Visual Arts Committee - July 19, 2017 - Minutes

Meeting Date: 
July 19, 2017 - 3:00pm
Location: 
401 Van Ness Avenue
Room 125
San Francisco, CA 94102
SAN FRANCISCO ARTS COMMISSION
VISUAL ARTS COMMITTEE
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
3 p.m.
401 Van Ness Avenue, Room 125
San Francisco, CA 94102
________________________________________
 
Minutes
 
Visual Arts Committee Members:
JD Beltran, President
Mary Jung
Dorka Keehn, Chair
Jessica Silverman
Barbara Sklar 
 
1. Call to Order, Roll Call, and Agenda Changes
 
Commissioners Present:
President Beltran
Commissioner Jung
Commissioner Keehn
Commissioner Silverman
 
Commissioners Absent:
Commissioner Sklar
 
The meeting commenced at 3:04 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 the mural design entitled The Cayuga Seniors, by lead artist Priya Hand. The mural will be completed with the assistance of Cayuga Community Connectors, students from Balboa High School and the Cayuga Senior community. The painted mural on panels will measure 8 ft. by 14 ft. (overall); to be installed along a fence adjacent to the Cayuga Stairs at 301 Naglee Avenue. The project is funded with a Community Challenge Grant and is sponsored by the Community Living Campaign. The mosaic artwork will not become part of the Civic Art Collection.
 
2. Motion to retroactively approve the mural designs for the Hemlock Alley Cultural Narrative Mural Project. The project consists of five murals along the north side length of Hemlock Alley, between Larkin and Polk Streets. The painted murals from left to right are as follows: Parrots of Telegraph Hill/Concrete Jungle, 2017 by Ali Futrell, 16 ft. by 26 ft.; Hemlock Mural, 2017 by Will Durkee and Marcus Lee, 15 ft. by 27 ft.; Heart of Chinatown, 2017 by Elaine Chu and Marina Perez-Wong, 17 ft. by 26 ft.; Untitled, 2017 by Mel Waters, 44.5 ft. by 26 ft.; and Tonbo – To believe in yourself, 2017 by Yakako Ezoe Onedera and Naoki Onedera, 23 ft. by 28.5 ft. The project is funded and sponsored by Chevalier Partners, Lower Polk Community Benefit District, and Lower Polk Neighbors with additional funding from the Mayor’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development. The murals will not become part of the Civic Art Collection.
 
3. Motion to modify the display dates as approved by RESOLUTION NO. 1107-16-305 of artists HYBYCOZO’s two illuminated geometric sculptures in Hayes Valley’s Patricia’s Green by revising the stated temporary display dates November 2017 through November 2018, to November 2016 through November 2017 to correct a clerical error.
 
4. Motion to approve the construction document phase deliverables (final digital files for sample and mock up approval process) by Bernadette Jiyong Frank for Fire Station Five.
 
5. Motion to approve the photography exhibit celebrating World Breastfeeding Week (August 1 through August 7, 2017). The exhibit will be on display from August 1 through August 31, 2017, in City Hall’s South Light Court. Exhibit is sponsored by Supervisor Katy Tang and Department of Public Health. 
 
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
 
Motion: Motion to approve consent calendar items.
Moved: Beltran/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved
 
4. Dogpatch Arts Plaza Temporary Public Art Project
Aleta Lee and Jared Press, Build Architecture
Action
 
Program Associate Aleta Lee introduced Jared Press, Program Manager at Build Architecture to present a temporary art project proposed for the Dogpatch Arts Plaza. Mr. Press explained to the Commissioners that the Dogpatch Arts Plaza is a public plaza but it is not a public development. With the conversion of a dead end street at 19th and Indiana Streets, Mr. Press is proposing the Dogpatch Arts Plaza, which will remain in perpetuity, a public right of way. Mr. Press stated he is working with the San Francisco Public Works for an encroachment permit. 
 
Mr. Press emphasized that efforts for the temporary public art project at the Dogpatch Arts Plaza is a public and private partnership. Friends of Dogpatch Plaza, ArtSpan, She’s Got Wings, Build Public, and Build Inc. have developed visions for the plaza and will be responsible for operations and programming. These organizations have done outreach to the community and local businesses regarding the selected sculpture artwork, Centaur, by Laura Kimpton. Mr. Press stated that the sculpture is made of scrap metal and repurposed tool boxes. 
 
