City and County of San FranciscoSan Francisco Arts Commission

January 16, 2013

Visual Arts Committee - January 16, 2013
SAN FRANCISCO ARTS COMMISSION
VISUAL ARTS COMMITTEE
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
3:00 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70
San Francisco, CA 94102
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Minutes

The meeting commenced at 3:02 p.m.

1. Roll Call

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

Commissioners Absent:
Jessica Silverman

THE FOLLOWING ITEM MOVED FROM ITEM 11 TO ITEM 2

2. Public Comment
Discussion

Paula Datesh submitted the following statement to be included in the minutes:

“Howard Lazar’s on-going mistakes are putting my health in danger and under medical advice-I no longer wish to continue in the Street Artists Program.

1. A Chinese woman selling jewelry has called 911 4 times since Thanksgiving. She sells at 4th and Market. When police come, they ask why 6-9 stands are in 4 spaces. I explain that this is an enforcement issue. Lazar does not monitor that area or answer the phone.

2. Problems selling on Stockton Street over the Holidays. Mistakes in the lottery; Chinese vendors ganging up and forcing me out. Lazar not around even when police call.

3. No dialogue in the Street Artist meetings. I ask questions which are ignored and not entered into the minutes. Have to go to more meetings to correct the minutes. Street Artist meetings are not run correctly.

4. Lazar has a long history of gossiping; blame shifting and creating conflict within program. He runs from the problems he creates. Always seeking dirt on colleagues.

5. Lazar’s salary comes from Street Artist fees yet he works for the downtown merchants. He will not respond to those who pay his salary and has said he “is not required to.”

6. Lazar has no understanding of First Amendment law; Sunshine law or the Brown Act. For 40 years, he has been making the same mistake and I grow tired of holding his feet to the fire.

As a Diabetic, I find most of this stressful and annoying. Lazar has not changed much in over 20 years and is not likely to do so. The 911 calls; lack of enforcement in the street and time spent in meetings are stressful. Lazar will never change and for this reason, I can no longer continue in this Program.”

THE FOLLOWING ITEM MOVED FROM ITEM 8 TO ITEM 3

3. Excelsior Sculpture Project: Geneva & Mission
Carol Marie Daniels, Nicole Agbayani and Isis Rodriguez
Action

Project Manager Carol Marie Daniels explained how this item was tabled at the November 2012 Visual Arts Committee (“VAC”) meeting due to loss of quorum. It was then heard at the full Arts Commission meeting of December 2012 where the Commissioners recommended that design changes be made and reviewed once more by the VAC before final approval. She introduced Excelsior Action Group Corridor Manager, Nicole Agbayani, to present the project with the requested changes.

Ms. Agbayani presented the final design for Ever Upward, a metal sculpture mounted on a mosaic tile column to be installed at the corner of Geneva and Mission streets by the artists Isis Rodriguez and Jason Gilmore. She noted that the project is part of the Geneva Gateway Beautification project, was designed through a community process, is sponsored by Excelsior Action Group, funded by the Community Challenge Grant Program and the Office of Economic Workforce Development, and supported by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. Ms. Agbayani explained how the Commissioners at the December 2012 meeting requested a change in the sculpture’s proportions to adhere to the rule of thirds. She noted that while the ratio between the mosaic column and the metal sculptural top had changed, the height of the overall sculpture remained the same. She introduced other members of the project team to address different aspects of the project.

Project engineer Jack Laws, a Principal at Structural Design Engineers, stated that he has worked with artist Isis Rodriguez on several structures, including park gates similar in scale and complexity to Ever Upward. He described how he helped the team revise the proportions of the sculpture which is now more accommodating to the seismic requirements and wind load in the Excelsior. He said that the new proportions also prohibit people from climbing or hanging from the sculpture.

Jason Gilmore, mosaic design artist, stated that the imagery executed in tile mosaic work on the columns represented various facets of the Excelsior neighborhood. He explained how the imagery celebrates the area’s agricultural past and references arts, music and present industry such as welding. Ms. Agbayani presented a mockup of the tile work.

