Conservation
        Architectural Conservation, Inc.
        ARG Conservation Services
        Atthowe Fine Art Services
        Brady Fine Art
        Chrysalis Art Conservation
        City Picture Frame
        Conservation Solutions
        Evergreene Architectural Arts, Inc.
        Rowan Geiger
        Lawrence Fine Art Services
        May Painting Conservation
        Mikhail Ovchinnikov Art Conservation
        Thomas Portue
        Rayko Photo Center
        Ria German-Carter
        Rocket Science
        Ship/Art International
        Sterling Art Services, LLC
        Stonesculpt

         

  7. Public Comment
    Mr. Simpson wanted to bring to the attention of the Commission the very famous Black artist Sargent Johnson, for whom AAACC’s gallery is named, and who lived in San Francisco for part of his life. Mr. Simpson reported that in the 1990s, Mr. Johnson began to carve a tree into a human form on Divisadero. With development, he said, the sculpture was moved to Golden Gate and Webster, where it has been lying on its back for ten years, rotting. He said it was not clear who owns the piece, and perhaps it belongs to the City or to the Arts Commission. He asked if the Commission could investigate before the piece rots away.

    Collections Senior Registrar Allison Cummings said that staff is aware of the piece, that it is not part of the City’s collection, and is on currently on Public Housing property.

    Ms. Breed said that she had heard that it was Johnson’s work, then heard that it was a sculpture of Johnson made by someone else. She said that she heard that Department of Public Works Director Mohammed Nuru wanted to raise the sculpture, until he heard that it was intended to be horizontal.

    She suggested contacting Lizzetta LeFalle-Collins, an expert on Johnson’s work, since the artwork keeps coming up. President Beltran showed a slide of Johnson’s work, calling him one of the most famous sculptors to have lived in San Francisco, and promised the Commission would look into this.

    Director of Legislation and Special Initiatives Jill Manton wanted to be sure Commissioners were aware of the ArtCare event on May 17.

    Mr. Warfield said that he was glad folks were concerned about the preservation of someting good, and wished they were consistently concerned. He said that at the Commission’s last meeting, there was some response from the President. He said that while in general he didn’t know that it was appropriate to argue with members of the public, he appreciated the dialogue. He cited the minutes about the Bernal Heights Library mural destruction project. He said that he has consistently said that this was not a community process, and the Library Commission never presented to the Arts Commission the history or content of the mural, or pictures of the mural when it was fresh. He said that the Arts Commission never saw that material, according to the minutes of its meetings, and never discussed the specific content of the existing work or what was going into the new mural. He said that he would describe the discussion as sawdust, repeating “process, process.”

    He said that the recording of the August Visual Arts Committee meeting made it difficult to verify what had been discussed. He said that the Library Commission never discussed specifics. He said that Arts Commission staff attended the Library Commission meeting, and that the name of Victor Jara never came up, nor the words in the mural. He said that it was rich in neighborhood history and social history, which was specifically not discussed at the meetings. He said that Supervisor Campos appointed a body that had no public minutes or agendas, and was highly flawed. He said there was an upcoming complaint before the Sunshine Ordinance Task Force, and that documents he requested were tremendously redacted. He found that the Sunshine Task Force found a violation of the law.

    There was no further public comment.
     

  8. New Business and Announcements
    Commissioner Collins said this would be an action-packed month, with several really big events. First, he announced the opening on Thursday, May 10, of the San Francisco Art Institute’s graduate show. He said that the school has a long history of amazing artists.

    He announced several events from May 17 through May 20, including the opening the Fine Arts Fair, benefiting Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, and ArtCare; the ArtPadSF event at the Phoenix Hotel featuring emerging artists; and the Fine Arts Fair hosting a lifetime achievement award for Roselyne “Cissie” Swig. He asked Ms. Manton to speak about this event.

    Ms. Manton said that the Fine Art Fair event was a fundraiser for the Arts Commission’s ArtCare program, which supports the City’s collection. She said that the City budget provides a paltry sum for collection maintenance, most of which is consumed by graffiti abatement. She said that the event serves a positive purpose, and honors a civic arts leader who has given a great deal to the arts community. She said that Ms. Swig, a former Arts Commission President, has given a great deal to the Arts Commission, the Museum of Modern Art and other institutions, and has been widely honored, including by the Berkeley Art Museum the previous week. She said that there would be VIP passes for the Commissioners, who could tour the fair, and that the event would include refreshments and a short program.

    Commissioner Collins said that it was wonderful to see so many people honoring Ms. Swig at the event in Berkeley, and that she believes in art’s ability to unlock people’s potential to have their own voice. He acknowledged African-American Shakespeare Company Executive Director (and former Arts Commissioner) Sherri Young, and encouraged everyone to see the company’s production of A Raisin in the Sun, praising it as one of the greatest works of American theater.

    Commissioner Calloway reminded everyone that Carnaval would take place at the end of May, with the festival on Saturday and the parade on Sunday. He said that it was somewhat scaled down, and that his Latin Jazz Youth Ensemble would be performing. He invited everyone to come out and enjoy this free celebration.

    President Beltran showed several images, including artwork by Paul Madonna, who draws All Over Coffee in the San Francisco Chronicle, and will be doing a series of Market Street posters. She showed the artwork for the posters, including a drawing of Chinatown with a quote from Amy Tan, the Keith Haring sculpture, the Castro Theatre, Rigo23’s mural, the Opera House, and the Golden Gate Bandshell, with text about Isadora Duncan. She applauded Public Art Program Manager Mary Chou for her work.

    Ms. Manton reported that she was working with the public art for the Public Utilities Commission’s (“PUC”) office building; the PUC is not required to go through the Visual Arts Committee. She reported that they have purchased Paul Madonna works for their project.

    Public Comment:

    Mr. Warfield said he was glad that everyone would be able to attend the no-cost VIP event, and asked how he and other members of the public could get these passes. He asked about the Berkeley event honoring Ms. Swig. He said that A Raisin in the Sun was a tremendous sensation when it opened in New York, and that like other great works, it maintains its vitality.

    Commissioner Chew announced that the Asian Art Museum will unveil a colossal red lotus sculpture in Civic Center Plaza, Breathing Flower by Choi Jeong Hwa, on May 18.

    Ms. Breed thanked everyone for being there, and said that she forgot to mention that the Queer Cultural Center and Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center were having events and programs at AAACC, and she was happy to have them as community partners. She said that everyone was welcome to these events, and that they don’t print a lot of material. She encouraged people to e-mail info@aaacc.org or visit the center’s website at aaacc.org. She left some materials for members of the public, invited everyone to visit anytime, and again thanked everyone for attending.

    Public Art Program Manager Marcus Davies announced that on May 22, at 9:30, there would be a ribbon-cutting at the newly renovated Mission Playground, featuring a sculptural fence by neighborhood artist Michael Bartalos. President Beltran announced that Mr. Bartalos was just awarded a full scholarship to Stanford.

    Vice President Melania announced that her Presidio Dance Company would perform its annual Dancing Across Cultures concert at the Palace of Fine Arts on June 1.

    There was no further new business or announcements.

     

  9. Adjournment
    There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:45 p.m.

     

    5/31/12 spr