August 21, 2013

The meeting commenced at 3:02 p.m.
 

1. Roll Call

Commissioners Present:
Barbara Sklar, ChairGregory Chew
Dorka Keehn
Jessica Silverman

Commissioners Absent:
JD Beltran

1. Consent Calendar
Action

1. Motion to approve the following list of arts professionals as potential panelists for
upcoming public art selection panels in Fiscal Year 2013/2014:

Lizzetta LeFalle-Collins, Manager, Visual Arts Program, Museum of African Diaspora
Nate Watson, artist; Executive Director of Public Glass, San Francisco State University Faculty
Melorra Green, independent curator; Curator, African American Art and Culture Complex
Walter Kitundu, artist
Norie Sato, artist
Ron Moultrie Saunders, artist
Diana Pumpelly Bates, artist
Chris Johnson, artist; Professor of Photography and Fine Art, California College of the Arts
Lewis deSoto, artist; Professor of Art, San Francisco State University
Donna Graves, Consultant, Arts & Cultural Planning
Steve Huss, Cultural Arts Manager, Public Art Program, City of Oakland
Carrie Lederer, artist; Curator of Exhibitions and Programs, Bedford Gallery
Hung Liu, artist
Richard Shaw, artist
Po Shu Wang, artist

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

Motion: Motion to approve consent calendar item.
Moved: Silverman/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

3. North Beach Branch Library
Mary Chou, Bill Fontana
Action

Project Manager Mary Chou introduced artist Bill Fontana who is creating a permanent sound installation for the North Beach Branch Library. She explained that eight speakers, installed in the eaves of the library, will broadcast sounds from the North Beach area collected by the artist. Mr. Fontana presented sound samples that may be incorporated into the final artwork including: people bartering in Cantonese, cafes, spring birds and telegraph hill parrots, fog horns from cruise ships in the distance, sea lions from Fisherman’s Wharf, various parades, historic Lawrence Ferlinghetti poetry recordings, and others. Mr. Fontana noted that he is using a sound mixing platform to explore various ways in which these sounds may be combined. He invited the Commissioners to his studio to listen to the final composition once completed.

Commissioner Sklar asked about the length of the composition and how long it would take to loop. Mr. Fontana said that he is composing an eight to ten hour cycle that is programmed to start at different times so that people who regularly pass by the library at the same time of day will not hear the same sounds.

Director of Cultural Affairs, Tom DeCaigny asked how far the sound will cast. Mr. Fontana replied that the sound will primarily be heard under the eaves of the building.

Ms. Chou stated that Mr. Fontana will continue to develop the sounds and will install a test speaker system in his studio. She plans to hold a studio visit in November with an Arts Commissioner, community members, and representatives from the Library and from Recreation and Parks to listen to the completed piece and have the Arts Commissioner report back to the Visual Arts Committee for approval of final design at the November meeting. Commissioner Silverman volunteered to join the studio visit.

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment.

A member of the public asked Mr. Fontana if he has considered other interior sounds, besides the poetry recordings, to incorporate into his composition. Mr. Fontana said he was exploring interior sounds such as a neighborhood ping pong tournament.

Motion: Motion to approve sound samples by Bill Fontana for the North Beach Branch Library artwork.
Moved: Silverman/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

2. Bayview Gateway
Mary Chou
Action

Ms. Chou presented the project outline for a gateway public artwork for the intersection of 3rd Street and Cargo Way. Ms. Chou showed an aerial view of the current site and pointed out areas that will transition to green space through the Port’s Blue Greenway Project. She noted that there are two prominent locations for public artwork in the Port's new plan. Ms. Chou said the opportunity is appropriate for a large-scale signature artwork to signify the entrance into the Bayview neighborhood. Possible themes and concepts for the artwork would include a reference to the culture and/or history of the Bayview community, references to the maritime and/or other commercial history of the Bayview area, or an artwork that reflects the industrial nature of the area. Ms. Chou noted that an artist will be selected for this project through the usual Arts Commission process, but will have to be approved by the Port Commission as an additional step.

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

Motion: Motion to approve the Public Art Project Outline for the Bayview Gateway.
Moved: Keehn/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved

3. General Hospital

A. Two-Dimensional Artwork Program
Zoë Taleporos
Action

Program Associate Zoë Taleporos presented the program outline for the two-dimensional artwork program at General Hospital. Ms. Taleporos explained that there are approximately 250 spaces for two-dimensional artwork at the new General Hospital building, and the program will be implemented in two phases. First, Arts Commission staff will evaluate works in the Civic Art Collection that were purchased for General Hospital in the 70s and are currently in storage. She noted that some of those works may be selected to be conserved, reframed, and reinstalled. In addition to works from the Civic Art Collection, General Hospital staff will also select personal artwork to be relocated to the new building. Secondly, a selection panel will choose approximately 200 images from the 2013/14 Two-Dimensional Artwork Registry to be reproduced in a permanent material such as porcelain enamel or aluminum, framed in steel and installed in the public corridors and waiting rooms. Ms. Taleporos noted that this direction was previously approved by the Arts Commission and is highly favored by General Hospital staff as a durable, maintainable alternative to purchasing original artwork.

