HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-15-2020
MINUTES OF THE
CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION MEETING
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
Thursday October 15, 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:
Chair Looper requested a change under Subcommittee Reports that Item 2 be moved to Item
1.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES of August 20, 2020:
Minutes for September 17, 2020 stand as sent.
V. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION:
Manager Duldulao reported she saw no public comments.
VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Giraffe and Sphere sculpture installation locations
Manager Duldulao reported that ng was the meeting
identified for public comment on the postcard that was mailed to residents near Lux Ave. and
Maple Ave. The postcard notified residents about the proposed location to install the Sphere
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Minutes of October 15, 2020
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sculpture in the median at that intersection. Manager Duldulao stated that no email comments
were received. Administrative Assistant Filereto confirmed that she did not receive any voice
messages with comments. Manager Duldulao stated that staff would proceed with the
installation of the Giraffe and Sphere sculptures. She reported that the Giraffe sculpture
Sphere would be installed shortly thereafter. Chair Looper asked that the Commission be
informed when the sculptures are installed and Manager Duldulao agreed.
ACM/Director Ranals commented that the Giraffe donation and the location was presented at
Chair Looper s acceptance of the Sphere sculpture location.
ACM/Director Ranals stated that staff informed Council of the location with a memo and had
not received any objections.
VII. NEW BUSINESS:
1. Capital Projects Art Update
a. Caltrain Art RFP
Deputy Director of Capital Projects Vitale introduced himself to the Commission and
reviewed his presentation points on the process in which staff will engage artists to
design, develop, and install art in Caltrain Plaza. He showed the Commission several
presentation slides depicting the new location of the Caltrain Station and Plaza, as
well as prospective illustrations of several aspects of the site. Deputy Director Vitale
highlighted areas that could be opportunities for art installations.
Deputy Director Vitale stated that the theme for the art project is to embody aspects of
budget for the project will be $500,000 for either a single piece of art or multiple
pieces within the plaza and/or tunnel. He also reviewed some artistic styles that will
be incorporated in the request for proposals (RFP).
Deputy Director Vitale then described the artist selection process and composition of
the Caltrain Public Art Selection Committee (CPASC). This committee will consist of
two Cultural Arts Commissioners, two Council Members, and three Community
Members. The Cultural Arts Commission can determine how to select two
Commissioners for the CPASC. The Mayor will appoint the two Council Members
and three Community Members.
Deputy Director Vitale stated that the RFP is currently being reviewed by the City
Council and is included in the Commission packet so that Commissioners can also
share their comments. He reviewed the RFP timeline, beginning with advertising the
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RFP in November and December and ending with an award of contract by Council in
April.
Deputy Director Vitale invited questions and comments from the Commission.
Vice Chair DeNatale commented that he appreciated the honest representation of the
and the way it was presented. He expressed hope that the RFP would
receive good responses.
Commissioner Bowen asked if there was a date for the RFP to be returned by the
artist. Deputy Director Vitale stated the draft RFP shows a due date of December 15,
which would give the CPASC time to review proposals in January.
Vice Chair DeNatale asked if this was the usual timeframe for an RFP response.
Deputy Director Vitale stated the time frame is longer than what is customary due to
the size of the budget and that the project may include a group of artists.
Commissioner Campagna expressed appreciation that the Cultural Arts Commission is
included in the selection and approval process of the Caltrain Art Project.
Commissioner Boldenweck asked how the members of the CPASC will be selected.
Deputy Director Vitale restated his previous comments and added recommendations
for Community Members have been received already and that the Commission may
also recommend someone they know of who may want to be a Community Member
representative on the CPASC. He stated these names would be forwarded to the
Mayor.
Chair Looper asked about the time commitment expected of the CPASC and if
meetings would take place on Zoom. Deputy Director Vitale reviewed the RFP
timeline and stated that the proposal review in January and the formal presentation by
the artists would take place on Zoom.
Chair Looper asked if the Cultural Arts Member would serve on the committee for
about a year. Deputy Director Vitale stated if there were any adjustments or
modifications by the artist that need to made with their design there could be a need to
meet with the CPASC after the contract is awarded. He anticipates monthly meetings
in January through March, as well as some meeting time in the middle of the art
fabrication process, and then again when the piece is installed.
Chair Looper thanked Deputy Director Vitale for clarifying the process and stated this
will help the Commission with the selection process of their two members.
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ACM/Director Ranals recalled the selection process for the Millenium sculpture on
Westborough Boulevard. She stated that three artists brought in models of their
sculpture and it was a very nice presentation. ACM/Director Ranals stated that the
presentation process is yet to be determined.
ACM/Director Ranals informed the Commission that the original theme of this public
art was a war memorial, but it has evolved to have a more open-ended theme.
