JD Beltran, President

Mary Jung

Dorka Keehn, Chair

Jessica Silverman

Barbara Sklar 

 

 

President Beltran

Commissioner Keehn

Commissioner Sklar

 

Commissioner Jung

Commissioner Silverman 

 

The meeting commenced at 3:00 p.m.

 

Commissioner Keehn noted the adjustment to the motion in Item #5 to add an additional curator and to divide the individual honorarium between two curators. Commissioner Keehn also tabled the first motion in Item #10. 

 

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

 

 

Civic Art Collection and Public Art Program Director Susan Pontious introduced new staff member Craig Corpora to the Committee. Mr. Corpora is the new Public Art Program Associate. 

 

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

 

 

1. Motion to approve the mural design of Untitled by artist Strider Patton. The painted mural will be on the exterior San Francisco Unified School District Redding Elementary School Parking Garage wall at 1340 Bush Street, between Polk and Larkin Streets. The painted mural will measure approximately 20 ft. (height) x 90 ft. (length) on the north wall of the parking garage. The project is funded by Groundplay; the painted mural will not become part of the Civic Art Collection.

 

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

 

Motion: Motion to approve consent calendar items.

Moved: Sklar/Beltran

 

 

SFAC Galleries Director Meg Shiffler presented the SFAC Galleries 2018 Artist in Residence at San Francisco Planning Department. Ms. Shiffler stated that a request for qualifications was announced to the public and the Arts Commission received 62 applications. Ms. Shiffler said that the artists who responded were immensely qualified and the staff selected the top three candidates to interview. Bay Area artist Jenny Odell was selected for the SFAC Galleries 2018 Artist in Residence at San Francisco Planning Department. Ms. Shiffler stated that they were excited to choose someone as qualified, professional, and experienced as Ms. Odell in order to create a model for this pilot project with the San Francisco Planning Department. 

 

Commissioner Beltran stated that Ms. Odell is a great first choice and her artwork is a brilliant selection for data-rich work at the Planning Department. 

 

Ms. Shiffler stated that residency will also produce a substantive artwork as well as a presentation for the Arts Commission and Planning Department. 

 

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

 

Motion: Motion to approve an honorarium in the amount of $10,000 to artist Jenny Odell, who was selected as the inaugural SFAC Galleries artist in residence at SF Planning. $5,000 will fund her research during her ten-week residency, and $5,000 will fund the development of a new body of work reflecting on her residency experience.

Moved: Beltran/Sklar

 

 

Ms. Shiffler presented the curators that will be supporting the 50th Neighborhood Arts Program Anniversary exhibition. Curator Kevin Chen was originally assigned the exhibition but felt that it was a large undertaking and requested support. Curator Jaime Cortez will join Mr. Chen to bring a strongly research-driven exhibition to the SFAC Main Gallery. The curatorial team will focus on select artists and the legacy of the program. 

 

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

 

Motion: Motion to approve curatorial honoraria in the amount of $3,000 to Kevin B. Chen and $3,000 to Jaime Cortez for the research and development of an exhibition celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Neighborhood Arts Program to be held at the SFAC Main Gallery April 27 – June 9, 2018.

Moved: Beltran/Sklar 

 

 

Ms. Shiffler presented new information about the SFAC Galleries 10th Passport Anniversary event. Ms. Shiffler stated that the 10th Anniversary would be the last of the event series. The 10th Anniversary of the Passport exhibition will be in Hayes Valley and Civic Center allowing the SFAC Main Gallery to be nearby for a small exhibition and celebration space. Local artist and designer Brian Singer, who has worked with the SFAC Galleries on past exhibitions, will make his curatorial debut with the Arts Commission for 10th Passport Anniversary exhibition.

 

Ms. Shiffler stated that she would like to create a Passport book, published or digital, to highlight the thirteen to sixteen artists per year that participated in the series over the last ten exhibitions. 

 

Commissioner Beltran asked why the Passport program is ending. Ms. Shiffler stated that the audience is dwindling as well as a staff capacity issue because it takes eight months to plan. Ms. Shiffler said it might be possible to do, just not an annual basis.

 

Commissioner Sklar stated her concern for the members of the public who enjoy and attend Passport. Ms. Shiffler stated that she is in communication with the Office of Economic and Workforce Development to learn how the Galleries can be immersed into the communities in ways that are not so intensive for staff.  

 

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

 

Motion: Motion to approve an honorarium in the amount of $6,000 to Brian Singer (Altitude Associates) for the research and development of an exhibition celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the SFAC Galleries annual Passport outreach event opening at the SFAC Main Gallery on September 14, 2018.  

Moved: Beltran/Sklar

 

 

Senior Program Manager of Public Art Jennifer Lovvorn presented the selected fabricator for the final design and fabrication of painted cut metal artwork by Yumei Hou for Central Subway: Chinatown Station. Ms. Lovvorn stated that the project selection panel met on January 10, 2018 to discuss the proposals by four bidders. The project architect, project artist, and arts professional that served on the panel evaluated the proposals based on the voting criteria including project approach, proposed cost, and qualifications and experience. Gizmo Art Production, Inc. was selected as the fabricator for the project. 

