Visual Arts Committee - March 19, 2014 - Meeting Minutes
SAN FRANCISCO ARTS COMMISSION
VISUAL ARTS COMMITTEE
Wednesday, March 19th, 2014
3 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70
San Francisco, CA 94102
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Minutes
The meeting commenced at 3:04 p.m.
1. Roll Call
Commissioners Present:
JD Beltran, President (Left at 4:35 p.m.)
Gregory Chew
Dorka Keehn, Chair
Jessica Silverman (Arrived at 3:09 p.m.)
Commissioners Absent:
Barbara Sklar
2. Consent Calendar
Action
- Motion to approve poster design featuring illustrations by artist Rhonel Roberts for a Third Street Poster and Light Pole Banner series for the T-Line. The posters will be displayed in fifteen transit stops facing the street on the T-Line from April through September, 2014.
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public Comment.
Motion: Motion to approve consent calendar item.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved.
THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS SEVERED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR AND REFERRED TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
- Motion to approve poster designs developed by graphic designer Joy Liu, featuring portraits by photographer Damien Maloney and poetry excerpts by youth from the San Francisco Arts Commission’s WritersCorps program. The posters will be displayed in fifteen transit stops facing the platform on the T-Line from April through September, 2014.
The Committee severed the motion from the Consent Calendar to review the WritersCorp posters series designs by graphic designer Joy Liu. The Committee disapproved of the design treatment of the text in the lower left, stating that it may be too hard to read due to the light outlines of the text. Director of Cultural Affairs Tom DeCaigny suggested hearing the item at the Executive Committee after the design revisions were made.
Commissioner Silverman arrived.
3. Patricia’s Green
A. June 2014 through May 2015
Jill Manton, Russell Pritchard
Action
Director of Public Art Trust and Special Initiatives Jill Manton presented three options for temporary sculpture installations at Patricia’s Green from June 2014 through May 2015. She introduced Madeline Behrens-Brigham and Russell Pritchard, the co-founders of the Hayes Valley Art Coalition (“HVAC”) who presented the first option for the Committee to consider, a sculpture proposal by Mark Baugh-Sasaki. The sculpture proposal, entitled Transformations, is comprised of an abstracted geometric steel framework encasing large concrete masses from demolished constructions sites.
President Beltran and the Committee shared their concerns of liability, climb-ability, and the structural capacity of the sculpture proposal. Mr. Pritchard said they would work with an engineer regarding structural concerns and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”). He ensured that safety mitigations would be considered and liability insurance would be obtained. He also confirmed that durable materials would be used and lighting would be included.
Program Director Susan Pontious explained that the proposal would also need to be reviewed by the Mayor’s Office of Disability (“MOD”) and would require approval of the Recreation and Parks Department (“RPD”).
Ms. Behrens-Brigham added that many Hayes Valley residents support the sculpture proposal and partial funding from a local developer had been secured.
Commissioner Keehn asked Ms. Manton if all three sculpture options had been reviewed by Hayes Valley community groups. Ms. Manton replied they had not. She clarified that the sculpture selected by the Committee would be vetted through community groups and would also be subject to approval by the RPD.
As a second proposal for the Committee to consider, Ms. Manton presented the work of artist James Surls and shared her preference for the sculpture All Diamonds. She then presented an artwork by Dana Albany as a third proposal: a spaceship-like sculpture adorned with mosaics and light bulbs that had previously been on view at the Exploratorium.
President Beltran noted that since the HVAC proposal had received strong community support, she was concerned about approving another proposal without community input.
The Committee expressed concerns regarding ADA compliance and durability of the proposed sculptures by James Surls and Dana Albany. Commissioner Keehn stated that all three of the proposals would need to be retrofitted or augmented before final approval and installation.
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment.
Executive Director of the Black Rock Arts Foundation Tomas McCabe noted that the piece by Dana Albany had been made possible through the combined efforts of multiple organizations including the Crucible, Burning Man, the Exploratorium, and the Maker Faire. He also commented on the structural attributes of the artwork and agreed it would need adjustments to mitigate safety concerns in the environment of Patricia’s Green.
Commissioner Keehn suggested that the motions be tabled until the proposals by James Surls and Dana Albany were presented to the community for feedback.
