HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-02-2019 Public Art Committee Agenda PacketSaratoga Public Art Committee Agenda - Page 1 of 2
SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL
PUBLIC ART COMMITTEE
July 2, 2019
4:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING
Saratoga City Hall, Linda Callon Conference Room | 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga CA
ROLL CALL
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ON NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
Any member of the public may address the Public Art Committee for up to three (3)
minutes on matters not on the Agenda. The law generally prohibits the Public Art
Committee from discussing or taking action on such items. However, the Public Art
Committee may schedule the item for discussion at a future meeting.
AGENDA ITEMS:
1. Public Art Committee Minutes
Recommended Action:
Review and approve the Public Art Committee minutes from June 11, 2019.
2. Bronze Sculpture Program
Recommended Action:
Continue discussion on a bronze sculpture program like Mice on Main Street,
including site visits during the meeting to potential sculpture locations.
3. Rainy Day Artwork
Recommended Action:
Discuss and provide direction on development of a rainy day art project.
4. Public Art Survey
Recommended Action:
Review and discuss results of public art survey results collected by Public Art
Committee members.
Saratoga Public Art Committee Agenda - Page 2 of 2
5. Mural Update
Recommended Action:
Receive update on the donation of a painting from Pavel Mester.
6. Future Meetings
Recommended Action:
Discuss agenda topics and scheduling of future meetings.
ADJOURNMENT
CERTIFICATE OF POSTING OF THE AGENDA, DISTRIBUTION OF AGENDA PACKET,
& COMPLIANCE WITH AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
I, Crystal Bothelio, Deputy City Manager 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
June 27, 2019 at the City of Saratoga, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070 and on
the City's website at www.saratoga.ca.us.
Signed the 27th day of June 2019 at Saratoga, California.
Crystal Bothelio, Deputy City Manager
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, please contact the City Clerk at 408.868.1294. 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 3
MINUTES
JUNE 11, 2019
PUBLIC ART COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING
The Public Art Committee meeting was called to order at 3:02 p.m. at Saratoga City
Hall, Linda Callon Conference Room at 13777 Fruitvale Avenue.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Council Members Mary-Lynne Bernald, Yan Zhao
ABSENT: None
ALSO PRESENT: Crystal Bothelio, Deputy City Manager
Kayla Nakamoto, Community Engagement Coordinator
John Cherbone, Public Works Director
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ON NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
None
AGENDA ITEMS:
1. Public Art Committee Minutes
Recommended Action:
Review and approve the Public Art Committee minutes from April 15, 2019.
ZHAO/BERNALD MOVED TO APPROVE THE PUBLIC ART COMMITTEE MINUTES
FROM APRIL 15, 2019. MOTION PASSED. AYES: BERNALD, ZHAO. NOES: NONE.
ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
2. Bicycle Racks
Recommended Action:
Consider and provide direction on additional opportunities for decorative
bicycles.
Public Works Director John Cherbone shared information about available bicycle
rack locations and design options.
Saratoga Public Art Committee Minutes - Page 2 of 3
The Public Art Committee decided to reconsider the bicycle rack design selected
at the April 15, 2019 meeting and made the following design and location
selections:
Location Design Color
New Park at Allendale/Quito Oak Leaf Green
Civic Center Butterfly Orange
Blaney Plaza Dragonfly Blue/Green
Saratoga Library Read/Book Green
3. West Valley College Collaboration
Recommended Action:
Continue discussion of the community sculpture program and opportunities to
collaborate on public art with West Valley College Cilker School of Art and Design.
Community Engagement Coordinator Kayla Nakamoto presented information on
a fiberglass sculpture community art program and bronze sculpture programs,
like Mice on Main Street.
The Public Art Committee discussed both public art projects, as well as
opportunities to collaborate with West Valley College on the projects. The
Committee had questions related to costs associated with studio space rental
compared to local transportation costs to get sculptures to and from the homes
of artists selected to paint the sculptures; the cost to install a concrete pad to
serve as the base for a sculpture; and, the interest and ability of a local non-profit,
such as the Saratoga Monte Sereno Community Foundation, to oversee auction
of sculptures. The Committee also indicated a preference to see potential
sculpture locations before making a selection.
