HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-09-17 Public Art Commission Agenda PacketPUBLIC ART COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
Thursday, September 17, 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 76, 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
General Public Comment for items not on the agenda will be accepted for up to three minutes
or an amount of time determined by the Chair. In-person comments will be heard at the
beginning of the agenda and remote comments will be heard at the end of the agenda. 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.
IN-PERSON PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda. 1-3 minutes depending on number of speakers. In-person
comments will be heard at the beginning of the agenda and remote comments will be heard at the end of the agenda.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1.August 20, 2026 Public Art Commission Meeting Minutes.
CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS
NON-ACTION ITEMS
2.Public Art in Private Development – Interim Review of a public art in private
development project located at 3415-3431 Hillview Avenue and 900 – 910 Arastradero
Road. Presentation by Danielle Fox of SLATE Art Consulting and the project team at
Harvest Properties.
ACTION ITEMS
3.Code:ART 2027 - Allocation of funds from the Public Art Fund for projection
mapping artworks.
COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS OR FUTURE MEETINGS AND
AGENDAS
Members of the public may not speak to the item(s)
VIRTUAL PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda. 1-3 minutes depending on number of speakers. In-person
comments will be heard at the beginning of the agenda and remote comments will be heard at the end of the agenda.
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 ,
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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
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◦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
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service.
IS POSTED IN ACCORDANCE
WITH GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION
54954.2(a) OR SECTION 54956
PUBLIC ART COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Community Meeting Room & Virtual
7:00 p.m.
Commissioners Participating: Hsinya Shen, Robin Mullery, Anjana Joshi, Tara de la Garza,
Harriet Stern, Amber Smith (remotely)
Commissioner Smith requested to participate remotely;
however, the basis for her request did not qualify as “just
cause” under the provisions of SB 707 (Gov. Code § 54953).
Commissioner Smith remained connected remotely and
participated in the discussion. Her votes were not counted in
the motions. The Commission maintained a quorum of
members present in the meeting room, and the outcome of the
motions was not affected.
Commissioners Absent: Simon Tran
City Council Participating: George Lu
Staff Present: Elise DeMarzo, Public Art Program Director, CSD
Amanda Deml, Assistant Director, CSD
Nadya Chuprina, Public Art Program Coordinator, CSD
CALL TO ORDER –Chair Shen called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
AGENDA CHANGES, REQUESTS, DELETIONS – Chair Shen requested that NON-ACTION Item #4 would be
presented to the Commission after ACTION Item #1.
IN-PERSON PUBLIC COMMENT - None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES – June 20, 2026 PAC Regular Meeting Minutes: Moved by Vice Chair Stern.
Second by Commissioner de la Garza All in Favor.
STAFF COMMENTS –Staff updated the PAC on the recent completion of installation of permanent
anchoring system and a temporary banner-style mural by artist Phillip Hua at the Sherman Ave parking
structure. The mural will remain on display for approximately a year. A public tour and celebration with
the artist present are scheduled on September 10 from 5-6 pm. Staff also provided an update regarding
the promised gift of a ceramic sculpture by late artist Viola Frey and recently formalized agreement with
the donor. Staff shared images of recently installed and ongoing ArtLift Grant projects and provided a
schedule for upcoming community engagement workshops across Palo Alto. Staff also announced an
ongoing recruitment for Boards and Commissions, including two open vacancies for the PAC.
Submissions are due September 2.
