SAN FRANCISCO ARTS COMMISSION
VISUAL ARTS COMMITTEE
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
3 p.m.
Remote meeting via video and teleconferencing
________________________________________
Minutes

1. Call to Order, Roll Call, and Agenda Changes

Commissioners Present:
JD Beltran
Suzie Ferras
Dorka Keehn, Chair
Nabiel Musleh
Abby Sadin Schnair
Janine Shiota
Debra Walker

Commissioner Keehn called the meeting to order at 3:03pm.

Commissioner Keehn called for any agenda changes and noted corrections to the wording of the motions for agenda items 8 and 9.
Item 8: Discussion and Possible Action: to approve Design Development Phase Deliverables (final design) by Walter Kitundu (Kitundu Studio, LLC) for the Alameda Creek Watershed Center.
Item 9: Discussion and Possible Action: to approve Construction Document Phase deliverables (material sample) for the exterior glass artwork by Favianna Rodriguez for the Animal Care Facility.

2. General Public Comment

Commissioner Keehn announced virtual meeting instructions. Program Associate Craig Corpora announced public comment instructions.

There was no public comment.

3. Consent Calendar

1. Motion to approve the following artists for inclusion in the Bayview Artist Registry qualified pool, as recommended by the Artist Review Panel:
   Abdul aka REL HANIF-EL
   Adam McCauley
   AJIT CHAUHAN
   Alan Mazzetti
   Alexis Arnold
   Amana Brembry Johnson
   Ana Teresa Fernandez
   Andy Vogt
   Ann Weber
   Ata'ataoletaeao McNealy
   Arthur Koch
   Blanca Estela Rodriguez Mandujano
   Boback Emad
   Boon Heng Pang
   Brian Moss
   Carter/Lynch
   Charles Gadeken
   Cheryl Derricotte
   Christina La Sala
   Christopher Burch
   Dana Albany
   Derek Macario
   Diane Jacobs
   Emerald Maher
   Evah Fan
   Felipe Colina
   Gabriela Aleman
   Gordon Huether
   Grace Ndwiga
   Greg Freeman
   Hernan Paganini
   Ivan Lopez
   Janet Bartlett Goodman
   Javier Rocabado
   Jeff Nishinaka
   Jessica (Jes) Muse
   Juan R. Fuentes
   June Li
   Kipp Kobayashi
   Laura Haddad
   Leslie Lowinger
   Lillian Shanahan
   Lindsey Millikan
   Louis Chinn
   Louisiana Bendolph
   Luis Pinto
   Malik Girley
   Marilyn Ines Rodriguez
   Martin Durazo
   Matthew Bollinger
   Matthew Mazzotta
   Michael Arcega
   Miguel Arzabe
   Mike Henderson
   Minami Oya
   Mirang Wonne
   Natalya Burd
   Negar Kalantar
   Nikki Vismara
   Rachel Rodi
   Ray Beldner
   Rebecca Fox
   Rose B Simpson
   Roy Secord
   Sean Orlando
   Sergio De La Torre
   Shan Sheng
   Sheila Ghidini
   Stacey Carter
   Tana Quincy
   Theosis Damian
   Todji Kurtzman
   Tom Earnist
   Tracey Kessler
   William Rhodes
   Woody Othello
   Xaviera Simmons
   Yoon Lee
   Yu Jean Choi
    
2. Motion to approve the following arts professionals as panelists for public art review panels:
   Jessalyn Aaland, artist; Curator/Producer, Facebook
   Elizabeth Bernstein, artist
   Alison Gass, Executive Director and Chief Curator, San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art
   Christine Koppes, Curator and Director of Public Programs, San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art
   Cait Molloy, Director, The David Ireland House and The 500 Capp Street Foundation Kim Nguyen, Curator, The Wattis Institute
   Aay Preston-Mint, Public Events and Outreach Manager, Headlands Center for the Arts
   Marcella Pardo Ariza, artist; Community Engagement Program Associate, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
   Maricelle Robles, Executive Director, Headlands Center for the Arts
   Brion Nuda Rosch, artist
   Roula Seikaly, Senior Editor, Humble Arts Foundation
   Jessica Shaefer, Global Art Program Manager, Facebook
   Jordan Stein, Programs Curator, KADIST; Curator, Cushion Works
   Diego Villalobos, Exhibitions Manager, The Wattis Institute
   Kristen Zaremba, Public Art Coordinator, City of Oakland

Motion: Motion to approve consent calendar items.
Moved: Beltran/Schnair

The motion was unanimously approved
Ayes: Keehn, Beltran, Ferras, Musleh, Schnair, Shiota, Walker

There was no public comment.

