HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-03-20 Public Art Commission Agenda PacketPUBLIC ART COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
Thursday, March 20, 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.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda.
CITY OFFICIAL COMMENTS
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1.February 20, 2025 PAC Regular Meeting Minutes
ACTION ITEMS
2.Artist‐in‐Residence Alma Landeta’s temporary artwork for King Plaza– Staff recommends
the approval of Alma Landeta’s conceptual design for an artwork to be temporarily
placed on King Plaza.
3.Allocation of funds for conservation treatment and repainting of Albuquerque by Gale
Wagner.
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, March 20, 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.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda.
CITY OFFICIAL COMMENTS
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1.February 20, 2025 PAC Regular Meeting Minutes
ACTION ITEMS
2.Artist‐in‐Residence Alma Landeta’s temporary artwork for King Plaza– Staff recommends
the approval of Alma Landeta’s conceptual design for an artwork to be temporarily
placed on King Plaza.
3.Allocation of funds for conservation treatment and repainting of Albuquerque by Gale
Wagner.
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, March 20, 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.PUBLIC COMMENT Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda. CITY OFFICIAL COMMENTSAPPROVAL OF MINUTES1.February 20, 2025 PAC Regular Meeting MinutesACTION ITEMS2.Artist‐in‐Residence Alma Landeta’s temporary artwork for King Plaza– Staff recommendsthe approval of Alma Landeta’s conceptual design for an artwork to be temporarilyplaced on King Plaza.3.Allocation of funds for conservation treatment and repainting of Albuquerque by GaleWagner.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, February 20, 2025
Community Meeting Room & Virtual
7:00 p.m.
Commissioners Participating: Hsinya Shen, Tara de la Garza, Harriet Stern, Amber Smith,
Loren Gordon, Lisa Waltuch, Ben Miyaji joined the meeting
remotely under “AB-2449 Just Cause” provision.
Commissioners Absent: None
City Council Participating: Vicki Veenker
Staff Present: Elise DeMarzo, Public Art Program 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 – January 16, 2025 PAC Regular Meeting Minutes: Moved by Vice Chair
Shen, Second by Commissioner Stern. All in Favor. January 31, 2025 PAC Annual Retreat Minutes:
Moved: Commissioner Miyaji, Second: Commissioner de la Garza. All in Favor.
STAFF COMMENTS –Staff notified the PAC about the two calls for artists: for the pre-qualified artist
roster and muralist roster recently closed on January 27, 2025 with over a thousand applications
submitted. Staff also announced an upcoming informational presentation for Palo Alto’s immigrant
communities, Know Your Rights, taking place at MPCC on February 27. Staff welcomed Vice Mayor
Vicki Veenker appointed as the Council Liaison to the PAC.
ACTION:
1. Election of Officers – Chair Gordon explained the general duties and responsibilities of the Chair
to the Commissioners and opened the floor to nominations for the position of the PAC Chair.
Commissioner Waltuch nominated Vice Chair Shen for the position of Chair. Vice Chair Shen
accepted the nomination. No other nominations followed. Motion: Commissioner Stern moved to
close the nominations. Second: Chair Gordon. All in Favor. Vote: Vice Chair Shen was
unanimously elected as the new PAC Chair. Vice Chair Shen then provided an overview of the
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responsibilities of the Vice Chair position. Chair Gordon opened the floor to nominations. Vice
Chair Shen nominated Commissioner Waltuch for the position of Vice Chair. Commissioner
Waltuch accepted the nomination. No other nominations followed. Motion: Commissioner Stern
moved to close the nominations. Second: Commissioner de la Garza. All in Favor. All in Favor.
Vote: Commissioner Waltuch was elected as the PAC Vice Chair.
