VISUAL
ARTS COMMITTEE
Wednesday, November 20, 2002
3:00 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70
Notices
Explanatory documents are available for public inspection and
copying at the Arts Commission office, 25 Van Ness Ave, Ste 240,
San Francisco CA 94102 during regular business hours. Tel:
415-252-2594.
Public comment in regard to specific items will be taken before or
during consideration of the item.
The ringing of and use of cell phones, pagers and similar
sound-producing electronic devices are prohibited at this meeting.
Please be advised that the Chair may order the removal from the
meeting room of any person(s) responsible for the ringing or use
of a cell phone, pager, or other similar sound producing
electronic devices.
Minutes
Commissioners Present
Ralph Guggenheim, Barbara Stauffacher Solomon, Dugald Stermer,
Dede Wilsey; Absent: Stanlee Gatti.
Staff Present
Richard Newirth, Director of Cultural Affairs; Nina Dunbar,
Rupert Jenkins, Anna Kvinsland, Debra Lehane, Jennifer Lovvorn,
Tonia Macneil, Jill Manton, Judy Moran, Susan Pontious, Kristen
Zaremba.
Note: All votes are unanimous unless recorded
otherwise.
The meeting commenced at 3:05 p.m.
- Consent
- Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to
enter into contract with Levy Design Partners in the amount of
$9,500 for consultation during the fabrication and installation
of artworks integrated into the platforms of the Third Street
Light Rail Project.
- Motion to authorize the placement of $40,000 in art
enrichment funds from the Public Utilities Commission La Grande
Tank Replacement Project on reserve for future use at other PUC
facilities or sites determined to be mutually agreeable to both
the San Francisco Arts Commission and the PUC.
- Motion to redirect $2,000 in art enrichment funding from
the Recreation and Park Department's Bison Paddock Renovation
for use by the Civic Art Collection Program.
- Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to
enter into contract with structural engineer Robert Bailey for
construction drawings for the Portals of the Past in Golden
Gate Park for an amount not to exceed $17,500.
- Motion to accept into the Civic Art Collection with
gratitude two bronze sculptures by Jonathan Beery titled
"Leatherback Sea Turtle" and "The Pink Short-Spined Starfish"
2002 for the Moscone Playground gifted by Friends of Moscone
Park and Recreation Center.
Motion: Motion to move the
consent calendar items.
Moved: Solomon /Stermer
- Gallery
Gallery Director Rupert Jenkins reported that the fundraiser for
the gallery held on November 8 at LINC Real Art was well attended
and a financial success. The event not only raised $7,000 after
expenses but was also a good party. The amount brought in slightly
exceeded the fundraising goal and will go to fund the 2003
"Construct" exhibition plus miscellaneous program expenses. Mr.
Jenkins reported that the high and mid-priced boxes have sold out,
but they still have some of the lower-priced boxes that will raise
additional income over time. Those boxes will be on display at the
next exhibition and they are making a second push to sell
them.
Mr. Jenkins also announced the upcoming exhibition at the 155
Grove Street window space: "Love Me, Inside and Out," an
installation by Marina Vendrell. The show runs from November 22 -
December 30, 2002. Mr. Jenkins encouraged everyone to come by and
see this show.
- Collections
Civic Art Collections Director Debra Lehane welcomed Barbara
Wenger of the Hayes Valley Neighborhood Parks Group. Ms. Wenger
came to present a community project for Koshland Park. Ms. Lehane
explained that the tile mural that this group is proposing is to
become a gift to the city. This project is funded by grants from
the San Francisco Foundation and the Mayor's Neighborhood
Beautification Fund. The tile mural will be located at Koshland
Park in the Western Addition. Ms. Wenger said that the retaining
walls at Koshland Park are being renovated and that after that
work is completed in February 2003, work can begin to prepare the
wall for the mural. Ms. Wenger introduced Justine Tatarsky, an
artist who has been invited by the Hayes Valley Neighborhood Parks
Group to facilitate and design the community based mural
project.
Ms. Tatarsky presented a scale model for the proposed tile mural
entitled "The Peace Wall" to be installed on the retaining walls
that span the length of Koshland Park on both Page Street and
Buchanan Street. Ms. Tatarsky explained that over the past four
years she has been conducting workshops at local schools and at
other community centers where neighborhood participants have
explored their emotions and painted over 1,300 tiles. Her role now
is to take those tiles and create a unifying design.
