HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-15-2020 Public Art Committee Agenda PacketSaratoga Public Art Committee Agenda - Page 1 of 3
SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL
PUBLIC ART COMMITTEE
December 15, 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/84834855184 or through the
Zoom App (Webinar ID 848 3485 5184) 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 848 3485 5184,
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 November 17, 2020.
2. Paint the City 2021 Overview and Schedule
Recommended Action:
Receive an overview of the Paint the City program and provide staff with input on the
schedule for the 2021 program.
3. Silly Walk Signage
Recommended Action:
Receive an overview of the Silly Walk Signage program and provide staff with guidance
on placement of signage after December 2020.
4. Shadow Art Program
Recommended Action:
Consider options for a Shadow Art Program and provide guidance to staff on how to
proceed with the program.
5. Public Art Budget
Recommended Action:
Receive status update on the Public Art Fiscal Year 2020/21 budget.
6. Updates on Existing Projects
Recommended Action:
Receive updates on existing projects and programs.
7. Future Meetings
Recommended Action:
Discuss agenda topics for the next meeting on January 19, 2021 at 4:00 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Saratoga Public Art Committee Agenda - Page 3 of 3
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
December 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 December 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
Cristina Meiser, Chair Library & Community Engagement Commission Advisory
Judy Dennis Advisory
Maggie Tsai 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
• Paint the City Overview & Schedule
• Silly Walk Signage
• Shadow Art Program
• Public Art Budget
• Updates on Existing Projects
January 19, 2021 • Minutes
• 2021 Meeting Schedule
• Selection of Advisory Members
• Sculpture Program
• 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.
Hopscotch
At their meeting in October 2020, the Public Art Committee agreed to place artistic
hopscotch squares using chalk spray at Wildwood, Azule, and Gardiner Parks.
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
NOVEMBER 17, 2020
PUBLIC ART COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING
The Public Art Committee was called to order virtually using Zoom at 4:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Vice Mayor Mary-Lynne Bernald, Council Member Yan Zhao,
Advisory Members Judy Dennis, Cristina Meiser, Maggie Tsai
ABSENT: None
ALSO PRESENT: Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager
Kayla Nakamoto, Administrative Analyst
Kelly Sicat, Montalvo Arts Center
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 October 20, 2020.
ZHAO/BERNALD MOVED TO APPROVE THE PUBLIC ART COMMITTEE MINUTES
FROM OCTOBER 20, 2020. MOTION PASSED. AYES: BERNALD, ZHAO. NOES: NONE.
ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
2. Selection of Public Art Committee Advisory Members
Recommended Action:
Select two advisory members to the Public Art Committee.
ZHAO/BERNALD MOVED TO SELECT JUDY DENNIS AND MAGGIE TSAI AS PUBLIC
ART COMMITTEE ADVISORY MEMBERS. MOTION PASSED. AYES: BERNALD, ZHAO.
NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
3. Overview of the Public Art Committee
Recommended Action:
Receive an informational presentation on an overview of the Public Art Committee’s
efforts.
Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager, shared an overview of the Public Art
Committee’s efforts.
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Saratoga Public Art Committee Minutes - Page 2 of 4
Advisory Member Cristina Meiser commented on the amount of work that the
Committee has done since it was formed.
Advisory Member Maggie Tsai suggested outreach on the City’s public art 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.
Kayla Nakamoto, Administrative Analyst, provided an update on the Rainy Day
Sidewalk Poetry Program, including the poetry recommendations from the Library &
Community Engagement Commission.
Advisory Member Cristina Meiser provided additional information on the
Commission’s recommendation.
The Public Art Committee accepted the poetry and placement recommendations
from the Library & Community Engagement Commission.
5. Sculpture Program
Recommended Action:
Receive updates on the sculpture program, including placement of sculptures at the
City Hall Courtyard and Saratoga Gateway.
Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager, provided an update on the sculpture
program.
Vice Mayor Mary-Lynne Bernald shared some of the background on the origin and
development of the sculpture program.
Advisory Member Judy Dennis suggested fundraising as a way to acquire sculptures
that may not fit within the current public art budget.
Vice Mayor Mary-Lynne Bernald provided additional information about the capital
public art funds.
