HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-02-12 Public Art Commission Agenda PacketPUBLIC ART COMMISSION
Special Meeting
Thursday, February 12, 2026
Community Meeting Room & Hybrid
7:00 PM
Public Art Commission meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to attend by
teleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safety while still maintaining
transparency and public access, members of the public can choose to participate from home or
attend in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in the meeting is
located at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged if attending in person. The
meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live on
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen Media
Center https://midpenmedia.org.
VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/88627841441)
Meeting ID: 886 2784 1441 Phone: 1(669)900-6833
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or an
amount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutes
after the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance to
pac@PaloAlto.gov and will be provided to the Council and available for inspection on the City’s
website three days before the meeting. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are
referencing in your subject line.
PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted only
by email to pac@PaloAlto.gov at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received, the Clerk
will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strong cybersecurity
management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are not accepted.
Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks,
posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do not
create a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated when
displaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view or passage
of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting.
CALL TO ORDER
AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
The Chair or Commission majority may modify the agenda order to improve meeting management.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1.January 15, 2026 PAC Regular Meeting Minutes
2.February 10, 2026 PAC Annual Retreat Minutes
CITY OFFICIAL COMMENTS
ACTION ITEMS
3.King Artist-In-Residency (AIR) Program – Presentation by King Artist-in-Residence Kiana
Honarmand regarding her ongoing residency project, including their community
engagement, findings and emerging themes, and approval of Honarmand’s conceptual
design of King AIR temporary artwork.
4.PAC 2026 Priories and Workplan – Final review and approval of the PAC 2026 Priorities
and Workplan.
5.Downtown Murals – Approval of conceptual design of mural by artist Harumo Sato to be
painted in downtown Palo Alto.
6.Sherman Avenue Parking Garage Temporary Mural – Approval of funds in the amount up
to $35,000 for installation of hardware and artwork on the Sherman Avenue Garage.
COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS OR FUTURE MEETINGS AND
AGENDAS
Members of the public may not speak to the item(s)
ADJOURNMENT
OTHER INFORMATION
The materials below are provided for informational purposes, not for action or discussion during this meetings’ agenda. Written
public comments may be submitted in advance and will be provided to the Commission and available for public inspection on
the City’s website three days before the meeting.
A.Public Comments
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email,
teleconference, or by phone.
1.Written public comments may be submitted by email to pac@PaloAlto.gov.
2.Spoken public comments using a computer will be accepted through the teleconference
meeting. To address the Council, click on the link below to access a Zoom-based meeting.
Please read the following instructions carefully.
◦You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in- browser. If using
your browser, make sure you are using a current, up-to-date browser: Chrome 30 ,
Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in
older browsers including Internet Explorer.
◦You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you
identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you
that it is your turn to speak.
◦When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will
activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they
are called to speak.
◦When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be
shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
3.Spoken public comments using a smart phone will be accepted through the
teleconference meeting. To address the Council, download the Zoom application onto
your phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter the Meeting ID
below. Please follow the instructions B-E above.
4.Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When
you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to
speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the Council.
You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your remarks to
the agenda item and time limit allotted.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 886 2784 1441 Phone: 1-669-900-6833
Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public
programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with
disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary
aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at
(650) 329-2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@PaloAlto.gov. Requests for assistance or
accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or
service.
IS POSTED IN ACCORDANCE
WITH GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION
54954.2(a) OR SECTION 54956
PUBLIC ART COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Community Meeting Room & Virtual
7:00 p.m.
Commissioners Participating: Hsinya Shen, Tara de la Garza, Robin Mullery, Simon
Tran, Harriet Stern, Amber Smith
Commissioners Absent: Anjana Joshi
City Council Participating: Vicki Veenker (joined at 7:03 pm)
Staff Present: Elise DeMarzo, Public Art Program Director, CSD
Nadya Chuprina, Public Art Program Coordinator, CSD
Amanda Deml, Assistant Director, CSD
CALL TO ORDER –Chair Shen called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
AGENDA CHANGES, REQUESTS, DELETIONS – None.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS – None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES – December 18, 2025 PAC Regular Meeting Minutes: Moved by
Commissioner de la Garza Second by Commissioner Mullery. All in Favor.
STAFF COMMENTS –Staff announced upcoming dates for two new murals to be painted in
downtown Palo Alto: Mona Caron will start painting her mural at the site of MAC’S smoke shop
on January 19 and artist Nigel Sussman will also start painting his mural at Pacific Art League on
Jan 25. Staff also updated the Commissioners on the ongoing application process for the ArtLift
Grant program with applications due on February 20.
ACTION:
1. Election of Officers – Chair Shen explained the general duties and responsibilities of the
Chair to the Commissioners and opened the floor to nominations for the position of the
PAC Chair. Commissioner Mullery nominated current Chair Shen for the position of Chair
in 2026. Chair Shen accepted. No other nominations followed. Motion: Commissioner
Stern moved to close nominations. Second: Commissioner Mullery. All in Favor. Chair
Shen was unanimously elected as the new PAC Chair. Chair Shen then provided an
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overview of the responsibilities of the Vice Chair position and opened the floor to the
nominations. Commissioner de la Garza nominated Commissioner Stern for the position
of Vice Chair. Commissioner Stern accepted the nomination. No other nominations
followed. Motion: Commissioner de la Garza moved to close the nominations. Second:
Commissioner Mullery. All in Favor. Commissioner Stern was unanimously elected as
the new PAC Vice Chair.
2. Deaccession of Artwork – Staff provided an overview of commissioning process,
conceptual development, physical build, and maintenance history and challenges of
the digital media artwork titled Conversation by Susan Narduli installed at the Palo Alto
City Hall lobby. The artwork was commissioned through a percent for art allocation as
part of the city hall renovation project in 2014. Conversation was installed and unveiled
in early 2016 on a video wall supplied and installed by the city as part of the renovation
project, integrated into an entrance facing wall in the lobby. The
video monitors displaying the artwork were also utilized on a set weekly schedule to
display city content. The artwork was recognized in 2017 by the Americans for the Arts
by the Public Art Network Year in Review as one of the most notable recent public art
projects. Staff provided an overview of various challenges with displaying Conversation,
and its behavior observed and addressed over time. Some technical challenges were
based on issues with monitor connectivity and the monitors themselves, others on the
settings switching between City mode and the Art mode. The Public Art team worked
closely with the artist team to resolve hardware issues. Despite collaborative efforts
with Narduli Studio to implement fixes and updates, the artwork’s aging code and
obsolete hardware have made it increasingly difficult to maintain functionality and
preserve artistic intent. Staff and Narduli Studio acknowledged the artwork’s increasing
instability and obsolete equipment. With no viable replacements for the monitors and
the likelihood of needing a full video wall redesign in the near future, staff initiated the
deaccession evaluation process. In September 2025, PAC approved initiating the
deaccession review process based on the deaccession criteria outlined in the
Deaccession of Artwork Policy. The PAC unanimously approved that staff proceed with a
deaccession evaluation process. Staff then notified artist Susan Narduli about
the Commission’s decision referencing applicable conditions of the artwork and
providing reasons for the deaccession review. Staff received no
public input regarding the City’s consideration to deaccession the artwork.
Should the Public Art Commission approve deaccession of the digital media
artwork installed in the City Hall lobby, staff will immediately notify the artist about
the PAC’s motion and release public notice in compliance with state and federal notice
requirements. Staff will coordinate the removal of the art computer units offsite, in
accordance with the City’s deaccession policy and offer them to the artist. The bank of
monitors will remain in the lobby. Motion: Vice Chair Stern moved to formally
deaccession Conversation by Susan Narduli from the City’s permanent collection of
public art. Second: Commissioner Tran. All in Favor.
