February 15, 2012

The meeting commenced at 3:01 p.m.

1. Roll Call

Commissioners Present:
Barbara Sklar, Chair
JD Beltran
Greg Chew
Dorka Keehn

Commissioners Absent:
None

Staff Present: Mary Chou, Allison Cummings, Carol Marie Daniels, Marcus Davies, Jennifer Lovvorn, Jill Manton, Kate Patterson, Susan Pontious, Zoë Taleporos.

2. Consent Calendar
Action

1. Motion to approve the design of a utility box mural at Oakdale Avenue and 3rd Street. The painted mural by Malik Seneferu, From the Hill and Beyond, is sponsored by The San Francisco Housing Development Corporation and supported by the Bayview Opera House, 4800 Home Owners Association and the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center.

2. Motion to confirm that the San Francisco Arts Commission will be responsible for the maintenance and removal (if necessary) of the mural by artist Jovi Schnell, to be located on the freeway columns and underpass structure of the SOMA West Skatepark along Duboce Street between Mission and Stevenson streets.

3. Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to approve an increase Merge Conceptual Designs’ contract by $17,000 from $30,000 to $47,000 for additional development of conceptual design proposal for an artwork at the Fire Station at the new Public Safety Building.

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment. There was no public comment.

Motion: Motion to approve consent calendar items.
Moved: Beltran/Keehn
The motion was unanimously approved

3. Public Safety Building – Police Memorial
Mary Chou
Action

Project Manager Mary Chou presented the revised design for Shimon Attie’s police memorial artwork for the new Public Safety Building. She introduced Mr. Attie and Mark Timmins, Design Build Coordinator, David Hotson Architect, who joined the meeting via teleconference. Ms. Chou stated that the design had not changed much since the Commissioners last reviewed it during the Conceptual Design Phase. She described the artwork as a fritted glass cylinder suspended from a skylight, hanging in front of a black backdrop incorporating text cutouts. Ms. Chou explained that originally the artist had wanted to fabricate the backdrop in stone but, due to budgetary constraints, will now use a dark metal. Ms. Chou noted that the backdrop will be installed slightly in front of the building’s concrete wall to allow the text to be backlit and to appear as if it is glowing. Additionally, the floor will be a dark stained concrete to give the feeling of a wrapped space around the glass cylinder. She noted that the measurement between the floor and the bottom of the glass cylinder was currently at 10 feet 6 inches, but was still being finalized.

Program Director Susan Pontious asked how the lighting would be accessed for maintenance. Ms. Chou responded by saying that there are plans to incorporate a panel that would allow access to the lighting behind the backdrop.

Ms. Chou described the fritted treatment of the glass cylinder as written expressions of gratitude for the service of fallen police officers to be gathered by the artist. Ms. Chou reminded Commissioners that the client had expressed a desire to have the artist incorporate into his design an existing memorial consisting of name panels, currently located at the Hall of Justice. As a result, Mr. Attie has created a special place in the lobby for this memorial using the same dark metal backdrop and stained concrete floor to make the connection to the glass cylinder. Ms. Chou added that the dimensions of the backdrop component of the name panels are still under consideration. She showed the Commissioners architectural renderings with several options that the artist is considering. Commissioner Beltran commented that she preferred the option where the backdrop spanned the length of the wall, floor to ceiling. Mr. Attie commented that this was his preference as well.

Commissioner Keehn asked why the base attachments on the glass cylinder were so obvious and wondered if there was a way to make them blend in more with the artist’s design. Ms. Chou noted that the attachments were necessary structurally, but that the location along the four quadrants of the glass cylinder, as well as the material and color may be revised to minimize their appearance. Mr. Attie added that he had not finalized the color of the attachments, which could potentially share the tonality of the text inscribed on the cylinder. He stated that his goal is to make the attachments as unobtrusive as possible.

Ms. Chou then presented samples of the glass with frit treatment and the oiled metal backdrop.

Commissioner Beltran commended Mr. Attie on his work, stating that she had seen the idea develop from the proposal phase into an exciting and wonderful design.

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment. There was no public comment.

