HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-11-21 Public Art Commission Summary Minutes MINUTES
PUBLIC ART COMMISSION MEETING Thursday, November 21, 2019
Palo Alto City Hall Community Meeting Room 7:00 p.m.
Commissioners Present: Nia Taylor, Hsinya Shen, Loren Gordon, Ian Klaus, Jim Migdal joined at 7:10
Commissioners Absent: Ben Miyaji, Amanda Ross Staff Present: Elise DeMarzo, Public Art Program Director
Nadya Chuprina, Public Art Program Coordinator
Kristen O’Kane, Director of Community Services
CALL TO ORDER: Vice-Chair Gordon called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m.
AGENDA CHANGES, REQUESTS, DELETIONS – None
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS – CASP artists Tara de la Garza and Elizabeth Bennett addressed the
commissioners to introduce themselves and invite the PAC to visit artists studios. The artists expressed
interest in raising visibility for the program and creating more connections between arts programs in the
region.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: September 19, 2019 PAC Meeting Minutes Moved: Commissioner Taylor;
Second: Commissioner Klaus. All in favor.
STAFF COMMENTS: Staff announced that four temporary murals by artists Oree Originol, Allison
Kunath, Phillip Hua, and Samuel Price were installed on the construction barricade around the California
Ave parking garage site. Staff provided an update on the installation of a temporary artwork by artist duo
FreelandBuck on King Plaza and announced an Instagram photo contest inspired by the sculpture titled,
Cache Me if You Can. Staff also provided an update on the fabrication and installation timeline for
Frequencies by artist Barbara Grygutis at 1050 Page Mill. The artwork was the first private percent for art
project approved by the PAC. Staff announced the launch of the California Ave public art master planner
call. Staff introduced Kristen O’Kane, the new Director of Community Services Department to the PAC.
O’Kane addressed the commissioners and thanked them for their service on the commission.
ACTION:
1. Temporary Public Art for King Plaza – Staff provided a detailed overview of the artist
selection process that took place for the temporary public art program in King Plaza. In February
2019, the PAC had approved the funding for a design contract only for artist Paz de la Calzada,
requesting that staff return with an update regarding the testing of the materials and more
information regarding the final design concept. Staff shared images of the artist’s final design
which was prototyped and approved by the City’s Public Works department. The presented
temporary installation, titled A Bucolic Labyrinth, is to be made of upcycled synthetic turf
removed from the Cubberley soccer field. It’s anticipated to remain on display between May and
September 2020. Moved: Commissioner Migdal moved to approve the conceptual design and
funding in the amount of $15,000 for the temporary artwork by Paz de la Calzada. Second:
Commissioner Shen. 4 in Favor. Commissioner Taylor abstained.
NON-ACTION:
2. Code:ART2 – Staff updated the Commission on the status of the artist selection process and next
steps in planning. A selection panel for the major artwork took place October 9, 2019. Panelists
reviewed submissions to the open call and selected three finalists to create specific conceptual
proposals for Code:ART2. Staff is preparing to release an open call for Code:ART2 Urban
Interventions. Staff encouraged the PAC to get involved in promoting the call and providing
support with fundraising efforts.
ANNOUNCEMENTS – None.
CALENDAR: Next PAC Regular Meeting – December 19, 2019 at 7 pm.
MEETING ADJOURNED at 7:39 pm by Vice-Chair Gordon.