HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-03-17 Public Art Commission Agenda Packet
Public Art Commission
Regular Meeting
March 17, 2022
Council Chamber & Virtual
7:00 PM
Nia Taylor, Chair Loren Gordon, Vice Chair
Ben Miyaji, Commissioner Hsinya Shen, Commissioner Lisa Waltuch, Commissioner
Vice Mayor Lydia Kou, Council Liaison
Elise DeMarzo, Public Art Program Director Nadya Chuprina, Public Art Program Coordinator
Kristen O’Kane, Director of Community Services Department
Pursuant to AB 361, Palo Alto City Council 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.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 892 1997 0650 Phone: 1(669)900-6833
The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live on and to Midpen Media Center at
https://midpenmedia.org.
IN PERSON PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENT
• Provide Proof of Vaccination or negative COVID-19 test (taken within 48 hours) and a
photo ID
• Wear a mask at all times
• Maintain social distancing
• If you cannot or do not wish to comply, you can still participate virtually
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Members of the public may comment in person, by sending an email to pac@cityofpaloalto.org,
or by attending the meeting virtually via the Zoom. Instructions for the Zoom meeting can be
found above. Members of the public wishing to address the Commission on matters within the
jurisdiction of the City, but not on this agenda, may do so during the Public Comment period for
up to three (3) minutes. Commissioner Names, Biographies, Present and Archived Agendas and
Reports are available online: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Community-
Services/Arts-Sciences/Public-Art-Program/Public-Art-Commission
CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL
AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS, AND DELETIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
February 17, 2022 PAC Regular Meeting
CITY OFFICIAL COMMENTS
ACTION ITEMS
1. Adoption of Resolution - Approval of a resolution authorizing use of teleconferencing for
the Public Art Commission meetings during Covid-19 state of emergency. ATTACHMENT
SPECIAL ITEM
2. Joint meeting with Human Relations Commission (HRC) to discuss the King Artist
Residency with updates and a special presentation by staff and AIR artist Rayos Magos.
ATTACHMENT
ACTION ITEMS
3. Collection Care – Allocation of funds in the amount of up to $5,500 for ARG
Conservation Services to review construction documentation and provide a protection
plan for the fresco murals by Victor Arnautoff at 300 Homer, Palo Alto, California (Roth
Building).
4. New Acquisition of Artwork – Review and acceptance of artwork donation by Cubberley
Artist Studio Program (CASP) artist Harumo Sato. ATTACHMENT
5. Annual Work Plan for Council – Approval of the 2022 PAC Annual Work Plan.
ATTACHMENT
COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS OR FUTURE
AGENDA ITEMS
ADJOURNMENT
OTHER INFORMATION
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@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or accommodations must be submitted
at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or service.
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@cityofpaloalto.org
2. Spoken public comments using a computer will be accepted through the
teleconference meeting. To address the Commission, click on the link below for the
appropriate meeting to access a Zoom-based meeting. Please read the following
instructions carefully.
A. 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.
B. You will 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.
C. When you wish to speak on an agenda item, click on “raise hand”. The
moderator will activate and unmute attendees in turn. Speakers will be notified
shortly before they are called to speak. The Zoom application will prompt you to
unmute your microphone when it is your turn to speak.
D. When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted.
E. 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 Commission, download the Zoom application
onto your phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter the Meeting
ID below. Please follow 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
Board. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your
remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.
https://zoom.us/join
Meeting ID: 892 1997 0650
Phone number: 1 669 900 6833
MINUTES
PUBLIC ART COMMISSION
MEETING
Thursday, February 17, 2022
Virtual teleconference via Zoom
7:00 p.m.
Commissioners Present: Nia Taylor, Loren Gordon, Lisa Waltuch, Ben Miyaji
Commissioners Absent: Hsinya Shen
Staff Present: Elise DeMarzo Public Art Program Director
Nadya Chuprina, Public Art Program Coordinator
Lydia Kou, City Council Liaison
CALL TO ORDER - Chair Taylor called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
AGENDA CHANGES, REQUESTS, DELETIONS – None.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS – None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - PAC Regular Meeting January 20, 2022 Moved: Commissioner Miyaji,
Second: Vice Chair Gordon. All in Favor.
STAFF COMMENTS - Staff updated the Commissioners on the launch of the King Residency. The artist
and staff are working on the schedule of the upcoming meetings and community engagement
programming. Staff also announced the launch of the ArtLift Microgrant call for artists with the
application deadline on March 30, 2022.
ACTION:
1. Adoption of Resolution – Commissioners reviewed the resolution authorizing the use of
teleconferencing for the Public Art Commission meetings during Covid-19 state of emergency.
