JD Beltran, President

Dorka Keehn, Chair

Abby Sadin Schnair

Jessica Silverman

Barbara Sklar 

 

 

President Beltran

Commissioner Keehn

Commissioner Schnair

Commissioner Sklar

 

Commissioner Silverman

 

The meeting commenced at 3:03 p.m.

 

Commissioner Keehn announced that Consent Calendar Item #3 was revised to reflect that the murals would be vinyl wrapped, not painted and to include that the mural approval is pending a signed memorandum of understanding from San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. 

 

Commissioner Keehn also announced that she will postpone addressing Item #4 until Commissioner Schnair arrives. Commissioner Keehn serves as a member on the ArtCare board and will need to recuse herself. 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

1. Motion to approve Helene Fried, independent curator, as a Public Art Program Panelist for the 2017-18 and 2018-19 Fiscal Years. 

 

2. Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to approve honoraria payments of up to $10,000 for San Francisco Arts Commission public program services including, but not limited to, workshops, lectures, panel discussions, performances, brown bag lunch discussions, literary readings, film screenings, community forums, and off-site projects.

 

3. Motion to approve the mural designs of Ocean Bloom by artists Hye Yoon Song, Paul Mullowney, Autumn Swisher and Youth Art Exchange Printmaking and Photography Students. The vinyl wrapped murals will be on ten utility boxes along Ocean Avenue, at the corners of Howth Street, Dorado Terrace, Geneva and Phelan, Lee, Brighton, Plymouth, Miramar, Faxon, Ashton, and Victoria Avenues. The vinyl wrapped murals will be installed on ten utility boxes that measure approximately 60 in. by 36 in. by 17 in. The project is funded by the San Francisco Arts Commission Special Project Grant by the D7 Participatory Budget Process, and is sponsored by the Youth Art Exchange; the vinyl wrapped murals will not become part of the Civic Art Collection. The approval is pending a signed memorandum of understanding from the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency.

 

4. Motion to approve the addition of a gobo light projection of new sister city, Kiel, Germany, to Shining Paths: San Francisco’s Sister Cities, by Lewis deSoto, and the removal of the gobo light gel for Osaka, Japan at San Francisco International Airport: International Terminal, Boarding Area G.

 

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

                              

Motion: Motion to approve consent calendar items.

Moved: Sklar/Beltran

 

 

 

On behalf of Director of Public Art Trust and Special Initiatives Jill Manton, Senior Program Manager Jennifer Lovvorn presented the selected artists and their proposals for Treasure Island Phase One Projects. She reminded the Committee about the governance for the Treasure Island projects: the Arts Commission approves the contracts and provides comments that is then relayed to the Treasure Island Development Authority, who is the entity who approves the final artwork designs. 

 

The Treasure Island Phase One Projects Artist Selection Panel met on April 17, 2018 to review nine proposals from seven artists for the three Treasure Island sites: Waterfront Plaza, Building One and Yerba Buena Hill Top Park. 

 

Artist Hiroshi Sugimoto was selected by the panel for the Yerba Buena Hill Top Park location. Mr. Sugimoto’s proposed artwork is 66 feet tall and is made of stainless steel with a marble base. Ms. Lovvorn stated that Mr. Sugimoto’s proposal will be further developed to consider the allowable height for that area.

 

Artist Antony Gormley was selected by the panel for the Waterfront Plaza location. Ms. Lovvorn stated that Mr. Gormley’s proposal is for a monumental figurative piece comprised of blocks of solid cast iron. The panel’s feedback focused on determining the best location for the piece and a recommendation that it be redesigned slightly to be less masculine looking. Once under contract the artist will work with the landscape architects to study placement options and will put forward his preferred location as part of the first phase of design.

 

Artist Pae White was selected by the panel for the Building One location. Ms. Lovvorn stated the panel liked her concept of a chime wall, which references an architectural element of the historic Golden Gate International Exposition. However, the panel recommended that she reconfigure the artwork to be less horizontal in order to maintain a clear view of Building One from a distance and views of the bay from the building. The panel also recommended that the artist study whether the artwork might be located in just one or two of the landscape quadrants. 

 

Commissioner Sklar asked about Ms. White’s material selection. Ms. Lovvorn replied that Ms. White would work with metal but that her proposal is still very preliminary and will need to be further developed for durability, maintenance, and any issues related climbability. 