THE FOLLOWING MOTIONS WERE TABLED.
Motion : Motion to approve the proposal submitted by the Hayes Valley Art Coalition for a temporary installation of a sculpture by Mark Baugh-Sasaki installed at Patricia’s Green from June, 2014 through May, 2015 at no cost to the City.
Motion : Motion to provisionally approve the temporary display of a sculpture by James Surls entitled All Diamonds in Patricia’s Green from June, 2014 through May, 2015 using the allocation made to the San Francisco Arts Commission from Capital Planning of up to $20,000 pending approval from the Recreation and Park Commission and support from the local Hayes Valley community.
Motion: Motion to approve the temporary installation of a mosaic sculpture by Dana Albany for placement in Patricia’s Green from June, 2014 through May, 2015 at no cost to the City.
B. 10th Anniversary
Jill Manton, Tom McCabe
Action
Ms. Manton presented a proposal to install a new temple sculpture by David Best at Patricia’s Green in honor of the 10th anniversary of the park. She explained that one of David Best’s temple sculptures had been the first public art installation at the park and it was received extremely well by the public. She added that the project would be funded by the Planning Department and the Black Rock Arts Foundation.
Ms. Manton stated that members of the HVAC and the Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association were in favor of the proposal to install David Best’s work. She recommended awarding the artist a $2,000 honorarium to create a proposal for a new temple sculpture at Patricia’s Green to be installed in June 2015. Ms. Manton added that the honorarium would allow the artist to research more durable materials, as the original installation had been damaged by environmental conditions.
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment.
Mr. McCabe stated that he had spoken with David Best who is excited about the idea. He also confirmed that the artist would be able to complete a new installation within the proposed timeline.
Motion: Motion to pay an honorarium of $2,000 to artist David Best for the development of a sculpture proposal for Patricia’s Green to be presented to the Arts Commission, Recreation and Park Commission and the community for FY 2015/2016 in collaboration with Black Rock Arts Foundation, with the balance of funding to come from the Black Rock Arts Foundation.
Moved: Beltran/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved.
THIS ITEM MOVED FROM ITEM 9 TO ITEM 4.
4. SOMA West Skatepark
Mary Chou
Action
Project Manager Mary Chou presented images of the final designs of the artwork There Slipped Saturn a Perpetual Tock-a.k.a The Saturn Clock, by artist Jovi Schnell for SOMA West Skatepark. Ms. Chou explained that the design had not changed since the conceptual approval. The mural will be located on six columns at the site, along with lintels between the columns, that will be painted with the same design. However, the design will be slightly rotated on each column so that from any vantage point a viewer will see various aspexcts of the mural design when looking at a full view of all the columns.
Ms. Chou introduced the artist, Ms. Schnell, who explained that her conceptual inspiration for the imagery was the former Woodward’s Gardens, an amusement park with a museum of natural curiosities, zoo, gallery, and exotic gardens, as well as the largest West Coast skating rink of its time, located across the street from the current Skatepark site.
President Beltran asked if graffiti prevention had been considered. Ms. Chou confirmed that the mural will have a graffiti coating. She explained that the artwork will not be entering the Civic Art Collection (“CAC”), as the City is leasing the land from Caltrans and as a result, the artwork is located on State-owned property. However, the Arts Commission will be responsible for the maintenance of the artwork and has a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with RPD who will remove the graffiti. The MOU was made with the condition that graffiti on the mural can be removed with the same product used by RPD to remove graffiti from other surfaces. The artist completed a test with the KEIM paint and the products used by RPD and confirmed that the products used by RPD are safe for use on the KEIM paint.
Director DeCaigny asked if there was an intended lifespan for the artwork. Ms. Chou stated that she is uncertain what the length of the lease agreement is with Caltrans but it has been agreed that if the artwork required major restoration work beyond graffiti removal, it would be painted over. There is no budget for extensive restoration. She also stated that the KEIM paint used for the mural is a very durable mineral based product that fuses directly to the concrete.
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
Motion: Motion to approve the Final Design Phase deliverables by artist Jovi Schnell for the SOMA West Skatepark.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved.