Ms. Tatarsky gave a detailed description of the scale model
showing how the tiles would be laid out in discrete panels. Due to
the grade of Page Street, the panels would be placed at intervals
that remain at a constant eye-level. Ms. Tatarsky explained that
wave shapes made from beige tones of stucco would be applied to
the wall and act as a backdrop in order to integrate and unify the
tile panels.
After Ms. Tatarsky's presentation, Ms. Lehane asked the
Commissioners for feedback. Commissioner Barbara Stauffacher
Solomon said that the tiles look wonderful but felt that a more
random pattern for the layout would look better and that there
could even be areas of blank wall. Commissioner Ralph Guggenheim
said that Ms. Tatarsky's tiles and the communities tiles work well
together, but he stated that what gives him pause is the
stair-step nature of the layout. Mr. Guggenheim would prefer that
the layout be more scattered. Commissioner Dugald Stermer
expressed concern about the various colors of stucco and the use
of text. Mr. Stermer felt that the stucco should be one color
(preferably white) and that the imagery should speak for itself
and therefore need minimal text. Commissioner Dede Wilsey also
stated that the various colors of stucco and the panels made the
wall look too visually complicated.
The Commissioners asked to see another visual presentation by the
artist before they can approve the design concept for Koshland
Park Peace Wall. That new design should incorporated the following
recommendations: that the stucco be one color, that the community
tiles be grouped more irregularly and randomly, and that the text
be simplified and located in only one area.
Project Update
Ms. Lehane reported that she had received a call from Gerry
Crowley of the Telegraph Hill Dwellers concerning their meeting of
November 12. Ms. Lehane had forwarded emails concerning the THD's
position on the proposed Emperor Norton Statue to Commissioners
Stermer and Guggenheim and Director Newirth. Due to the divided
community, the THD chose not to take a position on the proposal,
but passed a motion encouraging the project sponsors to work with
the Committee working to improve Kearney Street steps to find an
alternative memorial to Peter Macchiarini.
Ms. Lehane also reported that the scaffolding is down from the
Dewey Monument and that work is almost complete. Ms. Lehane added
that the Garfield project is almost complete, that the Haring
sculpture was washed and waxed, and that McKinley is having
graffiti removed.
- Branch Library Improvement Program
Project Manager Judy Moran presented the artwork proposal by
artist Vince Koloski for the renovated Richmond Library, as
recommended by the Richmond Branch Community Artist Selection
Committee. Ms. Moran described that the artist is proposing to
make a light sculpture that resembles the pages from a book. These
pages are Plexiglas panels that have text and images etched into
their surface. Various bright color LEDs are connected to the
edges of the panels and illuminate the text and images. Ms. Moran
showed drawings of the proposed artwork as it would be installed
in the library. These drawings show a number of etched panels
connected together to form a band of alternating colors along the
wall just below the ceiling. Ms. Moran expressed that this design
is in keeping with the librarian's desire for a high-tech
look.
Commissioner Ralph Guggenheim commented that the color choices
were a bit garish and wondered if they are meant to be so bright.
Ms. Moran explained that this color choice was important and that
they needed to be bright so that they could be seen from a
distance. Ms. Moran pointed out that if the colors were subtle,
they would go unnoticed. Ms. Moran showed a scaled down example of
the Plexiglas panels with the LED turned on. Commissioner Dede
Wilsey stated that she loves what happens to the light as it
dissipates.
Motion: Motion to approve the
artwork proposal of an illuminated book wall sculpture by artist
Vince Koloski for the renovated Richmond Branch Library, as
recommended by the Richmond Branch Community Artist Selection
Committee.
Moved: Stermer/Solomon
Motion: Motion to authorize the
Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with artist
Vince Koloski for Final Design, Fabrication, Transportation and
Installation of an artwork for the renovated Richmond Branch
Library in the amount of $36,000.
Moved: Wilsey/Stermer
- Art on Market Street Temporary Projects
Project Manager Judy Moran reported on the proposed
revitalization of the Temporary Projects Program for Market
Street. Ms. Moran stated that the Temporary Projects Program ran
from 1992 - 1998 when it terminated because PUC funds were
expended. Ms. Moran said that because there are funds accumulated
over time from various sources, this program could be initiated
again to include 2 to 3 temporary projects a year for a total
amount not to exceed $35,000.
