HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-21-2017 Public Art Committee Agenda PacketSaratoga Public Art Committee Meeting Agenda - Page 1 of 2
SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL
PUBLIC ARTS COMMITTEE
FEBRUARY 21, 2017
2:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING
Saratoga Historical Foundation Museum | 20450 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road, Saratoga, CA
AGENDA ITEMS:
1. Site Visit – Saratoga Historical Foundation Museum & Blaney Plaza
Recommended Action:
Call meeting to order at Saratoga Historical Foundation Museum and then walk through
Saratoga Historical Foundation Museum grounds and Blaney Plaza to view prospective sites
for Willys and Betty Peck Bronzes. After the site visit, the meeting will resume at the
Saratoga Historical Foundation Museum.
2. Public Art Committee Minutes
Recommended Action:
Approve the minutes for the January 31, 2017 Public Art Committee Meeting.
3. Utility Box Art
Recommended Action:
Consider a proposal to paint a utility box in Saratoga and development of a utility box art
program in Saratoga.
4. Willys and Betty Peck Bronzes
Recommended Action:
Consider a proposal for funding and placement of life-sized bronzes of Willys and Betty
Peck.
5. FY 2017/18 Public Art Allowance
Recommended Action:
Consider a FY 2017/18 public art budget allocation recommendation to the City Council.
6. Public Art Committee Mission & Purpose
Recommended Action:
Consider and discuss the mission and purpose of the Public Art Committee.
ADJOURNMENT
Certificate of Posting of the Agenda, Distribution of Agenda Packet, & Compliance with
Americans with Disabilities Act
Saratoga Public Art Committee Meeting Agenda - Page 2 of 2
I, Crystal Bothelio, City Clerk for the City of Saratoga, declare that the foregoing agenda for the meeting of the
Public Art Committee was posted and available for review on February 16, 2017 at the City of Saratoga, 13777
Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070 and on the City's website at www.saratoga.ca.us.
Signed this 16th of February 2017 at Saratoga, California.
Crystal Bothelio, City Clerk
In accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act, copies of the staff reports and other materials provided to the Public
Art Committee by City staff in connection with this agenda are available at the office of the City Clerk at 13777
Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070. Any materials distributed by staff after the posting of the agenda are made
available for public review at the office of the City Clerk at the time they are distributed to the Public Art
Committee.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need assistance to participate in this meeting, pleas e
contact the City Clerk at 408.868.1269. Notification 24 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make
reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. [28 CFR 5.102-35.104 ADA title II]
Saratoga Public Art Committee Minutes - Page 1 of 2
MINUTES
JANUARY 31, 2017
PUBLIC ART COMMITTEE
The meeting was called to order at 2:02 p.m. in the City Hall Administrative Conference Room
at 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Mayor Emily Lo, Vice Mayor Mary-Lynne Bernald
ABSENT: None
ALSO PRESENT: James Lindsay, City Manager
Crystal Bothelio, City Clerk/Asst. to City Manager
AGENDA ITEMS:
Future Public Art Opportunities
Recommended Action:
Consider and discuss future opportunities for public art in Saratoga.
The Public Art Committee discussed its mission and purpose. Staff was asked to bring
examples from other, similar communities to the next meeting.
The Committee discussed future art opportunities, including a utility box art program.
The Committee requested additional information about programs operated by other
communities, including Campbell, Los Gatos, and Cupertino at the next meeting.
As part of the discussion on utility box art programs, the Committee received information
from Jill Hunter regarding a proposal to paint a utility box at the entrance of the Village
before America in Bloom judges visit Saratoga for the 2017 contest. The Committee
requested conceptual artwork, cost, and the proposed utility box location at the next
Committee meeting with the expectation that the Committee would make a
recommendation on the proposal for the City Council to consider on March 1, 2017.
The Committee considered a request from Hugh Roberts to provide funding for a bench
with bronzes of Willys and Betty Peck. The Committee requested additional information
about the proposal, including conceptual artwork, cost, and location, be presented at the
next meeting, so that the Committee can make a recommendation to the City Council to
be considered on March 1, 2017. The Committee also requested copies of plans for
Blaney Plaza.
Establish Next Meeting Date
Recommended Action:
Discuss meeting schedule and set next Public Arts Committee meeting date and time.
Saratoga Public Art Committee Minutes - Page 2 of 2
The next meeting was scheduled for February 21, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. in the City Hall
Administrative Conference Room at 13777 Fruitvale Avenue in Saratoga. Agenda items
will include: Committee mission and scope; utility box art program; proposal for artwork
on a utility box at the entrance to the Village; and, Peck Bench proposal.
ADJOURNMENT
Minutes respectfully submitted:
Crystal Bothelio, City Clerk
City of Saratoga
CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To: Public Art Committee
From: Crystal Bothelio, City Clerk/Assistant to the City Manager
Date: February 21, 2017
Subject: Utility Box Art
At the January 31, 2017 Public Art Committee meeting, the Public Art Committee was asked to
consider a proposal to paint one of the utility boxes in the Village prior to the America in Bloom
judges visit for the 2017 competition. The conceptual artwork will be presented at the February
21 meeting for the Committee to consider and make a recommendation to the City Council. The
Public Art Committee’s recommendation is tentatively scheduled to go before the City Council
on March 1, 2017.
In addition to this proposal to paint one utility box in the Village, the Public Art Committee has
expressed interest in creating a utility box art program in Saratoga. A number of cities have
established programs, including several neighboring communities. Additional information about
these programs is included below.
Town of Los Gatos – Outside the Box Utility Box Art Program
The Town has conducted 2 phases of the program, identifying 5 priority utility boxes for
artwork during each phase (utility boxes throughout the Town have been mapped and
prioritized for artwork).
