HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-07-18 Public Art Commission Agenda PacketPUBLIC ART COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
Thursday, July 18, 2024
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
m e e t i n g w i l l b e b r o a d c a s t o n C a b l e T V C h a n n e l 2 6 , l i v e o n
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@cityofpaloalto.org and will be provided to the Council and available for inspection on the
City’s website. 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@cityofpaloalto.org 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.June 20, 2024 PAC Regular Meeting Minutes
CITY OFFICIAL COMMENTS
ACTION ITEMS
2.Approval of conceptual design for a temporary mural to be painted on the roll up door of
Fire Station 5 located at 600 Arastradero Road.
3.Annual Work Plan for Council – Commissioner review and approval of the PAC Annual
Work Plan based on the outcomes of the January 2024 retreat to be submitted to Council
in August.
NON‐ACTION ITEMS
4.ArtLift Grants: Utility Box Edition – Staff to provide an informational update on the Utility
Boxes project.
COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS OR FUTURE MEETINGS AND
AGENDAS
Members of the public may not speak to the item(s)
ADJOURNMENT
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 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@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or
accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or
service.
PUBLIC ART COMMISSIONRegular MeetingThursday, July 18, 2024Community Meeting Room & Hybrid7:00 PMPublic Art Commission meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to attend byteleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safety while still maintainingtransparency and public access, members of the public can choose to participate from home orattend in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in the meeting islocated at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged if attending in person. Them e e t i n g w i l l b e b r o a d c a s t o n C a b l e T V C h a n n e l 2 6 , l i v e o nYouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen MediaCenter https://midpenmedia.org.VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/88627841441)Meeting ID: 886 2784 1441 Phone: 1(669)900‐6833PUBLIC COMMENTSPublic comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or anamount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutesafter the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance topac@cityofpaloalto.org and will be provided to the Council and available for inspection on theCity’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in your subjectline.PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted onlyby email to pac@cityofpaloalto.org 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 strongcybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are notaccepted.
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.June 20, 2024 PAC Regular Meeting Minutes
CITY OFFICIAL COMMENTS
ACTION ITEMS
2.Approval of conceptual design for a temporary mural to be painted on the roll up door of
Fire Station 5 located at 600 Arastradero Road.
3.Annual Work Plan for Council – Commissioner review and approval of the PAC Annual
Work Plan based on the outcomes of the January 2024 retreat to be submitted to Council
in August.
NON‐ACTION ITEMS
4.ArtLift Grants: Utility Box Edition – Staff to provide an informational update on the Utility
Boxes project.
COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS OR FUTURE MEETINGS AND
AGENDAS
Members of the public may not speak to the item(s)
ADJOURNMENT
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 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@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or
accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or
service.
PUBLIC ART COMMISSIONRegular MeetingThursday, July 18, 2024Community Meeting Room & Hybrid7:00 PMPublic Art Commission meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to attend byteleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safety while still maintainingtransparency and public access, members of the public can choose to participate from home orattend in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in the meeting islocated at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged if attending in person. Them e e t i n g w i l l b e b r o a d c a s t o n C a b l e T V C h a n n e l 2 6 , l i v e o nYouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen MediaCenter https://midpenmedia.org.VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/88627841441)Meeting ID: 886 2784 1441 Phone: 1(669)900‐6833PUBLIC COMMENTSPublic comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or anamount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutesafter the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance topac@cityofpaloalto.org and will be provided to the Council and available for inspection on theCity’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in your subjectline.PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted onlyby email to pac@cityofpaloalto.org 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 strongcybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are notaccepted.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 notcreate a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated whendisplaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view orpassage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting.CALL TO ORDERAGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONSThe 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 MINUTES1.June 20, 2024 PAC Regular Meeting MinutesCITY OFFICIAL COMMENTSACTION ITEMS2.Approval of conceptual design for a temporary mural to be painted on the roll up door ofFire Station 5 located at 600 Arastradero Road.3.Annual Work Plan for Council – Commissioner review and approval of the PAC AnnualWork Plan based on the outcomes of the January 2024 retreat to be submitted to Councilin August. NON‐ACTION ITEMS4.ArtLift Grants: Utility Box Edition – Staff to provide an informational update on the UtilityBoxes project.COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS OR FUTURE MEETINGS ANDAGENDAS
Members of the public may not speak to the item(s)
ADJOURNMENT
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 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@cityofpaloalto.org. 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
MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, June 20, 2024
Community Meeting Room & Virtual
7:00 p.m.
