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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Art Review Board 2026-01-14 Agenda Packet1 Attachment A PUBLIC ART REVIEW BOARD JANUARY 14, 2026 AT 6:00PM In-Person: SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY CENTER LOUNGE 618 B STREET, SAN RAFAEL, CALIFORNIA AGENDA Participate Virtually: Watch on Zoom Webinar: https://tinyurl.com/PARB-01-14-2026 Listen by phone: (669) 444-9171 ID: 814 5896 7407# CALL TO ORDER MINUTES 1. a. Approve regular meeting minutes of October 15, 2025 Recommended Action – Approve as submitted OPEN TIME FOR PUBLIC EXPRESSION The public is welcome to address the Commission at this time on matters not on the agenda that are within its jurisdiction. Comments may be no longer than three minutes and should be respectful to the community. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 2. Special Presentations: NA OTHER AGENDA ITEMS If necessary to ensure completion of the following items, the Chairperson may establish time limits for the presentations by individual speakers. 3. Other Agenda Items: a. Review the ‘City of San Rafel Public Art Program 2025/26’ proposal to install 5 public art installations in Downtown San Rafael Recommended Action: Recommend Approval and advance the proposal to City Council for final review b. Nomination and Appointment of Chair and Vice Chair for 2026 Recommended Action: Nominate and Appoint Chair and Vice-Chair responsibilities for 2026 STAFF LIAISON REPORT 4. Staff Liaison Report BOARD MEMBER REPORTS 5. Other brief reports on any meetings, conferences, and/or seminars attended by the Commission members ADJOURNMENT Any records relating to an agenda item, received by a majority or more of the Commission less than 72 hours before the meeting, shall be available for inspection online and in the San Rafael Community Center, 618 B St., San Rafael, CA 94901 placed with other agenda- related materials on the table in front of the San Rafael Community Center prior to the meeting. Sign Language interpreters may be requested by calling (415) 485-3066 (voice), emailing city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org or using the California Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing “711”, at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting. Copies of documents are available in accessible format s upon request. To request Spanish language interpretation, please submit an online form at https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/request-for- interpretation/. Page 1 of 3 PUBLIC ART ADVISORY BOARD October 15, 2025 – 6:00 p.m. DRAFT MINUTES __________________________________________________________________ Watch the meeting on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGI23pDM-HM CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Zhao called the meeting to order at 6:08 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Member Sandoval Member Skinner Member Schauffler Vice Chair Zhao Absent: Chair Merritt Also Present: Craig Veramay, Assistant Library & Recreation Director Daniel Avalos, Assistant Library & Recreation Director Debbie Younkin, Senior Recreation Supervisor Patty McCulley, Program Coordinator Becky Ordin, Senior Administrative Assistant AGENDA AMENDMENTS None. MINUTES 1. a. Approve regular meeting minutes of April 30, 2025 Member Schauffler motioned to approve the minutes, and Member Skinner seconded the approval of the regular meeting minutes of April 30, 2025. AYES: Members: Sandoval, Schauffler, Skinner, Zhao NOES: Members: ABSENT: Members: Merritt ABSTAINED: Members: 2 Minutes approved as submitted. OPEN TIME FOR PUBLIC EXPRESSION Public Comment from the audience regarding items not listed on the agenda None SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 2. None OTHER PRESENTATIONS 3. Other Agenda Items: a. ‘Our Community, Our Story’ mural at the Pickleweed Library Children’s Room Craig Vermay introduced Daniel Avalos, who in traduced Barbara Yupit Gomez and Taylor Buttrey with Youth in Arts who presented the ‘Our Communtiy, Our Story’ mural at the Pickleweed Library Children’s room. Staff responded to questions from the Board. Public Comment: None Member Sandoval moved to approve the Approval of ‘Our Communtiy, Our Story’ mural at the Pickleweed Library Children’s room, and Member Skinner seconded the motion. AYES: Members: Sandoval, Skinner, Zhao NOES: Members: None ABSENT: Members: Merritt ABSTAINED: Members: Schauffler Motion passes. b. Falkirk 2026 Exhibit Schedule Craig Veramay gave a brief overview of the scheduling process for the 2026 art exhibits at the Falkirk Cultural Center. Mr. Veramay introduced Patty McCulley who gave an overview of the proposals. 3 Staff responded to questions from the Board. Public Comment: None Member Sandoval moved to approve the 2026 Falkirk exhibit schedule as discussed, and Member Schauffler seconded the motion. AYES: Members: Sandoval, Schauffler, Skinner, Zhao NOES: Members: None ABSENT: Members: Merritt ABSTAINED: Members: None Motion passes. STAFF LIAISON REPORT 4. Mr. Veramay shared there have been some updates to the City’s public art webpage. The downtown San Rafael Art District has grant funds available and allocated to some public art projects. There will be a public comment period to review the proposals that will start October 20th and run through November 3rd. Public Comment: None BOARD MEMBER REPORTS 5. None ADJOURNMENT Chair Schauffler adjourned the meeting at 8:55 p.m. ___________________________________________ BECKY ORDIN, Senior Administrative Assistant APPROVED THIS_____DAY OF___________, 2024 ___________________________________________ CATHERINE QUFFA, Library & Recreation Director PUBLIC ART REVIEW BOARD AGENDA REPORT January 14, 2026 Item #3a TITLE: Public Art Program 2025/2026 Implementation: Five Public Art Proposals RECOMMENDATION That the Public Art Review Board (PARB) review and advance the Public Art Program 2025/2026 proposal to the City Council for their final review and authorization of the City Manager to enter into an Art License Agreement with Local Edition Creative, Inc. to install three murals, one temporary sculpture, and one long-term sculpture at five public locations in San Rafael. BACKGROUND The City of San Rafael welcomes proposals for the creation and display of public artworks and exhibitions on property that is owned, occupied, or managed by the City. The City is a Stakeholder member of the Downtown San Rafael Arts District (DSRAD / Arts District), which is the recipient of a California Arts Council Grant as a California Cultural District. The Arts District has allocated some of those grant funds to install public art in San Rafael, and the City has contracted with Local Edition Creative to manage this Public Art Program proposal. The Public Art Review Board is responsible for reviewing proposals in alignment with the City’s Public Art Review Guidelines, which include: • Project Readiness • Qualifications • Funding • Community Engagement • Maintenance • Design • Diversity Overview of the proposed Public Art Program 2025/2026 The City of San Rafael, in partnership with the Downtown San Rafael Art District, launched a Public Art Program with the intent to enhance Downtown vitality and celebrate the city’s cultural identity. Funded by a $250,000 California Arts Council (CAC) grant that is geographically bound to the Downtown San Rafael Arts District, the Program proposes five new public art installations—including murals, mosaics, and sculptures—in highly visible locations across Downtown. If approved, these installations will be installed in the Spring and Summer of 2026. Page 2 of 7 The Program aims to: • Enhance San Rafael’s identity as the arts hub of Marin County; • Attract culturally responsive & artistically significant visual art projects for permanent installations Downtown; • Increase the economic vitality of Downtown; and • Celebrate diversity and creativity through public art. Locations The program is proposed to be implemented within the boundaries of the Downtown Precise Plan area (Figure 1), consistent with the CAC grant area. City staff from multiple departments