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

Commissioner Keehn called for public comment; there was none.

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

4. Golden Gate Park Temporary Installation
Jill Manton

Public Art Trust Director Jill Manton introduced Drew Becher CEO of the San Francisco Parks Alliance and artist Charles Gadekan, who presented the proposed temporary art installation Entwined Meadow in Golden Gate Park’s Peacock Meadow. Mr. Becher explained that in honor of the 150th anniversary of Golden Gate Park, San Francisco Parks Alliance and San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department co-organized celebrations throughout 2020 and Entwined Meadow will be the closing project. Mr. Gadekan said that installation will consist of three large illuminated trees with 30 small illuminated bushes. The elements will be placed in the meadow, allowing for people to experience the installation while maintaining social distancing guidelines.  

Commissioner Keehn called for public comment; there was none.

Motion: Motion to approve the temporary installation of a series illuminated sculptures to titled Entwined Meadow in Golden Gate Park’s Peacock Meadow for a period of approximately 2 1/2 months with a possible extension after review from early December to mid- February pending procurement of all necessary approvals and the funding required for the project, in addition to arrangements for security night and day. This project would mark the closing element of the Golden Gate Park 150th Anniversary celebration and is designed to create an artistic experience for park goers, particularly in the evenings when daylight hours are short.
Moved: Ferras/Musleh

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

5. Policy and Procedures: Follow-up on Artist Review Process
Susan Pontious

Civic Art Collection and Public Art Program Director Susan Pontious reported that in response to questions raised during the August 2020 Visual Arts Committee, staff has been working on revising the artist selection process. This work dovetails with the work the staff is doing on the process as part of this year’s racial equity goal. The staff’s work to date included revising the 1) summary of client memorandum of understanding, which outlines both the client’s role in the process; 2) typical community engagement plan, 3) definition of the role of the review panel, and 4) rights retained by the Commission. Ms. Pontious also presented a draft of the new panelist orientation presentation with revised language for the Goals of the Civic Art Collection, and expanded scoring categories for the selection criteria.  

The selection criteria was expanded to include the following scoring categories:  1) artistic merit; 2) relevant skills and experience; 3) meets project goals, or is judged to be able to meet project goals; 4) appropriate to the site; 5) feasibility and maintainability and 6) contributes to the quality and diversity of the Civic Art Collection. Each category is defined so that panelists will know what to consider as they evaluate the artist/proposal in each category. The definitions include language specifically directed to our racial equity goals. Under the goal of “appropriate to the site” as well as “meets project goals” is where the panel could specifically consider community and client input. Ms. Pontious explained that not every criteria would be used for every level of review For instance, the Qualifying panel might just use criteria #1, artistic merit, and #3, judged ability to meet project goals. The second panel would consider #1, #2 and #3, and the final panel consider all of the scoring criteria.

Ms. Pontious reported that she was waiting for language from the City Attorney to address the issues of conflict of interest and other ethical considerations. The eventual goal is to align the language in the Civic Art Collection Guidelines, Project Requests For Qualifications, and Panel Orientation.

Commissioner Keehn requested more detail in the Role of the Panel slide clarifying that there are other considerations that the Art Commission may take into account, other than the review panels, such as community input and/or the Client’s recommendation.

Commissioner Musleh suggested that the language might read “the recommendation of the Artist Review Panel is not final and is subject to considerations from the Visual Arts Committee, the Full Commission, and/or the project’s Client.”

Commissioner Keehn recommended having a Commission level discussion on Community Input at the October 2020 Visual Arts Committee meeting.

Commissioner Keehn called for public comment.

Public Comment:
Lava Thomas was curious about what other entities are involved in the approval process and said that her question was already answered in the discussion.

Angela Hennessey stated that she didn’t understand why the Commission would go through the trouble of making an equitable panel when the ultimate decision rests with the Client. She felt the process is disrespectful, dismissive, and deceptive. Ms. Hennessey said, “It is a further erosion of the trust, the responsibility, the reciprocity, and the relationships between artists, panelists, and SFAC as an arts institution.”

Dana King said that she understood the changes to the Artists Review Process are not final but was concerned with its vagueness. Ms. King also wondered where were the protections and input of artists in this process. Ms. King stated that the process guidelines should be finalized before going into effect and they should be approved, not only by SFAC staff and the Visual Arts Committee, but also, by the community of artists affected by the changes.

Marcela Pardo Ariza stated that if SFAC is carefully choosing panelists then they should be empowered and not take away their agency and that SFAC should establish a transparent process that uplift artists, as well.