Commissioners Participating: Loren Gordon, Hsinya Shen, Tara de la Garza, Harriet
Stern, Amber Smith, Ben Miyaji joined remotely in
accordance with the “just cause” policy under AB2449.
Commissioners Absent: Lisa Waltuch
City Council Participating: None
Staff Present: Elise DeMarzo, Public Art Program Director
Nadya Chuprina, Public Art Program Coordinator
CALL TO ORDER – Chair Gordon called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
AGENDA CHANGES, REQUESTS, DELETIONS – None.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS – None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES – May 16, 2024 PAC regular Meeting Moved: Vice Chair Shen Second:
Commissioner de la Garza. All in Favor.
STAFF COMMENTS – Staff provided an update on a community drawing workshop by King AIR Alma
Landeta at Mitchell Park Library as well as an open studio event at their Cubberley studio. Staff reported
on a recent conservation treatment of Homage to Silence, a permanently sited kinetic sculpture by the late
Jerome Kirk. Staff provided an update on installation of Peter Wegner’s permanent artwork for the
exterior of the new Public Safety Building. The two other artworks will be integrated into the building
lobby at a later time in accordance with the construction activities around the building. Staff also shared
that a temporary sculpture by former King AIR Rayos Magos was removed form King plaza, is on
temporary display at Montalvo before going to its permanent home in San Jose. Another former King
AIR Kirti Bassendine held a public event in King plaza in front of a series of her temporary artworks
featuring community members and their quotes as part of Bassendine’s King AIR project.
ACTION:
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1. Cubberley Mural – Staff provided a project background, including information about the artist
review and selection process. San Francisco based artist Cameron Moberg was approved by the
PAC in March 2024 to create a site-specific temporary mural at Cubberley celebrating the diverse
community and dynamic programming taking place at the campus. The mural will be painted at
the intersection of the U and H wings facing Middlefield Road. The artist conducted research and
held a community meeting at Cubberley to help inform his conceptual design. Inspired by the
community input and research about the history and community activities takin place on campus,
Moberg submitted his design to staff that was presented to the PAC for approval. The artist
intends to start painting the mural in the end of June. Motion: Commissioner Stern moved to
approve the conceptual design for a temporary mural by artist Cameron Moberg to be painted at
Cubberley Community Center at 4000 Middlefield Road. Second: Commissioner Smith. All in
Favor.
2. Downtown Murals – Staff provided the project overview, including participating property
owners, locations and funding source for the murals. Staff updated the PAC on the artist
selection process. Staff utilized a pre-approved muralist roster for the commission. 126 artists
responded expressing their interest in the opportunity. The selection panel evaluated the top 60
qualified artists online. The top 20 of those rankings were reviewed and discussed at the selection
panel meeting June 12th. The selection panel was comprised of: Dacia Xu, Director of Qualia
Contemporary Art Gallery; Brad Ehikian, Partner at Premier Properties; Tara de la Garza, Public
Art Commissioner; Ruth Carias, Office of Economic Development, Palo Alto; Jaya Grishom,
Cubberley Artist Studio Program; Zimran Ahmed, Community Member; and Mark Salinas,
Public Art staff at City of Berkeley. As a result of the panel review and discussion, artists Mona
Caron, Harumo Sato, and Nigel Sussman were the highest ranked applicants approved by the
property owners. The artists were selected based on their demonstrated artistic excellence and
skillset provided in the samples or previously completed murals. Staff met with property owners
to get their approvals for the selected artists and location assignment: Mona Caron for MAC’S
smoke shop at 534 Emerson St., Nigel Sussman for Pacific Art League at 668 Ramona St., and
Harumo Sato for the All Saints Episcopal Church at 555 Waverley St. The murals ae planned to
be painted in early October 2024. Staff recommended the approval of the artists to design and
paint three temporary murals on privately owned walls in downtown Palo Alto. Motion:
Commissioner de la Garza moved to approve the three artists to create temporary mural on
privately owned walls in downtown Palo Alto. Second: Vice Chair Shen. All in Favor.
