November 5, 2012

MEETING OF THE FULL ARTS COMMISSION
Monday, November 5, 2012
3:00 p.m.
City Hall Room 416
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place

Minutes
 

Commission President JD Beltran called the meeting to order at 3:02 p.m.
 

1. Roll Call
   Commissioners Present
   JD Beltran, President
   Sherene Melania, Vice President
   John Calloway
   Gregory Chew
   Leo Chow
   Amy Chuang
   Charles Collins
   Dorka Keehn
   Roberto Ordeñana
   Barbara Sklar
   Cass Calder Smith
   Kimberlee Stryker
   Gwyneth Borden, ex officio

   Commissioners Absent
   Jessica Silverman
    

2. Approval of Minutes

   Public Comment:
   Paula Datesh said she had changed her name and was no longer Paula Datesh. She took issue with the minutes, and while she said she understood they were required only to summarize the discussion, she said that huge parts of her remarks at the last meeting were omitted.

   There was no further public comment and the minutes were approved as submitted.

   RESOLUTION NO. 1105-12-296: Motion to approve October 1, 2012 Minutes.
    

3. President’s Report
   President Beltran reported that the agency is completing staff performance reviews, and making changes to the organization chart, in part in response to the Controller’s Report. She praised Mr. DeCaigny and Deputy Director Rebekah Krell for their work on this.

   Mr. DeCaigny added that the reviews are being completed with the City’s Performance Plan and Appraisal Report (“PPAR”), along with a new more general instrument. He expects all reviews to be completed by the end of November.

   President Beltran explained that the Executive Committee was responsible for reviewing the Director, and is also using the City’s instrument along with a self-evaluation and a staff-wide survey. She explained that when the Committee has compiled all of the results, they will discuss the draft evaluation with Mr. DeCaigny and deliver the final document to the Mayor and the Department of Human Resources.

   Finally, President Beltran said that the Mayor’s Art Award has been postponed, and the Mayor has offered the City Hall Rotunda for the event. Mr. DeCaigny added that the event is tentatively set for the end of January.

   There was no public comment.
    

4. Director’s Report
   Director of Cultural Affairs Tom DeCaigny said that on October 11, the Board of Supervisors Government Audit and Oversight (“GAO”) Committee discussed the Civil Grand Jury Report, and he and other City staff were present to answer questions. Mr. DeCaigny reported that the GAO Committee asked for a six-month update on the question of a potential “friends of the Arts Commission” organization. He reported that staff is working with the City Attorney’s office to determine what can and can’t be done in this regard; for example, the organization may not be able to use City staff time. He added that there is great interest in the community, and President Beltran added that a member of the public has offered pro bono legal service to establish a 501(c)(3) organization.

   Mr. DeCaigny reported that Arts Commission staff and Recreation and Park Department (“Rec-Park”) staff have been meeting to discuss implementation of a new memorandum of understanding between the two agencies, on the model of the Airport Art Steering Committee and its management of public artworks at San Francisco Airport. Noting that each agency has its own concerns, he explained that a Rec-Park and SFAC steering committee would deal with Coit Tower and other public artworks with shared responsibility between the two agencies. He added that the Airport Art Steering Committee includes both Commissioners and staff from both the Airport and the Arts Commission, who oversee the care and conservation of the artworks under shared jurisdiction.

   Mr. DeCaigny reported that the GAO tabled several of the Civil Grand Jury Report’s recommendation for the budget process, including expenditures for collection maintenance and conservation, and the agreement with the San Francisco Symphony. He added that several of the report’s recommendations fell under the jurisdiction of other agencies.

   Turning to program matters, Mr. DeCaigny announced that the Cultural Equity Grants Program had application deadlines for Organization Project Grants (“OPG”) and Native American Arts and Cultural Traditions on November 8. He added that the OPG is the largest grant and has the most applications. He announced a call for artists for the Public Art Prequalified Artist Pool, with a deadline of January 15; there will be workshops at SOMArts and Bayview Opera House to help artists apply.

   Mr. DeCaigny reported on 2 Blocks of Art on Market Street, held on September 28 and again on October 19, in partnership with Urban Solutions. He described some of the activities and exhibits, including an installation at Baldwin House and a fire dance performance by Solar Flare.

   Mr. DeCaigny reported that Supervisor Mar, Recreation and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg, and Department of Public Works Director Mohammed Nuru participated in the dedication of the new Fulton Playground, featuring a kinetic sculpture by Moto Ohtake. Mr. DeCaigny commended Public Art Program Senior Project Manager Jennifer Lovvorn and Public Art Program Project Manager Marcus Davies for their work on this project.