6. Civic Art Collection Report
Allison Cummings

Senior Registar Allison Cummings presented the FY2019 and FY2020 Civic Art Collection Report. She reported the Civic Art Collection Care expenditures for the last two fiscal years, showing that the bulk of the funding goes toward conservation and maintenance. However, FY2020 had a significant increase in the amount of money spent of vandalism. FY2019 project highlights include, conservation and restoration of the fresco and stairway at the Beach Chalet, maintenance of Ship Shape Shifting Time by Nobuho Nagasawa, and extensive conservation, cleaning, reframing and relocating many works at Moscone Center. Additionally, there was the conservation and stabilization of the Robert Burns statue in Golden Gate Park, comprehensive maintenance of multiple art elements in several stations along the T-Third St. Muni line, and the removal of the Early Days sculpture in the Civic Center.

Ms. Cummings highlighted projects for FY2020, which include the restoration of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade Monument, located in Embarcadero Plaza, restoration of the George Segal Holocaust Memorial (the first restoration of the installation since it was installed in 1984), conservation treatment to the Bear and Lion Monument at the Fulton St. entrance to Golden Gate Park. Ongoing maintenance projects include work on the Fountain of Tortoises and Dancing Sprites in Huntington Park, Philosopher’s Way in McClaren Park, and as well as several works in Zuckerberg General Hospital.

Projects for FY2021 will include continued conservation and maintenance projects and quarterly reports at VAC meetings, the monument and memorials evaluation process, continued inventory and collection moves of thousands of objects into the onsite storage facility, and update and evaluation our collections website, including new mapping features.

Commissioner Keehn called for public comment.

Public Comment:
John P. Christian, Executive Director of the Archdiocese of San Francisco Real Property Support Corp. submitted the following public comment:

“Good afternoon, Commissioners. I am hopeful that your discussion/presentation today will provide enlightenment of the Monuments Review Process. I presume that one of the tasks of the Monuments Review process, in collaboration with the Human Rights Commission and the Recreation and Parks Department, will be the disposition of monuments which were removed more than three months ago, either by the City or through deliberate and unlawful acts outside devoid of any legal process, the scars of which are sadly evident to this day. The statue of Junipero Serra, which graced the Music Concourse at Golden Gate Park for more than a century, is one such monument. I understand the Serra statue, which was sculpted by Douglas Tilden and gifted to the City by the Native Sons of the Golden West, was not defaced and desecrated beyond repair. On behalf of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, I wish to reiterate, that I am authorized to pursue an acquisition of the fallen statue, if such an opportunity exists, presuming the statue is relatively intact. This is a serious expression of interest. If the City of St. Francis no longer sees fit to erect, and protect, the statue of St. Serra, we are prepared to engage in a conversation to explore a transfer of this artwork to the Archdiocese, which will conserve the statue and place it at another site. I offer this public comment so that all stakeholders in this novel (and evolving) Monuments Review process are aware of our interest. I would be grateful to learn how the Monuments Review process will function, and would also be grateful for an opportunity to inspect the statue when circumstances permit. Thank you for your consideration.

7. Garfield Pool
Mary Chou

Senior Program Manager Mary Chou presented Santuario, 2020 by Favianna Rodriguez at Garfield Pool. Ms Rodriguez is an Oakland-based artist and social justice activists and this is her first permanent public art project in San Francisco. The colorful glass artwork celebrates Latinx families in the Mission District of San Francisco. There are three character panels showing a mother with her baby, two children swimming, and an ice cream vendor, representing families, children, and laborers of the neighborhood.

Commissioner Keehn called for public comment; there was none.

Motion: Motion to approve as installed the glass artwork Santuario, 2020 by Favianna Rodriguez at Garfield Pool.  
Moved: Shiota/Beltran

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

8. 2020 Art on Market Street Posters Series
Craig Corpora

Program Associate Craig Corpora presented the final design by Marcela Pardo Ariza for the 2020 Art on Market Street Poster Series. For Kin-Streets, Marcela Pardo Ariza mined the archive of the GLBT historical Society for images of individuals from past gay pride celebrations in San Francisco. These images were printed life-size and posed with Bay Area queer people, establishing a trans-historical relationship and honoring those who came before us. Kin-Streets is a celebratory and emotionally powerful document of queer culture and identity; a timely depiction baring the trace of our current moment and highlighting our need for connection and intimacy.

Commissioner Keehn and staff understood that the poster with “Black Betty” wearing a shirt that has the word “Fag” was a expression of pride and empowerment but were also concerned that the use of the word would likely be misinterpreted when displayed in the public.  

Artist Marcela Pardo Ariza said that Kin-Streets is meant as a love letter to the Bay Area queer community in the midst of the pandemic. Ms. Arzia was concerned that it would send mixed signals if the Committee approval a series that uplifts gay liberation and the ability for individuals to express themselves while not approving a poster for public display of a queer individual doing just that. 