NON-ACTION:
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3. PAC Annual Retreat and Workplan Discussion – Chair Shen provided an overview of the
most recent PAC workplan adopted by the Commission in 2025, including the PAC
adopted priorities, highlighted previously completed projects, and a list of ongoing and
pre-approved projects and working goals. The updated work plan for 2026/27 will be
drafted by the PAC Chair and Vice Chair in collaboration with staff and shared with the
PAC at the Annual Retreat on February 10 for the Commissioners’ review and input.
Based on the PAC’s input, the finalized plan draft will be presented for the PAC final
review and approval at the PAC Special Meeting on February 12. PAC Chair will be
presenting the adopted workplan at the City Council meeting on April 6.
COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, OR FUTURE ITEMS: Council Liaison Vicki Veenker
addressed the Commissioners to thank them for their work and the achievements in 2025 and
announced that this is her last PAC meeting as the Council Liaison. Staff confirmed the date for the PAC
Annual Retreat scheduled for Tuesday, February 10, 5-9 pm at the Palo Alto Art Center.
CALENDAR: PAC Special Meeting – February 12, 2026, at 7 pm. PAC Regular Meeting on February 19 has
been canceled.
MEETING ADJOURNED: at 7:50 pm by Chair Shen.
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IS POSTED IN ACCORDANCE
WITH GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION
54954.2(a) OR SECTION 54956
PUBLIC ART COMMISSION
February 10, 2026
Palo Alto Art Center
5 -9 pm
ANNUAL PAC RETREAT
MINUTES
Commissioners Present: Hsinya Shen, Harriet Stern, Amber Smith, Anjana Joshi, Simon Tran,
Robin Mullery, Tara de la Garza (joined at 5:17 pm)
Staff present: Elise DeMarzo, Public Art Program Director
Nadya Chuprina, Public Art Program Coordinator
Amanda Deml, CSD Assistant Director
Council Liaison Present: George Lu, Council Member
CALL TO ORDER – The meeting was called to order at 5:09 pm by Chair Shen
ADDITIONS, CHANGES, REQUESTS, DELETIONS – None.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS – None.
NON-ACTION:
Commissioners opened the retreat session with an icebreaker activity. Staff then provided a detailed
overview of the Public Art Program funding structure including the CIP, Maintenance and Public Art
Fund budgets. Staff provided an overview of existing public art projects in municipal and private
development, as well as temporary public art and special projects currently, both currently on display
and in various phases of development. Staff listed ongoing and earmarked collection care and
maintenance projects. Commissioners, staff, and Council liaison discussed the City-wide budget forecast
for the upcoming years and possible impacts on the city resources. Staff provided a summary of the
Code:ART 2025 festival metrics and economic impacts and led conversation about possibilities of
expanded programing for Code:ART 2027. Staff highlighted opportunities and needs for Commissioner
support and participation. Following a short break, a discussion about the King Artist Residency program
took place, summarizing the status of the current residency, reflected on the outcomes and impacts of
the previously completed projects, and exploration of possible ways to pivot or improve the program,
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including increasing artists’ budgets for detailed design development and fabrication of temporary
artwork. Staff will bring further recommendations for the King AIR to the PAC at a future PAC meeting.
Commissioners discussed the Public Art Fund and potential use of funds. The discussion primarily
focused on earmarking funds to support economic development in Palo Alto’s commercial corridors with
the integration of permanent and temporary public art into the California and University Avenues as
well as the San Antonio Road redevelopment projects as those designs take shape.
Commissioners discussed the current round of ArtLift Grants and its focus areas, including activating the
Cubberley Community Center. Staff and Commissioners then reviewed the short - and long-term goals
outlined in the Public Art Master Plan (PAMP) and considered the need and feasibility of updating the
original plan adopted in 2016. Commissioners noted that while the current Master Plan remains relevant
and applicable, a future update would help ensure that new public art in Palo Alto reflects and serves
the city’s present-day communities, aligns with ongoing growth and development, and adheres to
current best practices.
Staff and Commissioners then reviewed the PAC FY2026 draft workplan and priorities and discussed
how the workplan aligns with the recently adopted Council priorities. Commissioners reviewed the draft,
including the goals and future projects outlined in the draft workplan. Based on the discussion,
Commissioners will review and approve the final updated draft at the upcoming PAC Special Meeting on
February 12. Chair and staff are scheduled to present the PAC FY2027 workplan to City Council on April 6
for approval.
No action was taken.
Meeting adjourned at 8:58 pm by Chair Shen.
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Public Art Commission
Staff Report
From: Elise DeMarzo, Manager Community Services Sr Programs
Meeting Date: February 12, 2026
Report #: 2602-5908
TITLE
King Artist-In-Residency (AIR) Program – Presentation by King Artist-in-Residence Kiana
Honarmand regarding her ongoing residency project, including their community engagement,
findings and emerging themes, and approval of Honarmand’s conceptual design of King AIR
temporary artwork.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Public Art Commission approve Kiana Honarmand’s conceptual for
an artwork to be temporarily placed on King Plaza.
BACKGROUND
In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King, for whom King Plaza is named, the
City of Palo Alto Council asked the Public Art Commission to consider commissioning a
permanent artwork signaling the City’s commitment to equity and belonging. The Public Art
Commission affirmed its commitment to a permanent platform for ongoing conversations
about inclusion and belonging in Palo Alto through the arts. As a result, the King Artist in
Residency (AIR) program was established. Additional information about the King AIR program,
its mission and goals, as well as the scopes of previous artist residency projects is available on
the King Residency website.
There have been four King Artists –in-residence to date, each focused on a different topic of
equity and belonging. After the first two residencies, staff refined the call for artists and
launched an artist call for the new round of the King Artist-in-Residency program in December
2023 and had 24 artists apply to the call by the deadline. The panel selected four finalists. The
finalists made public presentations March 7, 2024 about their artistic practice and relevant
experience as well as their conceptual proposal for the King Residency in Palo Alto.
Guided by the approved by City Council 2024/25 PAC work plan and PAC priorities to develop
public art projects that will continue to advance empathy, ethnic and cultural inclusion and
celebration, and social, racial, and gender equity, the Public Art Commissioners discussed the
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King Artist-in-Residence program and emphasized the importance of continuing the program at
the PAC Annual Retreat held on January 31, 2025
ANALYSIS
TIMELINE & RESOURCE IMPACT
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Should the Public Art Commission approve the conceptual design for the artwork, the artist will
begin the detailed design phase and fabrication of the final artwork. Public Art Program staff
will work closely with the artist throughout the duration of this phase to ensure that the artist is
provided with the necessary resources. The final artwork is expected to be completed and
installed in King Plaza in Summer 2026 to remain on display for a period of six to twelve
months.
Public Places Policy of Palo Alto Municipal Code. The Municipal Percent for Art Policy specifies
that the City will budget one percent (1%) of its construction costs to include public art for City
capital improvement projects that have a visual impact on the surrounding environment by
altering a site through new construction or reconstruction, at the initial stages of design,
thereby ensuring that art elements become an integral part of the overall design. In 2015, in
order to strengthen its ongoing commitment to the City’s municipal public art program, the
Palo Alto Council amended the Palo Alto Municipal Code to add Section 2.26.070 "Public Art for
Municipal Projects" to Chapter 2.26 (Visual Art in Public Places). The Ordinance enhanced the
funds available for public art and increased flexibility to provide art experiences that are timely
and relevant throughout the community. According to the Ordinance, one percent (1%) of the
City’s annual Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget devoted to public art is deposited into
the Public Art Fund. Funds may be used at any appropriate site within Palo Alto for permanent
or temporary public art projects. Additionally, funds from two or more CIP projects may be
pooled to fund a single work of art.
