City and County of San FranciscoSan Francisco Arts Commission

March 20

Visual Arts Committee - March 20, 2013
SAN FRANCISCO ARTS COMMISSION
VISUAL ARTS COMMITTEE
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
3:00 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70
San Francisco, CA 94102
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 Minutes

The meeting commenced at 3:01 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, Celebrating Our Richmond Past and Present by lead artists Yuka Ezoe and Elaine Chu on the exterior wall of Argonne Elementary School located at 680 18th Avenue. The proposed mural (24' x 53') faces the intersection of Cabrillo Street and 17th Avenue and will be visible throughout the neighborhood. The project is sponsored by Precita Eyes, funded by Argonne Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization and the Community Challenge Grant Program and supported by District 1 Supervisor Eric Mar.

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

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

3. SFAC Galleries
Meg Shiffler
Action

SFAC Galleries Director Meg Shiffler presented the exhibition 2013 Sister City Exchange: San Francisco and Zurich. Ms. Shiffler explained that the SFAC Galleries will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the sister city relationship between San Francisco and Zurich through an exhibition exchange with their municipal gallery. The exhibition will feature five artists from San Francisco and five artists from Zurich, all working in conceptual photography to produce new work in response to the theme “portrait of a city.” All artists will produce 10 images that will be displayed in City Hall in October 2013. Ms. Shiffler then presented the San Francisco based artists who will be participating in the exhibition: Tammy Rae Carland, John Chiara, Pablo Guardiola, Sanaz Mazinani, and Lindsey White. 

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

THE FOLLOWING MOTION WAS REVISED

Motion: Motion to approve artist honoraria payments in the amount of $1,000 each to Tammy Rae Carland, John Chiara, Pablo Guardiola, Sanaz Mazinani, and Lindsey White for their contributions to the 2013 Sister City Exchange: San Francisco and Zurich. The local component of this project will open at City Hall in October, 2013.
Moved: Beltran/Keehn
The motion was unanimously approved

THE FOLLOWING ITEM MOVED FROM ITEM 5 TO ITEM 4

4. Palega Playground
Marcus Davies
Action

Project Manager Marcus Davies introduced Kristin Saunders, Associate Designer at Rebar Group, to present revisions to the design for an artwork at Palega Playground. He noted that due to an unanticipated increase in fabrication costs, design revisions were necessary to stay within the project budget. Ms. Saunders explained that the artwork was originally designed to include multiple elements rotating individually atop 30, 40, and 50 foot stainless steel masts with mirrored finish. She said that due to the high cost of mirrored stainless steel, the design has been altered to include shorter masts, each holding one rotating element. Mr. Davies clarified that the masts now stand at 25, 30, and 37 feet high. Ms. Saunders added that she is working with the fabricator to determine the shape of the rotating elements to retain the effect of the original design as closely as possible.

Commissioner Beltran commented that the reduction in height made the artwork more accessible to the public. Commissioner Keehn expressed concern over the look of the rotating elements. Commissioner Beltran suggested inserting long, slim cutouts into the shape. Ms. Saunders noted that she will present a mock-up of the final design to the Committee for approval at a later date.

THE FOLLOWING MOTION WAS REVISED.

Motion: Motion to approve design revisions for an artwork by Rebar Art and Design Studios to be located at Palega Playground to be reviewed by the Visual Art Committee further at a later date.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

5. Phelan Loop Public Plaza
Marcus Davies
Action

Mr. Davies presented the public art program outline for Phelan Loop Public Plaza. Mr. Davies reported that the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency and the Department of Public Works are working to create a plaza connecting Ocean and Phelan avenues that will serve as a gathering place and entryway to City College’s Ocean Campus. He explained that after discussing opportunities for public art at the plaza with the client agencies, it was determined that that best approach would be an artist designed paving treatment. Mr. Davies then presented three plaza design iterations that are currently being considered.

Commissioner Keehn asked if the plaza designs had been reviewed by the Civic Design Committee. Mr. Davies said that approval of the public art program outline would allow the project to progress to a Civic Design Committee review with an artist designed paving treatment already determined.