Commissioner Walker asked the artist if she would be amenable to including some explanatory text in the poster so that the public would be provided context to the use of the word. Ms. Ariza stated that adding explanatory text to the poster was a fair compromise.  

The Committee agreed to move forward with the series pending approval of the explanatory text and a redesign of the “Black Betty” poster by SFAC staff and Commissioners Musleh, Shiota, and Walker.

Commissioner Keehn called for public comment; there was none.

Motion: Motion to approve artist Marcela Pardo Ariza’s seventeen final designs for the 2020 Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series. The artist will develop clearly visible and explanatory text for the 18^th poster, addressing the Committee’s concerns, which is subject to the approval of a subcommittee of the Visual Arts Committee and SFAC staff.
Moved: Beltran/Walker

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

PLEASE NOTE: The Commission recinded the above motion later in the meeting and adopted a new motion on this item as follows:

Ms. Pontious relayed a message from Deputy City Attorney Lauren Curry that the Committee may have created a “policy body” that would be subject to public meeting laws, meaning that the subcommittee of three Commissioners would have to have a public meeting to approve the final poster design. Given the timing of the project including the need to deliver the final poster designs to the printer within a certain time period, Ms. Curry recommended delegating only one commissioner to work with staff. Commissioner Shiota was chosen to be the Visual Arts Committee’s representative for this approval process.

Motion to rescind: Motion to approve artist Marcela Pardo Ariza’s seventeen final designs for the 2020 Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series. The artist will develop clearly visible and explanatory text for the 18^th poster, addressing the Committee’s concerns, which is subject to the approval of a subcommittee of the Visual Arts Committee and SFAC staff.
Moved: Musleh/Schnair

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

Motion: Motion to approve artist Marcela Pardo Ariza’s seventeen final designs for the 2020 Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series. The artist will develop clearly visible and explanatory text for the 18^th poster, addressing the Committee’s concerns, which is subject to the approval of one Commissioner of the Visual Arts Committee and SFAC staff.
Moved: Musleh/Schnair

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

9. Southeast Treatment Plant Construction Fence
Jackie von Treskow

Project Manager Jackie von Treskow presentation of The Illustrated History of Bayview-Hunters Point, 2020, a temporary artwork by Sirron Norris, as installed on the Southeast Treatment Plant Construction Fence along Evans Avenue between Rankin and Phelps Streets. The vibrant artwork is over 300 ft. long and both the artist and the client SFPUC are pleased with the outcome. The work will be up through August 2021.

Commissioner Keehn called for public comment; there was none.

Motion: Motion to approve The Illustrated History of Bayview-Hunters Point, 2020, a temporary artwork by Sirron Norris, as installed on the Southeast Treatment Plant Construction Fence along Evans Avenue between Rankin and Phelps Streets.
Moved: Shiota/Schnair

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

10. San Francisco International Airport: Kadish Gallery
Zoë Taleporos

Project Manager Zoë Taleporos presented the project approach and artwork selection process for the San Francisco International Airport’s Kadish Gallery. This project was originally presented in the overall C3C project outline in April 2019. The Kadish Gallery will be a shared gallery space between SFO Museums and SFAC. SFAC will purchase 15 to 30 photographs to be used for rotating exhibitions in the gallery. These exhibits­­­, 3 per year, will consist of photography purchases that will enter into the permanent collection, paired with non-collection contemporary works selected by SFO Museums. There are three curatorial themes to guide purchasing decisions, which include: land and landscape, community and documentary, and process. Staff will solicit purchase recommendations from Commissioners, outside arts professions, SFAC staff, and SFO Museums to develop a list of artists to consider for purchases. Staff will research available work for purchase from the short list to present to an artist recommendation panel, consisting of an Arts Commissioner, one SFO Museums staff member, and one arts professional. The review panel will make recommendations for purchases to the Visual Arts Committee.

Commissioner Keehn called for public comment; there was none.

Commissioner Keehn exited the meeting at 5:31 pm. 

11. Margaret Hayward Playground
Aleta Lee

Project Manager Aleta Lee presented the completed installation of Respect Mother Earth!!! by Emory Douglas at Margaret Hayward Playground, which is located at Laguna St. and Golden Gate Ave. The artwork is installed above the fireplace in the new community building. The work is 8 ft. by 10 ft. and consists of UV acrylic ink on wood with CNC routed components. The artwork is based on a previous design by Emory Douglas, titled All Power To The People.

Commissioner Beltran called for public comment; there was none.

