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Home My WebLink About2025-01-16 Public Art Commission Agenda PacketPUBLIC ART COMMISSION Regular Meeting Thursday, January 16, 2025 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1.December 19, 2024 PAC Meeting Minutes PUBLIC COMMENT Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda. CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS NON‐ACTION ITEMS 2.Projection Mapping Presentation – Informational presentation by A3 Immersive team regarding projection mapping technology as it applies to the upcoming Code:ART festival. 3.King Artist‐In‐Residence Presentation – Presentation by King Artist‐in‐Residence Alma Landeta regarding their ongoing residency project, including their community engagement, findings and emerging themes. 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, January 16, 2025Community 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1.December 19, 2024 PAC Meeting Minutes PUBLIC COMMENT Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda. CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS NON‐ACTION ITEMS 2.Projection Mapping Presentation – Informational presentation by A3 Immersive team regarding projection mapping technology as it applies to the upcoming Code:ART festival. 3.King Artist‐In‐Residence Presentation – Presentation by King Artist‐in‐Residence Alma Landeta regarding their ongoing residency project, including their community engagement, findings and emerging themes. 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, January 16, 2025Community 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.APPROVAL OF MINUTES1.December 19, 2024 PAC Meeting MinutesPUBLIC COMMENT Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda. CITY OFFICIAL REPORTSNON‐ACTION ITEMS2.Projection Mapping Presentation – Informational presentation by A3 Immersive teamregarding projection mapping technology as it applies to the upcoming Code:ARTfestival.3.King Artist‐In‐Residence Presentation – Presentation by King Artist‐in‐Residence AlmaLandeta regarding their ongoing residency project, including their communityengagement, findings and emerging themes. 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 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Thursday, December 19, 2024 Community Meeting Room & Virtual 7:00 p.m. Commissioners Participating: Amber Smith, Ben Miyaji, Loren Gordon, Hsinya Shen, Tara de la Garza, Harriet Stern, Lisa Waltuch Commissioners Absent: None City Council Participating: Patrick Burt – joined at 7:05 pm Staff Present: Elise DeMarzo, Public Art Program Director, CSD Amanda Deml, Assistant Director, CSD Nadya Chuprina, Public Art Program Coordinator, CSD CALL TO ORDER – Chair Gordon called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. AGENDA CHANGES, REQUESTS, DELETIONS – None. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS – None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – November 21, 2024 PAC Regular Meeting Minutes: Moved by Commissioner Miyaji, Second by Vice Chair Shen. All in Favor. STAFF COMMENTS – Staff provided an update on the completion of installation of a permanent sculpture by UrbanRock Design at Boulware Park. Staff announced two open calls for the pre-qualified artist roster and muralists with applications to be submitted electronically via SlideRoom by January 27, 2025. Staff also updated the Commission on the recent Council approval of the contract with A3 Visual Immersive for the production of large scale projection mapping for Code:ART 2025. ACTION: 1. Code:ART Publicity – Staff provided an overview of the project intent and scope of services for a public relations consultant to help facilitate media outreach and marketing efforts to promote Code:ART 2025. Staff recommended the allocation of funds in the amount of $10,500 to engage the professional services of Mega Sugainto for publicity of Code:ART. Moved: Chair Gordon; Second: Commissioner Smith. All in Favor. NON-ACTION: 1 Packet Pg. 4 2. Victor Arnautoff frescoes at the Roth Building Update – Staff provided an update and shared project images for the protection and restoration of the Arnautoff frescoes at the Roth Building located at 300 Homer Avenue. The current phase of the project was completed earlier in December with the upper register color frescoes completely restored and in-depth testing and condition studies of the lower register grisaille frescoes and medallions by art conservators Anne Rosenthal and Kiernan Graves. Public Art Program staff in collaboration with the Palo Alto History Museum board had received a grant for the protection and restoration of the frescoes. Staff will evaluate the final reports provided by the art conservators and will be seeking additional funding for the restoration of the lower register frescoes. The artworks are located in the loggia at the main entrance to the building facing Homer. COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, OR FUTURE ITEMS: None. CALENDAR: Next PAC Regular Meeting – January 16, 2025, 7 pm (hybrid) at City Hall Community Meeting Room. Annual PAC Retreat – January 31, 2025, 9 am – 1 pm at Rinconada Library. MEETING ADJOURNED: at 7:48 pm by Chair Gordon. 