Mr. Davies explained that of the $37,000 project budget, $15,000 would be allocated to the artist for design, $15,000 to project administration, and $7,000 for signage and contingency. Public Art Program Director Susan Pontious clarified that fabrication and installation costs would be covered by the general construction budget.

Mr. Davies noted that approximately 15 artists will be selected from the 2013/2014 Prequalified Artist Pool for consideration by a public art selection panel. The panel will directly select one artist from that group for the commission based on past work.

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

Motion: Motion to approve public art program outline for Phelan Loop Public Plaza.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

6. Bayview Branch Library
Justine Topfer
Action

Project Manager Justine Topfer presented the installed artwork by Ron Moultrie Saunders at the Bayview Branch Library. Ms. Topfer explained that Mr. Saunders was commissioned to create two works for the new library. Symbiotic Relationships consists of five photograms printed on aluminum installed in the children’s reading room. Spirit and Nature Dancing Together consists of four photograms printed on porcelain enamel installed in the exterior courtyard. Ms. Topfer added that she received positive feedback about the artwork from library staff and the community.

Ms. Pontious noted that Mr. Saunders has been a practicing artist in the Bayview neighborhood for over 25 years and was pleased to include his work in the Civic Art Collection.

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

Motion: Motion to approve the installation of Ron Moultrie Saunders’ two artworks at the Bayview Branch Library: Spirit and Nature Dancing Together in the exterior courtyard; and Symbiotic Relationships in the children’s reading room.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

7. Church and Duboce Streetscape
Jennifer Lovvorn
Action

Senior Project Manager Jennifer Lovvorn presented alternate locations for two of the nine bronze chairs from the artwork Domestic Seating, 2012 by Primitivo Suarez-Wolfe at the intersection of Church Street and Duboce Avenue. Ms. Lovvorn explained that due to a complaint received regarding the chairs on Church Street as a potential tripping hazard for a person with low vision, she and Ms. Pontious had been exploring relocation options. Ms. Lovvorn noted that originally, the proposal was to relocate the chairs adjacent to the organization Maitri on the south side of Duboce Avenue. However, concerns about cigarette smoke entering Maitri’s building as a result of the nearby chairs prompted the organization to withdraw their consent for the relocation. Ms. Lovvorn reported that the chairs will now be moved to the north side of Duboce Avenue and will be installed in the furnishing zone of the sidewalk.

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

THE FOLLOWING MOTION WAS REVISED

Motion: Motion to approve the alternate installation location for two of the nine bronze chairs from the artwork Domestic Seating, 2012 by Primitivo Suarez-Wolfe which are currently installed on east side of Church Street next to Safeway, moving both to the north side of Duboce Avenue per the revised site plan.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

8. Clementina and 4th Streets Plaza Sculpture
Jennifer Lovvorn
Action

Ms. Lovvorn reported that in January 2013, the Yerba Buena/Moscone Sculpture Public Art Selection Panel recommended the proposal Node by artist Roxy Paine for the plaza located in front of the Central Subway: Yerba Buena/Moscone Station. Ms. Lovvorn reported that shortly thereafter, she received information regarding changes to the Federal Transit Administration funding rules. Under the new rules, Central Subway funds are not eligible to be used for freestanding artwork. Ms. Lovvorn said that an alternate source of local funds has been identified and the project will move forward as an independent project apart from the Central Subway public art program. She requested approval of the recommended proposal and authorization to enter into contract with the artist.

Motion: Motion to approve the Yerba Buena/Moscone Sculpture Public Art Selection Panel’s recommendation of Roxy Paine’s proposal for a sculpture for the plaza at Clementina and 4th streets.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into an agreement with Roxy Paine for an amount not to exceed $1,456,000 to design, fabricate and transport a sculpture for the plaza at Clementina and 4th streets.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved

9. Central Subway: Chinatown Station
Jennifer Lovvorn
Discussion

Ms. Lovvorn informed the commissioners that the Central Subway: Chinatown Station head house is undergoing a process of potential redesign. She explained that the community has expressed concerns about the current head house design relative to the possible future transit-oriented development which would be located that site. She noted that this could impact the artwork by Tomie Arai currently sited at the head house parapet. Ms. Lovvorn said she would keep the commissioners informed on the matter.

10. Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series
Justine Topfer
Discussion

Ms. Topfer announced that in April she will issue a Request for Qualifications for the next installment of the Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series. She stated that the series will be called Exposed and will center on the theme of artists responding to works in the Civic Art Collection. Ms. Topfer said she will work with the Civic Art Collection staff to strategically pair artworks located around the city with artists selected as finalists for the project as they develop their proposals. The Commissioners responded favorably to the theme of the series.

11. Embarcadero Historic Signage
Susan Pontious
Discussion

Ms. Pontious reported that the historic signage project on the Embarcadero continues to pose maintenance issues. She explained how maintenance for the project was originally funded through a sales tax allocation that has now been depleted. Ms. Pontious showed images and associated maintenance costs of several historic signage project pylons and podia that range in need from general cleaning to complete removal. With no funds to continue maintaining the work, Ms. Pontious initiated a discussion about alternative solutions. She explained that since the work has several disparate elements, it is difficult to de-accession the work as a whole. She proposed permanently removing the damaged elements and discontinuing repair and replacing them in the future. As this would be an alteration of the artwork, the artist must be contacted. Under State and Federal law he would have the option of removing his name from the piece. Ms. Pontious said that she will also approach the Port of San Francisco to discuss assisting with the long-term care of the piece.

12. San Francisco International Airport: Terminal 3 East
Susan Pontious
Discussion

Ms. Pontious presented the floor plan of the architectural remodel design and possible Art Enrichment opportunities at San Francisco International Airport, Terminal 3 East. Ms. Pontious explained that this area is continuous with Boarding Area E, which will house artworks by artists Eric Staller and Amy Ellingson. She noted several possible locations for new artwork including a wall in the meet-and-greet area, wall space in the gate rooms, and an artistic treatment of the columns. She reported that the entry to Boarding Area F is not currently in the project, but that she and Blake Summers, Director and Chief Curator of the SFO Museum, both see the entry to Boarding Area F as a future opportunity to do a major landmark artwork. At present she recommends using the gate room walls as a kind of gallery for a series of smaller works in light fast material, like porcelain enamel. These could be commissioned pieces or licensed reproductions. One possibility would be to reproduce images from the Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series.

Commissioner Keehn said she liked the idea of pooling the funds to create one landmark artwork for the Terminal. Ms. Pontious agreed stating that installing reproductions in other areas of the Terminal would introduce more artwork to the space while allowing a landmark work to be installed.

Ms. Pontious noted that Terminal 1 will be redesigned in the future and will generate Art Enrichment funds for major public art projects.

13. Capital Planning Report
Susan Pontious
Discussion

Ms. Pontious gave a report on Capital Planning Committee (“CPC”) staff’s proposal to increase the percentage of the Art Enrichment requirement allowed for maintenance and conservation of the Civic Art Collection. Director DeCaigny explained that Arts Commission staff had prepared a presentation of data related to the funding needs to care for the Civic Art Collection that will help inform the discussion. Ms. Pontious reoriented the Commissioners to the history of the Art Enrichment Ordinance and the allocation for artwork maintenance and conservation. She noted that the purpose of the Art Enrichment Ordinance was to create works of art that beautified civic facilities and enlivened public spaces. She stated how the ordinance expresses intent to reflect ideals of equity and access, to commission contemporary artworks from people of various backgrounds representing the City’s diversity, and to have those artworks serve the constituents of the project neighborhoods.

