HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-17-2020 Public Art Committee Agenda PacketSaratoga Public Art Committee Agenda - Page 1 of 3
SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL
PUBLIC ART COMMITTEE
November 17, 2020
4:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING
Teleconference/Public Participation Information to Mitigate the Spread of COVID‐19
This meeting will be entirely by teleconference. All Council/Commission members, staff, and
public will only participate via the Zoom platform using the process described below. The
meeting is being conducted in compliance with the Governor’s Executive Order N ‐29‐20
suspending certain teleconference rules required by the Ralph M. Brown Act. The purpose
of this order was to provide the safest environment for the public, elected officials, and staff
while allowing for continued operation of the government and public participation during
the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Members of the public can observe and participate in the meeting by:
1. Using the Zoom website at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86412021110 or through the
Zoom App (Webinar ID 864 1202 1110) and using the tool to raise their hand in the
Zoom platform when prompted to speak on an agenda item; OR
2. Calling 1.408.638.0968 or 1.669.900.6833, entering the Webinar ID 864 1202 1110,
and pressing *9 when prompted to raise their hand to speak on an agenda item.
The public will not be able to participate in the meeting in person. During the meeting, the
process for members of the public to be recognized to offer public comment will be
explained.
As always, members of the public can send written comments to the Committee prior to the
meeting by commenting online at www.saratoga.ca.us/publicart prior to the start of the
meeting. These emails will be provided to the members of the Council/Commission and will
become part of the official record of the meeting.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Governor’s Executive Order,
if you need assistance to participate in this meeting due to a disability, please contact the
City Clerk at debbieb@saratoga.ca.us or calling 408.868.1216 as soon as possible before the
meeting. The City will use its best efforts to provide reasonable accommodations to provide
as much accessibility as possible while also maintaining public safety.
Saratoga Public Art Committee Agenda - Page 2 of 3
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 October 20, 2020.
2. Selection of Public Art Committee Advisory Members
Recommended Action:
Select two advisory members to the Public Art Committee.
3. Overview of the Public Art Committee
Recommended Action:
Receive an informational presentation on an overview of the Public Art Committee’s
efforts.
4. Rainy Day Sidewalk Poetry
Recommended Action:
Consider poetry and placement recommendations from the Library & Community
Engagement Commission for the 2021 Rainy Day Sidewalk Poetry program.
5. Sculpture Program
Recommended Action:
Receive updates on the sculpture program, including placement of sculptures at the
City Hall Courtyard and Saratoga Gateway.
6. Village Parklet Barricade Artwork
Recommended Action:
Receive an update on the public art project to add student artwork to the Village
parklet barricades.
7. Public Art Budget
Recommended Action:
Receive status update on the Public Art Fiscal Year 2020/21 budget.
8. Updates on Existing Projects
Recommended Action:
Receive updates on existing projects and programs.
Saratoga Public Art Committee Agenda - Page 3 of 3
9. Future Meetings
Recommended Action:
Discuss agenda topics for the next meeting on Tuesday, December 15 at 4:00 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
CERTIFICATE OF POSTING OF THE AGENDA, DISTRIBUTION OF AGENDA PACKET, &
COMPLIANCE WITH AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
I, Crystal Bothelio, Assistant 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
November 10, 2020 at the City of Saratoga, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070 and
on the City's website at www.saratoga.ca.us
Signed the 10th day of November 2020 at Saratoga, California.
Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager
In accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act, copies of the staff reports and other ma terials
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 ma de 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 debbieb@saratoga.ca.us or by calling
408.868.1216 as soon as possible before the meeting. [28 CFR 5.102-35.104 ADA title II]
City of Saratoga
Public Art Committee
MEMBERSHIP
NAME POSITION
Mary-Lynne Bernald, Vice Mayor Voting
Yan Zhao, City Council Member Voting
Christina Meiser, Chair Library & Community Engagement Commission Advisory
Vacant (Selection Scheduled for 11/17/20) Advisory
Vacant (Selection Scheduled for 11/17/20) Advisory
City Staff:
Crystal Bothelio, City of Saratoga | 408.868.1269 | cbothelio@saratoga.ca.us
Kayla Nakamoto, City of Saratoga | 408.868.1208 | knakamoto@saratoga.ca.us
AGENDA PLANNER
The Committee holds regular meetings on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 4:00 p.m.
