April 17, 2013

SAN FRANCISCO ARTS COMMISSION
VISUAL ARTS COMMITTEE
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
3:00 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70
San Francisco, CA 94102
________________________________________

MINUTES

The meeting commenced at 3:05 p.m.

1. Roll Call

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

Commissioners Absent:
Jessica Silverman

2. Consent Calendar
Action

1. Motion to approve the mural, Bean Soup Literary Mural, by lead artist Susan Cervantes on the fence at 3145 23rd Street (at Shotwell Street). The proposed mural (9’ x 140’) encloses the All in Common Community Garden. The project is sponsored by Precita Eyes, funded by Community Challenge Grant and supported by the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department..

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

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

3. Capital Planning Committee
Brian Strong
Discussion

The Director of Capital Planning Committee (“CPC”) Brian Strong introduced himself and the Capital Analyst Eliot Chang. Mr. Strong gave an overview of the CPC and described how the City’s 10-year Capital Plan was developed in 2006 to implement a sustainable plan for the long-term safety, accessibility and modernization of San Francisco’s public infrastructure and facilities. Relative to the City’s artworks, which are an asset, he stated that it has been difficult to quantify funding principals to ensure timely maintenance because there is not an inspection and estimation model for artwork similar to facilities or pavement. The renewal and conservation needs for artwork vary greatly by type of art its age and location.

Mr. Strong described how General Obligation bond funds are not the best source of artwork conservation funding due to their restrictions and duration limitations. It is not possible to fully address the current backlog of maintenance and conservation with the 5% of Art Enrichment funds as allowed by ordinance. One constraint is that funds may be pooled and spent by client agency, but may not be pooled and spent City-wide. The example was given that a number of the artworks of concern are the historical monuments largely sited on Recreation and Park Department (“RPD”) property, and the percentage of RPD bond funds eligible for Art Enrichment is usually small. Public Art Program Director Susan Pontious added even increasing the allocation of Art Enrichment funds for the care of artworks from 5% to 50% would not generate significant funds for the conservation of historic works sited on RPD property. She also stated that increasing the maintenance allocation would limit the funds for new public artworks across the City, effectively challenging the idea of equity and access intended by the Art Enrichment Ordinance.

Commissioners asked for next steps. Mr. Strong urged the Arts Commission to continue to advocate for the care of the Civic Art Collection. He suggested that Arts Commission staff continue conversations with the General Manager of RPD Phil Ginsburg and explore the possibility of forming a joint committee between the two agencies based on the success of the San Francisco International Airport (“SFO”) Art Steering Committee. Director of Cultural Affairs Tom DeCaigny agreed with this approach and confirmed that staff will continue to develop more accurate models to support the request for artwork conservation funds from Capital Planning.

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment.

Richard Rothman, City Guide for Coit Tower, stated he hopes that RPD and the Arts Commission continue their dialog so that projects like the murals at Coit Tower and the Mother’s Building at the San Francisco Zoo are not overlooked.

Commissioner Beltran stated that it has been erroneously reported in the press that the Arts Commission and RPD have not been in contact regarding the cited example of the murals at Coit Tower. She stated that there has not been a lack of communication but rather the need for clarification of the Charter responsibility.

4. SFO Airport: Terminal 3, Boarding Area E
Justine Topfer and Amy Ellingson
Action

Project Manager Justine Topfer introduced the artist, Amy Ellingson. Ms. Ellingson shared design developments from her trip to Mosaika Art and Design for her tiled mural at San Francisco International Airport’s Boarding Area E in Terminal 3. She reported that Mosaika staff worked quite well with her to achieve a color pallet with an appropriate variety of glazed finishes for the mosaic tiles that will successfully translate and create the spatial layering and directional movement found in her paintings. Ms. Ellingson also presented fabrication samples with custom color grouts that were specifically mixed for various elements of the design and which further improve the spatial effect and the sense of layered depth.

Ms. Ellingson stated she was confident that Mosaika will successfully achieve her vision for the artwork. The Commissioners shared their approval and asked if the artwork was titled. Ms. Ellingson replied the piece is untitled as of yet.

