SAN FRANCISCO ARTS COMMISSION
VISUAL ARTS COMMITTEE
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
3 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70
San Francisco, CA 94102

________________________________________

Minutes

 

1. Roll Call

Commissioners Present:
President Beltran
Commissioner Chew
Commissioner Keehn, Chair
Commissioner Silverman (Arrived 3:03 p.m.)
Commissioner Sklar

The meeting commenced at 3:00 p.m.

2. Public Comment
Discussion

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

3. Consent Calendar
Action 

1. Motion to approve and accept into the Civic Art Collection the artwork titled Spiral of Gratitude, 2014 by Shimon Attie (aka Scott Attie, Attie Art Projects) with Vale Bruck, as installed in the lobby of the Public Safety Building at Third and Mission Rock streets. The artwork consists of a 16-1/2 feet long by 10 feet diameter glass cylinder suspended from a skylight, and the cylinder is inscribed with a ceramic fritted poem by Vale Bruck. Other elements of the artwork include: metal, custom lighting and paint, and bas-relief text on cast concrete blocks on the entry lobby’s rear wall. The artwork was dedicated on April 16, 2015.

2. Motion to approve and accept into the Civic Art Collection the artwork titled First Responder Plaza, 2014 by Paul Kos, as installed in the south plaza of the Public Safety Building at Third and Mission Rock streets. The artist-designed plaza features three icons: a spruce tree, a bell and a star. Suspended from a painted metal arch at the center is a 21,060-lb. cast bronze bell that rings three times daily at noon. The installation also includes a carved seven-pointed black granite star, with surrounding granite pavers and landscaping, including a Serbian spruce tree. The artwork was dedicated on April 16, 2015

3. Motion to approve the completed installation of Dahlias, 2013 by Colette Crutcher, a galvanized iron artwork at Cabrillo Playground.

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

Motion: Motion to approve consent calendar items.
Moved:  Sklar/Beltran
The motion was unanimously approved.

4. SFAC Galleries
Meg Shiffler
Action

A. Commission 256: Annette Jannotta and Olivia Ting

SFAC Galleries Director Meg Shiffler presented the proposal of artist team Annette Jannotta and Olivia Ting. The honoraria will be for the team to develop an inaugural, site-specific artwork in the Galleries new space at the War Memorial in January 2016. The artwork installation will consist of an architectural treatment using discarded lighting tubes and lighting elements suspended from the ceiling with video projections of abstract images onto the wall behind the reception desk. The artwork will be located inside of the gallery entrance at the reception area. This area will be visible through the glass doors and will hopefully draw in the public from the lobby of the War Memorial building. She stated that the long term intention is to curate this area as an opportunity for an annual commission.

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

Motion: Motion to approve an honorarium in the amount of $7,000 to Annette Jannotto, the lead artist of a collaborative effort that will also involve artist Olivia Ting, for the development and installation of a site-specific installation in the new SFAC Gallery in the War Memorial Veterans Building.
Moved: Chew/Beltran
The motion was unanimously approved.

B. Curatorial Honorarium: Kevin Chen

Ms. Shiffler stated that she and independent curator Kevin Chen have been developing the inaugural exhibition for the new SFAC Galleries space at the War Memorial for the past six months and had visited 25 artist studios in the process. The exhibition title is yet to be determined but the theme of the show is using the body as a cultural medium. The exhibit will focus on artists of distinct cultural backgrounds and feature various cultural neighborhoods of the Bay Area. The exhibition title and final selection of artists will be confirmed within the next month.  She stated that she and Mr. Chen have also received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts for the exhibit. The opening date of the exhibit will be Friday, January 22, 2016.

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

Motion: Motion to approve an honorarium in the amount of $7,000 to Kevin Chen for his curatorial work on the inaugural exhibition for the new SFAC Gallery in the War Memorial Veterans Building.
Moved: Sklar/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved.

5. San Francisco International Airport

A. Terminal 3 East – Amy Ellingson
Justine Topfer
Action

Project Manager Justine Topfer presented images of Amy Ellingson’s recently completed artwork (Untitled) Large Variation, 2015. The artwork is a 10 feet by 109 feet mosaic mural located at San Francisco International Airport, Terminal 3 East. The fabrication and installation were completed by Mosaika, Quebec in July, 2015.