MEETING AGENDA ITEMS
November 17, 2020
• Minutes
• Selection of Advisory Members
• Overview of Public Art Committee Efforts
• Rainy Day Poetry
• Sculpture Program
• Village Parklet Barricade Artwork
• Public Art Budget
• Updates on Existing Projects
December 15, 2020 • Minutes
• Public Art Budget
• Updates on Existing Projects
January 19, 2021 • Minutes
• 2021 Meeting Schedule
• Selection of Advisory Members
• Public Art Budget
• Updates on Existing Projects
February 16, 2021 • Minutes
• Public Art Budget
• Updates on Existing Projects
March 16, 2021 • Minutes
• Paint the City 2021 Top 3 Recommendations
• Public Art Budget
• Updates on Existing Projects
April 20, 2021 • Minutes
• Public Art Budget
• Paint the City 2021 Final Recommendations
• Updates on Existing Projects
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. The Public Art Committee is responsible for considering and recommending
opportunities for public art in Saratoga and authorizing placement of public art in the
City of Saratoga in compliance with the City’s Public Art Policy; and
2. The Public Art Committee consists of two Saratoga City Council members appointed
by the Council each year for a one-year term and three non-voting advisory members.
Advisory members shall serve terms of one calendar year and may be reappointed.
Two of the advisory members shall be appointed by the voting members of the
Committee and one shall be a member of the Library and Community Engagement
Commission appointed by that Commission. Advisory members may be removed at
any time for any reason by vote of the Public Art Committee.
PUBLIC ART PROJECTS
#SaratogaROCKS
Paint, place, and post to let the world know that #SaratogaROCKS! Paint your own rocks or
borrow a free #SaratogaROCKS kit from the City of Saratoga to get started. Place and find
#SaratogaROCKS throughout the community and share your rocks and the ones you find
on social media.
Bicycle Racks
In 2019, the City installed new decorative bicycle racks. These fun bicycle racks are both
decorative and functional pieces of art. They are located at the Saratoga Library, the Civic
Center complex, and Blaney Plaza.
CHALK Full of HeART
Over the summer of 2020, the Public Art Committee hosted a virtual chalk art event.
Residents were invited to share photos on social media of their sidewalk chalk art using
monthly themes for inspiration.
Count Your Blessings Bench
On the “Count Your Blessings” bench, you will find life-sized bronzes of Willys and Betty
Peck. These two Saratoga residents were a critical part in the development of Saratoga’s
character and community. The bench was inspired by Willys and Betty’s practice of sitting
together every day to count their blessings. This bench was created and installed in 2017 in
Blaney Plaza.
Mikrokozmosz
Mikrokozmosz is a mural located in the Joan Pisani Community Center that was created by
artist Pavel Mester. The mural is inspired by Robert Schumann’s Piano Quartet in E flat Op.
47, interpreted by Tamami Honma. The painting is comprised of 3 pieces that is hung side
by side. The artwork of Pavel Mester was a donation to the City of Saratoga arranged with
the assistance of the Cal Arte Music Foundation and Charles Aznavour.
Nuts About Saratoga
In Spring 2020, six bronze acorns were installed throughout the City as a fun scavenger
hunt for Saratoga residents and visitors. Clues have been developed to help participants
find the location of each acorn hidden as part of the Nuts About Saratoga program.
Silly Walks
In 2020, the Public Art Committee placed signage in the Village and on Joe’s Trail encourage
the public to be silly, especially during challenging times. When the public sees the signs,
they’re encouraged to let loose, get creative, and record themselves doing their best silly
walk and then share the photo or video on social media.
PLACE Bench
This steel five letter bench was created by the artist Steven Simon in 2008 and is being
leased from Montalvo Arts Center. The PLACE bench is located outside of the Saratoga
Library and is often used by Library patrons who use it enjoy their latest read in the open
air.
Paint the City
The City of Saratoga started the Paint the City program in 2018 to turn plain utility boxes
into works of art. The Public Art Committee reviews conceptual artwork submitted by
Saratoga residents age 10 and older and selects up to 3 options per location. The top 3
selections are posted online for public voting where residents can engage in the process by
selecting their favorite conceptual design per location!
Rainy Day Sidewalk Poetry
In 2020, the Public Art Committee launched the Rainy Day Poetry Program. Poems were
painted at several locations throughout the City using paint that can only be seen while
wet.