Ms. Agbayani added that the project has received numerous letters of support including those from Edward D. Reiskin, Director of Transportation, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Authority, John Avalos, District 11 Supervisor, and local arts organizations.

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment.

Philip Wong, a native San Franciscan and Intern at the Office of Economic and Workforce Development stated that the sculpture is a tangible reference for the investment being made in the Excelsior.

Rosanne Harris, Excelsior resident stated that the sculpture was needed to make the neighborhood nice.

Deborah LeDet, Excelsior resident and artist, stated that she has been involved in the project since its beginning. She said the residents are excited about this project as a landmark for the neighborhood.

Mel Flores, Excelsior resident and member of the Excelsior Action Group Beautification Committee, said he supported the project and bringing more public art to the neighborhood.

THE FOLLLOWING MOTION WAS REVISED

Motion: Motion to approve the site and final design of Ever Upward, a 6 foot metal sculpture mounted on an 8 foot concrete column overlaid with mosaic tile by artists Isis Rodriguez and Jason Gilmore which will be installed at the northwest corner of Geneva and Mission streets. The sculpture is part of the Geneva Gateway Beautification project sponsored by Excelsior Action Group, funded by the Community Challenge Grant Program and the Office of Economic and Workforce Development and supported by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency.
Moved: Beltran/Keehn
The motion was unanimously approved

4. Boeddeker Park
Marcus Davies
Action

Project Manager Marcus Davies requested approval to increase artist Amy Blackstone’s contract for an artwork for Father Alfred E. Boeddeker Park based on increases to project funding and artist’s scope. He stated that in previous years, the artist created an artistic treatment of the playground’s community bulletin board, and was recently contracted to create a design for a six foot fence panel at the same site. Mr. Davies added that the community was enthusiastic about the additional artwork which prompted the increase of project funding to allow the artist to design six fence panels total.

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

Motion: Motion to rescind Resolution No. 0507-12-146 authorizing the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with Amy Blackstone for design, fabrication, transportation and installation of an artwork for Father Alfred E. Boeddeker Park in an amount not to exceed $25,600.
Moved: Beltran/Keehn
The motion was unanimously approved

Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with Amy Blackstone for design, fabrication, transportation and installation of an artwork for Father Alfred E. Boeddeker Park in an amount not to exceed $32,560.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

5. Cabrillo Playground
Marcus Davies
Action

Mr. Davies presented Colette Crutcher’s final design for an artwork at Cabrillo Playground. He stated that the artist has designed a fence treatment for the 38th and 39th street entrances to the playground. It will be fabricated in the material Lace Fence from the Netherlands. Mr. Davies explained that Ms. Crutcher’s design was inspired by a long-standing dahlia garden in the playground’s neighborhood. He stated that the design has been reviewed by client agency and neighborhood residents who responded to it favorably. He added that following approval, the artwork will be digitized and sent to the fabricator.

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

THE FOLLLOWING MOTION WAS REVISED

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

6. San Francisco International Airport: Terminal 3/Boarding Area E
Justine Topfer
Action

Project Manager Justine Topfer presented Amy Ellingson’s final design artwork for San Francisco International Airport’s Boarding Area E in Terminal 3. Ms. Topfer explained how the design had been revised to respond to the Commissioner’s request to lighten the work by removing some of the oval shapes. Ms. Topfer presented two tile mosaic mock-ups to demonstrate the process of translating the design. She noted that the fabricator had been directed to create more texture and adjust the finish of the tile. Ms. Topfer added that the she and the artist will continue to work with the fabricator to find the best translation.

Commissioner Sklar commented that the tile samples looked weighted down with gray and did not convey the lightness of the original design.

Commissioner Keehn commented that some of the colors appeared murky and unmatched to the original. Commissioners Chew and Beltran agreed. Commissioner Beltran suggested the artist identify the correct colors on the Pantone Matching System and provide that to the fabricator.

