City of Santa Rosa Art in Public Places Committee - September 14, 2026

Also, everything's closed. I think for council they felt like it was a safe way to test the concept >> and I I get it and I >> but it's just funny because I was like if this doesn't work >> well we'll go check it out. >> Yeah. This doesn't work this isn't what we wanted. And if you're downtown looking for something to do, you can always go hit the new Dave and Busters. >> I know. I haven't been there. >> Go win some tickets and >> Yeah. >> trade them in for I don't know. >> No, it just I just >> Do they have adult versions of like the toys that like at Chuck-E-Cheese you get the tickets and you can >> Have you been to Dave and Busters? >> I have not been to Dave and Busters. >> Never been to a Dave and Busters. I'm assuming they have something though. >> They've got to have something. >> Yeah, because a lot of people are I mean it's usually pretty busy in there. I think >> the running fence except for the running fence itself. >> Yeah. No, that's cool. I know which >> piece you're talking about having someone like that around the city of Arcadia did it. >> We're thinking about having a meeting >> because it's all we are today. >> Yeah. No, glad to do it. always having >> glad you're here. >> Yeah, >> we have a forum now, right? >> Hey, I am >> happy to call this meeting of the art and public places committee to order. >> Yeah, >> I'm interested. >> 38. >> 338. >> Yep. >> Okay, great. Um, very good. Uh, let's do >> Allrighty. Uh, Chair Nathansson, >> uh, present. >> Vice Chair Kefir, >> present, >> committee member Puentes, >> present, >> and committee member Peters, >> present. >> Let the record reflect that all committee members are present with the exceptions of committee member TJ Vasquez and King. >> Okay, thank you. Um, are there any modifications to the agenda today? >> No modifications, chair. >> Okay. Um there are no members of the public present so there are no public comments. Uh we're moving on to approval of the minutes of the last meeting which was on hold on a second August 3rd 2026. Any additions or corrections? Did everybody get a chance to read them? >> Okay. No additions or corrections and so the minutes are approved as submitted. Okay, we are up to scheduled items number seven. Okay. Um, it's 2027 through 29 temporary artwalk call for art review. Meredith. >> Yes, thank you. Let me share my screen here. Um, if you recall the last the last meeting, I brought forward the public art um proposal draft uh project proposal to you for the next temporary art walk. Um that would span two years 2027 to 2029 as the current exhibit is coming down um I believe it's September 2027. And the feedback I received um was that for the call for art um as we look at inspired by and we were speaking about art history, we really wanted to ensure that um we're not just speaking about western artists that we really look at um more cultural and diverse selections that could be inspired by. So attached to this um and in front of you, you'll see the um the draft call for art. Um, this would be posted through the platform of cafe that we utilize for our call for art platform. Um, if you've had a chance to read it, I don't need to read through all of it. Um, or if you'd like me to, I'm more than happy to. Um, and here you'll see the theme um, and speaking more about um, the inspiration that can come from a wide wide range of sources, including Mexican and Latin American, indigenous, African folk, and other cultural and artistic traditions from around the world. Um, and so really trying to highlight um, that theme other than just westernized um, art that people may already um, be aware of. Um, and then again the eligibility, the artist stipend um, artwork locations, etc. Um, so with that, I'll turn it over to you, chair. Again, I'm more than happy to read through this if if you'd like me to um, go through each section. Uh I don't know that we have to read through each section fully, but if you could just uh share on the screen um kind of scroll through it because I didn't print it out and that looks like Lauren didn't read either. >> I didn't print out the attachments. >> I guess I did read it. I just >> I have it here. >> I reviewed it all. We all Okay, we all reviewed it. So that that's good. >> Yeah. And then after the discussion today, I'll make as whatever edits you deem necessary and then ideally I'd like to open this in October for the call. >> Great. >> So here we have um the theme inspired by celebrates the many people, places, cultures, traditions, histories, and creative movements that shape artistic expression. Artists are encouraged to submit works inspired by the artistic traditions, techniques, stories, and visual languages that have influenced their practice. So again, we're looking at more of that creative influence and diversity. Um, just not your typical this was inspired by Monet's water lilies, etc., right? As I'm sure there's