HomeMy WebLinkAbout7-16-2020
MINUTES OF THE
CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION MEETING
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
Thursday, July 16, 2020
Teleconference Meeting
I. CALL TO ORDER: 6:30 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL:
Present: Commissioners: Boldenweck, Bowen, Campagna, Hobson-Coard,
Foley, Fornaciari, Ventura, DeNatale, Looper
Absent: Commissioner: Madrid-Nickle
Staff Present: Sharon Ranals, ACM/Director of Parks and Recreation
Angela Duldulao, Recreation Manager
Ercie Santos, Cultural Arts Specialist
Susan Filereto, Administrative Assistant
III. AGENDA REVIEW:
N/A
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES of June 18, 2020:
Minutes for June 18, 2010 stand as sent.
V. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION:
Councilmember Karyl Matsumoto
Chair Looper asked staff how citizens are notified of the virtual Cultural Arts Commission
meetings. Manager Duldulao responded that detailed information on how to join the meeting
and make public comments is posted on the City website.
VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
1. Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Budget Considerations:
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Minutes of July 16, 2020
Page 2
Manager Duldulao reported that the City Council approved the budget on June 24,
2020. She stated that the total budget reduction for the Parks and Recreation
Department came to $1.7 million. This included $1.1 million from hiring freezes
which are positions that will go unfilled and a $941,000 reduction in the supplies and
services budget. Thanks to a FEMA reimbursement the City received, the Department
was able to restore some budget cuts that had originally been proposed. This includes
restoration of the full budget for Commissioner stipends, allowing Cultural Arts
Commission meetings to continue to be monthly, and budget for art
shows. She added that $50,000 for public art was not restored.
The City Council also increased the Innovation Fund allotment to
$300,000 giving the Department the ability to restore more programs as permitted by
the County Public Health Department relative to the COVID-19 situation. Manager
Duldulao stated the Department may also use the fund to offer modified virtual
programs such as a virtual studio. She stated that currently instructors are teaching
from their homes, but if the Department was to provide this alternative, it would offer
instructors more workspace options. Other ideas include facilitating a Makers Lab
with art activity packets. She concluded that with the start of the new fiscal year, the
Department had to furlough over 100 part-time employees. However, in the future, as
the County Public Health Mandate is relaxed, the Department hopes to offer modified
in person classes, and bring back some of those part-time staff members.
2. Revised Meeting Schedule:
Manager Duldulao stated that related to the budget reductions, the Department was
necessitating a reduction in the
frequency of Commission meetings. A survey was distributed to the Commission to
help staff identify the best scenario for future Commission meetings. She added that
the survey results were included in
In the interim, staff became aware that eight Commissioners had reached the end of
their term. Because the status of the Commission membership is unclear at this time,
it is staffrevised meeting schedule discussion be delayed
until the Commission membership is confirmed.
Chair Looper requested clarification, wondering if the meetings would continue
monthly until new members were chosen or if the meeting schedule was to be revised
right now.
ACM/Director Ranals replied that with budget now restored the meetings will
continue to be monthly. She invited Commissioners to send any additional
suggestions about the meeting schedule.
3. Art Tunnels/Boxes at the Genesis Campus
Cultural Arts Commission
Minutes of July 16, 2020
Page 3
ACM/Director Ranals reported the developers are still working on the details for
installing art boxes at the Genesis Campus. The size of the boxes will be 4 feet by 5
feet. There will be approximately five acrylic boxes. ACM/Director Ranals suggested
one idea for the boxes for the Commission to consider is jurying an art exhibit. She
expected that the boxes might be available by year end. She added that if the boxes
were completed by October, a might be possible.
Vice Chair DeNatale suggested that when the boxes are installed that the Commission
take a field trip to the Genesis Campus.
Commissioner Boldenweck had a concern regarding the security of the art boxes.