5. Pirkle Jones Foundation
Susan Pontious
Action
Ms. Pontious announced a proposed gift to the City of 148 photographs by Pirkle Jones from the Pirkle Jones Foundation. Ms. Pontious explained that the foundation is dissolving and while gifts without an endowment are not usually accepted into the CAC, staff believes that it is within the collecting priorities to accept the photographs due to the stature of this photographer and the quality of work. The photographs will come into the collection in archival storage and will not require maintenance. They will be an appropriate selection for hanging in public offices at City Hall. The borrowing agencies will incur the framing and exhibition costs.
Senior Registrar Allison Cummings presented a few of the photographic prints and President Beltran read a short biography of Pirkle Jones. Mr. Jones had an esteemed career as photographer of San Francisco and its environs. He had been a member of the San Francisco Art Institute faculty. His contemporaries included Ansel Adams, Minor White, Edward Weston and Dorthea Lange.
Ms. Pontious explained there will be motion at a later date to complete the accession of the works into the CAC, which will include full catalog information for each.
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
Motion: Motion to approve the gift proposal from the Pirkle Jones Foundation to the City of 148 selenium toned gelatin silver photographic prints by Pirkle Jones, and two selenium toned gelatin silver prints by F. W. Quand, printed by Pirkle Jones.
Moved: Beltran/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved.
6. Broadway Chinatown Streetscape Improvement Project
Marcus Davies
Action
Project Manager Marcus Davies presented the Broadway Chinatown Streetscape Improvement Project. The project site is along Broadway Street from Columbus Avenue to the Robert C. Levy Tunnel. The streetscape projects will convert the current arterial to two lanes of traffic in each direction. Bulb-outs, raised crosswalks and a special intersection treatment will improve pedestrian visibility. New street trees, bike sharrows, seating, and street lights will enhance the public realm. Community members and the project team have expressed a desire for artist-designed seating along the length of the project site on both the north and south sides of the street. While specific sites are yet to be determined, areas of interest include the intersections at Powell, Stockton and Grant streets, near the throughways of Cordelia Street and Turk Murphy Lane, and adjacent to a new mini-plaza at the north entrance to Wayne Place.
Mr. Davies added that any seating will be coordinated with the MOD to ensure ADA compliance. The budget for the project is $73,800 with an additional architectural credit of up to $80,000 from the Department of Public Works (“DPW”) for seating.
Mr. Davies asked for a commissioner to participate on the artist selection panel in early April. President Beltran offered to serve on the panel.
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
Motion: Motion to approve the Broadway Chinatown Streetscape Improvement Public Art Project Outline.
Moved: Beltran/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved.
THE FOLLOWING MOTION WAS TABLED.
7. Palega Playground
Marcus Davies
Action
Explanatory Documents: Revised Design Drawing (to be provided at meeting)
Presentation Time: Approximately 7 minutes
Project update and presentation of design revisions to the artwork by Rebar Art and Design Studio for Palega Playground.
Motion: Motion to approve design revisions to artwork, Zephyros, by Rebar Art and Design Studio for Palega Playground.
8. Moscone Expansion Project
Susan Pontious and Marcus Davies
Action
Mr. Davies presented the Moscone Expansion Public Art Project Outline. He stated that the project team identified the enclosed pedestrian bridge across Howard Street as a primary art enrichment opportunity and would like to pursue an artwork utilizing light to transform the architectural space. The artwork could also be extended along the roof line of the new Moscone South. Other potential sites for additional artwork include the open air pedestrian bridge across Howard and a plaza that may be realized at the southeast corner of Howard and 4th streets in front of the carousel and Children’s Creativity Museum.
Director Pontious explained that project and design still needed to vetted though the Civic Design Review Committee but it was important to move forward with artist selection to ensure that the project artist can participate in the design process.
Commissioner Silverman agreed to serve on the artist selection panel in late June.
Director DeCaigny mentioned that there are many stakeholder interests in the project and that it will be important to maintain communication between the Visual Art and Civic Design Review Committees. He asked that a monthly report be scheduled as a regular item on the Executive Committee agendas for the duration of the project.
Ms. Pontious also stated that artworks that are currently sited at Moscone Center will need to be moved during construction and that some works may be considered for de-accession. Staff has been working on appropriate loans when possible, such as the sculpture by Keith Haring, Untitled (Three Dancing Figures), which may be loaned to the Fine Arts Museums for the de Young’s upcoming Keith Haring exhibit.