On September 16, 2021, the Governor signed AB 361, a bill that amends the Brown Act, effective
October 1, 2021, to allow local policy bodies to continue to meet by teleconferencing during a
state of emergency without complying with restrictions in State law that would otherwise apply,
provided that the policy bodies make certain findings at least once every 30 days. Moved:
Commissioner Miyaji moved to approve the resolution authorizing the use of teleconferencing for
the Public Art Commission meetings. Second: Vice Chair Gordon. All in Favor.
NON-ACTION:
2. PAC Workplan 2022 – Commissioners and staff discussed the format and content for the PAC
2022 Annual Workplan and Performing Measures for the City Council review and approval.
Commissioners proposed updating the previous year’s annual report with added “Outcome /
Impact” column to update the Council on the completed projects. Additionally, Commissioners
will draft a new workplan for 2022/23 using the PAC priorities approved in 2021 and add current
and upcoming projects in accordance with the approved priorities. The Workplan Ad-Hoc
Committee will provide a drafted list of projects to staff to prepare a final draft for Council
review.
ANNOUNCEMENTS – none
CALENDAR: Next PAC Regular Meeting – March 17 at 7 pm (hybrid) at City Hall Council Chambers.
MEETING ADJOURNED at 7:58 pm by Chair Taylor.
City of Palo Alto Staff Report to Public Art Commission
November 4, 2021
RE: Agenda Item 1: Resolution authorizing the use of teleconferencing under Government
Code Section 54953(e) for meetings of the Public Art Commission
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution (Attachment A) authorizing the use of teleconferencing under Government
Code Section 54953(e) for meetings of the Public Art Commission and its committees due to the
Covid-19 declared state of emergency.
Background
In February and March 2020, the state and the County declared a state of emergency due to
the Covid-19 pandemic. Both emergency declarations remain in effect.
On September 16, 2021, the Governor signed AB 361, a bill that amends the Brown Act,
effective October 1, 2021, to allow local policy bodies to continue to meet by
teleconferencing during a state of emergency without complying with restrictions in State
law that would otherwise apply, provided that the policy bodies make certain findings at
least once every 30 days.
AB 361, codified at California Government Code Section 54953(e), empowers local policy bodies
to convene by teleconferencing technology during a proclaimed state of emergency under the
State Emergency Services Act in any of the following circumstances:
(A) The legislative body holds a meeting during a proclaimed state of emergency, and
state or local officials have imposed or recommended measures to promote social
distancing.
(B) The legislative body holds a meeting during a proclaimed state of emergency for the
purpose of determining, by majority vote, whether as a result of the emergency,
meeting in person would present imminent risks to the health or safety of
attendees.
(C) The legislative body holds a meeting during a proclaimed state of emergency and has
determined, by majority vote, pursuant to subparagraph (B) (B), that, as a result of
the emergency, meeting in person would present imminent risks to the health or
safety of attendees. (Gov. Code § 54953(e)(1).)
In addition, Section 54953(e)(3) requires that policy bodies using teleconferencing reconsider
the state of emergency within 30 days of the first teleconferenced meeting after October 1,
2021, and at least every 30 days thereafter, and find that one of the following circumstances
exists:
1. The state of emergency continues to directly impact the ability of the
members to meet safely in person.
2. State or local officials continue to impose or recommend measures to
promote social distancing.
Discussion
At this time, the circumstances in Section 54953(e)( 1)(A) exist. The Santa Clara County Health
Officer continues to recommend measures to promote outdoor activity, physical distancing and
other social distancing measures, such as masking, in certain contexts. (See August 2, 2021
Order.) In addition, the California Department of Industrial Relations Division of Occupational
Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has promulgated Section 3205 of Title 8 of the California Code of
Regulations, which requires most employers in California, including in the City, to train and
instruct employees about measures that can decrease the spread of COVID-19, including
physical distancing and other social distancing measures.
Accordingly, Section 54953(e)(1)(A) authorizes the City to continue using teleconferencing for
public meetings of its policy bodies, provided that any and all members of the public who wish
to address the body or its committees have an opportunity to do so, and that the statutory and
constitutional rights of parties and the members of the public attending the meeting via
teleconferencing are protected.
To comply with public health directives and promote public safety, Palo Alto policy bodies have
been meeting via teleconference since March 2020. On September 27, 2021, the City Council
considered the format for future Council, committee, and Board and Commission meetings.
Council determined that beginning November 1, 2021, Council meetings would be conducted
using a hybrid format that allows Council Members and the public to decide whether to attend
in person, following masking and distancing protocols, or participate via teleconference. Council
directed that Council standing and ad-hoc committees and Boards and Commissions would
continue meeting via teleconference through January 2022.
Adoption of the Resolution at Attachment A will make the findings required by Section
54953(e)(3) to allow the continued use of teleconferencing for meetings of the Public Art
Commission and its committees.