Ms. Moran continued her report with a slide presentation of past
Market Street Temporary Projects commissions and gave background
details. Ms. Moran showed slides of the following projects: 1. A
performance called "Crossroads" done by the artist-group
Contraband. Ms. Moran explained that Contraband made multiple
performances which occurred at the exits of a number of BART/MUNI
stations; 2. A project called "Job Security" where the artists set
up desks along Market Street that resembled corporate work
stations; and 3. The Zaccho Dance Company project where dancers
propelled themselves in an aerial dance off the facade of the
Ferry Building Clock Tower. It was noted by both Jill Manton and
Richard Newirth that this project received great publicity, but
that the Arts Commission was not credited. Ms. Moran then showed a
slide of the project "What is the Difference Between Stripping and
Playing the Violin." Richard Newirth noted that this project
provoked questions from the press about the use of public funds.
Finally, Ms. Moran passed around a copy of the book "Cento" that
was created by Susan Schwartzenberg as part of the Temporary
Project program. It was noted by both Jill Manton and Richard
Newirth that this project was incredibly well publicized and that
the books, which were free to the public, went quickly. Ms. Moran
noted that Susan Schwartzenberg would like to reprint this
book.
Commissioner Dede Wilsey stated that the Arts Commission needs to
get publicity for these projects. Commissioner Wilsey also
inquired whether the Arts Commission could give away the posters
from the Market Street Art in Transit Program. Both Jill Manton
and Judy Moran stated that the posters are too costly to be given
away, and that staff endeavor to sell used posters at a reduced
cost to increase program revenue.
Explanatory
Document: Staff Report
Motion: Motion to resume the Art on
Market Street Temporary Projects program for 2003, to include 2 to
3 temporary projects for a total amount not to exceed $35,000.
Moved: Solomon/Stermer
- Minnie and Lovie Ward Recreation Center
Project Manager Tonia Macneil reported that the selection
panel met, but did not reach consensus regarding the final
selection of an artist. Ms. Macneil added that the panel was split
and decided on two finalists who will be invited to submit revised
proposals. Ms. Macneil noted that these finalists will be given
$150. each for reworking their proposals.
The following motion was
removed.
Motion: Motion to approve the
Selection Panel recommendation of the proposal by (artist to be
named at the meeting) to create a work for art for the Minnie and
Lovie Ward Recreation Center.
The following motion was
removed.
Motion: Motion to authorize the
Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with (artist
to be named at meeting) to complete design development, fabricate,
transport and install a work of art for the Minnie and Lovie Ward
Recreation Center, for an amount not to exceed $115,000.
- Moscone Center Expansion Project
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton reported on the status of
the Diller + Scofidio Project. Ms. Manton passed around a copy of
the impressive brief that the city attorney prepared relative to
our assertion that the Arts Commission should not have to pay
sales tax on the purchase of the LED screen for the Moscone
Project. In accordance with section 6596 of the State Tax Code,
this section relieves local governments of the burden of paying
sales tax when purchasing artwork for public display. Ms. Manton
noted that approximately $80,000 is at stake. Ms. Manton reported
that the brief has gone to the State Board of Equalization and
that if they disagree, the city attorney may agree to staff's
request to appeal the decision in court. Ms. Manton said that the
Arts Commission should get a response within 30 days. Commissioner
Dugald Stermer commented that if this does go to court, it could
set a precedent.
Ms. Manton gave an update on the use of materials in the piece.
There will be polycarbonate plastic at the rear of the LED screen
so that the electronic activity can be seen interspersed with the
letters of the scrolling alphanumeric text.
Ms. Manton also gave an update on the production. The video shoots
have been completed. Diller + Scofidio have a variety of vignettes
for which they interviewed 250 actors: 23 hotel vignettes, 23
night scenes, and 50 close-ups. Ms. Manton reported that the
artists are in post-production, and they will be able to present
the video soon. Ms. Manton added that the New York Times recently
covered one of their projects.
- New Projects / Recreation and Park Bond Projects
Public Art Program Director Jill Manton began her discussion
of approaches to the Recreation and Park Bond Projects by stating
that there are 15 to 20 new recreation and park projects. Ms.
Manton noted that within the last couple of months alone there are
12 new projects. The Recreation and Park Bond is for $400,000,000.
Of this money, not all costs or projects will be eligible for art
enrichment, however there will be significant funding for art
enrichment. In response to this increase in projects, the Arts
Commission needs to develop new approaches that will streamline
administrative processes. Ms. Manton also noted that if the Public
Art Program cannot move quickly to initiate new projects and
select artists, it will lose the opportunity to get involved early
in the planning and design process, thus limiting art
opportunities.