still some beautiful pieces out there that are >> um it so we won't exclude western art if >> correct. Yes. We just want to make sure that this this is expanded so that we we can really um diversify our our collection here on the community. So, we're opening this up to up to 10 temporary public artworks. This year, we only had eight. Um, so it doesn't mean that we have to reach 10. Um, again, because it's selecting the location with the artwork, we don't want to just select and then public plop art where you're just putting in it doesn't actually fit. So, we could do up to 10 is what we've budgeted for um artworks um between downtown and Railroad Square. And um I'm looking to utilize most of the locations that we have from last year. Um but I'd also like to open this up um uh in the meetings moving forward to alternative locations that we could also select for the artwalk. Um, so whether honoring a cultural tradition, drawing inspiration from an artist or community, reimagining a historic art form, exploring ancestral influences, or bringing traditional techniques into contemporary expression, selected artwork should invite visitors to discover these stories and inspirations behind the art. So I think that will also give us a really good opportunity um through a public art map that they could go to the QR code and learn more about the artists and that inspiration. The program goals will be foster civic excitement, encourage creativity, make art, make art education accessible, transform public spaces, and inspire curiosity and learning. The eligibility is um anyone 18 years of age or older, artist or an artist team. Um and this is for um already completed artworks. The artists will receive $5,000 stipen, 3,000 on install and 2,000 on deinstall. And then the artwork locations and installation. Um the artist won't be selecting the location. That will end up being up to um at the end it would be city staff but also with your input um and the selection panel's input on that. They can submit um up to six artworks um with maximum of three images each showing different views. 18 images total and then they could also submit videos and they will be submitting the artwork list description a theme statement on um inspired by their installation plan. So that's when we start to look at their dimensions, weight um safety etc and their artist resume. The selection process um we will be looking for two members of art and public places committee, one city staff member and then two members of the arts community. Um and I would be bringing this back um to October and November meeting to select for the selection panel and we have a better timeline on on how that will work. Um the evaluations will be on artistic merit and quality the connection to the theme creativity and innovation suitability for the outdoor public setting. Um the feasibility of the installation public safety and then the contribution to diversity and impact of the exhibit. And then um this is the estimated project timeline. Ideally, we're publishing this call beginning in October with the deadline mid November. Um the selection process will sometimes take two to three months. Um and if we could notify the artists, I would say by April, if not May. Um sometimes some artist contracts can take a little while and then we're looking at a September install or October install. I think September is the deinstall of the current ones. So that's the draft um call and again it's a draft so I'd love for your input and feedback on this and um ideally we could get this um live in October. >> Great. Thank you. It looks good. And um >> the floor is open for comments and questions. >> I just have I really like this. I'm excited about it. Um for the third paragraph on the first page, the inspiration may come. Um I kind of wanted to also add um if possible Asian >> just so it kind of opens the door and welcomes more and then if it's a possibility and if we do receive some kind of historical like if it was either Chinese or Japanese that we could actually find a place in the area that was you know >> and then have that place there with the little bit of history um context in that to support that area. Love that idea. >> Yeah, I think that's a really good idea, especially um in in Santa Rosa because there's such a >> um very active Chinese, Japanese, and and other Asian cultural communities here. >> Uh okay, any other suggestions, comments, questions? >> I think you did a great job, by the way, um of you know, revising it, updating it, and taking our our feedback. So really appreciate that. >> Yeah, I was just gonna say how is this um sent out via email? Is it posted? Like how does the link? >> So we use our call for art platform and so that's where will be posted. We'll be doing social media posts. I do have the marketing budget that we do every year. So I plan on utilizing some of that because this is to US-based artists. So, um, we'll be doing some online ads and marketing. And