HomeMy WebLinkAbout9-17-2020
MINUTES OF THE
CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION MEETING
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
Thursday, September 17, 2020
Teleconference Meeting
I. CALL TO ORDER: 6:31 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL:
Present: Commissioners: Boldenweck, Bowen, Campagna, Hobson-Coard,
Foley, Fornaciari, DeNatale, Looper
Absent: Commissioner: Madrid-Nickle
Staff Present: Sharon Ranals, ACM/Director of Parks and Recreation
Greg Mediati, Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation
Angela Duldulao, Recreation Manager
Philip Vitale, Deputy Director of Capital Projects
Ercie Santos, Cultural Arts Specialist
Susan Filereto, Administrative Assistant
III. AGENDA REVIEW:
N/A
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES of August 20, 2020:
Minutes for August 20, 2020 stand as sent.
V. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION:
Dot (Dorothy Abrahamson), Citizen
Commissioner Boldenweck reminded Chair Looper that she had not mentioned, Item V.
Citizen Participation. Manager Duldulao stated there was one member of the public present.
Chair Looper recognized Dot (Dorothy), a resident of South San Francisco, and welcomed her
to the Commission meeting.
Cultural Arts Commission
Minutes of September 17, 2020
Page 2
VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Chair Looper asked ACM/Director Ranals if the Giraffe sculpture had been purchased.
ACM/Director Ranals stated that the Giraffe had been purchased and is currently stored at the
Corp Yard.
Commissioner Boldenweck asked if nearby residents have been informed of the proposed
location for installing the “Orb”. Manager Duldulao commented that the postcards notifying
the affected neighborhood will be mailed out by the end of next week. Manager Duldulao
also stated that she shared the proposed location of the “Orb” with Council, and has not
received any feedback from Councilmembers.
Manager Duldulao stated that the postcard states residents can make comments regarding the
location of the “Orb” at the next Cultural Arts meeting, or send comments by email or phone.
Chair Looper asked if the Commission would have a decision from Council about the
proposed location of the sculpture installations by the next meeting. ACM/Director Ranals
stated that the Commission should have an answer from the Council by the next meeting.
ACM/Director Ranals stated it is customary that once the Commission proposes a location to
Council and hears no objections, staff accepts that as confirmation to proceed.
VII. NEW BUSINESS:
N/A
VIII. SUBCOMMITTEES:
1. Sculpture
a. Birdcage
Commissioner Boldenweck had nothing to report at this time. She stated that
ACM/Director Ranals was going to check on the status of the Birdcage and give an
update to the Commission. ACM/Director Ranals stated that the Birdcage is
currently at the Old Corp Yard located in one of the Artist Studio spaces and is
fully available.
Commissioner Boldenweck asked if Vice Chair DeNatale had talked to someone at
the Bird Hotel. Vice Chair DeNatale stated he had not made any contact yet. Vice
Chair DeNatale stated that the Birdcage could be part of a larger call for entries
and that it be further discussed with the Sculpture Subcommittee.
2. Future Public Art Plan
Cultural Arts Commission
Minutes of September 17, 2020
Page 3
Vice Chair DeNatale stated the public survey was approved by City staff so they could
move forward with it. Manager Duldulao reported that she translated the survey into
“Survey Monkey”, which is the survey platform used by the Parks and Recreation
Department. Manager Duldulao stated she did not make any substantive changes to the
survey and proceeded to share the survey on her screen so the Commission could
preview the updated survey.
Manager Duldulao reviewed some of the updates made to the survey including adding a
question to collect racial demographics, adding a neighborhood map that was also used
for the General Plan, changing certain questions to request respondents to select their
top three choices, and moving more thoughtful questions to the end of the survey.
While discussing the neighborhood map, Manager Duldulao mentioned that she did not
include voting districts in the answer options in order to simplify the survey. She stated
that community members may not be familiar with their voting district, but could
include an analysis by voting district later if the Commission wanted to review that
information.
Commissioner Fornaciari stated not all neighborhoods were represented, saying that
Southwood was missing. Manager Duldulao stated that Southwood is included in the
Avalon neighborhood according to the map.
The Commission discussed whether or not neighborhoods needed to be listed in further
detail. Commissioner Bowen commented that respondents could refer to the map if they
did not see their neighborhood listed.