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ACTION:
1. Public Art in Private Development – Staff introduced art consultant Danielle Wohl and
developer Gary Johnson of Acclaim Companies, who presented the final public art proposal for
the 3150 El Camino Real private development project. The project team provided an overview of
the project background, location, budget, intended use, and architectural plans, and discussed
the vision for the public art and the artist selection process. UK-based artist Giles Miller was
selected to create a site-specific artwork to be architecturally integrated into the building. Miller
joined the meeting remotely and introduced his work to the Commission, sharing examples of
previously completed public artworks and discussing the influences and creative processes
informing his design development. Miller presented his conceptual design, titled Migration. The
suspended artwork will be integrated into the exterior of the building’s main entrance and is
inspired by the Bayland’s bird habitats. The artwork will measure approximately 38’ x 7’ x 48’
and will be prominently positioned and visible to members of the public traveling along El
Camino Real on foot, by bike, and in vehicles. Commissioners reviewed the proposal, asked
clarifying questions, and provided feedback to the project team. Discussion included the
visibility of the artwork in relation to proposed trees, which the team said they would look into;
future maintenance and potential repairs; whether the artwork would be accessible to touch or
susceptible to damage; and whether lighting would be incorporated to allow the artwork to be
experienced and highlighted after dark. Motion: Commissioner Mullery moved to approve the
public art in plan associated with the 3150 El Camino Real development project. Second:
Commissioner de la Garza. All in Favor
NON-ACTION:
4. Public Art in Private Development - Staff introduced art consultant Danielle Fox of SLATE Art
Consulting, who presented the private development project located at 3415–3431 Hillview
Avenue and 900–910 Arastradero Avenue for initial review and input from the PAC regarding
potential public art locations, themes, and types of artwork appropriate for the site. Fox
provided an overview of the development project, located in Stanford Research Park, and
described the developer’s plans to renovate the property that includes the former VMware
headquarters, including architectural and landscape improvements to create a multi-tenant
campus. Fox presented existing conditions and proposed campus plans and identified potential
locations for public art, including an existing central campus corridor that could accommodate a
series of free-standing artworks presented as a cohesive collection. The consultant also
discussed the development team’s approach to art selection, proposed art budget, and project
timeline. Commissioners provided feedback regarding the project, including concerns about
campus signage currently prohibiting visitors, accessibility and the ability of the general public to
locate, view, and experience the proposed art collection. Commissioners encouraged
consideration of a cohesive thematic approach to the new pieces, artwork that is responsive to
the site and surrounding spaces, appropriate scale, and opportunities for exploration and
interactivity. Commissioners noted that with such a large campus and the addition of seating
areas and amenities, that sculptures in natural tones may get lost visually. Several
commissioners encouraged the use of color or polished metals for an interactive aspect to the
artworks that will stand out. Commissioners also noted the potential to commission works by
local Palo Alto and Bay Area artists. Comprehensive onsite signage was recommended to
support public engagement and educational opportunities. No action was taken as part of the
initial review. The art consultant and project team will return to the PAC in September for an
interim informational update and in October 2027 for final review and approval.
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ACTION:
2. Code:ART 2027 – Staff provided an overview of the last Code:ART interactive media festival held
in October 2025, including its format, participating artists, estimated attendance, key metrics,
and economic impact. Based on both public and artists’ feedback and production experience for
the last event edition, staff is proposing a new four-night format for the event, Oct 13-16, 2027.
Staff then recommended that the Commission allocate funding in the amount of up to $70,000
from the Art in Public Places CIP for temporary interactive art installations to be placed across
various locations in downtown Palo Alto during Code:ART 2027. Staff will come back to the PAC
separately to request funding for projection mapping projects. Motion: Commissioner Yoshi
moved approve funding allocation in the amount of up to $70,000 out of the Art in Public Places
CIP for temporary art installation for Code:ART 2027. Second: Commissioner de la Garza. All in
Favor.