then I also have a pretty large email list to send out to our not only local newsletter that we'll do. Um, but then we also have other public art artists on that list that we could send out to. Um, and then please forward along and your friend groups, etc. Um, again, I'll be open for a little over two months. um we could always extend it if we don't feel that we've received enough, but I believe the previous year received at least over a hundred submissions and it was pretty tough um selection on we had very good um submissions so I'm excited to see what we get. >> Does everybody follow the arts and culture social media >> platform? Okay, great. Does that um just sharing those posts is really helpful also. Um, I know the uh the Museum of Santa Rosa has routinely shared those kinds of announcements. It's something that I wanted to see happen. So, if you're uh Lauren, maybe at LBC, you guys can do that. >> Yeah, I'll talk to him about that. And then >> probably Creative Soma, >> we'll post it on their website and we post on the California Arts Council website. Um, Santa Rosa Urban Arts Partnership can forward information as well. >> Yeah. Yeah. So, as long as it's, you know, spread, the news is spread far and wide, hopefully we'll get some >> Yeah. >> good response. >> So, at our next meeting, what I can do is um share with you the link for the posts, etc. where we've advertised it, and then we could also just give more feedback and where else we could place it. >> Great. And remind me regarding how far we're extending this call for artists for >> US-based artists. >> Westbased artist, >> US, sorry. >> We did that last year. We ended up getting I believe the farthest was um I want to say it was Minnesota, but um I know we've got wheels go around is Denver. >> So um we did have quite a few apply on the east coast. um you know but they have to pay for transportation to get here. >> Yeah. Yeah. So we know it >> automatically with you know >> just goes limit >> but somewhere also you know in comparison we have such a growing and great arts program that coming out here is a really great resume builder for someone as well. So, >> and Sonoma County has just an amazing number of public artists who are doing public works >> in sculpture and murals, but um especially the sculpture community >> and we had um two Santa Rosa artists in the last one. Um and again, those are all um blind scoring, so you don't know where they're from. So, I think that speaks to what we have here. Okay, >> so talk about scoring. Uh, are we looking to get two volunteers from this committee to be on the selection committee today or are we going to do that? >> I don't have that on the agenda today. It was a discussion item on the call. Um, that would be our next meeting. Um, I'll do a um a motion to select to be on the selection panel. Um we'd be looking to do that probably in January to March and that would be virtual meetings. >> Okay. So everybody is aware uh a month from now we'll to from our committee to that selection committee. Great. Any other questions, comments, suggestions? Okay, great. Um excellent report. I think the call for art looks really good. Um, and so thank you, Meredith. Okay. Um, >> do we need to do any kind of motion for the suggested change? Okay, I will add that in. Okay, great. >> Okay, so that was a call for art review. Um, now we're up to 7.1, which is temporary art while funding. So, um, And then uh the project plan, I guess. U Okay. So, Meredith, you want to go over that for us, please? >> I have 7.2 as um Adrien Litman's public art proposal. >> Oh, I had 7.1 is a temporary temporary art walk that we >> recommendation to approve funding and the >> Yes, we're we're not doing that. Was my mistake on the script. There's no motion. I thought there was going to be a motion on this one. So, that 7.1 was just the discussion. >> Oh, got it. Yeah, cuz it says recommended action on my >> I know. I'm like, where'd you get that? >> I don't know. I'm just I put on my glasses. I'm reading those glasses. >> Okay, we are up to 7.2. A litman public art proposal. >> Okay. >> Yes. Thank you, chair. Um Adrien, artist Adrien Litman. um gave a public comment at the last meeting, I believe. Um and I I did let him know I would bring this forward. So um he submitted a public art proposal for his artwork, dynamic directions. Um and the location proposed is on Fourth in College. Um his artist statement is that this is a visual symbol of life complexity in an urban environment where everything is moving in various dynamic directions. Um you'll see the photo here. It's 7 ft high, 6 feet in width, um, and 6 ft in diameter, and it's brushed aluminum. Um, and I've included in this as well, um, sort of the location here at Forth and College, um, that he is proposing um, and this on a map just so we can sort of see, um, in respect to downtown corridor. Um, he is, um, letting us know that it would be, um, a donation and temporary. Um I