Commissioner Keehn stated her concern for the structural engineering as well as safety concerns about the construction of the artwork. Mr. Press invited the structural engineer, Ali Lahijanian, to discuss his findings. Mr. Lahijanian stated that based on the city code requirement, the artwork is safe and he found no issues with his analysis.
 
Commissioner Keehn continued by stating her concern for the children’s safety around the artwork. Ms. Pontious said that she would share information with Mr. Press that explains the requirements for the safety of children. 
 
Ms. Pontious also mentioned that the way the artwork is constructed, there is a clear necessity for a barrier to protect the overhead. She stated that this Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) requirements will guide Mr. Press and Dogpatch Arts Plaza to make sure the artwork is accessible as well as safe for everyone. Mr. Press stated they will be posting signage that asks the public not to climb the artwork. 
 
Commissioner Keehn was concerned about the material of the artwork and the sharp edges. Commissioner Beltran was concerned about how sharp the tail is and if someone grabbed it, would they cut themselves. Elizabeth Scarborough, who represents artist Laura Kimpton stated that the edges are welded and weathered which give the artwork a soft edge and touch. She said that the artwork has been on public display several times and there has never been any negative issues. 
 
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
 
Motion: Motion to approve the temporary sculpture installation of Centaur, by Laura Kimpton. The project is funded by 650 Indiana Street LLC, developers of the adjacent new residential building, and is co-sponsored by the Friends of Dogpatch Plaza, ArtSpan, She’s Got Wings, Build Public, and Build Inc. The sculpture will be maintained by the Friends of Dogpatch Arts Plaza and 650 Indiana Street LLC. The sculpture will be on view for one year beginning September 2017 in Dogpatch Arts Plaza; pending all necessary approvals from Public Works and addressing Americans with Disabilities Act and child safety requirements.
Moved: Silverman/Beltran
The motion was unanimously approved
 
5. San Francisco International Airport 
 
A. International Terminal, Gate Rooms – Leah Rosenberg 
Zoë Taleporos and Leah Rosenberg, artist
Action
 
Project Manager Zoë Taleporos introduced artist, Leah Rosenberg to present the Design Development Phase deliverables for her artwork at the San Francisco International Airport: International Terminal, Gate Room G96. Ms. Taleporos stated that Ms. Rosenberg’s work will be comprised of painted wood, Plexiglas, printed wood, and powder coated steel.
 
Ms. Rosenberg provided the Commissioners with her color palette, which she described as the colors of San Francisco. The colors represent popular sites, communities, and locations throughout San Francisco, including the International Orange on Golden Gate Bridge, fog in Twin Peaks, and the Painted Ladies in the Western Addition District. A color legend will accompany the artwork on the wall for airport patrons’ viewing. Ms. Rosenberg stated that the Plexiglas pieces will be mirrored and inset to give dimension. She shared that the installation will be on a cleat system and the material and color will wrap around the edge of the wall. 
 
Commissioner Beltran asked how the many segments will the artwork have, and Ms. Rosenberg answered seven.
 
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
 
Motion: Motion to approve the revised Design Development Phase deliverables by Leah Rosenberg for San Francisco International Airport: International Terminal, Gate Room G96.
Moved: Beltran/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved
 
B. Terminal 1, Boarding Area B, Mid-Pier Location Project 
Justine Topfer 
Action
 
Project Manager Justine Topfer presented artist Mark Handforth’s proposal selected for the San Francisco International Airport: Terminal 1, Boarding Area B, mid-pier location. Ms. Topfer stated that the Arts Commission staff hosted the second artist selection panel for suspended artwork projects in Terminal 1 and SFO Hotel. The artist selection panel examined ten site-specific proposals made by seven artists (three artists did proposals for two projects).
 
The Commissioners thanked Ms. Topfer for her efforts to organize the SFO artist selection panel and her outreach to artists. Ms. Topfer thanked Commissioner Silverman for her outreach to selected artist, Liz Glynn, for the Terminal 1 Center, TSA Security Checkpoint Project. 
 
Ms. Topfer stated that the artist selection panel looked at three proposals for the Terminal 1, Boarding Area B, Mid-Pier location, and Mr. Handforth was chosen by the artist selection panel. Ms. Topfer stated that Mr. Handforth’s proposal will anchor the space and be great for wayfinding and well as casting light into space.  
 