Motion: Motion to approve revised design and material samples for Shimon Attie’s police memorial artwork for the new Public Safety Building.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

4. Art on Market Street
Mary Chou
Action

Ms. Chou presented brought back for further review the Art on Market Street Poster Series by Christina Empedocles (scheduled for display beginning December 2012.) Ms. Chou stated that Ms. Empedocles was developing a series based on six posters from films set in San Francisco, executed in a hyper realistic style in pencil. She explained that based on previous feedback from the Commissioners, Ms. Empedocles revise her choices of films to represent a wide range of genres and span several time periods. Ms. Chou presented two current lists of films that the artist is considering: a primary list of the artist’s first choices; and a secondary list to choose from should the artist encounter difficulty obtaining image permission for films on the primary list. Ms. Chou introduced Ms. Empedocles who was present at the meeting to answer questions.

Commissioner Chew suggested that Ms. Empedocles consult the Film Commission’s website for films based in San Francisco. Ms. Empedocles said that she spent a lot of time consulting that website, and noted that it was a challenge to pair-down the primary list to only six films.

Ms. Chou read the artist’s primary list: The Birds; THX 1138; Dirty Harry; What’s Up, Doc?; The Times of Harvey Milk; and So I Married an Axe Murderer.

Ms. Chou read the artist’s secondary list: The Maltese Falcon; Vertigo; Bulitt; Petulia; Harold and Maude; The Conversation; Invasion of the Body Snatchers; View to a Kill; Memoirs of an Invisible Man; and Following Sean.

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment. There was no public comment.

Motion: Motion to approve selection of movies for development for the Art on Market Street Poster Series by Christina Empedocles for display on Market Street for three months beginning December 2012.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS MOVED FROM ITEM 17 TO ITEM 5

5. Temporary Sculpture – Asian Art Museum
Jill Manton with Kelly Bennett, Exhibitions Manager, Asian Art Museum
Action

Exhibitions Manager for the Asian Art Museum Kelly Bennett presented a temporary sculpture installation proposal entitled Breathing Flower by artist Choi Jeong Hwa sponsored by the Asian Art Museum, to be installed at Civic Center Plaza from May 11, 2012 to September 2, 2012. The installation will be in conjunction with an exhibition of contemporary Asian art at the Asian Art Museum. Ms. Bennett explained that the artist had done installations of similar work in various locations around the world. She explained that for Civic Center, the artist is proposing to install a red lotus flower made of an inflatable material that will slowly open and close throughout the day. Ms. Bennett added that the sculpture will be approximately eight feet high, will sit on a 12 foot by 12 foot cube, and will be lit at night by LED lighting. She noted that she has located a nearby power source that will support the sculpture’s motor as well as the lighting. Director of Cultural Affairs Tom DeCaigny commented that Asian Art Museum will responsible for all aspects of this project which has the Mayor’s support.

Commissioner Beltran inquired about maintenance for the project. Ms. Bennett replied that she will be responsible for a daily maintenance check on the work and will be responsible for any repairs.

Commissioner Chew suggested that the weight of the sculpture be considered because the garage of the Asian Art Museum is directly beneath the site. Ms. Bennett replied that she is sensitive to weight concerns and will be working with a civil engineer to address those issues. She added that Director of Policy and Planning Jill Manton, who has experience installing many temporary artworks at that site, will be consulting on this project.

Commissioner Chew inquired about the funding for this project. Ms. Bennett stated that the funding comes from the Asian Art Museum’s exhibition budget. Mr. DeCaigny commented that the only cost to the Arts Commission is the in-kind donation of Ms. Manton’s consultation.

Commissioner Sklar asked who would be funding the power for the piece and if it needed approval by other City departments. Ms. Bennett replied that the power cost would be absorbed by the Asian Art Museum and the project will be presented to the Recreation and Park Commission for approval next month.

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment. There was no public comment.