ATTACHMENTS
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King Artist Residency Report: Research and
Community Engagement Phases
This report outlines my activities and findings from the initial research and community engagement
phases of my King Artist Residency with the City of Palo Alto. My project explores and celebrates the
diverse stories of BIPOC and immigrant communities within Palo Alto, centering on the themes of
home and belonging.
Phase 1: Research and Outreach
During the initial phase of my residency, I focused on extensive research and outreach to various
organizations and individuals within Palo Alto and the broader Bay Area. My goal was to connect with
groups serving diverse communities, including BIPOC and immigrant populations, and to gather
historical context.
Organizations Contacted:
I contacted a wide range of organizations to understand their work and potential collaborative
opportunities. These included:
Artogether, Kearny Street Workshop, Palo Alto Historical Society, Fopal, Avenidas, Kara, Allcove,
American Muslim Voice, First Congregational Church of Palo Alto, Russian Orthodox Church of Palo
Alto, Palo Alto Buddhist Temple, Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, MACLA, Life Moves, PAUSD,
St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Orthodox Church of Menlo Park, All Saints Episcopal Church, JCC, Silicon
Valley Community Foundation, GenARTS, ArtBuilds Community, Palo Alto Art Center, Nuestra Casa,
Stanford Iranian Studies, EPAcenter, and Palo Alto Adult School.
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Historical Research:
A significant portion of my research involved delving into Palo Alto's history, particularly concerning
immigrant communities. My meetings with Darla Secor and Steve Staiger from the Palo Alto Historical
Society provided me with oral histories and resources, including the book Palo Alto: A Centennial
History by Ward Winslow and the Palo Alto Historical Association.
Summary of Relevant Data from "Palo Alto: A Centennial History" (Ward Winslow):
Early Arrival and Establishment in Mayfield (Mid-to-Late 19th Century): Chinese immigrants
arrived in Mayfield in the 1860s-1870s, drawn by the Gold Rush and railroad construction. A
distinct Chinatown formed near California Avenue and Park Boulevard, where residents worked
as domestic servants, small business owners (laundries, groceries, restaurants), and vegetable
peddlers. Despite harsh conditions, a strong community with social activities and mutual support
thrived.
Discrimination and Hardships (Late 19th - Early 20th Century): The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882
severely restricted immigration, leading to a "bachelor society" and preventing naturalization.
Local anti-Chinese sentiment and discriminatory practices were present, alongside economic
marginalization.
Decline of Mayfield Chinatown and Shift to Palo Alto (Early 20th Century): Factors included the
aging population, economic difficulties, urban development pressures, and a major fire in 1905,
potentially arson. Some Chinese residents relocated to Palo Alto, forming a smaller community
around Emerson Street and Homer Avenue, with notable businesses like Wing Sun Company and
Canton Restaurant.
Toward Integration (Mid-20th Century and Onward): World War II fostered a slight improvement
in public perception due to the U.S.-China alliance. The repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act in
1943 (though with small quotas) and the War Brides Act were crucial for family reunification and
community growth. A significant socio-economic shift occurred, with increased access to higher
education (including Stanford) and entry into professional fields. Geographic dispersal and
increased participation in mainstream social and civic life marked a gradual integration.
Legacy and Contributions: The document highlights the resilience and contributions of the
Chinese community to Palo Alto and Mayfield despite adversity.
Overall Scope and Limitations: The book's focus is almost exclusively on the Chinese immigrant
community. It does not provide detailed information on other Black, Indigenous, People of Color
(BIPOC), or non-Chinese immigrant groups in Palo Alto's history, indicating a need for broader
research sources for a comprehensive understanding.
I met with David Sigua at the library and gained significant insight into the history of the downtown
area. During my visit, I also spoke with a local resident who has lived in Palo Alto for 50 years. She
shared her personal experiences of the city’s past, describing how neighborhoods were historically
segregated and explaining that, at one time, only white residents were permitted to live in certain
parts of town
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Phase 2: Community Engagement
In the second phase, I initiated direct community engagement through surveys, one-on-one
interviews, and workshops to gather contemporary experiences and perspectives on home and
belonging in Palo Alto.
Community Survey Development and Distribution:
I designed a series of questions to elicit personal stories and feelings related to community and
belonging.
During the initial engagement phase, I displayed my residency introduction and questions on
large sheets of paper in the studio during spring open studios so that visitors could engage and
contribute their own responses.
I then organized the questions into an online Google survey and made it accessible in English,
Spanish, Traditional Chinese, Russian, Farsi, and Swedish to ensure broad participation..
Survey Questions:
1.Where is your grandmother from?
2.What language(s) were spoken in your home?
3.What is a food that immediately reminds you of your childhood?
4.What language do you dream in?
5.Word for "community" in your language?
6.A simple tradition you carry on?
7.One word that represents a feeling of belonging for you?
8.If "community" was a color, what would it be for you?
9.What's a small wish you have for this community?
10.Are you interested in participating in our community workshops or speaking with me one-on-one
to share your experience?
Physical Surveys:
I placed physical copies of the surveys and collection boxes for long-term display at the Mitchell Park,
Rinconada, College Terrace, and Downtown libraries. I also distributed them during events at the Palo
Alto Unified School District and the Magical Bridge Friendsgiving. To encourage further engagement, I
created a coloring page to accompany the surveys.
Outreach:
ESL Class Outreach: I spoke to two ESL classes at the library to collect survey responses.
Workshop Collection: I collected surveys at every workshop I conducted.
One-on-One In-Depth Interviews:
I conducted interviews with community members, using a structured set of questions to delve deeper
into their individual experiences. I held one-on-one interviews with library staff and other community
members who had expressed interest in participating in the project.
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Interview Questions:
1.How has your sense of belonging in Palo Alto changed or developed over time?
2.What traditions, objects, or practices from your cultural background help you create a sense of
home here?
3.What one word or short phrase describes what "home" or "belonging" feels like in Palo Alto for
you?
4.Can you share a specific story about a moment in Palo Alto that made you feel truly seen, valued,
or connected?
5.When you imagine a public artwork that celebrates BIPOC and immigrant communities, what
specific images or feelings come to mind?
6.What emotions or messages do you hope this public art piece would evoke in people?
Community Workshops:
I designed a workshop titled "Weaving Stories," which explored various weaving methods to
transform personal photos and papers into unique art pieces.
I found connecting with community members through these workshops to be a beautiful and
insightful experience. During the sessions, I witnessed many wonderful conversations as people met
and shared their stories, bringing in photos of their own histories and backgrounds that were as
diverse as the community itself. Participants brought pictures of their childhood homes, ancestors,
and grandchildren, weaving them together to express themselves through art. It was a powerful way
for them to share their experiences with one another—both visually and through storytelling—as
they worked side-by-side.
Workshops Completed:
Avenidas (Bryant St): August 22nd (16 attendees)
Avenidas (Cubberley): September 19th (17 attendees)
College Terrace Library: September 25th (5 attendees)
Mitchell Park Library: October 3rd (6 attendees)
Downtown Library: October 22nd (4 attendees)
Rinconada Library: October 24th (1 attendee)
Residency Studio: October 29th (9 attendees)
Kara: November 10th (5 attendees)
EPA Senior Center (with Kara): December 1st (11 attendees)
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Phase 2: Completion and Qualitative Analysis
collected the surveys from all locations and compiled the data into a central spreadsheet, along with
the surveys I gathered from the workshops and the results from my one-on-one community
interviews.