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
Motion: Motion to approve the Moscone Expansion Public Art Project Outline calling for a light sculpture for the enclosed pedestrian bridge and additional exterior artworks.
Moved: Beltran/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved.
9. Masonic Avenue Streetscape Improvement Project
Mary Chou
Action
Ms. Chou presented the Public Art Project Outline for the Masonic Avenue Streetscape Improvements. There is an opportunity to commission a sculpture for the public plaza at the corner of Masonic and Geary Street.
Ms. Chou stated she will use the 2013/2014 Prequalified Artist Pool as a resource to create a short list of artists for the selection panel. Ms. Chou asked for a commissioner to sit on the artist selection panel in early April. Depending on the date selected Commissioner Chew or Commissioner Barbara Sklar will serve.
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
Motion: Motion to approve the Public Art Project Outline for the Masonic Avenue Streetscape Improvement Project.
Moved: Beltran/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved.
President Beltran left the meeting.
10. Alameda Creek Watershed Center
Mary Chou
Action
Ms. Chou presented the results of Alameda Creek Watershed Public Art Project Selection Panel from March 12, 2014. She presented images and gave a brief overview of the selected finalists; Mark Brest van Kempen, Jackie Brookner and Stacy Levy, and Dan Corson, with Adam Kuby as an alternate. All of the artists will develop conceptual proposals.
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
Motion: Motion to approve the selected finalists; Mark Brest van Kempen, Jackie Brookner and Stacy Levy, and Dan Corson, with Adam Kuby as an alternate, as recommended by the Alameda Creek Watershed Public Art Project Selection Panel to develop conceptual proposals for the Alameda Creek Watershed Public Art Project.
Moved: Beltran/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved.
11. 2015/16 Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series
Justine Topfer
Action
Project Manager Justine Topfer presented the Public Art Outline for the 2015/16 Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series. She stated that the Request for Qualifications ("RFQ") for the series will be posted in April. She stated that she had selected Birthday Bash as the overarching theme for the poster series. Artists will be asked to respond to the 2015 centennial celebration of City Hall.
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
Motion : Motion to approve the Public Art Project Outline for the 2015/16 Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series.
Moved: Chew/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved.
12. Ocean Avenue Public Plaza
Justine Topfer
Action
Ms. Topfer introduced the artist Kelly Ording. Ms. Ording conceptual design renderings for her integrated artwork at Ocean Avenue Public Plaza. Her project includes three designs for the paving of a public plaza that will connect Ocean Avenue and City College. Ms. Ording stated that she drew inspiration from the weather, with wave-like graphic patterns and the circular sun-like shape representing the gathering community. The materials could include sandblasted concrete, blue mosaic tiles, and glazed bricks. She stated that she is working with the landscape architect from Department of Public Works to determin and detail the specifics of the design and will meet the construction requirements for water permeability.
The Committee that they like the design. Ms. Topfer clarified that the artist is only responsible for the paving design. The artists design will be implemented according to the specifications outlined by the Arts Commission and DPW by the general contractor selected to construct the plaza. Ms. Pontious urged the artist to also confirm that the materials will meet slip co-efficient regulations as well fit within the overall construction budget.
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
Motion : Motion to approve the Conceptual Design Phase deliverables (artwork rendering) by Kelly Ording for the paving design of Ocean Avenue Public Plaza (project formerly referred to as Phelan Loop Plaza in Resolution No. 0909-13-203).
Moved: Chew/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved.
13. Central Subway: Chinatown Station – Clare Rojas
Justine Topfer
Action
Ms. Topfer introduced Arianne Gelardin, the design assistant of Clare Rojas. Ms. Gelardin presented conceptual design renderings by Clare Rojas for Central Subway: Chinatown Station Crosscut Cavern Wall. The renderings were digitally printed to scale to illustrate the detail of the textiles that are being considered for digital reproduction on ceramic wall tiles. She stated the scale will allow for the weave of the textiles to be visible. She also stated that depending on budget, additional design touches may include beveled edges on tiles to replicate the puckering of a sewn quilt.
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
Motion : Motion to approve the Conceptual Design Phase deliverables (artwork renderings) by Clare Rojas for the Central Subway: Chinatown Station Crosscut Cavern Wall.