spoke with him about the need to pour a concrete pad for this location and do a plaque. So um there would be costs involved. Um I did want to bring it to you as a discussion item in consideration for um Adrian which um um and I can communicate with him afterwards. um um on this artwork here. Um if we like this location if it's um something we'd want to also think about maybe for the artwalk or open it up to other artwork. Um and we received this proposal um I believe about two two or three months ago through our public art proposal form that um is on our website. Um so with that, I'd like just to open it up for discussion today. Um and then um and let me know if you have any questions that you'd want me to bring back to Adrian. Great. Okay. Thank you. Um I'm curious if he uh has indicated what kind of paint or or finish will be for the colored ends on that brushed aluminum structure. >> Yeah. I'm not sure, but I could I could ask him. >> I I would hope they're powder coated or something of that nature, you know, so they're appropriate for outdoor placement and they won't chip away or or fade. Um that being said, uh okay, any um questions, comments, uh responses to, you know, the offer. >> Yeah. >> So, I like the location and the reason why I like the location because many years ago, we did have something there. We had another person come in and propose and we had that work up there and it was these lights and it was was really cool but it was for just a short time and then when it was gone that place was empty and it's that corner has high traffic and there was nothing there and so to have it empty for so many years again it's just a sad space right now and so when he has this proposal once I put it there we have no other other thing that I've known of that is suggested to be put there. Um I'm glad he put chose that spot because that spot is a spot that I've seen art there and it has done well and for from my perspective and so it'd be really nice to see art there once again. Um and in Pleasants it's a little different too now that the rocks that they do have there um it's a deterrent. It's you know it's a hostile architecture rocks there. I think that art piece would make it a lot more softer and it would make it a not more inviting place than the hostile rock architecture they have right there. So yes. >> Okay. Thank you for those comments. Um I'd like to pose the question, do we do we think this particular artwork is effective in this particular location? I agree the location needs a work of art. Um, is this the piece for that vocation? >> His description of it, I think, does fit pretty well for that area. It really does. The way it's pointing, the way it it goes in directions because this is on its all its by itself is as a little corner that is pushing out there and it's telling the traffic to go that way, this way, in every way. I feel like it's sort of like a modern uh interpretation of the scarecrow in Wizard of Oz. >> Um I kind of like it. Um I think if we were if we had put out a call for art for that location, >> who knows what we would get. But I feel like that because of of what you just said, Lisa, I agree that thematically um the concept of the work and what it symbolizes, >> I think would probably it would probably be pretty competitive. Um if we were comparing it to other entries, >> the only thing I was going to say is if you go back to the other I don't think that's to scale, right? I just want to make sure because it it looks a little small compared to the desk, >> but it says it's seven feet high. So, I think that that's not to scale on that. So, it would be much larger. I think it would feel larger in that. >> We'd have to go I'd have to go measure the space. >> And I might be wrong. I haven't I haven't looked at the space exactly, but I do think that makes it look a bit smaller than it is, though. I agree. Okay. you you bring up the question of scale and uh I think that's a really important question because 7 feet tall and six feet wide will not appear that large in that outdoor space. >> It may not be large enough to really be have the impact that we ultimately might like for that space. Um, I mean it's it's just slightly larger than, you know, like if you're a six-foot man with your arms out, >> you know, that's basically, you know, it's a little larger than that scale. >> But if there's a six foot something man with his arm, his arms out standing right there, you're going to see that person. >> Well, imagine Victor Webbyama standing there with his arms out. That's about the scale, right? So we can go I can go measure. Um I do need to take a look at the um what base this would need and the costs associated. Um another option is um we are opening the call for the artwalk. Um, and if this I know it's far from downtown, however, so it's not as much walkable, but if this is a location that were to be considered and this went into applied and went into the um the two-year 2027 to 2029 