The Town accepts artwork proposals (with proposed artwork and utility box location) and a
committee comprised of Town staff and Arts Commissioners (6 total members) selects artists
and then works with artists to refine the artwork. Once the artwork is finalize d, the Town works
with a contractor to convert the artwork to a vinyl wrap then prep utility boxes and install vinyl.
The Town decided to use vinyl wraps to reduce opportunities for graffiti/vandalism. Given that
the program is relatively new, it is unclear how long the vinyl wraps will last in comparison to
paint.
Artwork should be environmentally-themed and the Town identifies a theme for each utility
box. During the application process, artists identify which box/theme they want to propose
artwork for and upload a proposed design.
The cost per phase is approximately $10,500. This includes stipends ($500/artist) and
production/installation. The first phase lasted 1.5 years and the second phase is expected to
last 8-9 months.
Additional information: http://www.losgatosca.gov/utilityboxartprogram
City of Campbell – Art Outside the Box
The City of Campbell launched its utility box art program, “Art Outside the Box,” in 2015. Since
then, the City has conducted an annual application process to solicit interest and 20 boxes have
been painted. Applications for the 2017 cycle are due in March.
For each cycle, the City identifies the boxes that it would like to have painted and designate an
artist honorarium for each box. City-owned boxes in the worst condition are selected to be
painted first. The honorarium varies by location, depending on the number and configuration of
the utility boxes. The current honorarium range is $350 to $450.
As part of the application process, artists indicate their preferred utility box and provide
conceptual artwork. Artists may submit up to 3 designs each. Artists are not required to follow
a designated theme, but they are encouraged to be creative and innovative. While not
required, artwork may represent aspects of the City’s history, heritage, culture, or geography or
reflect the specific neighborhood or area where the box is located.
A selection committee comprised of members of the Civic Improvement Commission and
Campbell Artists’ Guild review applications and submit recommended selections to the Civic
Improvement Commission for final decision. Once selected, artists typically have May through
July to paint utility boxes.
The program is funded entirely by sponsorships and individual donations, including cost of
paint, materials, and artist honorarium. The annual program budget is $5,000. Additionally, the
Home Depot in Campbell has provided supplies and volunteers to prepare utility boxes for
painting.
The program started in 2015 and so far paint appears to be holding up, but the program is still
fairly new. Campbell staff did indicate that there have been a few rare instances where painted
boxes were vandalized, but a graffiti coating protected the artwor k and allowed the vandalism
to be cleaned up internally by City crews.
Additional information: http://www.ci.campbell.ca.us/618/Art-Outside-the-Box
City of Cupertino – Energized by Art Utility Box Art Contest
In 2015, the City of Cupertino launched its Energized by Art Utility Box Art Program and invited
residents from ages 4 to 18 to submit artwork based on the question, “What can Cupertinians
do to conserve valuable resource like energy and water, reduce waste or prevent pollution?”
The contest was conducted in 2015 and 2016 in connection with the City’s Earth Day Festival.
Additional information: http://www.cupertino.org/index.aspx?page=1504
San Luis Obispo – SLO Box Art Project
The SLO Box Art Project started in 2010 to beautify downtown San Luis Obispo. Due to the
program’s popularity, additional boxes were painted in 2012 and it became an ongoing
program starting in 2015.
Through the program, City-owned utility boxes are painted. Approximately half of the 64 City
boxes have been painted so far. Those that have been painted are primarily located in
downtown San Luis Obispo.
The City estimates the lifespan of the painted boxes to be 3 to 5 years in the downtown core of
the City and approximately 10 years elsewhere. Consequently, the City rotates artwork based
on estimated lifecycles of the paint. All art is digitally archived before being replaced with new
artwork.
While painted boxes are occasionally vandalized, the City has found that the incidents of graffiti
have dramatically decreased. Painted boxes might receive minor graffiti once a year, while
unpainted boxes are tagged 1 to 2 times per month on average.
To protect the artwork, boxes are washed and primed in advance of painting and the City
requires that artists use of premium paints and apply a clear coat over the artwork. After the
box is painted, City applies a UV, anti-graffiti protectant coating. The protectant helps reduce
environmental damage and makes it easier to remove graffiti without destroying the artwork.
Artists are usually provided up to two weeks (including 2 weekends) to complete the artwork.
The program is funded by development-in-lieu fees and capital improvement funds. Artists
receive a stipend that varies based on utility box size ($1,500 for large boxes, $700 for small
boxes), a supply reimbursement of up to $200, and an honorarium of $100.
As part of the program, the City solicits a “call for artists” for conceptual designs. Artists must
be residents of San Luis Obispo County and may submit up to 3 design proposals for
consideration. While the City does not call for art based on certain themes, art must fall within
the City’s public art guidelines and it may not be religious or political in nature and should be
compatible with the historic social, and cultural characteristics of the neighborhood where the
art will be located.
An Art Jury, which is a group of volunteers that includes artists, art advocates, business owners,
an educator, a historian, and neighbors, recommends selections to the Architectural Review
Commission and Cultural Heritage Committee. These two advisory bodies review proposals and
make a recommendation to the City Council for final approval.
More information: http://www.slocity.org/government/department-directory/parks-and-
recreation/public-art/box-art-program
Attachments:
City of Campbell Art Outside the Box FAQs
SLO Box Program Public Art Policy
San Luis Obispo Guidelines for Public Art
City of Campbell Art Outside the Box FAQ ’s
All information on Campbell’s Art Outside the Box public art program is available
on the City’s web site at http://www.cityofcampbell.com/618/Art-Outside-the-Box
Do you have a sample artist agreement you can send me?