Village Wall Mural
The Public Art Committee worked with local artist, Michelle Liu, to get the agreement of the
owner of the Mint Leaf Cuisine in Saratoga Village and the property owner to paint a mural
on the outside wall of the restaurant. On November 4, 2020, the City Council authorized
placement of the mural.
Saratoga Public Art Committee Minutes - Page 1 of 4
MINUTES
OCTOBER 20, 2020
PUBLIC ART COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING
The Public Art Committee was called to order virtually using Zoom at 4:04 p.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Vice Mayor Mary-Lynne Bernald, Council Member Yan Zhao
ABSENT: None
ALSO PRESENT: Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager
Kayla Nakamoto, Administrative Analyst
Michelle Liu
Maggie Tsai
Judy Dennis
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 September 15, 2020.
ZHAO/BERNALD MOVED TO APPROVE THE PUBLIC ART COMMITTEE MINUTES
FROM SEPTEMBER 15, 2020. MOTION PASSED. AYES: BERNALD, ZHAO. NOES: NONE.
ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
2. Wall Mural
Recommended Action:
Discuss opportunities for a wall mural in Saratoga Village.
Kayla Nakamoto, Administrative Analyst, shared an update on the wall mural project,
including a conceptual design approved by the property and business owners.
Judy Dennis spoke in favor of the conceptual design and posed questions about plans
for future murals.
Maggie Tsai also spoke in favor of the design.
Michelle Liu addressed questions about the conceptual design.
3
Saratoga Public Art Committee Minutes - Page 2 of 4
ZHAO/BERNALD MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZE
PLACEMENT OF THE WALL MURAL ON THE MINT LEAF CUISINE BUILDING IN
SARATOGA VILLAGE, ACCEPT CONCEPTUAL ARTWORK FOR THE MURAL, APPROVE
AND AUTHORIZE THE ARTIST STIPEND IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,500, AND
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE ARTIST
AND PROPERTY OWNER FOR THE MURAL. MOTION PASSED. AYES: BERNALD, ZHAO.
NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
3. Sculpture Program
Recommended Action:
Discuss opportunities for sculpture loans to be placed at the City Hall Courtyard and
Saratoga Gateway.
Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager, shared information about options for a
sculpture at the Saratoga Gateway and the City Hall Courtyard.
The Public Art Committee requested to visit the studios of artists Jeff Owen and David
Middlebrook.
Maggie Tsai raised questions about the background on the project, desired themes
or objectives for the artwork, and criteria for artwork.
Judy Dennis also raised questions about desired artwork themes or connection to the
City, desired criteria, and emphasized the need to view artwork in persons.
ZHAO/BERNALD MOVED TO APPROVE PLACEMENT OF THE BUSTS, KEEPING
WATCH, GRACE, AND ELECTRA FROM ARTIST COLLEEN WILCOX IN THE CITY HALL
COURTYARD FOR UP TO 3 YEARS PENDING DISCUSSIONS WITH SARATOGA
ROTARY ABOUT RELOCATING THE FOUNTAIN IN THE COURTYARD AND
AUTHORIZING PURCHASE OF DISPLAY COLUMNS THROUGH THE PUBLIC ART
BUDGET. MOTION PASSED. AYES: BERNALD, ZHAO. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE.
ABSENT: NONE.
BERNALD/ZHAO MOVED TO REQUEST AN OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT THE STUDIOS OF
ARTISTS JEFF OWEN AND DAVID MIDDLEBROOK. MOTION PASSED. AYES: BERNALD,
ZHAO. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
4. Village Parklet Barricade Artwork
Recommended Action:
Discuss opportunities for adding student artwork to the Village parklet barricades.
Kayla Nakamoto, Administrative Analyst, shared an update on opportunities for
placement of student artwork on Village parklet barricades. Since the barricades are
located on a State highway, use of the barricades is regulated by Caltrans and the City
was informed that artwork and advertising is not permitted for safety reasons.
4
Saratoga Public Art Committee Minutes - Page 3 of 4
However, staff is requesting clarification to determine if artwork that is not
commercial in nature is exempted.
5. Sidewalk Hopscotch
Recommended Action:
Discuss opportunities to paint hopscotch squares on City sidewalks.
Vice Mayor Bernald provided background on the agenda item.
Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager, described some options for temporary
hopscotch squares in City parks.