4. Civic Art Collection Report – Coit Tower Murals

Senior Registrar Allison Cummings presented the incident report and current condition summary of the murals located at Coit Tower following an internal plumbing failure on September 26, 2020. A pipe fitting failed on the fifth floor resulting in water cascading from the 5th floor down to the 1st floor. In addition to the areas that typically have issues after a water incident, there were new areas in the murals that were affected. There was no paint loss to the murals but they are streaked with mineral/grime deposits, efflorescence, and damage to the stucco surrounds as the water flowed over those areas and dried. There was very little/minor damage to the murals on the first floor, only the California mural was affected. Murals on the 2nd floor, in the stairwell and main floor, took most of the damage. Damage was visible on Sports, Outdoor Life, Hunting in California, and Powell Street murals as well as in the Berlandina room.

Commission Keehn asked Ms. Cummings for a report at the next meeting of what the priorities for the maintenance/conservation budget is for the year to help determine how much more money will be needed to address the murals in light of this incident and drastic budget cuts. Ms. Cummings stated that the budget for this year is essentially spent and she can’t yet anticipate funds for the next fiscal year. Commissioner Ferras asked what the time frame is where damage would be irreversible if not repaired. Ms. Cummings reported that she is awaiting a treatment plan from the conservators, which will most likely have a phased plan. Treatment to the areas that had never been affected before will be treated first, however, she does not think we are under an immediate time constraint. Commissioner Schnair also asked Jackie Suen of Recreation and Parks Department to provide a report on the plumbing fix they have requested from the Public Utilities Commission.

Commissioner Keehn called for public comment.

Public Comment:
Richard Rothman stated that Recreation and Parks Department told the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) about this fitting and the PUC did not do anything about it for a couple of years. He said he thinks the Public Utilities Commission should pay for the conservation of the murals in Coit Tower. He also stated that the water tanks on the 5^th floor should be emptied and removed and an alternative system used. He said he did not think the building should re-open to the public until the conservation is completed. Mr. Rothman said this incident should not have happened as this fitting was a known issue and perhaps the PUC should be invited to a meeting to speak on the issue.

Adam Gottstein, grandson of Bernard Zakheim, one of the muralists in Coit Tower, asked that families of the artists be notified when incidents like this happen. He agrees that the city PUC needs to be brought into this matrix going forward and he knows how taxed the Arts Commission is to maintain these murals, but they do a spectacular job in the circumstances. He concluded by asking again to be included in the notification process when something like this happens.

5. Approval of Policy and Guidelines of the Civic Art Collection (updated 12/9/2020)

Civic Art Collection and Public Art Program Director Susan Pontious presented a summary of changes of the policy and guidelines of the Civic Art Collection. Ms. Pontious stated that the main work in this revision was to make sure the language in the guidelines align with the recently modified scoring criteria given to the panelists and listed in the RFQ by incorporating the racial equity statement and integrating that into the goals of the Civic Art Collection. The revision also includes general editing/clarifying of language through section 4 of the document. Ms. Pontious stated that this is a living document that will continue to be revised and anticipates more changes will be generated by the Monument Review process.

Commissioner Beltran asked that the policy/guidelines be made easier to find on the website. Commissioner Keehn stated that a motion should be drafted for this approval and placed on the Full Commission January agenda.

There was no public comment.

6. Southeast Community Center at 1550 Evans – Plaza Sculpture

Project Manager Jackie von Treskow gave a brief background on the plaza sculpture project at Southeast Community Center on 1550 Evans and introduced project artist Mildred Howard and her landscape consultant, Cliff Lowe. Ms. Howard and Mr. Lowe presented the final design (design development phase deliverables) of the project. The sculpture consists of three oval shaped bronze pieces inspired by African currency, ranging in height from 14 feet to 18 feet. The sculptures are designed to work in harmony with the building and landscape around them so that the sculptures are ADA accessible, touchable and approachable on all sides. Both the sculpture and choices in landscaping incorporate the natural and cultural history of the area.

There was no public comment.