1 Packet Pg. 5 ABSTRACT: This research explores the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in Palo Alto, highlighting key challenges such as a lack of representation, safe spaces, and cultural responsiveness, leading to feelings of isolation and hostility. Armation and creative expression are identied as crucial for self-identity and empowerment, while testimonies reveal signicant misconceptions and invisibility of queer and trans communities. Intersectionality underscores the compounded challenges faced by queer individuals of color. Despite these issues, the research emphasizes the strength of community connections, proposing increased visibility and support systems, including a dedicated LGBTQ+ resource page for Santa Clara County, to foster inclusivity and belonging. Photo by Gina Castro of Alma Landeta in their studio at Cubberley Artist Studios. King Artist-in-Residence Report Alma Landeta, King AIR 2024-25 3 Packet Pg. 6 Community Partner, PRIDENet looked at data from The PRIDE Study’s 2018 Annual Questionnaire and analyzed national participant’s written responses to three open-ended questions. These questions asked about what brings people joy and what they like most about their sexual orientation and gender identity. They chose 315 participants from everyone who took the 2018 Annual Questionnaire and responded to at least one of the open-ended questions. After analyzing participant responses, they created main categories and grouped together resources that promote well-being for diverse LGBTQIA+ communities. 3 Packet Pg. 7 Scope Demographics Community Partners Public Programming Palo Alto surveys highlighting key challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, including underreported demographics, mental health struggles, and safety concerns. Community partners include wellness centers, support spaces, youth programs, research initiatives, libraries, and senior services, supporting the LGBTQ+ community across all ages and needs. The community events included a series of workshops, studio visits, open forums, and meet- ups aimed at fostering engagement, artistic expression, and dialogue within the LGBTQ+ community. Community Engagement Challenges & Opportunities Community engagement has involved workshops, meetings with stakeholders, studio visits, and the Queeries Hotline for anonymous feedback, aiming to foster connection and gather insights from the LGBTQ+ community in Palo Alto. Key ndings highlight a lack of representation, hostility, and trauma for LGBTQ+ individuals in Palo Alto, underscoring the need for safe spaces, identity armation, creative expression, visibility, intersectionality, and community connection. 3 Packet Pg. 8 BEING LGBTQ+ IN PALO ALTO ISSUES AND PROPOSALS, 2019 Survey by the City of Palo Alto Oce of Human Services Intern and the Palo Alto Human Relations Commission ¹Becerra, Xavier. “Hate Crime in California 2017.” California Department of Justice, 2017. ² Santa Clara County Public Health Department (2013). Status of LGBTQ Health: Santa Clara County 2013. ³ Henry M. Gunn High School. California Healthy Kids Survey, 2015-16: Main Report. San Francisco: WestEd Health & Human Development Program for the California Department of Education. Historic and Contemporary Demographics Nationally, 4% of adults identify as LGBT7.3% of Millennials (born between 1980 and 1998) identify as LGBT, suggesting under reporting in older age groups In SC County, 3% (31,000 of 1.2 million adults) identify as lesbian or gay and 1% (16,000) as bisexual (2013).¹And approximately 3,500 transgender adults live in the county.¹ At least 6% of ninth and 7% of eleventh graders identify as Lesbian, Gay, or Bisexual at Paly and Gunn²,³ At least 2% of ninth and eleventh graders identify as transgender at Paly and Gunn High Schools²,³ 20% of ninth and eleventh graders are unsure of their sexual identity²,³ Nearly a quarter of all LGBTQ respondents and nearly half of transgender respondents seriously considered suicide or hurting themselves during the past 12 months² Nearly half of LGBTQ respondents felt they might have needed to see a professional in the past 12 months because of concerns about their mental health, emotions, nerves, or use of alcohol and drugs² 3 of 4 LGBTQ adult survey respondents who ever experienced intimate partner violence did not report the incident(s) to law enforcement² 5 hate crimes (all cause) reported in Palo Alto in 2017¹ 5 hate crimes (all cause) reported in 2018 (Jan – June)¹ 3 Packet Pg. 9 Visual Notes by Silent James during the June 25, 2024 LGBTQ+ Listening Forum hosted by the Oce of LGBTQ Aairs. Santa Clara County Oce of LGBTQ Aairs Listening Forum The meeting's key takeaways point to a concerning lack of awareness about LGBTQ+ resources among Palo Alto residents. With only 2 of the 16 attendees identifying as both LGBTQ+ and residents of Palo Alto, and the majority being city ocials, it is evident that local LGBTQ+ community engagement is limited. This imbalance highlights the need for better outreach and information dissemination. A proposed solution to this issue is creating a comprehensive resource page for LGBTQ+ services in Santa Clara County, which could serve as a vital tool for increasing visibility and support within the community. Key takeaways:Palo Alto Residents are unaware of existing LGBTQ+ resources 2 of 16 attendees identiﬁed as LGBTQ+ and were Palo Alto residents, less than half of attendees identiﬁed as LGBTQ+, and the majority of attendees were city ocialsPossible solutions:Create a page of LGBTQ+ resources in Santa Clara county 3 Packet Pg. 10 Queer Silicon Valley, 2021 Documentary The BAYMEC Community Foundation proudly presents the documentary “Queer Silicon Valley.” The ﬁlm skillfully memorializes the work of a generation of activists