   Mr. DeCaigny was honored to attend the thirty-fifth anniversary celebration of Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts on October 5, along with Supervisor Campos and other officials. Highlights included a proclamation from the Mayor, and awards to Ester Hernandez and other artists. Mr. DeCaigny commended Community Arts and Education staff for their work on the event, including Program Manager Robynn Takayama and Program Associate Cristal Fiel.

   Finally, Mr. DeCaigny announced that a painting from the Civic Art Collection was included in the recently opened San Francisco Museum of Modern Art’s retrospective of Jay DeFeo: Masquerade in Black. Public Art Program Director Susan Pontious highly recommended the show, which also includes the legendary Rose. President Beltran noted that this was the first comprehensive retrospective of DeFeo’s work.

   There was no public comment.
    

5. Consent Calendar
   President Beltran called for a vote on the Consent Calendar. There was no public comment, and it was approved as follows.

   RESOLUTION NO. 1105-12-297:
   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. 1105-12-298: Motion to approve the Civic Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes of October 15, 2012.
       
   2. RESOLUTION NO. 1105-12-299: Motion to approve the Visual Arts Committee Meeting Minutes of October 17, 2012.

      Civic Design Review Committee Recommendations (October 15, 2012)

   3. RESOLUTION NO. 1105-12-300: Motion to approve Phases 1 and 2 of the ESER 1, Fire Station #36 Renovation with the contingency that the colors and materials are reviewed prior to Phase 3, and ramp and rear yard options are explored.

      Visual Arts Committee Recommendations (October 17, 2012)

   4. RESOLUTION NO. 1105-12-301: Motion to increase the contract with Amy Blackstone for design, fabrication, transportation and installation of an artwork for Father Alfred E. Boeddeker Park from $25,600 to an amount not to exceed $32,560.
       
   5. RESOLUTION NO. 1105-12-302: Motion to endorse All City Canvas, an urban contemporary art festival that will bring the best urban artists from around the world to create original site-specific works in San Francisco in the fall of 2013.
       
   6. RESOLUTION NO. 1105-12-303: Motion to approve the 11-inch wall text “Look Up Their Courage Shines” behind the cylinder, pending approval of BALEAF, and the back wall design for the Shimon Attie artwork to be installed in the Public Safety Building.
       
   7. RESOLUTION NO. 1105-12-304: Motion to approve the following finalists for the Central Subway: Yerba Buena/Moscone Station Ticketing Hall Wall as recommended by the Yerba Buena/Moscone Station Ticketing Hall Wall Selection Panel: Kota Ezawa, Amanda Hughen and Jennifer Starkweather, Jim Isermann, Leslie Shows, and Pae White.
       
   8. RESOLUTION NO. 1105-12-305: Motion to increase Amy Ellingson’s contract for her mosaic artwork (10 feet high by 117 feet long) in Boarding Area E in Terminal 3 at San Francisco International Airport from $15,000 to a new contract amount not to exceed $438,550 for completion of the design development, fabrication, transport and installation phases.
       
   9. RESOLUTION NO. 1105-12-306: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into an agreement with Merge, for an amount not to exceed $50,000, for conceptual design through construction documents for a suspended sculpture incorporating light for Boarding Area E in Terminal 3 at San Francisco International Airport as recommended by the San Francisco International Airport Public Art Selection Panel.
       
   10. RESOLUTION NO. 1105-12-307: Motion to approve the design concept by Eric Staller for the Children’s Play Area in Boarding Area E, and authorization for the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into an agreement with Eric Staller for an amount not to exceed $25,000 for conceptual design through construction documents as recommended by the San Francisco International Airport Public Art Selection Panel.
        
   11. RESOLUTION NO. 1105-12-308: Motion to approve the Selection Panel’s recommendation of Val Britton’s proposal for a design executed in laminated glass for the wall in the non-secure connector between Terminals 1 and 2 at San Francisco International Airport as recommended by the San Francisco International Airport Public Art Selection Panel.
        
   12. RESOLUTION NO. 1105-12-309: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into an agreement with Val Britton for an amount not to exceed $244,000 to design, fabricate and transport an artwork created in laminated glass panels for the non-secure connector between Terminals 1 and 2 at San Francisco International Airport.

       Executive Committee Recommendations (October 22, 2012)

   13. RESOLUTION NO. 1105-12-310: Motion to approve the proposed 2012-2013 Management and Program Plan (“MPP”) and budget for SOMArts Cultural Center, for a grant not to exceed $584,357, contingent upon completion of revisions to the MPP.
        