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

Motion: Motion to approve Amy Ellingson’s final designs, including the revised color palette samples and mock-up, for the Design Development and Construction Document phases for her project at San Francisco International Airport’s Boarding Area E in Terminal 3.
Moved: Beltran/Keehn
The motion was unanimously approved

THE FOLLOWING ITEM MOVED FROM ITEM 10 TO ITEM 5

5. Central Subway: Yerba Buena/Moscone Station Ticketing Hall Wall
Jennifer Lovvorn
Action

Senior Project Manager Jennifer Lovvorn reported that on March 29, 2013, the Central Subway: Yerba Buena/Moscone Ticketing Hall Wall Artist Selection Panel chose the proposal, Face C/Z, by Leslie Shows with the highest number of points for recommendation to the Arts Commission. Furthermore, the selection of this artwork proposal aligned with the majority of public comment collected during the two week public display of the competing artwork proposals at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts and on the Arts Commission’s website.

Ms. Lovvorn presented a fabrication sample of a section of the selected artist’s proposed artwork design that had been translated into glass by Lenehan Architectural Glass. The proposal imagery is based on flatbed scans of fool’s gold. Commissioner Beltran, who had served on the panel, stated that the panel liked the geological and geographical references to the Bay Area, the California Gold Rush, and the compatibility in materials and themes alongside the other artworks by Catherine Wagner and Roxy Paine already selected for the other opportunities at the Yerba Buena/Moscone Station.

Ms. Lovvorn also noted that maintenance of the proposed fabrication and assembly techniques had been considered by the selection panel and will continue to be addressed throughout the Design Development Phase of her contract.

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

Motion: Motion to approve the proposal by Leslie Shows for an artwork for the ticketing hall wall of the Central Subway: Yerba Buena/Moscone Station as recommended by the Central Subway: Yerba Buena/Moscone Station Ticketing Hall Wall Public Art Selection Panel.
Moved: Keehn/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into an agreement with Leslie Shows for an amount not to exceed $400,000 to design, fabricate and transport an artwork for the ticketing hall wall of the Central Subway: Yerba Buena/Moscone Station.
Moved: Chew/Keehn
The motion was unanimously approved

THE FOLLOWING ITEM MOVED FROM ITEM 8 TO ITEM 6

6. Palega Playground
Marcus Davies
Action

Project Manager Marcus Davies introduced Kristin Saunders, Associate Designer at Rebar Art and Design Studio, to present revisions to the previously approved design for an artwork at Palega Playground. Ms. Saunders explained that Rebar wished to return to the original design of the artwork, however in order to remain in budget they propose reducing the number of sculptures from three to one single forty foot tall sculpture. Ms. Saunders added that the changes would also allow a return to the original kinetic function of the artwork.

Mr. Davies noted that a wind testing mock-up of a portion of the sculpture will be brought to the Committee during the early stages of the fabrication phase.
Commissioner Sklar called for public comment. There was no public comment.

Motion: Motion to approve Rebar Art and Design Studio’s final design for an artwork at Palega Playground.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

THE FOLLOWING ITEM MOVED FROM ITEM 9 TO ITEM 7

7. Cabrillo Playground
Marcus Davies
Action

Mr. Davies presented Colette Crutcher’s revised final designs for an artwork for the 38th and 39th street entrances to Cabrillo Playground. The original fence design, previously approved in January 2013, had design elements that extended above the fence line. However, after submitting the design to the fabricator it was discovered that custom-built armatures would be required. Mr. Davies expressed concern that this additional custom work would exceed the project budget, and sought the Committee’s approval to eliminate the design extensions from the finished artwork if necessary.

Ms. Pontious advised that the artwork was improved by the inclusion of the extensions and that there may be additional funds available to realize the fabrication of the necessary armatures. The Committee agreed with Ms. Pontious and suggested that their approval be for an alternate final design excluding the extensions if deemed necessary.

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

THE FOLLLOWING MOTION WAS REVISED

Motion: Motion to approve Colette Crutcher’s final alternate design for an artwork at Cabrillo Playground.
Moved: Beltran /Keehn
The motion was unanimously approved

8. Memorial Court
Susan Pontious
Action

Ms. Pontious reminded the Committee that the Arts Commission doesn’t have design approval of the Veterans Memorial in Memorial Court but is overseeing the contract. She reported that the previously approved design revisions necessitated the inclusion of additional engineering calculations and an increase in budget. She noted that since the last approval in December 2012 it was found that per the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), grade changes were required for the waterfall, however the depth of the water cannot exceed four inches to avoid an additional requirement of a handrail. Consequently, Narduli Studios designed a “stepped” pool to keep within this requirement. The artists provided a water flow study to Veterans War Memorial Trust assuring that both the design aesthetic and function of the water feature had been maintained with the required ADA changes.
Ms. Pontious also reviewed the inscription on the memorial and explained that services for the internment of dedicated soils would take place at the memorial. The Committee discussed and agreed that the text of the inscription should go through a final review with the Veterans War Memorial Trust. Ms. Pontious assured the Committee she would bring it to their attention.