as sort of a gateway into downtown. Um, so we do have a couple options. Um, one one thing that comes to mind though, if we decided to fold it into the artwork, u, my my guess is that he's offering that artwork now that it's available. And so, do we want to wait over a year to I think you brought up a good point that's it. It's an empty site that has been begging. Yeah, >> for a work of sculpture for quite a while. >> And there's only, you know, hostile landscape >> right >> in there at this moment. >> Have those have those rocks been added or >> they were because there was an encampment that kept starting on there. So, they added those rocks afterwards. >> Okay. So it it's not like they're >> part of it's not not part of the natural landscape where it'd be difficult to move them or relocate the rocks if we need to for installation of >> the pouring of a concrete pad and forklift and all of that the labor um we wouldn't be able to um would already being September probably spring summer um with the other projects we have lined up to install something here. So >> okay. All right. So, we're still looking at a fairly long timeline. >> Do you know if those rocks were installed by the city or by a private property owner? >> That's a good question. I'm not sure. It's right next to the restaurant. >> It's a city park, but I believe we have a maintenance contract with a third party to maintain it because I reached out to them already. >> Um, but I'm not sure regarding the rocks on who place those. >> And you said it's temporary. I just make sure. I mean you said it would be a temporary like loan. >> Yeah. How long how long loan are we proposing? >> We haven't discussed that yet. I wanted to bring it forward to you as a discussion. >> To do a pad approximately >> depending on the size. It could be a couple thousand with labor. Um because this is 7 feet tall and 6 feet wide. Um the base still looks pretty small actually with a footing. So, um I would have to get those exact measurements here >> and get get the weight also. If it's aluminum, it's not going to be all that heavy. >> Yeah. I don't believe um >> you may may not need a a major crane for it, you know. >> No, not for his sculpture, but for the pad. >> Yeah. >> Um so, he did note to me that um no pad was necessary um for it. um it was a lighter weight and I just don't have that in front of me the weight. But um I do I would like all of our artworks to go with that consistency of those concrete pads that we have just for professionalism etc. I think it really does add a lot um to our collection as we go this route with a plaque etc. And I also think if you if you add a pad there then when this loan terminates >> you will have a location where we can install another piece. >> Yeah. >> And actually what I'd love to do is plan ahead and let's say his loan is for two years. you know after a year we should be looking at okay are we doing call for art commissioning a piece what are we doing you know to replace it when the time comes >> thanks thank you so I will be in contact with um the artist um and get some more of the specifics back um and then I would imagine this would be on the October or November agenda as um more of an a motion Okay, moving forward. >> Great. All right, thank you. Okay, we are up to item 7.3, Ruth Zawa, history of Sonoma County Panels. And uh we do have a recommended action. Is this accurate, Jack? >> Yes. Uh, adopt a motion expressing support for staff to explore alternative options for temporary display of the Ruth Aasawa panels and to engage the community and public in discussions concerning their final placement. >> Excuse me. >> Meredith, will you please present? >> Excuse me. I've had this off for a month. Um, thank you, chair. So, um, today I will be providing some background on the history of Sonoma County panels, um, that I believe you all know, um, but I think it's really good for us to review the full history of this um, as they've been in our public art um, history for about 40 years now from Santa Rosa. And so really, this is looking at how we want to be thoughtful about their longevity and sustainability um, in our collection. So before we get into the project it itself um I think it's important to review who um Ruth Asavo was and recognize her significance um in the county in California and as an artist. Um her story is pretty remarkable. As a teenager um her and her family were incarcerated during World War II. Um she later attended Black Mountain College studying with artists such as Joseph Alers and Buckminister Fuller before settling in San Francisco. She became deeply connected to the Bay Area, not just for her artwork, but through her advocacy and commitment to arts education. So, when we're talking about these panels, we're talking about the importance of Santa Rosa history, but also um work by one of the most significant California artists in the 20th century. This project began in the 1980s. Um, Ruth became involved