Director DeCaigny expressed concern about reinstalling works from the Civic Art Collection in the new hospital building in areas that may need to be disinfected. He suggested coordinating with hospital staff to reinstall those works in areas where they may be least impacted.

Ms. Taleporos asked for Commissioner participation on the selection panel for new artworks. Commissioner Sklar volunteered.

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment. A member of the public suggested a modern mounting technique that does not have framing. Ms. Taleporos said that hospital staff specifically requested the inclusion of frames.

Motion: Motion to approve the General Hospital Two-Dimensional Artwork Program Outline.
Moved: Chew/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved

B. Acute Care Unit: Entry Drive Median – Cliff Garten
Jennifer Lovvorn
Action

Senior Project Manager Jennifer Lovvorn gave an update on the artwork Ethereal Bodies by Cliff Garten for the Entry Drive Median at General Hospital. Ms. Lovvorn explained how originally, civil and electrical engineering, as well as landscaping for the artwork was to be provided by the project architect. However, it will now be integrated into the artist’s contract. She reported that the artist had also revised the type of light fixture for the artwork. She requested approval to modify the artist’s contract to increase the contract amount to accommodate the new scope of work and updated light fixtures.

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment. A member of the public commented that using LED lighting in the sculpture is cost effective.

Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to modify the Agreement with Cliff Garten & Associates to increase the contract from $366,000 to $386,192 in order to provide signed stamped civil and electrical engineering and landscape drawings and to upgrade the light fixtures for the artwork Ethereal Bodies for the entry drive median at the General Hospital Acute Care Unit.
Moved: Chew/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved

THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS TABLED

C. Acute Care Unit: Floor 6 Art Glass – Julio César Morales
Marcus Davies
Action

Presentation of final fabrication sample for light court windows and curved glass element for art by Julio César Morales for General Hospital Acute Care Unit: Floor 6.

Motion: Motion to approve the Design Development Phase deliverables (final fabrication sample) for light court windows and curved glass element for art by Julio César Morales for General Hospital Acute Care Unit: Floor 6.

4. McKinley Monument Fence Installation
Anne Marie Purkey Levine
Action

Registrar Anne Marie Purkey Levine reported that vandalism attacks on the McKinley Monument continue to increase. She noted that the monument had been treated for graffiti removal three times in the last few months. Ms. Purkey Levine said a proposal to install a fence around the monument was presented to various neighborhood groups and was met with support. She explained that she will be working with ARG Conservation Services on the fence design and installation. Ms. Purkey Levine added that she views the fence as a temporary measure while Arts Commission staff continues to explore other options to deter vandalism such as lighting and landscaping. She noted that she would eventually like to see the fence removed so people may continue to use the steps of the monument as a meeting place. However, given the increase of vandalism attacks, a fence is the most feasible option at this time. Pending Arts Commission approval, the proposal will be presented to the Recreation and Park Commission.

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

Motion: Motion to approve the installation of an octagonal iron fence around the perimeter of Robert Ingersoll Aitken’s William McKinley, 1904, bronze, granite and marble, in order to prevent continued vandalism of the monument.
Moved: Keehn/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved

5. Van Ness Avenue Bus Rapid Transit
Justine Topfer
Action

Project Manager Justine Topfer reported that the final selection panel for the Van Ness Avenue Bus Rapid Transit (“VN-BRT”) Public Art Project met earlier in the month and selected artist Jorge Pardo for the commission. She thanked Commissioner Silverman for recommending the artist and Commissioner Keehn for participating in the selection panel. Ms. Topfer noted that Mr. Pardo’s work ranges from design, to murals, installations and public artworks. She added that he has exhibited in both international and regional contexts. Ms. Topfer presented several of his past projects including an installation at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and a public art project in Portland, OR.

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

Commissioner Keehn commented that after the selection panel, the Municipal Transportation Authority agreed to create conceptual designs for the bus shelters along the VN-BRT line. She said they seemed open to collaborating with Mr. Pardo in that process. Director DeCaigny added that the conceptual design process would be required to work within certain parameters to ensure that increased maintenance would not be required.

Motion: Motion to approve the selection of Jorge Pardo for the Van Ness Avenue Bus Rapid Transit Public Art Project as recommended by the Van Ness Avenue Bus Rapid Transit Public Art Selection Panel.
Moved: Keehn/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved

Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with Jorge Pardo for an amount not to exceed $25,000 to work in consultation with the project design team in order to create an artwork proposal for the Van Ness Avenue Bus Rapid Transit Public Art Project.
Moved: Chew/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved

6. Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series
Justine Topfer
Action

Ms. Topfer presented six final designs for Mark Ulriksen’s Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series, Active San Francisco, scheduled to be on view October 2013 through January 2014. Ms. Topfer explained that Mr. Ulriksen is a San Francisco based illustrator who is responsible for some of the most memorable covers of the New Yorker. For the poster series, he utilized his trademark humor and style to depict San Franciscans engaged in various outdoor activities. The posters include images of T’ai chi ch’uan practitioners in Washington Square, Alcatraz swimmers, recreational activities in Golden Gate Park, women hula hooping in the Financial District, hang gliders and dog walkers at Fort Funston, and Critical Mass cyclists on Lombard Street.