collaborated to identify suitable City-owned properties for potential mural or sculpture installations that can occur within the CAC grant timeline. Evaluation criteria included high visibility, locations where City maintenance costs could be reduced with improvements, and physical readiness. Preliminary project locations identified include the following: • Project #1: C Street 3rd Street Garage • Project #2: 2nd @ Ida Street Retaining Wall • Project #3: Court Plaza 1000 4th Street • Project #4: 2nd & 4th Street Project Lane Divider • Project #5: Outside City Hall Figure 1: Five Public Art Locations, with Downtown Precise Plan Area boundary Program Design and Curation On April 30, 2025, City staff provided the Public Art Review Board with an update on the Downtown San Rafael Arts District, including an overview of conceptual plan for the Public Art Program. The PARB provided feedback which was incorporated into the final program design. On June 23, 2025, the San Rafael City Council approved the contract with Local Edition. The $250,000 contract budget was developed by Arts District stakeholders and includes $173,250 in artist engagement and program implementation expenses. A summary of the agreement is shown below, in Table 1. Page 3 of 7 Table 1: Local Edition Creative / Public Art Program Budget Summary $50,000.00 Project Management Fee, Local Edition $173,250.00 Artist Engagement and Program Implementation $26,750.00 Permit fees, marketing & engagement $250,000.00 Project Budget Total Final Artist Selection Criteria This proposal represents the final artworks selected by the Program Jurists, who had the following goals and criteria in mind: Goals: • Culturally responsive & artistically significant visual art installations • Increase economic vitality through the arts • Enhance public awareness of San Rafael as the art hub of Marin County • Artworks adhere to the City of San Rafael’s Public Art Guidelines Voting Criteria: • Originality: Fresh perspectives and unique interpretations. Artworks should showcase an individual artistic voice that stands out from the other applicants. • Technical Proficiency: A high degree of skill is necessary to ensure quality & efficiency of execution. This also means experience to complete the job. • Consistency: A cohesive body of work often makes a stronger impact. Consistency in style, theme, or technique can demonstrate focus and will provide a clearer understanding of the artist’s approach to this project. • Presentation: This includes the quality and selection of the artworks submitted, but also how the work fits with its proposed setting and its overall visual impact. • Artist’s Statement: A thoughtful statement will share the artist’s motivation, intent, inspiration, or process. Not all will express themselves clearly or eloquently, so look for genuineness, sincerity, and excitement over being eloquent. The intent is to present the five Public Art Program pieces as a unified collection, showcasing a diverse range of artistic voices and approaches. Together, they enrich San Rafael’s existing public art landscape and reinforce the City’s role as Marin County’s leading center for arts and culture. This approach directly supports the objectives of the California Arts Council grant and establishes a new benchmark in the region for how public art can elevate and energize Marin’s urbanized public spaces. After completing the initial jury review, assessing feedback collected during the public input process, and evaluating the above Goals and Voting Criteria, the Jurists recommend the five artists proposals shown below in Table 2 as the final installation for this program. Page 4 of 7 Table 2: Proposed Artists by Location Location Artist TITLE and Medium Dimensions & Longevity #1: Third & C Street Public Parking Garage Bryan Valenzuela (St. Helena, CA) HANDLE WITH CARE Murals on garage exterior wall facing Third Street Approx. 2,000 sqft. Two artwork panels each approximately 40’ (h) x 25’ (w) 7-10 years before noticeable fading #2: 2nd St at Ida Street Wyatt Hersey (San Anselmo/Santa Cruz, CA) SAN RAFAEL TAPESTRY Mural on concrete retaining wall Approx. 800 sqft. 200’ (l) x 4’ (h) 7-10 years before noticeable fading #3: City Plaza Courtyard, 1000 4th St. Paz de la Calzada (San Francisco, CA) UNTITLED Mural on fountain face with kiln-fired custom ceramic tiles on pillars Approx. 600 sqft. 7-10 years before noticeable fading; tiles long-term. #4: 4th Street Median at 2nd Street Intersection Artwork by Martin Taylor (Portola Valley, CA) TOUCH THE SKY Stainless Steel, Patina, Gold Paint Sculpture including base: 16’ (h) x 9’(w) x 14.5’(l) Built to withstand natural elements #5: City Hall Entrance Oleg Lobykin (East Palo Alto, CA) ABSTRACT SCULPTURE Stainless Steel, Polished Sculpture: 18’ (h) x 9’(w) x 9’(l) *One-year exhibition Project Timeline In January 2025, the City and the Downtown San Rafael Arts District issued a Request for Proposals seeking an organization that could assist DSRAD managing the Public Art Program Implementation. In March 2025 the Arts District Steering Committee selected Local Edition Creative to lead the program's development and execution from June 2025 through June 2026. Local Edition was selected for their substantial experience with similar work in the Bay Area and beyond, overseeing and managing the work of mural artists, sculpture fabricators, installers, and other contractors in the implementation of public art. Page 5 of 7 On behalf of Arts District, Local Edition has managed the Public Art Program to date, including artist solicitation, review and juried selection. The artist solicitation, review and selection process has followed the timeline approved by the City Council on June 23, 2025. Between June 27 and July 25, 2025, an open call for artists was published on the Call For Artist Entry (CaFÉ) website and marketed widely within the San Rafael arts community. The call included three (3) mural opportunities for artists and artist teams residing in California, and two (2) sculpture opportunities, one permanent and one temporary, are available to artists residing in the United States. The call drew nearly 200 applicants from across the state and nationwide. Local Edition narrowed the submission set to approximately 30 artists for jury consideration. The Jury met two times in person to select the semi-finalists, and the final artworks as presented with this report (Attachment 1). Below is a summary of the selection process. • Call for Artists – June 27 to July 25, 2025, Call For Artist Entry (CaFÉ) website. • Jury Review – July 31, 2025 A panel of seven Arts District steering committee and community arts leaders evaluated artists and selected a shortlist of candidates. o Semifinalists – Nine mural/mosaic semifinalists were invited to prepare site specific art concepts, due by October 6, 2025. Two sculptures, one permanent and one temporary, were unanimously selected to move forward and are in the process of determining installation feasibility. • Public Input – October 20 to November 3, 2025 semifinalist designs were available for public view and comment via a digital portal and in-person viewing locations. • Final Selection – November 6, 2025, the Jury reviewed the public feedback and selected one proposal per location. Selections were prepared and submitted to the City for internal Staff Review. • Public Art Review Board: Following Internal Staff Review, the proposal is now being routed to the Public Art Review Board. • Final Approval - If the Public Art Review Board recommends approval of this proposal, it will be presented to the City Council for their consideration at an upcoming regular meeting, likely in February 2026. More detailed information about the project curation, selection criteria, jurors, implementation schedule, and each artist and artwork proposal is included in the attached proposal packet (Attachment 1). The Attachment includes images of the proposed work, a narrative from the artist about their process, examples of the artist’s body of work, a budget and timeline for installation and notes on materials, maintenance and longevity. DISCUSSION City staff have reviewed the