Commissioner Keehn, who sat on the artist selection panel, stated that panel really enjoyed this proposal.
 
Commissioner Silverman expressed concern that the star-shaped artwork may resemble a religious symbol. Also that the red color and the piercing of the star with the wood branch, makes it look aggressive. Ms. Topfer stated that she shared feedback from the panelists with Mr. Handforth about making his art proposal look more like a star and less like a crumbled piece of steel or a religious symbol. He was receptive to the criticism to make the branch in the artwork look less harsh, sharp, and more like a branch. Ms. Topfer stated he was very willing to make these adjustments. 
 
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
 
Motion: Motion to approve selected artist, Mark Handforth and proposal for a suspended sculpture for San Francisco International Airport: Terminal 1, Boarding Area B, ‘Bend’ Project as recommended by the artist selection panel.
Moved: Silverman/Beltran
The motion was unanimously approved
 
Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with artist Mark Handforth for an amount not to exceed $620,000 for design, fabrication, transportation and installation consultation for his proposed sculpture for the San Francisco International Airport: Terminal 1, Boarding Area B, mid-pier location.
Moved: Beltran/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved
 
C. Terminal 1 Center, TSA Security Checkpoint Project
Justine Topfer 
Action
 
Ms. Topfer presented artist Liz Glynn’s proposal selected for the San Francisco International Airport: Terminal 1 Center, TSA Security Checkpoint. Ms. Glynn’s artwork Terra-Techne consists of five suspended “tectonic plates,” each featuring an upside-down landscape on the bottom, with an abstract circuit board extrusion on top. The landscapes each represent a different biome from the diverse terrains of California. The landscape will be fabricated in cast stainless steel. The upper side of each tectonic plate contains a technological landscape, modeled by extruding the surface pattern of silicon chips in ceramic.
 
Commissioner Keehn, who sat on the artist selection panel, stated that the rendering makes the artwork look small and incorrectly proportioned in the terminal. Ms. Topfer mentioned that once the structural engineers take the opportunity to examine her artwork, the artwork will fit the space correctly. Ms. Topfer stated that Ms. Glynn’s artwork will captivate an audience of travelers waiting in line for security check, by looking up to the ceiling to see a landscape setting.
 
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
 
Motion: Motion to approve selected artist, Liz Glynn and proposal for the San Francisco International Airport: Terminal 1 Center, TSA Security Checkpoint as recommended by the artist selection panel.
Moved: Silverman/Beltran
The motion was unanimously approved
 
Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with artist Liz Glynn Studio for an amount not to exceed $850,000 for design, fabrication, transportation and installation consultation of an artwork for the San Francisco International Airport: Terminal 1 Center, TSA Security Checkpoint Project.
Moved: Beltran/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved
 
Motion: Motion to approve consideration of runner-up proposals for San Francisco International Airport: Terminal 1 Center, TSA Security Checkpoint by Tomás Saraceno (Tanya Bonakdar Gallery) and Ranjani Shettar (Talwar Gallery) for future San Francisco International Airport opportunities. 
Moved: Beltran/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved
 
Commissioner Keehn realized that a motion had been inadvertently omitted from item 5B. Terminal 1, Boarding Area B, Mid-Pier Location Project. She returned to the previous agenda item and the vote was completed on that motion. 
 
Motion: Motion to approve consideration of runner-up proposals for San Francisco International Airport: Terminal 1, Boarding Area B, Mid-Pier by Tomás Saraceno (Tanya Bonakdar Gallery) and Ranjani Shettar (Talwar Gallery) for future San Francisco International Airport opportunities.
Moved: Beltran/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved
 
D. San Francisco International Airport: SFO Hyatt Hotel 
Justine Topfer 
Action
 
Ms. Topfer presented artist Jacob Hashimoto’s proposal selected for San Francisco International Airport: SFO Hyatt Hotel. Ms. Topfer stated the proposal features 3,500 miniature disk-like kites in a multi-layer canopy. Mr. Hashimoto will cast the paper kites in different transparencies of white, dispersed within areas of color.
 
Commissioner Beltran asked about the material for Mr. Hashimoto’s proposal. Ms. Topfer replied that the kites are paper cast in resin.
 
Commissioner Keehn, who sat on the artist selection panel, stated the material is really durable but still has a hand-made feel.
 