VII. NEW BUSINESS:
N/A
VIII. SUBCOMMITTEES:
1. Future Art Plan
Vice Chair DeNatale asked if there was feedback on the resource list that was
distributed at the last meeting. He invited Commissioners to contact the subcommittee
members to share any additional comments.
Vice Chair DeNatale stated that Specialist Santos obtained the survey results from the
San Mateo County Art Commission. He commented that the subcommittee members
would be meeting in the next few weeks.
2. Art Shows 2020
a. Photography Exhibit (Postponed)
Chair Looper stated the Photography Exhibit would be postponed per last
uld be
cancelled due to time constraints. The Commission agreed.
b. Day of the Dead/Dia de Muertos (October 9/10)
Chair Looper asked if we should keep this item on the agenda in light of what
ACM/Director Ranals had mentioned earlier about possibly using the Genesis
Art Tunnels for the Day of the Dead Art Exhibit. Commissioner Boldenweck
responded that there was still some flexibility in terms of preparation time and
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Minutes of July 16, 2020
Page 4
they could wait another month to decide. She stated, however, that it was not
possible to hold a two-day event that incorporated in-person art projects.
Commissioner Boldenweck invited Commissioners to share their thoughts.
Chair Looper commented she agreed with Commissioner Boldenweck
statements.
Vice Chair DeNatale stated that he also agreed with their comments and added
that he does not believe an October show will be possible due to the pandemic
and the expected surge. He suggested considering alternative ways of
presenting the exhibit.
Commissioner Boldenweck acknowledged that many events have been
cancelled and stated that she has a friend named Yvonne who is
knowledgeable in presenting virtual shows and can help. She will pass on
Chair DeNatale.
ACM/Director Ranals stated that this would be on . She
also reminded Commissioners that all 2020 Parks and Recreation in-person
events and gatherings, including the art shows, have been cancelled. She
suggested a virtual exhibit of altars or photos of Day of the Dead celebrations.
ACM/Director Ranals also addressed
about the security of the Genesis Campus art boxes. She stated the art boxes
will be locked. However, the exhibiting artist would be required to sign a
liability waiver because the safety of the art could not be absolutely
guaranteed. Chair Looper commented it should be made clear in the
guidelines that the artists should not submit valuable items, such as family
heirlooms.
Commissioner Boldenweck mentioned that she has a Day of the Dead mask
ACM/Director Ranals commented it could also be mailed.
Specialist Santos informed the Commission that she has already done some
initial research into companies that provide virtual exhibit gallery space. These
online providers offer various levels, from options at no cost but with
limitations to more expensive choices with many more fancy features.
Specialist Santos suggested they might consider using the free online platform
that is currently in use for the
Specialist Santos informed Commissioners that at the previous Day of the
Dead art show there were roughly 20 adult exhibits. The rest of the exhibits
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Minutes of July 16, 2020
Page 5
were provided by the DeChildcare Program. Specialist Santos also
mentioned if Commissioners had referrals to organizations that facilitate online
art exhibits to forward the information to staff.
Refer to #V. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
Councilmember Matsumoto joined the meeting. She stated she would like to purchase
and donate a 10-foot Giraffe sculpture from Sun Studios and preferred it be placed at
Junipero Serra and Westborough Boulevard. Chair Looper thanked Councilmember
Matsumoto for her generosity. Councilmember Matsumoto stated that she was open
to other locations along Westborough Boulevard.
ACM/Director Ranals commented that the location could present a challenge. She
added that staff would research this further, and that it would be placed on the agenda
for the August meeting. ACM/Director Ranals stated they would also want to allow
for public commentary on the location of the piece. Chair Looper asked if this occurs
for every piece. ACM/Director Ranals responded that it is customary. Chair Looper
commented that the location request should be considered when a piece is donated.
3. Fundraiser
Chair Looper reported that the Fundraiser BBQ was cancelled and asked if there were
any new ideas for a fundraiser. Commissioner Ventura suggested collaborating with
Commissioner Hobson-Coard to present a virtual Karaoke Show. She added they
could accept participants for a fee. She also suggested social media to raise funds
perhaps using Go Fund Me. Chair Looper requested that Commissioner Ventura
prepare a written proposal of her fundraising ideas to present at the August meeting.