6. Committee Reports and Committee Matters
   Because of concern about time, President Beltran took the following reports out of order, calling first for those items which required a vote of the Commission.
   1. Visual Arts Committee—Barbara Sklar, Chair
      1. Commissioner Sklar reported that although she had been unable to attend the October meeting, the Committee, as usual, had a full agenda, and she presented the following motion.

         Community Arts and Education Program Director Judy Nemzoff explained that at the start of the fiscal year, Mr. DeCaigny had announced the availability of $900,000 in capital funds from the Mayor’s Office on Disability for work on the SOMArts building. She explained that work would be done on the main entrance at the front of the building to provide improved access, as well as new accessible doorways and bathrooms. It will be necessary to confirm that the façade is watertight, and that will require removing the existing murals on the building. President Beltran added that this work was required to ensure the structural integrity of the building, and Ms. Nemzoff confirmed it. In response to President Beltran’s question about the possibility of conserving the murals, Ms. Nemzoff explained that they were too heavily damaged, having been made on plywood in 1982 and 1990, and were not part of the Civic Art Collection.

         SOMArts Executive Director Lex Leifheit noted that both artists, Johanna Poethig and Frances Valesco, had submitted a letter to the Commission. She said that SOMArts staff had begun conversations with both artists on conserving or updating the murals before they knew the extent of the structural issues. She submitted the following letter from SOMArts for the record.

         “November 5, 2012

         “To: San Francisco Arts Commissioners
         “Re: Building repair and the removal of murals

         “Dear Commissioners:

         “SOMArts recently received notification that repairs would be done to address water damage, flaking paint and other exterior blight at the South of Market Cultural Center, and that these repairs would require the removal of two murals on the building’s facade, “Artifact” by Johanna Poethig and “Buffalo Sky” by Fran Valesco. We recognize the long history of these murals and at the last meeting of the SOMArts Board of Directors they declared their intent to honor the mural’s history and the contributions of the artists with a plaque depicting the murals in their prime, placed in a prominent location at South of Market Cultural Center. We welcome the participation of the SFAC in this process.

         “Moving forward, these repairs will be the first in a series of city-funded renovations including improvements to ADA accessibility at SOMArts that will alter the structure of the entrance. Plans for the visual design of the building’s exterior will be revisited once the structural changes have been determined, hopefully in spring or early summer of 2013.

         “SOMArts wishes to thank the San Francisco Arts Commission for its continued investment in the safety and accessibility of the South of Market Cultural Center. As tenants, we are committed to working closely with the Arts Commission on changes made to the visual character of the building following the renovation. Over the past five years there have been many suggestions from artists, staff and community members, both at public meetings and in conversations such as the ones with Fran Valesco and Johanna Poethig, about how changes to the building’s exterior could help San Franciscans access the cultural center as a resource, celebrate the neighborhood’s cultural heritage, aid in graffiti abatement and convey the dynamic activity taking place within. We hope to work with the SFAC so that future decisions about art on the building’s exterior are inclusive of the people and organizations who use the building on a regular basis, inviting to our neighbors, and respectful of the neighborhood’s rich cultural history.

         “Sincerely,

         “Lex Leifheit”

         Commissioner Sklar acknowledged the discussions between SOMArts, City staff and the artists. She added that the parties must acknowledge that climate and other factors caused the decline in the murals, and while it is good to save the images, sometimes the murals themselves unfortunately can’t be saved.

         President Beltran requested that the following letter from Ms. Poethig and Ms. Valesco be entered into the record.

         “November 4, 2012

         “To: SF Art Commission
         SOMArts

         “Re: Exterior murals at SOMArts

         “We recently received notification that the SOMArts building is badly in need of repair as well as ADA compliance work. Unfortunately that will affect the walls that have our murals and the repairs will result in their destruction. While we understand the need to bring the building into compliance and to restore the building’s structure, we regret the murals will disappear in the process. So many murals have been lost through time - up to 90% of Renaissance frescoes have disappeared - and it is the vagaries of history that decides which are kept. Think of the vernacular murals on the Berlin Wall.

         “Earlier, we had approached the SOMArts staff and board about restoration of these murals and redesigning them to integrate current times and serve SOMArts needs for better signage. Because of the work to upgrade the building, this process has taken a new turn. As older muralists we carry with us the memory of the neighborhood as it has changed over time. We would like to be part of the redesign of the building and help apply for funds to do new public art work for SOMArts that would draw on our original murals as well as serve the needs of an important cultural center in the 21st century.