Motion: Motion to approve Design Development Phase deliverables (final design) by Mildred Howard for the Southeast Community Center at 1550 Evans—Plaza Sculpture.
Moved: Beltran/Shiota

The motion was unanimously approved
Ayes: Keehn, Beltran, Ferras, Musleh, Schnair, Shiota, Walker

7. Southeast Community Center at 1550 Evans – Main Lobby

Ms. von Treskow presented the construction document phase deliverables (engineering drawings, material sample) by artist Phillip Hua for the Southeast Community Center at 1550 Evans—Main Lobby. The artwork is a sculptural relief mural that ranges in depth from 4 to 12 inches. Mr. Hua is working with Magnolia Editions to print and gold leaf the acrylic panels and with Robin Deveron for the framing of the pieces.

There was no public comment.

Motion: Motion to approve Construction Document Phase deliverables (engineering drawings, material sample) by Phillip Hua for the Southeast Community Center at 1550 Evans—Main Lobby.
Moved: Beltran/Schnair

The motion was unanimously approved
Ayes: Keehn, Beltran, Ferras, Musleh, Schnair, Shiota, Walker

8. Alameda Creek Watershed Center

Ms. von Treskow introduced artist Walter Kitundu, who presented the Design Development Phase deliverables (final design) for the Alameda Creek Watershed Center. Mr. Kitundu explained that the installation consists of a metal sculpture, an archive, and a soundscape. The sculpture is a steel Golden Eagle measuring 10 ft. high by 18 ft. wide and 17 ft. deep, secured to a concrete base. Laminated glass panels are installed within the wing structure; the panels are printed with images of the landscape/environment of the watershed. Inside the eagle sculpture are 3 benches. On the ground in the center of the benches is a circular window holding a single Golden Eagle feather. This window is the top to the archive that will be placed in the ground beneath it. The equipment/hardware for the soundscape, Songs of the watershed, is intended to be hidden in the vegetation throughout the area. The sounds will consist of Muwekma Ohlone tribe members singing words in Chochenyo sped up to imitate bird songs of local birds. Mr. Kitundu has been working closely with the community and Muwekma Ohlone people. 

There was no public comment.

Amended Motion: Motion to approve Design Development Phase Deliverables (final design) by Walter Kitundu (Kitundu Studio, LLC) for the Alameda Creek Watershed Center.
Moved: Schnair/Beltran

The motion was unanimously approved
Ayes: Keehn, Beltran, Ferras, Musleh, Schnair, Shiota, Walker

9. Animal Care Facility

Ms. von Treskow gave a brief background on the Animal Care Facility project and introduced artist Favianna Rodriguez. Ms. Rodriguez presented the construction document phase deliverables (material sample) for the exterior glass artwork at the Animal Care Facility. Ms. Rodriguez is working with Dorothy Lenehan of Lenehan Architectural Glass, Inc., for the fabrication of the glass.

There was no public comment.

Amended Motion: Motion to approve Construction Document Phase deliverables (material sample) for the exterior glass artwork by Favianna Rodriguez for the Animal Care Facility.
Moved: Beltran/Schnair

The motion was unanimously approved
Ayes: Keehn, Beltran, Ferras, Musleh, Schnair, Shiota, Walker

Commissioner Shiota left the meeting at 4:54pm.

10. Mayor Ed Lee Plaque Project

Project Manager Aleta Lee presented artist Antonio Mendez’s final imagery, material and fabrication mockup as part of the Construction Document Phase deliverables for the plaque at SFO International Airport. Ms. Lee stated that the family of Mayor Ed Lee had reviewed and approved the artwork and that a Lee family friend was providing Chinese character molds of the Mayor’s name to the artist. The plaque is 5 ft. by 5 ft. and will be cast in bronze.

Commissioners Beltran, Ferras and Keehn noted that the Mayor’s mouth was not centered on the nose as it should be and asked for this to be remedied by the artist before approving this design. The motion was tabled.

There was no public comment.

11. 900 Innes – India Basin Shoreline Park Project

Ms. Lee presented the selected artist, Raylene Gorum, and her artwork proposal for the 900 Innes - India Basin Shoreline Park Project. Ms. Lee stated that the proposed artwork, Lady Bayview, consists of an image of a woman holding a large circular sphere whose clothing has wind mark symbols and various ships that represent the history and culture of the area. Lady Bayview is intended to be a peaceful protecting presence for all those who visit the area. Lady Bayview will be integrated into the floor of the pier located at the bottom of a sloped park. Therefore, the full image will be visible from the top of the hill. The material of the artwork is still under review but may be aggregate concrete or Lithocrete.

