"Everyone who visits the new Visitacion Valley Library will be swept away by Mark Grieve and Ilana Spector's beautiful installation, which sparkles against the ceiling's oak beams and dark blue vaulted ceiling," said Director of the Public Art Program Susan Pontious. "The work evokes the cosmos and inspires contemplation about a host of topics from astronomy to the humanities, and what better place to delve into those topics than at a library?"
According to District 10 Supervisor Malia Cohen, "I am thrilled that, in addition to this beautiful new branch library, the residents of Visitacion Valley can celebrate and take pride in the fact that it is also home to an incredible artwork by two critically-acclaimed public artists. This is a great example of how the Arts Commission ensures that each community in San Francisco can enjoy world-class in their city buildings and facilities."
Full Circles covers a 22' w x 30' l x 15' h area in the branch library's cupola and is illuminated during the day by a central oculus and windows. Each piece was welded together, and the larger sections were assembled onsite. The dark blue backdrop reinforces the artwork's constellation theme and complements the Renaissance-style architecture of the building. The visual impact is dramatic and it's a wonderful example of an artwork that accentuates the architecture of the building.
About the Branch Library Improvement Program (BLIP) Arts Master Plan
In 2001, Public Art Program Director Jill Manton (now Director of Programs), the Arts Commission and Public Library established a Branch Library Improvement Program (BLIP) Arts Master Plan for expenditure of the Art Enrichment funds generated by the construction or renovation of the ten eligible branch libraries throughout San Francisco. The Arts Master Plan provided for a community-based artist selection process in each of the ten neighborhoods, resulting in the integration of a collection of vibrant new artworks created by Bay Area artists for participating branch libraries.
About the Public Art Program
The Arts Commission's Public Art Program was established by the City Arts Enrichment Ordinance in 1969, as one of the first of its kind in the country. The Public Art Program seeks to promote a diverse and stimulating cultural environment to enrich the lives of the city's residents, visitors and employees. The Program encourages the creative interaction of artists, designers, City staff, officials and community members during the design of City projects in order to develop public art that is specific to the site and meaningful to the community.
SFAC Public Art website: www.sfartscommission.org/
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