The agreement is a verbal one made between each selected artist and the project
manager.
Do you have a sample guidelines?
Yes, the guidelines and other program details are available here:
http://www.cityofcampbell.com/DocumentCenter/View/4370
Did you create an Artist timeline?
Artists must complete the project within a stipulated time frame, which is agreed
upon the artist(s) and the project manager.
Application and selection process:
The Call to Artists is issued in January and closes in March. A sub-committee
reviews artist applications and design renderings in April. Sub-committee
recommendations are forwarded to the Civic Improvement Commission for
consideration and approval. The project manager then contacts selected artists
with offer to paint. The artists paint boxes between May and July with the goal of
finishing all painting before hot weather arrives. Three alternate artists’ designs
are also selected in case a selected artist drops out for whatever reason.
How did you choose designs to go to the final stages?
A sub-committee reviews artist applications and design renderings in April. Sub-
committee recommendations are forwarded to the Civic Improvement
Commission for consideration and approval. The project manager then contacts
selected artists with offer to paint.
How were the boxes chosen/location/why utility?
Only city-owned traffic signal control utility cabinets were chosen. Cabinets in
high visibility areas were given preference.
Sponsors
How and why would a sponsor participate?
This program is funded through box sponsorships and individual donations.
Individuals, families, neighborhood groups, businesses, and local civic and other
non-profit organizations are welcome to contribute to the beautification of
Campbell as box sponsors. These contributions cover resources and honoraria
for artists. Contributions by check can be made by clicking the "Sponsorship and
Donation Form" link. Online contributions can be submitted via the link to the
fundraising site Rally.org.
Sponsorship form: http://www.cityofcampbell.com/DocumentCenter/View/4373
Rally.org Fund Raising Site: https://rally.org/CityofCampbellArtBox2016
Artist
Did you have any issues with Artists?
Only issue that occurred is that an artist had to be replaced with an alternate
artist because the chosen artist moved out of Santa Clara County.
Like people not using appropriate materials?
No such issues as artwork has been painted by professional artists, college level
art students or recent graduates.
Profanity, Nudity, etc…?
No, see guidelines for details:
http://www.cityofcampbell.com/DocumentCenter/View/4370
Did group projects go well?
There are no restrictions on group projects, but none have been done so far.
Artists and any assistants must sign a liability waiver before starting a project.
Anything in the Call or process that you would do differently?
Did artists choose a theme? Give them a theme?
See guidelines for details.
Does the artist need a business permit?
No, business permits are not needed as the artists are not selling the artwork for
profit. The artwork becomes the property of the City once completed since the art
is painted on City property (i.e. the cabinets).
What is the cost, if any?
Costs depend on how much artists spend on materials. Artists receive honoraria
of either $350 or $400 to subsidize material costs. The honoraria amount is based
on how many cabinets are in a configuration. One box configurations are $350
and two-box configurations are $400. This year, there is one three-box
configuration that is $750. Artists receive to honoraria payments; one prior to
starting a project and a second after completion.
Prepping materials such as primer, brushes, masking tape, masking paper,
buckets have been donated by businesses located in Campbell including Home
Depot.
Did you have an orientation meeting?
No, the project manager acts as the liaison between the City and the artists and
covers this information.
Was it 1 on 1? Group?
May I get a copy of any handouts? NA
How did you come up with the artist stipend amount? I will get back to you on that
What this $ to also include materials? See explanation above
Is there a form for the Artist to fill out for the final invoice?
No, the project manager monitors artists’ work and informs staff when to
disburse honoraria payments.
Did you ask for an artist packet with Resume/CV for the artists during the application
process?
See Section A. “Eligibility” and Section F. “Application Requirements” for details
here http://www.cityofcampbell.com/DocumentCenter/View/4370
Did you request the artist to document the process and submit when the work was
completed?
No, the project manager monitors artists’ work and informs staff when to
disburse honoraria payments. The project manager also takes pictures of work
progress and shares them with staff, and posts them on a Facebook page
dedicated to this program.
Art
How where the boxes cleaned and prepped? Who did?
Cabinets are washed with soap and water and coated with two coats of the
following product: Bulls Eye Primer 1-2-3 for All surfaces by Zinsser. The primer
color is gray. Volunteers including City staff, Civic Improvement Commissioners,
community members and members of the local Rotary club.
What are the boxes sealed with?
After artwork is completed, the project manager applies the following anti-graffiti
coating product: TSW-4 Acryli-Master, which is mixed with 3 oz. Acryli-Link,
which is included with each gallon of TSW-4Acryli-Master. These products are
provided by This Stuff Works located in Hayward, CA. I recommend purchasing
direct from the manufacturer instead of from retail outlets as costs will be less
and delivery time will be expedited. One gallon with the Acryli-Link additive costs
$85.00 + tax + s/h.
What are the directions for the product or process? See here:
http://www.tswwarehouse.com/semi-gloss-finish.html
Who seals them? The project manager.
Are there any special things to know about the cleaning and sealing process?
How long are the boxes to last? I will check with the project manager.
How will they be retired? To be determined.
What is the maintenance plan for the boxes?
Remove graffiti as needed public works maintenance staff.
Who Cleans? Repairs?
Public Works Maintenance Staff since the cabinets are in the public right-of-way.
What product are you using for graffiti? See above
What art materials do you suggest the artist use? See Section E on Materials here for
details: http://www.cityofcampbell.com/DocumentCenter/View/4370
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Program Background
In 2010, as part of the City’s Downtown Maintenance and Beautification project, the City Council approved
funding for the Utility Box Art pilot project. This temporary public art pilot project was initiated by the
City of San Luis Obispo with the support of the San Luis Obispo downtown Association and Arts Obispo.