Survey Statistics:
Total Responses: 181
(135 English, 24 Spanish, 11 Traditional Chinese, 9 Farsi, 2 Russian).
Country of Origin Data:
Participants identified grandmothers from 45 countries, demonstrating the immense global diversity
of the community. The list includes Norway, Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Belarus, Brazil, China,
Colombia, Cuba, Czeh Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, England, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary,
Iceland, India, Iran, Israel, Japan, Kenya, Latvia, Mexico, Morocco, Norway, Peru, Philippines, Poland,
Poland, Romania, Russia, Scotland, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Tunisia, Turkey,
Ukraine, United States, Vietnam, Yugoslavia
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Mindset Transition (Childhood Food):
I designed specific questions, such as asking for a food that reminds them of their childhood, to
evoke a sense of nostalgia and put participants in the mindset of 'home' before I asked the following
questions about community and belonging. By starting with these sensory memories, I found that
participants were better prepared to reflect on and articulate their deeper feelings.
Linguistic Identity: Mapping Heritage and the Subconscious
I included two specific questions regarding language to explore the different layers of a resident's
identity: the languages spoken in their childhood home and the languages they dream in today.
Across the survey responses, I identified 42 unique languages and dialects—ranging from global
languages like Mandarin, Spanish, Farsi, and Hindi to heritage languages and specific regional dialects
such as Tuvan, Catalan, Yiddish, Kikuyu, and AAVE. I visualized these responses in a word cloud map
to capture the community's vast linguistic landscape. By asking about both home and dream
languages, I aimed to acknowledge the role of heritage in a person's history and the role of language
in their deep, subconscious interior. These data points helped me illustrate the rich, multi-layered
identities that make up the fabric of the Palo Alto community.
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Atmospheric Mapping: The Color of Community
Based on the responses to the question, 'If community was a color, what would it be for you?' I
created a data visualization chart. While the final artwork’s material palette is determined by technical
and site-specific requirements, this chart was essential for mapping the emotional resonance and
collective 'feeling' of the community, serving as a conceptual touchstone for the design’s overall
atmosphere.
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Community Aspirations: The "Small Wish" Analysis
One of the most impactful survey questions I asked was: 'What’s a small wish you have for this
community?' Because every response was unique and deeply personal, I found it difficult to represent
them in a traditional list. Instead, I created a word cloud diagram to showcase the recurring themes
and collective desires of the residents. I have also included some of these specific quotes at the end
of this report.
Reading these responses was incredibly insightful and served as a major inspiration for the design
phase. While the wishes ranged from local concerns to global hopes, several core pillars emerged:
The Desire for Radical Visibility: Many respondents expressed a wish "to be seen as human," to
"not ignore diversity but celebrate it," and for a community where "identities are not blurred but
celebrated." There was a profound call to move past tolerance and toward genuine recognition of
marginalized and minority voices.
A Yearning for Connection and "Third Spaces": A significant number of residents wished for more
"interpersonal activities," "local gatherings," and "third spaces" (like parks and bowling alleys)
where people can relax, hang out, and "reconnect with people of the same ethnic backgrounds."
Relational Kindness: Many wishes were deceptively simple but deeply moving: "smile at
everybody when you walk past them," "be gentle and kind," and "listen to one another with
respect and compassion."
Safety and Healing: From wishes for "zero racism" and "affordable housing" to the poignant hope
for "no more suicides in high school," the community expressed a strong desire for Palo Alto to be
a place of physical and emotional refuge.
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From Insight to Design
These responses revealed a profound yearning for mutual support, visibility, and shared spaces. This
data directly informed my decision to design a piece that is not just a sculpture to be looked at, but a
functional site of connection.
The "Double Helix Bench" responds to the community's wish for "intergenerational groups" and
"collaborative moments" by creating a physical space where strangers are encouraged to sit, interact,
and—quite literally—light up the space together.
Future Integration:
If the budget allows, I plan to select several of these specific "small wishes" to be featured as decals
throughout the plaza. By placing these literal words—such as "To be seen as human" or "Celebrate
our multi-cultural make-up"—near the final artwork, the project will serve as an archive of the
community's hopes for itself.
Phase 3: Design Phase Initiation
Based on the community's desire for connection, I have designed an artwork that combines
sculptural form with social function: a double helix spiral bench with interactive light elements.
Form & Function: The helix shape represents the interwoven stories of the city. The sculpture
serves as a conduit to bring community members together.
Interactive Lighting: The top of the bench features LED lights that activate when people sit on both
sides, symbolizing the spark of connection.
Textual Interventions: If the budget allows, I plan to integrate specific quotes from the "Small
Wish" survey responses as decals throughout the plaza. This would allow the community’s literal
voices to be woven into the physical landscape of the site.
Current Status: I am currently reaching out to fabricators and have received initial quotes to begin
the production process pending the approval by the committee.
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Voices of the Community: Personal Hopes and Wishes
I have included some of the responses I received from community members below to the question:
"What’s a small wish you have for this community?
kindness
be kind, no matter how different
Understanding, empathy, humility, and open-mindedness
simple - I want to feel accepted instead of hated in the community that I love so much. Maybe one
day... hopefully soon.ﺪﻨﺷﺎﺑ ﻪﺘﺷاد باﻮﺧ یاﺮﺑ ﯽﯾﺎﺟ ﻪﻤﻫ و ﻪﻤﻫ یاﺮﺑ ﯽﺘﻣﻼﺳ
多免費的⽼⼈健⾝課程 ②多與臨居互動的機會多了解附近的臨居
Seguridad y hermandad
单亲⺟家得到更多帮助⼉童得到更 多关⼼
more connected, intergenerational diverse groups (less class divide)
not to ignore diversity ( " I don't see color") but to celebrate it
more togetherness
to embrace more people who are not exactly from your background
that we all not only respect, but also understood, each other
To celebrate our multi-cultural make-up and pillars in our community
to be seen as human
Where you can bring your whole self with all your intersectionalities. Where identities are not blurred
but celebrated.
For us to see that we are better because we are diverse - not despite it.
To be inclusive of all minorities (Hindu, Black, Jewish, Asian…) no discrimination
togetherness (unity)
I wish people would be more connected with each other
more togetherness
Sentirnos bienvenidos
Crecer, unirnos y apoyarnos ﺪﯾﻮﻨﺸﺑ ار ناﺮﮕﯾد ﺮﺘﺸﯿﺑ
平安喜乐供我们活动
People living here feel accepted, welcomed, included.
For everyone to be in peace ﺎﯿﻧد یﺎﻫ رﻮﺸﮐ مﺎﻤﺗ یاﺮﺑ ﯽﺘﺳود و ﺢﻠﺻ یوزرآ
que estamos unidos
Espacios felices y seguros
to have fun local gatherings
unity through love
more acceptance & tolerance, more 3rd spaces
more connections
More connection for each other
Empathy
more interpersonal acitvities
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Public Art Commission
FY 2027 Workplan
Staff Liaison: Elise DeMarzo, Public Art Program Director, Nadya Chuprina, Program Coordinator
Lead Department: Community Services / Arts & Sciences
About the Commission The Public Art Commission is composed of seven (7) members. The terms are three (3) years in length and commence on November 1.
