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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1-16-20MINUTES OF THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION MEETING CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO Thursday, January 16, 2020 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, Madrid-Nickle Absent: Commissioner Ventura 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: No changes IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes from November 21, 2019 stand approved as sent. V. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION: Joseph Demaree, Artist Teacher; Suzanne Gayle, Project Manager-Artist; Karie Mullassery, Vice Principal, SSFHS; Tommy Jimenez, Student Artist VI. PRESENTATION: SSF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT PRESENTATION – REDWOOD CITY PARKS & ARTS FOUNDATION PROGRAM Chair Boldenweck introduced Artist Teacher Joseph Demaree from Watsonville, who gave a presentation on the creation of the South San Francisco High School student mural titled “Cookie.” He explained that the students involved had accumulated detention hours that were erased by working on the art project. The students had no previous art experience. Their instruction included exploring basic art concepts. Joseph stated that two groups of 12 to 14 students worked on the art project. Though the students did not communicate with each other at the beginning of the project, they Cultural Arts Commission Minutes of January 16, 2020 Page 2 bonded by the end. Joseph read a poem that provided the inspiration for the mural’s title. He introduced student artist, Tommy Jimenez, who had the best attendance. Suzanne Gayle stated that the SSF High School mural was one of four projects sponsored by Redwood City Parks and Arts Foundation. SSF High School Vice Principal Karie Mullassery thanked the Commission for displaying the mural. In response to Commissioner inquiries, the presenters stated that the pilot program was a 30-hour, countywide program that needed sponsorship and that they did not know the costs at this time. Commissioner DeNatale expressed his appreciation to all the participants, adding it would be nice to have a similar program in the high schools. ACM/Director Ranals thanked Specialist Santos for making the connection with the Redwood City Parks and Arts Foundation. VII. OLD BUSINESS: 1. 2020 Questionnaire Results Specialist Santos distributed a summary of the Commissioner’s responses to the 2020 Questionnaire and the 2020 Committee Assignments. Chair Boldenweck then reviewed the 2020 Committee Assignments with the Commission. The changes discussed, including the gallery shows and events assignments, will be shown on the Goals/Committees 2020 chart (see attached) that will be shared at the next meeting. Chair Boldenweck noted that there were no volunteers to chair the Fundraiser BBQ. Specialist Santos informed Commissioners that the primary task for a Committee Chair is to be the primary contact person who communicates with staff and reports to the Commission. Commissioner Looper advised designating a Chair and a Co-Chair for the Fundraiser BBQ. Commissioner Campagna suggested preparing a monthly subcommittee report in regards to the Fundraiser BBQ instead of having a committee with a Chair. After further discussion, the choosing of a Chair for the Fundraiser BBQ was tabled for the next meeting. Discussion followed regarding keeping the Scrapbook/Historian committee or digitizing the event photos. Director Ranals stated that this would be at the discretion of the Commission. Specialist Santos informed Commissioners that event photos are used for time- sensitive reports, follow-up articles, etc. She added that there are links from the Cultural Arts webpage to a site maintained by Commissioner Hobson-Coard with Cultural Arts Commission Minutes of January 16, 2020 Page 3 slide shows of Cultural Arts event photos. Furthermore, the Department maintains a file of all event photos, including those shared by Commissioners. Manager Duldualo stated there is no webpage archive of pictures kept by the Cultural Arts Commission. She suggested that the Commission could consider ending the Scrapbook/Historian committee in favor of keeping digitized photos. To Commissioner Foley’s concern regarding the low amount of Cultural Arts web information, Specialist Santos responded that the Cultural Arts website has a menu page with several subdivision pages. These pages include a Commission listing, Commission programs, an Artist Opportunity page, and a News and Events page. Specialist Santos stated she keeps the Cultural Arts webpage updated as time permits. Commissioner DeNatale added that the webpage includes an interactive public art map. A brief discussion regarding improved marketing and messaging on the website followed. ACM/Director Ranals pointed out that the many Parks and Recreation programs are highlighted on the City webpage, adding that the Department does not have a dedicated social media staff person. She added that the supervisors and coordinators maintain their own program area webpages. She suggested the possibility of finding a volunteer for social media postings, and that the Commission could discuss it further if they want more social media and less of something else. Commissioner Foley inquired why the amount of members is limited on the subcommittees. ACM/Director Ranals responded that is a requirement of the Brown Act. Therefore, the current subcommittees could have no more than 4 members plus the subcommittee chair. Commissioner DeNatale made a motion to eliminate the Scrapbook/Historian Committee and to keep a digital record of all photos, folding this function into the Photography/Events subcommittee. Commissioner Campagna seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. VIII. SUBCOMMITTEES: 1. Sculpture Chair Boldenweck stated that Commissioner DeNatale, Commissioner Looper, and herself attended the Special City Council Meeting on Wednesday, January 