Vice Chair DeNatale mentioned that he will be attending a virtual fundraiser for the
Oakland Zoo on July 25 at 7:00 p.m. to see how it is presented. The event features a
silent and live auction. He will send the details to Specialist Santos to forward to the
Commission.
Chair Looper mentioned that she knows of several nurseries that are featuring Art in
the Garden and that they have had some fabulous artists.
Commissioner Fornaciari suggested that if the Commission could access the database
of 16,000 residents and request a donation of $10.00 from 1,000 people, then $10,000
could be raised with hardly any effort. Commissioner Fornaciari said that is how her
Soroptimist Organization runs their fundraisers.
Commissioner Foley added they could offer a door prize for every donation. He
suggested a face mask with a logo that says we support the arts.
Cultural Arts Commission
Minutes of July 16, 2020
Page 6
Commissioner DeNatale commented that it would be a good way of getting exposure
to their art programs. He added that Specialist Santos is doing a wonderful job
posting the Cultural Arts programs on social media.
Commissioner Ventura commented that it may not be a good time to ask for money
and suggested that we should give participants something in return for their donation.
Chair Looper stated these are all great suggestions and that the City does have items
on hand that can be given away at no cost to the Commission.
4. Other Subcommittees
N/A
IX. ITEMS FROM COMMISSON:
1. Commissioner Hobson-Coard stated she has four paintings on exhibit at Philz Coffee
in San Mateo, and noted that the link can be found at www.artliaisons.com. She
commented that the art was created in collaboration with her mom who passed away
on July 12. Commissioners can contact her for more information.
2. /Orbsculpture that is at the Corp Yard.
ACM/Director Ranals responded that staff could install it pending the Commission
recommendation for suitable locations. ACM/Director Ranals added that the piece
has sharp edges and is not safe for a park. It would work better in a median area. She
stated staff would email a photo. Chair Looper requested that the item be placed on
the August agenda.
3. Commissioner Fornaciari suggested that for an auction fundraiser, Commissioners
could donate items. She added that the paid entry fee would give participants a
chance to win a donated item. Commissioner Fornaciari offered to donate her prized
walking stick.
4. Chair Looper asked that Commissioners put their fundraising ideas in writing and
email them to Manager Duldulao or Specialist Santos so they can be discussed at the
August meeting.
X. ITEMS FROM STAFF:
Cultural Arts Commission
Minutes of July 16, 2020
Page 7
1. Specialist Santos
will be released on social media by next week.
2. Specialist Santos mentioned that staff is developing an audio tour of the Sculpture
Garden that should be available by the end of July in celebration of Parks and
Recreation month. It is a work in progress that they will build on over time. More
information will be forthcoming.
3. Manager Duldulao invited Commissioners to explore the Parks and Recreation
website at www.ssf.net/rec highlighting special features National Parks and
Recreation month. There are free virtual classes offered for the entire month
including belly dancing, osteo pilates, tai chi, drawing, and painting.
4. Manager Duldulao also mentioned a special Parks and Recreation month social media
campaign on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram acknowledging all staff members,
especially the part-timers, and their important contributions to the Department.
XI. CORRESPONDENCE:
Chair Looper acknowledged Specialist Santos for emailing all the Cultural Arts
correspondence to the Commissioners. She is very pleased that Cultural Arts is
mentioned often. Chair Looper thanked all the staff responsible for creating the email
blasts. She also mentioned that the Cultural Arts webpage looks great.
Specialist Santos reminded Commissioners that if they have correspondence or special
flyers, the items can be included in the monthly meeting packet. She also stated that
they email her these items by the Wednesday of the week before the meeting date.
XII. ADJOURNMENT:
Chair Looper adjourned the meeting at 7:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Filereto
Administrative Assistant
Next Meeting: September 17, 2020