Motion: Motion to approve temporary installation of a sculpture entitled Breathing Flower proposed by the Asian Art Museum by artist Choi Jeong Hwa on the Larkin Street Side of Civic Center Plaza pending permit approval by the Recreation and Park Commission. The sculpture dimensions are 24 feet tall by 36 feet wide and will be placed upon a base 12 feet square and 8 feet high. The duration of the exhibition will be from May 18, 2012 through September 2, 2012.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

6. Public Safety Building – Community Plaza
Mary Chou
Action

Ms. Chou presented the revised design and material samples for Paul Kos’ community plaza artwork for the new Public Safety Building. Ms. Chou noted that the while some design changes have been made, the work was still in progress. Ms. Chou explained that the plaza is located next to a historic fire house, and the artist’s previous design had included benches and plantings along the south façade of the fire house. Ms. Chou reported that she recently learned from the Historic Preservation Commission (“HPC”) that since the fire house is being preserved, all of the artist’s elements need to remain 12 inches away from its façade. Responding to that, the artist has eliminated all the plantings along the fire house façade and has moved the benches according to the HPC’s specifications. Ms. Chou added that another design change would allow the architects to continue a line of granite sets along the perimeter of the fire station to extend into plaza design. Ms. Chou noted that the Commissioners had previously requested that the artist revise the selection and location of his planting. She stated that the artist is currently working with a landscape architect and changes to his planting design will be presented to the Visual Arts Committee (“VAC”) next month.

Ms. Chou commented that she showed Mr. Kos’ revised design to Commissioner Stryker of the Civic Design Review Committee (“CDRDC”) and asked for her feedback regarding the planting design. Ms. Chou stated that Commissioner Stryker had concerns about the inclusion of a Canary Island Pine because of the maintenance required for a tree that could potentially grow to 20 feet in diameter. In response to this feedback, the artist is working to find an alternate tree that is more manageable in terms of size of maintenance. Ms. Chou reported that Commissioner Stryker also had concerns that the bamboo plantings along Third Street would block primary views into the plaza and create a dark corner that could result in security issues. Ms. Chou stated that while the artist originally intended to block wind with the bamboo, the artist is working with the landscape architect to find other types of plantings that may provide more visibility into the site.

Commissioner Sklar commented that the plantings need to be reduced in size to allow the element of the bell to stand out. Commissioner Keehn commented that she would like to see the artist create a space that blocked wind, since that would be unique, but perhaps he could choose plantings that were not so high.

Ms. Chou asked to table the motion to approve 50 % Design Development because the artist is still working on his planting selection. Ms. Chou then showed a mock-up of the bronze bell element of the artist’s design and material sample of its finish.

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment. There was no public comment.

THE FOLLOWING MOTION WAS TABLED

Motion: Motion to approve 50% Design Development deliverables (revised design and material samples) for Paul Kos’ community plaza artwork for the new Public Safety Building.
Moved:

Motion: Motion to proceed with fabrication of the bell for Paul Kos’ community plaza artwork for the new Public Safety Building.
Moved: Keehn/Beltran
The motion was unanimously approved

Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to approve an increase Paul Kos’ contract in the amount of $35,000 from $265,000 to $300,000, for the purchase of materials for the fabrication of the bell for the community plaza artwork at the new Public Safety Building.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

THE FOLLOWING ITEM MOVED FROM ITEM 14 TO ITEM 7

7. Central Subway Chinatown Station – Tomie Arai Project
Jennifer Lovvorn
Action

Project Manager Jennifer Lovvorn reported that the CDRC reviewed the final phase of the architectural design of the Central Subway Chinatown Station and recommended that the artwork by Tomie Arai planned for the Stockton Street facing parapet be extended to the Washington Street façade. Ms. Lovvorn presented drawings of the station design indicating the current artwork location and the possible area for expansion. She stated that the artist is supportive of an expansion of her artwork project. She then introduced Mona Tamari, the station’s architect, who explained that the intention of the architectural design is to reveal the massing elements that comprise the station. She stated that extending the artwork to the Washington Street façade might interfere with the how the massing is perceived. She added that because the station’s architectural design is 100% complete, this is not an ideal time to coordinate an expansion with the artist.