NON-ACTION:
3. ArtLift Grants: Utility Box Edition – Staff updated the PAC on the project scope and timeline.
20 artists were selected to create conceptual designs and paint City-owned utility boxes at 20
locations across Palo Alto. Staff shared digital design renderings by artists Adrian Arias, Anne-
Sophie Gaudet, Eddie Ramirez, Hector Covarrubias, Simon Tran, and Steven Anderson. More
conceptual designs to be brought to the Commission at the future meetings.
4. Annual Work Plan for Council - Chair Gordon provided an update on the ongoing efforts by
the sub-committee drafting the PAC annual work plan for the City Council review and approval.
The sub-committee and staff intend to finalize the draft in time for the July 18 PAC meeting to be
reviewed and approved by the PAC and submitted for the Council review in August. Staff will
confirm with the PAC on the format and date for presenting the Work Plan to City Council which
is tentatively scheduled for August 19.
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COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, OR FUTURE ITEMS: None.
CALENDAR: Next PAC Regular Meeting – July 18, 7 pm (hybrid) at City Hall Community Meeting
Room.
MEETING ADJOURNED: at 7:47 pm by Chair Gordon.
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Public Art Commission
Staff Report
From: Elise DeMarzo, Manager Community Services Sr Programs
Meeting Date: July 18, 2024
Report #: 2407-3244
TITLE
Approval of conceptual design for a temporary mural to be painted on the roll up door of Fire
Station 5 located at 600 Arastradero Road.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Public Art Commission (PAC) approve the conceptual design by
artist Bodeck (Hernandez) Luna for a new temporary mural to be painted on the roll-up door at
Fire Station 5, located at 600 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA.
ANALYSIS
In February 2024 the Public Art Commission approved funding in the amount of $12,000 from
the Art in Public Places Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Fund to commission a temporary
mural for Fire Station 5, guided by the PAC 2024/25 working priorities to expand the temporary
murals program to Palo Alto neighborhoods and commercial corridors. The mural will be
painted of a large roll-up engine entrance door at the Fire Station 5. The station, located in
south-west Palo Alto at the corner of Arastradero Road and Clemo Avenue and adjacent to
Juana Briones Park, is a welcoming community hub, providing fire, emergency medical services
and all hazard response to the Palo Alto community. See PAC Staff Reports from April 18, 2024
and February 15, 2024 for more information.
In March 2024, the Public Art Program staff led the artist selection process utilizing the pre-
approved muralist roster of 218 artists and reached out to 55 of California-based artists
appropriate for the commission who may be interested in the project. Given the specifications
of the roll-up door the staff gave priority to those artists with prior experience creating large-
scale murals using aerosol paint. Staff assembled a selection panel of community stakeholders
to evaluate and rank applicants according to their qualifications.
The selection panel included:
John King - Barron Park Neighborhood Association
Stephen Lindsey - Palo Alto Fire Department
Lisa Waltuch - Public Art Commissioner
Shannon Wright – Cubberley Artist
Harumo Sato – Cubberley Artist and muralist
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Jennifer Samayoa - Barron Park Kids' Club, Palo Alto Community Child Care
After the initial round of online evaluations by the panel, 18 artist applications advanced to the
second panel review. Long Beach-based artist Bodeck (Hernandez) Luna was identified by the
panel as the finalist based on his demonstrated artistic excellence and experience.