Maggie Tsai expressed support for the project. She proposed that if successful, the
program could be expanded in the future to have Saratoga artists paint temporary
hopscotch squares.
Judy Dennis also expressed support for the project.
ZHAO/BERNALD MOVED TO ALLOCATE PUBLIC ART FUNDS TO PURCHASE
NECESSARY SUPPLIES TO INSTALL THE DRAGONFLY ARTISTIC HOPSCOTCH
SQUARES AT WILDWOOD, AZULE, AND GARDINER PARKS. MOTION PASSED. AYES:
BERNALD, ZHAO. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
6. Public Art Committee Structure
Recommended Action:
Discuss opportunities to recommend changes to the Public Art Committee’s structure
or consider development of a Public Art Commission.
Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager, provided an overview of the agenda item
and opportunities to expand the Public Art Committee.
Maggie Tsai spoke about the options for expanding the Public Art Committee and
expressed an interest in supporting the Public Art Committee efforts.
Judy Dennis also spoke about the options for expanding the Public Art Committee
and expressed her desire to participate in the Public Art Committee efforts.
ZHAO/BERNALD MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE A
RESOLUTION DEFINING THE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PUBLIC ART
COMMITTEE AND ADDING 3 ADVISORY MEMBERS TO THE COMMITTEE,
INCLUDING 1 MEMBER FROM AND SELECTED BY THE LIBRARY AND COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT COMMISSION. MOTION PASSED. AYES: BERNALD, ZHAO. NOES:
NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
5
Saratoga Public Art Committee Minutes - Page 4 of 4
The Public Art Committee agreed to hold regular meetings on the 3rd Tuesday of the
month at 4:00 p.m.
7. Public Art Budget
Recommended Action:
Receive status update on the Public Art Fiscal Year 2020/21 budget.
Kayla Nakamoto, Administrative Analyst, shared an update on the 2020/21 public art
budget.
8. Updates on Existing Projects
Recommended Action:
Receive updates on existing projects and programs.
Kayla Nakamoto, Administrative Analyst, shared an update on existing projects.
9. Future Meetings
Recommended Action:
Discuss agenda topics and scheduling of future meetings.
The Committee agreed to meet on Tuesday, November 17 at 4:00 p.m. to consider
the following agenda items:
- Sculpture Program
- Village Parklet Barricade Artwork
ADJOURNMENT
ZHAO/BERNALD MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 5:55 P.M. MOTION PASSED. AYES:
BERNALD, ZHAO. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
Minutes respectfully submitted:
Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager
6
CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To: Public Art Committee
From: Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager
Date: November 17, 2020
Subject: Selection of Public Art Committee Advisory Members
At the City Council Meeting on November 4, 2020, the City Council adopted
Resolution 20-069 defining the role and res ponsibilities of the Public Art Committee
and adding three advisory members to the Committee. The advisory, non-voting
members will serve a one-year term and may be reappointed. Two members will be
appointed by the voting members of the Public Art Committee and one member will
be a member of the Library and Community Engagement Commission selected by
the members of the Commission.
Since City Council approved expansion of the P ublic Art Committee and addition of
advisory members, staff has placed this item on the November 17 Agenda to provide
the Committee with the opportunity to select the two advisory members appointed
by the Committee. The Library and Community Engagement Commission selected
Christina Meiser, Chair of the Commission, to serve as the representative to the
Public Art Committee.
While advisory members serve a 1 year term, staff recommends that Committee
reaffirm selection of advisory members in January 2021 should the voting
membership of the Committee change after City Council assignments are voted on
in December 2020.
7
CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To: Public Art Committee
From: Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager
Date: November 17, 2020
Subject: Overview of Public Art Committee
The Public Art Committee was formed in 2016 to consider and make
recommendations on opportunities for public art in Saratoga. Since the Committee
was recently expanded to include 3 non-voting, advisory members at the November
4 City Council Meeting, this item was added to the Public Art Committee’s November
agenda to provide an overview of some of the Committee’s efforts. A summary of the
Committee’s programs and projects is below.
#SaratogaROCKS
Paint, place, and post to let the world know that #SaratogaROCKS! Paint your own
rocks or borrow a free #SaratogaROCKS kit from the City of Saratoga to get started.
Place and find #SaratogaROCKS throughout the community and share your rocks
and the ones you find on social media.