 

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

 

Motion: Motion to approve the selected fabricator Gizmo Art Production, Inc. for the final design and fabrication of painted cut metal artwork by Yumei Hou for Central Subway: Chinatown Station as recommended by the project selection panel.

Moved: Beltran/Sklar 

 

Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with the selected fabricator Gizmo Art Production, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $292,120.50 for the final design and fabrication of painted cut metal artwork by Yumei Hou for Central Subway: Chinatown Station.

Moved: Beltran/Sklar

 

 

Project Manager Mary Chou introduced artist Norie Sato to present the design development phase deliverables (revised design of artwork) for the Southeast Wastewater Treatment Plant, Headworks Building. Ms. Chou stated that the conceptual design was approved by the Visual Arts Committee in Spring 2017 and Ms. Sato has returned to present further developments of the artwork. Ms. Chou noted that Ms. Sato’s concept has not changed. Ms. Chou stated that Ms. Sato’s design development was presented to the Public Utilities Commission (“PUC”) on January 16, 2018 and received positive feedback.

 

Ms. Sato shared that she is working with A. Zahner Company (“Zahner”) for metal fabrication and their company has provided opportunity for good progress with the artwork design to make it work in an interesting way. Ms. Sato explained that the portion of the artwork on Evans Street consists of three different layers and is three-dimensional. The outermost layer consists of three-dimensional colored fins that create visual energy along the wall. The color of the fins vary on different sides. A second layer behind the fins is a perforated metal screen. Ms. Sato stated that the perforated metal wall is stainless steel and is easy to maintain. The finish on the metal is a shallow angel-hair finish, which will not grab dirt and grime easily. The innermost layer is a solid painted metal screen that will rise ten feet above ground level, to provide security for plant workers. Ms. Sato explains that there will be mirror-finish stainless steel (or other metal, to be determined) panels in the shape of ovals that will be attached to the painted screen at various intervals along Evans Street. She is calling these panels vignettes. These vignettes will allow the viewer to see glimpses of the street and themselves as they walk by. The entire metal design does not interact with light too aggressively so there will not be dangerous reflections for nearby drivers.

 

Ms. Sato stated that the vignettes will only occur along Evans Street because there is not a sidewalk along Rankin Street. Ms. Sato is excited that the metal surface will create a lively and much more dynamic surface. She stated the artwork will interact with the environment in surprising ways.

 

Commissioner Beltran stated that Zahner fabricated the exterior of the de Young Museum and Contemporary Jewish Museum.

 

Ms. Sato stated that next steps are to create a full-scale mockup of the artwork including color and the vignettes.

 

Commissioner Keehn asked if wind will create noise through the perforations in the metal. Ms. Sato said that the system has been thoroughly engineered by Zahner but she and Ms. Chou will follow up with Zahner for further information.

 

Commissioner Keehn asked how the artwork terminates at both ends. Ms. Sato stated that on the Rankin Street side, the artwork recedes one foot from the face of the concrete wall that connects to the gated truck entrance. On the Evans Street side, the artwork extends out into the sidewalk, one foot from the adjacent concrete wall. Ms. Sato stated that she prefers a clean ending on both sides, having the architecture frame the artwork, and shared that one can never see both ends at the same time. Commissioner Keehn stated that it is critical to see this detail. Ms. Chou proposed a joint Civic Design Review and Visual Arts Committee meeting to have the Commissioners review Ms. Sato’s response to the ending of the art wall.

 

PUC staff member Blair Randall stated that the PUC is very pleased with the direction of Ms. Sato’s artwork. Mr. Randall shared that the artwork speaks to the large-scale movement of water treatment at the plant. Mr. Randall said the artwork also provides so many opportunities for the visitors to see themselves reflected in the artwork and at the plant.

 

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

Commissioner Keehn stated the motions will move forward with the notion that the terminus of the art wall will still need to be reviewed at an upcoming joint Visual Arts and Civic Design Review Committee meeting.

 

Motion: Motion to approve design development phase deliverables (revised design of artwork) by Norie Sato for the Southeast Wastewater Treatment Plant, Headworks Building.

Moved: Beltran/Sklar

 

Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to increase the agreement with Norie Sato from $25,000 to an amount not to exceed $261,000 to add to the scope of work design development, construction documents, and consultation during fabrication and installation for an artwork for the Southeast Wastewater Treatment Plant, Headworks Building.

Moved: Beltran/Sklar

 

 

Project Manager Marcus Davies presented the conceptual design deliverables by artist James “Jim” Isermann for the Traffic Company and Forensic Services Division. Mr. Davies stated that the project budget is $1.125 million. Mr. Davies noted that the original site of the artwork has now changed due to the evolving building design, and that the artist is now focusing on the building’s corner plaza as the primary art opportunity. Mr. Davies introduced Mr. Isermann to the Committee, who presented his design via Skype. 