Ms. Manton listed a number of possible new approaches to help deal
with this increase in projects. One idea is that the Public Art
Program consider not managing projects with budgets less than
$50,000 which might mean combining the art enrichment generated by
several small projects into one project site with a total budget
of at least $50,000. Another idea is to evaluate what works and
what doesn't work in terms of the current procedures. Staff might
also consider predetermining the site for artworks, for example,
staff might recommend that all new projects with budgets of
$25,000 or less will receive a decorative gate. One artist might
be assigned three or four park sites, with the mandate to work
with the community in each to develop a unique and appropriate
gate design. This would save the Arts Commission administrative
time by not having to find three artists to produce three
different gates. Ms. Manton stated that it is the large number of
small projects which really overwhelms the staff. She also spoke
about the Commission and staff exercising their professional
expertise by curating a selection of artists, instead of
conducting public competitions for each project.
Commissioners Barbara Stauffacher Solomon and Dugald Stermer liked
the idea of combining smaller projects to have a more substantial
project and contracting with one artist for these bundled
projects. They wondered what the drawback to this approach would
be. Ms. Manton stated that the community might feel that the city
is dictating what sort of work ends up in their neighborhood
instead of having the public more involved in the decision-making
process, as is currently the practice.
- New Business
Project Manager Susan Pontious reported that on a recent tour
of the Airport Rapid Transit Station at the San Francisco Airport,
a BART official was able to reach the Ned Kahn piece and received
a small cut on his finger. Ms. Pontious presented slides of the
finished work. The piece is made up of tiles that have small
metallic disks (similar in size to a quarter) hanging off them.
These tiles cover the walls of a circular passage that the
escalator passes through. Ms. Pontious stated that the problem is
that the disk tiles are reachable from the escalator in certain
areas and the concern is that someone may damage the artwork
and/or receive a small cut on the hand. Ms. Pontious showed a
diagram of the tiles and explained that there are 272 tiles
reachable by a 6' person. Ms. Pontious stated that these 272 tiles
could be replaced with tiles that have thicker disks. Ms. Pontious
passed around a sample of the thicker disk and noted that they
cannot cause paper cuts and that they are not easily bent. Ms.
Pontious reported that the cost to replace all these tiles is
$30,000, although she was not certain that all 272 tiles need to
be replaced.
Commissioner Guggenheim asked if it would be better to create a
Plexiglas barrier. Ms. Pontious pointed out that the cost would be
just as high and it would not look as nice. Ms. Pontious said that
there are two issues that need to be addressed: the issue of
aesthetics and the issue of liability. Ms. Pontious recommended
that they test a small area with the replacement tile to see how
it blends in with the original tile. Ms. Pontious noted that
although 272 tiles are reachable by a 6' person, only 25 tiles are
easily reachable by almost anyone. Ms. Pontious said that the
tiles cost $75. each. Ms. Pontious will consult with the city's
Risk Manager for his advice and direction. Ms. Pontious stated
that the Arts Commission needs to decide whether to replace all
272 tiles or just the 25 easily reached tiles. Commissioner Wilsey
said that we need to find out what our liability is legally. Ms.
Pontious said that the Arts Commission does need to respond, but
that it is a matter of to what degree. Also discussed was the
possibility of placing signage that cautioned people not to touch
the artwork.
Motion: Motion to authorize the
Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into an agreement with Ned
Kahn for the safety retrofit of his artwork at the San Francisco
International Airport for an amount not to exceed $30,000.
Moved: Stermer/Wilsey
- Old Business
As an item of old business, Project Manager Nina Dunbar gave
an update on the Union Square project. Ms. Dunbar reported that
the lights were delivered but that there was a problem with the
electrical component. The fabricator provided a non-regulation
electrical junction box that can't be easily fixed. Ms. Dunbar has
notified the fabricator and has had the electrical problem cited
by a city electrical inspector. Ms. Dunbar said that there are two
options for solving this problem. She can either send the light
back to the fabricator and they can fix the problem, or she can
have the work done here. Ms. Dunbar reported that she is working
with an engineer and getting an estimate for the cost to have the
repair done here. It is possible that it will cost as much as what
is owed to the fabricator. Ms. Dunbar said that the work should be
done in time so that the sculpture can be installed by the new
year.
As an additional item of old business, Ms. Dunbar also
reported that the handcarved Redwood tree has been successfully
installed at the new Moscone West, but it is currently covered up
for protection through the duration of construction. Ms. Dunbar
has assembled a photo album of this project for anyone who would
like to see it.
- Adjournment
As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at
4:52 p.m.
Submitted by Jennifer Lovvorn, Public Art Program
Assistant
Approved by Richard Newirth, Director of Cultural Affairs,
11/26/02
11/26/02