The Committee agreed to prioritize a bronze sculpture program before
addressing questions related to the fiberglass sculpture community art program.
The Committee requested that staff return at a future meeting with additional
information about the project, including the cost of shipping bronze pieces, the
cost of a unique bronze mold, and West Valley College’s interest in participating
in the program. The Committee also asked to see potential locations for
placement of small bronze sculptures at the next meeting.
4. Future Meetings
Recommended Action:
Discuss agenda topics and scheduling of future meetings.
Saratoga Public Art Committee Minutes - Page 3 of 3
The Committee agreed to meet on July 3, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. and placed the
following items on the agenda:
- Bronze Sculpture Program (including site visit for potential locations)
- Update on Community Center Mural
- Public Art Survey
- Rainy Day Message Artwork
ADJOURNMENT
The Public Art Committee meeting adjourned at 4:03 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted:
Crystal Bothelio, Deputy City Manager
City of Saratoga
CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To: Public Art Committee
From: Kayla Nakamoto, Community Engagement Coordinator
Date: July 2, 2019
Subject: Bronze Sculpture Program
At the last meeting, the Committee asked staff to bring
back more information on a bronze sculpture program
similar to the Mice on Main program in Greenville,
South Carolina. Mice on Main showcases a total of 9
bronze mice that have been hidden throughout
downtown, typically on concrete surfaces, such as as
the sidewalk or on a planter.
These hidden mice can be found by following hints
that are available online and on a sign in downtown.
The first three hints are listed below.
Mice on Main Street Hints:
1. Begin your search on North Main outside of the hotel restaurant where a fountain makes a
wall of water. You’ll find the father mouse, Marvin, reading his book. He can’t hide—take a
look!
2. Mother Maggie is just across, sitting where she can
see Marvin. When she looks down the street, she can
see their five baby mice, placed here and there, all so
sweet.
3. Cross the street and walk a bit. You’ll see Marvin, Jr.
at the top of the stairs where coffee lovers and
computer gurus meet and poets love to count their
feet.
Along with the first bronze mouse there is a plaque that
challenges the public to find the other 8 mice and explains
the Mice on Main installation.
Local Bronze Foundries:
Staff reached out to several local bronze foundries, including Andrew Chandler at the West Valley
College Cilker School of Art and Design. The College does have a bronze foundry on campus, but
Andrew suggested that the City hire a professional artist to sculpt the acorn mold rather than
selecting a student to do the work and would need to discuss whether the foundry has the ability
to create bronze accons with sculpture faculty.
A few local bronze foundries are: Artworks Foundry, Frostad Atelier Foundry, and Bronze Plus
Foundry. Each foundry offers slightly different services and prices. Artworks Foundry staff
suggested finding a Saratoga artist to create the acorn sculpture using a water-based clay that
would then be brought to their Foundry to be used as the mold for the bronze pieces. Frostad
Atelier has an artist that would be able to design and sculpt the acorn desired by the Committee.
Program Costs:
The cost to produce ten pieces, each approximately 6” x 7” x 6”, from two of the foundries range
from $4,550 to $14,100. Staff is still awaiting cost information from Artworks Foundry and West
Valley College.
Frostad Atelier Bronze Plus
Design & Sculpt $2,200.00 $1500.00
Mold $1,800.00 $2,500.00
Cost per piece (Cast, Finish, Patina, Sealant) $760.00 $80.00
Transportation & Installation $2,500.00 $300.00
Total Cost for 10 Pieces $14,100.00 $4,550.00
Costs may also vary if the Committee would like to seek a Saratoga artist, student artist, or other
artist not provided by the selected foundry to design and sculpt the mold.
Display Period & Locations:
Given the material and installation requirements, staff suggests a longer display period. Per the
City Public Art Policy, public art displays of 3 years or more requires City Council authorization.
Sculptures should be installed in places where there is existing concrete. Additionally, it is best
to keep the bronze acorns within walking distance of each other and where there is a lot of foot
traffic. Suggested locations include the Village, the Library, and City Hall. As part of the July 2
meeting, the Committee will be visiting each of these sites.