2. King Artist-in-Residence Presentation – Commissioner de la Garza disclosed her personal
friendship with artist Kiana Honarmand as a fellow CASP artist. Staff provided a summary of the
King AIR program artist selection process in 2024 which resulted in artist Alma Landeta’s
selection as the 2024 program artist. Artist Kiana Honarmand was ranked by the selected panel as
the next highest scoring artist. Following the recent discussion at the PAC Annual Retreat, staff
made recommendation that the PAC approve Kiana Honarmand as the next resident artist and
also approve allocation of funds in the amount of $50,000 for the project. The exact timeline for
the residency project to be confirmed with the artist later. Moved: Commissioner Stern moved to
approve Kiana Honarmand as the next King AIR artist and the funds for up to $50,000 for the
residency project. Second: Commissioner Waltuch. All in Favor.
NON-ACTION:
3. Code:ART 2025 - Staff and commissioners discussed partnership prospects and expended public
programming during Code:ART 2025 during October 16-25, including attracting sponsorship
opportunities, community partnerships with local businesses and organizations, opening and
closing events, community programming on King Plaza prior to nightly projections, leading
public tours, conducting visitor surveys to measure economic impact and assisting participating
artists during the festival hours. Commissioners de la Garza, Smith and Chair Shen formed an ad-
hoc committee with the focus on attracting sponsorship opportunities. Other commissioners were
encouraged to reach out to local groups and organizations to develop public programming and
partnerships.
COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, OR FUTURE ITEMS: Newly elected Chair
Shen thanked outgoing Chair Gordon for her service and dedication to promote public art in Palo Alto in
her role as the Chair.
CALENDAR: PAC Regular Meeting – March 20, 2025, at 7 pm.
MEETING ADJOURNED: at 7:53 pm by Commissioner Gordon.
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Public Art Commission
Staff Report
From: Elise DeMarzo, Manager Community Services Sr Programs
Meeting Date: March 20, 2025
Report #: 2503-4371
TITLE
Agenda Item 1 – Approval of temporary artwork by Artist-in-Residence Alma Landeta
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the approval of King Artist-in-Residence Alma Landeta’s conceptual design
for an artwork to be temporarily placed on King Plaza.
BACKGROUND
In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King, for whom King Plaza is named, the
City of Palo Alto Council asked the Public Art Commission to consider commissioning a
permanent artwork reflecting the City’s commitment to equity and belonging. 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 residency program
was established. Additional information about the King AIR program, its mission and goals, as
well as information about previous artist residency projects is available on the King Residency
website and PAC staff report for the Joint Meeting with the Human Relations Commission from
March 17, 2022 (https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/community-
services/public-art-commission/pac-staff-report-march-2022_king-residency-update.pdf).
Guided by the approved by PAC 2024/25 work plan priorities to develop public art projects that
will continue to advance empathy, ethnic and cultural inclusion and celebration, and social,
racial, and gender equity, the Public Art Commissioners emphasized the importance of
continuing the King Artist-in-Residence program. Funding in the amount of $50,000 for the next
residency was approved by the PAC at the October 19, 2023 PAC regular meeting. The funds
support a six-month period of research and creative community engagement that ultimately
inform the creation of artwork for King Plaza that will be in place for six months to one year.
ANALYSIS
In December 2023, Public Art Program staff launched a call for artists for the next round of the
King Artist-in-Residence program. Based on the panelists’ rankings as a result of the four
finalists’ presentations, the selection panel recommended artist Alma Landeta as the next
resident artist. The artist selection was approved by the PAC March 21, 2024 with Alma
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Landeta’s residency launching May 2024. Landeta focused 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 while bringing Palo Alto’s diverse
communities together through better understanding and compassion. The artist was provided
with a studio space at Cubberley Community Center to use as their designated workspace. Over
the course of their residency, Landeta led a series of community engagements, including
portrait workshops at Palo Alto libraries and pop-up workshops in King Plaza, panel talks, open
studios, listening forums, school outreach programs, meetings with stakeholders, studio visits
and in-depth interviews. Additionally, the artist launched the Queeries Hotline for anonymous
feedback and to gather insights from the LGBTQ+ community in Palo Alto and beyond. The
artist partnered with several community organizations and groups, including wellness centers,
support spaces, youth programs, research initiatives, libraries, and senior services. The artist
concluded the community engagement phase of their residency with a presentation to the
Public Art Commission January 16, 2025, and delivered a (comprehensive project report
(https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/community-services/public-art-
program/king-air-report-alma-landeta.pdf). that informed the conceptual design for the
artwork to be temporally displayed on King Plaza in front of Palo Alto City Hall. The Artist’s
proposal and statement for the artwork is attached to the staff report.
