For Immediate Release
April 8, 2004

Oakland, Calif. (April 8, 2004) - The Port of Oakland, through the Oakland Museum of California, announces the artists selected to develop site-specific proposals for four of the five public art projects for the Oakland International Airport Terminal Improvement Program.

Port of Oakland Director of Communications Harold Jones said, "This is the first implementation of the Port's recently adopted Public Art Ordinance. The field of 322 applicants was narrowed down to 19 very talented Bay Area artists. We're looking forward to seeing what they envision in public art at the airport." Jones added, "The selection process was the first significant step to creating new art that will be enjoyed by the millions of passengers who travel through Oakland International Airport."

The Port's Public Art Ordinance requires a percent for art for all major construction projects and for private development on land purchased and leased from the Port.

An Artist Selection Panel consisting of arts professionals with specialized expertise in the media being considered was convened for each project. Criteria used to evaluate the artists were (1) artistic excellence, innovation and originality of artwork as evidenced in slides of past artwork; (2) strength of exhibition record and measure of professional accomplishment; and (3) assessed ability of the artist to perform the work required in a timely and professional manner.

Escalator Wall and Restroom Privacy Walls
There were 106 applications received for the 21' x 8' wall at the base of the escalators past the security checkpoint and for the restroom privacy walls planned for Terminal 2. The following finalists were selected to develop proposals for the escalator wall: Mark Bulwinkle (Oakland), Carmen Lomas Garza (San Francisco), Sherry Karver (Oakland), Iréne Pijoan (Berkeley) and Alan Rath (Oakland). The total commission for the design, fabrication and installation of the artwork is $100,000.

The following artists were selected to develop proposals for the restroom privacy walls in Terminal 2: Jamie Brunson (Oakland), Robert Ortbal (Emeryville), M. Louise Stanley (Emeryville), Catherine Wagner (San Francisco) and Katherine Westerhout (Oakland). There are four restroom privacy walls, 9' x 6' each. The total commission for the design, fabrication and installation of the artwork is $15,000 for each wall or $60,000 for all four. One to four artists will receive the commissions.

Window in Terminal 2
From 160 applicants, the following artists were selected to develop proposals for the 10' x 160' window in Terminal 2: Enrique Chagoya (San Francisco), Carmen Lomas Garza (San Francisco), Hung Liu (Oakland), Jim Melchert (Oakland), and Rigo 23 (San Francisco). The commission includes $40,000 in artist fees and $200,000 for fabrication and installation of the artwork.

Parking Garage East Plaza
From 56 applicants, the following artists were selected to develop a sculpture proposal for the 18,300 square foot east plaza in front of the new seven-story parking garage: Linda Fleming (Benicia), Brian Goggin (San Francisco), Joyce Hsu (Oakland), Ned Kahn (Sebastopol) and Gay Outlaw (San Francisco). The total commission for the design, fabrication and installation of the artwork is $300,000.

Media Wall in Baggage Claim
The fifth public art site is the east wall of the baggage claim area and is designated for an 18-monitor media art wall. The Call for Entries for submittals of media artwork will be available Summer, 2004.

The Terminal Improvement Program
Oakland International Airport (OAK), owned and operated by the Port of Oakland, is moving forward with its Terminal Improvement Program. The project includes a five-gate extension of Terminal 2 with a new concourse, concessions and waiting areas; expanded ticketing, security and baggage claim facilities; new utilities; and a 6,000-space parking garage. Upon completion of the terminal improvement project, future plans call for additional gates and other associated customer service improvements.

Port of Oakland
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport and 19 miles of waterfront. The Oakland seaport is the 4th busiest containerport in the U.S.; Oakland International Airport is the second fastest growing airport in the nation with more than 13 million passengers a year; and Jack London Square is Oakland's premier entertainment spot along the waterfront. The Port of Oakland was established in 1927 and is an autonomous department of the City of Oakland.

The Oakland Museum of California
The Oakland Museum of California provides unique collections, exhibitions and educational opportunities to generate a deeper understanding and appreciation of California's environment, history, art and people. Museum programs are responsive, accessible and meaningful to the public, including school children, teachers, scholars, the immediate Oakland community and an increasingly diverse California population.

Contact:
Port of Oakland
Harold Jones
Director of Communications
(510) 627-1564
hjones@portoakland.com

Oakland Museum of California
Cherie Newell or Megan DeArmond
(510) 238-6836
P.S.@museumca.org