Residency is not required. There are no vacancies as of February 12, 2026. The Public Art Commission oversees Palo Alto's temporary
and permanent public art programs. The Commission's primary duties are:
●To advise the city in matters pertaining to the quality, quantity, scope, and style of art in public places
●To periodically review the capital improvement program with the staff for inclusion of works of art in various projects
●To devise methods of selecting and commissioning artists with respect to the design, execution, and placement of art in public
places and to advise staff on the selection and commissioning of artists, and the amounts to be expended on art in public pla ces
●To advise and assist staff in obtaining financial assistance for art in public places from private, corporate, and government al
sources
●To review plans for the installation of art in public places and review the inventory of art in public spaces
Current Commissioners Hsinya Shen (Chair)
Harriet Stern (Vice Chair)
Tara de la Garza
Amber Smith
Simon Tran
Robin Mullery
Anjana Joshi
Draft for PAC Approval
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Mission Statement
The Palo Alto Public Art Program promotes the highest caliber of artwork, commissioning memorable public artworks and
experiences that stimulate discussion and thoughtful reflection, celebrating Palo Alto’s character and enhancing civic pride
and sense of place.
FY 2027 Adopted Priorities:
1. Community & Economic Development Priority: Develop public art that encourages engagement, belonging, and
community participation, and that promotes shared experiences in and around Palo Alto Neighborhoods and
commercial corridors.
This priority actively supports Economic Development by driving foot traffic to local businesses and revitalizing Cubberley
as a vibrant community hub and studio space.
2. Social Justice & Inclusion Priority: Develop public art projects that advance joy, empathy, ethnic and cultural
inclusion, and social, racial, and gender equity.
This priority explores the intersection of art, housing, and the diverse lived experiences of those seeking belonging in Palo
Alto. It focuses on rapidly developing corridors to ensure new shared spaces include interactive art that acts as a catalyst for
community building among diverse neighbors.
3. Public Art Education Priority: Widen and strengthen education and advocacy for public art, including through the
roll-out and implementation of the California Avenue District Master Plan and the Baylands’ Art Plan, and PAMP
long-term goals, while respondin g to current issues and supporting a wider network of artists.
4. Responsible Stewardship & Government Efficiency Priority: Advance Government Efficiency by streamlining public
art processes, protecting City assets, and reducing financial liability through diligent maintenance, conservation,
and responsible deaccessionin g.
Operationalizing Our Priorities
Every public art project undertaken by the City of Palo Alto Public Art Program meets at least three of its four adopted
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priorities through an intentionally extensive design and building process that conscientiously engages diverse community
members. Specifically:
• Community & Economic Development Priority: The design and building process involves diverse groups of
stakeholders representing the community. From artist selection, fact-finding through community dialogue to the
final unveiling, this ensures artwork resonates with local neighborhoods and support s economic vitality by
creating attractions that incentivize people to live and invest in Palo Alto.
• Public Art Education Priority: Engaging artists with the local community during the design process helps artists
understand the community and locality while educating the public about the public art process, supporting
broader educational goals and enhancing advocacy for public art.
Government Efficiency Priority: The PAC actively harnesses lessons from each project to codify institutional knowledge. This
results in streamlined operations, such as pre-qualified artist pools and codified mural and deaccessioning procedures, to
maximize results while minimizing staff time and costs.
Prior Year Accomplishments 1. Code:ART 2025: The fourth edition, held in October 2025, welcomed over 27,000 visitors and featured 8-story
projection artworks by three world-renowned 3D projection mapping artists on the Palo Alto City Hall façade. The
festival also showcased five site-specific installations that reimagined downtown plazas, alleys, and public spaces
through dynamic projections, immersive environments, and responsive sound and light. Beyond the art, Code:ART
2025 offered a rich line-up of live music and dance performances that brought energy and rhythm to downtown
Palo Alto. The festival had strong partnerships with local merchants and community organizations bringing in
approximately $1.3 M in direct economic impact.
2. Permanent Public Art at Public Safety Building and Boulware Park – three site-specific artworks by artist Peter
Wegner commissioned for the new PSB in 2018 including one exterior and two interior artworks were installed
throughout 2025. Developed through a thoughtful and extensive community engagement and design process,
Wegner’s artworks bring a bold and meaningful artistic presence to the new civic building, reflecting the community
it serves. In South Palo Alto, commissioned as part of the Boulware Park redevelopment project, LA-based award-
winning art and design studio UrbanRock Design created and installed a site-specific artwork titled Settlement,
installed in the park in 2025. The interactive sculpture provides casual seating within its wrapped shape. A
continuous ribbon-like strip forms itself loosely into a house shape that presents different profiles from various view
angles. This sense of forming, becoming, and building references the Ventura Neighborhood as a dynamic place of
openness and change.
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3. 2025 King Artist Residency: Aleo Landeta - In 2025, artist Aleo Landeta completed their King Residency project
centered on the lived experiences of the LGBTQAI+ community members residing and/or working in Palo Alto with
the goal of sparking conversations about inclusion, equity, a sense of belonging and bringing Palo Alto’s diverse
communities together through better understanding and compassion. Informed by their engagement with the
LGBTQ+ Community in Palo Alto and beyond Landeta created a site-specific artwork, titled Toward the Then and
There. The sculpture is made of hand-etched stainless steel, LED light, and incorporates a refurbished
payphone with audio testimonies of queer and trans Palo Alto community participants will remain on view through
Summer 2026.
4. 2026 King Artist Residency: Kiana Honarmand – Approved by the PAC as the King Artist Resident in 2025,
Honarmand is focusing her project on the lived experiences and stories of BIPOC and immigrant members of the
Palo Alto community. Through collaborative workshops centered on cultural identity and shared human
experiences, she aims to foster connection, healing, and mutual understanding by creating spaces for community
members to share their narratives. These collective stories will directly inform the creation of a public art
installation, serving as an inclusive beacon that symbolizes resilience, celebrates belonging, and ultimately brings
Palo Alto's diverse communities closer together through the power of shared experience and representation. The
temporary artwork is expected to be on view starting Summer 2026.
5. ArtLift Grant: Utility Box Edition – Nineteen Palo Alto and Bay Area-based artists were commissioned to transform
19 City-owned utility boxes throughout Palo Alto commercial corridors and residential neighborhoods as part of the
ArtLift Grant Program. Taking advantage of unique locations throughout Palo Alto, the artists brought themes of
community connection, empathy, and vibrancy to life through their painted designs. Staff created an interactive
Mapme guide, Scavenger Hunt to help explore all Utility Box Murals throughout town or virtually.
6. Public Art in Private Development – A series of monumental glass mosaic panels designed by artist Kyungmi Shin of
Shin Gray Studio at 3200 Park Boulevard development project (former Fry’s site) in south Palo Alto were installed in
2025. The artwork is inspired by the multi-layered history associated with the site, centering on the life of
Thomas Foon Chew and his Bayside Cannery, and represented by historical photographs of Thomas Foon, the
workers, school children including some of his own family, product labels, and the drawing of the asparagus sorting
machine that was patented by the cannery. Apricot flowers and the fields show the Santa Clara valley growing the
fruit for canning. The second inspiration is the former Fry’s store which for decades helped innovators of the Silicon
Valley with necessary parts to build the new technological innovations including the personal computer.
7. Downtown Murals: Artists Mona Caron and Nigel Sussman completed painting their site-specific murals in
downtown Palo Alto. Caron, commissioned to paint a mural at the site of MAC’s Smoke Shop at 534 Emerson St.,
and Sussman – at the site of the Pacific Art League building at 668 Ramona St. Both murals’ designs were informed
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by unique character, history and natural environments of the area. The new downtown murals were commissioned
as part of the pilot Public Murals on Private Walls program.