Advisory Member Cristina Meiser noted that artists may be more interested in
partnering with the City for a limited period of time as a result of the pandemic. She
also suggested that the Gateway may be a more appropriate location for tempo rary
artwork displays that rotate regularly. Whatever gets placed there should speak to
the character of the City since it is such a prominent location.
Council Member Yan Zhao noted that the Committee met and spoke with some local
artists. The Committee considered an open call for artwork but wanted to pursue
something more quickly.
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Saratoga Public Art Committee Minutes - Page 3 of 4
Kelly Sicat with Montalvo Arts Center noted that a statement piece that speaks to the
character of Saratoga could be located at the Gateway to welcome visitors. However,
testing artwork at the location is also a worthwhile option as it gives the Committee a
feel for what it would mean to have artwork at the location and decide if it wants
artwork with specific features or characteristics. Additionally, a call for artwork
submissions could take some time to complete. Artists are also facing some unique
challenges, such as the closure of foundries due to the pandemic. She also suggested
viewing artwork in person or virtually.
Vice Mayor Mary-Lynne Bernald added that the Committee did look at the sculpture
program created by Los Altos and ultimately decided to look at options that would
advance the project forward more quickly.
The Committee requested a site visit to Jeff Owen’s studio after December 12 with the
option to participate virtually.
6. Village Parklet Barricade Artwork
Recommended Action:
Receive an update on the public art project to add student artwork to the Village
parklet barricades.
Kayla Nakamoto, Administrative Analyst, shared that artwork is not allowed on the
barricades under Caltrans rules.
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 budget.
The Committee discussed whether to keep shadow art in the budget and the
estimated funding level for the project. The Committee requested future discussion
to consider the project.
8. Updates on Existing Projects
Recommended Action:
Receive updates on existing projects and programs.
Kayla Nakamoto, Administrative Analyst, shared an update on the wall mural,
#SaratogaROCKS, Silly Walk Signage, and Paint the City.
Vice Mayor Mary-Lynne Bernald noted that recent photos haven’t been shared with
the #SaratogaROCKS Facebook page and she requested photos from the City.
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Saratoga Public Art Committee Minutes - Page 4 of 4
Advisory Member Maggie Tsai suggested additional outreach and creative strategies
for sharing information about the City’s public art activities, such as a scavenger hunt.
Vice Mayor Mary-Lynne Bernald added that the Saratoga History Museum uses QR
codes to help share information about historical points of interest.
Council Member Yan Zhao expressed support for a tool to find art and cultural assets,
like a City app.
The Committee requested discussion of Silly Walks and the Paint the City schedule at
the December meeting.
9. Future Meetings
Recommended Action:
Discuss agenda topics for the next meeting on Tuesday, December 15 at 4:00 p.m.
The Committee agreed to discuss the Shadow Art Program, Silly Walk Signage, and
Paint the City schedule at the December meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
ZHAO/BERNALD MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 5:33 P.M. MOTION PASSED. AYES:
BERNALD, ZHAO. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
Minutes respectfully submitted:
Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager
City of Saratoga
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CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To: Public Art Committee
From: Kayla Nakamoto, Administrative Analyst
Date: December 15, 2020
Subject: Paint the City Overview & Schedule
The Paint the City program began in 2018 and has been an annual Public Art Program
since. This program invites Saratoga residents to apply to paint a City of Saratoga
utility box. Through the program, 17 utility boxes throughout the City have been
painted.
Artist(s) must reside in Saratoga and be at least 10 years old (groups of artists that
meet these requirements will be considered). Artist(s) may only submit one
application per utility box location. Artists selected during the 2020 Paint the City
cycle will not be considered as part of the 2021 program.
The City opened and announced the application process for the 2021 Paint the City
program this month. Applications must be submitted by January 31. As part of the
2021 cycle, the City will accept applications for 3 utility box locations. These include:
1) Saratoga Avenue & Cox Avenue
2) Saratoga Avenue & Scotland Avenue
3) Quito Road & Pollard Road
Staff will review applications to determine if minimum criteria has been met. The
Library and Community Engagement Commission will then recommend up to 3
designs per utility box location to the Public Art Committee to consider. Once the top
3 design selections have been made, the community will be invited to rank designs
for each utility box location. The highest ranked design at each location will be
presented to the Public Art Committee to recommend City Council acceptance in
accordance with the Public Art Policy. Selected artists will also receive a stipend of
$600.