who were all part of the LGBTQ+ movement in San Jose and Silicon Valley, from the 1970s to now. Spanning almost 50 years, this groundbreaking documentary showcases 22 history-making activists, as they recount the struggles and discrimination they endured to ultimately build a local society that was accepting and inclusive. The ﬁlm features many of the people who helped shape the vibrant and cohesive queer culture that exists today. Testimonies and stills from the documentary: “The only place you could feel safe was in a bar.” 3 Packet Pg. 11 “Cops would go to Mac’s as a ‘training’ because it was easy picking.” “We relied on each other a lot more, we needed each other a lot more.” 3 Packet Pg. 12 “ProLatino was the answer to the lack of services at the time.” “There was something beautiful in being as dierent as I was.” 3 Packet Pg. 13 Relevant Community Partners The Q Corner, 2SLGBTQIA+ wellness center Galaxy Community Circle, LGBTQ+ youth anity groupStanford Queer Student Resources, University student support centerThe LGBTQ Youth Space, community center for LGBTQ+ youth ages 13-25, living in Santa Clara County San Mateo County Pride Center, LGBTQ+ community center PRIDEnet, LGBTQIA+ health researchAvenidas Rainbow Collective, senior center with LGBTQ+ anity group Palo Alto City Libraries Public Programming May 9, 2024—Archives Visit June 12, 2024—Community Portrait Workshop at Mitchell Park LibraryJune 20, 2024—Open StudiosJune 27, 2024—LGBTQ+ Listening Forum July 26, 2024—Portraits in the Plaza August 16, 2024—Santa Clara County Public Schools GSA Network EventAugust 21, 2024—San Mateo County Pride Meeting September 18, 2024—Community Portrait Workshop at Mitchell Park LibrarySeptember 13, 2024—Studio VisitsSeptember 25, 2024—Community Portrait Workshop at Mitchell Park LibraryOctober 7, 2024—Galaxy Community Circle Meet-upOctober 16, 2024—Community Portrait Workshop at Mitchell Park LibraryOctober 25, 2024—Studio VisitsNovember 9, 2024—Cubberley Open Studios November 14, 2024—Community Portrait Workshop at Mitchell Park Library November 18, 2024—Stanford PRIDEnet Portrait Session 3 Packet Pg. 14 Community Engagement Metrics: Community Engagement Community engagement for this project has included workshops, one-on-one meetings, studio visits, and data collection via the Queeries Hotline, fostering connection and deeper conversations. These activities have provided valuable insights and perspectives that shape the project's direction. I will continue this engagement throughout the program, keeping the Hotline open for audio contributions during its installation at King Plaza. Additionally, KQED featured the project, helping us reach a broader audience. Engagement Type Participants Library Workshops 90 Panel Talks 50 Portrait Pop-ups 20 Queeries Hotline 9 Open Studios 120 LGBTQ+ Listening Forum 16 School Outreach Events 70 Total Participants: 375 3 Packet Pg. 15 Community Workshops: At the Mitchell Park Library workshops, participants were taught fundamental drawing techniques and were given materials to create their own self-portraits as well as portraits of other participants in the workshop. In addition to this kind of facilitated workshop, there we hosted pop-up events in King Plaza for passersby to sit for portraits.One-on-one Meetings: I met with several stakeholders and community members to better understand their challenges and opportunities. Some of those meetings have been with Kojo Pierce, Equity and Inclusion Manager for the Oce of the City of Palo Alto; Steve Staiger, Palo Alto Historical Association Historian; Arturo Magana, Program Manager at Avenidas Rainbow Collective; David Sigua, Palo Alto Librarian; Daniel Moretti, Community Engagement Lead at PRIDEnet; Eli Dinh, Founder of Galaxy Community CircleStudio Visits: we hosted an Open Studios events in the summer and fall and individuals scheduled time to stop by for one-on-one studio visits as well. During these visits I was able to discuss the project at length, reach more LGBTQ+ community members in Palo Alto, and provide demonstrations. Queeries Hotline: this Google Voice number was set up to allow anyone to call in or text a message in response to the prompt: What do you wish residents of Palo Alto knew about your experiences as a member of the LGBTQ+ community? This has allowed for anonymous data to be collected from LGBTQ+ community members from across the county. 3 Packet Pg. 16 During community engagement, I gathered data to inform my ﬁnal installation, speciﬁcally from testimonies of LGBTQ+ residents of Palo Alto. These were collected via the Queeries Hotline Google Voice, one-on-one interviews, and community workshop surveys. Seven key themes emerged from the research, highlighting both challenges and opportunities. Below, I outline these themes with supporting testimonies. 