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

Motion: Motion to approve the final poster designs for Mark Ulriksen’s Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series, Active San Francisco, October 2013 through January 2014.
Moved: Silverman/ Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

THE FOLLOWING ITEM MOVED FROM ITEM 4 TO ITEM 7

7. Central Subway: Yerba Buena/Moscone Station Construction Barricade Temporary Art
Jennifer Lovvorn
Action

Ms. Lovvorn presented the Conceptual Design Phase deliverables by Randy Colosky for the Central Subway Yerba Buena/Moscone Station Construction Barricade. She explained that while the artist is happy with the current form of his design, he is still developing the color palette. Ms. Lovvorn noted that the artist’s conceptual design renderings currently utilize a variety color choices. Commissioner Sklar stated that pastel colors were not appropriate for a construction site, and suggested the artist move towards stronger colors as evidenced by his previous work. Commissioners Keehn and Silverman agreed. Ms. Lovvorn said she would share that feedback with the artist and will present the revised color palette to the Commission during the Design Development Phase.

Motion: Motion to approve the Conceptual Design Phase deliverables (renderings) by Randy Colosky for the Central Subway Yerba Buena/Moscone Station Construction Barricade along Folsom Street to be on display for one year beginning in late 2013 or early 2014 (exact date to be determined).
Moved: Chew/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved

8. Cayuga Playground
Marcus Davies
Action

Project Manager Marcus Davies presented the completed artwork by Eric Powell for Cayuga Playground. Mr. Davies described the artwork as two painted steel gates with imagery inspired by the artwork of the former Recreation and Park Department gardener Demetrio Braceros. He noted that the park’s main entrance gate fence measures approximately 10 feet tall by 13 feet wide, and the Alemany Boulevard pedestrian gate approximately 10 feet tall by 4 feet wide. Mr. Davies said the dedication of the playground was well attended by neighbors, families, a number of Arts Commission staff, and others.

Commissioner Sklar asked if the artworks in the playground were finished. Mr. Davies said they were and that approximately 150 sculptures by Mr. Braceros had been stabilized and reinstalled in the park. He added that it was an amazing collection of folk art and urged the Commissioners to visit. Commissioner Chew agreed, stating that the collection was a hidden gem of the City.

Ms. Lovvorn added that Mr. Davies managed the conservation project of Mr. Braceros’ sculpture and acknowledged the amount of time and effort he put into the project. Mr. Davies said that a full catalog of Mr. Braceros’ artworks, totaling over 400 objects, will be submitted to the Recreation and Park Department for the City’s records. The Commissioners and Arts Commission staff discussed other ways in which the collection may be publicized.

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

Motion: Motion to approve the final installation of the two painted steel entry gates that comprise the artwork Cayuga Portal, 2013, by Eric Powell, as installed at Cayuga Playground.
Moved: Silverman/Keehn
The motion was unanimously approved

9. Southeast Community Facility
Susan Pontious
Discussion

In Program Director Susan Pontious’ absence, Ms. Taleporos requested Commissioner participation on the Southeast Community Facility Public Artist Selection Panel. Commissioner Sklar volunteered.

10. SFAC Galleries
Meg Shiffler
Discussion

SFAC Galleries Director Meg Shiffler announced that the 5th annual Passport event will take place on Sunday, October 13, 2013 in the Divisadero Corridor. She noted that Passport is the primary fundraiser for the SFAC Galleries in which patrons purchase a Moleskin “passport” journal and stroll through local business collecting original, artist-designed stamps. Ms. Shiffler explained that in the past four years, Passport has taken place in several neighborhoods and has paired approximately 50 artists with 50 local businesses. She named the artists that will participate in this year’s event. Ms. Shiffler discussed the various ways the passport will be distributed, and welcomed suggestions of how promote the event. Commissioner Keehn suggested selling the passport at Bi-Rite Market. Commissioner Sklar suggested that a fully stamped passport would make a nice gift for business to distribute to staff.

11. Public Comment
Discussion

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

12. New Business, Old Business, and Announcements
Discussion

Director DeCaigny said that Arts Commission staff and stakeholders from various City departments to continue to discuss capital planning and policy issues regarding conservation of the Civic Art Collection.

13. Adjournment
Action

The meeting was adjourned at 4:29 p.m.

ZT 9/5/2013

Translated written materials and interpretation services are available to you at no cost.
For assistance, please notify Zoë Taleporos, zoe.taleporos@sfgov.org, 415-252-3215.

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，Zoë Taleporos, zoe.taleporos@sfgov.org, 415-252-3215.

Materiales traducidos y servicios de interpretación están disponibles para usted de manera gratuita.
Para asistencia, notifique a Zoë Taleporos, zoe.taleporos@sfgov.org, 415-252-3215