TIMELINE, RESOURCE IMPACT & POLICY IMPLICATIONS
Should the Public Art Commission approve the conceptual design for the artwork, the artist will
begin the detailed design phase and fabrication of the final artwork. Public Art Program staff
will work closely with the artist throughout the duration of this phase to ensure that the artist is
provided with the necessary resources. The final artwork is expected to be completed and
installed in King Plaza in Summer 2025 to remain on display for a period of six to twelve
months.
The Dr. Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King Artist Residency 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
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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: Conceptual design and statement for a temporary artwork by Alma Landeta
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Spiral Echos Proof of Concept
King Arist-in-Residence, Alma Landeta
Concept Image
Sample Drawing for Sculpture Exterior
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Artist Statement:
While working with the Palo Alto community, I connected with local LGBTQ+ individuals.
These conversations formed interconnected threads that seemed to tighten as they spiraled
inward. My installation celebrates this community through a pathway lined with reflective metal
figures that guide visitors to a central payphone.
Each figure is drawn with distinct postures and expressions directly referencing images from the
Queer Silicon Valley Archive, honoring the region's rich LGBTQ+ history. Together, these figures
form a cohesive whole. Their surfaces shift from cool to warm tones as sunlight passes over
them, allowing visitors to see themselves among this gathered community.
As visitors follow the spiral inward, they arrive at a payphone connected to the Queeries Hotline.
Here, they can sit and listen to anonymous stories from LGBTQ+ community members
answering the question: "What do you wish residents knew about your experiences as a
member of the LGBTQ+ community in Palo Alto?"
The Queeries Hotline remains open throughout the installation, inviting all LGBTQ+ Palo Alto
community members to call in and contribute their stories.
This installation creates a space where individual voices combine into a collective narrative. The
reflective figures invite visitors to see themselves as part of this conversation—as listeners or
participants—showing how shared experiences build resilience and strengthen connections.
Description:
At its highest point the sculpture will be approximately 7’ tall. At its widest point the
sculpture will be approximately 8’ wide. The sculpture will be made of rolled metal, either
aluminum or steel, with black contour drawings on the exterior. At the center there will be a
bench with a payphone that will serve as a receiver for visitors to hear audio from anonymous
messages from the Queeries Hotline.
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Public Art Commission
Staff Report
From: Elise DeMarzo, Manager Community Services Sr Programs
Meeting Date: March 20, 2025
Report #: 2503-4372
TITLE
Allocation of funds in the amount of up to $37,000 for conservation treatment and repainting
of Albuquerque by Gale Wagner.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the allocation of funds in the amount of up to $37,000 for the conservation
treatment and repainting of Albuquerque by Gale Wagner.
BACKGROUND
Albuquerque by Oakland-based artist Gale Wagner, is a monumental sculpture, featuring an
abstract tubular grid contracting with a circular form on a large concrete base. Created by the
artist in 1982, and purchased by the City the following year, it is fabricated of galvanized steel
with a spray applied deep red industrial paint system. The sculpture is located on the lawn in
front of the Palo Alto Art Center at Embarcadero Road. Measured at 12’ H x 30’ W x 13’ D,
Albuquerque is one of the larger outdoor creations by the artist, and the largest piece in the
City’s collection.
