Ken Harrison Madeleine Bocaya I'm a longtime resident of Bernal heights and pass the library often as I run errands I recently saw the proposed murals for the library and I just had to say wow! I really like the proposed mural for the Moultrie st. side to me it fits perfectly with the WPA era nature of the building I look forward to seeing it completed! I would like to express my disappointment and dissension toward the proposed Moultrie mural facade of the Bernal Heights library. The mural does not represent the intended principles of inclusion and equality, as it only references specific cultural & spiritual groups (specifically Native American & Latino), and therefore, excludes many of the other diverse groups that now make up the demographics of Bernal Heights. While I recognize the efforts to include the Chicano aspects of the original 1980s mural, it is important to recognize that the Bernal Heights community is now comprised of a very diverse population including Caucasians, Latinos, Filipinos & African-Americans (two ethnic groups, who were also living in Bernal in the 1980s in large numbers), Irish, Swedish, Chinese, LBTG, atheists, blue collar & white collar workers, etc. By incorporating only specific groups in the proposed mural, you are essentially excluding others. While I support the, "Tree of Life" theme, I, respectfully, oppose the specific spiritual and cultural images. The beauty of a public library is that it is a resource and community center, which can be utilized equally by all members of society, regardless of ethnic background, religious/spiritual beliefs, age, sexual orientation or socio-economic status. The mural on the facade of the library should reflect inclusion of all members of the neighborhood to promote a meaningful and cohesive sense of community; otherwise it should be eliminated entirely. Sincerely, P. Madeleine Bocaya Bernal Heights resident, homeowner, tax payer and voter Richard Morris I am a Bernal Heights resident living on Nevada Street at Jarboe. I walk past the Bernal Library nearly every day. Thank you for posting the forthcoming mural art for the neighborhood to see. I would like to express how beautiful I find the tree mural that will be on the Moultrie Street side of the building. It is one of the most beautiful public works pieces of art that I have seen in a long time, and I feel it is wonderfully in character with the building having the sensibility of the WPA (Work Projects Administration) era. I look forward to seeing this Mural many times once it is in place. Please know you have my complete support for this mural. One further thought. I would have liked the style of the mural on the Cortland Avenue side of the building to have more of the WPA era aesthetic which would be more in keeping with the era of the library building. Thank you to all of you who have been involved in this project. The beauty that we bring to our communities is important in our day to day lives. Sincerely, Richard Morris 289 Nevada Street San Francisco, CA 94110
Roseanne Liggett (2nd comment) Design ideas should have been submitted to a community approval process before deciding that the ones presented to the library commission are "final". The art project committee is attempting to push forward a project that has not been adequately presented, discussed, or won approval in the community. The ideas for the library art at this time can only be descirbed as better that than the old mural, but really mediocre at best. The library building and the community really deserves something of quality. The first thing that needs to be done is plan for a complete renewal of the exterior surface of the library building. It has deteriorated over the many years of neglect and badly needs to be repaired and cleaned before any new artwork is begun. The mind set that there must be art on threee sides of the building because that is what has been there before must be examined. It is not necessary to have art on three sides and is a waste of resources to do that. Additionally, the two artists have different styles and the two ideas presented do not harmonize with each other. The good thing about the idea for the front of the building is that most of the front is spared and the art is minmal. However, the design looks rather ridiculous and looks rather more like an illustration. Something better could be done in the same space. James (Seamus) McAteer It is better to take the time and do it right than to push ahead with something mediocre out of expediency. I have been dismayed to learn of the planned art work that will replace the mural on Bernal Hills library. It is apparent that the committee which chose this artwork did not try to represent the demographic mix of Bernal Heights. I am an Irish immigrant my wife is a Filipina American, our cultural heritage is every bit as much a part of Bernal Heights as any other culture. Our children will grow up in this neighborhood I would like to see our heritages celebrated. Bernal Heights was first settled by Irish dairy farmers and has had waves of immigrant settlers including Italians and Filipinos. This art work by being so culturally specific is actually quite culturally insensitive. Why is it that every mural in San Francisco has to celebrate the Chicano heritage of the city? I can understand that residents in the Mission district want to celebrate their culture and the Mission is now predominantly Latino, but Bernal Heights is not the Mission. San Francisco overall is a much richer tapestry than that. The name of the work is aptly titled an Art Project. It honestly resembles a high school art project from the 70s. I find it very disturbing that we are replacing one very bad piece of art with another that has little redeeming aesthetic value, and that I personally find quite offensive. As a home owner in the neighborhood it is upsetting to learn that my tax dollars are being put to such poor use. It is bad enough that I will not be able to send my children to the terribly equipped and poorly performing public schools in Bernal Heights. Before you choose a piece of art work to adorn a public facade it would seem fitting that you would have a proper period for community feedback rather than choosing by committee. I would like to understand how this process worked and if it followed proper legal process. BLOG One pissed off tax payer and voter The Moultrie Street design as depicted appears to be one dimensional, whereas the building facade follows a bay configuration. Has this been recognized and the design modified in more detailed preliminary sketches?