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Report Regarding Recommendation of a Design Proposal for the Eternal Flame Sculpture Refresh Project (Erin O’Brien, Business Program Manager)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that Cultural Arts Commission review and approve, by way of motion, the recommended selection of the Eternal Flame Concept Proposal.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
When the location of the New Aquatic Center project was first determined, it became necessary to relocate the Eternal Flame sculpture from its existing location to accommodate construction. Given the sculpture’s longstanding role as a memorial honoring veterans and its significance to the South San Francisco community, the City began evaluating how it could be carefully relocated, restored, and incorporated into a new setting that would preserve and enhance its commemorative purpose.
The relocation also provided an opportunity to consider the Eternal Flame within the context of the City’s broader effort to create a new Veterans Memorial at Orange Memorial Park. Planning for the memorial has included engagement with local veterans and community stakeholders over time to help inform the vision for a meaningful and enduring space honoring those who have served. Through this process, the Eternal Flame has remained an important element of the overall memorial concept and is intended to serve as a focal point of the new plaza.
As part of this effort, the City commissioned a condition and relocation assessment of the Eternal Flame sculpture. ARG Conservation Services Inc. was contracted to perform the sculpture assessment. Their assessment determined that the 7,000-pound sculpture’s structure was in fair condition; however, the mosaic surface was deteriorating and in need of complete resurfacing.
Rather than simply relocate the sculpture, the City is using the project as an opportunity to reintegrate the Eternal Flame as a focal point of a new Veterans Memorial. The new plaza will provide a dedicated setting for recognizing veterans and create a more intentional space for remembrance, reflection, and community gatherings. Based on the findings of the assessment and the plans for the new memorial setting, the City elected to proceed with a reimagined resurfacing approach that will restore and refresh the existing sculpture while maintaining its important commemorative role.
In Spring of 2026, the Public Art Subcommittee of the Cultural Arts Commission met to review the City’s existing prequalified list for mural and urban surface artists. From that list, the subcommittee shortlisted artists they determined would be a good fit for the project.
Three artists agreed to work on the project and subsequently entered into concept agreements with the City: Cheyenne Concepcion, Angelina Duckett, and Gail Christofferson/Animal House. Each artist was provided with project goals, the condition assessment of the Eternal Flame, and the relocation plans. The artists then developed renderings of a refreshed or reimagined mosaic for the sculpture. On Thursday, August 20, 2026, the Public Art Subcommittee received presentations from the three shortlisted artists and had the opportunity to ask questions.
A veterans stakeholder meeting was held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at City Hall, with a virtual participation option as well. During the meeting the group reviewed and provided feedback on the Eternal Flame refresh proposals, as well as the dedication plaques and the proposed inscription for the sculpture.
As part of the selection process, staff compiled a community survey presenting the three artist proposals, along with an option to restore the current mosaic tiling. The survey was promoted through the City’s social media channels, the Parks and Recreation monthly newsletter, the veterans stakeholder group, and the New Aquatic Center interest group. The survey was also shared with a local representative of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, who circulated it among his local VA network. The community poll was open for two weeks, closing on Monday, September 7, 2026. In total 220 surveys were completed and resulted in the following breakdown:
• Angelina Duckett | Light + Reflection: 44.5% (98 votes)
• Cheyenne Concepcion | Reflection & Ritual: 25% (55 votes)
• Restore the Original Eternal Flame: 25% (55 votes)
• Gail Christofferson/Animal House | Honor, Liberty, Courage + Commitment: 5.5% (12 votes)
On Monday, September 14, 2026, the Public Art Subcommittee again met and reviewed the community survey results as well as feedback from the veterans stakeholder group. The subcommittee concluded the meeting with the recommendation to proceed with Angelina Duckett’s refreshed concept of “Light + Reflection” for the Eternal Flame refresh.
Duckett best explains her concept in the following statement:
“This design update does not alter the shape of the flowing flame which continues to symbolize the courage, sacrifice and enduring spirit of those who served, but transforms the original mosaic by replacing the plain tesserae with luminous stained glass and reflective mirror. The familiar reds, oranges and yellows are intentionally retained to honor the historical character of the memorial, while introducing elevated materials to renew its impact.
Bands of mirror weave through the flame reflecting the sky, surrounding landscape and the people who come to visit. These reflections visually connect visitors to the artwork and to see themselves as part of the ongoing responsibility to remember and preserve the legacy of those who served.
The reflective nature of both the stained glass and mirror transforms the sculpture into a living memorial that changes with the seasons, the weather and the time of day ensuring that no two visits are ever the same.
The hope is that the Eternal Flame sculpture will continue to serve as a timeless tribute keeping the memory of veterans alive through light, reflection and enduring beauty.”
Next steps for the project will include the City issuing a Request for Proposals for fabricators to complete and install the selected design. Simultaneously, City staff will work with the selected artist to continue to refine their design, material selection, fabrication details, and maintenance and care instructions. The installation of the Eternal Flame is part of the Phase II of the New Aquatic Center project.
CONCLUSION
Following this transparent process, the Public Art Subcommittee and project team recommend Angelina Duckett’s reimagined Eternal Flame concept, “Light + Reflection”. The Commission is encouraged to discuss, and by way of motion, staff recommends that the Cultural Arts Commission approve Angelina Duckett’s “Light + Reflection” concept as the selected design for the resurfacing of the Eternal Flame sculpture and direct staff to proceed with the nest steps of design refinement and fabrication.
Attachment 1: Eternal Flame Selection Presentation
Attachment 2: Eternal Flame Community Poll Results Summary