Commissioner Keehn stated that the CDRC felt the artist’s design could wrap slightly onto the Washington Street façade so there would not be as much of an architectural break between the two sides of the station.

Commissioner Chew noted that the area is highly populated and that extending the design would create an identifying marker for the station and would help direct people to the station’s entry.

Ms. Tamari stated that she would be able to work with the artist to find a design solution to extend the artwork. She stated that she would also study the parapet facing the plaza to determine whether the artwork should also be extended onto that façade.

Commissioner Beltran agreed that extending the design slightly was a good solution.

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment. There was no public comment.

THE FOLLOWING MOTION WAS REVISED

Motion: Motion to approve an extension of the Tomie Arai artwork locations at the Central Subway Chinatown Station to include additional façade areas.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

8. SOMA West – McCoppin Hub
Mary Chou
Action

Ms. Chou presented the proposed public art approach for the new design of SOMA West – McCoppin Hub. Ms. Chou stated that the Mayor’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development and the Department of Public Works (“DPW”) are working together to redesign the area along McCoppin Street, just west of Valencia Street into a hub that can accommodate food trucks that have begun to park regularly at the site. She explained that a few years ago, the artist team Rebar was selected to create an artwork for this space based on a conceptual proposal developed for a previous design. She stated that new opportunities for artwork have been identified based on the new design including a gateway piece, or functional elements such as handrails, seating, or bike racks. Ms. Chou reported that the Mayor’s Office is increasing the funds for this project to allow Rebar to create an alternate proposal considering the new artwork opportunities. She explained that if the alternate proposal is not accepted, the Arts Commission will move forward with Rebar’s original proposal and modify it for the new space.

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment. There was no public comment.

Motion: Motion to approve the public art approach for SOMA West–McCoppin Hub as detailed in the SOMA West – McCoppin Hub Public Art Project Outline.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

9. San Francisco International Airport
Susan Pontious
Action

Program Director Susan Pontious requested the approval of a pool of potential panelists for new public art projects at the San Francisco International Airport (“SFO”): Airport Control Tower non-secure connector and Boarding Areas E & F. Commissioner Keehn asked how the artists are selected to serve on the panel. Ms. Pontious replied that she included artists of local prominence and, in this case, artists who have worked on projects at SFO.

Ms. Pontious gave an update on new public art projects for Boarding Areas E & F at SFO. She reminded the Commissioners that artist Amy Ellingson was selected to create a design for the terrazzo floor of Boarding Area E. She explained that the after the floor design had been approved, it was realized that the boarding area lacked the appropriate amount of seating and would have to be redesigned. Gensler is the architecture firm selected for this work. The site has been significantly redesigned, and probably will not accommodate Ms. Ellingson’s original terrazzo design. She will have the opportunity to redesign something for that area. The new Boarding Area E design does afford two new opportunities: a sculpture at the entrance; and an interactive piece in the children’s area. Ms. Pontious added that Boarding Area F will also be remodeled and will generate Art Enrichment funding. She said the exact artwork opportunities were yet to be determined. Ms. Pontious added that the “meet and greet” areas of Boarding Areas E & F would be suitable locations for artworks in the Civic Art Collection by Wayne Thiebaud and Robert Bechtle that will have to be relocated. She noted that the new projects at Boarding Areas E & F were fast tracked and she would be developing budgets and approaches to present to the Commissioners in the near future.

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment. There was no public comment.

Motion: Motion to approve the following pool of potential panelists for San Francisco International Airport projects (Airport Control Tower non-secure connector; Boarding Areas E & F): Amy Ellingson, artist; Courtney Fink, Executive Director, Southern Exposure; Rupert Garcia, artist; Barbara Goldstein, Public Art Director, City of San Jose; Constance Lewallen, Adjunct Curator, Berkeley Art Museum; Maysoun Wazwaz, Program Manager, Mills College Art Museum; Constance Y. White, Art Program Manager, San Diego International Airport; Shelley Willis, Art in Public Places Program Director, Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission.
Moved: Beltran/ Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

10. McLaren Park
Susan Pontious
Action

Ms. Pontious presented a mock-up of etched granite for the project Philosopher’s Way at McLaren Park by artists Peter Richards and Susan Schwartzenberg. She explained that these etched granite blocks will contain information that the artists have researched about the site, and will be installed at various look-out points in the park. She commented that she had seen this mock-up in person and that it was extremely detailed and precise.