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

Motion: Motion to approve the final design for Amy Ellingson’s artwork for San Francisco International Airport’s Boarding Area E in Terminal 3.
Moved: Beltran/ Keehn
The motion was unanimously approved

7. Central Subway

A. Union Square Market Street Station: Glass Elevator and Deck
Justine Topfer
Action

Ms. Topfer reported that the Artist Selection Panel for the Central Subway Union Square Market Street Station Glass Elevator and Deck Public Art Project took place on January 8, 2013. The panel selected the following finalists to create proposals for the opportunity: Amy Ellingson; Jim Isermann; Clare Rojas; and Jennifer Starkweather and Amanda Hughen. Ms. Topfer described the practices of each of the finalists. She described Ms. Ellingson’s work as an exploration of color, geometry, repetition and scale that is often translated from digital imagery into large scale painting. She explained how Mr. Isermann’s work often integrates post-war industrial design and fine art against the backdrop of popular culture. She described Ms. Rojas’ current work as a departure of her folk inspired work in that the figure is removed from bold architectural forms. And she stated that the artist team of Jennifer Starkweather and Amanda Hughen use maps and data to create abstracted forms that explore the complexities of place and points of departure.

Commissioner Keehn commented that she participated in the panel and was pleased with the selection of finalists.

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

Motion: Motion to approve the selected finalists for the Central Subway Union Square Market Street Station Glass Elevator and Deck Public Art Project: Amy Ellingson; Jim Isermann; Clare Rojas; and Jennifer Starkweather and Amanda Hughen.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

B. Yerba Buena/Moscone Station Sculpture
Jennifer Lovvorn
Action

Senior Project Manager Jennifer Lovvorn reported on the final selection panel meeting for the Central Subway Yerba Buena/Moscone Station sculpture opportunity. Ms. Lovvorn stated that the panel was presented with three proposals for a sculpture at the station’s entryway: an existing sculpture by Sol Lewitt; and proposals for new sculpture commissions by the artists Charles Ray and Roxy Paine. Ms. Lovvorn said that all three presentations were excellent and the panelists showed much appreciation for being involved in the process. After discussion of the three proposals, the panelists selected Roxy Paine’s proposal Node to recommend to the Arts Commission. Ms. Lovvorn described Node as a 110 foot sculpture made of stainless steel. She noted that the panelists thought the sculpture would be popular and a great wayfinding tool to guide people to the subway station.

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

Motion: Motion to approve the proposal by artist Roxy Paine for a sculpture for the entry plaza at Central Subway Yerba Buena/Moscone Station as recommended by the Central Subway Yerba Buena/Moscone Sculpture Public Art Selection Panel.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into an agreement with artist Roxy Paine for an amount not to exceed $1,500,000 to design, fabricate and transport a sculpture for the entry plaza at Central Subway Yerba Buena/Moscone Station.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

C. Construction Barricade Temporary Art
Jennifer Lovvorn
Action

Ms. Lovvorn presented the project outline for temporary art projects on the barricades during construction of the Central Subway Yerba Buena/Moscone and Chinatown Stations. Ms. Lovvorn presented the design for the construction barricades indicating which areas would have an art treatment and showed examples of art projects at similar sites. She presented the plan views of the construction sites for Yerba Buena/Moscone and Chinatown Stations and the location of the barricade facades designated for artwork. Ms. Lovvorn added that the selection process for this project will include shortlisting from the 2013/2014 Prequalified Artist Pool to present to a small panel comprised of one representative of the client agency, one representative of the Arts Commission and up to two community representatives who would ideally be artist professionals working or living in the neighborhoods of the two stations.

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

THE FOLLLOWING MOTION WAS REVISED

Motion: Motion to approve the Central Subway: Construction Barricade Temporary Art Project Outline for a program of temporary artwork on the barricades for Yerba Buena/Moscone and Chinatown Stations during construction from approximately mid-2013 through 2018.
Moved: Chew/Beltran
The motion was unanimously approved

8. General Hospital
Zoë Taleporos
Action

Program Associate, Zoë Taleporos presented the Project Outline for San Francisco General Hospital Emergency Room Entry Wall Public Art Project. Ms. Taleporos explained that this will be her first public art project managed under the supervision of Ms. Lovvorn. She described the site as a 5’ high by 8’ wide wall prominently located at the Emergency Room entrance designated to receive two-dimensional artwork translated into permanent materials such as tile mosaic or glass. The budget for the project is $35,000 which includes the artist fee, fabrication and installation. She noted that the selection process for this project will include the presentation of a shortlist to an artist selection panel who will select finalists to create proposals.