At the April 18, 2024 PAC meeting, the PAC unanimously approved Bodeck Luna as the project
artist. Upon signing the agreement, the artist proceeded with his research and community
engagement to help inform his conceptual design for the Fire Station mural. In May 2024, the
artist traveled to Palo Alto to meet with the Fire Department staff and city historian, visit the
project site and neighborhood, and hold a pop-up community engagement event at Juana
Briones Park. Additionally, the artist and the Public Art Program staff held a virtual community
meeting June 5th where community members shared their input to help inform the artist’s
conceptual design. The video was loaded onto the Public Art Program website for anyone who
was unable to attend the Zoom in person. Inspired by his conversations with the Fire
Department staff, community input and research about the unique history and character of the
Barron Park neighborhood, the artist created his conceptual design. A digital conceptual
rendering and artist statement can be viewed in Attachment A.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
The painting of the mural onsite is planned to take place in August 2024. The mural will be
temporary in nature due to the possibility of the need to replace the roll up door due to
accident or mechanical failure. 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 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: Artist Statement and Conceptual Design for the Fire Station #5 Mural by Bodeck
Luna.
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Palo Alto Fire Station 5 Mural Project:
“Beyond the Sequoias” (Working Title)
Bodeck Luna
The FireHouse gate is to be transformed into a vibrant and lush portal for the community
to reflect and bask in their local history and nature as major themes of the mural. In “Beyond the
Sequoias” the audience is taken on a journey from landscapes in the past and back into the
present and along the way are snippets of Barron Park iconography folded into the bushes.
As we walk up to the mural, we are greeted with playful graphic foliage dancing under golden
skies encased in bubble graffiti clouds. Between them are flowers selected by a local floral
enthusiast adorning the foreground: Indian Paintbrush Flowers, Blue Lupine and California
Poppies. In case you missed it, amidst the bushes are icons representing the following schools
in the area whose students frequent at the park: Trumpet for Fletcher Middle School Marching
Band, Spartan Helmet for Gunn Titans, Fetcher Tigers and a cartoon Bee for Barron Park
Elementary School.
Right over the hedge is a vintage fire engine truck from one of the earliest fire houses
surrounded by the hilly terrain of Palo Alto. Right above the hills is a beautiful apricot sunset
echoing the apricot farms and orchards that once surrounded the city. To the left of that
landscape we see a beautiful portrait of local celebrity Perry the donkey and his loyal friends at
the donkey shed at Barron Park. As we look above we see a pretty “komorebi” which in
Japanese means “a play of sunlight through the leaves.” As we look up at the leaves we are
greeted by the historic bell that the fire house used to manually ring to gather the neighborhood
volunteer firefighters. Speaking of firefighters, Fire House 5 proudly grows their own red
peppers they use to cook their signature Palo Alto Firefighters’ Pepper Sauce. To the right of the
pepper branch is a computer mouse browser icon as a nod to its invention by the SRI in the
60s.
Establishing community centers and libraries were the major priority of influential women in
historic Palo Alto. With the rise of these dance halls and gathering hubs, they established
stronger neighborhoods and fostered earlier forms of community by promoting cultural activities.
I really wanted this mural to honor the spirit of strong women who are always looking out for the
well being of their community as if everybody is family. Which is why in the final scene we see a
towering figure of Juana Briones’ spirit overlooking an orange sunset at Matadero Creek. The
park where the fire house stands is named after Juana after all. I truly hope that the locals
resonate with the mural and that they could not only learn a little about their local history but
also a bit more about each other as they travel down the mural together and walk away with a
bit more neighborhood pride.
Attachment A 2
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Public Art Commission
2024-2025 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
April 1. Residency is not required. There are no vacancies as of June 1, 2024. 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 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
Current Commissioners
Loren Gordon (Chair)
Hsinya Shen (Vice Chair)
Tara de la Garza
Ben Miyaji
Amber Smith
Harriet Stern
Lisa Waltuch
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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.
PAC’s 2024/25 Adopted Priorities are:
Building Community 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.
Social Justice Priority: Develop public art projects that will continue to advance empathy, ethnic and cultural inclusion, and
celebration, and social, racial, and gender equity.
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
responding to current issues and supporting a wider network of artists.
Every public art project undertaken by the Palo Alto Public Art Program meets at least two of its three adopted priorities
through its intentionally extensive design and building process that conscientiously engages diverse community members.