Commissioner Beltran asked how the granite blocks would be installed. Ms. Pontious said that they would be incorporated into larger, granite seating elements and other support structures.

Ms. Manton commented that the granite for this project was donated by DPW from their yard of discarded granite.

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment. There was no public comment.

Motion: Motion to approve the mock-up of etched granite for the project Philosopher’s Way at McLaren Park by artists Peter Richards and Susan Schwartzenberg.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

11. Public Utilities Commission – 525 Golden Gate Avenue
Susan Pontious
Action

Ms. Pontious presented the mock-up and revised design concept for Water Wall, an artwork by Ned Kahn for the Public Utilities Commission (“PUC”) building at 525 Golden Gate Avenue. Ms. Pontious reminded the Commissioners that at last month’s VAC meeting, she explained how the client did not to want to move forward with the project based on the viewing of an incomplete artist’s mock-up. She reported that Mr. DeCaigny, Ms. Manton, and herself had viewed the completed mock-up and felt it was successful. After showing this completed mock-up to the client, PUC decided to resume the project. Ms. Pontious said that the mock-up fabricator pointed out that there was no way to access lighting and pumps in the artist’s original design. Because of this, the artist is implementing two access panels that will shorten the work by 24 inches. Ms. Pontious remarked that since the panels were still 12 feet talk, and the majority of the viewer’s experience of the work happens at eye level, she did not think this design change would hugely impact the aesthetics.

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment. There was no public comment.

Motion: Motion to approve construction mock-up and revised design concept (addition of lighting and top and bottom access panels) of Ned Kahn’s Water Wall at 525 Golden Gate Avenue.
Moved: Keehn/Beltran
The motion was unanimously approved

Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural affairs to approve an increase in Ned Kahn’s contract for design and construction of Firefly and Water Wall at 525 Golden Gate Avenue of up to $40,000 to accommodate design and construction of design modifications for lighting and access panels.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

12. Hamilton Pool
Susan Pontious
Action

Ms. Pontious reminded the Commissioners that the clubhouse at Boeddeker Park, which houses Johanna Poethig’s artwork Dragon Snake Monkey Bird, is scheduled to be demolished. As staff was exploring sites to relocate the artwork, Hamilton Pool expressed interest in receiving it. Ms. Pontious stated that Project Manager Carol Marie Daniels had been investigating the logistics of removing the artwork from the wall at the Boeddeker Park clubhouse, and received a cost estimate of $26,000 for the removal of work. Ms. Pontious commented that the cost to remove the work could be used to create a new piece for that sight. She felt that asking Ms. Poethig to develop a proposal for an artwork similar to Dragon Snake Monkey Bird for Hamilton Pool would be a more successful approach than relocating the work from Boeddeker Park.

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment. There was no public comment.

THE FOLLOWING MOTION WAS REVISED

Motion: Motion to approve a new project opportunity for Hamilton Pool with $65,793 remaining Art Enrichment funds and to request Johanna Poethig to develop a proposal to create an artwork similar to Dragon Snake Monkey Bird at Boeddeker Park Recreation Center.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

THE FOLLOWING MOTION WAS CANCELLED

Motion: Motion to request Johanna Poethig to develop a proposal to create an artwork similar to Dragon Snake Monkey Bird at Boeddeker Park Recreation Center.
Moved:

13. Islais Creek
Susan Pontious
Action

Ms. Pontious presented the final design and construction documents for Nobuho Nagasawa’s artwork for Islais Creek. Ms. Pontious explained that the artwork will be located at a dredge channel at Islais Creek and is funded by the MUNI Maintenance Facility. She noted that the artist has designed a full-scale, 3-dimensional outline of a World War Two Liberty Ship which will be constructed by the general contractor for the MUNI Facility. Ms. Pontious reported that additional components of the artist’s design have been in development and are now ready to be implemented. These include the installation of a historic bell and cleats which need to be sandblasted and painted, and sandblasting text poetry into the site pavers.