ANALYSIS
Throughout its life span the monumental sculpture has undergone a few conservation
treatments and refurbishments: in 1991, the sculpture was vandalized with extensive graffiti
tags. The artist was involved with repair and oversaw the repainting of the sculpture, followed
by relocation of the sculpture to its current location on the front lawn along Embarcadero Road
to allow for greater visibility, and less vandalism. A 1998 conservation report from the Fine Arts
Museums conservation lab (FAMSF), indicates that the artist oversaw another repainting in
1994. It was repainted again in 2011 once a designated annual maintenance allocation was
provided to the Public Art Program. In following years, with the use of the annual maintenance
budget, staff regularly monitored the condition of the artwork and had the sculpture and its
base cleaned. In 2015, staff engaged art conservators with ARG/GS to complete a
comprehensive condition survey of the City’s public art collection, including Gale Wagner’s
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Albuquerque. The report outlined regular treatment and long-term care recommendations for
the sculpture, including expansion of its concrete base and an overall paint coating every 10
years or earlier, if signs of deterioration are present. Following the condition assessment, the
sculpture was completely refurbished by a painting contractor in 2017. Condition report from
2021 indicated visible areas of deterioration and failing of painting system, due to exposure and
damage caused by mechanical impact from lawn maintenance equipment. The concrete base
was expanded in 2022 to prevent further incidental damages. Staff continued to monitor the
condition of the sculpture documenting further lifting of paint and fine cracks around several
welds, exposing bare metal and showing signs of ferrous corrosion. In 2024, staff engaged art
conservators with Preservation Arts to provide a comprehensive condition assessment and
treatment proposal. Upon evaluation the condition, the conservators recommended an overall
repainting of the sculpture. Due to the monumental size of the sculpture, the project would
need to take place onsite with the area fenced off and canopied to protect the piece from the
weather and minimize temperature fluctuations.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
Staff obtained treatment estimates ranging between $35,000 - $40,000 for an onsite repainting
of the sculpture by a qualified painting contractor under close supervision of a team of art
conservators, including labor and materials from several Bay Area-based art conservators,
experienced in restoration and repainting of large-scale public artworks.
Should the Public Art Commission approve the allocation of funds for the repainting of the
sculpture, staff will identify and contract with an art conservator in April 2025 to coordinate
and complete the onsite repainting in late September – mid October 2025, taking advantage of
the mild weather conditions. The funds for the repainting project will be allocated from the
Public Art Program’s annual collection maintenance budget from the City’s General Fund.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Condition Report and Images of Albuquerque by Gale Wagner.
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Condition Report And Treatment Proposal
Date: April 1, 2024
Client: City of Palo Alto; Attn: Nadya Chuprina
Object: Gale Wagner , Albuquerque , 1982, painted steel
Medium: Steel, paint
Inventory #: S.02.89
Location: Palo Alto Arts Center Front Lawn, Embarcadero and Newell, Palo Alto
Dimensions: H 12' x W 30' x D 13'
Description and Materials:
is monumental sculpture by Gale Wagner from 1982 is fabricated of galvanized steel with a spray applied red industrial 1
paint system. It is located on the lawn in front of the Palo Alto Arts Center at Embarcadero and Newell Streets.
e sculpture is constructed with both tubular pipe sections and at plates that are welded together. e front interconnected
pipe element is counterbalanced by a large disc at the back, and the sculpture sits on the ground at three points.
Treatment History from Archival Information:
Original paint system is unknown.
On June 30, 1991, the sculpture was vandalized with extensive gra ti tags. e artist was involved with repair and oversaw the
repainting of the sculpture by a company called ‘Zonger’ in the parking lot.
August 31, 1991, it was vandalized again re uiring repainting, and was craned out and reinstalled in a new location on the front
lawn along Embarcadero to allow for greater visibility, and hopefully less vandalism.
A conservation report supplied by the Palo Alto City Public Arts Department and written by Fine Arts Museums
conservation lab (FAMSF) in 08/28/1998, indicates that the artist oversaw repainting again in 1994. e report states that it
was discussed at the time whether to use either Imron, a polyurethane enamel or Deltron, an acrylic polyurethane, but it is
1 Galvanized steel is noted on the City of Palo Alto website. Not currently con rmed.
Preservation-Arts.com 510.808.7894 info@preservation-arts.com 743 47th Street #102, Oakland, CA 94609
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Condition Report : Gale Wagner: Albu uer ue, 1982
unclear what was used. At the time of this report, FAMSF noted that the original color may have been a plum color, but was
by then a rust color from sun degradation. ey recommended spot repairs.