The bronze acorns could be installed by Saratoga employees or by one of the foundries. The
bronze pieces can be installed using cement or grout by drilling them in with a pin.
Estimated Timeline:
If the Committee decides to select an artist from the community, the estimated timeline for
implementation is 6-7 months. If the Committee uses an artist from one of the local foundries to
create the sculpture, the estimated timeline is 5 months.
Artist Application Open One month
Committee Selects Artist One week
Artist Designs and Sculpts the Acorn Three weeks
Foundry Production (rubber molds to bronze pieces) Four months
Installation of Pieces One week
CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To: Public Art Committee
From: Kayla Nakamoto, Community Engagement Coordinator
Date: July 2, 2019
Subject: Rainy Day Sidewalk Poetry
At the June 11, 2019 Public Art Meeting, the
Committee asked staff to research details for
implementing a Rainy Day Poetry program.
These poems or quotes would be painted on
public sidewalks or concrete surfaces and would
only be visible when wet.
The program can be very simple with the
Committee selecting their favorite quotes,
poems, or facts about the City to be painted.
Alternatively, the program can be structured to include public participation. The City of Boston’s
Raining Poetry project showcases the work of local poets. The Downtown Oklahoma City’s Make
It Rain Poems project also highlights local poets and encourages the community to get outside
regardless of weather and enjoy poetry with an online map of poem locations.
Program Costs:
Rainworks is the company that sells the Invisible Spray that both the City of Boston and
Downtown Oklahoma City use for their sidewalk poetry. The Rainworks Spray is sold in 16 oz.
bottles that are $130.00 each plus shipping and handling. Each bottle will cover an area of 8 feet
by 11 feet, which would cover approximately two locations. The cost for the stencils will depend
on stencil material and design.
Stencils & Design:
Cardstock 120 lbs. or thicker, cardboard, poster board, and any material that is slightly absorbent
can be used as stencil material. A slightly absorbent stencil material is required as the paint
solution is very water-like and will bleed. With the natural bleeding, lettering must be thick. It is
suggested to have the letters at least ¾” thick to be legible on the sidewalk.
The stencil design can be created electronically or through
a drawing then transferred to stencil material freehand or
with a digital projector. The stencil pieces would then be
cut out manually with a box cutter or some other device.
Alternatively, a laser cutter can be used to create the
stencil.
Selection of Poetry and Artists:
The Committee has several options for selection of the
content and design of stencils. The simplest option is for the Committee to select poetry, quotes,
phases, and/or interesting City facts that would be used for this project. The stencil designs can
be simple text created internally or the City can work with a graphic designer to create a design
with more visual elements.
Alternatively, the Committee could request poetry submittals from local writers , reviewing
submittals, and select poetry to be used. Again, the design for the stencil could be simple text
prepared by staff or a more complex design created by a graphic designer.
A third option is to put a call out for local artists to create a stencil design that includes a quote,
phrase, and/or interesting City fact. The Committee could then select the design or designs to be
placed throughout the City. The Committee could accept applications from individual artists or
small groups or artists, or the Committee could limit the submittals to a local school or club. The
Committee may also want to provide artists with the necessary tools so that they can create the
stencils themselves.
Display Period & Locations:
The biodegradable spray is the most vivid the first few weeks and then will gradually fade away
over the course of 2 to 4 months.
Location options include the Joan Pisani Community Center, the Saratoga Prospect Center,
Blaney Plaza, or Village sidewalks. If the committee is interested in placing the poetry in the
parks, a few suggested areas would be Kevin Moran, El Quito, or Congress Springs.
Estimated Timeline:
The implementation timeline will vary on the process for selection of poetry and artists. If the
Committee decides to have an open call for artists to submit their poetry and /or artwork, the
estimated timeline would be 3-4 months for the whole program.
Artist Application Open One month
Committee Selects Artists One week
Artists Complete Stencil Designs One month
Testing Period Two weeks
Installation of Sidewalk Poetry Two days
Installation:
The installation process will be quick. Once the stencils have been created, staff or artists can
take them out to the locations with the Rainworks spray, which they will use to apply two coats
with a 5-minute drying period in between. It is suggested to wait 24-hours before getting the
surface wet.