Specifically:
● Building Community Priority: The design and building process involves diverse groups of multi-stakeholders
representing the community. From artist selection and fact-finding through community dialogue to the introduction
of the final artwork, this ensures the art resonates with local neighborhoods and commercial corridors.
● 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.
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Prior Year
Accomplishments
1.Code:ART 2023: The City of Palo Alto Public Art Program launched its third interactive media art festival, Code:ART, a
three-evening event that re-imagines Palo Alto’s underutilized plazas, alleys, and public spaces through interactive
light, sound, and motion. The festival featured a major interactive media artwork anchoring the festival and six Urban
Interventions activating or reimagining downtown storefronts, alleys, parking lots or blank walls in new and inventive
ways. The artworks invited play and participation, engaging area locals in an event that outwardly reflects the creative
community and culture that thrives here.
2.California Avenue Murals Festival 2023 - During the summer of 2023 the Palo Alto Public Art Program commissioned
artists Olivia Losee-Unger, Nicole Ponsler and Paz de la Calzada to paint vibrant temporary murals in the California
Avenue District. Bloom by Nicole Ponsler can be found at Palo Alto Central on 149 California Avenue. Moonflowers for
Georgia by Olivia Losee-Unger is located at Izzy’s Brooklyn Bagels on 477 California Avenue. The third streetscape
mural called Quercus 650 by Paz de la Calzada is located on the ground at the intersection of California Avenue and
Ash Street. Artist Paz de la Calzada invited volunteers from the community to participate in the painting process.
3.King Artist Residency: Artist Kirti Bassendine served as the 2023 Artist-in-R esidence beginning February 2023. The
Artist’s Residency project focused on diverse underserved communities residing and/or working in Palo Alto and
experiencing socio-economic or housing instability. Her resulting photographs are displayed on King Plaza.
4.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 protecting and restoring
the Victor Arnautoff Frescoes at the Roth Building, Susan Zoccola’s refabrication, updated software programming for
Susan Narduli’s Conversation at City Hall, comprehensive cleaning and maintenance of Charles Sowers’ Sway at the
JMZ, conservation treatment of Jerome Kirk’s Homage to Silence, repair of Brian Coleman’s Excel, and the
refabrication and installation of midtown community’s Poetry Wall mural.
5.Cubberley Mural: Artist Cameron Moberg completed a mural at Cubberley that reflects the creative community that
frequents the site. His design was informed by feedback from Cubberley stakeholders about what they cherish about
Cubberley.
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PROJECT/GOAL 2 :
Murals, Murals and Murals in 2024
Based on the successful roll out of mural program in 2023, Staff is continuing with several mural projects throughout Palo
Alto:
●Three Murals in Downtown to be painted October 2024: Artists Harumo Sato, Mona Caron and Nigel Sussman have
been selected to design and paint three temporary murals on privately owned walls in downtown Palo Alto, animating
an important commercial corridor
●ArtLift Grants: Utility Box Edition – 100 applicants, 20 participants painting City-wide this summer
PROJECT/GOAL 1 :
The 2024 King Artist Residency: Artist Alma Landeta
Alma Landeta, current artist-in-residence (AIR), has begun community outreach in a variety of ways: Queeries Hotline, portrait
workshops, and open studios. Alma Landeta is focusing 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. The residency will culminate in a final
report of their findings and hopefully a temporary installation on King Plaza in late 2024. PAC and staff will evaluate launching
the next Artist Residency for 2025.
BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES
NEEDED
MEASURE OF
SUCCESS
STATE MANDATED /
LOCAL LAW /
COUNCIL-
APPROVED
Social Justice Priority;
Community Building 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 will use 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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●Fire Station 5 Mural – Bodeck Luna, artist and community organizer, organized outreach to the Barron Park neighbors
and broader Palo Alto community for input on his mural to be painted in August or September
●Digitally Printed Artwork at the California Avenue Parking Structure is planned for late 2024
BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES
NEEDED
MEASURE OF
SUCCESS
STATE MANDATED
/ LOCAL LAW /
COUNCIL-
APPROVED
This project promotes two of
the PAC 2024 priorities:
Building Community Priority
and Public Art Education
Priority.