NOT YET APPROVED
Resolution No. ____
Resolution Making Findings to Allow Teleconferenced Meetings Under California Government
Code Section 54953(e)
R E C I T A L S
A. California Government Code Section 54953(e) empowers local policy bodies to convene
by teleconferencing technology during a proclaimed state of emergency under the State Emergency
Services Act so long as certain conditions are met; and
B. In March 2020, the Governor of the State of California proclaimed a state of emergency
in California in connection with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (“COVID-19”) pandemic, and that state
of emergency remains in effect; and
C. In February 2020, the Santa Clara County Director of Emergency Services and the
Santa Clara County Health Officer declared a local emergency, which declarations were
subsequently ratified and extended by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, and
those declarations also remain in effect; and
D. On September 16, 2021, the Governor signed AB 361, a bill that amends the Brown Act
to allow local policy bodies to continue to meet by teleconferencing during a state of emergency
without complying with restrictions in State law that would otherwise apply, provided that the
policy bodies make certain findings at least once every 30 days; and
E. While federal, State, and local health officials emphasize the critical importance of
vaccination and consistent mask-wearing to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Santa Clara County
Health Officer has issued at least one order, on August 2, 2021 (available online at here), that continues
to recommend measures to promote outdoor activity, physical distancing and other social distancing
measures, such as masking, in certain contexts; and
F. The California Department of Industrial Relations Division of Occupational Safety and
Health (“Cal/OSHA”) has promulgated Section 3205 of Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations,
which requires most employers in California, including in the City, to train and instruct employees
about measures that can decrease the spread of COVID-19, including physical distancing and other
social distancing measures; and
G. The Public Art Commission has met remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic and can
continue to do so in a manner that allows public participation and transparency while minimizing
health risks to members, staff, and the public that would be present with in-person meetings while
this emergency continues; now, therefore,
NOT YET APPROVED
The Public Art Commission RESOLVES as follows:
1. As described above, the State of California remains in a state of emergency due to the
COVID-19 pandemic. At this meeting, the Public Art Commission has considered the
circumstances of the state of emergency.
2. As described above, State and County officials continue to recommend measures
to promote physical distancing and other social distancing measures, in some
settings.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that for at least the next 30 days, meetings of the Public Art
Commission and its committees will occur using teleconferencing technology. Such meetings of the
Public Art Commission and its committees that occur using teleconferencing technology will provide
an opportunity for any and all members of the public who wish to address the body and its
committees and will otherwise occur in a manner that protects the statutory and constitutional
rights of parties and the members of the public attending the meeting via teleconferencing; and, be
it
FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Public Art Commission staff liaison is directed to place a resolution
substantially similar to this resolution on the agenda of a future meeting of the Public Art Commission
within the next 30 days. If the Public Art Commission does not meet within the next 30 days, the staff
liaison is directed to place a such resolution on the agenda of the immediately following meeting of the
Public Art Commission.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
Staff Liaison Chair of Public Art Commission
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
City Attorney Department Head
City of Palo Alto Staff Report to Public Art Commission
Meeting Date: March 17, 2022
RE: Agenda Item 2 – Joint Meeting with the Human Relations Commission to discuss the Dr.
Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King Artist Residency
Discussion:
At the City Council’s November 2, 2020 meeting, the City Council voted to refer the
development of permanent public art on King Plaza reflecting the City’s commitment to race
and equity to the Public Art Commission on the consent calendar. The staff report for the
November 2, 2020 City Council consent agenda item can be found here (staff report #11708).
The PAC discussed the topic at the November 21, 2020 meeting and expressed overall support
for exploring a permanent platform for ongoing rotating artworks addressing race and equity,
and staff presented some of the cost and logistical implications of that kind of programming at
the January 21, 2021 PAC meeting. The commissioners also reviewed the Human Relations
Commission’s report on Black and Brown Lives in Palo Alto to use as a resource in informing the
framework of the project. On March 17, 2021 the PAC and Human Relation Commission held a
joint meeting to discuss the development of the residency and artwork. There was mutual
support for the artwork being reflective of and relevant to Palo Alto and building discussions
and expressing multiple perspectives and experiences of diverse communities in Palo Alto. At
the March 18 PAC meeting, the PAC selected members to take part in HRC community meetings
and requested that staff return with recommendations for budget implications, framework, and
artist residency options to launch the program. On April 15, 2021 the Commission discussed
available resources available for the residency, expectations for community engagement, and
the temporary artwork development to inform the artist call. The PAC allocated $50,000 in
funds for the first artist residency and artwork. The funds support a six-month period of
creative community engagement that will inform the creation of an artwork for King Plaza that
will be in place for six months to one year, and a new residency would begin at that time.
The call was launched in June, and had 17 artists apply to the call by the deadline in August. The
panel selected three finalists in August who were paid a stipend to develop specific proposals
for their Palo Alto residency. The three finalists made public presentations October 19, 2021
about their background, their artistic practice, and their specific proposal for Palo Alto.