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

Motion: Motion to approve the completed installation of (Untitled) Large Variation, 2015, a 10 feet by 109 feet mosaic mural by Amy Ellingson at San Francisco International Airport, Terminal 3 East.
Moved: Beltran/Sklar
The motion was unanimously approved.

B. Non Secure Connector, Control Tower – Val Britton
Justine Topfer
Action

Ms. Topfer presented final images of Val Britton’s artwork Voyage, 2015. The artwork is 9 -1/2 feet by 55 feet, consisting of 15 glass panels side by side, each layered and treated with various glass techniques. The fabrication was completed by Franz Mayer, Munich and is located at the San Francisco International Airport, Control Tower.

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

Motion: Motion to approve the completed installation of Voyage, 2015 by Val Britton, a 9-1/2 feet by 55 feet glass artwork at San Francisco International Airport, Control Tower.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved.

C. Temporary Terminal 1, Boarding Area B
Justine Topfer
Action

Ms. Topfer reported that design plans for Temporary Terminal 1, Boarding Area B have changed, losing some of the art opportunities presented at the July Committee meeting. The new permanent Terminal 1 will be built at what was originally slated as the temporary terminal.Two of the selected projects may still be feasible at the construction site in this area: The video “peephole” project the Jason Jägel mural project at a smaller scale. and.

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

D. Temporary Terminal 1
Justine Topfer
Action

Ms. Topfer continued with a presentation of the remaining art opportunities associated with Temporary Terminal 1. The video “peephole” project will consist of a newly constructed wall with three peepholes, each screening different animated short films. Each artist selected will create two new films, each one minute in length.Ms. Topfer presented excerpts of past videos works by Laurie O’Brien, Signe Baumane and Kota Ezawa.

Ms. Topfer also presented images of past work by Jason Jägel who is slated for the mural opportunity. If the mural moves forward, pending the construction plans, it will be printed on a disposable vinyl for installation on a temporary wall for up to one year.

Ms. Topfer stated that the animated videos will be accessioned into the Civic Art Collection with the hope of repurposing them at the close of the exhibit. The temporary mural will not be accessioned.

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 artist Laurie O’Brien for an amount not to exceed $54,000 for design, fabrication, transportation and installation consultation of the peephole infrastructure and the creation of two new animated video artworks (of approximately one minute duration) for the San Francisco International Airport: Temporary Terminal 1.
Moved: Beltran/Sklar
The motion was unanimously approved.

Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with artist Kota Ezawa for an amount not to exceed $9,990 for the creation of two new animated video artworks (of approximately one minute duration) for the San Francisco International Airport: Temporary Terminal 1.
Moved: Chew/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved.

Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with artist Signe Baumane for an amount not to exceed $9,990 for the creation of two new animated video artworks (of approximately one minute duration) for the San Francisco International Airport: Temporary Terminal 1.
Moved: Beltran/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved.

Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with artist Jason Jägel for an amount not to exceed $40,000 for design, fabrication, transportation and installation of a barricade mural artwork for the San Francisco International Airport: Temporary Terminal 1.
Moved: Silverman/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved.

6. 2016 Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series
Justine Topfer
Action

Ms. Topfer presented the selected conceptual proposals for the 2016 Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series, Utopian Visions: the Changing Face of Market Street.  The selection panel recommended the artists Tracy Snelling and Lauren Bartone.  Ms. Snelling’s proposed poster series, A Utopian City, will use the vernacular of vintage comic book covers, advertisements and movie posters to create vignettes of a utopian San Francisco.. Ms. Bartone’s series, neoTOPIA, will be a series of collaged handmade maps, at 1:1 scale. The original maps will be made out of discarded materials found along Market Street, which the artist will use to reimagine historic maps by layering in ideas for new utopian alternatives.

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

Motion: Motion to approve the conceptual proposal by Tracey Snelling, A Utopian City, for the 2016 Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series and to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with the artist to develop and complete six unique poster designs for an amount not to exceed $8,000.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved.

Motion: Motion to approve the conceptual proposal by Lauren Bartone, neoTOPIA, for the 2016 Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series and to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with the artist to develop and complete six unique poster designs for an amount not to exceed $8,000.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved.