ACM/Director Ranals mentioned the compromise of including different
representatives on the CPASC since it is such a complex project with several
stakeholders and recognized that public art recommendations are
domain.
Commissioner Hobson-Coard inquired about the desired criteria for CPASC members.
Deputy Director Vitale stated that the Commission could consider who has had
experience with public art projects, but that it is up to the Cultural Arts Commission to
determine how to select their CPASC members. He also requested that these members
be identified by January. Chair Looper confirmed that this could be done.
Deputy Director Vitale stated that he hopes to release the RFP by the beginning of
November. He stated the City will be using a web-based program called Procure Now
to publicize and manage responses to the RFP. He asked Commissioners to share any
comments about the RFP with him by next week.
b. Gardiner Park Plaza
Deputy Director Vitale reviewed presentation slides describing the Gardiner Park
renovation project, which is near completion. He described an opportunity to add a
mural on the retaining wall surrounding the basketball court that would be painted by
San Francisco artist Sirron Norris, who is well known for his murals and experience
working with the community. The budget for design and installation of the mural is
$20,000 dollars. The retaining wall is 3.5 to 4.5 feet tall.
Deputy Director Vitale reviewed the timeline for the mural project and role of the
Cultural Arts Commission. He reported that the community would be engaged via an
online survey to determine the mural theme in November. In December, the artist will
create two to three design options, which would be shared with the community again
via a survey. In January, the Commission and City Council will review the final
design. The installation is expected to take place in January, and the mural unveiling
is expected to take place in March.
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Deputy Director Vitale reviewed a list of possible themes for the murals, which was
neighborhood identity, local history, and environment.
Vice Chair DeNatale expressed excitement about the mural and for the opportunity to
work with a well-known local artist. Commissioner Campagna agreed and spoke in
in South San Francisco. Commissioner Campagna
commented that he is very proud that the themes came from the Public Art Survey.
Chair Looper asked about the width of the mural. Deputy Director Vitale estimated
the side walls of the basketball court to be about 20 feet, and the back wall to be about
25 to 30 feet wide.
Chair Looper asked about the possibility of extending the art to other walls in the park
if more funds become available at a later date. Deputy Director Vitale commented
that the artist originally only contemplated painting the back wall and is willing to
extend the mural to the sidewalk, so the project is getting more artwork than
anticipated for $20,000.
ACM/Director Ranals extended an invitation to the Commissioners to join the ribbon
cutting at Gardiner Park on October 17 at 10:00 a.m. The event will be limited to 35
people due to COVID.
Deputy Director Vitale stated that he is planning for another ribbon cutting event once
the mural is complete.
Chair Looper thanked Deputy Director Vitale for the presentations.
2. 2021 Art Exhibit Schedule
Specialist Santos gave a brief overview of the art exhibit schedule and asked for direction
from the Commission in selecting shows for the coming year so she can start promoting the
shows and notifying artists. The Commission normally establishes their art show schedule in
August, and there are four shows that are typically held in February, March or April, May or
July, and October. Specialist Santos stated that March or April is when the Commission hosts
the Youth Art Show in collaboration with the South San Francisco Unified School District.
Specialist Santos stated that the Virtual Day of the Dead Show will take place from October
26 through November 22. She stated that due to COVID, art shows planned in the first half of
year will likely continue to take place virtually. In addition, she is uncertain if the school
district will be able to collaborate on the Youth Art Show.
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Chair Looper commented on doing a virtual show in early February or March. Commissioner
Boldenweck stated that doing a virtual photography show would be easy to do.
Commissioner Hobson-Coard agreed. Commissioner Boldenweck commented on the
possibility of unlimited entries for a virtual art show, unlike the usual space limitations of an
in-person art show.
Commissioner Fornaciari asked if entries for the Photography Show would be limited to three
entries. Specialist Santos stated that would be up to the subcommittee and that she will be
better informed on this topic after completing the Virtual Day of the Dead Show. Specialist
Santos stated there can be further discussion at the November meeting. Chair Looper invited
Commissioners to share their ideas with Manager Duldulao and Specialist Santos.
3. Cancellation of December 2020 Meeting
Chair Looper stated that the Commission typically cancels the December meeting and asked
if the Commission would like to cancel this December meeting. Commissioner
Boldenweck made a motion to cancel the meeting with a second by Commissioner Bowen.
The Commission discussed the motion to cancel the meeting. Commissioner Boldenweck
expressed concern for not having selected a Chair for the Photography Show yet.
Vice Chair DeNatale asked about the reason for cancelling the December meeting.
ACM/Director Ranals stated that it is
meeting.