Members of the public were invited to watch the presentations and give feedback to the panel
before they made their final decision. The selection panel consisted of:
Adam Amram – Artist
Adriana Eberle – Commissioner, Human Relations Commission
Amanda Rawson – Researcher/Project Manager | Art Builds Community
Chantal Gaines – Deputy City Manager, City of Palo Alto
Emily Chan – Student, President and Founder, Advocacy Through Art
Nia Taylor – Chair, Public Art Commission
The panel recommended artist Rayos Magos to be the first artist in residence. That
recommendation was approved by the PAC in November 2021. The residency launched in
February 2022.
For his residency project, titled Rituals of Resilience and rooted in empathic collaborations and
civic engagements, Rayos Magos utilizes the power of storytelling and imagery in community
conversations about culture, identity, belonging, and resilience in Palo Alto, with the special
focus on amplifying voices of Latinx and BIPOC community members and mental health service
providers. The project looks towards storytelling through imagery, reflections, and rituals, and
engages the lager Palo Alto community in a series of conversations and art making workshops
that will offer community members to reflect and share their stories about belonging, human
connection, and the impact of social distancing on their mental health during the pandemic. His
documentation of personal stories and learned experiences will result in a final temporary
artwork displayed on King Plaza for a period of six months to one year. The artist has been set
up in his studio at Cubberley and is at work getting to know the community and partnering with
local organizations focused on mental health and wellbeing.
Staff and Magos will present updates on the status of the residency at the March 17 joint
meeting between the HRC and PAC, and would like to gather feedback from Commissioners. A
few focused areas of particular interest include:
- Avenues for engagement that are not already underway (community groups or organizations)
- How to build the presence or knowledge about the residency in Palo Alto
- Questions about the residency for staff and the artist to consider
For more information about the King Artist Residency, visit the Public Art Program page.
City of Palo Alto Staff Report to Public Art Commission
March 17, 2022
RE: Agenda Item 4
Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the Public Art Commission accept the donation of artwork by Cubberley
artist Harumo Sato into the City collection.
Discussion:
This generous gift is being offered by the CASP artists as part of the Cubberley Artist Studio
Program (CASP) agreement. According to the CASP Guidelines, all CASP artists are expected to
donate one of his/her artworks in their first (4-year) residency term to the City’s Public Art
Program. The donation is subject to the approval of the Public Art Commission and, upon
acceptance, will be deemed a gift made under terms and conditions established by City.
Harumo Sato
Harumo Sato is a Japanese visual artist who currently resides in Mountain View, CA. She was
selected to join the Cubberley Artist Studio Program in 2018. After living in Japan, France,
Morocco, Tunisia, Italy, Spain, she earned a BA from University in Buffalo, NY in 2015. Through
experiencing a life changing sudden sickness and severe natural disaster in her early life, she
aims to find a new harmonic view of our lives with chaos viewed as a necessary force within the
universe. Her painting and hand-pulled screen prints can be found in public and private
collections. Sato’s work is exhibited widely in solo and group exhibitions in California and New
York. Her previous commissions include a mural/installation by the Department of General
Service in Washington D.C., Pow! Wow! San Jose, Target, Superfine! Fair in LA, Facebook Air
Program in the Bay Area, and others.
The artwork offered for donation is titled Hyakki Yako (Night Parade of One Hundred souls),
2020. To describe her work, Sato provided the following statement: “This piece is a promise to
people in the future that we will do our best to rebuild a healthier and more sustainable
relationship with nature. In Japan, during summer, we make veggie horses and cows to
welcome ancestors who live in the other world. Living family and dead family mingle together,
get energized together by sharing food, flowers, and conversation about ancestors’ lives. If we
forget them or disrespect them, dead souls might turn into demons who are in sorrow. In the
past years since the beginning of the COVID-19, we have lost many lives to the pandemic and
natural disasters. I interpret this as a chance to rethink our lives and reshape a sustainable
future as a collective of humankind. I believe our everyday efforts to change habits (supporting
local farms, buying sustainable clothes, aiming for electric cars and renewable energy, etc.) will
slowly affect what the market offers, and ultimately change the shape of the future. By this, we
recreate a bridge between nature and mankind, our ancestors and our future ”.
