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Arts Commission highlights Maya Angelou sculpture and large SFO mural; commissioners praise representation
Summary
At its October meeting the San Francisco Arts Commission showcased a 9-foot Maya Angelou sculpture by Lava Thomas planned for the main San Francisco Public Library and a roughly 2,373 sq ft mural by Craig Calderwood for Harvey Milk Terminal 1 at SFO; commissioners expressed broad support and the consent calendar later passed.
The San Francisco Arts Commission on Monday reviewed final designs for two high-profile public artworks that commissioners said expand representation in the city's public realm.
Susie Farris, chair of the Visual Arts Committee, described the nearly finished Maya Angelou sculpture by Lava Thomas for the main branch of the San Francisco Public Library. The commission was shown material samples and prototypes. "This will be the first monument to an African American woman in the city," Farris said, noting the bronze sculpture is designed as a book with a 1973 portrait of Angelou on the front and the line "Still I Rise" engraved on its base. The piece is planned for the Larkin Street entrance and is roughly nine feet tall; staff said installation is scheduled for 2024.
Farris also discussed a large mural by Craig Calderwood, "The Only Blue Is the Sky," planned for the three-story atrium around the escalator shaft in Harvey Milk Terminal 1 at San Francisco International Airport. Farris said the mural will cover approximately 2,373 square feet and is scheduled for installation in spring 2024, with the terminal opening to the public in summer 2024. The design draws on symbols historically used to represent queerness and otherness and aims to honor Harvey Milk's legacy, she said.
Commissioners praised both projects and thanked staff and artists for community engagement and thoughtful materials selection. Commissioner McCoy added that the Angelou sculpture and the SFO work offer powerful visual representation for children and visitors to the city.
The Visual Arts Committee presented these items during the meeting; later the commission passed the consent calendar by voice vote, carrying routine and committee business at the conclusion of the agenda.
The commission did not specify a firm unveiling date for the Angelou sculpture; staff said the project will proceed to production now that approvals are complete and the artist and project managers will announce the installation schedule.
What happens next: staff and project managers will notify commissioners and the public when installation and unveiling dates are finalized.
