Visual Arts Committee votes to remove Chinatown Dragon Relief and place it in storage; commissioners press for public reinstallation plan

The Visual Arts Committee reported that, after review and public input, it voted to remove the Dragon Relief (commissioned 1969, artist Patty Bowler) from the Chinatown Public Health Center and place the piece into storage during upcoming building renovations.

Commissioner Beltran summarized staff conservation consultations, legal reviews, community meetings and a public survey and said the committee concluded removal and storage was the best option amid structural changes to the building. The committee report noted the sculpture’s commissioning history and past conservation work.

Multiple commissioners raised concerns about the decision and urged staff to find a new public display rather than leave the work in storage indefinitely. Commissioner Hakimi emphasized the artist’s historical importance as one of the first female commissions and said the architects’ late-stage decisions had created an avoidable conflict. "We have the obligation to make sure our artists are represented and taken care of even 60 years later," Hakimi said.

Commissioner Beltran said public art staff is actively searching for a new public exhibition location and described efforts to ensure art is integrated earlier in future renovation projects. No formal vote by the full commission to remove the work was recorded during this meeting; the report to the full commission reflected the Visual Arts Committee’s action.