Image of Proposed Artwork:
Hyakki Yako (Night Parade of One Hundred souls), 2020 by Harumo Sato
48”x48”Acrylic, gold foil, and oil pastel on canvas
HARUMO SATO
Born and raised in Japan, live and work in the Bay Area, CA
Education
2015 BA in General Studio, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
2014 Coursework,Parsons New School, New York City,NY (Illustration)
2010 BFA in International Relations, Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto, Japan
2008 Coursework,Universite de Toulouse Le Mirail,Toulouse, France (Maghreb
Culture and Colonization)
Selected Exhibitions/ Public Works/ Commissions
2023
Water tank mural, Google, Sunnyvale CA
2022
Panel Designs, MidPen Housing, San Mateo CA (Under the construction)
2021
Zoom Zone Window Display Artwork, Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, San Jose, CA
Mural, Luggage Store Gallery, San Francisco, CA
Indoor Lantern Designs, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY (Under the construction)
Group Exhibition, The 801 Gallery, Truth & Consequence, NM
2020
Mural & Public Installation, DGS Elementary School Public Art Project, Washington D.C.
Group Show,SWEET 16,Corey Helford Gallery, Los Angeles,CA
Group Show,Salut 5,Nucleus Portland, Portland, OR
Group Show,If You Like This, You'll Love That , Collar Work, Troy, NY
Group Show, Swim Gallery, San Francisco, CA
2019
Group Show,THE ESSENTIALS,Voss Gallery, San Francisco,CA
Soccer Pitch Windscreen Design, Target, San Jose CA
Mural, Facebook, Fremont, CA
Two Person Exhibition,Kaleidoscope Sky, Art Attack SF, San Francisco, CA
Public Installation/ Group Exhibition, Superfine! Art Fair, Los Angeles, CA
2018
Mural, Pow! Wow! San Jose, San Jose, CA
Solo Exhibition,Puku Puku Bubbles, Art Attack SF,San Francisco, CA
Artbox Project, City of San Jose, San Jose, CA
INTO THE WILD, Art Attack SF, San Francisco CA
2017
Foreign American , CEPA Gallery’s Big Orbit Project Space, Buffalo NY
2016
College Collective,Genesee Center, Rochester NY
Solo Exhibition,Mogu Mogu Munch Munch, Western New York Book Arts Center, Buffalo NY
Mural,SPoT Coffee on Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY, Collaboration with WNY Book Arts Center and
BAP, UB Department of Arts
2015
P.P Sheets (Collaboration Show with Amber Sliter),University at Buffalo Art Gallery, Buffalo NY
2014
Yoko Ono Fan Club, University at Buffalo Art Gallery,Buffalo, NY
2013
Rumsey Competition, University at Buffalo Art Gallery,Buffalo, NY
Awards, Honors Societies, and residencies
2020 SVCreate Content Emerging Artist Award, CA
2019 Leigh Weimers Emerging Artists Awards, CA
Facebook AIR Program, Fremont, CA
2018-2022 CASP Four Year Studio Residential Artist, City of Palo Alto, CA
2018-2019 Multicultural Arts Leadership Initiative (MALI) Fellowship, School of Arts and
Culture, San Jose, CA (Organizational skills and knowledge, participation in
community-wide forums, initiatives, and task-forces)
2018 RAS Studio Residential Artist, City of Palo Alto, CA
2017 Residential Artist, WNY Book Arts Center, Buffalo NY
2016 Residential Artist, WNY Book Arts Center, Buffalo NY
2015 Golden Key Society, Buffalo NY
Dean’s List, University at Buffalo, Buffalo NY
2014 Alan E. Cober Memorial Scholarship, Buffalo NY
Rumsey Scholarship, University at Buffalo, Buffalo NY
Dean’s List, University at Buffalo, Buffalo NY
2013 Morrison Scholarship, University at Buffalo, Buffalo NY
Tau Sigma Honors Society, Buffalo NY
Selected Bibliography
Content Magazine, “Harumo Sato”, 2019
The Six Fifty, “Meet the 7 ladies taking the Silicon Valley art scene by storm”, 2019
The City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Calendar and Cultural Guide,2019
Heather Bourbeau, “The Colorful World of Harumo Sato”, At Buffalo, summer 2017
Colin Dabkowski, “Appetite for art”, Gusto The Buffalo News, March 31, 2016
Current Commissioners
Please list the names of the members that were appointed at the time this workplan was created:
• Nia Taylor (Chair)
• Loren Gordon (Vice Chair)
• Ben Miyaji
• Hsinya Shen
• Lisa Waltuch
Mission Statement
The City of Palo Alto Public Art Program is committed to contributing to the intellectual, emotional, and creative life of the Palo Alto
community by creating engaging art experiences and dynamic public spaces for Palo Alto residents and visitors. The Program operates in
accordance with Chapter 2.26 of Palo Alto Municipal Code to provide opportunities for the placement of permanent and temporary site-
specific public art projects in municipal projects across Palo Alto. Additionally, the Program oversees the implementation of the Ordinance
requirement to incorporate public art in private development projects. The Public Art Commission (PAC) reviews and advises the Public Art
Program on selection, placement, and care of public art throughout the City of Palo Alto.