proposal, completed internal review and recommend approval of this project contingent upon City Council approval and Local Edition Creative’s ongoing coordination with City Departments, including completion of any necessary Art License Agreements or encroachment permits. Staff reviewed key elements of the project related to our Public Art Review Guidelines: Project Readiness: The project appears to be ready for installation if coordinated with other City sponsored projects and activities. If approved by the Public Art Review Board and City Council, the five pieces will be installed in the designated locations between the spring and summer of 2026. Actual installation timing for both sculptures is dependent upon external Page 6 of 7 factors including the construction schedule for the 2nd and 4th Street intersection improvement project, and a prior lease of the Oleg Lobykin sculpture by the San Francisco Arts Commission. Project Funding: The project is fully funded through a grant from the California Arts Council. The project budget includes site preparation and cleaning, artist stipends, installation, marketing and photography. Community Engagement: The program included a robust public input component including dedicated web pages hosted by both the City and Local Edition. • April 30, 2025: Public Art Review Board provided input on the proposed project • June 23, 2025: City Council approved the Local Edition contract • September 25, 2025: Economic Development Subcommittee reviewed the program locations • October 20 to November 3, 2025: Semifinalist designs were available for public view and comment via digital survey and three in-person viewing events (Attachment 1, pages 6- 7). The Public Comment period resulted in 1,184 survey responses. 88.6% of all responses were Marin residents, with 64% (758) from zip code 94901, and 18.1% (214) from zip code 94903. Respondents were asked their opinions on whether the art would: 1. Be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds 2. Compliment the setting and enhance the environment 3. Help elevate public awareness of San Rafael as the arts & culture epicenter of Marin County A summary of the survey respondents that either strongly agreed or agreed with the final selected artists are shown below in Table 3: Table 3: Summary of Survey Responses for Finalist Artists Artist Name 1 Agree or strongly agree that art would be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds 2 Agree or strongly agree that art would complement the setting and enhance the environment 3 Agree or strongly agree that art would elevate public awareness Bryan Valenzuela 69.8% 71.7% 67.2% Wyatt Hersey 73.9% 72.2% 71.3% Paz de la Calzada 57.1% 53.7% 58.1% Martin Taylor 57.8% 58.3% 58.3% Oleg Lobykin 57.7% 60% 64.5% Additionally, Local Edition Creative has received several letters of community support, which are attached as Attachment 2 – Letters of Support Maintenance: Maintenance needs for each piece are discussed in Attachment 1. Design: Each artist has provided a narrative to accompany their proposal in Attachment 1. Page 7 of 7 Diversity: The Program’s body of work adheres to the PARB’s diversity guidelines by engaging artists of multifaceted backgrounds from across the Bay Area. The works also reflect San Rafael and Marin’s natural elements and creative traditions. By incorporating elements that acknowledge the area’s local landmarks, flora, and fauna, the artworks offer visual metaphors for ”taking leaps of faith” (Taylor) and “invites connection between the public and the natural world” (Calzada). FISCAL IMPACT Planning and Implementation for this Project is funded through a grant from the California Arts Council. If approved, the City would become the owners of the long-term art installations. As the owners, the City would take on the routine maintenance and operational costs associated with these artworks. Staff anticipate that these costs would be minor, primarily associated with utilities associated with lighting statues and murals, and periodic cleaning and maintenance. These costs would be incorporated into future budget cycles. STAFF RECOMMENDATION That the Public Art Review Board (PARB) review and advance the Public Art Program 2025/2026 proposal to the City Council for their final review and authorization of the City Manager to enter into an Art License Agreement with Local Edition Creative, Inc. to install three murals, one temporary sculpture, and one long-term sculpture at five public locations in San Rafael. ALTERNATIVE ACTION 1. The Board may request modifications or changes to the proposal. 2. The Board may recommend that the proposal not be approved. Submitted by: Stacey Laumann, Economic Development Program Manager Attachments: 1. San Rafael Arts District – Five Public Art Proposals for City-owned Properties 2. Letters of support SAN RAFAEL ARTS DISTRICT FIVE PUBLIC ART PROPOSALS Prepared By: Local Edition Creative Proposal Submittal Date: 12.08.2025 A City of San Rafael Public Art Program for city-owned properties [ Prepared For The San Rafael Public Art Review Board ] ABOUT THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL PUBLIC ART PROGRAM The City of San Rafael has launched a Public Art Program to enhance Downtown vitality and celebrate the city’s cultural identity. Funded by a $250,000 California Arts Council grant that is geographically bound for the Downtown Arts District, the program will bring five new public art installations—including murals, mosaics, and sculptures—to highly visible locations across Downtown in the Spring/Summer of 2026. The program aims to: ●Enhance San Rafael’s identity as the arts hub of Marin County ●Attract culturally responsive & artistically significant visual art projects for permanent installations Downtown ●Increase the economic vitality of Downtown ●Celebrate diversity and creativity through public art The program is facilitated by the arts consultancy agency Local Edition Creative, with guidance from the Downtown San Rafael Arts District (DSRAD)steering committee. ABOUT LOCAL EDITION CREATIVE Local Edition Creative (Local Edition) is an award-winning arts consulting and production agency with experience delivering impactful public art projects across the Bay Area. They partner with municipalities, businesses, and artists to produce meaningful arts and culture experiences. Local Edition has been contracted by the City of San Rafael to lead the City’s public art program from development through installation of the artworks. City of San Rafael’s Selection of Local Edition To effectively manage and curate the program, the DSRAD issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) in January 2025 seeking qualified arts consultants to oversee the program. The DSRAD received ten responses to the RFP, from which the DSRAD interviewed five firms. Ultimately, in March 2025 the DSRAD selected Local Edition Creative to lead the program's development and execution from June 2025 through June 2026. Local Edition was selected for their substantial experience in the Bay Area and beyond, overseeing and managing the work of mural artists, sculpture fabricators, installers, and other contractors in the implementation of public art. Local Edition received the 2024 Helen Putnam Award for Excellence for Economic Development through the Arts for the City of Concord, and curates the Mare Island Art Yard. Local Edition has demonstrated the ability to deliver art and placemaking strategies paired with strategic approaches to community involvement and marketing. PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE ●Call for Artists –June 27 and July 25, 2025, an open call for artists was published on the Call For Artist Entry (CaFÉ) website. The call drew nearly 200 applicants from across the state and nationwide. ●Jury Review –July 31, 2025 A panel of seven Arts District steering committee and community arts leaders evaluated artists and selected a shortlist of candidates. ○Semifinalists –Nine mural/mosaic semifinalists were invited to prepare site specific art concepts, due by October 6, 2025. Two sculptures, one permanent and one temporary, were unanimously selected to move