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Visual Arts Committee backs Ed Lee bust placement, Potrero Yard art RFQ and SE Treatment Plant fence art
Summary
The Visual Arts Committee reported approval of multiple public-art plans, including a proposal to replace the James Phelan bust at City Hall with a bust of Mayor Ed Lee, issued RFQs for art at the Potrero Yard modernization, and approved final designs for the Southeast Treatment Plant construction fence; the commission discussed reuse and community engagement plans for the fence panels.
The Visual Arts Committee and Civic Design Review committee presented a series of visual-arts updates and recommendations to the full commission.
Susie Farris reported that the committee coordinated with Art Care, the family of Mayor Ed Lee, the Mayor's Office, and the City Administrator on a plan to remove the James Phelan bust from the eastern entrance to City Hall and to install a bust of Mayor Ed Lee in its place; committee materials said the Phelan bust will be moved to storage. On the record, Farris said the change was informed by Phelan's history with exclusionary policies and described the Ed Lee placement as "a testament to how far the city has come." Commissioners recognized the decision in the context of the commission's monuments and memorials work.
The committee also discussed the Potrero Yard modernization public-art program. The CDR reported review of Phase 3 air-side design for the SFO Terminal 3 modernization project (passed unanimously by CDR) and highlighted a separate Potrero Yard project that combines a bus yard modernization with future housing; public-art staff issued an RFQ on Oct. 23 for three significant Potrero Yard art opportunities with a submission deadline of 12/11/2023.
On the Southeast Treatment Plant construction fence, the committee reported final design approval for the fourth installment of a multi-year project. The artist Afatasi described motifs that center community lineage and plans to reuse fence panels as textiles following construction. Commissioners praised the project's community engagement and the fence's use as a long-term artistic asset during construction.
The committee also highlighted the Treasure Island Photography Documentation Project (exhibitions in 40 Deco kiosks across downtown locations) and the 2023 Art on Market Street poster series designs. Commissioners encouraged outreach and noted positive reception by partners and the public.
No formal vote on the Ed Lee/Phelan replacement was recorded as a separate full-commission action during this agenda item; the committee presented its recommendations and commissioners discussed next steps and public engagement.