8. Maintenance: Each year the Public Art Program receives funding from the City to maintain and care for the City’s
growing permanent art collection. The staff is diligent about maintenance, examples include completion of Phase I
restoration project of the Victor Arnautoff Frescoes at the Roth Building, complete refurbishment of monumental
sculptural work titled Albuquerque by Gale Wagner, and restoration of three Greg Brown murals in downtown Palo
Alto.
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PROJECT/GOAL 2 :
2026 Murals and ArtLift Grants
Based on the successful roll out of murals in 2023-25, Staff is continuing with several mural projects throughout Palo Alto:
● Downtown Mural – A large-scale mural by artist Harumo Sato has been approved by the PAC and will be painted by
the artist at the site of the All Saints Episcopal Church at 555 Waverley Street in 2026, animating an important
commercial corridor in downtown Palo Alto.
● Fire Station 5 Mural – Bodeck Luna, artist and community organizer, will paint a large-scale mural on the roll-up door
of the FS5 in the end of February 2026. The mural design was informed by community outreach to the Barron Park
PROJECT/GOAL 1 :
King Artist Residency: Completion of 2026 Residency by Artist Kiana Honarmand and looking ahead
Kiana Honarmand, current artist-in-residence (AIR), has concluded her community outreach and working on design development
for her temporary installation. Honarmand is focusing her residency project on the lived experiences and stories of BIPOC and
immigrant members of the Palo Alto community with the goal of fostering connection, healing, and mutual understanding by
creating spaces for community members to share their narratives. The residency will culminate in a public presentation and a
published report of her findings and a temporary installation on King Plaza in Summer 2026. PAC and staff will evaluate
launching the next Artist Residency for 2026.
BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES
NEEDED
MEASURE OF
SUCCESS
STATE MANDATED /
LOCAL LAW /
COUNCIL-
APPROVED
Social Justice & Inclusion
Priority; Community & Economic
Development Priority
Funds are available through
percent for art Municipal funds.
Staff resources and time is used
for artist call and the selection
processes. Staff will work with the
artist during the research, design
development and
implementation. Artist used a
studio at the Cubberley Campus.
The Public Art Commission is
committed to a platform for
ongoing conversations about
equity, inclusion, and belonging
in Palo Alto through the arts. As
a result, the King Artist
Residency Program was
established. Community
participation will be measured.
Council referral to the
Public Art Commission
November 2, 2020 the
City Council voted to
refer the development of
public art on King Plaza
reflecting the City’s
commitment to equity.
HIGH
PRIORITY
LOWER
PRIORITY
COUNCIL-
DIRECTED
POLICY UPDATE
High priority for social justice, building community and public art education. Yes
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neighbors and broader Palo Alto community and unique history of Barron Park.
● Digitally Printed Large-Scale Mural for the Sherman Ave Parking Structure façade wall will be realized in 2026.
● ArtLift Grants 2026: up to ten $5,000 grants will be available to selected applicants to fund temporary projects across
various commercial corridors and neighborhoods of Palo Alto, centering on Downtown, California Avenue, and
Cubberley Community Center.
BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES
NEEDED
MEASURE OF
SUCCESS
STATE MANDATED
/ LOCAL LAW /
COUNCIL-
APPROVED
This project promotes two of
the PAC FY27 priorities:
Community & Economic
Development Priority and
Public Art Education Priority.
New murals are scheduled for
spring – summer 2026.
Funds are available through
percent for art Municipal funds.
Staff resources and time will be
used for artist calls and the
selection processes. Staff will
work with the artists during the
design development and
implementation.
Community and stakeholder
feedback
N/A
HIGH
PRIORITY
LOWER
PRIORITY
COUNCIL-
DIRECTED
POLICY
UPDATE
Building community in various Palo Alto neighborhoods, wayfinding, economic development, and enlivening public space Yes
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PROJECT/GOAL 3 :
Integrate Public Art in capital improvement projects (CIP) citywide, such as:
● Fire Station 4: Located in Midtown on the corner of Middlefield and East Meadow, this new building will be near
Mitchell Park and Palo Alto Little League. It is highly visible to the community. Artist Stephen Galloway’s approved art
design was rooted in his research into the role of the fire station in Palo Alto, and the history of this site. The artist is
working on fabrication of artwork. FS4 construction project commenced in 2025 and is expected to be completed in
2027.
● Downtown Parking Garage: Artist Amy Landesberg is working on design development for public art to be integrated
into the new Downtown Parking Structure at Waverley and Hamilton Ave. Once construction at the site commences,
it is anticipated to take 12 months to complete the construction. Staff will return to the PAC with the additional
request for funding for the fabrication and delivery of artwork once the new conceptual design is approved.
BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES
NEEDED
MEASURE OF
SUCCESS
STATE MANDATED
/ LOCAL LAW /
COUNCIL-
APPROVED
Enhancing new buildings with
art. Collaborating with the
public on the location,
interactivity of the projects
and inspiration for the art.
Ongoing Municipal Percent for Art funds,
collaboration with Public
Works, architects, and key
stakeholders.
Community and stakeholder
feedback
N/A
HIGH
PRIORITY
LOWER
PRIORITY
COUNCIL-
DIRECTED
POLICY
UPDATE
These types of projects may promote all four of the PAC FY27 priorities. N/A
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PROJECT/GOAL 4:
Public Art in Private Development
The City of Palo Alto enacted the Art in Private Development Ordinance in January 2014. This ordinance mandates that
commercial developments over 10,000 square feet either commission artwork on their site or contribute to the Public Art Fund.
A few examples of current private developments include:
● Castilleja School: The Castilleja School development project involves modernizing the school by replacing old buildings
with a new academic building and facilities. The commission approved the public art plan for the project in 2023.
Construction project is underway; artwork is in fabrication.
● 660 University Ave: This significant project at University and Middlefield Road will have artwork coming for Commission
review in Spring 2026.
● A number of private development projects with significant footprint along El Camino Real and San Antonio corridors.
BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES
NEEDED
MEASURE OF
SUCCESS
STATE MANDATED /
LOCAL LAW /
COUNCIL-
APPROVED
These types of projects may
promote all four of the PAC FY27
priorities.
These events require careful
planning, review and
recommendations.
Staff time funded by the Public
Art Fund, collaboration with
multiple city departments and
community stakeholders.
Community and stakeholder
feedback
N/A
HIGH
PRIORITY
LOWER
PRIORITY
COUNCIL-
DIRECTED
POLICY UPDATE
Often times, these projects have high visibility and since they are private developments, PAC staff and commission often provide valuable guidance to ensure compliance with the Public Art for Private Development Ordinance
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PROJECT/GOAL 5:
Code:ART 2027
The Code:ART festival continues to attract larger audiences with each edition. Building on the significant success of Code:AR T
2025, the 2027 festival will feature expanded programming and more ambitious artworks in both scale and budget. The 2025
festival benefited from strong partnerships with local merchants and community organizations, drawing more than 27,000
visitors and generating an estimated $1.3 million in economic impact. Planning for Code:ART 2027 is already underway, with
funding allocations and calls to artists anticipated to be released in the coming months.
BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES
NEEDED
MEASURE OF
SUCCESS
STATE MANDATED /
LOCAL LAW /
COUNCIL-
APPROVED
Code:ART brings the community
together to play, interact and
collaborate while supporting
economic development.
Businesses in the University and
Hamilton Avenue downtown
area are adjacent to the crowds
seeking the interactive exhibits.
Planning began in Winter 2026.
The event is scheduled for
October 2027.
It is typical to have a larger
installation on King Plaza, and up
to six additional installations
nearby. Collaboration between
many city departments, local
businesses and volunteers is
necessary. Funds from both the
Municipal percent for art funds
and the private percent for art
funds are used for these festivals.