         “As a neighborhood cultural center SOMArts is part of the diverse cultural heritage of the South of Market neighborhood and we hope that it continues to retain a unique flavor in the midst of a changing landscape. So often when buildings are redesigned today the aesthetic reflects the ongoing corporatization of our society. As an example, the landscape just next to SOMArts is overwhelmed by unattractive corporate logos and advertising. The SOMArts building itself stands out as an artifact of decades of neighborhood gatherings, events and art happenings that is more active than ever and always embracing the new while respecting the old. We would hope that another mural will be part of the architectural design for the new facade.

         “We are grateful that San Francisco is known as a city that has had exemplary murals celebrating its history, cultures and neighborhoods. Some of them have been saved, including Rincon Annex and Coit Tower, and they give us resource material for a particular time in our history.

         “As we let go of our work we ask that arts institutions in San Francisco begin to better address ways to preserve the mural history of the city as its public buildings are restored, redesigned and rebuilt. Mural preservation is an issue in cities across the United States and internationally. Non-commercial, large-scale images, especially on exterior walls that reflect a diversity of cultures, histories, ideas and aesthetics are vital to a democratic society. We have worked in our careers to contribute to this movement and will continue to do so.

         “Thank you for taking the time to read this letter.

         “Sincerely Yours,

         “Frances Valesco and Johanna Poethig”

         Commissioner Sklar called for a vote, and the motion passed unanimously.
          

      2. RESOLUTION NO. 1105-12-313: Motion to approve the destruction of Johanna Poethig’s painted mural, Artifact, and Fran Valesco’s mural, Buffalo Sky, located at 934 Brannan Street, following the expiration of a 90-day notice period in which the artist or a party authorized by the artist is given the opportunity to document, remove, and relocate the artwork.
          
      3. Turning to the next motion, regarding the approval of Ever Upward, a sculpture by Isis Rodriguez, for the corner of Geneva and Mission streets, Commissioner Sklar introduced Nicole Agbayani of the Excelsior Action Group to present the proposal.

         Ms. Agbayani discussed the neighborhood’s greening installations and initiatives, and how this sculpture, funded with a community challenge grant, is part of those efforts. Ms. Agbayani reported community support for the project, through six community meetings with over 200 community members. She added that the project had the support of Municipal Transportation Agency Director Ed Reiskin, District 11 Supervisor John Avalos and various community organizations.

         Explaining that “excelsior” in Latin means “ever upward,” Ms. Agbayani said that this was the concept of the artwork, marking the entrance to the neighborhood she described as a springboard for young families.

         Ms. Agbayani described the design and materials of the sculpture: a poured-concrete column covered in ceramic tile mosaic, topped with a phoenix-like shape of hot-rolled powder-coated steel. The total height is fourteen feet, and the width of the base is five and a half feet.

         President Beltran thanked her, and explained that Ms. Agbayani had presented the project at the last Visual Arts Committee meeting, but the Committee lost its quorum when a member had to leave. She added that this project was very much akin to a community mural: not commissioned by the Arts Commission, but under its jurisdiction by virtue of its placement on public property. She added that the Commission had oversight regarding safety and other issues, and final design approval, and that the piece would not become part of the Civic Art Collection.

         Mr. DeCaigny confirmed that there is a moratorium on accepting gifts to the Collection, in place for several years, because of concerns with conservation funds. He pointed that some pieces have been accepted, but with a twenty-year endowment to cover conservation. Ms. Agbayani said that their group was leaning toward making the piece a long-term temporary installation.

         Commissioner Sklar clarified that the Commission was being asked only to approve the site and the design. Commissioners discussed the design, and thought the flame was out of balance with size of the pedestal. They suggested that proportions should be changed, for example, by making the base two-thirds of the height, and the flame one-third.

         Public Comment:
         Ms. Datesh said she didn’t like the proportions.

         There was no more public comment.

         This motion was tabled and referred back to the Visual Arts Committee with a request for design changes as discussed.
          

   2. Street Artists Committee—Gregory Chew, Chair
      1. Commissioner Chew reported that the Committee would meet on November 14, and that there was a lot going on with the construction at Fisherman’s Wharf.

         He presented the following motion, explaining that the artists did leatherwork, photography and caricatures.

         There was no public comment, and the motion was approved as follows.
          

      2. RESOLUTION NO. 1105-12-311: Motion to approve requests by former certificate-holders for priority issuance of certificate with waiver of re-screening of wares: Michael Lax, Shui Kuen Yu, Barry Prager, Hsien Jen Chiu.

