HomeMy WebLinkAboutCultural Arts Minutes 11-21-19
MINUTES OF THE
CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION MEETING
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Municipal Services Building Betty Weber Room
33 Arroyo Drive, South San Francisco
I. CALL TO ORDER: 6:31 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL:
Present: Commissioners: Boldenweck, Avelar, Campagna, Hobson-Coard,
Foley, Fornaciari, DeNatale, Looper, Moncè
Absent: Commissioner Madrid-Nickle, Ventura
Staff Present: Sharon Ranals, ACM/Director of Parks and Recreation
Greg Mediati, Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation
Angela Duldulao, Recreation Manager
Susan Filereto, Administrative Assistant
III. AGENDA REVIEW:
No changes
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Commissioner DeNatale noted a correction on page 4 under Sub-Committees, Item 4
General Art/Sculpture/Recycled Art & Music (October 11-12), second paragraph. The
text at the end of the last sentence should readwaive one entry fee for students,
provide sculpture pedestals, and consider a jewelry and fiber arts show or category.
Chair Boldenweck also noted a correction on page 4 under Sub-Committees, Item 4
General Art/Sculpture/Recycled Art & Music (October 11-12), sixth paragraph. The text
should read, Chair Boldenweck responded this would not give Specialist Santos any
time to prepare the certificates.
Vice Chair Hobson-Coard noted a correction on page 5 under Items from Commission.
She added that her band
Fort McKinley Restaurant & Nightclub from 8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Minutes from October 17, 2019 stand approved with the above corrections.
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Minutes of November 21, 2019
Page 2
V. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION:
Executive Assistant, Marie Patea
VI. PRESENTATION: RICHARD X. ZAWITZ, SCULPTOR
Commissioner Looper introduced sculptor, Richard X. Zawitz, who thanked the
Commission for inviting him to do a presentation. He proceeded with a slide show
presentation of his sculptures. He stated he is a sculptor, inventor and Tangle master.
His tangle products are made in China. He has a studio located in South San Francisco
on Littlefield Avenue and a studio in China. Zawitz stated he is interested in doing a
sculpture in South San Francisco. He has been a South San Francisco resident for over
20 years. He stated he is a graduate of the University of Hawaii where he obtained a
degree in Asian Philosophy, Asian Art History, and Fine Arts Sculpture. His sculptures
are based on Asian philosophy as well as nature. He believes his sculptures give
everyone the joy of experiencing creativity. He also provided to all commissioners and
staff a small tangle with a usb flash drive attached that highlights his art sculptures as
well as a booklet of his sculptures. Zawitz stated that his sculptures are site specific and
he is willing to work with owners to get the proper sculpture they are requesting. He
also mentioned his sculptures can be touched and are interactive.
Commissioner Campagna asked if there were any areas he would like to do a sculpture
in South San Francisco. Zawitz stated that he would love to do a sculpture above Sign
Hill as well as along the Bay Trail. He stated he is also partial to the areas where his
studio is located along Littlefield Avenue.
Commissioner Looper asked if sculptures are available. Zawitz stated that sculptures are
available and that he can also do computer renderings if the City was interested in seeing
a sculpture in a specific location.
Commissioner Foley suggested doing a tour of his studio.
ACM/Director Ranals asked what material is used in his sculptures. Zawitz stated that
the materials are the finest museum quality polished stainless steel. ACM/Director
Ranals stated that in the past, sculptures have suffered from erosion due to the marine
environment in South San Francisco. ACM/Director Ranals also stated that South San
Francisco is located near the airport and that the flight pattern of the planes going over
the city causes diesel fuel exhaust in the air that can cause erosion to sculptures as well.
Zawitz stated that he has a sculpture in front of his studio that has been there for over
two years and has had no erosion damage. He stated that he hoses off the sculpture
monthly. He again emphasized that he uses the finest quality steel.
Commissioner Campagna asked about the cost of a sculpture. As a cost comparison,
Zawitz pointed out one of his sculptures in Palm Springs shown in his presentation and
stated that sculpture was sold for $75,000; however, he would work out a good deal for
the City of South San Francisco.