forward and are in the process of determining installation feasibility. ●Public Input –October 20 to November 3, 2025 semifinalist designs were available for public view and comment via a digital portal and in-person viewing locations. ●Final Selection –November 6, 2025, the Jury reviewed the public feedback and selected one proposal per location. Selections were then prepared and submitted to the Public Art Review Board in January 2026. ●Approval -Finalist recommendations will be presented to City Council for approval in February 2026. Semifinalists Selected by Arts Jury August 2025 Public Review of Design Proposals October 2025 Public Art Review Board Winter 2025-26 City Council Approval Winter 2025-26 Installation of Artworks Spring/ Summer 2026 Artwork Proposals Selected by Arts Jury City Council Authorizes Program & Call for Artists June 2025 November 2025 SELECTION CRITERIA JURY MEMBERS Beau Blanchard, CA Film Institute Meg Reilly/Cathy Leather, Marin Society of Artists Elisabeth Setten, Artworks Downtown Morgan Schauffler, Youth In Arts Karina Ramirez, Multicultural Center of Marin Sarah Shepard, Sarah Shepard Gallery Local Edition Creative Sarah Tipple, Downtown BID Artworks were selected by the Jurists with the following criteria in mind. Goals: •Culturally responsive & artistically significant visual art installations •Increase economic vitality through the arts •Enhance public awareness of San Rafael as the hub of Marin County •Artworks adhere to the City of San Rafael’s Public Art Guidelines Voting Criteria: •Originality: Fresh perspectives and unique interpretations. Artworks should showcase an individual artistic voice that stands out from the other applicants. •Technical Proficiency: A high degree of skill is necessary to ensure quality & efficiency of execution. This also means experience to complete the job. •Consistency: A cohesive body of work often makes a stronger impact. Consistency in style, theme, or technique can demonstrate focus and will provide a clearer understanding of the artist’s approach to this project. •Presentation: This includes the quality and selection of the artworks submitted, but also how the work fits with its proposed setting and its overall visual impact. •Artist’s Statement: A thoughtful statement will share the artist’s motivation, intent, inspiration, or process. Not all will express themselves clearly or eloquently, so look for genuineness, sincerity, and excitement over being eloquent. PUBLIC OUTREACH -COMMUNICATION SNAPSHOT Flyer (English/Spanish)Social Media Snapshot Newsletter Banner (English/Spanish) PUBLIC FEEDBACK GRAPHICS/COLLATERALAnnouncements regarding the public art program and requests for public input were shared via multiple outlets including flyer distribution, websites, and social channels. •Over 2,500 flyers distributed at City Hall, libraries, community centers, arts organizations, businesses, and pop-up events •Digital announcements - o City of San Rafael website, social media, newsletter o Downtown San Rafael BID website, social media, newsletter o DSRAD, ArtWorks Downtown, Youth in Arts -websites/newsletters/eblasts o Others –Nextdoor, MarinArts, Canal Alliance, County of Marin, Federation of San Rafael Neighborhoods •Locations for In-Person Artwork Proposal Viewing – o City Hall Lobby, 10/20/24-10/24/25 during open hours o Pond Farm Brewing pop-up session, 5pm-7pm on 10/24/25 o Trick-or-Treat on Fourth Street pop-up session, 1pm-3pm on 10/25/25 o Storefront Window Display at 1002 4th St. (City Plaza), 10/25/25-11/05/25 TRICK-OR-TREAT ON 4th ST. / 1002 4th ST. WINDOW DISPLAY CITY HALL LOBBY POND FARM POP-UP DISPLAYS OF PUBLIC ART PROPOSALS PUBLIC ART PROPOSAL: MURAL C STREET GARAGE Public Art Project 1 of 5 HANDLE WITH CARE | Mural by Bryan Valenzuela (St. Helena, CA) Artwork Location:Third & C Street Public Parking Garage -900 C St., artwork is facing Third Street Dimensions: Each artwork panel is approximately 40’ (h) x 25’ (w) Street-level Location View Aerial View of Location NARRATIVE For time immemorial, art has served varying key functions in the development of humanity as a whole. From the ashen walls of subterranean caves to the well-lit halls and populated streets of contemporary spaces, it has been a bridge beyond the barrier of culture and continent. It has been a visual chronicle of both time and place, a representation of the seen and the unseen alike, an expression of all the colors on the spectrum of emotion and intuition, and sometimes, just sometimes, a vision of what could or should come to pass. My vision for the proposed mural encompasses a central focus on this latter sentiment while weaving in elements of the others, distilling complexity down into an essence of something reaching towards iconic yet layered enough to speak beyond its simple form. Here I've brought to life a common graphic sign seen in packaging known as the "Handle With Care" symbol. Two hands rise from the bottom of the frame to cradle a delicate object, protecting it from harm while in transit. Inspired by the quotes above, I've used this symbol in connection with our civilization's collective and sacred duty to care for the environment we share; to hold an awareness of our impact on the land and all the varied forms of life that surround us. For me this is a deeply spiritual gesture that transcends any specifically held belief system. It is one which I firmly feel that we as a society can and should prioritize as a fundamental guiding principle; to understand the precious nature of this beautiful world and move into a more balanced and harmonious future accordingly. To illustrate this concept, I've chosen to use the Rose as a unifying motif set inside a vast Bay Area landscape. The Rose is a timeless symbol of the transient nature of existence; it's beauty but also, it's fragility. It is the mythic flower of the soul and the center of love itself. This classic bloom is also a hidden allusion to one of San Rafael's most famous residents, the Grateful Dead, whose main office headquarters was located downtown for much of their storied career. The coastal bay landscape is mirrored in two panels: one portraying bright, blue skies on a sunny California day (left) and the other, that same landscape is older, darker, starlit night (right). Each of the Classical Elements is here represented: Earth in the rolling hills, Water in rippling bay tides, Air in the cloud- strewn skies, and Fire in the abstracted, reflective gold/silver shapes descending from above, representing the flow of Solar/Lunar energies into our environment. The abstracted shapes are inspired by the complex path of a Torus, the flowing and circular path taken in the creation of a magnetic field. These same shapes and concepts are used again as the abstracted climbing vines of the Rose motif, rising from its roots in the San Rafael soil. The hand figures will be drawn in black and white with exterior acrylic markers using a specific handwritten technique that carves shape, shadow, and light from different densities of words. Within these figures will be inscribed memories and metaphors, philosophies and poems in conversation with the concepts of the image itself, transforming thought to image through the word. HANDLE WITH CARE by Bryan Valenzuela C STREET GARAGE MURAL ABOUT: BRYAN VALENZUELA Northern California artist Bryan Valenzuela has spent the last couple decades aiming to perfect a unique drawing technique involving the atomization of the figure by carving out shape, shadow and light with handwritten text.Paragraphs, sentences, phrases, and fragments are used simultaneously as both the form and content of each piece. As form, the text delineates figures and subjects layer upon layer as shading. Words varying in size from the minuscule and unreadable, to large and bold are used in a manner similar to crosshatching and stippling. Though virtually unnoticeable from afar, once the viewer steps closer to each work they are engulfed in a barrage of words intermingled with other mixed media elements such as acrylic paint, gel transfer, gold leaf, and collage. As content, the language provides a sense of the inherent information and