Specialist Santos responded to Commissioner Boldenweck
Chair for the Photography Show. Historically, the previous Subcommittee Chair would
automatically carry over to the next year unless they do not want to continue. In the case of
the Photography Show, Commissioner Hobson-Coard is the Subcommittee Chair.
Chair Looper commented that the December meeting has been cancelled in the past because it
is close to Christmas.
Commissioner Fornaciari opted not to cancel the meeting. There was further discussion and
Chair Looper called for a roll call vote to decide if the meeting should be cancelled. The vote
was five to three in favor of having a December meeting.
SUBCOMMITTEES:
1. Future Art Plan:
Vice Chair DeNatale informed the Commission that he would have to leave after his
presentation. Vice Chair DeNatale stated that the survey was distributed through email,
newsletters, social media, and also has been personally distributed by some
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Commissioners through other outlets, including Everything South City. To date, 64
responses have been received.
Vice Chair DeNatale stated he would not review the results in detail because the
subcommittee has not met yet to review the results. Vice Chair DeNatale stated that the
survey does not have a deadline, but may close on November 30 if it is included in the
November City newsletter.
Commissioner Campagna commented that one of the responses that stood out for him
was that the survey would be more equitable if it were published in other languages and
asked if the survey could be translated. ACM/Director Ranals stated the City can do
that.
Vice Chair DeNatale responded to several questions about the survey and indicated that
the subcommittee still needed to meet in order to organize a plan on what to do with the
survey results. Vice Chair DeNatale stated he should have a more detailed update of the
survey at the next meeting.
Chair Looper thanked Vice Chair DeNatale and everyone who participated in the
discussion.
2. Sculpture
Commissioner Boldenweck had nothing to report at this time.
3. Art Show 2020
a. Virtual Day of the Dead/Día de Muertos
Specialist Santos stated she received 24 pieces of art from 16 exhibitors and that the
deadline for entries was today at midnight. Each artist submitted one to three entries.
Specialist Santos reviewed next steps for judging the artwork and posting it online, and
reminded the Commission that the virtual show will take place from October 26 through
November 22.
Commissioner Boldenweck reminded the Commission about the Day of the Dead art
project, and displayed the art project kit which would be distributed to Movie Night
participants on October 23. Manager Duldulao stated that the kits would also be
distributed at the Park to Park program. Specialist Santos added that the art project kits
would also be distributed to seniors.
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Commissioner Boldenweck commented she would like to see the completed projects.
Specialist Santos mentioned that the flyer and promotions invited the public to share
their creations on social media.
4. Fundraiser
Commissioner Bowen reported that staff supported soliciting donations through email
and made a motion to send emails to solicit donations. Commissioner Boldenweck
seconded the motion. Roll call vote was taken and unanimously approved.
Commissioner Bowen commented that at the last meeting they had discussed doing an
auction of small jewelry. Chair Looper stated that the subcommittee should meet and
have a discussion on this topic and bring it back to the next meeting as an action item.
5. Other Subcommittee:
N/A
X. ITEMS FROM COMMISSION:
N/A
XI. ITEMS FROM STAFF:
1. Cultural Arts Impact Fee
ACM/Director Ranals stated that Councilmember Matsumotoon City
Council may be November 23. ACM/Director Ranals stated that one of
Councilmember Matsumotogoals is to establish a funding source for public art.
Given this goal, the City Attorney has drafted an ordinance that will state that a
developer must spend one percent of their construction budget on public art or make a
cash contribution of half a percent of their construction costs for the purchase of
public art. City Council will consider this matter in November.
2. Public Art Master Plan
ACM/Director Ranals with a consultant to
develop a Public Art Master Plan. She stated that the funding source still needs to be
established, but staff hope to have more information November.
Manager Duldulao highlighted -themed events. She also
th
mentioned details for the upcoming 47 Annual Thanksgiving Fun Run and Winter
Wonderland event.
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Manager Duldulao reminded the Commission that some Commissioners terms are
expired and that Commission interviews have been scheduled on October 21.
Commissioner Fornaciari stated she had already been notified.
wanted to let Chair Looper know that staff wants to acknowledge all her
accomplishments at a future meeting. Chair Looper stated she has enjoyed working
with everyone on the Commission.
ACM/Director Ranals clarified that there are three vacancies and if only two are filled,
Chair Looper can still continue to serve on the Commission.
Manager Duldulao informed the Commission that Administrative Assistant Susan
Filereto would be retiring after 30 years of service.
XII. CORRESPONDENCE:
Specialist Santos highlighted a free, one-week virtual art summit presented by ArtPlace
America, that is being held from October 26 through October 30. Participants must register
and workshops take place from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
XIII. ADJOURNMENT:
Chair Looper adjourned the meeting at 8:08 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Filereto
Administrative Assistant
Next Meeting: November 19, 2020