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Minutes of November 21, 2019
Page 3
Commissioner Avelar asked how long it would it take if they commissioned a piece
from him. Zawitz stated 90 days.
Chair Boldenweck asked when would be a good time for the Commission to do a tour of
his studio. He stated any time is good for him as long as they give him advanced notice.
Zawitz mentioned that he would be away for some parts of December and February, and
could be available on weekends. Commissioner Foley commented that Commissioner
Looper should schedule a day and time with Zawitz so that the Commission can tour his
studio.
Zawitz thanked the Commission again for inviting him to do a presentation of his
sculptures.
VII. SUBCOMMITTEES:
1. Sculpture
Chair Boldenweck reported that the Sculpture Subcommittee met before the meeting.
Members present included herself and Commissioner DeNatale. Commissioner
DeNatale stated he has a sculpture idea to present, but will table it for the next
meeting. They discussed the bannister-like piece by Greg Leavitt. The piece will
cost $15,000 dollars. It is 6 x 9 feet wide and 3 feet tall, and would be an edging
piece. They decided they would put a decision about this piece on hold for now.
Manager Duldualo stated that recommendations for sculpture have been forwarded
to the City Council.
ACM/Director Ranals stated the sculpture recommendations were submitted in a
memo format. She suggested doing additional research on installation costs and
commented that she has not heard any positive or negative feedback on any of the
sculpture recommendations.
ACM/Director Ranals mentioned that the sculpture recommendations will probably
not be presented at a City Council meeting until the beginning of the New Year.
2. Utility Box Mural Program
Commissioner Campagna reported that the utility boxes at Hillside and Linden and
Chestnut and Hillside are completed.
Commissioner Campagna then reported on two of the previously completed utility
boxes, and the proposed utility box in Paradise Valley. The first report was for the
utility box at Westborough and Gellert by artist Charlene Casuga, whose art is
. The art was supposed to represent a globe, flowers, and
something about South San Francisco, but instead, the artist painted a slightly
different design. She also only painted three sides and the top because she could not
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Minutes of November 21, 2019
Page 4
paint the fourth side due to attachments on the utility box. Commissioner Campagna
passed around a picture. Commissioner Campagna suggested leaving the art as is
and asked for feedback if Commissioners thought otherwise. No contrary feedback
was received.
The second utility box that Commissioner Campagna reported on was the utility box
at Spruce and Centennial Way
The Sister Cities group has suggested doing a painting of the Sister City in France on
a smaller utility box close to the existing box. Commissioner Campagna passed
around a photo of the completed Sister Cities utility box that also showed the smaller
utility box proposed for painting. ACM/Director Ranals clarified that this particular
Sister City is not in the country France itself, but a region in France, Saint Jean Pied
de Port, which is part of the Basque Country. Commissioner Campagna reported
that a Sister Cities group member stated that Saint Jean Pied de Port was not well
represented and the artwork was too small. Commissioner Fornaciari commented
that the artwork for Italy is also shared.
Commissioner Campagna commented that painting of the smaller utility box could
be done, but would like to explore the opportunity for the Sister Cities group to help
pay for the artwork.
ACM/Director Ranals noted that in retrospect, it would have been a good idea for
staff to get feedback from the Sister Cities group about this particular design. She
identified Frank McAuley as the Sister Cities group member leading this request.
The Commission proceeded in a brief discussion about the Sister Cities group, as
some members were unfamiliar with it.
The Commission continued their discussion about what to do with the request from
the Sister Cities group. The Commission discussed the idea of paying a stipend
under $400 since the second utility box is smaller, and also discussed having the
Sister Cities group pay for the cost of painting the second utility box, or sharing the
cost.
call for entries.
Commissioner Campagna suggested moving forward with splitting the cost of the
second box with the Sister Cities Group.
Commissioner Looper commented that the Sister Cities group should pay for the full
cost of the second utility box and that more information is needed to make a
decision.