 

Ms. Lovvorn stated that all three artists are excited for the opportunity and ready to address all issues discussed by the panel. 

 

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

 

Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a contract with the selected artist Antony Gormley for conceptual design, final design and engineering of an artwork for the Treasure Island Waterfront Plaza Public Art Project in an amount not to exceed $157,350, pending approval of the Treasure Island Development Authority.

Moved: Beltran/Sklar

 

Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a contract with the selected artist Pae White (DBA Pae White Studio, Inc.) for conceptual design, final design and engineering of an artwork for the Treasure Island Building One Public Art Project in an amount not to exceed $99,350, pending approval of the Treasure Island Development Authority.

Moved: Sklar/Beltran

 

 

 

 

 

ArtCare Executive Director Diane Frankel presented an image of the completed Mayor Newsom sculptural bust to the Committee. Ms. Frankel also presented the text for the pedestal. 

 

Civic Art Collection and Public Art Program Director Susan Pontious requested that the pedestal text be revised under the Lieutenant Governor of California line to reflect the end of term date, as that date is already determined. The Committee and Ms. Frankel agreed with Ms. Pontious’ recommendation for the pedestal text.

 

Ms. Pontious further inquired about the final design and materiality of the pedestal. She asked how the plaque would be affixed to the pedestal. Ms. Frankel replied that at this stage, she was not sure how the text would appear on the pedestal except that it would be on a bronze plaque. Ms. Frankel did confirm that the pedestal would be composed of black granite and the height and size of the pedestal is similar to other busts in City Hall.

 

Ms. Pontious stated that in order to issue the letter of acceptance for the gift of the Mayor Newsom sculptural bust, the Arts Commission will need to receive the executed donor agreement and the artist agreement. She added that Arts Commission staff was given the value of the artwork at $91,000 but she needs to confirm if that includes the maintenance endowment. Ms. Frankel said that the maintenance endowment is not included. Ms. Pontious concluded that once the Arts Commission issues the letter of acceptance, the sculptural bust can be delivered and installed in City Hall. She asked to approve the issuance of a conditional letter of acceptance upon staff’s receipt of the above-mentioned documentation.

 

President Beltran stated she would be temporarily chair the meeting in Commissioner Keehn’s absence and requested that the artist name be included in the motion. 

 

President Beltran called for public comment. There was no public comment.

 

Motion: Motion to approve a) the completed sculptural bust by Bruce Wolfe of former mayor Gavin Newsom and the design of the sculpture pedestal and proposed text and b) approval to issue a Conditional Letter of Acceptance upon receipt of executed donor and artist agreement and completion of all outstanding contract requirements. The sculpture is a gift of ArtCare, a nonprofit organization.

Moved: Schnair/Sklar

 

 

 

Project Manager Jenn Doyle Crane presented the selected finalist for the Animal Care Facility Public Art Project. The artist selection panel met on May 9, 2018 and selected Favianna Rodriguez and her conceptual proposal, Our Animal Friends. Ms. Crane said that the proposal is playful, colorful, and designed to speak to the imagination of viewers of all ages. The wide range of colors is symbolic for the diverse animal stories of the many species who are housed at the Animal Care Facility. Ms. Crane stated Ms. Rodriguez proposed to paint or print the artistic elements on marine-grade plywood with the fabrication assistance of Magnolia Editions. 

 

Commissioner Keehn asked how much the budget is for the project and if it was possible to afford a different permanent material. Ms. Crane replied that the Art Enrichment budget is $434,000 and both the artist and panel are interested in a more durable, permanent material. Ms. Crane shared that she will provide a list of fabricators that can offer a new material option to Ms. Rodriguez that will highlight her artistic style of layering. 

 

The panel also suggested further exploring locations for Ms. Rodriguez’ artwork at the Animal Care Facility. Ms. Crane stated that there are other locations in the building that can be considered for the artwork and Ms. Rodriguez will meet with the architect and Animal Care and Control staff to further develop her proposal throughout the facility.

 

Commissioner Schnair inquired about the beams on the interior of the Animal Care Facility. Ms. Crane replied that the beams are architectural and seismic structures. 

 

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

 

Motion: Motion to approve the selected artist Favianna Rodriguez and conceptual proposal for artwork(s) for the Animal Care Facility Public Art Project as recommended by the artist selection panel. 

Moved: Beltran/Schnair

 

Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with Favianna Rodriguez for an amount not to exceed $310,000 for design, fabrication, transportation, and installation consultation of artworks for the Animal Care Facility Project.