3. Acceptance of Gift of Artwork – Staff presented information and digital images of artworks
titled Canopy VII and Girl from Malaysia by CASP artists Adrienne Defendi and Eric Fei Gaun
respectively offered by the artists to the City in accordance with the Cubberley Artist Studio
Program (CASP) agreement. The artwork offered for donation by Defendi is a unique cyanotype
on a watercolor paper, tones in redwood bark tannin. Canopy VII celebrates the multiple stages
of renewal of the canopy, from the charred burnt trees to new evergreen growth. This image is
part of the larger series Canopy Constellations: Tracing the Sky-to-Brush-Pile Trail that pays
tribute to the Big Basin Redwood State Park’s resilience after the CZU lightning fires of August
2020 a digital inkjet print collage on wood. The artwork, offered for donation by artist Eric Fei
Guan, is an oil painting created during a live-model painting session at the Palo Alto Art Center
and depicts a model originally from Malaysia. The artwork reflects Guan's practice of working
directly from life. Motion: Commissioner de la Garza moved to accept donations of artwork to
the City’s public art collection. Second: Commissioner Mullery. All in Favor.
COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, OR FUTURE ITEMS: Vice Chair Stern announced a
Sister Cities exhibition at Pacific Art League open through August 22. Staff announced an upcoming
public tour on California Ave and suggested that commissioners may consider leading such public tours
quarterly.
PUBLIC COMMENT – None
CALENDAR: PAC Regular Meeting -September 17, 2026, at 7:00 pm.
MEETING ADJOURNED: at 8:41 pm by Chair Shen.
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Public Art Commission
Staff Report
From: Elise DeMarzo, Manager Community Services Sr Programs
Meeting Date: September 17, 2026
Report #: 2609-6754
TITLE
Interim Review of a public art in private development project located at 3415-3431 Hillview
Avenue and 900 – 910 Arastradero Road. Presentation by Danielle Fox of SLATE Art Consulting
and the project team at Harvest Properties.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Public Art Commission review the private development project
located at 3415–3431 Hillview Avenue and 900–910 Arastradero Avenue and provide further
feedback to the applicant team regarding the design direction of proposed artwork locations
and types, as well as considerations related to public accessibility, visibility, and art signage.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
The project at 3415-3431 Hillview Avenue and 900-910 Arastradero qualifies for the Private
Percent for Art Requirement under Municipal Code chapter 16.61. The applicant met with
Public Art staff to discuss the options for integration of public art into the project. The applicant
has submitted a public art application indicating a public art 1% allocation of $600,000.
The applicant made an initial presentation of the development project to the Public Art
Commission on August 20, 2026, seeking the Commission’s input and recommendations
regarding potential locations, types, and themes of artwork appropriate for the project site.
For the September 17 PAC meeting, the applicant returns to present a list of identified potential
artists and artworks, along with proposed placement locations and considerations related to
public accessibility and art signage, for further Commission input. (See Attachment A)
TIMELINE AND RESOURCE IMPACT
Because the existing campus buildings will remain and much of the construction work will focus
on tenant improvements, landscaping, hardscape, and grading, the project is anticipated to
move forward on an expedited timeline.
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The project team is anticipated to return to the Public Art Commission for Final Review and
Approval in October 2026. The artworks are scheduled to be delivered and installed onsite in
July 2027.
ATTACHMENTS
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STANFORD RESEARCH PARK
PROPOSAL FOR A PUBLIC ART PROGRAM
September 10, 2026
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LOCATION
SITING THE ARTWORK FOR THE PUBLIC
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CAMPUS LOCATION
Stanford Research Park sits south of downtown Palo Alto
and East of the Stanford campus. While the section along
Page Mill Road is well known and well traveled, another
area, loosely defined by the triangle between Foothill
Expressway, Arastradero Road, and Hillview Ave, sits to
the south east of that.
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CAMPUS LOCATION
Most of the area in this triangle was
developed around 2008 to be VMWare’s
global headquarters.
Following Broadcom’s acquisition of
VMWare in 2023, they consolidated their
footprint and sold the southern-most 13-
building section of the campus to Harvest
Properties.
After standing empty for several years,
Harvest is currently applying for a permit
to renovate the property, adding
architectural and landscape upgrades to
transform it into a lively multi-tenant
campus.