The third utility box reported on by Commissioner Campagna was related to the
proposal for the Paradise Valley utility box. He stated that the artists of the Paradise
Valley utility box are no longer available to paint it. ACM/Director Ranals stated
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Minutes of November 21, 2019
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that the two artists who were going to paint it are full time students who are now
back at college.
Commissioner Campagna suggested an option requested by a member of the
Paradise Valley neighborhood is for Vice Chair Hobson-Coard to donate her time to
paint the utility box. He also stated that Specialist Santos is researching options for
wrapping the box. Commissioner Campagna stated that the Commission could see if
the Paradise Valley group could find another artist.
Commissioner Campagna liked the idea of doing a wrap. Commissioner Fornaciari
stated she has a contact that does wraps and will get more information from them.
3. Urban Art
Manager Duldulao reported that the Urban Art proposal has been forwarded to the
City Council and awaits their feedback. ACM/Director Ranals stated she will follow
up with the City Council.
ACM/Director Ranals also suggested that the Commission should take a closer look
at the proposed sculpture location at the end of Grand Avenue. She reported that a
lot of accidents take place there and it may not be a good location for an art.
4. General Art Show & Karaoke (February 14/15, 2020)
Vice Chair Hobson-Coard had nothing to report at this time. Manager Duldulao
distributed General Art brochures that Specialist Santos had completed.
5. Youth Art Show (April 3/4, 2020)
Vice Chair Hobson-Coard stated that she attended the sVisual Arts
Committee meeting with Specialist Santos.
She stated the Youth Art Show dates are set for Friday, April 3 from 4:00 p.m. to
7:30 p.m., and Saturday, April 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. She also stated that
the South San Francisco School Unified District will be sponsoring a craft table on
Saturday. School groups will also be performing.
Vice Chair Hobson-Coard reported that there will be an extended 30-day Youth Art
Exhibit at the Municipal Services Building and City Hall.
Vice Chair Hobson-Coard stated that Michelle Holdt, San Mateo County of Office
Education Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator, discussed doing a Youth Poster
Contest highlighting environmental concerns in collaboration with SamTrans.
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Minutes of November 21, 2019
Page 6
6. Future Public Art Plan
Commissioner DeNatale reported that the committee has met and is working on a
mission statement and establishing and prioritizing goals.
VIII. NEW BUSINESS:
1. 2020 Goals Questionnaire
Manager Dudulao distributed the 2020 Goals Questionnaire. She stated that this is the
annual survey that gives the Commissioners the opportunity to decide what
subcommittees they would like to serve on and share ideas they would like to explore in
2020. She also stated that an online version of the survey would be available this evening
and Commissioners can choose to take the survey on paper or online.
ACM/Director Ranals stated that on this Goals Questionnaire the Commission could
include Urban Art and the Future Public Art Plan goals.
Commissioner Campagna asked when they would see the results. Manager Duldulao
responded Specialist Santos would have the results at the January meeting.
Manager Dudulao stated the deadline for turning in the survey is Monday, December 16.
X. ITEMS FROM COMMISSION:
Vice Chair Hobson-
perform on Saturday, November 23 at Fort McKinley Restaurant & Nightclub from 8:30
p.m. to 1:00 a.m., and to their performance on December 28 at Winters Tavern in Pacifica
at 4:00 p.m.
Vice Chair Hobson-Coard reminded the Commission that her art exhibit is running until
December 14 at Philz Coffee in Redwood City. S
Struckwas interviewed by a local radio station and that the interview is available for
viewing on Facebook.
Chair Boldenweck announced that Commissioner Moncè will be leaving the Commission
and moving to Los Angeles to pursue a career in dance. Everyone stated they will miss
her, and that they wish her the best of luck.
Chair Boldenweck reminded the Commission of the IPP Wreath Making Fundraiser
happening on December 1. Executive Assistant Marie Patea stated there will be a Family
Friendly Session from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and an Adult Only Session from 1:30 p.m.
to 4:30 p.m. She encouraged the Commission to attend.
