Commission hears fall exhibitions and public art updates; new deputy directors introduced

Director Ralph Remington opened the commission’s director’s report on Sept. 11 with a roundup of recent events and staff updates, previewing fall exhibitions and public‑art milestones and introducing two new deputy directors.

Remington highlighted a number of recent events he attended and said the commission has added eight cultural ambassadors to boost outreach. He noted the Dreamkeeper Initiative application window closed and that DKI ‘‘reinvests $60,000,000 annually into San Francisco’s Black and African American communities’’ while staff complete eligibility checks.

Carolina Fernandez, director of galleries and public programs, described a City Hall installation in collaboration with the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts showcasing Mission Grafica and La Raza Graphics posters; the City Hall opening reception is scheduled for Sept. 20. Fernandez also previewed a Main Gallery group exhibition, "Transcending Physicality, The Essence of Place," opening Oct. 13, listing participating artists and the curator.

Remington reported that construction kicked off for the Mission Branch Library capital improvement project and highlighted a commissioned site‑specific artwork by Juana Alicia to be installed in 2025. Visual Arts Committee chair Susie Farris later reiterated RFQ and RFQ‑deadline items, and reported on Alameda Creek Watershed Center installations and the 49 South Van Ness moving‑image commissions.

On staffing, Remington announced the appointments of Sarah Hollenbeck as deputy director of finance and administration and Lex Lifite as deputy director of programs; both spoke briefly and thanked the commission for the welcome.

What the record shows

- City Hall exhibition (Mission Grafica) opening reception: Sept. 20, 2023.
- Main Gallery exhibition "Transcending Physicality" opening: Oct. 13, 2023.
- Mission Branch Library public artwork by Juana Alicia scheduled for installation in 2025.
- New deputies Sarah Hollenbeck and Lex Lifite began roles the week of Sept. 8, 2023.

Next steps

Staff will continue outreach for grants and RFQs, finalize Mission Branch construction milestones and proceed with the gallery openings and associated receptions.