Moved: Beltran/Schnair

 

 

Ms. Crane presented the selected finalist for the Geneva Powerhouse Public Art Project. Ms. Crane thanked Commissioner Sklar for serving on the panel. The artist selection panel met on May 15, 2018 and selected Alison Pebworth and her conceptual proposal, Power Roots. Ms. Pebworth states her artwork is inspired by the industrial substructure of the Powerhouse, the history of the building, and community it serves. Ms. Pebworth proposed to address two locations including a wall sculpture and a floor vitrine that will display ephemera from the community. 

 

The future tenant of the building, Performing Arts Workshop, shared that a stage will be set up for youth performances in the location of Ms. Pebworth’s proposed artwork. The Arts Commission staff will work with the architect and the Performing Arts Workshop staff to relocate the design. 

 

Commissioner Schnair requested that once Ms. Pebworth’s conceptual design is confirmed in the new location, that Ms. Crane return to the Committee for approval. Ms. Crane stated she will return with more information once the location is determined, along with details about ephemera and any further design or material concerns. 

 

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

 

Motion: Motion to approve the selected artist Alison Pebworth and conceptual proposal for an artwork(s) for the Geneva Powerhouse Public Art Project as recommended by the artist selection panel. 

Moved: Beltran/Schnair

 

Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with Alison Pebworth for an amount not to exceed $97,000 for design, fabrication, transportation, and installation consultation of artworks for the Geneva Powerhouse Project.

Moved: Beltran/Schnair

 

 

 

Project Manager Zoë Taleporos presented the installed artwork, Everywhere a Color by Leah Rosenberg at the San Francisco International Airport: International Terminal, Boarding Area G, Gate Room 96. Ms. Taleporos stated that the bands of color correspond to a place, event, or object in San Francisco. 

 

Commissioner Keehn shared that she saw the artwork in person and enjoyed color selection and dimensionality. President Beltran enjoyed the corresponding legend. 

 

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

 

Motion: Motion to approve the installed artwork Everywhere a Color by Leah Rosenberg at the San Francisco International Airport: International Terminal, Boarding Area G, Gate Room 96.

Moved: Beltran/Schnair

 

 

 

 

Project Manager Justine Topfer presented the final design development documents and construction document phase deliverables for artist Johanna Grawunders’s artwork for the San Francisco International Airport: Long Term Parking Garage 2 Public Art Project. Ms. Topfer stated that the project is moving fast, with plans to make the parking garage functioning by late November 2018. Ms. Topfer introduced Ms. Grawunder to the Committee to further discuss her artwork. 

 

Ms. Grawunder presented her final design for the project, Coding. The artwork is based on a layering of five codes that start from the façade and move inward for a user experience within the elevators. She began by explaining the “exo-glass code,” which is created by the bright orange strips on the exterior of the garage façade. The orange color has been changed from International Orange to Safety Orange, which is brighter and stands out better against the architecture. The next layer is the “endo-glass code,” created using mirrored panels that are part of the façade glass. The panels spell out San Francisco in Morse code. The “light code” includes a spotlight at the top of each elevator cabin as well as at the bottom of the elevator shaft. The “frame code” is defined by several light boxes that are flush with the frame area around the tower block. The “endo-cabin code” is created by using luminous diffusors in the ceiling to create a soothing interior light.

 

Commissioner Schnair asked if they are identifying each level of the parking garage with a different color. Ms. Topfer said yes, the levels will be color identified but it will not interact with the artwork. 

 

Ms. Grawunder added that the artwork will be on a continuous loop that can be set for the time of the day, time of the year or any special settings for holidays. All the elements of the artwork can be adjusted independently. 

 

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

 

Motion: Motion to approve the final design development documents and construction document phase deliverables for Johanna Grawunder’s artwork, Coding, for the San Francisco International Airport: Long Term Parking Garage 2 Public Art Project.

Moved: Schnair/Beltran

 

 

 

Ms. Topfer presented the final design development documents and construction document phase deliverables for Sarah Cain’s artwork for the San Francisco International Airport: AirTrain Public Art Project. Ms. Cain’s glass artwork will be on the concourse level for the SFO Hotel station, on a curtain wall that is approximately 150 feet long and 10 feet tall. Ms. Cain is working with Judson Studio in Los Angeles, a traditional stained glass fabricator. There will be an exterior architectural glass as well as the interior art glass installed along the curtain wall. 