Motion: Motion to approve as installed a 2D artwork titled Respect Mother Earth!!!, 2020 by Emory Douglas, at Margaret Hayward Playground. The artwork is installed in the community building above the fireplace and consists of UV acrylic ink on wood with CNC routed components.
Moved: Schnair/Musleh

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

12. 900 Innes–India Basin Shoreline Park
Aleta Lee

Ms. Lee presented the selected finalists for the 900 Innes­­­­­­–India Basin Shoreline Park public art project. The project site consists of a 6900 sq. ft. pier, which was determined as the location for the public art opportunity. The artist’s scope will be to produce a two-dimensional design that will be integrated into the surface of the pier. On August 28, 2020, an artist review panel was held and they choose Miguel Arzabe, Rodney Ewing, Raylene Gorum, and Ron Saunders as the recommended finalists for the project.

Commissioner Beltran called for public comment; there was none.

Motion: Motion to approve Miguel Arzabe, Rodney Ewing, Raylene Gorum, and Ron Saunders as finalists for the 900 Innes–India Basin Shoreline Park public art project, as recommended by the Artist Selection Panel.
Moved: Shiota/Ferras

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

13. Guy Place Mini Park
Marcus Davies  

Project Manager Marcus Davies presented the completed artwork Geologic Ghost, 2020 by Adriane Colburn, which is s an artist design fence that fronts the new Guy Place Mini Park in the Rincon Hill neighbor. The work is painted steel panels 8 ½ ft. tall by 50 ft. wide along the front edge of the park and the imagery was inspired by the geologic history and topography of Rincon Hill. The works interconnecting images depict fragments of local maps, which were uncovered through collaborative research with local geologists and cartographers.

Commissioner Beltran called for public comment; there was none.

Motion: Motion to approve as installed the completed artwork titled Geologic Ghost, 2020 by Adriane Colburn for Guy Place Mini Park.
Moved: Schnair/Ferras

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

14. 49 South Van Ness
Marcus Davies

Mr. Davies presented the completed artworks Sea+Sky, 2020 by Meghann Riepenhoff at 49 South Van Ness. The work is a series of six dye-sublimated aluminum panels. The overall size is 8 ft. tall by 30 ft. wide. Source imagery is derived from cyanotypes made at Muir Beach by exposing place photo paper directly to ocean waves and sediment. The shape of the waves, the movement of water pulling sand along a shoreline, and the energy of the natural world are embedded in the detailed, textural imagery. The work resembles cresting waves, a mountainous horizon line, or an aerial view of a shoreline, where wildness and natural cycles point to geologic time and forces much larger than ourselves. As part of the commission, the original cyanotypes will be acquired into the Civic Art Collection.

Mr. Davies also presented The Moon’s Gravity Causes the Ocean’s Tides, 2020 by Sarah Sze for 49 South Van Ness. The work is a powder coated steel and aluminum sculpture that is about 35 ft. tall by 16 ft. wide. The work emerges from the architecture of the atrium and flows down three stories with centrifugal force as if it were a swirling metropolis drawn by nature forces or air currents. As the piece cascades downward, it multiplies and develops into a complex floating city of objects and structures caught in a state of growth and flux.

Commissioner Beltran called for public comment; there was none.

Motion: Motion to approve as installed the completed artwork titled Sea+Sky, 2020 by Meghann Riepenhoff for 49 South Van Ness. 
Moved: Shiota/Musleh

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

Motion: Motion to approve as installed the completed artwork The Moon’s Gravity Causes the Ocean’s Tides, 2020 by Sarah Sze for 49 South Van Ness. 
Moved: Schair/Shiota

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

15. New Business and Announcements
Commissioner Beltran informed the Committee of a panel that is being offered by The Center of Cultural Innovation. The panel will be comprised of West Coast leaders in the arts community, who are developing new solutions for sustainability of arts organizations during Covid-19. The panel will take place on Saturday, September 26, 2020 from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

Commissioner Walker called attention to San Francisco Open Studios put on by Artspan and noted that Open Studios is a great way to support local artists during Covid-19.

Beltran called for public comment; there was none.

16. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 6:08 pm.
 

CC 9/28/2020 8:40 am 

approved 10/5/2020

Notices           

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

For assistance, please notify Craig Corpora, craig.corpora@sfgov.org, 415-252-2249.

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，Craig Corpora, craig.corpora@sfgov.org, 415-252-2249.

​Materiales traducidos y servicios de interpretación están disponibles para usted de manera gratuita. Para asistencia, notifique a Craig Corpora, craig.corpora@sfgov.org, 415-252-2249.

 Ang silid ng pagpupulungan ay accessible sa mga naka wheelchair.