Arts Commission and OCII highlight Rigo 23 sculpture for Mission Creek Park

The Commission on Community Investment and Infrastructure on March 15 heard a presentation from the San Francisco Arts Commission about public art planned for Mission Creek Park (Park P2). The Arts Commission recommended and the Arts Commission approved artist Rigo 23 for a proposed sculpture at the park's traffic circle.

Jackie Valtrasco, public art project manager for the San Francisco Arts Commission, introduced Rigo 23 and said the selection followed an RFQ process and community review. Rigo described a sculpture of a female grizzly with two cubs rendered in terracotta tiles with select bronze details; the work would be about 1.5 times life size, with the mother roughly 13 feet tall, and sited to create a visible landmark alongside the park's waterfront promenade.

"I've elected to represent a female grizzly and 2 cubs, in the process of eating and contemplating the landscape," Rigo said, describing the design and materials. He said he will work with a tile factory and render claws and noses in bronze to provide contrast.

Mark Slutskin, Mission Bay project area manager, said about $1,125,000 in in-lieu funds have been collected for public art and the Arts Commission plans to enter a contract with Rigo to realize the work. Staff said park construction is expected to begin late in the year; the Arts Commission and OCII staff hope the artwork's schedule will align with park construction.

Commissioners praised the proposal and thanked Arts Commission staff for the selection process and community engagement. No vote by OCII was required for the presentation; staff will coordinate contract and installation timing with the Arts Commission.