Moved: Chew/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved.
14. San Francisco International Airport
Justine Topfer
Action
A. Terminals 1 and 3, Sculpture Opportunities
Ms. Topfer presented an overview and images of the selected artists for the San Francisco International Airport: Terminals 1 and 3 artwork opportunities. The selected artists recommended by the Three-Dimensional Selection Panel held on March 3, 2014 include Ursula von Rydingsvard and alternate Rachel Feinstein, for the Terminal 3, Sculpture Opportunity.
The panel also selected High Heels for Going to Heaven, 2013 by Yayoi Kusama for the Terminal 1, Sculpture Opportunity. The sculpture is made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic, stainless steel, and urethane paint and is available for purchase from the David Zwirner Gallery.
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
Motion : Motion to approve the selected artists, Ursula von Rydingsvard and alternate Rachel Feinstein, for the San Francisco International Airport: Terminal 3, Sculpture Opportunity as recommended by the San Francisco International Airport Three-Dimensional Selection Panel, pending approval by the Airport Commission.
Moved: Chew/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved.
Motion : Motion to approve the selected artist Yayoi Kusama for the San Francisco International Airport: Terminal 1, Sculpture Opportunity, as recommended by the San Francisco International Airport Three-Dimensional Selection Panel, pending approval by the Airport Commission.
Moved: Chew/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved.
Motion : Motion to approve the purchase of the artwork, High Heels for Going to Heaven, 2013 by Yayoi Kusama in the amount of $360,000 plus applicable sales tax from David Zwirner Gallery, New York, for the San Francisco International Airport: Terminal 1, Sculpture Opportunity, as recommended by the San Francisco International Airport Three-Dimensional Selection Panel, pending approval by the Airport Commission.
Moved: Chew/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved.
THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS TABLED.
B. Terminal 3, Two-Dimensional Opportunity
Explanatory Documents: Artwork locations; Panel Summary; Artist Overview
Presentation Time: Approximately 5 minutes
Motion : Motion to approve a design fee honoraria for Louisiana Bendolph in the amount of $3,500 for a conceptual design proposal for an artwork at San Francisco International Airport: Terminal 3, Gate 71B.
Motion: Motion to approve design fee honoraria for Chris Johanson in the amount of $5,500 for a conceptual design proposal for an artwork at San Francisco International Airport: Terminal 3, Gate 71A.
C. Terminal 1, Secure Connector, Two-Dimensional Opportunity
Ms. Topfer presented images of works by selected artist James Melchert. Mr. Melchert had been approved as the selected artist for the International Airport: Terminal 1, Secure Connector. She stated that she and Ms. Pontious had conducted a studio visit. They felt the color palette of the current work in his studio is too was somber. She added that Mr. Melchert plans to use a brighter palette for his commissioned work at the San Francisco International Airport.
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
Motion : Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with James Melchert for an amount not to exceed $95,000 for an artwork at San Francisco International Airport: Terminal 1, Secure Connector, pending approval by the Airport Commission.
Moved: Chew/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved.
15. Randall Museum
Justine Topfer
Action
Ms. Topfer presented an overview of the work of artist Ben Trautman for the Randall Museum Public Art Project as recommended by the selection panel. The panel made a direct selection of his work based on his portfolio and a personal interview. Mr. Trautman is sculptor who combines organic and mechanical forms to create suspended mobile, kinetic constructions.
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
Motion : Motion to approve the selection of Ben Trautman for the Randall Museum Public Art Project as recommended by the Randall Museum Public Art Selection Panel.
Moved: Chew/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved.
Motion : Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with Ben Trautman for an amount not to exceed $63,000 for the Randall Museum Public Art Project.
Moved: Chew/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved.
16. Glen Canyon Park
Justine Topfer
Discussion
Ms. Topfer gave an overview of the Glen Canyon Park public art opportunity and requested that a Commissioner serve on the final selection panel to be held in early June 2014. The Committee recommended that either Commissioner Sklar or Commissioner Chew sit on the panel.
17. Public Comment
Discussion
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
18. New Business, Old Business and Announcements
Discussion
No announcements were made.
19. Adjournment
Action
The meeting adjourned at 4:58 p.m.
JDC 4/02/14
JDC 4/03/14
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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.