Bicycle Racks
In 2019, the City installed new decorative bicycle racks. These fun bicycle racks are
both decorative and functional pieces of art. They are located at the Saratoga Library,
the Civic Center complex, and Blaney Plaza.
CHALK Full of HeART
Over the summer of 2020, the Public Art Committee hosted a virtual chalk art event.
Residents were invited to share photos on social media of their sidewalk chalk art
using monthly themes for inspiration.
8
Count Your Blessings Bench
On the “Count Your Blessings” bench, you will find life-sized bronzes of Willys and
Betty Peck. These two Saratoga residents were a critical part in the development of
Saratoga’s character and community. The bench was inspired by Willys and Betty’s
practice of sitting together every day to count their blessings. This bench was created
and installed in 2017 in Blaney Plaza.
Hopscotch
At the October 2020 Public Art Committee meeting, the Committee agreed to
proceed with the temporary placement of artistic hopscotch squares at Wildwood,
Azule, and Gardiner Parks using spray chalk.
Mikrokozmosz
Mikrokozmosz is a mural located in the Joan Pisani Community Center that was
created by artist Pavel Mester. The mural is inspired by Robert Schumann’s Piano
Quartet in E flat Op. 47, interpreted by Tamami Honma. The painting is comprised of
3 pieces that is hung side by side. The artwork of Pavel Mester was a donation to the
City of Saratoga arranged with the assistance of the Cal Arte Music Foundation and
Charles Aznavour.
Nuts About Saratoga
In Spring 2020, six bronze acorns were installed throughout the City as a fun
scavenger hunt for Saratoga residents and visitors. Clues have been developed to
help participants find the location of each acorn hidden as part of the Nuts About
Saratoga program.
Silly Walks
In 2020, the Public Art Committee placed signage in the Village and on Joe’s Trail
encourage the public to be silly, especially during challenging times. When the public
sees the signs, they’re encouraged to let loose, get creative, and record themselves
doing their best silly walk and then share the photo or video on social media.
PLACE Bench
This steel five letter bench was created by the artist Steven Simon in 2008 and is
being leased from Montalvo Arts Center. The PLACE bench is located outside of the
Saratoga Library and is often used by Library patrons who use it enjoy their latest
read in the open air.
9
Paint the City
The City of Saratoga started the Paint the City program in 2018 to turn plain utility
boxes into works of art. The Public Art Committee reviews conceptual artwork
submitted by Saratoga residents age 10 and older and selects up to 3 options per
location. The top 3 selections are posted online for public voting where residents
can engage in the process by selecting their favorite conceptual design per location!
Rainy Day Sidewalk Poetry
In 2020, the Public Art Committee launched the Rainy Day Poetry Program. Poems
were painted at several locations throughout the City using paint that can only be
seen while wet.
Village Wall Mural
The Public Art Committee worked with local artist, Michelle Liu, to get the agreement
of the owner of the Mint Leaf Cuisine in Saratoga Village and the property owner to
paint a mural on the outside wall of the restaurant. On November 4, 2020, the City
Council authorized placement of the mural.
Attachments
• Presentation Slides
10
Overview of Public
Art Committee
November 17, 2020
11
#SaratogaROCKS 12
#SaratogaROCKS 13
CHALK Full of HeART 14
Count Your Blessings Bench 15
Hopscotch 16
Mikrokozmosz 17
Nuts About Saratoga 18
Silly Walks 19
PLACE Bench 20
Paint the City 21
Rainy Day Poetry 22
Village Wall Mural 23
CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To:Public Art Committee
From:Kayla Nakamoto, Administrative Analyst
Date:November 17, 2020
Subject:Rainy Day Sidewalk Poetry
At the September 15, 2020 meeting, the Public Art Committee selected four locations for
the 2021 cycle of Rainy Day Sidewalk Poetry and requested that the Library and
Community Engagement Commission propose poetry options for the Public Art
Committee to consider. The Committee suggested that the poems be representative of
the cultures and diversity of Saratoga and have at least one poem in Chinese.The Library
and Community Engagement Commission met on November 4, 2020 and proposed the
following poetry to be considered at the corresponding locations for the 2021 cycle of
Rainy Day Sidewalk Poetry.
Once the Committee finalizes the poetry selections, staff will order the corrugate
cardboard stencils. It will take roughly 2 months for the stencils to get created and for
the poems to be painted at the selected locations.