15, 2020. She reported that City Council reviewed the Commission’s three recommendations: the “Modern Industrial Era” sculpture, the “Geometric Lanterns”, and the Urban Art proposal. The Urban Art recommendation would be addressed later, under Agenda Item #4. Cultural Arts Commission Minutes of January 16, 2020 Page 4 Chair Boldenweck stated that the “Modern Industrial Era” sculpture and the “Geometric Lanterns” received positive feedback. Council requested that the Commission proceed with getting pricing and finding an alternate location to the Grand Avenue and Airport Boulevard intersection. ACM/Director Ranals noted that the reason for finding an alternate location is because this intersection could be prone to traffic incidents. Commissioner DeNatale added that there will also be a lot of redevelopment in this area. Chair Boldenweck suggested that two viable options along Grand Avenue should be sufficient. Commissioner DeNatale countered stating that they should provide Council a list of options to consider for future sculptures. Commissioner DeNatale commented on two sculpture pieces he discovered along the Bay Trail. The first was a “seal” sculpture that was moved from the Paradise Valley Park when it was renovated. He asked if it could be restored and suggested using an artist from the Sonoma Heart Foundation. The second piece was an “Ohlone Tribe” sculpture. He stated that there was no plaque to identify the piece. ACM/Director Ranals responded that the “seal” sculpture was originally purchased as a playground piece. She also mentioned that the City has restored art pieces in the past, as they did with the Eternal Flame sculpture. Commissioner DeNatale wondered if the “seal” was actually an art piece. ACM/Director Ranals continued stating that the City does not own the “Ohlone Tribe” piece. Staff would have to reach out to the developer to find out more information. ACM/Director Ranals also provided an update on the Caltrain Plaza. The City Council is looking to purchase two pieces of sculpture with a budget of $500,000. She stated that the Commission would be involved in the selection process. Commissioner Looper suggested Richard Zawitz might create the work. ACM/Director Ranals stated that Councilmember Matsumoto is considering a design highlighting veterans through the ages. Commissioner Fornaciari suggested a theme that highlighted the industrial history of South San Francisco. 2. Utility Box Mural Program Manager Duldulao reported on the status of the second smaller utility box on Spruce and Centennial Way, addressed in November. She added that the Sister Cities group is meeting next Tuesday to suggest direction on Saint Jean Pied de Port not being well represented on the “Sister Cities” utility box mural. Specialist Santos reported that four of the murals were completed. She is looking into the cost of vinyl wraps for the Paradise Valley mural. She added that she has reached out to a few referrals, but has not heard back. The completed mural artists will receive acknowledgements at the General Art Show. Cultural Arts Commission Minutes of January 16, 2020 Page 5 3. Youth Art Scholarship Specialist Santos distributed the 2020 Youth Art Scholarship application form and guidelines for consideration. She reported that the Senior Award Ceremony date for both El Camino High School and South San Francisco High School will be May 12. She stated applications must be turned in no later than Tuesday, April 14 in order to have decisions on the finalists determined in time for the ceremonies. She added that there are no changes from the previous year. Commissioner Campagna requested that the final decision on the application guidelines could be tabled for the February meeting given his new role as Chair of the Youth Scholarship Committee. Specialist Santos informed Commissioners that a minimum of $500 is to be awarded per each of the three SSFUSD high schools: El Camino, South San Francisco, and Baden. She reported that Baden only occasionally sends viable candidates. The total scholarship amount would come to $1,500. Commissioner DeNatale inquired if the Commission could allocate more for the scholarship if they raise more funds. Specialist Santos noted the amount capped in the budget for the scholarships has been $2,500. The Commission could increase the amount. ACM/Director Ranals reminded the Commission that the scholarship amount must only come from fundraising. 4. Urban Art Commissioner DeNatale reported that the City Council did not like the urban art submission that promoted a healthy, non-smoking environment. Commissioners remarked that former Mayor Matsumoto had at the time suggested this theme. Commissioner DeNatale stated that Council prefers a whimsical theme with a more positive art representation. The Commission will need to re-issue an RFP with the revised theme. ACM/Director Ranals commented that having only one artist is limiting. She added that receiving more proposals would offer the Commission more options. She added that City Council requested that the number of art pieces to be completed under this project be a maximum of six images for $10,000, rather than 10 to 15 images as originally outlined in the RFP. She also stated that the original artist could resubmit artwork with the new theme. Commissioner Madrid-Nickle was concerned that artists are not given actual defined parameters of where the images are to be placed. Commissioner DeNatale stated the subcommittee will be meeting again to work out details for the new submissions. Cultural Arts Commission Minutes of January 16, 2020 Page 6 5. General Art Show & Karaoke (February 14/15, 2020) Vice Chair Hobson-Coard stated that the docent sign-up list was being distributed. She gave an overview of some event details, reporting that the Wednesday before the General Art Show is when they accept the art and that Thursday is when they hang the art. Specialist Santos informed the Commissioners that they could elect to hang the two- dimensional art at the customary time since there was no other media included. She highlighted the fact that she also had to consider the judge’s schedule since he was volunteering his time. Chair Boldenweck stated she starts hanging the art, usually about 50 entries, on Thursday at 3:00 p.m. Commissioners Foley and Avelar volunteered to assist Chair Boldenweck. 