associations, metaphors and meanings that act as a meditation on the image. In 2016 Valenzuela ventured into the public art sphere, garnering a $350,000 commission from the City of Sacramento. In October of that year, he completed a large suspended sculpture consisting of over 400 blown glass spheres in an abstract, aquarelle version of the American and Sacramento river confluence. The following year saw Valenzuela complete his first ever mural for the Wide Open Walls festival. Other mural commissions have followed in its wake including permanent works in San Francisco, Chicago, Napa, and Sacramento, as well as temporary works in New Orleans and New York. He has won First Place at the Crocker Kingsley Biennial, Best in Show at the California State Fair Fine Art Exhibition, received the Leff Davis Grant for Emerging Artists, and exhibited nationally in many group shows, most notably for Scope at Miami Art Basel and Moniker in London. EXAMPLES OF WORK: BRYAN VALENZUELA Budget Artist Stipend $30,000 Wall Prep & Prime $3,500 Scaffolding -1 month rental $12,000 Protective Coating Installation $5,500 Artist Travel Stipend (Hotel)$3,500 Artwork Sign/Plaque $500 Total Budget $55,000 C STREET GARAGE MURAL: BUDGET, TIMELINE, and CARE Timeline for Installation Early May 2026 Scaffolding installation & surface preparation Mid-May 2026 Artwork installation begins (4-6 weeks to complete) Mid-June 2026 Artwork installation complete End of June 2026 Protective coating application & scaffolding removal Maintenance No regular maintenance is needed; however, it is advised to periodically pressure wash the mural to remove dirt and debris, inspect for graffiti/damage, vine growth, or any environmental circumstances that could affect the quality of the public art. The mural will be painted with high-quality exterior acrylic paint except for the hand figures which will be drawn with exterior acrylic markers. Upon completion of the mural installation, it will be sealed with a UV/anti-graffiti protective coating. The mural is intended to remain on display for 10+ years. It should remain in good condition for approximately 7-10 years before noticeable fading at which time another protective coating can be applied to retain its vibrancy. Materials & Longevity PUBLIC ART PROPOSAL: MURAL 2ND STREET RETAINING WALL Public Art Project 2 of 5 SAN RAFAEL TAPESTRY | Mural by Wyatt Hersey (San Anselmo/Santa Cruz, CA) Artwork Location:2nd St at Ida Dimensions: Approximately 200’ (l) x 4’ (h) Street-level Location View Aerial View of Location NARRATIVE This mural concept is designed as a visual tapestry, weaving together elements of nature, community, and cultural identity. The artwork is composed of a series of symbolic panels, each carrying a fragment of the city’s story. Local wildlife like the coyotes, snake and steelhead, speak to the living ecosystems that thrive in the region, from the waters of the bay to the creeks that rise from it, and the surrounding oak studded hills. Wildflowers, oak leaves, and geometric motifs reference both the natural patterns of growth and the human impulse to organize and create meaning through design. Scenes of Mount Tam and the nature filled panels root the mural in San Rafael’s landscape, while icons like simple homes, bicycles, and images of community life honor the people who shape and sustain the city. The mission is represented subtly in the use of circular motifs that call back to the classic window form seen above the front door of this iconic building. All together, these images form a modern-day glyphic language that is both ancient and contemporary, and that celebrates San Rafael as a meeting ground of ecology, creativity, and human stories. SAN RAFAEL TAPESTRY by Wyatt Hersey 2ND STREET RETAINING WALL MURAL Coyotes (Marin was the first county in the country to prohibit Wildlife Services, Department of the interior, from exterminating coyotes for any reason, a legacy of Marin’s place in the vanguard of conservation efforts). Iconic view of Mt. Tamalpais, with the fire lookout perched atop the peak. Nature motifs interspersed with circular designs calling back to the window above the main door of the Mission San Rafael, and a simplified representation of the mission itself in the center.On the right, an eye perceiving a wonderful burst of color, representing the culture of art appreciation in San Rafael. The San Rafael arts community and the human impulse to create represented in the center panel by a hand drawing a squiggly line abstract figures, and a home representing community life. Snake and Steelhead represent indicator species that are present when their environment is healthy and pristine. Steelhead used to run in great numbers up San Anselmo Creek and need our help to rebound. Redwood needles on the top right. Valley Oak, a tree that feeds many creatures with its bounty of acorns - symbol of abundance and benevolence.Person riding a bike in town, representing community life and health. ABOUT: WYATT HERSEY Wyatt Hersey is a Santa Cruz based artist (born and raised in San Anselmo) with a practice rooted in illustration, painting, and muralism. His work explores narratives of relational ecology and ecological consciousness while instilling a sense of playfulness, mutualism, and vitality in the viewer. His background as a wildlife biologist and nature connection mentor greatly informs his work as a visual artist, as does his belief that art is an essential expression of the goodness of humanity. EXAMPLES OF WORK: WYATT HERSEY Budget Artist Stipend $12,000 Wall Prep and Prime $5,500 Protective Coating Installation $2,000 Artwork Sign/Plaque $500 Total Budget $20,000 2ND STREET RETAINING WALL MURAL: BUDGET, TIMELINE and CARE Timeline for Installation Late May 2026 Surface preparation Early June 2026 Artwork installation begins (2 weeks to complete) Mid-June 2026 Artwork installation complete Mid-June 2026 Protective coating application Maintenance No regular maintenance is needed; however, it is advised to periodically pressure wash the mural to remove dirt and debris, inspect for graffiti/damage, vine growth, or any environmental circumstances that could affect the quality of the public art. Materials & Longevity The mural will be painted with high-quality exterior acrylic paint. Upon completion of the mural installation, it will be sealed with a UV/anti- graffiti protective coating. The mural is intended to remain on display for 10+ years. It should remain in good condition for approximately 7-10 years before noticeable fading at which time another protective coating can be applied to retain its vibrancy. PUBLIC ART PROPOSAL: TILE MOSAIC AND MURAL CITY PLAZA FOUNTAIN Public Art Project 3 of 5 UNTITLED FOUNTAIN DESIGN | Artwork by Paz de la Calzada (San Francisco, CA) Artwork Location:City Plaza Courtyard -1000 4th St. Medium: Kiln-fired custom ceramic tiles on pillars, hand-painted mural on fountain tiers Street-level Location View Aerial View of Location NARRATIVE This mural honors the power of flow: the way water joins, sustains, and transforms. Positioned behind the downtown fountain's thin waterfall, the mural merges with the cascading water to create a multisensory landscape. Bold yet delicate white lines ripple across earthy terracotta, blue, and light green tones, evoking both the vitality of water and the rhythm of life. The design draws inspiration from the organic trees that grow above the fountain, extending downward like roots or lichen-an echo of nature's continuity. Scattered tiles along the columns feature more detailed depictions of these organisms, reinforcing the theme of flow through intricate patterns and rooted forms. Many tiles will carry solid colors with textured finishes, adding visual accents that deepen the sense of movement and connection. More than a depiction of water, the mural is a meditation on flow itself-how it shapes urban life and mirrors the movement of people through the plaza. Water becomes a veil, and the mural, inseparable from its sound and motion, invites connection between the public and the natural world. It celebrates water's essential role in healing and renewal, offering a moment of pause and presence