Public Art Commission
2021-2022 Workplan Overview Date approved by PAC:
Staff Liaison: Elise DeMarzo, Public Art Projgram Director, Nadya Chuprina, Program Coordinator
Lead Department: Community Services / Arts & Sciences
About the Commission Public Art Commission is composed of five members. The terms are 3 years in length, and commence on April 1. Residencey is not
required. There are no vacancies as of April 1, 2022.
DR
A
F
T
Prior Year Accomplishment 1 GOAL 1: Develop public art that aids in Palo Alto’s recovery from the Covid-19 crisis by supporting projects that encourage pedestrian
traffic and the use of pedestrian-friendly streets, that are located near Palo Alto neighborhoods, as well as commercial corridors and
storefronts, and that advance Public Art Master Plan goals. ACCOMPLISHED by (1) temporary murals - in conjunction with Uplift Local, 8
artists created murals to support emotional and economic wellbeing by encouraging pedestrian traffic, animating commercial corridors and
supporting local artists. Success: since the inital installation in Feb 2021, PAC received much positive feedback from the community and
property owners. The recyclable materials used are durable and have exceeded orginal life expectancy. There is support to continue the
project and commission a second series of temporary murals by Bay Area artists. (2) ArtLift Microgrants Success: Local artists and
community members received 40 microgrants that allowed them to realize a wide range of art projects and experiences animating both
commercial corridors and residential neighborhoods while facilitating connection, belonging, and a sense of discovery across Palo Alto.
Based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback from the community and grant recipients, the PAC approved allocation of additional funds
for another series of microgrants to be realized between Spring – Fall 2022. (3) Code: ART2 - art festival downtown that temporarily
reframed the City as a laboratory for urban interventions and creative placemaking while engaging residents, commuters, students, and
visitors in dialogue to re- imagine underutilized spaces. Success: Impact Metrics:
Approximately 7,000 Code:ART attendees
15 Bay Area and international artists
7 interactive new media installations
Data from 134 survey responses
100% of visitors surveyed would like more events like this in Palo Alto
75% of attendees visited a business
87% of those business visitors also made a purchase
64% of visitors visited downtown specifically for Code:ART
96% of visitors rated Code:ART a 4 or 5 out of 5
Prior Year Accomplishment 2 GOAL 2: Develop public art projects that will continue to advance cultural inclusion and social and racial equity. ACCOMPLISHED by (1)
Equity and Accessibility Consultant Elizabeth D. Foggie conducted a thorough review of the PAP policies and documents, PAP website,
social media, and artist calls for equitable and culturally inclusivelanguage. The consultant provided a report with analysis and
recommendations on cultural and racial equity and inclusion; she developed a list of BIPOC artists and creatives in the Bay Area, as well as
a best practices manual for communications and outreach to BIPOC artist communities. Applying the provided manuals and
recommendations, the Public Art Program expanded and focused its ongoing commitment to more equitable, inclusive, and accessible
artist outreach. As a result, we have observed a more diverse pool of artists applying for opportunities with the City of Palo Alto and getting
commissions. (2) In Nov 2021 the Public Art Commission approved Rayos Magos as the first artist for the King Artist Residency starting in
January 2022, based on recommendations by a selection panel. Rayos Magos will utilize the power of storytelling and imagery in
community conversations about culture, identity, and mental health within Latinx/BIPOC communities living and/or working in Palo Alto. His
documentation of personal stories will result in a final temporary artwork displayed on King Plaza for a period of six months to one year. (3)
Met with the Human Relations Commission to learn the results of "The 100 Conversations." These findings influenced the artist call for the
Race and Equity Art on King Plaza. Next meeting: March 17, 2022 to continue conversation.
Prior Year Accomplishment 3 GOAL 3: Widen and strengthen education and advocacy for public art, including through the roll-out and implementation of the California
Ave District Master Plan and the Baylands Art Plan. ACCOMPLISHED by (1) Four temporary murals by Bay Area artists were installed on
fencing surrounding the PSB construction site August 2021 to be displayed for up to a year. The next round of murals is undergoing design
development and will be installed in summer 2022. Community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. and (2) Baylands Vignettes
installed Highway 101 Bike/Pedestrian Bridge in January 2022. Inspired by the wetlands and the many creatures that live below, Mary
Lucking designed her artwork for the overlook on the Baylands side of the bike and pedestrian bridge. She created grass themed custom
railing and three sculptures for the overlook area that double as creative seating. The cast aluminum pieces have a brushed finish and
sculpted textured grasses and creatures that make them visually engaging and interesting to touch. and (3) Charleston-Arastradero Corridor
project will be installed in Summer 2022.
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TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL
LAW / COUNCIL-APPROVED
March 1, 2022 - December 31, 2022
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.