1. Lack of Representation and Safe Spaces: Many testimonies highlight the absence of queer representation and safe spaces, both in schools and the broader community. This absence leads to feelings of isolation and the need for more inclusive environments. “There was no queer representation at all growing up… I didn’t realize how important it was to meet a queer person. She was my only safe space that I had in Palo Alto.” “I wish more representation within the school, within the community, within city council, anywhere, so that there would be safe spaces for young queer people to go to.” 2. Hostility and Trauma: There is a recurring theme of hostility and trauma associated with growing up LGBTQAI+ in Palo Alto. Many describe the community as unwelcoming or hostile to queer and trans identities, with experiences of bullying, policing, and a lack of cultural responsiveness. “Her public school did not accept her for who she is. There was a teacher at the public bathroom making sure that she was still going to the boy’s bathroom.” “Palo Alto was such a traumatic place for me. It was so hard to grow up, to come of age there.” “Palo Alto literally almost killed me.” 3. Armation and Identity: The importance of feeling armed in one's identity is emphasized, where armation allows individuals to express their true selves without fear or compromise. This is often linked to the support of the community and the ability to embrace and express one's gender and sexual identity. “I’m trans, nonbinary, queer… I have always been this way and I think that is maybe what I would want people to know.” “When I’m feeling armed all my parts, both good and messy, are welcome.” “I see myself when I’m feeling armed as my full true self. When I say my full true self I think about who I am without ﬁlters, who I am without putting up my protectors.” Stakeholders’ Challenges and Opportunities 3 Packet Pg. 17 4. Creative Expression as Liberation: Creative spaces, particularly dance and storytelling, are described as liberating environments where individuals can explore and express their identities beyond societal constraints. These spaces allow for the creation of narratives that are arming and empowering. “In my university I was part of a dance team that was predominantly queer people of color. So being able to choreograph pieces that represented queer partnership… has been a really big part of arming my sense of gender, my sense of self.” “Through creative spaces we get to create our own narratives and just kind of create our own worlds.” 5. Visibility and Misconceptions: There is a recognition that queer and trans people exist in places where they may not be visibly represented or recognized, such as Palo Alto. This invisibility can lead to misconceptions and a lack of understanding from the broader community. “It is sad to know that even here in the most progressive and inclusive town people are still not as open minded and understanding of transgender communities.” “Just because we’re not always visible doesn’t mean we’re not here and we’re not paying attention and we’re not living our lives and looking for support and community.” 6. Intersectionality: The experiences shared reﬂect the intersection of multiple identities, such as being queer, trans, people of color, and mixed-race. These intersections compound the challenges faced and highlight the need for more nuanced and inclusive support systems. “There was so little about the community, the culture, that was arming or culturally responsive to me as a queer kid, as a mixed kid, as a kid of color.” “Queer people, especially black and brown queer people of color have been living and surviving and thriving for centuries.” 7. Community and Connection: Despite the challenges, there is a strong emphasis on the value of community and the connections formed within it. These connections provide crucial support and a sense of belonging. “I made at least one lifelong queer friend, who’s also a person of color, and we had to come up together through that place.” “I think that the way that it looks for me is seeing a smile form on my face. I’m kind of a daydreamer so it might look like I’m in a dierent world but it’s really the warmth and love of feeling in the present world.” 3 Packet Pg. 18 I began my residency at the Cubberley Artist Studios in April 2024 and will continue creating and developing my work in this space throughout the duration of the residency. To date, I have dedicated approximately 300 hours in my studio, focusing on an ongoing series of portraits that celebrate and amplify the lives of LGBTQ+ residents in Santa Clara County. This body of work draws inspiration from both historical archival imagery and contemporary in-person sessions with individuals who live and work in Palo Alto today. Through these portraits, I aim to shine a light on the rich diversity within the LGBTQ+ community, providing much-needed visibility to their stories and experiences. My intention is to not only honor the individuals represented but also to foster a deeper sense of connection and solidarity within the community. By juxtaposing historical and modern representations, I hope to create a visual dialogue that bridges past and present, emphasizing the enduring resilience and vibrant presence of LGBTQ+ individuals in the area. Studio Practice 3 Packet Pg. 19 CONCLUSION: Building on these insights, I propose a temporary installation in King Plaza that addresses the need for visibility while honoring the anonymity essential for the protection of our LGBTQ+ community in Palo Alto. The installation will feature reective metal wrapping around a retrotted payphone, housing oral histories from local LGBTQ+ residents. As visitors walk along a coiled path toward the center, the reective surface will mirror their own image while incorporating gestural gures and icons of Palo Alto’s LGBTQ+ community, cut into the metal to create openings for glimpses. At the center, participants can pick up the receiver to hear testimonies captured on the Queeries Hotline, inviting both personal reection and collective connection. I’m in ideation and consultation with various fabricators to nalize a design. 3 Packet Pg. 20