in the heart of the city. FOUNTAIN DESIGN by Paz de la Calzada CITY PLAZA COURTYARD ARTWORK The seven columns will include square kiln-fired ceramic tiles (approximately 10 cm x 10 cm) to extend the mural’s language beyond the fountain face. The painted mural may continue beneath the tiles to maintain visual continuity. Tiles will cover the front of each column and be more scattered along the sides, reinforcing the idea of flow; they will include both detailed motifs and solid- color tiles with textured finished to add visual accents. Fountain tiers will be hand-painted ABOUT: PAZ DE LA CALZADA As an artist, my vision is to create thoughtful art projects that transform perspectives. I cull ideas from ancient myths, meditation, botanical remedies and magical thinking. I am powerfully moved by art’s capacity to alter the relationship we have with the environment and with ourselves. I continually draw inspiration from the different places I have experienced—from the intricate chaos of Mexico City to sultry Spain and San Francisco's rapidly transforming psyche. I have special interest in spaces in transit, where there is a flow of people. My work is often site-specific, temporary projects in dialogue with the urban landscape, having a real and direct interaction with the public. The organic lines and repetitive patterns of my mural drawings play with existing architecture, creating swooping pathways from the public sphere into contemplative realms. With my labyrinth installations, I lead the public physically outside of their normal experience, replacing direct conclusions with opportunities to play and embrace uncertainty. EXAMPLES OF WORK: PAZ DE LA CALZADA Budget Artist Stipend $20,000 Surface Prep and Prime $3,500 Protective Coating Installation $2,000 Artwork Sign/Plaque $500 Total Budget $26,000 Timeline for Installation Late May 2026 Surface preparation Early June 2026 Artwork installation begins (2 weeks to complete) Mid-June 2026 Artwork installation complete Mid-June 2026 Protective coating application CITY PLAZA FOUNTAIN ARTWORK: BUDGET, TIMELINE and CARE Maintenance No regular maintenance is needed; however, it is advised to periodically pressure wash the mural to remove dirt and debris, inspect for graffiti/damage, vine growth, or any environmental circumstances that could affect the quality of the public art. Materials & Longevity Tiles: The artist plans to work with Unique Tiles, a company that collaborates with architects, designers, and artists to produce bespoke decorative tiles. The tiles are produced using advanced kiln-fired technology that delivers high-resolution image quality and long-term durability against UV exposure, chemicals, and high temperatures. The tiles are suitable for high-traffic environments and offer strong resistance to scratching and graffiti. Mural Artwork: The hand-painted portions of the fountain tiers and columns will be painted with high-quality exterior acrylic paint. Upon completion of the mural installation, it will be sealed with a UV/anti- graffiti protective coating. The artwork is intended to remain on display for 10+ years. It should remain in good condition for approximately 7-10 years before noticeable fading at which time another protective coating can be applied to retain its vibrancy. PUBLIC ART PROPOSAL: SCULPTURE 4TH STREET MERIDIAN @ 4TH & 2ND INTERSECTION Public Art Project 4 of 5 TOUCH THE SKY | Artwork by Martin Taylor (Portola Valley, CA) Artwork Location:4th Street Meridian @ 4th & 2nd Street Intersection Dimensions:16’ (h) x 9’(w) x 14.5’(l) Media:Stainless Steel, Patina, Gold Paint Street-level Location View Aerial View of Location NARRATIVE “Touch the Sky” depicts a woman with outstretched arms and flowing tail feathers preparing to take flight. The eyes are closed in a serene dreamlike trance. The legs and feet push off against the stylized rock. The sculpture serves as a visual metaphor for taking leaps of faith to achieve our dreams and fly. TOUCH THE SKY by Martin Taylor 4TH STREET MERIDIAN SCULPTURE An uplifting sculpture greeting passersby as they travel through the City of San Rafael, this artwork will be placed within a City Gateway location at the intersection of 2nd & 4th Street. The sculpture will be installed in the newly upgraded meridian, its base surrounded by new plantings. The City Department of Public Works, Parking, Library and Recreation, and Economic Development have worked to determine locations and placement of the artwork. Engineering Specs have been provided in a separate document submitted with this proposal package. Installation: The sculpture will be anchored to a cement pad in the meridian made for placement of artwork Lighting: The sculpture lights from within with LED lights and will be connected to a timer for year- round nighttime illumination 16’ 9’ 14.5’ Renderings provided by CSWST2 4TH STREET MERIDIAN SCULPTURESCULPTURE SITE RENDERINGS -Touch The Sky ABOUT: MARTIN TAYLOR aka CHROMAFORMS Martin’s metal origami sculptures capture the playful energy of their subjects with carefully placed geometric facets. The sculptures are designed on the computer and hand made at Martin’s studio. Martin’s work explores geometric representations of dancing foxes, flying sea turtles, and prowling jaguars among others Martin graduated from The University of California at Berkeley with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. While working as a hardware prototyping engineer at Apple Martin became interested in using origami techniques to quickly create structures from flat, laser-cut parts. The metal origami techniques developed by Martin allow intricate contemporary forms to be rendered from metal with the same efficient elegance as paper. EXAMPLES OF WORK: MARTIN TAYLOR aka CHROMAFORMS Budget Sculpture Purchase (incl. tax)$40,423 Installation $4,500 Sculpture Permits/Review -Engineering documents, building/encroachment, onsite inspection $2,000 Artwork Plaque $500 Total Budget $47,423 Timeline for Installation Fall 2026 Installation timing is delayed from the original projected date of June 2026 due to changes in the roadway improvement project schedule. Temporary and alternative options may be considered. 4TH STREET MERIDIAN SCULPTURE: BUDGET, TIMELINE and CARE Maintenance No regular maintenance is required; however, it is advised to periodically inspect the sculpture for damage that could affect the quality and public safety of the artwork. A light pressure washing to remove dirt and debris at least once per year will be beneficial to maintain the artwork’s luster. The sculpture is anticipated to remain on display and exposed to the outdoor elements for many years. With construction materials consisting of stainless steel, it is built to withstand the elements and will continue to develop a unique patina. Materials & Longevity PUBLIC ART PROPOSAL: SCULPTURE (Temporary 1-Year) CITY HALL ENTRANCE Public Art Project 5 of 5 ABSTRACT SCULPTURE | Artwork by Oleg Lobykin (East Palo Alto, CA) Artwork Location:City Hall Entrance Dimensions: 18’ (h) x 9’(w) x 9’(l) Media:Stainless Steel, Polished Street-level Location View Aerial View of Location Storm Trooper for scale and view from street-level. The sculpture height reaches approximately 2 feet above the building awning edge. Height to roof NARRATIVE A spatial composition based on a balance between negative and positive space in conjunction with a line than can create an image or point of reference to spark imagination. The sculpture invites you to consider what comes to mind as you regard the piece. Maybe you see silhouettes, maybe your association jumps to music. What if there are little voices inside your head debating over what it means? ABSTRACT SCULPTURE by Oleg Lobykin CITY HALL ENTRANCE TEMPORARY SCULPTURE This magnificent polished steel sculpture will be displayed on the first landing of the exterior staircase at City Hall for a one-year temporary artwork exhibition. The sculpture is currently on display at Patricia’s Green in Hayes Valley San Francisco. Engineering Specs have been provided in a separate document submitted with this proposal package. Install/Deinstall: The sculpture is a self-standing piece maneuvered by crane for placement and removal Footprint: There will be 7.5 feet of clearance on each side and 5.5 feet to the front and rear of the sculpture. All compliant with code for clearance. 