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
 
Motion: Motion to approve selected artist, Jacob Hashimoto and proposal for the San Francisco International Airport: SFO Hyatt Hotel as recommended by the artist selection panel.
Moved: Beltran/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved
 
Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with artist Jacob Hashimoto LLC for an amount not to exceed $300,000 for design, fabrication, transportation and installation consultation of an artwork for the San Francisco International Airport: SFO Hyatt Hotel Project.
Moved: Beltran/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved
 
Motion: Motion to approve consideration of runner-up proposals for San Francisco International Airport: SFO Hyatt Hotel by Dana Hemenway and Tahiti Pehrson for future San Francisco International Airport opportunities.
Moved: Beltran/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved
 
E. Discrete Artwork Program
Susan Pontious
Discussion
 
Civic Art Collection and Public Art Program Director Susan Pontious presented a project update of the discrete artwork program at San Francisco International Airport. Ms. Pontious stated that there are a number of new opportunities in Terminal 1 and SFO Hotel to add two-dimensional and sculptural artwork to SFO’s discrete artwork collection. Bay Area curators selected by the Arts Commission staff were asked to review the current collection and to make recommendations of five to ten artists to include. Ms. Pontious stated that she received the recommendations from the curators and asked the Commissioners to make their recommendations. She will provide the Commissioners with information regarding artists currently in the airport collection and the newly recommended artists. Ms. Pontious requested that they examine mid-career artists as well as emerging artists in the Bay Area. She stated that currently there is not a lot of space in the airport but there will be future opportunities for discrete artworks.
 
Commissioner Keehn asked if the artists have to be from the Bay Area. Ms. Pontious stated that the artists do not have to be exclusively from the Bay Area and it is also important to increase artist numbers from Southern California as well as some national artists. She asked that they consider the demographics of their artist recommendations. Commissioner Keehn recommended that artists that once lived in the Bay Area are also a great opportunity. Ms. Pontious agreed with Commissioner Keehn.
 
Commissioner Beltran asked if the Arts Commission staff is only interested in artists that create two-dimensional artwork. Ms. Pontious stated that there will be Terminal 1 and SFO Hotel opportunities for sculpture and to include those artists on their recommended lists.
 
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
 
6. Pier 27
Marcus Davies
Action
 
Project Manager Marcus Davies presented the public art project outline for Pier 27. Mr. Davies stated that the Port of San Francisco’s James R. Herman Cruise Terminal at Pier 27 hosts cruise ships year-round and is also an indoor and outdoor event center on non-cruise days. The opportunity for a public art project would allow for a sculptural artwork within the cruise terminal plaza. 
 
Ms. Pontious mentioned that the funding for the public art project will be from a city-wide bond.
 
Mr. Davies stated that there is a historic building within the cruise terminal plaza that will become a restaurant, and the space is an opportunity for an active area for public engagement and outreach. Mr. Davies said that first artist selection panel will take place at the end of September and the public art project goal is to complete installation by Fall 2019.
 
Commissioner Keehn asked to confirm the budget amount. Mr. Davies stated the budget is $184,000.
 
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
 
Motion: Motion to approve the public art project outline for Pier 27.
Moved: Beltran/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved
 
7. Ambulance Deployment Facility
Susan Pontious
Action
 
Ms. Pontious presented the public art project outline for the Ambulance Deployment Facility located between Jerrold and McKinnon Avenues. Since the Ambulance Deployment Facility is not a public facility, there is no direct public accessibility within the site. Located behind Fire Station #49, the surrounding area is historically an industrial neighborhood but future development will include residential and commercial spaces. 
 
The art project at the Ambulance Deployment Facility (“ADF”) offers an opportunity to honor the people that work at the ADF and be proud to work there. Ms. Pontious stated that the new director of the ADF hopes that an art opportunity on the entry and possibly exit gate will meet this goal. Ms. Pontious mentioned that at the gate locations, art can be designed on the gate panels for both vehicular and pedestrian entry and will be the civic face of the building. 
 
Ms. Pontious also mentioned that due to the limited public access at the ADF, the Arts Commission staff is proposing allocating partial funds to a much more visible public art project in the Bayview neighborhood. The Bayview Gateway Project by Cliff Garten is at Cargo Way and 3rd Street, spanning both sides of 3rd Street, is easily accessible to the public. 
 
Ms. Pontious stated the Arts Commission plans to install two-dimensional works for the front office and to have historic photographs framed and installed for the ADF. 
 