Initially conceived as a graffiti abatement measure to enhance unattractive utility/traffic control boxes at
various high visibility intersections in the Downtown core, widespread popularity of the box art program
quickly grew and enabled the pilot program expand.
The Utility Box Art Program was designed to use the funding for regular lifecycle maintenance of city
assets in a creative way. The program allowed for these street level artworks to add vibrancy to our
cityscape, while creating a sense of place and identity for our community through a resident art selection
jury. These public artworks were not intended to be permanent but as a temporary canvas through which
artists and community members could express themselves and their identity.
Since 2010, various painted utility/traffic control boxes have required maintenance upgrades, installation
of necessary battery back-up cabinets or repairs as a result of unanticipated damages which have had an
impact on the artwork. In 2015, updates to the City’s Public Art policy included the adoption of the Utility
Box Art program a regular, ongoing public art program. Additional program updates were identified in
2016 to clarify maintenance procedures for the artwork should the utility/traffic control boxes require
repairs, removal or modification, and to address expansion of the program, the life-span of the artwork and
proper archival methods for the box art murals.
The goal of the Utility Box Art Program is to encourage the creative uses of public art throughout the
community through the promotion of new artist opportunities to create works of art that contribute to the
vitality and attractiveness of the streetscape. Artwork on utility boxes function as a form of communication
to a moving audience with the goal of creating a vibrant, inclusive and interesting urban environment.
PROGRAM
1. Mission of Box Art Program: The primary mission of the “BOX ART” program is intended to
invigorate the City of San Luis Obispo for both residents and tourists alike through the
incorporation of public art on traffic signal utility boxes. The utility boxes serve as community
“canvases” for original pieces of art, contribute to the vitality and attractiveness of the city while
deterring vandalism and graffiti.
2. Glossary of Terms: A Glossary of Terms for the Utility Box Art Program is provided as Exhibit
A.
3. Box Specification: Dimensions of the large utility boxes are generally 5’4” H X 3’3” W x 2’,9” D.
Dimensions of the small utility boxes are generally 3’ H X 2’2” W x 1’6” D. Art should cover all
exposed sides including the top. Utility box sizes may vary; selected artists must be willing to
adjust designs to the box assigned. There are a total of sixty-four (64) City-owned traffic signal
boxes that are included in the Box Art Program. A map of City traffic signal box locations is
provided as Exhibit B.
4. Maintenance of Box Art Murals: The Public Art Program Manager shall prioritize the box art
mural maintenance needs on an annual basis. Utility Box Art murals shall be cleaned annually.
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Additional cleanings could be provided through volunteer and partnership opportunities as
available. To help protect the utility box art murals from the environment and extend the life-span,
the utility box art murals located outside of the Downtown Core (and refreshed less frequently)
shall be recoated with an anti-graffiti UV protectant sealant approximately every three (3) to five
(5) years as funding permits. Deaccessioned utility boxes on display as part of an archival program
shall be included in the box art maintenance program, cleaned and re-coated as needed to protect
the integrity of the artwork.
5. Duration of Box Art: Utility Box Art murals shall be on public display for a recommended period
when the utility box would then be eligible for refreshing of the box art mural. The replacement
schedule of the exterior box art murals shall be determined by both the extent of maintenance and/or
repairs required and a box’s location.
a. Significant Repairs: Utility box art murals that are subject to significant repairs (such as
but not limited to: extensive graffiti, vandalism, damaged traffic signal casings, failure of
the internal electrical components, or subject to mechanical maintenance upgrades as
referenced in Exhibit A) shall be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Public Art
Manager to determine the extent of repairs or replacement. Any boxes identified for
significant repairs should be designated for a subsequent Box Art painting phase.
a. Location: The duration of display for box artwork shall be subject to the box locations as
follows:
1. Downtown Core (as defined by the SLO Downtown Association boundaries,
Exhibit C): In effort to promote vibrant tourism of the downtown core, the utility
box art located within this area will be refreshed approximately every three (3)
to five (5) years as funding permits. The frequent rotation of artwork in the
downtown promotes economic vitality by attracting new and visiting
populations.
2. All Other City Locations: The utility box art murals located outside of the
Downtown Core boundaries, and in residential neighborhoods, shall be on
display for an extended period of time. The utility box art located in these areas
shall be refreshed approximately every 10 years as funding permits.
6. Utility Box Art Program Expansion: Program expansion shall include utility boxes that are not
currently painted with art. Each expansion phase of utility box art should consist of a recommended
amount of utility boxes; preferring fifteen utility box locations or less. These utility/traffic control
box locations shall be determined by Public Works and Public Art program staff, with input from
community organizations such as the Downtown Association, SLO Chamber of Commer ce, Arts
Obispo and neighborhood groups; as meeting one or more of the following criteria for program
expansion.
a. Criteria for Box Art Expansion:
1. Community engagement: The City shall facilitate public engagement
opportunities seeking the community’s input and prioritization for program
expansion.
2. Exposure: The level of pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle traffic surrounding the
potential box location shall be considered. Preference shall be given to box
locations with the greatest exposure.
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3. Vandalism: Utility box locations that are routinely subject to vandalism and/or
graffiti shall receive consideration for subsequent program expansion.
4. Proximity to other art in public spaces: Proximity of the traffic signal utility box
location to other community art. Preference shall be given where there is
minimal public art in close proximity.