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment. There was no public comment.

Motion: Motion to approve the final design and construction documents for Nobuho Nagasawa’s artwork for Islais Creek.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to approve an increase in the contract with Nobuho Nagasawa by $37,250 for a new contract total of $78,850 to increase scope of work to include fabrication/restoration for the bell and cleat elements, and for sandblasting poetry text into the site pavers.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

14. Mission Playground
Marcus Davies
Action

Project Manager Marcus Davies presented the final art fence panel mock-up by artist Michael Bartalos for Mission Playground. Mr. Davies explained that Mr. Bartalos was commissioned to design art fences panels that run the length of Mission Playground. He added that there will be ten panels on Valencia Street and ten panels on 19th Street. He noted that the panels will be made out of galvanized steel and painted with black Tnemec paint. Mr. Davies assured the Commissioners that the panels had gone through extensive reviews to locate potential entrapment points. He reported that the artist’s deign falls within the US Consumer Product Safety Commission Playground Guidelines, which dictates that no opposing surfaces can be smaller than three and a half inches or greater than nine inches. Mr. Davies added that the artist and project team are very pleased with the outcome of the work so far. Commissioner Sklar congratulated Mr. Davies on a job well done.

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment. There was no public comment.

Motion: Motion to approve final art fence panel mock-up by artist Michael Bartalos for Mission Playground.
Moved: Keehn/Beltran
The motion was unanimously approved

15. Church & Duboce Streetscape Improvement
Jennifer Lovvorn
Action

Ms. Lovvorn presented the Design Development Phase deliverables for Gateway and Chairs by Primitivo Suarez-Wolfe for the Church & Duboce Public Art Project. Ms. Lovvorn provided the new Commissioners with background on the project, which started as a streetscape project calling for an artist to develop functional artistic seating. She explained that the artist is creating a series of cast metal chairs based upon chairs donated by community members to be installed at various sidewalk locations near the intersection of Church and Duboce. Ms. Lovvorn noted that the artist originally wanted to cast the chairs in metal recycled from discarded MUNI tracks, but this is not feasible due to the impurity of the metal. Ms. Lovvorn presented the design drawings for the chairs and reported that the artist would like to cast the chairs in bronze, possibly with a dark patina. Based upon cost estimates from the foundry, the artist will be able to produce seven chairs total in three different styles. Ms. Lovvorn presented a site plan indicating the chair locations.

Ms. Lovvorn presented the design development phase drawings for Gateway. She stated that the steel sculpture was currently 24 feet high and will be painted with dark green Tnemec paint. She added that she and the artist are in discussions with the Upper Market/Castro Community Benefits District, who are funding this artwork, about the scale of the sculpture. They have concerns that the sculpture is not tall enough to stand out at the planned installation location (the upcoming bulb out at Market and 14th streets).

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment. There was no public comment.

Motion: Motion to approve Design Development (which includes final selection of chair types, dimensioned design of Gateway, artwork materials, surface treatments, and installation locations for all elements) of the Church & Duboce Public Art Project (Gateway and Chairs) by Primitivo Suarez-Wolfe.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

THE FOLOWING ITEM MOVED FROM ITEM 18 TO ITEM 16

16. Endorsement of The Bay Lights
Jill Manton with Amy Critchet, Executive Producer, The Bay Lights
Action

Ms. Manton introduced Amy Critchet and Ben Davis of Illuminate the Arts to present The Bay Lights art project designed by artist Leo Villarreal to be installed on the Bay Bridge to commemorate its 75th Diamond anniversary. Ms. Manton noted that the Mayor is an avid supporter of this project and has asked DPW to facilitate the work. She added that the only requirement of the Arts Commission is a resolution of support for what she believed to be an outstanding project. Mr. Davis explained that the artist will be using 25,000 LED lights attached to the suspender cables of the Bay Bridge to create an elegant fine art piece that will define the City at night. Mr. Davis commented that it was inspiring to watch the community gather in support of the project and the artist’s vision. He added that The Bay Lights will not only celebrate the anniversary of the Bay Bridge, but will also coincide with the America’s Cup, the anniversary of the Port, and the introduction of the Exploratorium’s new cultural facility. He said that The Bay Lights will help define the cultural experience of the estimated 50 million visitors expected to come through the City during the time of its installation.