Songs for the People (Stanza 1 & 2)
By:Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
Location: Saratoga Library (near the entrance)
Let me make the songs for the people,
Songs for the old and young;
Songs to stir like a battle-cry
Wherever they are sung.
Not for the clashing of sabres,
For carnage nor for strife;
But songs to thrill the hearts of men
With more abundant life.
24
The Road Not Taken (Stanza 4)
By: Robert Frost
Location: Village Clock
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
य़䙋 Spring Dawn
By: Meng Haoran, Translated by Betty Tseng
Location: Village Sidewalk, Hong’s Gourmet (in front)
य़ෆ觉晓d处处闻⻦fց来⻛ڠ䕉dڀໝٝεˇf
Spring dawn arrives unnoticed in my slumber,
Till I hear birds twittering everywhere.
It springs to mind a storm raged through overnight,
Off it blew how many flowers I wonder?
Still I Rise (Stanza 6)
By: Maya Angelou
Location: Village Sidewalk (Sue’s Café)
You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise.
25
CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To: Public Art Committee
From: Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager
Date: November 17, 2020
Subject: Sculpture Program
Since the start of this fiscal year, the Public Art Committee has been discussing
options for a sculpture program. This has started with consideration of a program
modeled on the Los Altos Public Outdoor Sculpture Loan program that would allow
artists to submit proposals to place their artwork at a City designated location for a
2-year period in exchange for a modest stipend. Since then, the Committee has
refined its plans and has focused its efforts to place sculptures at the City Hall
Courtyard and Saratoga Gateway through a short-term loan.
Saratoga Gateway
The Saratoga Gateway is located at the corner of Saratoga -Sunnyvale Road and
Prospect Road. At the last meeting, the Committee considered Somo and Viewpoint
by artist Jeff Owen and Head of Man by artist David Middlebrook. Staff was asked to
reach out to the artists to see if a visit to their studios could be arranged. Both artists
welcomed the opportunity to show the Public Art Committee their studios so that the
artwork can be seen in person. Staff is hoping to get the Committee’s availability
during the November 17 meeting so that site visits can be arranged.
City Hall Courtyard
At the August 2020 meeting, artist Colleen Wilcox shared some of her artwork that
she felt comfortable loaning to the City. At the October meeting, the Committee
approved placement of 3 busts created by Wilcox in the City Hall Courtyard for a
period of up to 3-years. The 3 busts proposed to be included in the loan are Keeping
Watch, Grace, and Electra. The Committee’s recommendation was made pending
26
discussion with Saratoga Rotary, as placement of the sculptures in the courtyard
would require relocation of a fountain donated by Saratoga Rotary. Since the October
meeting, staff has been developing a lease agreement for the loan.
Attachments:
- Artwork from Jeff Owen
- Artwork from David Middlebrook
- Artwork from Colleen Wilcox
- Photos and Plans for Saratoga Gateway
27
Artwork from Jeff Owen
Somo
96” height x 36” width x 24” depth
110 lbs $2300
Viewpoint
83” height x 40” width x 13 depth
120 lbs $2500
28
Artwork from David Middlebrook
Head of Man
10’ height x 9’ width x 5’ depth
29
Artwork from Colleen Wilcox
Series of Five female Busts - Colleen B Wilcox
The series of female busts were inspired by Rodin’s Burghers of Calais. He was
commissioned to memorialize the town’s leaders who in the 1300s during the 100
Year War with England, agreed to be imprisoned in exchange for protecting the Town
of Calais from the ravages of the war. Rodin’s sculptures reflect the various emotions
the prisoners were feeling upon their release. Whether it was forgiveness or
resignation, their expressions represent a range of human emotions that are easily
identified by the observer.
I was inspired to sculpt women whose facial expressions represent a range of
emotions inspired by life’s travails and joys.
30
Keeping Watch represents women’s sense of responsibility for keeping children safe
- their own and others. Constantly mindful of the needs of others while engaged in a
myriad of other tasks. That ever-present protective eye on the needs of others
around them.
31
Grace suggests that feeling of deep gratitude when having witnessed human
goodness, the beauty of the world or tenderness toward others when we become
acutely aware of our interdependence.
32
Electra represents those times when we are faced with indecision. It’s the choosing
between alternatives which have profound ramifications for ourselves and others.
It’s the time before we move forward in one direction or the other.