7. LIZ: Light Up Central Market Street
Justine Topfer, Paul Chasan
Discussion

Ms. Topfer introduced Paul Chasan from the Planning Department. Mr. Chasan and his colleague Marisha Farnsworth presented a project outline for the temporary Living Innovations Zone (LIZ) project, Light Up Central Market Street. The project is an experimental, architecturally designed interactive seating arrangement. The arrangement will consist of simple block forms made of PVC, internally lit with LED lights, and roughhewn wooden pieces. These elements will vary size and configuration to allow for more flexible uses in addition to seating..The installation will take place for up to two years in front of a temporary food vendor, The Hall, at Sixth and Market Streets. It will be installed at the end of September 30, 2015, in conjunction with the Market Street Prototyping Festival happening that month.

The project will be a collaboration of the Luggage Store, Civic Center Community Benefit District (“CCCBD”) and Tenderloin Community Benefit District (“TLCBD”). The Luggage Store will maintain the artwork and plans to curate events, such as dance performances to happen on and around the structure.

Commissioner Keehn asked for clarification regarding the role of local developers. Mr. Chasan explained that LIZ performs outreach to the developers through the CCCBD and TLCBD. All those involved sign a non-legally binding agreement to collaborate, allow and maintain these projects at no cost to the City. The parties work together in good faith so that all involved are in support of the projects.

It was also noted that the project hasbeen reviewed by American with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) Coordinator Kevin Jenson. Mr. Jenson is pleased that the project is designed so that people with varying physical abilities are able to interact with it.

8. Alameda Creek Watershed Center
Mary Chou
Action

Project Manager Mary Chou presented the revised design for an artwork by Mark Brest van Kempen for the Alameda Creek Watershed Center. She reminded the Committee that they had previously approved the relocation of the artwork from the main entrance of the building to the entryway of the garden.  The approved sculpture design consists of a 15 feet tall, 5 feet by 5 feet wide core-like sample of earth suspended above a corresponding hole in the earth below, showcasing the site’s geology. Ms. Chou stated that the artist has proposed to revise the previously approved sculpture design by changing the suspended sculptural form to a square shape rather than a triangular shape, and encasing the sculptural core-like form in layers of wire mesh “gabion” instead of glass. The Committee felt that the new location and revised form will relate nicely to the facility and landscape design and they approved of the design revisions.

Ms. Chou explained that project costs are still being reviewed. The Committee asked where the remaining budget from the previously eliminated project will be spent and if it will allow a larger contingency for this project. Ms. Chou explained that the Public Utilities Commission (“PUC”) funds are pooled and the funds for the eliminated project may be spent at another project site.  The intention for this project is that the costs are capped at $250,000.

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

Motion: Motion to approve revised design at entry to gardens for Mark Brest van Kempen’s artwork for the Alameda Creek Watershed Center.
Moved: Beltran/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved.

9. Bayview Gateway Public Art Project
Mary Chou
Action

Ms. Chou presented the summary of the final selection panel and the selected conceptual proposal by Cliff Garten for the Bayview Gateway, as recommended by the Bayview Gateway Public Art Project Selection Panel. Ms. Chou stated that the Port has requested that the artist add a more visible treatment at the west side of the traffic island. The artist is currently working on a revised proposal based per the Port’s request, which will be brought back to the Committee for review and approval.

The Committed asked which members of the public were involved. Ms. Chou stated that panel members included: JD Beltran, President, Arts Commission; Kimberly Brandon, Port of San Francisco Commissioner; William Bulkley, Landscape Architect, Department of Public Works; Helene Fried, Public Art Consultant; Melorra Green, Curator for Inquiry and Impact, SOMArts Cultural Center; Lizzetta LeFalle-Collins, Independent Writer, Artist, Curator, Museum Consultant; Shirley Moore, Community Representative; Ron Moultrie Saunders, Community Representative; and Nathan Watson, Executive Director, Public Glass.

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

Motion: Motion to approve the selected artist Cliff Garten and the artist’s conceptual proposal for the Bayview Gateway, as recommended by the Bayview Gateway Public Art Project Selection Panel.
Moved: Beltran/Chew
The motion was unanimously approved.

Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with artist Cliff Garten, for the design and implementation of an artwork in an amount not to exceed $445,000.
Moved: Beltran/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved

10. Daggett Park
Marcus Davies
Action

Project Manager Marcus Davies presented the Construction Document Phase deliverables for the artwork at Daggett Park by Adrian Colburn. The artwork consists of five, half-inch thick water jet cut steel panels depicting flora and fauna native to the project site. When viewed from particular angles the panels come together to form the silhouette of a bear. Mr. Davies noted that since the last review entrapment hazards have been examined and resolved and the palette has expanded to include black, grey, red and blue Tnemec coating. He also added that the engineering process has required the addition of several 1 to 3-inch vertical fins to add strength and that Ms. Colburn has adjusted some of the piece’s line work to make the fins as inconspicuous as possible.

President Beltran asked that three-dimensional rendering be produced for the next review.

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

Motion: Motion to approve Construction Document Phase deliverables (which include engineering and written cost estimates) by Adriane Colburn for an artwork for Daggett Park.
Moved: Beltran/Sklar
The motion was unanimously approved.

11. Broadway Chinatown Streetscape
Marcus Davies
Action

Mr. Davies introduced the artist Michael Arcega who presented the Design Development deliverables for his sculptural seating for the Broadway Chinatown Streetscape Improvement Project.  Mr. Arcega explained that he had expanded the imagery since his initial proposal and that his designs now draw from a variety of source material depicting traditional Chinese cloud motifs.

Mr. Davies noted that the artist met with the Department of Public Works’ (“DPW”) ADA/Accessibility coordinator and that many elements of the design exceed minimum access requirements. He added that as construction documents are developed Mr. Arcega and his fabricator will work through a mock-up process with community representatives to ensure that the artwork is fully functional as comfortable and practical street furniture.

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

Motion: Motion to approve the Design Development phase of artworks by Michael Arcega entitled Auspicious Clouds, a series of benches inspired by Asian cloud motifs, for the Broadway Chinatown Streetscape Improvement Project.
Moved: Beltran/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved.

12. Civic Art Collection: St. Francis, 1973 by Ruth Cravath Wakefield
Allison Cummings
Action

Senior Registrar Allison Cummings presented the necessary relocation of St. Francis, 1973 by Ruth Cravath Wakefield, a large scale concrete and Plexiglas sculpture, originally commissioned for Candlestick Park and currently located at 490 Jamestown Avenue. Due to the demolition of Candlestick Park and the redevelopment of the property, the sculpture will be removed and placed in an art storage facility. The Arts Commission is actively looking for a relocation site on City property, with hopes to conduct community input and relocate the work within a year’s time. The project plan will come back before the Committee when a potential site is determined.

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

Motion: Motion to approve the de-installation and removal to storage of St. Francis, 1973 by Ruth Wakefield Cravath, a concrete and Plexiglas sculpture, approximately 27 feet high x 10 feet wide x 10 feet deep, (SFAC Accession Number 1973.27) commissioned for Candlestick Park and currently located at 490 Jamestown Avenue.
Moved: Beltran/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved.

13. San Francisco General Hospital: Conservation of Existing Civic Art Collection
Allison Cummings
Action

Ms. Cummings reminded the Committee, as discussed in the April 15, 2015 Visual Arts Committee Meeting, that the roof of the mechanical building at SFGH is in need of significant repair. In order to complete these repairs, Roof Mural, 1974 by Gerald Concha must be removed from the roof. Staff has developed a project plan for temporarily relocating the Jerry Concha mosaic mural while the roof work is completed. Given the cultural significance of the roof mural and the reasonable budget for the project, staff believes its preservation is in the City’s best interest. The desired solution is to proceed with the temporary removal and then re-installation of the mural versus the alternative option of deaccession and destruction.

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

Motion: Motion to approve the temporarily removal of Roof Mural, 1974 by Gerald Concha, a 25 feet x 10 feet mosaic mural (SFAC Accession Number 1977.57) from roof of SFGH mechanical building for building repairs and subsequent reinstallation and conservation.
Moved: Beltran/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved.

14. New Business, Old Business, and Announcements

Commissioner Chew received a certificate of recognition for “Leadership of Arts and Culture” from the Board of Supervisors.

15. Adjournment
Action

The meeting adjourned at 4:19 p.m.

JDC 9/2/15
JDC 9/3/15 - revised

Notices

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.

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 Jenn Doyle Crane, jennifer.crane@sfgov.org, 415-252-2586.