Manager Duldulao reviewed how the survey will be shared through the different
platforms such as the Parks and Recreation Department e-newsletter, social media
accounts, and Nextdoor. Manager Duldulao commented that Vice Chair DeNatale also
had some suggestions for getting the survey distributed which included other materials
that the City sends out.
ACM/Director Ranals asked if Survey Monkey had a way of checking for duplicate
survey responses. Manager Duldulao stated that Survey Monkey has a feature that
would limit only one survey response per computer, but turned this option off so that
more than one person per household could fill out the survey if a computer is shared.
3. Art Show 2020
a. Virtual Day of the Dead/Día de Muertos
Cultural Arts Commission
Minutes of September 17, 2020
Page 4
Commissioner Boldenweck commented that the art show deadline is very close and is
asking Evangelina to get the word out to all the participants from her San Mateo County
Fair Exhibit. Commissioner Boldenweck asked Specialist Santos if she had anything to
add.
Specialist Santos stated the call for entries and application are on the Cultural Arts
website. She stated promotion will follow which entails contacting media publications
and using the mailing list including past event participants. Specialist Santos also stated
she is putting together the craft flyer. Specialist Santos commented that the show will be
a bit more challenging to prepare this year due to the shelter in place.
Specialist Santos reported on the variations of an in-person versus virtual art show,
including that it will be a month long, from October 26 through November 22. She
stated the artist deadline is October 15 and that artists can submit up to three entries
online. Specialist Santos also stated the entries can be 3D and 2D variable media.
Specialist Santos noted that she included her contact information on the art show
materials if anyone has any questions.
Vice Chair DeNatale inquired about the call for entries mentioning a cash award, but not
including the award amount.
Commissioner Boldenweck stated that is intentionally left out because it could depend
on the number of entries received. Commissioner Boldenweck stated this year the cash
prize is $200. She stated they have three award ribbons in the two categories: one
ribbon each for 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional art, and one Best of Show winner who
receives the cash award.
Specialist Santos also commented that the cash award is worded vaguely due to the fact
that the amount can vary year to year. Specialist Santos stated that in 2018 the award
was $250. She added that if the Commission approved of the recommended $200 cash
award, she can include that amount on all future correspondence.
The Commission discussed whether or not to include the award amount. Chair Looper
commented that the cash award of $200 can be listed, but does not have to be awarded
and stated it is at the Commission and judge’s discretion. She clarified the consensus of
the Commission is to include the $200 cash award on all the forms.
Commissioner Boldenweck asked if the artwork that was used on the entry form was
Rena Donati’s 2nd place artwork from the last 2018 show. Specialist Santos stated that
it was and added that she plans to utilize Eva’s artwork for the craft flyer.
Cultural Arts Commission
Minutes of September 17, 2020
Page 5
Vice Chair DeNatale asked if artists’ names could be added to promotional materials if
their artwork is being used in the promotions. Specialist Santos shared with the
Commission the flyer she is working on which already included the artist’s name. Vice
Chair DeNatale commented this would visibly promote the artists and also highlight
what the Commission does for the community.
4. Fundraiser
Commissioner Bowen reported that the subcommittee met and narrowed down the list of
fundraising ideas to three choices based on short term goals and the logistical obstacles.
Commissioner Bowen stated all the choices were very good and that the other suggestions
could be considered in the future. Commissioner Bowen listed the three choices as follows:
1. Asking for a monetary donation through email periodically by utilizing the
existing department email list and adding a donation link on the Cultural Arts
website.
2. An auction fundraiser funded through Commission donations. The
subcommittee’s idea was to auction gently used jewelry, which could be fairly
easy to set up since the items are small and easy to store. Commissioner Bowen
also mentioned that the subcommittee chose this type of auction fundraiser
because Chair Looper has had experience with this type of fundraiser.
3. A live stream event where local artists could do a webinar highlighting their
stories and backgrounds. Commissioner Bowen also mentioned the artists could
do Q&A or a tutorial on painting or drawing, for example. Commissioner Bowen
commented the Commission could ask for an entry fee, donation, or both.