Commissioner Beltran asked how the project was funded. Mr. Davis said privately. He added that the project also has a large and dedicated volunteer staff. He said that they actively continue to fundraise.

Commissioner Sklar thanked Mr. Davis and Ms. Critchet for presenting the project and commented that it was a wonderful concept.

Mr. DeCaigny remarked that he is in full support of this project.

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment. There was no public comment.

Motion: Motion to enthusiastically endorse The Bay Lights, an art project designed by artist Leo Villarreal to be installed on the west span of Bay Bridge to commemorate its 75th Diamond anniversary. The Arts Commission commends the initiative of The Bay Lights organizers and sponsors for initiating such an inspired, ambitious and celebratory work at no cost to the city. The Arts Commission believes that this temporary artwork will make a significant contribution to the architectural beauty of the bridge and the region as a whole, and will elevate the experience of the 50 million Bay Area residents and visitors during its two year run. The Bay Lights will have a positive luminous impact on the San Francisco waterfront and is a generous gift to the City.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
Commissioner Keehn recused herself from the vote. The remaining Commissioners approved this motion unanimously.

17. Central Subway Chinatown Station – New Project Opportunity, Crosscut Cavern Wall
Jennifer Lovvorn
Action

Ms. Lovvorn reported that the Crosscut Cavern Wall of the Central Subway Chinatown station has been identified as a new project opportunity location. She presented the project outline and explained that the artwork would be a 2-dimensional piece executed in tile or mosaic so that it is distinct from the other two artwork projects at this station, which will be executed in painted cut metal and art glass. Ms. Lovvorn explained that the Crosscut Cavern Wall would be most visible to transit users ascending the escalator and stairs from the platform level. She presented an example of a similar project executed in mosaic for a Paris Metro station.

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment. There was no public comment.

Motion: Motion to approve the art opportunity as described in the Project Outline for Central Subway, Chinatown Station: Crosscut Cavern Wall.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

18. Central Subway 4th and Brannan Platform Station
Jennifer Lovvorn
Action

Ms. Lovvorn presented the finalists for the Central Subway, 4th and Brannan Platform Station Public Art Project selected by the 4th and Brannan Platform Public Art Selection Panel. She reported that 69 artists had responded to the Request for Qualifications and that Arts Commission staff had narrowed the candidates down to 42 artists who were minimally qualified. From the 42 candidates, the selection panel selected the following artists to create artwork proposals for a pole mounted sculpture: David Boyer, Joyce Hsu, Moto Ohtake, Peter Richards/Andrew Forrest, and Esther Werthheimer. She then described the artwork of the five finalists. Ms. Lovvorn explained that the panel consisted of two community representatives, an Arts Commissioner, the project architect, the project manager, and one art professional. The Commissioners suggested that another arts professional participate in the second selection panel meeting. Commissioner Beltran volunteered.

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment. There was no public comment.

Motion: Motion to approve the following finalists for the Central Subway, 4th and Brannan Platform Station Public Art Project as recommended by the 4th and Brannan Public Art Selection Panel: David Boyer, Joyce Hsu, Moto Ohtake, Peter Richards/Andrew Forrest, and Esther Werthheimer.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

19. Temporary Sculptures – Civic Center Plaza and War Memorial
Jill Manton with Trish Bransten, Co-Director, Rena Bransten Gallery
Action