18’ 9’ diameter ABOUT: OLEG LOBYKIN While I’m a classically trained master stone carver, as an artist and sculptor I work in a variety of materials to express my conceptually driven ideas in novel sculptural form, experimenting with texture, materials, color, or interactive elements. I try to realize the potential of art as my contribution to society. Observing the natural world and mystery of transformation inspires me. My work depicts an ongoing search for the origins of form and exploration of portals to other dimensions. Shifting realities is a recurring theme in this work, as are transformation and challenging perception. Ideas that are thought-provoking, impactful, and engaging take form in the visible realm. The existence of one essential particle of matter can amaze us with its pure aesthetic pleasure. It represents the basic urge to create, linking the physical to the metaphysical world. This points to a larger truth, of harmony in contradictions. There is no bad without good, there is no darkness without light, there is no death without birth. Everything has a purpose even if it’s not known to us at the moment. Originally from St. Petersburg, Russia, I now live in East Palo Alto, California, with my wife, our daughter, a dog and three cats, and the creations of my imagination. EXAMPLES OF WORK: OLEG LOBYKIN Budget Artist Stipend $5,000 Installation/Deinstallation $3,000 Sculpture Permits/Review -Engineering documents, building/encroachment, onsite inspection $1,000 Artwork Signage $1,000 Total Budget $10,000 Timeline for Installation/Deinstallation July 2026 Installation date will be confirmed upon City Council approval of the artwork. March 2027 Deinstallation CITY HALL TEMPORARY SCULPTURE: BUDGET, TIMELINE and CARE Maintenance No regular maintenance is needed; however, it is advised to periodically inspect the sculpture for damage that could affect the quality and public safety of the artwork. The sculpture will remain on display for one year. Upon the end of the display period, a new temporary sculpture will be selected for a one- year exhibition at City Hall from Spring 2027 through Spring 2028. Longevity THANK YOU For questions regarding the proposals, please contact – Sage Loring Creative Director & Co-Founder Local Edition Creative sage@localeditioncreative.com Tari K. Loring Managing Director & Co-Founder Local Edition Creative tari@localeditioncreative.com For questions regarding the public art program, please contact – Stacey Laumann Economic Development Program Manager City of San Rafael Stacey.Laumann@cityofsanrafael.org 104 G Street San Rafael, CA 94901 info@welookwest.com www.welookwest.com IG: @welookwest December 02, 2025 Travis Weller / LOOK WEST 104 G Street, San Rafael, CA 94901 info@welookwest.com City of San Rafael Council & Public Art Review Board Members 1400 Fifth Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901 Subject: Letter of Support for Downtown Arts District Public Art Installations Dear City of San Rafael Council, Staff, and Public Art Review Board Members – My name is Travis Weller, founder/director at LOOK WEST Gallery and fine artist with a working studio on the West End of San Rafael. I am writing to express my endorsement and full support for the mural “San Rafael Tapestry” (by chosen artist Wyatt Hersey) that is proposed to be placed on the Second Street retaining wall at G Street. This is a project that will add a significant visual impact to the West End and beyond. With San Rafael being the arts and culture epicenter of Marin County, this mural fills our need of a visual public attraction in our neighborhood. Thousands will pass by each day and get to enjoy this amazing mural that visually represents our city so well. I have confidence in Local Edition Creative’s experience and ability to bring this vision to life and believe this project will have a lasting positive impact on our community. I ask you to approve this project and help bring new artwork to our public spaces. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Travis Weller Founder/Director at LOOK WEST Gallery December 01, 2025 Karen Strolia, President & CEO San Rafael Chamber of Commerce 817 Mission Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901 kstrolia@srchamber.com City of San Rafael Council & Public Art Review Board Members 1400 Fifth Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901 Subject: Letter of Support for Downtown Arts District Public Art Installations Dear City of San Rafael Council, Staff, and Public Art Review Board Members – On behalf of the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce, I am pleased to express our strong support for bringing more public art to San Rafael through DSRAD investments. The Chamber has been encouraged and energized watching the momentum build around bringing more public art to San Rafael through DSRAD investments committed to activating and beautifying our shared public spaces. I am writing to offer our full endorsement of the proposed mural Handle With Care by artist Bryan Valenzuela on the C-Street parking structure. This installation would transform a currently plain and unremarkable façade into a vibrant visual anchor that adds energy, creativity, and a sense of welcome to our downtown. Beyond its immediate aesthetic value, the Chamber believes this project reflects a deeper civic commitment: that public art has the power to inspire, connect, and enrich the experience of both residents, visitors, and our business community. It is an investment in place-making and in the long-term vitality of our collective community. We have confidence in Local Edition Creative’s experience and ability to deliver a high-quality installation, and we believe this mural will leave a positive and lasting impact on San Rafael. We respectfully urge your approval of this project so that together we can continue bringing thoughtful, meaningful artwork to our public spaces. Sincerely, Karen Strolia President & CEO San Rafael Chamber of Commerce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²LQFOXGLQJWKHFRQFHSWWLWOHG³:DWHUIDOO)RXQWDLQ´E\3D]GHOD&DO]DGD²DVH[DPSOHVRIWKH W\SHRIFUHDWLYHZRUNWKDWZRXOGEULQJYLEUDQF\EHDXW\DQGDVWURQJHUVHQVHRILGHQWLW\WRWKLV SXEOLFVSDFH 3XEOLFDUWSOD\VDQLPSRUWDQWUROHLQVWUHQJWKHQLQJFRPPXQLW\FRQQHFWLRQDQGVXSSRUWLQJLWV LQWHJUDWLRQLQVKDUHGVSDFHVDOLJQVZLWKWKH0DULQ&XOWXUDO$VVRFLDWLRQ¶VPLVVLRQWREURDGHQ DFFHVVWRWKHDUWVFRXQW\ZLGH,WUXVWWKDWWKH&LW\¶VSXEOLFDUWUHYLHZDQGVHOHFWLRQSURFHVVHV ZLOOHQVXUHWKDWWKHILQDODUWZRUNDQGDUWLVWFKRVHQUHIOHFWFRPPXQLW\YDOXHVDQGFRQWULEXWH PHDQLQJIXOO\WRRXUFLW\DQGFRXQW\,HQFRXUDJH\RXWRFRQWLQXHDGYDQFLQJWKLVSURMHFWDQGWR SULRULWL]HWKHLQFOXVLRQRISXEOLFDUWDWWKLVVLWHDQGWKURXJKRXWWKHFLW\ :LWKJUDWLWXGH 7UDF\%D\V%RRWKH 0DQDJLQJ'LUHFWRU 0DULQ&XOWXUDO$VVRFLDWLRQ Marin Cultural Association 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael CA 94903 marincultural org 12.01.2025 Mimi Cunningham | The Party Queen San Rafael mimi@thepartyqueen.com City of San Rafael Council & Public Art Review Board Members 1400 Fifth Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901 Subject: Letter of Support for Downtown Arts District Public Art Installations Dear City of San Rafael Council, Staff, and Public Art Review Board Members – I have been asked to show my support for the DSRAD installations coming to DTSR. In particular I think the large sculpture “Untitled” (by the artist Oleg Lobykin) that is proposed to be placed on the second landing on City Hall steps, is a project that will add a significant statement and a huge visual impact for San Rafael being the arts and culture epicenter of Marin County. This project will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of our area but also serve as a powerful reminder of the power of public art to inspire residents and visitors alike. Art is the catalyst for creating events that draw people to sustain communities. Build it and they will come – the installations of all the chosen artwork for these projects is also an underlying reason for more visitors to come to San Rafael, and thus support our local businesses all along the 4th Street corridor. Insta-Gram moments equal commerce. In looking at their website, I have confidence in Local Edition Creative’s experience and ability to bring this vision to life and believe this project will have a lasting positive impact on our community. They have worked with many big sculptures that have also been featured out at Burning Man. I ask you to approve this project and help bring new artwork to our public spaces. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Mimi Cunningham Mimi Cunningham Creative Director, The Party Queen AWD Board of Directors December 3, 2025 City of San Rafael Council & Public Art Review Board Members 1400 Fifth Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901 Re: Letter of Support for Downtown Arts District Public Art Installations Dear City of San Rafael Council, Staff, and Public Art Review Board Members: I am writing to express my strong support for the proposed installation of “Touch the Sky” by artist Martin Taylor, recommended for placement on the new 4th Street meridian at the gateway into Downtown San Rafael. This project, submitted by the experienced public art team at Local Edition Creative, represents an opportunity to meaningfully elevate one of the community’s most visible entryways. Beyond its aesthetic value, this sculpture will stand as a bold and inspiring marker of arrival, signaling to residents, commuters, and visitors that they are entering San Rafael’s vibrant Downtown Arts District. Public art of this caliber does more than beautify our shared spaces; it reinforces San Rafael’s identity as a cultural hub and strengthens the sense of place that draws people to live, work, and visit here. As a County Supervisor, I also recognize how investments in public art contribute to broader economic vitality. Distinctive installations help attract foot traffic, encourage patronage of local businesses, and enhance the overall appeal of our downtown corridor. I have confidence in Local Edition Creative’s experience and ability to bring this vision to life and believe this project will have a lasting positive impact on our community. I ask you to approve this project and help bring new artwork to our public spaces. Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration. Sincerely, Mary Sackett PUBLIC ART REVIEW BOARD AGENDA REPORT January14, 2026 Item #3b TITLE: SELECTION OF BOARD CHAIR & VICE CHAIR RECOMMENDATION: That the Board select a new Chair and Vice Chairperson for the period January – December 2026. BACKGROUND The City of San Rafael has established Board, Commission, and Committee (BCC) Guidelines, which guide the nomination and appointment process. Those guidelines can be viewed here: BCC Rules and Procedures. Annually, the Public Art Review Board meets in regular session and selects a chairperson and vice chairperson. The election shall be by majority vote of the Board. The term of service for these offices shall be one year, beginning in January of each year. The intent is that the appointments of the respective Chair and Vice-Chair offices be rotated among the Commissioners so that everyone gets an opportunity to serve. With the establishment of two (2) four-year term limits for all Commissions and Boards, generally a Board member would not serve as Chair more than once in seven consecutive years. DISCUSSION The Board is tasked with appointing a new Chair and Vice Chair for 2026. Chair Merritt and Vice-Chair Zhao have served in their respective roles since January 2025. The Board must nominate and appoint a new chair and vice chair in accordance with the City’s BCC Rules and Procedures, which are excerpted in Attachment 1. Nominations for Chair and Vice-Chair for the coming year can be made by any of the current Commissioners in attendance at the meeting when nominations are made. Recommended Action In accordance with BCC Rules and Guidelines, staff recommend nominating and appointing Vice-Chair Meili Zhao to serve as Chair for a 1-year term January 2026-December 2026. However, the Board may choose an alternative appointment at their discretion. FISCAL IMPACT: None ALTERNATIVE ACTION None. Submitted by: Craig Veramay Assistant Library and Recreation Director Page 2 of 3 Attachment 1: Excerpt of Board, Committee, and Commission Rules & Procedures pertaining to nomination and appointment of Chair and Vice Chair Attachment 1: Excerpt of Board, Committee, and Commission Rules & Procedures pertaining to nomination and appointment of Chair and Vice Chair Appointment of Chair and Vice-Chair A. The Chair and Vice-Chair shall be appointed by a majority vote of the Board membership at the last meeting of each calendar year, to serve for a one-year term. The Chair and Vice-Chair shall rotate among the Commissioners based on tenure, as defined by total years of service. The City Council believes that experience as a Board Member will assist those who are selected to serve as Chair or Vice-Chair, and that it is in everyone’s best interest that candidates have experience in cycles of governing to acclimate themselves to the jobs, tasks, and roles of the Board. In the event the years of service are identical, tenure will be determined in alphabetical order by last name. It is the general rule that a Board Member shall not serve as Chair more than once in the number of years there are members. However, in the event that: 1. a position is vacated; 2. a Commissioner is not interested in serving as an officer; or 3. there is limited tenure among the other Commissioners, then a Commissioner may be appointed as an officer more than once in the number of years there are members. B. The Vice-Chair shall serve as Chair in the following year and shall be appointed as such at the last meeting of each calendar year. C. The Chair and Vice-Chair may not succeed themselves in the same position. However, in the event the current Chair or Vice-Chair has served less than one year, the BCC may choose to re- elect them for an additional term. D. The Vice-Chair shall succeed the Chair if the Chair vacates the office and shall serve the unexpired term of the Chair. The BCC shall elect a new Vice-Chair to serve the unexpired term of that office. Selection shall be based on seniority. E. In the absence of the Chair and Vice-Chair at any meeting of the BCC, the member of the BCC with the longest tenure, as defined by total years of service, shall preside over the meeting. In the event the years of service are identical, seniority will be determined by alphabetical order. F. This section shall not apply to BCCs where the Staff Liaison serves as the Chair, per the bylaws. Chair and Vice Chair Responsibilities The Board Chair and Vice Chair have distinct responsibilities from those of other Board Members and must be appointed. The duties of the Chair include: 1. Ensure that consideration of items on the agenda move along without delay. 2. Ensure that petitioners, proponents, and opponents are heard. 3. Ensure that decorum is maintained at the meeting. 4. In presiding over agendized matters where the public has provided testimony and/or raised questions, the Chair should do the following: a. Direct questions or comments requiring a response to staff for a response. b. If necessary, help keep Commissioners’ questions relevant to the matter being considered by the BCC. Page 3 of 3 c. If necessary, consider calling for a brief recess if orderly conduct of the meeting is being disrupted. 5. Announce the decision of the BCC on all subjects. 6. Ensure that each member of the BCC is provided an opportunity to completely express their views on items of business, the Chair should see that each Commissioner has been recognized by the Chair and given the opportunity to provide feedback. 7. Correspond to the City Council on behalf of the BCC, provided that opinions expressed on behalf of the BCC or City government are consistent with the consensus of the BCC. In the absence of the Chair, a Vice-Chair shall possess all powers of the Chair and be subject to all prescribed duties for that position during the meeting.