Participation numbers and
surveys are collected for each
Code:ART event to gather
feedback and metrics.
N/A
HIGH
PRIORITY
LOWER
PRIORITY
COUNCIL-
DIRECTED
POLICY UPDATE
Building Community, Public Art Education N/A
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PROJECT/GOAL 6:
Ongoing Maintenance and Care of the Collection. With a collection of more than 300 artworks, preventative maintenance
and restoration of these valuable City assets are an essential part of a public art program’s operations. Homage to Silence by
Jerome Kirk is an example of permanently sited artwork identified as needing priority conservation treatment.
BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES
NEEDED
MEASURE OF
SUCCESS
STATE MANDATED
/ LOCAL LAW /
COUNCIL-
APPROVED
This project promotes three of
the PAC priorities: Community
& Economic Development
Priority, Public Art Education
Priority and Responsible
Stewardship & Government
Efficiency Priority. Ensuring
that these valuable assets are
maintained properly and
reflect well on the City.
Ongoing The annual maintenance
allocation is fully expended
each year. Staff either perform
preventive conservation
treatments in-house or oversee
contracted art conservators and
specialized professionals as
needed.
Staff is hopeful they will be
successful in securing grant
funding from the County for the
phase II restoration of the
Arnautoff frescoes.
A collection of artworks that
reflect well on Palo Alto and
have not fallen into such
disrepair that more costly
repairs are necessary or the
artwork cannot be saved.
Having well maintained
public art in a City can be an
incentive for people to move
and build here.
Having artworks
fall into disrepair
may leave the
City open to
legal action by
the artists under
the Visual Artists
Rights Act.
HIGH
PRIORITY
LOWER
PRIORITY
COUNCIL-
DIRECTED
POLICY
UPDATE
Public Art Education N/A
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The fourth edition of Code:ART, held in October 2025, welcomed over 27,000 visitors and featured 8-story projection artworks by three world-renowned 3D projection mapping artists on
the Palo Alto City Hall façade. The festival had strong partnerships with local merchants and community organizations bringing in approximately $1.3 M in direct economic impact.
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Code:ART also showcased five site-specific installations
that reimagined downtown plazas, alleys, and public
spaces through dynamic projections, immersive
environments, and responsive sound and light.
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Beyond the art, Code:ART 2025 offered a
rich line-up of live music and dance
performances that brought energy and
rhythm to downtown Palo Alto.
Public Art Commissioners played a crucial
role in realizing Code:ART 2025, including
fostering partnerships with downtown
businesses and volunteering during the
festival nights to lead public tours and
provide information about installations.
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Three site-specific artworks by artist Peter Wegner
commissioned for the new PSB in 2018 including
two interior and one exterior artworks were
installed throughout 2025.
Designs for the permanent artworks were
developed by the artists through a thoughtful and
extensive research and community engagement.
Featured image: Space, Time & Palo Alto, 2024 by
Peter Wegner
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Images above: Chance Impression and 100,000 Decisions by Peter Wegner. Both artworks are on permanent display at the Public Safety Building lobby.
Wegner ’s artworks bring a bold and meaningful artistic presence to the new civic building, reflecting the community it serves.
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Settlement , by LA-based award winning art and
design studio UrbanRock Design, permanently
installed in Boulware Park in 2025, is an interactive
sculpture that provides casual seating within its
wrapped shape. A continuous ribbon-like strip
forms itself loosely into a house shape that
presents different profiles from various view
angles. This sense of forming, becoming, and
building references the Ventura Neighborhood as a
dynamic place of openness and change.
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In 2025, artist Aleo Landeta completed their King Residency project centered on the lived experiences of the LGBTQAI+
community members residing and/or working in Palo Alto with the goal of sparking conversations about inclusion,
equity, a sense of belonging and bringing Palo Alto’s diverse communities together through better understanding and
compassion.
Informed by their engagement with the LGBTQ+ Community in Palo Alto and beyond Landeta created a site-specific
artwork , titled Toward the Then and There. The sculpture is made of hand-etched stainless steel , LED light , and
incorporates a refurbished payphone with audio testimonies of queer and trans Palo Alto community participants will
remain on view through Summer 2026.
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Approved by the PAC as the King Artist Resident in 2025, Honarmand is focusing her project on the lived
experiences and stories of BIPOC and immigrant members of the Palo Alto community. Through
collaborative workshops centered on cultural identity and shared human experiences, she aims to foster
connection, healing, and mutual understanding by creating spaces for community members to share their
narratives. These collective stories will directly inform the creation of a public art installation, serving as an
inclusive beacon that symbolizes resilience, celebrates belonging, and ultimately brings Palo Alto's diverse
communities closer together through the power of shared experience and representation. The temporary
artwork is expected to be on view starting Summer 2026.
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Nineteen Palo Alto and Bay Area-based artists
were commissioned to transform 19 City-owned
utility boxes throughout Palo Alto commercial
corridors and residential neighborhoods as part
of the ArtLift Grant Program.
Taking advantage of unique locations
throughout Palo Alto, the artists brought themes
of community connection, empathy, and
vibrancy to life through their painted designs.
Staff created an interactive Mapme guide,
Scavenger Hunt to help explore all Utility Box
Murals throughout town or virtually.
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A series of monumental glass
mosaic panels designed by artist
Kyungmi Shin of Shin Gray Studio
at 3200 Park Boulevard
development project (former Fry’s
site) in south Palo Alto were
installed in 2025.
The artwork is inspired by the
multi-layered history associated
with the site, centering on the life
of Thomas Foon Chew and his
Bayside Cannery, and represented
by historical photographs of
Thomas Foon, the workers, school
children including some of his own
family, product labels, and the
drawing of the asparagus sorting
machine that was patented by the
cannery. Apricot flowers and
the fields show the Santa Clara
valley growing the fruit for canning.
The second inspiration is the
former Fry ’s store which for
decades helped innovators of the
Silicon Valley with necessary parts
to build the new technological
innovations including the personal
computer.
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Artists Mona Caron and Nigel
Sussman completed painting
their site-specific murals in
downtown Palo Alto.
Caron, painted a mural at the
site of MAC’s Smoke Shop at
534 Emerson St. featuring
the Western Leatherwood
(Dirca occidentalis), a rare,
endemic Bay Area species
and captures the plant at the
luminous moment of its early
spring bloom and celebrating
its delicacy, persistence, and
deep connection to the
region’s natural ecology.
Nigel Sussman’s mural at the
site of the Pacific Art League
building at 668 Ramona St. is
inspired by the history of the
region, and of the building
itself. He layered references
to local history, architecture,
culture, and native flora and
fauna . During his design
development , the artist did a
site visit, spoke with local
historians, librarians,
residents, and PAL staff, and
completed his own personal
research to gather input to
inform his design.
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Image above: View of completed mural by Nigel Sussman, Palo Alto Discoveries, completed in January 2026. The new downtown murals were commissioned
as part of the pilot Public Murals on Private Walls program.
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Dirca Occidentalis, 2026 by artist Mona Caron. The mural is located on the alleyway wall of Mac ’s Smoke Shop at 534 Emerson Street in downtown Palo Alto.
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Each year the Public Art Program receives funding from the City to maintain and care for the City’s growing permanent art collection.
Permanent and temporary artworks are regularly cleaned and receive preventative treatments to protect them from the elements.
Some of the works receive more extensive conservation and repair treatments. Featured images: A monumental sculpture Albuquerque,
1982 by Gale Wagner after its complete restoration treatment in 2025. Right: artist Gale Wagner onsite with staff and art conservators
confirming the paint color for the sculpture.