Director DeCaigny asked who will be responsible for maintenance costs of the fountain and shared his concern regarding the challenge of maintaining its daily cleanliness. Ms. Pontious confirmed the War Memorial will indeed be responsible but may however contract the Arts Commission to oversee such maintenance. She also confirmed that lighting elements are included in the design.

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

Motion: Motion to approve 50% Construction Documents for Veterans Memorial fountain and monument.
Moved: Keen/Beltran
The motion was unanimously approved

Motion: Motion to rescind Arts Commission Resolution 0107-13-019, increasing Narduli Studio’s contract from $221,450 to $234,250.
Moved: Chew/Keehn
The motion was unanimously approved

Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to modify the Agreement with Narduli Studios to increase the contract from $221,450 to $244,250 in order to provide signed stamped structural engineering drawings and calculations for the memorial and fountain, and to provide an approved construction mock-up of the rammed earth wall, demonstrating both color and texture, and construction specifications for the rammed earth wall construction.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

THE FOLLOWING ITEM MOVED FROM ITEM 10 TO ITEM 9

9. Central Subway: Chinatown Station
Judy Moran
Action

Project Manager Judy Moran reported that on April 3, 2013, the Central Subway: Chinatown Station Crosscut Cavern Wall Public Artist Selection Panel chose the proposal by Clare Rojas with the highest number of points for recommendation to the Arts Commission.

Ms. Moran reviewed the architectural design of the space and shared the Panel’s opinion that Ms. Rojas’s proposal complemented the other two station artworks, one by Tomie Arai and the other by Yumei Hou, by both referencing the Chinatown community and providing a contemporary design.

The design concept of the proposal uses a two-dimensional Cathedral Quilt pattern with graphic imagery from Chinese fabrics. Ms. Rojas will be researching Chinese textiles and developing more complexity in her artwork as part of the Design Development phase of her contract. Commissioner Chew requested that Ms. Moran encourage Ms. Rojas to look at glass as a possible material and felt it would greatly complement her imagery and the other artworks selected.

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

Motion: Motion to approve the proposal by Clare Rojas for a permanent artwork for the Central Subway: Chinatown Station Crosscut Cavern Wall as recommended by the Central Subway: Chinatown Station Crosscut Cavern Wall Public Art Selection Panel.
Moved: Keehn/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into an agreement with artist Clare Rojas for an amount not to exceed $325,000, to design, fabricate and transport a permanent artwork to be installed on the crosscut cavern wall of the Central Subway Chinatown Station.
Moved: Chew/Beltran
The motion was unanimously approved

10. McKinley Monument
Susan Pontious
Action

Ms. Pontious made a presentation about the McKinley Monument in Golden Gate Park citing that the Arts Commission has spent roughly $11,000 a year for the past three years removing graffiti. She explained that a full restoration of the monument could have been completed at a third of the cost (roughly $10,000) and that it would be a better use of City resources to find a way to deter graffiti at this location.

She presented a proposal to install a fence around the monument which is estimated to cost less than$30,000. She added that there is an existing budget of roughly $30,000 sourced from contributions that were made specifically for the maintenance of sculptures in Golden Gate Park.

She stated that, with Committee’s approval, she would seek input from community groups and RPD to continue to develop an outline for this project for approval by the Arts Commission. She also noted the timely importance of the issue due to the sculpture’s prominence and its listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Committee asked if lighting solutions were a possibility to complement or replace the fence proposal. Ms. Pontious replied that RPD was not initially receptive to this idea due to possible light pollution, but she stated that she would also revisit lighting as an option.

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

THE FOLLOWING MOTION WAS REVISED

Motion: Motion to approve the project approach of installing a fence and pursuing future lighting solutions to deter vandalism around the monument of Walter McKinley by Robert Ingersoll Aitken, located in the Panhandle section of Golden Gate Park.
Moved: Beltran/Keehn
The motion was unanimously approved

Commissioner Keehn left at 5:07 pm

11. Art on Market Street: Kiosk Poster Series: Sanaz Mazinani
Justine Topfer
Action

Ms. Topfer presented Sanaz Mazinani’s designs for her Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series, July through October, 2013. Ms. Mazinari re-appropriated and juxtaposed photographs from the past and present referencing social activism in San Francisco. From afar, the poster designs will look like intricate patterns referencing Iranian motifs. However, when viewed up close the source photographs become apparent.