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Minutes of November 21, 2019
Page 7
Commissioner Fornaciari reported that the Soroptimist Organization is hosting an
Awards Dinner on December 17 and they will be distributing an award of $10,000 among
four single moms. Commissioner Fornaciari mentioned that past winners will be
attending as well. She invited her fellow Commissioners to attend. She stated the cost of
the tickets will be $45 dollars and the dinner will be taking place at the Basque Cultural
Center.
Commissioner Looper stated that she, Chair Boldenweck, Commissioner DeNatale, and
Commissioner Foley attended the San Mateo County Arts Commission workshop on
Thursday, November 14. The workshop was for artists to learn about representation and
strategies for approaching art galleries. She stated this was the first time the SSF Cultural
Arts Commission partnered with the San Mateo County Arts Commission. She stated the
presentation by the artist was well received and that other presentations will be happening
in the future.
Commissioner Foley suggested doing our own workshops where people can come and
listen to artists lecture.
ACM/Director Ranals stated the new Community Civic Campus could be a good venue
for something like this.
Commissioner Moncè stated her dance group will be performing on Friday, November 22
at the Embarcadero Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5:30 p.m.
ITEMS FROM STAFF:
Manager Duldulao reported that the Commissioners are entitled to two free tickets to the
Nutcracker that will be taking place at South San Francisco High. The performances will
be held on Friday, December 20 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, December 21 with two
performances one at 1:00 p.m. and the other at 7:00 p.m.
Manager Duldulao mentioned that Santa Comes to Town will be happening on December
7. She also stated there will be a Special Parks and Recreation Commission meeting
happening on Monday, December 9 at 7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Services Building. The
SmithGroup will be presenting playground designs for the new Community Civic
Campus.
Manager Duldulao reported that the art from the Childcare
Poster Contest will be hung in the atrium of the Municipal Services
Building beginning December 3. She stated Vice Chair Hobson-Coard, Chair
Boldenweck, and Commissioner DeNatale will be judging the contest. Childcare
Program Supervisor Laura Armanino will be contacting the judges when art is ready to be
judged.
Manager Duldulao stated she has Fun Run t-shirts for the Commission if they were
interested. She would give them out after the meeting.
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Minutes of November 21, 2019
Page 8
Commissioner Foley asked about what was happening on the property at Airport and
Linden. Deputy Director Mediati stated this property had been owned by PG&E for three
to four years and then it was turned back over to the City. They City has done irrigation
and fencing on the property and eventually there will be two new soccer fields installed
on this property.
Executive Assistant Marie Patea reminded the Commission that they have been invited to
the Re-Organization of the City Council which will take place on December 3 at 7:00
p.m. in the Municipal Services Building.
Commissioner Avelar stated she had an idea for raising funds for the Youth Scholarship
program. She stated they could do a local Teen Scavenger Hunt of art locations in South
San Francisco. She stated it would be a great community experience.
Chair Boldenweck liked this idea because when she and Specialist Santos met recently
with local high school students and they showed them pictures of sculptures in South San
Francisco, none of the students knew where the artwork was located.
ACM/Director Ranals stated that there is a Jack Drago Scholarship set up for youth.
ACM/Director Ranals reminded the Commission of the General Plan Meeting happening
on December 4. She stated this is a very important meeting to attend. At this meeting,
ideas can be submitted that could impact the City for the next twenty years.
Administrative Assistant Susan Filereto distributed an updated Cultural Arts Commission
Roster to the Commissioners.
Commissioner Fornaciari stated the phone number listed as her home phone number is
actually her cell phone number.
Commissioner DeNatale stated that his address was missing Unit B.
Administrative Assistant Susan Filereto stated she will make the corrections.
Manager Duldualo stated they will miss Commissioner Moncè and appreciate all her hard
work over the years. Staff wishes her the best of luck.
XI. CORRESPONDENCE:
Posted
XII. ADJOURNMENT:
Chair Boldenweck adjourned the meeting at 8:10 p.m.
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Respectfully submitted,
Susan Filereto
Administrative Assistant
Next Meeting: January 16, 2020