5. Ownership: Staff will evaluate both City-owned and privately-owned utility box
locations. Preference shall be given to 64 City-owned utility locations. The City
will explore partnership opportunities for program expansion to privately-owned
utility box locations (such as electrical, television and phone utilities).
7. Artist Eligibility: The Box Art program shall be open to individual artists, a team of artists or
community groups with a designated lead artist who have the vision and skills required completing
the project to the highest standards of innovation and technical expertise. Qualifying applicants
must reside in San Luis Obispo County. Artists should carefully read the description of the project
and Request for Proposals (RFP) and decide if the project is suitable to their interests, capabilities
and experience.
8. Public Works Department Review: The Public Works Department shall provide input in the
development of the Box Art RFPs before advertising. Prior to beginning the Art Jury review, the
Public Art Manager shall arrange for the proposals to be reviewed by appropriate Public Works
Department staff. The purpose of this review is to identify any significant engineering or
maintenance issues that may arise out of the placement of art or the choice of materials for the
artwork for the particular site. If the artwork is part of a larger construction project, it may be
valuable to have the project contractor present, as well. This information will be presented to the
Art Jury to help guide their decisions when selecting an art design and location.
9. Selecting an Art Jury: Art Jurors evaluate the artist qualifications and box art proposals received
and make a recommendation for selection. The preferred approach in assembling an Art Jury is to
create a five/seven member selection committee for the Box Art project. The Art Jury, consisting
of volunteers from Arts Obispo, SLO Downtown Association, San Luis Obispo Chamber of
Commerce, local artist(s), interested community member(s), City staff and a box art neighbor(s).
A neighbor or representative for each of the affected neighborhoods for the traffic utility boxes will
be selected for an Art Jury. Art Jury names shall be included in the staff reports.
10. The Jury Evaluation Process: Box Art proposals submitted in response to a Box Art RFP will be
reviewed by the Public Art Manager who will then forward all complete and eligible applications
received by the deadline to the Public Works Department for review. Following this internal
review, proposals shall be provided to the Art Jury for evaluation.
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a. Evaluation Criteria: The criteria used to select eligible artists and designs shall be in
accordance with the approved Guidelines for Public Art (Appendix B) and in meeting the
criteria as follows:
1. Evaluation of artistic excellence
2. Appropriateness of scale, form, content and design
3. Relationship to the social, cultural and/or historical identity
4. Experience in working on comparable projects
5. Artists (or lead artist of a team) must reside in San Luis Obispo county
The Art Jury will evaluate all complete, eligible, Box Art proposals received by the deadline. If the
number of qualifying applications does not meet the number needed; City staff and/or the Council
may decide to reopen the selection process. Upon evaluating the qualifications provided in the Box
Art proposals, the Art Jury will recommend to the appropriate Advisory Bodies the artist designs,
totaling the amount of utility/traffic control boxes within a phase, and location.
11. Guidelines and Review Process for Public Art: The adopted Guidelines for Public Art (Appendix
B) will apply in making a determination that the proposed project is acceptable to the City and
should move forward in the selection and approval process. Box art designs and locations, as
recommended by the Art Jury, shall be reviewed by the appropriate Advisory Bodies. The Cultural
Heritage Committee (CHC) shall review for consistency with historical context of the surrounding
area and the Architectural Review Commission (ARC) to ensure the design meets the adopted
Guidelines for Public Art. Designs that do not garner the support of Advisory Bodies shall not
proceed, unless appealed to City Council pursuant to Municipal Code Section 1.20. Staff shall
present the final recommended designs and locations to the City Council for final approval.
12. Artist Selection and Contract: Following the City Councils’ approval, the Public Art Manager
shall enter into a public art contract agreement with the selected artists for the installation of utility
box art. The Utility Box Art Artist Agreement is provided as Appendix O.
13. Artists’ Stipend: Selected artists shall be compensated for the application of their artwork and
designs. Stipends are based upon the size of the utility box. The stipend amount shall be all-
inclusive and cover costs incurred by the artist in the course of designing and installing the artwork.
In addition, artists may apply for reimbursement of materials, with original receipts. A maximum
value of reimbursement shall apply. The final selected artists will also receive an honorarium upon
the completion of their artwork for their conceptual renderings. The approved artist stipend amount
(as referenced in Exhibit A) shall be reviewed and updated prior to each Box Art phase.
14. Media and Materials Guidelines: The Media and Material Guidelines is provided as Exhibit D.
These guidelines identify the prerequisite materials such as paints, primers and sealants required
for the exterior box art murals. The approved Media and Materials Guidelines shall be reviewed
and updated prior to each box art phase.
15. Permitting: The selected Artists are required to obtain a no-cost Encroachment Permit through the
City’s Community Development Department prior to the painting of the utility box art mural.
16. Maintenance, Repairs, Modification of Utility/Traffic Control Boxes: The Public Works
Department is responsible for maintaining City facilities, which includes all City-owned or City-
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sponsored public art. The City reserves the right to modify or remove artwork should a utility/traffic
control box require maintenance, modifications or repairs as a result of unanticipated damages.
Should this occur, the City shall provide public notification consistent with the City’s adopted
Public Engagement and Notification policies regarding the affected public art. The City shall notify
the affected artist(s) and provide him/her the opportunity to repair the affected mural. Should the
artist be unable to repair the mural, the box art would be eligible for new public art in the subsequent
phase of Box Art. Should the timing of the subsequent Box Art phase be greater than one year, the
utility/traffic control box shall be reverted back to the standard utility/traffic control box color until
it can be incorporated into the next phase of painting.