New murals scheduled for
summer and fall of 2024.
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. He is working
on detailed design development.
●Public Safety Building: Artist Peter Wegner has completed fabrication and the artworks have been installed at the
PSB, are protected in place, and awaiting the public opening of the facility.
●Boulware Park Public Art Project: The PAC has approved the artwork by Los Angeles-based award-winning art and
design studio UrbanRock Design for the Boulware Park Public Art Project. The artist team visited Palo Alto and
conducted meetings with the community to inform their design development. Installation is estimated for fall 2024.
BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES
NEEDED
MEASURE OF
SUCCESS
STATE MANDATED
/ LOCAL LAW /
COUNCIL-
APPROVED
Enhancing new buildings, and
public parks 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 Building Community - the artists have engaged the public for theirinput on Boulware Park, Fire Station 4, and the Public Safety Building. Social Justice Priority and Public Art Education Priority.
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:
●3200 Park Blvd Public Art Project: The 3200 Park Blvd project provides an opportunity to honor Thomas Foon Chew,
founder of the Bayside Canning Company, and the Cannery’s legacy of community building and ethnic and cultural
inclusion. Through multi-stakeholder engagement, the current proposal includes both an external mosaic that includes
individuals, communities, past and future, as well as an internal educational wall for historical education.
●Castilleja School: The Castilleja School development project involves modernizing the school by replacing old buildings
with a new academic building and facilities. The commission has been supporting the project by providing feedback on
the art selection process, placement, and design.
●660 University: This significant project at University and Middlefield Road will have artwork coming for Commission
review this fall.
BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES
NEEDED
MEASURE OF
SUCCESS
STATE MANDATED /
LOCAL LAW /
COUNCIL-
APPROVED
These types of projects may
promote all three of the PAC
2024 priorities.
These events require extensive
planning and dialoguing.
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 2025
The Code:ART events draw larger audiences each year we present the festival. 2025 will be the largest yet, with more ambitious
artworks and expanded experiences. Allocation of funds and calls to artists are anticipated to go out in the next few 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 Spring 2024.
The event is scheduled for
October 2025.
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, including
Charleston/Arastradero Corridor re-fabrication for sculpture destroyed by an accident, deep cleaning of the Jerome Kirk
sculpture at the Art Center, and the protection and comprehensive restoration of the historically significant Arnautoff frescoes
at the Roth Building.
BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES
NEEDED
MEASURE OF
SUCCESS
STATE MANDATED
/ LOCAL LAW /
COUNCIL-
APPROVED
This project promotes two of
the PAC priorities: Building
Community Priority and Public
Art Education Priority.
Ensuring that these valuable
assets are maintained
properly and reflect well on
the City.
Ongoing The annual maintenance
allocation of $32,000 is spent
down each year. Staff oversees
the contractors and work being
performed
Additional funding was
committed by the County for
the restoration of the Arnautoff
frescoes. A conservator has
been hired for this project.
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.
HIGH
PRIORITY
LOWER
PRIORITY
COUNCIL-
DIRECTED
POLICY
UPDATE
Public Art Education N/A
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Code:ART 2023 - The City of Palo Alto Public Art Program launched its third interactive media art festival, Code:ART, a three-evening event that re-imagines Palo Alto’s underutilized plazas, alleys, and public spaces through interactive light,
sound, and motion. The festival featured a major interactive media artwork anchoring the festival and six Urban Interventions activating or re-imagining downtown storefronts, alleys, parking lots or blank walls in new and inventive ways.
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Code:ART - The artworks invited play and participation, engaging area locals in an event that outwardly reflects the
creative community and culture that thrives here.