Ms. Mazinari developed the following five themes: Occupation as Strategy; Anti-war; Freedom of Speech/Freedom of Information; Workers’ Rights; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Equal Rights.

Ms. Topfer explained that she is still working with the artist on the development of imagery for the sixth poster. The artist had selected Occupy Wall Street and Ms. Topfer felt it wasn’t in keeping with the theme of the other posters all of which referenced San Francisco movements. The Commissioners agreed with the decision and noted that Occupy Movement of San Francisco is already included in a poster design.

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

THE FOLLLOWING MOTION WAS REVISED

Motion: Motion to approve five of the six mock-up poster designs with the sixth to be determined for Sanaz Mazinani’s Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series, July through October, 2013.
Moved: Beltran/Keehn
The motion was unanimously approved

THE FOLLOWING ITEM MOVED FROM ITEM 13 TO ITEM 12

12. Temporary Projects
Jill Manton
Discussion 

Director of Public Art Trust and Special Initiatives Jill Manton led a conversation about temporary public art projects on public property that have duration of seven days or less. She cited the recent Red Ball project by Kurt Perschke that recently visited San Francisco and noted that if the project had been proposed for a City site, it would have required Commission approval and the Arts Commission would have been unable to take action due to the fixed schedule of Full Commission and sub-committee meetings.
The committee concluded, barring any preclusion of legal and insurance requirements, that the staff is qualified to make the aesthetic decision. The decision to do so would allow the Commission to be nimble enough to respond to such requests and is similar to concept to the contracting authority in the Arts Commission Guidelines.

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

Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs or his/her staff designee the authority to approve temporary public art projects on public property that have duration seven days or less.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

13. Bayview Gateway Public Art Project
Justine Topfer
Discussion

Ms. Topfer presented a project outline for an opportunity for a large scale artwork to represent the entry to the Bayview neighborhood. The Port of San Francisco has requested that the Arts Commission manage the selection process and implementation of a public art project in conjunction with the Port’s Bayview Gateway Project. The project site features two distinct areas which are divided by 3rd Street at the intersection of Cargo Way and Arthur Avenue. There may be a budget up to $430,000 and the project is scheduled to be complete by summer 2014.

Commissioner Beltran asked what the source of funds are and what the next steps would be. Ms. Topfer replied that funds will be obtained through the 2008 Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond and after the Port finalizes their budget she will come back to the Committee with an informational overview. Ms. Topfer plans to issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) by mid-May.

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

14. Public Comment
Discussion

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment.

Mr. Rothman inquired about murals painted by Miguel Covarrubias painted for the exhibit Pageant of the Pacific in 1939 and stated that he hoped the Commission could work with the Treasure Island Development Authority to find a permanent home and display for the murals. He also requested that staff inspect the storage conditions.

Ms. Pontious clarified that the murals are neither the property nor under the jurisdiction of the Commission and are the property of the Treasure Island Authorities.

15. New Business and Announcements
Discussion

Ms. Manton shared a project proposal that was initially reviewed by the Civic Design Committee on March 13, 2013 for a new transit line to be built along Van Ness Avenue called Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). The proposal will include art opportunities along the route and station platforms. The project is still in the beginning stages and Ms. Manton will report back to the Committee as the project develops.
Commissioner Beltran announced that Mayor Ed Lee asked her to represent San Francisco at the United States Conference of Mayors in New Orleans on May 1, 2013 and to participate in a conversation of how arts and culture provide economic benefits to cities.

16. Adjournment
Action

The meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m.

JDC 04/30/13

Translated written materials and interpretation services are available to you at no cost.
For assistance, please notify Jenn Doyle Crane, jennifer.crane@sfgov.org, 415-252-2586.

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，Jenn Doyle Crane, jennifer.crane@sfgov.org, 415-252-2586. 

Materiales traducidos y servicios de interpretación están disponibles para usted de manera gratuita.
Para asistencia, notifique a Jenn Doyle Crane, jennifer.crane@sfgov.org, 415-252-2586.