17. Archival and Deaccessioning of Box Art Murals: At the end of either the pre-determined artwork
lifespan, or the deaccessioning of the utility boxes as a result of maintenance/repairs/relocation, the
artwork shall be archived in a way to preserve the integrity and historical context of this public art
program.
a. Archival: The preservation of the box art murals shall include both print and electronic
preservation that is accessible to the public. Print materials for the purpose of archival
could include, but are not limited to, brochures, interactive coloring books, postcards,
books, etc. Electronic archival could include, but are not limited to, digital images, virtual
tours or database available via the City’s website.
b. Deaccessioning: In instances where the physical utility box is decommissioned and no
longer in use, the public art program shall identify and recommend options for the
relocation and continued display of the public art mural. Deaccessioning of the utility
boxes could include, but is not limited to, a box art memorial garden or an “adopt-a-box”
program which would provide for ongoing public display of the artwork. The public art
program shall incorporate the maintenance of any deaccessioned boxes on display as part
of the maintenance program, unless otherwise specified.
BOX ART PROGRAM EXHIBITS (included in Public Art Policy as Appendix O)
Exhibit A – Glossary of Terms
Exhibit B – City-Owned Traffic Signal Utility Box & Box Art Map
Exhibit C – Downtown Association Boundary Map
Exhibit D – Media and Materials
Adopted by City Council as amended on July 19, 2017
Exhibit A – Glossary of Terms
Utility Box Art Program Glossary of Terms
Archival: The preservation of the box art murals (both present and past), in both print and electronic form, in
a way that remains accessible to the public.
Art Jury: A selection committee comprised of community volunteers assigned to evaluate art proposals and
make selection recommendations to the appropriate Advisory Bodies. Art Juries consist of volunteers from
Arts Obispo, Downtown Association, Chamber of Commerc e, local artist(s), interested community
member(s), City staff and neighbors to the proposed box art.
ARTS Obispo: The San Luis Obispo County Arts Council (ARTS Obispo) is a local arts non -profit that is
committed to advancing visual, literary and performing arts within the community.
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Box Art: A City program for public art where the exterior of utility traffic signal boxes have been painted
with artwork.
Deaccessioned: Relinquishment of artwork from the Box Art Program collection when a utility box is no
longer in use. When possible, deaccessioned boxes will be relocated where the artwork can remain on public
display.
Downtown Association (DA): A local organization supporting the needs of downtown SLO merchants in
the areas of Parking, Promotions, Design, Economic Activities, Food, Beverage & Services and Thursday
Night Promotions.
Downtown Core: In reference to the boundaries assigned by the DA for downtown San Luis Obispo. The
boundaries extend to the West (at Palm Street), South (at Beach Street), East (at Pacific Street), and to the
North (at Santa Rosa Street). Refer to Downtown Association map.
Expansion: The addition of new blank utility boxes to the Box Art Program that are eligible to receive new
artwork. New utility boxes will be added to the program based upon evaluation criteria as determined in the
Box Art Policy.
Evaluation Criteria: A set of conditions identified to help prioritize the next utility boxes eligible for new
artwork. This criteria will utilize community engagement, the level of pedestrian/vehicle/bike traffic of the
area, consideration of any box repairs resulting in vandalism, the box location to other public art and whether
a box is city-owned or privately owned when determining which utility boxes will receive artwork.
Media & Materials: Any paints, primers, wraps, protective coating and sealants used in the application of
exterior box art murals.
Mural: A piece of artwork painted, or applied directly, on the exterior of a utility box.
Painting (new): Refers to the application of a new box art mural on a blank utility box that is currently void
of public art.
Phase: A collection or group of utility boxes that are painted with artwork during a given time period.
Private Utility Boxes: Any utility box that is not owned or operated by the City of San Luis Obispo and that
provides community utilities primarily for power (PG&E), telephone (AT&T), television (Charter) or other.
Refresh (rotating art): When existing box art murals have either reached the pre-determined life span or
require “significant” repairs, the utility box is eligible for a new art mural. Existing box art murals are then
“refreshed” with new art.
Repair: Refers to routine box art mural repairs to correct chipping or minor damage to the artwork.
Significant Repairs: Refers to the extent and cost of repairs to the utility box case and the affected artwork.
“Significant” is determined when the cost of repair exceeds 50% of the value of the artwork stipe nd.
“Significant” is also determined when the extent of the damage to the artwork surface area is greater than
25% (one side panel). Any boxes identified as needing “significant repairs” will be designated for a
subsequent Box Art painting phase.
SLO Chamber of Commerce: The San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce is an independent non-profit
corporation that works to enhance economic prosperity of its membership and the community well -being of
San Luis Obispo County.
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Stipend: Compensation provided to selected box artist for the application of their artwork and mural designs.
Stipends are based upon the size of the utility box. The stipend for a large utility box is $1,500, and small
utility box $700 which shall be all-inclusive of material costs. A materials reimbursement is provided to
selected artists in an amount not –to-exceed $200 (original receipts required). Following the completion of
the box art murals, the artist will receive an honorarium of $100 for their mural design .
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Exhibit B – City Traffic Signal Locations
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Exhibit C – Downtown Association Boundary Map
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EXHIBIT D - Box Art Media and Materials Guidelines
The following is a guideline for paint, primer and sealant materials to be used by the City and selected artists for the
Box Art program murals. The Media and Materials Guidelines shall be reviewed and updated prior to each box art
phase.
Media
The submitted Artwork must be original and may not contain advertising, religious art, sexual or illegal drug -related
content, negative imagery or convey political partisanship.
Vinyl wraps of “digitally enhanced works” are permitted.