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CAMPUS DESIGN
Originally designed to be
a “campus in the forest,”
the property features
over 2600 trees, several
open areas, bike paths,
and walkways, creating
something that feels
more like a university
campus or public park,
rather than your typical
office park.
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ARTWORK LOCATION: The Spine
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?
An exciting art placement opportunity
presents itself at the center of the campus
— an architectural axis known as “The
Spine.”
The Spine offers a unique opportunity for
not just one piece of art, but a collection
of free-standing works that, taken
together, would comprise a Sculpture
Walk.
The intention is to provide both a
narrative rhythm for anyone walking the
length of the spine with multiple
opportunities for discovery.
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ARTWORK LOCATION: The Spine - Original Design
The Spine includes a
subtle change of grade
and features a path that
runs along a retired
water feature. It is lined
on both sides with trees.
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ARTWORK LOCATION: The Spine - Existing Conditions
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ARTWORK LOCATION: The Spine - New Design
Architecture and landscape are designed to be harmonious.Spaces for gathering designed to invite connection and play
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ARTWORK LOCATION: The Spine - New Design
Architectural structures to provide seating and shade are being built at the key intersections along the spine.
The defunct fountain will become a series of planters.
New paved areas are being carved out to create outdoor living rooms and gathering spaces.
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ARTWORK LOCATION: The Spine - A Sculpture Walk
Three public artworks are already in place between the
Hillview entry and the Spine. These include (marked on
the map with a blue dot ):
Daniel Winterich, Approach,
2017, steel
Shadows cast on the pavers
below are part of the work
and change with the position
of the sun.
Roger Berry, Djin, 1979
Steel and dichroic glass cast colored
shadows that move across the buildings
and pavement below over the course of a
day.
Alden Holsopple, Cloud with Silver Lining,
c. 1972
Suspended steel sculpture honors the
inherent energy and changing nature of
a storm with open energetic shapes that
look like a dancer mid-leap from certain
angles.
Our strategy is to add seven
additional artworks to the
campus collection, set out at
intervals along the Spine, to
create a group of sculptures
that can be visited on foot, as
a Sculpture Walk experience.
Each artwork plays a role in
defying expectations that
sculptures are static, mute
objects. As the existing works
already show, sculpture can
be dynamic, illustrating
movement and changing in
response to the viewer and
the surrounding
environment.
The new sculptures will
continue this theme,
responding to changing light
and environmental
conditions, as well as the
position of viewers. They will
all be human in scale,
offering opportunities to
notice how our bodies
respond to artworks and how
the works respond to us.
Above all, we hope that they
will inspire visual,
intellectual, and physical
engagement.
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THE SPINE - Access
ACCESS
The Sculpture Walk will be an amenity for both tenants,
workers, visitors, and to the general public.
Campus roadways and pedestrian walkways are fully
accessible to the public, 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.
Visitors can arrive via the Hillview entry, park in visitor
parking, and walk through the “Town Square” and down
an outdoor staircase to the Spine. Visitors with limited
mobility will be directed to parking at the bottom of the
Spine to avoid the stairs.
SIGNAGE
Clear signage at the entry will direct visitors to the Spine
and to the Sculpture Walk.
Plaques will provide not only the name, title, and date of
the artwork, as is typical, but also a short paragraph with
background about the artist and the work, to deepen
education and engagement. Technologies like QR codes
and Google Maps locations could be utilized to further
increase visibility and accessibility.
A plaza with planters and
seating will comprise a
“Town Square” gathering
space near the Hillview
entry.
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SCULPTURES
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PUBLIC ART APPROACH: A SCULPTURE WALK
QUANTITY: We are proposing to place 5 freestanding sculptures on the campus, plus 2 sculptures
that are designed to also provide seating.
SCALE: Work will be 6-7 ft high, approachable and relatable to humans.
MATERIALS: Sculpture will be primarily polished steel. One piece will be in exterior grade aluminum.
The two teardrops will be mild steel painted with industrial grade urethane paint.