 

Mr. Isermann explained that his tree-like structures would be produced in three types that could be organized in one of two configurations within the plaza. He also explained that the height of the sculptures, at 28-1/2 feet, would allow them to be visible from the building’s upper windows, from passing vehicular traffic, and from various vantage points within the surrounding neighborhood. 

 

Mr. Davies then introduced Captain Christopher Pedrini of the San Francisco Police Department to the Committee. Captain Pedrini thanked Mr. Isermann for all of his work on the conceptual design but felt this was the opportunity to be critical of the artwork. Captain Pedrini stated that the Deputy and Assistant Deputy Chiefs thought the proposal could better reflect and connect to the work being performed in the building. Captain Pedrini stated that he understands there has been a lot of design changes to the exterior of the building but now is an opportunity to work together and agree on a desired outcome. Captain Pedrini shared that possible options to highlight in the artwork include motorcycles, accident investigation, crime labs, crime scene investigations, evidence, and DNA analysis.

 

Commissioner Beltran asked Captain Pedrini if the Police Department prefers to reference some of the work that is done in the building. Captain Pedrini reiterated that the Police Department would like to have science-related information reflected in the artwork to subtly express the building’s functions. 

 

Commissioner Keehn asked if it abstract artwork would be an option for the Police Department. Captain Pedrini answered that abstract work should be approved but the department is looking forward to what Mr. Isermann can do moving forward.

 

Commissioner Keehn thanked Mr. Isermann for his conceptual design and for accommodating the architectural changes. Commissioner Keehn shared that Mr. Isermann’s conceptual design of tree modules may not stand out amongst other trees around the building. She mentioned that the conceptual design could also be a maintenance concern inviting roosting birds and allowing for the entrapment of windblown debris. Commissioner Keehn also stated that while the Arts Commission is interested in having the artwork stand out, the modules might be out of scale with the plaza. Mr. Isermann replied that due to the intended planting of trees along the sidewalks flanking the building, an artwork of lesser height would not be visible from the street.

 

Commissioner Beltran stated that given the feedback from the Police Department, this would be a good opportunity for Mr. Isermann to create a new design for the site. She also recommended that all stakeholders reconvene to discuss new directions.

 

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

 

Motion: Motion to approve the conceptual design by James Isermann for the Traffic Company and Forensic Services Division.

 

 

Project Manager Jennifer Doyle Crane presented the conceptual design phase deliverables by artist Nikki McClure for the New Ambulance Deployment Facility. Ms. Crane stated that the new facility will be open 24 hours daily and will be located directly behind Fire Station #9. Since this location will not provide direct access to the public, the artwork will be on the entrance and exit gates. The entrance gates will be on Jerrold Avenue and the exit gates on McKinnon Avenue. Ms. McClure will create the paper cut outs that will be translated into the metal gates. 

 

Ms. Crane stated that the conceptual design phase deliverables will be edited by Ms. McClure, specifically on the front gate to better reflect the imagery in the Fire Department seal. The phoenix that is currently in the design will also be included in the updated imagery. Ms. Crane asked that the Committee move forward with entering into contract with Ms. McClure and she would return with design development phase deliverables at a later meeting date.

 

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

 

Motion: Motion to approve the Conceptual Design Phase deliverables by Nikki McClure (McClure & Scott Manufacturing, LLC) for the Ambulance Deployment Facility. 

 

Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with artist Nikki McClure (McClure & Scott Manufacturing, LLC) for an amount not to exceed $320,000 for design, fabrication, transportation and installation consultation of an artwork for the Ambulance Deployment Facility. 

Moved: Beltran/Sklar

 

 

Commissioner Beltran stated that there is a must-see exhibition at Fort Mason Center by artist Isaac Julien. Playtime is composed of three video installations: Playtime is on view in Gallery 308, KAPITAL is on view in the SFMOMA Artist Gallery, and Better Life (Ten Thousand Waves) is on view in the Gray Box Gallery, San Francisco Art Institute Fort Mason Campus. Playtime is open to the public through February 11, 2018.

 

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

 

 

The meeting adjourned at 4:33 p.m.

 

 

Notices

 

Translated written materials and interpretation services are available to you at no cost.

 

For assistance, please notify Alyssa Torres, alyssa.m.torres@sfgov.org, 415-252-2219.

 

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Materiales traducidos y servicios de interpretación están disponibles para usted de manera gratuita. Para asistencia, notifique a Alyssa Torres, alyssa.m.torres@sfgov.org, 415-252-2219.

 

Ang mga materyales na nakasalin sa ibang wika at ang mga serbisyong tagapagsalin sa wika ay walang bayad. Para sa tulong, maaring i-contact si a Alyssa Torres, alyssa.m.torres@sfgov.org, 415-252-2219.