Ms. Manton presented on behalf of Trish Bransten, Co-Director, Rena Bransten Gallery, the proposed temporary installation of three to five sculptures by Jun Kaneko on the Polk Street side of the Civic Center Plaza and two sculptures by Jun Kaneko on the sidewalk areas adjacent to the War Memorial Performing Arts Center on Van Ness Avenue. She stated that the sculptures are proposed to be installed from mid- May, 2012 through mid-November 2012. She noted that the installation of these works will occur in conjunction with the Asian Art Museum’s exhibition of contemporary Asian art, and the Black and White Ball at the War Memorial Performing Arts Center. Ms. Manton said that the Rena Bransten Gallery and Jun Kaneko’s studio will procure all the funds on their own for this project and will be responsible for insurance and installation. Ms. Manton remarked that the project is pending approval from the Mayor’s Office, the Recreation and Park Department, the Board of the War Memorial Performing Arts Center, and the Trustees of the Opera. However, she felt that the project would be favorably received by all.

Ms. Manton explained that the available sculptures were either ceramic or bronze and varied in size. She felt that the larger, bronze sculptures would work well in the context of Civic Center Plaza, and the smaller, ceramic sculptures would be appropriate for the War Memorial Performing Arts Center. And while the exact sculptures were to be determined, Ms. Manton added that two black and white sculptures at the War Memorial Performing Arts Center would complement the Black and White Ball.

Commissioner Beltran inquired about security for the sculptures. Ms. Manton replied that there will not be security for the work, but the Rena Bransten Gallery will be responsible for the insurance and liability.

Ms. Manton noted that Mr. DeCaigny plans to speak about this project to the San Francisco Art Dealers Association an example of public/private partnership. Mr. DeCaigny commented that this was an exciting way to bring art to the public at no cost to the City and could be a model for temporary public art projects in the future.

Commissioner Beltran said that the motion was ambiguous as to which sculptures would be chosen for this project and suggested that the motion be revised to reflect that. She also suggested that the selection of sculptures be made before presenting the project to the Mayor and others for approval.

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment. There was no public comment.

THE FOLOWING MOTION WAS REVISED

Motion: Motion to approve the six month installation of three to five sculptures (to be determined by Arts Commission staff) by Jun Kaneko to be placed on the Polk Street side of the Civic Center Plaza at no cost to the City thanks to the generosity of the Rena Bransten Gallery in San Francisco and the artist, in conjunction with the San Francisco Opera’s production of The Magic Flute for which the artist is designing the costumes, sets and lighting, pending approval of the installation by the Mayor and the Recreation and Park Department.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

THE FOLOWING MOTION WAS REVISED

Motion: Motion to approve the six month installation of two sculptures by Jun Kaneko (to be determined by the Arts Commission staff) to be placed on the north and south sides of the War Memorial at no cost to the City thanks to the generosity of the Rena Bransten Gallery in San Francisco and the artist, in conjunction with the San Francisco Opera’s production of The Magic Flute for which the artist is designing the costumes, sets and lighting, pending approval of the installation by the Mayor and the Board of Trustees of both the War Memorial and the San Francisco Opera.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

20. Public Comment
Discussion

(This item is to allow members of the public to comment generally on matters within the Visual Arts Committee’s purview as well as to suggest new agenda items for the Visual Arts Committee’s consideration at a future meeting.)

There was no public comment.

21. New Business and Announcements
Discussion

(This item is to allow the Commissioners and Arts Commission staff to introduce new agenda items for consideration at a future meeting, to report on recent arts activities and to make announcements.)

Mr. DeCaigny announced that the fifth commissioner to join the Visual Arts Committee will be Jessica Silverman.

Commissioner Beltran announced that Commissioner Sklar will now be the Chair of the VAC because of her long service to the Commission. Commissioner Sklar said she was honored to be named Chair and looked forward to working with everyone.

Ms. Manton reported that Ed Harrington of the PUC had requested that she curate a 2-dimensional artwork program for the new PUC headquarters at 525 Golden Gate Avenue. She explained that she will be selecting works from the PUC’s archive and will issue a Request for Proposals (“RFP”). Ms. Manton explained that the RFP will be open to artists and galleries located within the counties serviced by the PUC. She noted that images of water or imagery that reflect the diverse constituents serviced by the PUC will be welcomed. She said her selections will be presented to the VAC at a later date.

22. Adjournment
Action

The meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m.

ZT 2/29/12
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