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This will be the first year that the Library & Community Engagement Commission
participates in the program. As a result, the overall project timeline is slightly longer
to accommodate the Commission’s regular meeting schedule. If the Committee
would like to adjust the program timeline, they can consider scheduling a special
meeting or re-scheduling their March meeting to earlier in the month. Alternatively,
the Committee could leave the timeline as provided by staff below.
Timeline
Milestone Timing
Application Period November 2020 – January 31, 2021
Library & Community Engagement
Commission Top 3 Recommendation
February 23, 2021
Public Art Committee Consideration 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 Acceptance of Artwork
May 5, 2021
Artist Coordination
May 2021
Utility Box Painting May 2021 – June 30, 2021
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CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To: Public Art Committee
From: Kayla Nakamoto, Administrative Analyst
Date: December 15, 2020
Subject: Silly Walk Signage
With many Americans continuing to shelter at home to avoid the spread of the novel
coronavirus, neighbors across the United States have taken it upon themselves to
encourage local community members to be silly by posting Ministry of Silly Walks
whimsical signage outside their home. Ministry of Silly Walks signage has popped up
all around the world, including Norway, San Luis Obispo, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
The the City of Saratoga installed its own Silly Walk Signage for the community to
enjoy. The signage approximately measures 16” x 24” and encourages the public to
post silly walk videos on social media to build community even while sheltering at
home. The Silly Walk signs are currently in the Village, in front of La Fondue and at
Congress Springs Park, on Joe’s Trail.
When Silly Walk Signage was approved for placement by the Public Art Committee in
June 2020, the Committee agreed to leave signage up for a period of 6 months and
re-evaluate whether to leave signage up for a 1-year period or relocate signage.
Consequently, staff is seeking guidance from the Committee on whether to remove
signage, leave signs at their current location, or relocate signs.
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CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To: Public Art Committee
From: Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager
Date: December 15, 2020
Subject: Shadow Art Program
One of the projects that the Public Art Committee has considered including in the
Fiscal Year 2020/21 work plan was a Shadow Art Program. The program was inspired
by a project implemented in
Redwood City. The Redwood
City shadow art project cost
was $10,000. Artists created
stencils for the various shadow
designs that were used to paint
the sidewalk.
The Public Art Committee
scheduled consideration of the program to be included as part of the December 2020
meeting. Staff is seeking guidance on whether the Committee would like to include
the program as part of its 2020/21 work effort and if so, how to proceed with the
program. If the Committee decides to advance the program, staff could return to the
Committee with proposed implementation options for a shadow art program,
including locations for shadow artwork and more refined program cost estimate.
To help prepare the implementation options for the Committee to consider, it would
be helpful for the Committee to decide if it would like to work with a single artist, like
Redwood City. Alternatively, the City could reach out to Saratoga High School and
Prospect High School (the two high schools located in City limits) to determine if there
is interest from the school art programs in working with the City on the project.
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Whether the Committee decides to work with a single artist or local high school
student artists, staff recommends that the artist(s) prepare conceptual artwork for
each location that the Committee can consider and provide feedback on. Once
finalized, staff can work with a vendor to create stencils and invite the artist(s) to help
install the artwork.
Additionally, it would be helpful for the Committee to provide insights on the desired
display period as this will influence ongoing maintenance costs and may require City
Council authorization for placement of artwork. Redwood City’s shadow art requires
regular maintenance and must be repainted 3 times per year. Per the Public Art
Policy, the Public Art Committee may authorize placement of artwork if it will be
displayed for a period of 3 years or less.
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CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To: Public Art Committee
From: Kayla Nakamoto, Administrative Analyst
Date: December 15, 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. Since the November 17, 2020 meeting, the
budget table been updated to reflect the following expenditures.
- Wall Mural Artist Stipend: $2,500
- Sidewalk Hopscotch: $435
Fiscal Year 2020/21 Budget
Public Art Programs
CIP
(est.)
CIP
(act.)
Lease
(est.)
Lease
(act.)
Operating
(est.)
Operating
(act.)
Sidewalk Hopscotch $750 $435
Saratoga ROCKS $600
Rainy Day Poetry $1,750
Paint the City 2021 $2,400
Wall Mural $2,500 $2,500
Sculpture Program
Shadow Art $10,000
PLACE Lease $1,500 $1,500
Estimated Expenditures $12,500 $1,500 $5,500
Current Balance $28,500 $0 $6,165
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