Once work is complete, the list of locations can be displayed on the City’s webpage and
announced through the City’s communication channels. Alternatively, the City could announce
the completion of the work without publicizing the locations to allow the community to naturally
come across these pieces as they explore on a rainy day.
CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To: Public Art Committee
From: Kayla Nakamoto, Community Engagement Coordinator
Date: July 2, 2019
Subject: Public Art Committee Survey Results
In February 2019, the Public Art Committee agreed to create a 4-question survey that Committee
members could distribute individually. At the meeting on June 11, Council Member Bernald
shared that she had collected several responses and the Committee agreed to review the results
as part of the July 2 meeting. A total of 27 completed Public Art Committee surveys were shared
with staff. The survey and collected responses are attached.
Attachments:
- Saratoga Public Art Committee Survey Results
- Public Art Survey
Saratoga Public Art Committee Survey Results
- 27 Participants
- 4 Questions
- Anonymous
What comes to mind when you think about public art?
- Art made by local artists/community members. Art that is very visible, prominent in common thoroughfares
- Monterey Wall, Ocean Murals
- Murals, mosaics, performances
- Appropriate tagging in designated areas, installations, exhibits, art shows, galleries
- Outside of galleries & museums. Electrical boxes, walls
- Work of local artists (adults and students), or based on natural features or architectural features as local history, or by well-
known artists in a more accessible location.
- Art that is accessible (in many forms) to the general public on a daily basis, i.e., statues, murals on buildings, etc.
- Art that represents the culture and spirit of the community in which it resides.
- Visual murals and interactives
- Statues, celebrating local artists
- Childhood memories of sculptures.
- Museums, murals in public spaces, photos displayed.
Please rank art types in order of preference from most preferred (1) to least preferred (7).
1 3 2 9 10 2 5031364 8042454 6244328 2454424 1576212 11406102 3
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
Banners Art at Entry Points to
Saratoga
Interactive/Participatory
Art
Mosaics Murals Site-Specific Work
(Integrated with buildings
or landscape)
Sculpture
Preference of Art Type
1 (most preferred)2 3 4 5 6 7 (least preferred)
Please rank the areas of focus for public art in order of most important (1) to least important.
10 6 10 4 36747 16256 63665 52524 12
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
Parks Walking & Biking Trails Village Public Facilities Major Intersections
Areas of Interest for Public Art
1 (most important)2 3 4 5 (least important)
Are you a resident of Saratoga?
7%
93%
Resident vs. Non-Resident
Resident Non-Resident
Public Art Committee Survey
Please take a couple of minutes to complete this survey on public art. Your input will help the
Public Art Committee understand interests and preferences related to public art.
What comes to mind when you think about public art?
Please rank art types in order of preference from most preferred (1) to least preferred (7).
Banners
Art at Entry Points to Saratoga
Interactive/Participatory Art
Mosaics
Murals
Site-Specific Work (integrated with buildings or landscape)
Sculpture
Other:
Please rank the areas of focus for public art in order of most important (1) to least important.
Placing public art in parks
Incorporating public art into walking and biking trails
Placing public art in the Village
Incorporating public art into public facilities
Placing public art at major intersections/gateways
Other:
Are you a resident of Saratoga?
Yes
No
CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To: Public Art Committee
From: Crystal Bothelio, Deputy City Manager
Date: July 2, 2019
Subject: Mural Update
On December 5, 2018, the City
Council authorized execution of an
agreement accepting a painting titled
Tribute to Mikrokozmosz from artist
Pavel Mester at the recommendation
of the Public Art Committee. Per the
agreement, the artwork will be
displayed in the Joan Pisani
Community Center lobby for a period
of at least 1 year.
After the City Council authorized
execution of the agreement, staff
provided the agreement to the artist
for signature. The agreement was recently executed, and the mural was picked on
June 26. The artwork is planned to be installed the week of July 1. An exhibit card with
the name of the artwork and artists, as well as an acknowledgement of the role of
the Cal Arte Ensemble and Charles Aznavour in arranging the donation, will be
installed shortly after installation of the artwork.
The artist proposed holding a reception celebrating the installation of the artwork
that would include a performance by Cal Arte Ensemble musician Tamami Honma.