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

Motion: Motion to approve the Project Outline for San Francisco General Hospital Emergency Room Entry Wall Public Art Project.
Moved: Keehn/Beltran
The motion was unanimously approved

9. Public Safety Building
Susan Pontious
Action

Program Director Susan Pontious requested approval for an increase in Merge Conceptual Design’s contract for an artwork at the Public Safety Building. Ms. Pontious explained that the Conceptual Design Phase was complete and the artists are now ready to enter into the Design Development and Construction Document Phases of the project.

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

THE FOLLOWING MOTION WAS REVISED

Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to increase Merge Conceptual Design’s contract from $47,000 to $90,000 for Design Development and Construction Documents for their artwork for the Public Safety Building.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

10. Sutro Bust
Susan Pontious
Action

Ms. Pontious presented Jonah Hendrickson’s final clay design of the bust of Mayor Adolph Sutro to be installed at San Francisco City Hall. She stated that a smaller maquette of the bust had previously been approved by the Commissioners. Commissioner Beltran asked if the final design was true to size. Ms. Pontious said it was. Director of Cultural Affairs Tom DeCaigny asked if the bust will be accessioned into the Civic Art Collection. Ms. Pontious said yes, the Commission has already passed a resolution of intent to accession. She added that the work comes with a maintenance endowment as well as an administration fee.

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

Motion: Motion to approve the final clay design by Jonah Hendrickson of the bust of Mayor Adolph Sutro to be installed at San Francisco City Hall.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

11. Church and Duboce Streetscape
Jennifer Lovvorn
Discussion

Ms. Lovvorn gave a project update on the artwork Domestic Seating, by Primitivo Suarez-Wolfe at the intersection of Church Street and Duboce Avenue. Ms. Lovvorn stated that the artwork was installed in December 2012 and has since been repeatedly vandalized. She said that she has been in conversation with the Upper Market/Castro Community Benefits District and the graffiti abatement division of the Department of Public Works about ongoing maintenance for the artwork. Ms. Lovvorn also noted that the City received a complaint regarding Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) compliance of the artwork. She stated that while the artwork elements were installed in compliance with ADA, the complainant argued that they pose a potential tripping hazard. As a result, representatives from various City agencies including the Mayor’s Office on Disability, have recommended that the two chairs installed on Church Street be relocated. Ms. Lovvorn plans to meet with the artist to explore alternate installation locations, which she will present to the Commission for approval next month. She added that once the installation is finalized, she will request accessioning the artwork into the Civic Art Collection.

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

12. New Business and Announcements
Discussion

Director DeCaigny announced that he continues to work with Capital Planning on a long-term plan for conservation of the Civic Art Collection. He stated that he is examining the needs of the collection both present and future and how an adjustment of the maintenance allocation in the Art Enrichment Ordinance might address those needs.

Director DeCaigny announced that a Memorandum of Understanding has been drafted by Ms. Pontious and will be sent to the Recreation and Park Department for review regarding the development of an Art Steering Committee.

Commissioner Beltran announced that she has been commissioned by the Yerba Buena Community Benefit District to assist in the development of permanent public artworks. She stated that she plans to work with the Arts Commission’s Public Art staff to implement these projects.

Commissioner Sklar called for public comment

A member of the public inquired about the jurisdiction and maintenance of Shakespeare’s Garden. Ms. Pontious replied that the Recreation and Park Department was responsible for the garden, while the sculptures and plaques were the responsibility of the Arts Commission.

13. Adjournment
Action

The meeting was adjourned at 4:26 p.m.

ZT 1/31/13
JDC 3/14/12 Adopted Minutes Posted

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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