Materials
Paints, primers and sealant materials to be used for Box Art program murals:
City Responsibility
To prepare the utility boxes to accept the mural artwork, the City will coordinate the cleaning and priming of the
utility boxes prior to the first day of painting
Following completion of the artwork murals, the City will seal the utility boxes with a UV -protective and anti-
graffiti clear-coat. This topcoat is applied directly on murals as protectant.
Frog Juice Water Based: Clear urethane copolymer coating which contains absorbers and hinders amine
light stabilizers for maximum UV light protection.
Artist Responsibility
Selected artists for the Box Art Program must use the following materials as outlined below:
Paint Types
Paint Types require premium high solids 100% acrylic latex waterborne exterior wall and trim.
Paint; low-sheen, eggshell or satin finish; minimum 1.5 mil dry thickness per coat.
Paint Products (in recommended order):
1. Nova Color (preferred)
2. Sherwin Williams: Accolade Exterior Acrylic Latex, Satin
3. Pratt and Lambert: Accolade Exterior Acrylic Latex, Eggshell
4. Benjamin Moore: Aura Exterior Acrylic Latex #634 Low Luster
5. Frazee #126 Mirror Glide Low Sheen Acrylic Latex
6. Kelly Moore #1245 Acry-Shield Acrylic Latex Low Sheen.
Top Coat:
Polyurethane top coat (marine grade) to be applied on top of the completed artwork to serve a
sacrificial layer
Vella 5% Fluoride Varnish
C:\Documents and Settings\sbates\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK92\Guidelines for Public Art Revised final draft 10808.doc
GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC ART
Architectural Review Commission Criteria
1. Publicly funded public art shall be located within the public right-of-way, a public building or
otherwise shall be easily visible or accessible from a public right-of-way. Interior locations for
public art are permitted, and shall be freely open and accessible to the public.
2. Privately funded public art shall be located on privately owned land or buildings which are places of
high visibility to the public. Such places shall be in exterior locations, and not within buildings. If
privately funded public art is donated to the City, Guideline No.1 above applies to location of art.
3. Consideration shall be given to the size, massing, location and scale of the proposed piece and to
potential conflicts with present or future vegetation or construction.
4. Public art shall be compatible with the immediate site and neighborhood in terms of historic, social
and cultural characteristics, architectural scale, materials, land use, and geographical and
environmental context.
5. The design and placement of public art shall not impede pedestrian or vehicle traffic, or conflict
with public or private easements.
6. Consideration shall be given to any public safety or public health concerns created by the artwork.
7. Public art shall be integrated with the site and/or building, and include landscaping, lighting,
interpretive information and other amenities where appropriate.
8. Public art shall be securely installed.
Public Art Jury Criteria
1. Public artwork shall be original and of high artistic quality and shall not include any signage or other
advertisement or logo, literal or abstract.
2. Public art should be considerate of the immediate site and neighborhood in terms of historic, social
and cultural characteristics, architectural scale, materials, land use, and geographical and
environmental context.
3. Public art shall be integrated with the site, and include landscaping, lighting, interpretive information
and other amenities where appropriate.
4. Permanent public art shall be constructed of durable, high-quality materials and require minimal or no
maintenance. Temporary public art shall be constructed of materials appropriate to its duration of
public display.
5. A wide variety of artistic expression is encouraged. However, expressions of profanity, vulgarity or
obvious poor taste are inappropriate.
Other Review Criteria
Public art proposed for areas of high historical sensitivity, such as Mission Plaza and its creek, should be
given the closest scrutiny, including input from the Cultural Heritage Committee, before approval by the
jury.
CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To: Public Art Committee
From: Crystal Bothelio, City Clerk/Assistant to the City Manager
Date: February 21, 2017
Subject: Willys and Betty Peck Bronzes
At the January 31, 2017 Public Art Committee meeting, the Committee heard a request to
provide funding for life-sized bronzes of Willys and Betty Peck seated on their “Count Your
Blessings” bench proposed to be located in Blaney Plaza. The Committee agreed to place the
request on the February 21, 2017 Public Art Committee agenda to make a recommendation to
the City Council for consideration at the March 1, 2017 City Council Meeting.
Willys and Betty were selected as the inspiration of the artwork, due to their critical part in the
development of Saratoga’s character and community. The bench will serve as a way to honor
their memory and encourage those seated on the bench beside the bronzes of Willys and Betty
to count their own blessings.
A group of Saratoga residents has been working in partnership with the Saratoga Historical
Foundation to raise funds to commission life-sized bronzes of Willys and Betty Peck seated on
their “Count Your Blessings” bench. The total cost of the artwork is $70,000. The volunteers
leading the effort to commission the bench have approximately $30,000 left to fundraise.
Willys and Betty Peck Maquette
At the request of the Public Art
Committee, the residents working
to commission the artwork have
provided a maquette of the
bronzes. A maquette is an artist’s
rough sketch and can be used to
shown a conceptual design for the
artwork.
The maquette for the Peck
bronzes is a miniature in clay. The
artist for the Peck bronzes, Jerry
Smith, will be using a realistic style
for the final product. He produced similarly styled bronzes of Julia Morgan and Saint Robert
Bellarmine, which can viewed online at http://www.jssculpture.com/page3
The artist has even obtained favorite pieces of clothing and shoes from the wardrobe of the
Peck’s for accuracy of detail. The actual pose will depend on the precise site chosen. The bench
is expected to be a simple concrete arc, probably up on legs depending on the City’s choice. The
wood shown with the maquette is just for managing the models and the double arc design has
been used for artistic effect.
Additional information about the artwork and the Pecks will be provided at the Public Art
Committee meeting.
CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To: Public Art Committee
From: Crystal Bothelio, City Clerk/Assistant to the City Manager
Date: February 21, 2017
Subject: Committee Mission and Purpose
At the January 31, 2017 Public Art Committee meeting, the Committee considered its mission
and purpose and asked staff to provide examples from other communities. Below are mission
and purpose statements of committees and commissions from other communities with a
similar function to the Saratoga Public Art Committee. Additionally, staff has included the
purpose of the Saratoga Arts Commission suspended in 2005.
Saratoga Arts Commission
The power of the Arts Commission was to foster, encourage, and assist the realization,
preservation, and advancement of the arts for the benefit of the citizens of Saratoga. While the
Commission was active, it was responsible for administering the City’s Public Art Policy, which
has since been rescinded.
Los Altos Public Arts Commission
The Los Altos Public Arts Commission advises the City Council in all matters pertaining to City
Sponsored public arts programs and seeks to increase public awareness of the visual arts
including, but not limited to, exhibition of sculpture, paintings, photography and video.
Additionally, as part of the Los Altos Public Outdoor Sculpture Loan program, the Commission
conducts sculpture searches, evaluates and recommends sculptures, identifies sculpture
locations and works with City staff on placement and maintenance of sculptures. Additionally,
the Commission promotes artists’ works through media exposure of the City's sculpture
program.
The Commission’s work plan is available on the Los Altos website at
http://www.losaltosca.gov/publicartscommission/page/public-arts-commission-work-plan
Los Gatos Arts and Culture Commission
The Committee is advisory to the Town Council and works to encourage the development of
art, drama, music, and other creative activities in Los Gatos. Additionally, the Arts and Culture
Commission is responsible for making recommendations to the Town Counc il on art considered
for public installation.
Additional information is available at http://www.losgatosca.gov/352/Arts-and-Culture-
Commission
Carmel-by-the-Sea Community Activities & Cultural Commission
The duties and responsibilities of the Carmel-by-the-Sea Community Activities & Cultural
Commission include:
1. To stimulate and encourage community, cultural and recreational activities within the
City and to actively participate in the executions of these activities;
2. To develop rules and regulations for conducting its business and meetings in accordance
with the laws of the State and the City;
3. To advise and assist the Community Services Director and, when requested, other City
commissions and City public bodies, departments and residents of the City, on
community, cultural and recreation programs;
4. To remain cognizant at all times of the uses of the Forest Theater, Vista Lobos and the
Scout House and endeavor to have such facilities put to their best possible use;
5. To be cognizant at all times of the condition of the structures, grounds, and equipment
of the facilities under its jurisdiction and bring to the attention of the City Council and
the City Administrator proposals and recommendations for the maintenance, repair,
uses and improvements of such facilities;
6. To determine, in consultation with the Community Services Director, the terms of
tenancies of the facilities referred to in subsection (D) of this section; to recommend to
the City Council the rental rates and other terms of such use;
7. To serve in an advisory capacity to the City Council, the City Administrator and
Community Services Director in regard to community activity and recreation matters
and all such matters pertaining to public recreation and the use of recreational lands,
facilities and donations.
Additional information about the Commission is available at
http://ci.carmel.ca.us/carmel/index.cfm/government/boards-commissions/community-
activities-cultural-commission/
Campbell Civic Improvement Commission
The Civic Improvement Commission advises the Campbell City Council in a number of areas
including library concerns, beautification, cultural concerns, history, social services, seniors, and
youth. The Commission is also responsible for selecting artwork for the City’s utility box art
program.
Information about the Commission is available at http://www.ci.campbell.ca.us/177/Civic-
Improvement-Commission
Oak Harbor, WA Arts Commission
The purpose of the Oak Harbor Arts Commission is to foster the creative arts in Oak Harbor.
“Creative arts” include all forms of the visual and performing arts. The Arts Commission make s
recommendations to the Mayor and City Council on activities, projects and programs which the
city should sponsor or undertake to promote the following aims:
1. Foster arts and cultural programs for the enrichment of the city and its citizens.
2. Foster the development of a local arts community, encouraging an environment for the success
of working individual artists.
3. Coordinate and strengthen new and existing art organizations and develop cooperation with
regional entities.
4. Develop a program for public art, including identifying sources of funding.
5. Further the vision of Oak Harbor as a vibrant and progressive community.
Additional information is available at https://www.oakharbor.org/page.cfm?pageId=382
Sunnyvale Arts Commission
This Sunnyvale Arts Commission acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council in matters
pertaining to the arts and the development and promotion of arts programs and activities.
Specific duties include:
1. Review those portions of master plans of park or facility development or expansion
which relate to the arts, for adequacy, appearance and other appropriate criteria, in an
attempt to ensure good design and then make recommendations to City Council.
2. Review and make recommendations on the Arts Sub-Element of the General Plan.
3. Review and make recommendations regarding agreements with arts-related outside
groups and recommend funding allocations.
4. Make policy recommendations regarding the purchase of art for public buildings and for
art in private development in accordance with Sunnyvale Municipal Code Chapter
19.52 Art in Private Development.
5. Study the regional and state Arts Master Plans and make recommendations to the City
Council.
San Jose Arts Commission
The San Jose Arts Commission is a citizen advisory body that provides the City Council with
recommendations on City policies and programs that relate to arts and culture in San Jose. The
Commission’s areas of interest include: cultural planning; financial support for arts and cultural
celebrations; neighborhood arts; public art and creative placemaking; arts education; and other
issues that affect public opportunities to be both arts audience as well as art maker and
participant and the role of artists and art enterprises in sustaining a creative economy.
Information about the Commission is available online at
http://www.sanjoseca.gov/index.aspx?NID=4214