Overwhelmingly positive feedback from
the community and grant recipients N/A
COUNCIL-DIRECTED
POLICY UPDATE
Public Art Commission
2022-2023 Workplan
Staff Liaison: Elise DeMarzo, Public Art Projgram Director, Nadya Chuprina, Program Coordinator
Lead Department: Community Services / Arts & Sciences
PURPOSE STATEMENT:
The Public Art Commission oversees Palo Alto's temporary and permanent public art programs. The Commissions 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 places
• To advise and assist staff in obtaining financial assistance for art in public places from private, corporate, and governmental sources
• To review plans for the installation of art in public places and review the inventory of art in public spaces
Building Community Priority: Develop public art that encourages playing, belonging, community participation and that promotes shared experiences in
and around Palo Alto neighborhoods and
commercial corridors.
Racial Justice Priority: Develop public art projects that will continue to advance cultural inclusion and social and racial equity.
Public Art Education Priority: Widen and strengthen education and advocacy for public art, including through the roll-out and implementation of the
California Ave District Master Plan and the Baylands Art Plan, and PAMP long-term goals, while responding to current issues and supporting a wider
network of artists.
Artlift Microgrant 2022: The Palo Alto Public Art Program is making ten $4,000 Microgrants available to artists and creatives with the goal of helping the
community find connection and joy through the arts and creative outlets. We welcome proposals for non-traditional artwork, experiences, and
performances in the City of Palo Alto with the goal of helping our community reconnect, recover, and find joy within social distancing conditions. Taking
advantage of unique locations across Palo Alto, artists will perform, create or place temporary artworks focused on play, community connectedness and
shared experiences, resiliency, empathy, vibrancy, and recovery. We encourage fun and whimsical creative projects that will bring positive energy, joy
and encourage play and participation. All funded projects will be temporary in nature (up to six months) and have an impactful presence in the
community, engaging a large and diverse population of Palo Alto residents and visitors alike.
PRIORITIES APPROVED BY
PAC IN 2021:
PROJECT/GOAL 1 :
BENEFICIAL IMPACTS
HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY
Building Community Priority: Develop public
art that encourages playing, belonging,
community participation and that promotes
shared experiences in and around Palo Alto
neighborhoods and commercial corridors.
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N/A
TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS
STATE MANDATED / LOCAL
LAW / COUNCIL-APPROVED
February 16, 2022 - ongoing. Rituals of
Resilience is the first installation of the
King Artist Residency Program
Funds are available through percent for art
Municipal funds. Staff resources and time
will be used for artist call and the selection
processes. Staff will work with the artist
during the design development and
implementation. Artist Rayos Magos will
use studio at the Cubberley Campus.
The Public Art Commission is
committed to a permanent 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
COUNCIL-DIRECTED
POLICY UPDATE
N/A
TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS
STATE MANDATED / LOCAL
LAW / COUNCIL-APPROVED
Ongoing
Municipal percent for Art Fund, as well as
private development funds may be
available to fund these projects
1. Build partnerships between local
businesses, art groups, and the Palo
Alto Public Art Program to commission
art that attracts people to the district.
2. Enhance pedestrian experiences and
engage people of all ages by installing
changing and permanent artwork
throughout identified locations within the
district.
3. Build local pride and educate visitors
with public art that explores the district’s
history by supporting outdoor exhibitions
that highlight the work of local and
regional artists.
N/A
High priority for building community
PROJECT/GOAL 2:
King Artist Residency: Artist Rayos Magos. Project titled Rituals Of Resilience is focused on capturing community narratives of Latinx & BIPOC
community members and service providers living and/or working in the Palo Alto area. The goal of the project is to discover the rituals that people have
developed and used during the pandemic to maintain their mental health. The residency will result in a temporary artwork placed on King Plaza that will
be in place for 6 - 12 months.
BENEFICIAL IMPACTS
Racial Justice Priority: Develop public art
projects that will continue to advance
cultural inclusion and social and racial
equity. Stimulating important conversation
in the community about equity and belonging
in Palo Alto.
HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY
High priority for racial justice, building community and educating public
PROJECT/GOAL 3:Implementation of the California Avenue Public Art Master Plan approved by PAC in 2021
BENEFICIAL IMPACTS
Activating the California Avenue corridor
with public art such as rotating performance
space, mural program, temporary artwork on
new garage, way finding
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COUNCIL-DIRECTED
POLICY UPDATE
N/A
TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL
LAW / COUNCIL-APPROVED
Phase 2 will be installed Summer 2022
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
COUNCIL-DIRECTED
POLICY UPDATE
High priority for racial justice, community building, educational, way finding
TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL
LAW / COUNCIL-APPROVED
Ongoing, September 2016 - present
Municipal Percent for Art Project in
collaboration with Public Works /
Engineering Services
Enhanced bike safety
N/A
COUNCIL-DIRECTED
POLICY UPDATE
HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY
High priority for building community and plan implementation
PROJECT/GOAL 4:Phase 2 of Temporary Murals on the construction fence at the Public Safety Building Site. A total of eight local artists were selected to create murals
relevant to the history and current life in the California Avenue District. This project is aligned with the California Avenue Public Art plan.