In June 2017, the City received a proposal for full repainting by A&B Painting Contractors in Santa Clara. It was spot primed,
then fully primed with a ‘universal primer’ (white/blue color) before being repainted with a Precision Coatings system that
included PC3, an acrylic aliphatic polyurethane matt e shell followed by PC3V100 top coat, an acrylic polyurethane. e
contractor ran into issues attempting to paint the sculpture in the middle of summer when the steel was cold in the morning
and hot in the a ernoon. is resulted in poor adhesion and cracking along welds shortly a erwards. It was repainted again.
e sculpture is set on a concrete pad, although there does not appear to be any attachment points, and there is an embedded
bronze pla ue.
Condition Report:
○ e sculpture is structurally stable.
○ ere does not appear to be any fastening to the concrete pad. e extension ‘arm’ can be li ed.
○ ere is surface grime overall, and organic debris as well as biogrowth.
○ e paint appears to have chalked, (been degraded by ultraviolet light) to a powdery blanched color, with fading more
noticeable on the side facing Embarcadero Way, rather than the more protected undersides.
○ Around many of the welds, there are ne and deeper cracks in the paint and some associated losses. e plum color
earlier paint system is visible in the areas of loss.
○ ere are damages on the lower sides, possibly from gardening e uipment, that have exposed the bare metal and
ferrous corrosion is forming.
○ ere may be water collected on the interior of the sculpture since there is an area close to the bottom of the pipes
where corrosion has formed a hole in the metal and water staining and biogrowth are present.
○ ere is signi cant build up of biogrowth and organic material around weld lines.
○ e bronze pla ue is tarnished and has surface grime.
Treatment Proposal :
is proposal is for an onsite repainting of the sculpture.
○ e sculpture will be photographed before, during and a er treatment, and fully documented.
○ e paint will be matched into an industrial system, possibly a Tnemec uoropolymer system for color retention and
hardness. Approval by collection/ and or gallery will be obtained for the color.
○ Conservator to produce painting speci cations for industrial painters.
○ Surface cleaning to remove all dirt, debris and biogrowth.
○ Site protection of concrete during the painting process.
○ Prep to enable ade uate adhesion of the new system, and spot priming for any areas re uiring this.
○ Application of matched top coats.
○ Conservation oversight of the painting process at each step to sign o and ensure that paint application is in line
with manufacturer’s speci cations and artist intent is maintained.
○ Paint samples will be provided to the collection, as well as full documentation of the process.
○ Pla ue to be polished and protective lac uer applied.
○ Consider drilling weep holes into the lower underside to allow water to escape from the interior.
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Condition Report : Gale Wagner: Albu uer ue, 1982
Photographs:
Overall Front View of Sculpture (Image from City of Palo Alto Website) Date unknown
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Community-Services/Arts-Sciences/Public-Art-Program/Collection/Albuquerque
Overall Front View of Sculpture (Current Condition)
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Condition Report : Gale Wagner: Albu uer ue, 1982
Rear View of Sculpture
Proper Le View
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Condition Report : Gale Wagner: Albu uer ue, 1982
Image from Waymarker Website Showing ‘plum’ colored paint (Noted in FAMSF 1998 CR)
https://www.waymarking.com/gallery/image.aspx?f=1&guid=40f7861f-3242-42f3-8949-df0c587537a0&gid=3
De ail of cracking and delamination of top coats around welds. Also shows the plum red paint color below that does not appear to have
been blasted off as s ated in A&B proposal
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Condition Report : Gale Wagner: Albu uer ue, 1982
Edge losses (Le ) and biogrowth and organic debris around welds (Right)
Damage relating to a deep abrasion possibly from gardening equipment (Le )
Corrosion forming around an area where water held in the interior may be trapped and corroding the me al from the inside (Right)
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Condition Report : Gale Wagner: Albu uer ue, 1982
Signature (Le ) and Bronze Plaque (Right)
Archival images from A&B repainting in 2017. Before repainting
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Condition Report : Gale Wagner: Albu uer ue, 1982
Archival images from A&B repainting in 2017. Priming
Archival images from A&B repainting in 2017. During Top Coat Application
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Condition Report : Gale Wagner: Albu uer ue, 1982
Archival images from A&B repainting in 2017. A er Repainting
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