LOOK & FEEL: Polished surfaces will reflect and harmonize with the natural environment, inviting
visitor engagement.
Strong silhouettes, subtle chromatics, and elegant finishes will make sure that the work
does not blend in too much with the environment.
Art is mainly abstract with one figurative piece.
ARTISTS: Work by different artists, including those with local and international representation, will
offer variety, interest, and discovery.
ACQUISITION: Budget and timeline will be maximized by purchasing pre-existing artworks, and
commissioning editioned works based on pre-existing designs.
SELECTION: As Art Consultant, SLATE Art Consulting has worked with the developer and their
landscape and design teams to review dozens of options, narrowing down the selections
to those offered here.
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PUBLIC ART APPROACH: PROPOSED ARTISTS & ARTWORKS
Matt Gil (San Francisco)Oleg Lobykin (East Palo Alto)Jeremy Guy (England/Canada)
Frank K (France)
United by strong silhouettes and polished
surfaces, these contemporary sculptures will
be distinguished from the surrounding
landscape, while the mirrored finishes will
also reflect and harmonize with the natural
surroundings.
The works will be dynamic and responsive:
each piece will change its look depending on
where the viewer stands in relationship to it
and how the light is shifting through the day.
They invite both contemplation and
engagement.
We have selected work by local
Bay Area artists to be
presented alongside sculptures
by North American and
European artists, to comprise a
truly world-class art collection.
Oregon Sculptor CJ
Rench will be
commissioned to
make two of these
interactive teardrop
sculptures that also
function as seating.
CJ Rench (Oregon)
Bettina Seitz (Germany/Ireland)
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Bettina Seitz (Germany/Ireland)
Bettina Seitz’ Untitled (Two Figures) invites meditation on the human form and
relationships. Here two cast aluminum figures are solid and stationary, but clearly
together, walking a parallel path.
For visitors coming from the Hillside parking lot, these will be the first sculptures
encountered on the Spine. Think of them as your welcome committee and your guides as
you embark on your sculpture walk.
Bettina Seitz, Untitled
(Two Figures), Aluminum,
79x20x20”
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Bettina Seitz (Germany/Ireland)
•International artist: Bettina Seitz grew up in Germany, studied sculpture at The Accademia Albertina
di Belle Arti in Italy, then settled in Leitrim/Sligo, Ireland, where she has worked for 30 years.
•Multidisciplinary artist: Seitz works in film, stage design, installation, and makes sculpture in a
variety of materials.
•International presence: Seitz’ artwork has been exhibited in a wide range of spaces, from the Dublin
Airport to museums in the United Kingdom and beyond. Her work is also in private collections in
Ireland, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, UK, Austria, USA, South Africa, and Mozambique. She has
received extensive awards for her work, including the Arts Council of Ireland Commissions and
Agility Awards. Her most recent residency has been this year, working at the Leitrim Sculpture
Centre in Ireland through a Technical Development Residency.
EXAMPLES OF OTHER WORKS BY THIS ARTIST
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Jeremy Guy (England/Canada)
Jeremy Guy, Mobius H6
Polished stainless steel
77x21x17”
Jeremy Guy’s Mobius series is a sculptural exploration of the Mobius strip
— traditionally, a one-sided surface (also known as an infinity loop) that
has been regarded as a symbol of balance and union by many cultures. The
Mobius strip concept has been the source of much mathematical &
philosophical contemplation. Created in mirror polished stainless steel,
this piece actively negotiates the relationship between form and nature,
reflecting vertical and dimensional movement, as well as the light balance
surrounding the sculpture and viewer. The sleek surface offers both natural
harmony in the space and minimalist, fluid clarity.
This piece invites visitors to pause and notice the way the environment shows up in
the work. One of the more subtle sculptures in the collection, it establishes a quiet
moment that invites reflection and observation.