Ms. Pontious explained that Art Enrichment is made up almost exclusively of bond funds that create barriers to accessing the 5% set-aside to care for artworks. She clarified that bond funds expire and can only be used for conservation, not routine maintenance, of artworks. She added that often an artwork is in need of conservation after the funding has expired. Ms. Pontious stated that in addition to the Art Enrichment allocation, the Arts Commission has relied on funds from CPC for artwork conservation and maintenance. However, that funding has varied over the years. She said that CPC had asked the Arts Commission to produce an analysis of long-term needs of the Civic Art Collection and have recommended increasing the 5% allocation from Art Enrichment. Ms. Pontious reported that Arts Commission staff will review the City’s 10 year Capital Plan to determine which projects are required to provide Art Enrichment. They will then evaluate the adequacy of 5% for care of artwork within each department and impact of increasing set-aside on both conservation and new commissions. Ms. Pontious pointed out that increasing the 5% allocation would effectively decrease project budget amounts, thereby potentially compromising the Art Enrichment Ordinance’s intent of equity and access. Ms. Pontious stated that the Civic Art Collection has many historic works that are over 100 years old and require the most care. These works are largely sited on Recreation and Park Department (“RPD”) property, and the percentage of RPD bond funds eligible for Art Enrichment is usually small. Ms. 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.

Ms. Pontious discussed possible solutions for the ongoing care of artworks in the Civic Art Collection. One idea she referred to as the “social security model” would pool funds generated by projects under the same jurisdiction to be used interchangeably. She stated that the ArtCare program would continue to seek private donations. Ms. Pontious also noted how artworks will continue to be evaluated for their long-term maintenance needs at the proposal stage to avoid future problems. Other efforts to ensure the maintenance of the Civic Art Collection include training City staff to perform minor maintenance, developing solutions that address specific needs of artworks such as placing a fence around the McKinley Monument; and developing partnerships with City agencies and community groups to assist with graffiti abatement.

Director DeCaigny clarified that the CPC had asked the Arts Commission to present accurate data in regards to the current conservation needs of the Civic Art Collection, as well as possible solutions and policies to ensure ongoing care. He noted that the Arts Commission requests funding from the CPC annually, and this data would help support the request. Director DeCaigny added that because the gifts of historic monuments to the City predate the Art Enrichment Ordinance and have no source of maintenance funds, their conservation has created a backlog of deferred maintenance and conservation of other works in the Civic Art Collection. He added that using bond funding to maintain historic works would limit the funds for new public artworks across the City, effectively challenging the ideas of equity and access intended by the Art Enrichment Ordinance. He reported that Arts Commission staff will continue to perfect various models and compile accurate data that will support the request for funds from Capital Planning.

Commissioner Keehn thanked Director DeCaigny and Ms. Pontious for their presentation and offered to assist with fundraising efforts in the future. She left the meeting at 4:57 p.m.

Commissioner Sklar commended the Arts Commission staff for their commitment to maintaining the Civic Art Collection. She added that she supported the concepts put forth so that equity and access are maintained.

Director DeCaigny said that CPC staff will be invited to attend the next Visual Arts Committee meeting where they will discuss ways to present the issues to the full Arts Commission.

14. Public Art Program Projects Report
Susan Pontious
Discussion

Ms. Pontious presented the Arts Commission’s public art projects completed in Fiscal Year 2011/2012. She stated that the program completed permanent installations at both the Ortega and Visitation Valley Branch Libraries. She presented artwork at the new Public Utilities Commission Headquarters, including two major artworks by Ned Kahn and a large collection of two-dimensional artworks. Ms. Pontious said she was particularly proud of a program implemented at Laguna Honda that allowed over 800 residents to select an artwork to be displayed in their room. She presented the work of Charles Sowers on the exterior of the Randall Museum. She presented two artworks installed at the Betty Ann Ong Chinese Recreation Center. She presented an artistic fence treatment by Michael Bartalos for the Mission Playground. And finally, Ms. Pontious presented the work developed for the 2011/2012 Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series.

15. Public Comment
Discussion

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

16. New Business and Announcements
Discussion

Commissioner Beltran announced that the recently completed Arts Commission book, San Francisco: Arts for the City—Civic Art and Urban Change, 1932-2012, was reviewed in the San Francisco Chronicle’s Datebook section. She added that there will be public launch events in April at the Main Branch Library and at SPUR.

17. Adjournment
Action

The meeting was adjourned at 5:06 p.m.

ZT 3/29/2013
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For assistance, please notify Zoë Taleporos, zoe.taleporos@sfgov.org, 415-252-3215.

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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