Commissioners Keehn and Beltran expressed their understanding for how difficult it is to place an art opportunity at the site but that the gates are a great location. 
 
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
 
Motion: Motion to approve the public art project outline for the Ambulance Deployment Facility.
Moved: Beltran/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved
 
8. Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series
 
A. 2017 Series
Zoë Taleporos
Action
 
Ms. Taleporos presented the final design by artist Sarah Hotchkiss for the 2017 Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series. Ms. Taleporos stated that under the Summer of Love theme, Ms. Hotchkiss used late 1960s headlines from newspapers, graphic elements, and illustrations to design her poster series to execute various themes from the era.
 
The Commissioners enjoyed the 1960s colors and the size of the print for the poster series. The Commissioners discussed the importance and approved the color contrast of the posters for readability.
 
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
 
Motion: Motion to approve the Final Designs by Sarah Hotchkiss for the 2017 Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series. 
Moved: Beltran/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved
 
B. 2018 Series
Zoë Taleporos
Action
 
Ms. Taleporos presented selected finalists for the 2018 Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series. The artist selection panel met on July 19, 2017, where panelists were given an overview of the 2018 Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series, including the specific theme of Sanctuary City. The panelists were presented with qualifications from 12 artists and from that selected six finalists: Miguel Arzabe, Jennifer Bloomer, Sofia Córdova, Rodney Ewing, Weston Teruya, and Minoosh Zomorodinia. 
 
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
 
Motion: Motion to approve the selected finalists Miguel Arzabe, Jennifer Bloomer, Sofia Córdova, Rodney Ewing, Weston Teruya, and Minoosh Zomorodinia for the 2018 Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series as recommended by the artist selection panel.
Moved: Beltran/Silverman
The motion was unanimously approved
 
9. Margaret Hayward Playground
Zoë Taleporos
Discussion
 
Ms. Taleporos presented the possible uses of Art Enrichment funding for Margaret Hayward Playground. As an informational item, Ms. Taleporos was seeking advice from the Commissioners on where to use a modest art enrichment budget at the site. The Western Addition neighborhood park, under the design and construction by San Francisco Public Works, plans to reorganize the park by consolidating and connecting the park to unify the facilities. The budget allows for $25,000 for an art opportunity. 
 
Ms. Taleporos mentioned that the Arts Commission staff explored areas for art opportunities specifically the walls of the façade of the clubhouse because the size is appropriate for the art budget. The staff is also considering a painted mural on the surface but may not be appropriate due to the aesthetic approach. Ms. Taleporos asked the Commissioners to consider reallocating funds to another Department of Recreation and Parks project or for a conservation opportunity. 
 
Ms. Pontious mentioned that it has been a challenge to create a project for the Margaret Hayward Playground due to the limited amount of funds. She also stated that due to the aesthetic approach, the design does not offer many opportunities for a public art project.
 
Commissioner Beltran asked if it would be financially possible to do a kinetic artwork.
 
Commissioner Keehn questioned if it would be possible to do an interior artwork, such as a painted mural on the inside of the community room or an artwork with tile elements on the wall between the bathroom doors. 
 
Ms. Pontious mentioned that the designers suggested doing artwork on the sidewalk but she is more interested in the stair risers. 
 
Ms. Taleporos stated she would further explore and opportunity in the community room and bathroom wall.
 
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment. 
 
10. New Business, Old Business, and Announcements
Discussion
 
Commissioner Beltran stated the Sophie Calle exhibition, Missing, will be on display at Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture through August 20, 2017. 
 
Commissioner Keehn stated that Sites Unseen will feature artist Leah Rosenberg’s new long-term temporary installation in Natoma Street, near the back entrance to San Francisco Museum of Modern (“SFMoMA”). The event will be on Saturday, July 29, 2017 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
 
Commissioner Beltran also mentioned that there are great exhibitions at the SFMoMA that are on view, including Edvard Munch: Between the Clock and the Bed; 2017 SECA Art Award; and Soundtracks.
 
Commissioner Keehn called for public comment. There was no public comment.
 
11. Adjournment
Action
 
The meeting adjourned at 4:15 p.m.
 
posted AT 8/2/2017 10:12am
approved 8/7/2017
 
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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如需協助,Alyssa Torres, alyssa.m.torres@sfgov.org, 415-252-2219.
 
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.