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Jeremy Guy (England/Canada)
•International artist: Jeremy Guy is a British-born Canadian sculptor known for his refined abstract
works in stone, engineered stone, bronze and stainless steel. Raised in West Yorkshire, England, he
graduated from Leeds Metropolitan University with a degree in Product Design before beginning his
career as a full-time sculptor. He moved to Canada in 2007.
•Guy’s sculptures are inspired by the elegant forms created through natural forces, from stones shaped
by centuries of erosion to rippling water, windswept landscapes and patterns found in biology.
•Accomplished professional: Guy’s sculptures are held in public, corporate and private collections
internationally. Notable placements include the Place du Casino in Monte-Carlo, M2M Colombo in
Sri Lanka, Queen Ethelburga’s College Sculpture Park in England, Orchard Residences in Singapore,
the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Baltimore, and the Ritz-Carlton in Toronto.
EXAMPLES OF OTHER WORKS BY THIS ARTIST
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Frank K (France)
In Mirror “with fold” 148, viewers become active
members of optical artistic creation, morphing into
images and perceptions that only they can see. Franck
K’s work, which emphasizes individual perspectives
and experiences, uses mirror-polished stainless steel
and specialized shaping techniques to warp light and
reflections. As the name suggests, the surface mirrors,
folds, and transforms its surroundings through its
fluid, constantly moving appearance.
This piece also reflects its surroundings but is much more
dynamic. The undulations of the surface abstract the world
around it and create constant movement that is responsive
to the viewer’s own shifting body and perspective. Thus, it
invites its audience to move in response to the work, and to
observe how their own physical presence and action impacts
the art in front of them.
Frank K, Mirror “with fold”
148, Stainless steel,
60x58x20”
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Frank K (France)
•International artist: Franck K works in Pau, Southwest France, as a self-taught artist who has been
making sculptures since the age of eight, drawing from his experience watching water while on
docks and quarries in France. Frank K trained first in boiler-making and aeronautical and industrial
design. His work with metal has since blossomed into an artistic practice that is continuously
evolving and growing as he finds new inspiration from both nature and the metal-shaping process.
•Hands-on-Artist: Franck K creates all tools used in his artistic work. He pauses frequently in his
practice to observe how reflected images change and allowing that inspiration to guide his next
movement.
•Accomplished professional: His works have been installed in a wide variety of locations, including a
permanent installation at Grand Hôtel des Bains, in Lavey-les-Bains, Switzerland. He has exhibited
in France, Belgium, and Ibiza.
EXAMPLES OF OTHER WORKS BY THIS ARTIST
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Oleg Lobykin (East Palo Alto)
Oleg Lobykin, Cube series.
This piece would be scaled down to
approximately 7x2x3’
Cube Series stacks multiple cubes one atop another in an off-
kilter arrangement that seems to defy gravity. Geometric in
format, the polished surfaces of this piece reflect back the
changing qualities of the surrounding landscape, taking on a
different skin as the daylight shifts, elegantly incorporating
nature and site into the work.
This piece is much more architectural, yet it changes its shape
and surface images as the viewer moves past it. One walk past it
might render two or three different sculptures, depending on the
viewer’s perspective. How can something so solid appear different
every time we see it?
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Oleg Lobykin (East Palo Alto)
•Local artist: Originally from Russia, Lobykin has been living and working in Silicon Valley for
several decades.
•Works in many scales and many materials. Originally trained as a stone carver, he has expanded into
working with concrete, fiberglass, and steel.
•Highly accomplished professional: Lobykin has work in the collections of Stanford University, The
Presidio Trust, The City of Cupertino, The City of San Jose, Cathedral Stoneworks Inc., The Denver
Public Library, Yale University, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Cathedral Church St. John
the Divine, The Jewish Museum NYC, among many others. The would be the first piece by him in
Palo Alto’s art collection.