There was no public comment.

Motion: to approve the selected artist, Raylene Gorum, and proposal for the 900 Innes - India Basin Shoreline Park Project, as recommended by the 900 Innes - India Basin Shoreline Park Artist Review Panel.

Motion: to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a contract with Raylene Gorum for an amount not to exceed $22,000 for design and consultation on fabrication/ installation of a 2D design for Pier 2 at the 900 Innes - India Basin Shoreline Park.
Moved: Beltran/Schnair

The motion was unanimously approved
Ayes: Keehn, Beltran, Ferras, Musleh, Schnair, Shiota, Walker

12. San Francisco International Airport: International Terminal Boarding Area A

Project Manager Marcus Davies presented the completed artwork, River, by Linda Geary for the San Francisco International Airport, International Terminal Boarding Area A, recompose wall, which is located just beyond security. The 30 foot long mosaic mural is composed of multiple ceramic tile techniques fabricated by Mosaika Art and Design, Inc. The imagery is largely abstract with some geographic details.

There was no public comment.

Motion: to approve as installed the completed artwork, River, 2020, ceramic tile, by Linda Geary for the San Francisco International Airport, International Terminal Boarding Area A.
Moved: Beltran/Schnair

The motion was unanimously approved
Ayes: Keehn, Beltran, Ferras, Musleh, Schnair, Shiota, Walker

13. 49 South Van Ness: Sanaz Mazinani

Mr. Davies presented the completed artwork, Rolling Reflection, by Sanaz Mazinani for 49 South Van Ness. The artwork is located outdoors in the forum space of the main entrance. It consists of 20 cast steel sculptures ranging in height from 3ft. to 8ft. Each sculpture has a flat mirrored side surrounded by a sculptural relief reminiscent of rocks that has been painted in bright colors. The sculptures stand in small groups of 3-5 along the walkway and are attached to the ground with a rod and epoxy.

There was no public comment.

Motion: to approve as installed the completed artwork, Rolling Reflection, 2020, 20 painted steel sculptures, by Sanaz Mazinani for 49 South Van Ness.
Moved: Beltran/Walker

The motion was unanimously approved
Ayes: Keehn, Beltran, Ferras, Musleh, Schnair, Shiota, Walker

14. New Business and Announcements

Deputy Director of Programs Joanne Lee gave an update on SFAC’s relationship with the Covid Command Center. The two agencies will co-sponsor an artist in residency program to document the work at the Covid Command Center which will be placed in the archives of the San Francisco Public Library and has a possibility of a future exhibition. The project was recently posted on the SFAC website; two of the artists started a few weeks ago and the next two will start in January.

Commissioner Beltran announced a new online exhibition she is participating in; Art At A Time Like This, artatatimelikethis.com.

Commissioner Keehn asked Senior Registrar Allison Cummings to confirm the change in budget for artwork maintenance/Conservation. Ms. Cummings stated that the FY2019-2020 ending in June of 2020 was $936,000. Due to budget cuts from COVID the approved maintenance/conservation budget for July 2020 – June 2021 is $100,000.

Commissioner Walker announced the Arts for a Better Bay Area (ABBA) meeting on December 17, 2-4:30pm entitled “Re-imagine San Francisco Through the Arts.” Mayor London Breed will speak and introduce the San Francisco Arts Commissions' new Director of Cultural Affairs, Ralph Remington.

Commissioner Keehn stated that this was the last meeting of the year and wanted to recognize the staff and commissioners for all their hard work and perseverance in an incredibly tough year. She also recognized Acting Director Denise Bradley-Tyson and Commissioner Ferras in their work on the Maya Angelou Sculpture Project.

Commissioner Beltran recognized and thanked Commissioner Keehn and Civic Art Collection and Public Art Program Director Susan Pontious for their leadership and hard work.

15. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 5:43pm.

TP 12/23/2020 3:35pm
Edited 12/29/2020 TP 11:05am
Approved 1/4/2021


Notices          

Translated written materials and interpretation services are available to you at no cost.
For assistance, please notify Tara Peterson, tara.peterson@sfgov.org, 415-252-2219.

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如需協助，Tara Peterson, tara.peterson@sfgov.org, 415-252-2219.

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