Regarding the first option in reference to the donation link, Vice Chair DeNatale
complimented Specialist Santos on the donation link on the Cultural Arts website and the
donation notice on the art show call for entries form. Vice Chair DeNatale commented that
he loves the idea of listing Cultural Arts donation information wherever and whenever they
can throughout the year.
Chair Looper asked what methods are available to make a donation.
Manager Duldulao responded that there are two ways to donate: The first option is to mail a
check or call to make a credit card donation. The second option is to donate through
CivicRec, which is the program used to register for recreation classes. Manager Duldulao
stated there is currently no website form to donate online, but is currently working on one to
facilitate a quicker way to donate.
Chair Looper highly recommended that staff should work on getting a direct payment
platform set up for Cultural Arts donations.
Cultural Arts Commission
Minutes of September 17, 2020
Page 6
Commissioner Campagna expressed his concern that the auction could limit what the
Commission gets and who would participate. Chair Looper responded that the auction will
be a trial to see what public interest there is for this type of auction. Chair Looper added that
the auction will consist of 20 pieces. Chair Looper stated that the reason for choosing
jewelry is that it is easy to store versus large pieces of art.
Commissioner Campagna inquired if the Commission would consider doing more than one
fundraiser a year. Commissioner Bowen stated this could be considered, and is waiting for
feedback from staff. Commissioner Bowen commented that the subcommittee recently
asked staff for feedback regarding their experience with past auction fundraisers.
Vice Chair DeNatale commented that he agreed with Commissioner Campagna that this type
of auction feels limiting. Vice Chair DeNatale commented that the auction could work if it
was one of many, but that an art auction would be more appropriate. Vice Chair DeNatale
stated that the Commission does not have a jewelry category in the art shows. Vice Chair
DeNatale referred to Commissioner Foley’s email about an art-related auction that consists
of a small art canvas that can be returned in a self-addressed envelope.
Commissioner Bowen expressed appreciation for the feedback and stated that the
subcommittee discussed art being donated, but that concerns arose concerning the size and
value of the art. Commissioner Bowen stated Commissioner Foley’s suggestion of a smaller
canvas is more appropriate.
Chair Looper stated the auction is a trial to see if it will work or not.
Commissioner Fornaciari commented that an auction may be too much to start with and that
asking for a donation would be a simpler way to introduce the public to the Cultural Arts
programs.
Chair Looper stated that the Commission discuss the fundraising ideas next month and see if
any donations were received from the Day of the Dead art show.
Vice Chair DeNatale commented that the Jack Drago Scholarship could also be a good
venue to promote donations. Vice Chair DeNatale added that the scholarship program seems
to have dropped off the Cultural Arts webpage.
Specialist Santos commented that the article on the Jack Drago Scholarship finalist has not
been removed from the website and will check on its placement.
5. Other Subcommittee:
Cultural Arts Commission
Minutes of September 17, 2020
Page 7
N/A
X. ITEMS FROM COMMISSION:
Commissioner Fornaciari highlighted the Soroptimist Signature Program flyer that was
emailed to the Commissioners. This program gives cash awards to single women who go to
st
work and attend school, and are sole providers of their household. The 1 place winner gets
ndrdth
$3,000, 2 place receives $2,000, 3 place receives$1,000 and 4 place receives $750.
Commissioner Fornaciari asked the Commission to share the flyer with others.
Commissioner Fornaciari stated that awardees could potentially be elevated to the regional
level and receive $5,000.
XI. ITEMS FROM STAFF:
Specialist Santos stated she updated the Goals List which was included in the August
packet. Specials Santos asked if anyone has any changes that they contact herself or
Manager Duldulao.
Manager Duldulao reported on two upcoming Recreation events:
Halloween Movie Night on October 23. Manager Duldulao stated the location
will be at Spruce and El Camino across from See’s Candies with more details to
come.
Virtual Thanksgiving Fun Run from November 14 and to November 21.
XII. CORRESPONDENCE:
Specialist Santos highlighted the San Francisco Open Studio that that will be held virtually
this year. Specialist Santos stated it will take place from September 16 through the middle
of October.
XIII. ADJOURNMENT:
Chair Looper adjourned the meeting at 7:31 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Filereto
Administrative Assistant
Next Meeting: October 15, 2020