EXAMPLES OF OTHER WORKS BY THIS ARTIST
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Matt Gil (San Francisco)
Matt Gil, String of Beads,
Stainless steel with marble
base, 76x20x12”
String of Beads illustrates its subject as a carve-out. Instead of
illustrating the beads themselves, the beads have been cut out of a
shape, rendering the negative space around them a form in itself.
The string carries through and out of the piece, keeping it open
rather than closed. The sculpture’s human scale and curved shape
give it a slightly anthropomorphic quality, as if it was a person who
was turning or shrugging a shoulder as they speak. This
asymmetrical gestural approach is typical of Matt Gil’s work, which
often has a slightly humorous and human tone, even when
rendering artwork that is finely crafted and designed for durability.
The mottled surface of this sculpture breaks up the reflections so that it is
impossible to see images of the surrounds. Instead, one notices the
undulating rhythm of light dancing across the front, sides, and interior
surfaces. Note how the cut-outs create window frames or vignettes of the
leaves and landscape beyond.
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Matt Gil (San Francisco)
•Local artist: Gil has a BFA from San Jose State University and makes all his sculptures at his shop in
San Francisco.
•Highly accomplished professional: Gil has a 40-year record of exhibitions and publications,
including commissions for Genentech, Yahoo, City of Hayward, California Hospital of the
Monterey Peninsula, and the Palace Hotel, among many others.
•Artist works in many scales and many materials, including sheet metal, cast aluminum and bronze,
concrete, and fiberglass.
•The would be the second piece by him in Palo Alto’s collection and the first one in steel.
EXAMPLES OF OTHER WORKS BY THIS ARTIST
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CJ Rench (Oregon)
In Teardrop Sculpture, CJ Rench’s sculptural expertise meets his passion for art that connects people.
Functioning as both artwork and seating space, Rench’s piece invites those in the space to reflect,
converse, and create community. By encouraging engagement, Rench’s artwork shows that art is
something we can join and take part in, rather than observing from a distance.
CJ Rench, Teardrop Sculpture,
Painted mild steel with
wood decking, 48x114x48”
each
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CJ Rench (Oregon)
•Background and transition to art: CJ Rench began his sculpture practice after a career in industrial
engineering and product design. His work is informed by his strong background in metal and
sculptural design joined with his enthusiasm for lighthearted fun and human connection.
•Highly accomplished professional: Rench has a 20-year record of designing and installing over 50
large-scale public works in 29 different states throughout the United States, as well as works in both
Europe and Canada.
•Family Team: His experience being a father greatly inspires his work, and his studio is now a father-
daughter business based in Hood River, Oregon, where he is supported by his daughter, Katen Rench.
Their mission is to reach beyond the visual and inspire reflection, conversation, and wonder as a
result of their artwork.
EXAMPLES OF OTHER WORKS BY THIS ARTIST
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BUDGET + TIMELINE
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PUBLIC ART APPROACH: Budget
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PUBLIC ART APPROACH: Timeline
July 2026 Engage Art Consultant, analyze site, design approach, hold preliminary
discussions with City
August 2026 Plan and deliver Initial PAC Presentation August 20th
Research potential artists and artworks, review with internal design committee.
September 2026 Plan and deliver PAC Presentation proposing specific artworks, designs and
locations on September 17th
October 2026 Time to revise plans, if needed
Re-present for final approval October 15th l
November 2026 Cleared for building permit
December 2026 If commissioning: engage artists for fabrication; design plinths and attachments.
January 2027 Shop Drawings and engineering approved; fabrication begins
June 2027 Fabrication complete; site has been prepared
July 2027 Artwork delivered and installed; signage installed; documentation submitted
City approval of project completion
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PROJECT DETAILS AND CONTACTS
Developer:
Harvest Properties Inc.
Contact: Kristy Michelmore, RPA, BOMI-HP, CMCP; Operations Director
650.300.3919 kmichelmore@harvestproperties.com
Art Consultant:
SLATE Art Consulting
Contact: Danielle Fox, President
510-325-6659 danielle@slateart.net
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