         Commissioner Chew presented the following motion. There was no public comment, and the motion was approved as follows.
          

      3. RESOLUTION NO. 1105-12-312: Motion to approve request by applicant for waiver of 15-day requirement for obtaining a certificate: Seth Jordan Thomas.

         Public Comment:
         Ms. Datesh said that she did not know anyone named Mike Addario, and that he continues to harass her, and she continues to get e-mails from him. She said they were very slanderous, and she showed them to the Arts Commission four years ago. She said she didn’t know why, and she did everything she could to avoid this. She said Mr. Addario continues to call her brother, an attorney in Walnut Creek, and her sister in New York. She said she doesn’t know what he wants. She said everyone wants to work legally, and she wouldn’t think of continuing. She said that she has complained ad nauseam, for well over four years.

         There was no further public comment.
          

   3. Executive Committee—JD Beltran, Chair
      1. President Beltran reported that her President’s Report covered the Executive Committee’s activities. She said that they discussed the performance review of the Director of Cultural Affairs, and the status of the Mayor’s Art Award.

         There was no public comment.
          

   4. Civic Design Review Committee—Cass Calder Smith, Chair
      1. Commissioner Smith reported that new bathrooms and pump stations are looking good, that the Committee found the design of the new firehouse interesting. He said that work on the park at 17th and Folsom streets is close to finished.

         There was no public comment.
          

   5. Community Arts, Education and Grants Committee—Sherene Melania, Chair
      1. Vice President Melania reported that the Committee did not meet for lack of a quorum.

         There was no public comment.
          

7. Public Comment
   Bayview Opera House Executive Director Barbara Ockel reported that the building is undergoing extensive renovations, and that the Artisans Guild, many of whose members live or work in Bayview because of the affordable rents, wanted to do something for the Opera House. She said they are holding a benefit gala to celebrate their thirtieth anniversary, the Artistic License Artisan’s Ball on December 8, and she distributed invitations to the Commissioners. She said that the event will support the Opera House’s Dare to Dream summer youth program.

   There was no further public comment.
    

8. New Business and Announcements
   President Beltran presented the book layout and design (“blad”) of Arts for the City, the Heyday book on the history of the arts in San Francisco. She showed images of the cover, several sample pages, and several photographs from the book, including Commissioner Keehn’s award-winning Language of the Birds and other works from the Civic Art Collection. She praised the work of Leslie Jonath in shepherding the book through editing and production. President Beltran was enthusiastic about the book and its story. She said that it will be released in 2013, and a launch event will take place in April.

   Commissioner Keehn congratulated President Beltran for her hard work on the book.

   Mr. DeCaigny reported that the Galleries’ Passport event in North Beach was a success, and that a few concierge passports were still available for a $125 donation. He added that there was great turnout and great support from the participating businesses.

   He reported that a new mobile app for iPhone, created in partnership with Rec-Park, helps users to locate art in the City’s parks, beginning with 45 works of public art in Golden Gate Park. The app also allows users to locate and reserve picnic sites, and find dog parks, children’s playgrounds, restrooms and other facilities. The app was developed by Appallicious and is free on iTunes.

   Mr. DeCaigny invited everyone in the community to a presentation by Randy Cohen of Americans for the Arts of the latest Arts and Economic Prosperity Report. The event will be cohosted by Grants for the Arts at Intersection for the Arts, on Tuesday, November 20, from 3:00 to 5:00. He explained that the report will look at trends since the last report, including total full-time-equivalent jobs in San Francisco, household income and other measures.

   He added that Mr. Cohen will also meet with local business leaders to discuss how the arts impact the economy, and will meet with the Board of Supervisors and the Mayor to discuss the role of the arts in economic development in the City. The report includes both local and national data.

   There was no further new business or announcements.
    

9. Adjournment
   There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:04 p.m.
    

   11/21/12 spr

Language Accessibility

Translated written materials and interpretation services are available to you at no cost. For assistance, please notify Commission Secretary Sharon Page Ritchie, 415-252-2591, sharon.page_ritchie@sfgov.org.

我們將為閣下提供免費的書面翻譯資料和口譯服務。如需協助，Commission Secretary Sharon Page Ritchie, 415-252-2591, sharon.page_ritchie@sfgov.org.

Materiales traducidos y servicios de interpretación están disponibles para usted de manera gratuita. Para asistencia, notifique a Commission Secretary Sharon Page Ritchie, 415-252-2591, sharon.page_ritchie@sfgov.org.