BENEFICIAL IMPACTS
Public Art Education Priority: Widen and
strengthen education and advocacy for
public art, including through the roll-out and
implementation of the Cal Ave District
Master Plan and the Baylands Art Plan, and
PAMP long-term goals, while responding to
current issues and supporting a wider
network of artists.
HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY
Charleston / Arastradero Corridor: installation of permanent artwork by artist Susan Zoccola PROJECT/GOAL 5:
BENEFICIAL IMPACTS
Community building, way finding,
enhancing popular corridor that was
recently redone to enhance bike safety
HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY
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TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL
LAW / COUNCIL-APPROVED
Ongoing
The annual maintenance allocation of
$30,000 is spent down each year. Staff
oversees the contractors and work being
performed
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 artworks fall
into disrepair may
leave the City open to
legal action by the
artists under the Visual
Artists Rights Act.
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.
BENEFICIAL IMPACTS
Ensuring that these valuable assets are
maintained properly and reflect well on the
City.
High priority for community building
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Prior Year Accomplishment 1: examples of temp. murals installed in Palo Alto in 2021. Visit: https://viewer.mapme.com/tempmuralspa for all murals and locations
Images clockwise: Cycles of Regeneration by Liz Hickok; See You Soon by Lauren Berger; It’s a Beautiful Day by J.Duh;Curiosity by t.w.five
Prior Year Accomplishment 1: Artlift Microgrants funded 40 temporary projects across Palo Alto in 2021. View the virtual map of all projects.
Images left to right: Connection by Marina Berlin on King Plaza; One Home Only [Iterations] by Martha Sakellariou at Rinconada Library
Prior Year Accomplishment 1: Code:ART 2021 attended by approx. 7,000 visitors. Visit Cityofpaloalto.org/codeart for information about Code:ART festival
Marpi Studio
Paleoalto
Oct 5-7, 2021
Palo Alto, CA
Utilizing the latest touch-
free technology, the new
media artwork was designed
with accessibly in mind.
Paleolato allowed visitors
regardless of their age,
language and physical
abilities to engage, play, and
experience the installation.
The installations animated
downtown Palo Alto’s
plazas, alleys, and public
spaces through interactive
light, sound, and motion,
and were easily walkable
and accessible to the public
during the event.
Prior Year Accomplishment 2: For the first artist residency focused on equity and belonging in Palo Alto, artist Rayos Magos has launched Rituals of Resilience.
The project utilizes storytelling, imagery, reflections, and rituals, engaging the larger Palo Alto community in a series of conversations and art making workshops
that will offer participants space to reflect and share their stories about belonging, human connection, and the impact of social distancing on their mental health
during the pandemic.His documentation of personal stories and learned experiences will result in a final temporary artwork displayed on King Plaza for a period
of six months to one year. Learn more about the King Artist Residency.
Prior Year Accomplishment 3: Baylands Vignettes installed Highway 101 Bike/Pedestrian Bridge in January 2022. Inspired by the wetlands and the many
creatures that live below, Mary Lucking designed her artwork for the overlook on the Baylands side of the bike and pedestrian bridge.
Project Goal 1: Ongoing call for the ArtLift Microgrants. The funded projects will be on display in summer –fall 2022. See previously realized projects here
Project Goal 2: Implementation of
the California Ave Public Art Plan
approved by PAC in 2021
The plan aims to:
Build partnerships between local
businesses, art groups, and the Palo
Alto Public Art Program to
commission art that attracts people
to the district.
Enhance pedestrian experiences
and engage people of all ages by
installing changing and permanent
artwork throughout identified
locations within the district.
Build local pride and educate
visitors with public art that explores
the district’s history by supporting
outdoor exhibitions that highlight
the work of local and regional
artists.
Project Goal 4: Phase 2 of Temporary Murals on the construction fence at the Public Safety Building Site. A total of eight local artists were selected to
create murals relevant to the history and current life in the California Avenue District. This project is aligned with the California Avenue Public Art plan.
Image: New Garden by Abi Mustapha for the PSB construction fence. View other PSB temporary murals here.
Project Goal 5: Charleston-Arastradero Corridor. Rendering of a permanent artwork by Susan Zoccola. Expected to be installed in summer 2022
Project Goal 6: Ongoing Maintenance and Care of the Collection.
Preventative maintenance and restoration of these valuable City
assets are an essential part of a public art program.
Images: Modern and Antient Medicine, 1932 by Victor Arnautoff
City of Palo Alto Public Art Program is launching a comprehensive
protection and restoration project of a series of seventeen frescoes
of significant historical and artistic value at the Roth building.