 

The glass art wall includes 37 windows and each window is broken down into four parts. The fourth part is along the bottom, which is about one foot tall, and in front of the glass is a railing. In order to meet recommendations from the artist selection panel and the Commissioners, Ms. Cain worked with Judson Studio to bring out her freestyle artistic approach in the work. The samples Ms. Topfer showed the Committee expressed the development of Ms. Cain’s work and her applied freestyle technique using fused glass. The channels between the glass are made of zinc and range in thickness from ½ to ¼ inch. There are multiple types of glass being used in the project including antique, rolled, and fused glass.

 

Commissioner Schnair asked why there were blank areas in the final design development documents. Ms. Topfer replied that there is clear glass in order to see out.

 

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

 

Motion: Motion to approve the final design development documents and construction document phase deliverables for Sarah Cain’s artwork, Untitled, for the San Francisco International Airport: AirTrain Public Art Project.

Moved: Beltran/Schnair

 

 

Ms. Topfer presented the conceptual design documents phase deliverables for Dana Hemenway’s artwork, The Color of Horizons, for the San Francisco International Airport: Terminal 1 Center Public Art Project. Ms. Topfer stated that Ms. Hemenway’s original proposal was created for the SFO Hotel Suspended Public Art Project but did not win the commission. The panel really enjoyed her proposal and when a new opportunity in Terminal 1 arose, the panel felt that a proposal such as Ms. Hemenway’s would be a great fit for the location. Ms. Topfer presented the conceptual designs, highlighting the semi-circular, suspended structural form and the location of the artwork above an escalator. 

 

Ms. Topfer continued explaining the composition of each macramé strand, natural rope wrapped with extension cords. Ms. Hemenway will work with a ceramicist to create ceramic forms, which will also form part of the composition. These will be a range of blue, referencing the sky. 

 

Commissioner Keehn was interested to why Ms. Hemenway changed the ceramic circular forms to the new non-circular shapes. Ms. Topfer replied that Ms. Hemenway feels that the new shape will make the work more dynamic and because it is angular, it will reflect the light in different ways. Commissioner Keehn said that the new form was not as appealing to her and that she found it too angular. She requested that the ceramic form be rethought and evolve.  

 

Commissioner Schnair asked about Ms. Hemenway’s material choices and their durability. Senior Registrar Allison Cummings commented that there are currently textiles at the airport and staff is aware of what kind of environmental conditions the artwork will encounter while on display. Ms. Topfer further explained that with a conservator’s recommendation, a matte clear coat would be applied to the rope for maintenance and durability purposes. The clear coat will also support material stability in indoor light conditions. Ms. Pontious added that it might be best to start with a rope that is not as white as she is concerned it will yellow over time. Commissioner Keehn replied that Ms. Hemenway should test the rope with coating before installation. President Beltran recommended a non-dyed, natural rope to avoid the rope changing color.

 

Ms. Topfer and the Committee then discussed the stepped framework that attaches to the ceiling. The concept shows a fine polished cement on the exterior. The Committee felt that the form was too aesthetically heavy and likewise that choice of material. Ms. Topfer stated she had suggested wood. Commissioner Keehn recommended a power-coated metal that could be textured. President Beltran recommend a Plexiglas, frosted glass, or something transparent. Ms. Pontious asked if the framework is necessary to the structural stability of the artwork. Ms. Topfer said yes, the artwork is attached to the framework, but that she would share this information with Ms. Hemenway. The Committee requested that Ms. Hemenway conceptualize the form and material choice. 

 

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

 

Commissioner Keehn stated that the motion will move forward with consideration of the comments made by the Committee. 

 

Motion: Motion to approve the conceptual design documents phase deliverables for Dana Hemenway’s artwork, The Color of Horizons, for the San Francisco International Airport: Terminal 1 Center Public Art Project.

Moved: Beltran/Schnair

 

 

Ms. Topfer presented the selected finalists for the San Francisco International Airport: Terminal 1, Boarding Area B, End of Pier Public Art Project. Ms. Topfer thanked Commissioner Silverman for serving on the panel. A request for qualifications was issued and staff presented the qualifications of seven artists. The artist selection panel was on May 8, 2018 and determined a second panel would provide the information necessary to select a site-specific artwork. The selected finalists for the End of Pier Public Art Project include Spencer Finch, Jorge Pardo and Eva Schlegel. 