33
Saratoga Gateway Photos & Plans
34
35
CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To:Public Art Committee
From:Kayla Nakamoto, Administrative Analyst
Date:November 17, 2020
Subject:Village Parklet Barricade Artwork
At the September 15, 2020 meeting, the Public Art Committee asked staff to bring back
information regarding opportunities for student artwork on the Village parklet barricades.
The Committee requested staff to consider artist safety and business owner interest. At
the October 20, 2020 meeting, staff shared with the Committee that CalTrans does not
allow artwork that could be considered advertisement for the businesses. Staff from the
Public Works Department submitted a request to CalTrans for clarification on whether the
restrictions include community artwork.
Since the October 20, 2020 meeting, it has been determined that artwork on the Village
parklet barricades would be a hazard to drivers. Due to the concern of the safety of drivers
traveling through the Village, CalTrans could not support the request from the City.
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CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To:Public Art Committee
From:Kayla Nakamoto, Administrative Analyst
Date:November 17, 2020
Subject:Public Art Budget
This item has been placed on the Committee’s meeting agenda to provide regular budget
updates as a standing item on the Public Art Committee meeting agendas. The table
below shows the estimated amounts that are projected to be spent on each project and
the actual expenditures. The bottom of the table shows the remaining balances in the CIP,
Lease and operating funds. The Committee discussed some of the possible public art
costs for Fiscal Year 2020/21. The budget below reflects the programs and activities that
the Committee agreed to consider for Fiscal Year 2020/21. Expenses can be adjusted
based on Public Art Committee priorities. Additionally, many of the costs can be scaled.
Fiscal Year 2020/21 Budget
Public Art Programs
CIP
(est.)
CIP
(act.)
Lease
(est.)
Lease
(act.)
Operating
(est.)
Operating
(act.)
Sidewalk Hopscotch $750
Saratoga ROCKS $600
Rainy Day Poetry $1,750
Paint the City 2021 $2,400
Wall Mural $2,500
Sculpture Program
Shadow Art $10,000
PLACE Lease $1,500 $1,500
Estimated Expenditures $12,500 $1,500 $5,500
Current Balance $31,000 $0 $6,600
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CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To:Public Art Committee
From:Kayla Nakamoto, Administrative Analyst
Date:November 17, 2020
Subject:Updates on Existing Projects
Village Wall Mural
The City Council approved the Village Wall Mural placement and conceptual artwork at
the November 4, 2020 meeting. An agreement between the City and the artist and the
City and the property owner is currently being prepared. Staff will work with the artist and
business owner to identify hours for the artist to paint the wall mural and to ensure that
the Mint Leaf Cuisine’s business is not impacted during the installation process.
#SaratogaROCKS
Community members continue to reserve rock kits to enjoy with their families, school
projects, and more. Staff will need to purchase more rocks soon, but the art supplies in
the kits remain enough for the current demand. Staff will continue to share photos with
the Public Art Committee when received.
Silly Walk Signs
At the June 8, 2020 Public Art Committee meeting, the members agreed to consider the
placement and duration of the Silly Walk signs after 6 months. The Committee should
consider whether to leave the signage up for a 1-year period and/or if the signage needs
to be relocated. The December meeting will be 6 months from the June 2020 meeting
and the Committee may want to add this to the meeting agenda for consideration.
Paint the City 2021
The applications for Paint the City 2021 will be shared with the public late November and
will close on January 31,2021. The Library and Community Engagement (LCE)
Commission is scheduled to review the eligible applications at their meeting on February
23, 2021. The Commission’s recommendations (up to 3 per location) will be presented to
the Public Art Committee in February. The selected artwork will be displayed on the City’s
website for the public to participate by voting for their favorite design at each location.
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The artwork with the most votes per location, will then be presented to the City Council
for approval. Due to the involvement of the LCE and timing of the Public Art Committee’s
regular meeting schedule, the timeline is expected to get pushed out later into the year.
Alternatively, the Public Art Committee may adjust its meeting schedule to advance the
timeline.
Action Timeline
Application Period November 2020 –January 31, 2021
LCE Recommendation of Top 3 Designs February 23, 2021
Public Art Committee
Confirmation of Top 3 Designs
March 16, 2021
Public Voting March 29, 2021 –April 18, 2021
Public Art Committee
Recommendation on Final Artwork
April 20, 2021
City Council Approval May 5, 2021
Painting Complete June 30, 2021
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