Images (clockwise): Visitors interacting with Interactive Flow Fields by Steven Wallace; Ripple by Jeffrey Yip
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Cod:ART 2023 - Impact Metrics
- Approximately 13,000 people attended the festival
- 21 Bay Area, national, and international artists
- 7 interactive new media installations
Data from Survey Responses:
- 98% of visitors surveyed would love more events like
this in Palo Alto
-73% of attendees visited a downtown business
during the festival
- 88% of business visitors made a purchase
- 70% of the business visitors spent up to $150
- 60% of visitors came to downtown specifically for
Code:ART
Image: Helix Seats by Pneuhaus in Lytton Plaza
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California Avenue Murals Festival 2023 - During the summer of 2023 the Palo Alto Public Art Program commissioned artists Olivia Losee-Unger, Nicole Ponsler and Paz de la Calzada to paint vibrant temporary murals in the California
Avenue District. Bloom by Nicole Ponsler can be found at Palo Alto Central on 149 California Avenue. Moonflowers for Georgia by Olivia Losee-Unger is located at Izzy’s Brooklyn Bagels on 477 California Avenue. The third streetscape mural
called Quercus 650 by Paz de la Calzada is located on the ground at the intersection of California Avenue and Ash Street. Artist Paz de la Calzada invited volunteers from the community to participate in the painting process.
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In January 2023, Public Art staff initiated a public-private partnership pilot program and opened a Call for Walls to
identify privately owned walls to host murals along California Avenue as part of the pilot mural event for the
California Avenue District. Staff was successful in securing two locations on California Avenue: an exterior wall of the
Izzy’s Brooklyn Bagels at 477 California Avenue, and an exterior wall at California Avenue Central HOA located at 161
California Ave. Additionally, the intersection of California Avenue and Ash Street, which is currently closed to vehicular
traffic, was identified for a ground plane mural.
At the conclusion of the Murals Festival on June 11, Public Art staff led a public tour of the three newly painted murals,
with the participating artists, volunteers, site hosts, and many members of the public in attendance.
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King Artist Residency: Artist Kirti Bassendine
served as the 2023 Artist-in-Residence. The
Artist’s residency project focused on diverse
underserved communities residing and/or
working in Palo Alto and experiencing socio-
economic or housing instability. Her resulting
photographs are displayed on King Plaza.
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Collection Care and Maintenance:
Historic frescoes titled Modern and Ancient
Medicine, 1932 by Victor Arnautoff at the Roth
Building at 300 Homer Ave.
To ensure the restoration of the frescoes would
coincide with the rehabilitation of the building, the
Public Art staff is working with teams of fine art
conservators to protect and restore these
significant artworks.
Images: Left - Atthowe Fine Art team is installing
rigid protections in August 2023 prior to the
commencement of the building construction
project.
Right - Fine art conservator Anne Rosenthal, a
highly reputable expert of frescoes by Diego Rivera
and Victor Arnautoff is working on a Grisaille
fresco panel in April 2024.
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Maintenance: Each year the Public Art Program receives funding from the City to maintain and care for the City’s growing
permanent art collection.
Images: In May 2024, a team of art conservators from Preservation Arts completed a condition assessment and detailed
conservation treatment of a permanently-sited kinetic sculpture tiled Homage to Silence, 1981 by artist Jerome Kirk.
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Maintenance: Each year the Public Art Program
receives funding from the City to maintain and care
for the City’s growing permanent art collection.
Image: Sway, 2020 by Charles Sowers at the Junior
Museum and Zoo at 1451 Middlefield Road is an
architecturally integrated kinetic sculpture. It
receives an annual inspection and detailed
maintenance treatment by the artist.
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Cubberley Mural: In June 2024, Artist Cameron Moberg completed a mural titled Generations at Cubberley that reflects the creative community that frequents the site. His design was informed by feedback from Cubberley stakeholders
about what they cherish about Cubberley.
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Cameron Moberg's design was inspired by the history and community activities taking
place on Cubberley campus .
The artist states: “As I walked through the halls of Cubberley, inspiration was coming at
me around every turn, the music, the art, the learning, but what struck me most was the
generations of people I met. I heard stories from how a woman’s mother took her to
Cubberley as a child and now she takes her daughter. It wasn’t just one story like that,
there were multiple. I wanted to capture this in the hands representing different stages
of life. The butterflies represent the change and beauty that this can bring to the world
and the key and keyhole connecting the two walls – like a portal opening up into
learning, opportunities and the future”.
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