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Public Art Commission
Staff Report
From: Elise DeMarzo, Manager Community Services Sr Programs
Meeting Date: February 12, 2026
Report #: 2602-5906
TITLE
Downtown Murals – Approval of conceptual design of mural by artist Harumo Sato to be
painted in downtown Palo Alto in Spring 2026.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Public Art Commission approve conceptual design by artist Harumo
Sato for a long-term temporary mural to be painted in downtown Palo Alto.
BACKGROUND
Based on the successful previous roll-out of the Temporary Murals Pilot Program on California
Avenue in 2023 and guided by the PAC 2024/25 working priorities to bring murals to Palo Alto
neighborhoods and commercial corridors, in early 2024 the Public Art Program staff released an
open call for walls focused on the Downtown and Midtown areas. The call was open to private
property owners interested in having a mural commissioned on their public facing wall. Staff
secured permissions at three downtown locations to host long-term temporary murals: Mac’s
Smoke Shop at 534 Emerson Street, Pacific Art League at 668 Ramona Street, and All Saints
Episcopal Church at 555 Waverley Street. In February 2024, PAC approved funding in the
amount of $43,000 to commission the three murals. Staff utilized its Pre-Approved Muralist
Roster to identify project artists. 126 artists responded to staff to confirm their interest in being
considered for the project. A selection panel comprised of Palo Alto based arts professionals,
community members, a Public Art Commissioner and city staff evaluated the top 60 qualified
artists online and later reviewed and discussed twenty at a selection panel meeting in June
2024. Artists Mona Caron, Nigel Sussman, and Harumo Sato were the highest ranked
applicants, and each was approved by the property owners. The three artists were approved by
the PAC and signed contracts to create site-specific designs and paint murals in June 2024.
However, the projects were put on hold due to an unexpected, statewide general-contractor
licensing issue. In 2025, Senate Bill 456 was introduced and enacted, exempting artists who
paint or restore murals from the previous requirement to hold a contractor’s license. Staff has
remained in contact with the project artists and host sites throughout the entire process to
keep the parties informed and ready to resume the projects once the new legislation is
enacted.
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CONCEPTUAL DESIGN BY HARUMO SATO
Harumo Sato is a visual artist born in Japan and residing in Mountain View. With a diverse
international background, she resided in Japan, France, Morocco, Tunisia, Italy, and Spain, she
is currently, a resident artist with the City of Palo Alto’s Cubberley Artist Studio Program. Her
passion for sustainability and the harmonious relationship between humanity and nature
extends from her studio practice to her work in public art. Sato has completed large-scale mural
commissions as Google, Meta, MidPen Housing, and the University at Buffalo, among others.
Sato’s conceptual design for a mural, titled Pah-Pah-Pah-Pah, Jya-Jyan! for a prominent exterior
wall at the Episcopal Church of All Saints at 555 Waverley Street in downtown Palo Alto, draws
inspiration from music as a powerful medium for connection.
Sato explains: “Music and color function as dynamic connectors, drawing people into a shared
experience that can shift perception and awareness. Music—through playing, listening, or
movement—serves as a common language, cultivating presence and a sense of
connection. Color operates similarly, generating visual rhythm and shaping perception without
words. Through vibrancy and repetition, it animates the mural’s surface and invites instinctive
responses, much like sound does in music. Experiencing this interplay of music and color
creates a sense of lightness and joy. The title of the mural further extends this sensory
connection through sound. Jyan Jyan, a Japanese onomatopoeia, evokes melodic rhythm in a
manner similar to expressions such as pah-pah-pah-pah in English”.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
The property owner and staff for the All Saints Episcopal Church previously reviewed and
approved the conceptual design of the mural. Upon approval of the artist’s conceptual design
by the PAC, the staff will coordinate painting dates with the artist and the site host. The
painting will take place in Spring 2026. The mural will be temporary in nature with a minimum
life span of five years. The mural is funded through the City’s Art in Public Places CIP fund.
The City of Palo Alto Public Art Program operates in accordance with Chapter 2.26 Visual Art in
Public Places Policy of Palo Alto Municipal Code. The Municipal Percent for Art Policy specifies
that the City will budget one percent (1%) of its construction costs to include public art for City
capital improvement projects that have a visual impact on the surrounding environment by
altering a site through new construction or reconstruction, at the initial stages of design,
thereby ensuring that art elements become an integral part of the overall design. In 2015, in
order to strengthen its ongoing commitment to the City’s municipal public art program, the
Palo Alto Council amended the Palo Alto Municipal Code to add Section 2.26.070 "Public Art for
Municipal Projects" to Chapter 2.26 (Visual Art in Public Places). The Ordinance enhanced the
funds available for public art and increased flexibility to provide art experiences that
are timely and relevant throughout the community. According to the Ordinance, one percent
(1%) of the City’s annual Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget devoted to public art is
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deposited into the Public Art Fund. Funds may be used at any appropriate site within Palo Alto
for permanent or temporary public art projects. Additionally, funds from two or more CIP
projects may be pooled to fund a single work of art.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Digital rendering of the conceptual design for a mural by Harumo Sato.
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Pah-Pah-Pah-Pah,
Jya-Jyan!
Mural Design at 555 Waverley Palo Alto
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Mural Design
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Public Art Commission
Staff Report
From: Elise DeMarzo, Manager Community Services Sr Programs
Meeting Date: February 12, 2026
Report #: 2602-5904
TITLE
Sherman Avenue Parking Garage Temporary Mural – Approval of funds in the amount up to
$35,000 for installation of hardware and artwork on the Sherman Avenue Garage.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that Public Art Commission approve funding in the amount of up
to $35,000 for installation of mounting hardware and mural artwork digitally printed
in mesh banner material to be displayed on the exterior wall of the Sherman Ave
Parking Structure.
BACKGROUND
The California Avenue District Public Art Plan, informed by extensive community engagement
and adopted by the Public Art Commission in March 2021, outlines recommendations for
integrating public art throughout the California Avenue District. These recommendations
include commissioning both temporary and permanent artworks that enhance wayfinding and
the pedestrian experience, celebrate the district’s unique character, and contribute to
economic vitality by attracting visitors through iconic public art.
Consistent with the Public Art Plan guidelines and building on the successful rollout of the
Temporary Murals Pilot Program on California Avenue in 2023, the 2024–25 Council-approved
Public Art Commission Workplan identified the commissioning of large-scale, temporary
banner-style murals for prominent display on the exterior wall of the recently constructed
Sherman Avenue public parking garage as a priority project.
ANALYSIS
During 2025, public art staff, in consultation with the City’s Public Works Department, explored
the feasibility of integrating a permanent mounting system to support the installation of large-
scale, digitally printed temporary murals. These murals would be displayed on a rotating basis
for periods of six to twelve months. Staff conducted the necessary structural studies and
worked with a structural engineer to design an appropriate support system, which was
reviewed and approved by the City’s Building Department. Staff also obtained proposals and
cost estimates from hardware installation and banner printing vendors. With the plans for the
structural work approved, staff is prepared to proceed with artist selection and design
development for the temporary mural project. Staff intends to utilize the City’s pre-qualified
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artist pool to identify artists with the appropriate skill sets to develop conceptual mural designs
for submission as digital artwork. The total estimated cost associated with the installation of
permanent mounting hardware, obtaining necessary permits, and printing and installation of
the temporary banner-style mural, and artist fees for mural design development is $35,000.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
ATTACHMENTS
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Attachment A: Photograph of the exterior wall of the Sherman Avenue Parking Structure
proposed for mural installation.
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