 

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

 

Motion: Motion to approve the selected finalists Spencer Finch (DBA Spencer Finch Studio and represented by Lisson Gallery), Jorge Pardo (DBA Jorge Pardo Sculpture LLC) and Eva Schlegel (represented by Gallery Wendi Norris) as recommended by the selection panel for the San Francisco International Airport: Terminal 1, Boarding Area B, End of Pier Project. 

Moved: Beltran/Schnair

 

 

Project Manager Marcus Davies presented the final design development documents for artwork by Woody De Othello for the San Francisco International Airport: International Terminal, Boarding Area G Terrace Public Art Project. Mr. Davies also mentioned that he will continue to share images of the artwork as the maquettes are scaled up by the artist and the molds are created for the foundry.

 

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

 

Motion: Motion to approve the final design development documents and construction document phase deliverables for Woody De Othello’s sculptures, Timekeeper, Light, and Turn, for the San Francisco International Airport: International Terminal, Boarding Area G Terrace.

Moved: Beltran/Sklar

 

Marcus Davies

Action

 

Mr. Davies presented the second conceptual design deliverables by James Isermann for the Traffic Company and Forensic Services Division. Mr. Davies shared Mr. Isermann’s narrative for the conceptual design. Mr. Davies also shared feedback from the Police Department, stating that they were not in support of the new design.  

 

Commissioner Keehn commented that the Arts Commission should move forward with a new artist selection process. Ms. Pontious added that since the project is going in a new direction, a new project outline should be created. Mr. Davies agreed to bring a new project outline back to the Committee in June. 

 

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

 

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

 

 

Project Manager Mary Chou presented the selected fabricator and fabrication samples for Tomie Arai’s exterior and platform artwork for Central Subway: Chinatown Station. Ms. Chou stated there are three sides of the entrance into the station that will feature the Ms. Arai’s artwork, including both ends of the platform level. The artwork represents a history of Chinatown to present day, with the historical documentation on the platform level and present day at the entry of the station. 

 

In order to select a fabricator, Arts Commission staff posted a bid and received samples from the bidders. The fabrication selection panel met on May 15, 2018 to review project qualifications and samples and selected Kaiser/von Roenn Studio. 

 

Ms. Chou presented the fabrication samples and explained how the sample is made of two layers, glass and aluminum. She shared that Kaiser/von Roenn Studio proposes using a dye sublimation process directly onto the aluminum to make the colors more vibrant, clear, and laminating the aluminum to antique glass, which has a textured surface that will provide relief from an otherwise highly reflective surface. Ms. Chou stated that Ms. Arai, in particular, was very pleased with the outcome and the vibrancy of all the colors, especially the red, which can be difficult color with digital printing processes.

 

Commissioner Schnair asked if the glass has protection from ultra-violet rays, especially for the red coloring because it is most susceptible to fading. Ms. Chou stated the glass has ultra-violet protection and the red glass will be on the platform level.

 

Kaiser/von Roenn Studio is working out of Judson Studio in Los Angeles. 

 

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

 

Motion: Motion to approve Kaiser/von Roenn Studio as the selected fabricator for artist Tomie Arai’s Central Subway: Chinatown Station Public Art Project, as recommended by the Artwork Fabricator Selection Panel.

Moved: Beltran/Schnair

 

Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with Kaiser/von Roenn Studio for an amount not to exceed $294,400 for final development of artwork design specification, fabrication, transportation and installation consultation of an artwork by Tomie Arai for the exterior and platform level of Central Subway: Chinatown Station.

Moved: Beltran/Schnair

 

 

Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a contract with the selected artist Hiroshi Sugimoto (DBA Door Four LLC) for design, fabrication, transportation and consultation during installation of an artwork for the Treasure Island Yerba Buena Hilltop Park Public Art Project in an amount not to exceed $1,750,000, pending approval of the Treasure Island Development Authority.

Moved: Sklar/Schnair

 

 

Ms. Taleporos asked the Committee if there a Commissioner is available to serve on the 2019 Art on Market Street Artist Selection Panel. Commissioner Schnair agreed to serve on the panel. 

 

President Beltran announced that San Francisco Design Week starts Thursday, June 7, 2018 at Pier 27.

 

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

 

 

The meeting adjourned at 4:31 p.m.

 

 

Notices

 

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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.