6. Youth Art Show (April 3/4 , 2020) Specialist Santos gave a brief overview of how the Youth Art Show functions. She stated the show is a partnership between the Commission and the South San Francisco Unified School District. There was a SSFUSD Visual Art Committee meeting held in November which involved school administrators, several teachers, the Youth Art Show subcommittee chair or member, and herself. Event preparations are addressed. One more meeting is scheduled for February 24. Specialist Santos continued that she is responsible for scheduling the youth performing groups. Based on performer availability, she endeavors to schedule brief performances for Friday and Saturday. One youth group has committed to date. Commissioner Campagna stated this event could be an opportunity for fundraising. Specialist Santos responded that since this event is a partnership, if fundraising was contemplated then consideration needed to be given to SSF Unified School District art teachers who also are looking for funding resources. Commissioner Campagna requested a reminder for the next Visual Art committee meeting. 7. Future Public Art Plan Commissioner DeNatale proposed two versions of a new Cultural Arts Commission mission statement, one concise and the other expanded. Commissioner Campagna noted that instead of the acronym SSF being used it should be spelled out to read South San Francisco. Cultural Arts Commission Minutes of January 16, 2020 Page 7 Commissioner DeNatale moved that the Commission adopt the concise and expanded mission statement to be posted to the Cultural Art’s website. Commissioner Avelar seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. IX. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Election of Officers Commissioner Campagna nominated Commissioner Looper as Chair and she accepted. It was unanimously approved by roll call vote. Commissioner Madrid-Nickle nominated Commissioner DeNatale for Chair, but he declined due to his work schedule and expressed an interest in considering a nomination for Chair in the future. Vice Chair Hobson-Coard nominated Chair Boldenweck as Vice Chair, but she declined. Commissioner Campagna nominated Commissioner DeNatale for Vice Chair and he accepted. It was unanimously approved by roll call vote. 2. Budget Overview Manager Duldulao gave an overview of the Cultural Arts budget attached to the meeting packet. She requested that ACM/Director Ranals address the income amount of $45,000, posted as Caltrain. ACM/Director Ranals stated that the $45,000 came from a developer who donated the money in lieu of obtaining public art for their development. She stated this money should have been deposited in a different fund and should be moved out of the Cultural Arts Fund. Commissioner Campagna asked about the status of the art piece for the Cadence development. ACM/Director Ranals stated she had no update and would notify the Commission when there was one. Commissioner DeNatale had a question as to where the fundraising amounts are located. The consensus of the Commission was that a more detailed account of income and expenses is desired. Manager Duldulao agreed to indicate income from art sales as a separate line item on the next budget report. Cultural Arts Commission Minutes of January 16, 2020 Page 8 X. ITEMS FROM COMMISSION: Commissioner Looper notified Commissioners on the possible tour dates to the Richard Zawitz studio. The two dates are Friday, January 24 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, January 25 at 11:00 am. It was decided that Saturday, January 25 would work best. Commissioner Fornaciari reported that her Soroptimist group is having a dinner and auction on March 6. She will have tickets to sell at the February meeting. The cost is $30.00 dollars. She stated it is great event with dinner, raffle prizes, and auction. She also commented that this is their major fundraising event for single mothers. Vice Chair Hobson Coard invited the Commission to see her band “Love Struck” at Fort Mckinley on Saturday, February 29 from 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. She also stated she had flyers with more performance dates to distribute. ITEMS FROM STAFF: Manager Duldulao reminded the Commission about the mixer being held by the Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, January 23 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Grand Avenue Library. At this mixer they will be able to hear about plans for the new Community Civic Campus and also about the fundraising efforts. Erin O’Brien, Recreation is leading the fundraising on the Recreation side. Manager Duldulao reported on the winners of the Childcare Program’s “Be A Team, Keep South City Clean” Poster Contest. The winners are: • Kindergarten – Jalen Wong – Ponderosa Elementary School, • 1st Grade – Brianna Locicero – Buri Buri School, • 2nd Grade – Suanty Phou, Jr. – Spruce Elementary School, • 3rd Grade – Lexie Shum, Monte Verde Elementary School, • 4th Grade – Andrea Amaral – Monte Verde Elementary School, • 5th Grade – Holly Shum – Monte Verde Elementary School Manager Duldulao stated that the winners will be honored at next week’s Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on Tuesday, January 21, at 7:00 p.m. Commissioner Fornaciari asked if there will be a Halloween Costume Contest again this year. Manager Duldulao stated that it was successful and would consider holding it again. XI. CORRESPONDENCE: Posted Cultural Arts Commission Minutes of January 16, 2020 Page 9 XII. ADJOURNMENT: Chair Boldenweck adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Susan Filereto Administrative Assistant Next Meeting: February 20, 2020