in 1984 and was ultimately contracted in 1985 by the city to create these panels. Um, one of the things that makes this special is that they weren't created in isolation. Asawa, she worked with the students from Burbank Elementary School and many other community members to create these. Um, and they were installed in 1987 and remained at Courthouse Square until the reunification project in 2016. Apologize I can't see the bottom of my um slide here. So these um uh what happened was um when we removed them in 2016 um we found that they were um deteriorating and um the conservators documented significant deterioration with water damage, staining, cracking, surface loss and other structural issues. Um and that's what we're now looking at when we're looking at their final placement as well. I missed. Apologize. There we go. It's jumping on me. Um, so these are some photos from the um install in 1987 um from the newspaper. So, as you can see here, just the pure size of these panels. And this was again in the concrete which she had originally created these in. Um, and when we deinstalled these, um, we found that there was significant cracks, etc. And Ruth's, um, original vision was to do these in bronze. And this was the deinstall in 2016. So, you can see the sea life panel on the left hand side there. Um, then one of the um, 8 by3 panels over there on the right. Um so in 2017 um we had the reunification ceremony for courthouse square and again the conservator's recommendation was due to the detrary material um that these panels were to be recast in bronze. Um we did receive a letter of support from that from Ruth Asawa's family um to move forward for that for um sustainability in an outdoor setting. Um on August 2nd in 2021, APC approved the casting of the art panels in bronze. And then um on November 9th, um the council approved an allocation of 300,000 from PG& settlement fund um to put towards um artworks foundry um to cast these and bronze. The scanning was completed um in 20 2023 and then new estimates were received um in 2025 that had um an increase in material cost. As you can imagine um the cost of bronze etc um does fluctuate and tends to go up. Um on April 7th, 2025 um APC approved $75,000 to Artworks Foundry from the public arts fund for the Asawa panel project. Um as we moved forward um again the cost um was increasing. We um council approved um a contract for Artworks Foundry for 46,900 for the bronze casting of the panels and um the family granted approval to proceed with um the 3D printing casting of these panels. Our team visited um the foundry in October which was really exciting to see these in person. I'm I'm very excited for you to see them as well um just to see the process etc. and the detail to these um Asawa's family also reached out to us with a letter of support um to explore um alternative displays. So, as we've been looking at this, um, you know, the the original display was for a fountain, um, which is still in our master plan. Um, but there have been concerns over, um, the longevity and sustainability with that. And so, we they did reach out to us with our support on, um, exploring other options. As of May this year, six panels have been completed. Um, and now we are looking at moving them up here for, um, temporary display, and that's what we'll be discussing some options today. We also received a letter this June from the downtown action organization that they would like to pursue a feasibility study for permanent placement in the community um um for this community asset as an economic driver for downtown Santa Rosa. We brought that letter to the economic development subcommittee and um they would like APC's involvement as well which is why today we're also looking at a motion to to start to move this project forward more in the community with community surveys um and looking also at our our master plan. So um today we're seeking um some options for temporary display of the panels um and also um looking at um while we explore the final placement Here are some photos of um them um being poured in bronze and then completed in bronze. Um so you'll see on the left hand side we're with the artworks um foundry owner Kamitz um and with two of um Ruth Asawa's children uh Vivian and Henry. Um the middle uh photo has part of the panel process and then a panel detail on the right hand side. And these are the overall panel sizes. Um they haven't been these are still estimates. They haven't specifically each been weight, but um they're around 450 to 550 lbs each for the 3x8 panels. And then um depending on the mounting hardware um when these go on the permanent location, etc., that could add another 50 to 100 pounds on that. >> And you'll see the size of the sea life panels are quite quite large, too. While exploring temporary placement and permanent um we've also been researching um how other cities are displaying bronze panels. Um you'll see on the left hand side this is actually by Ruth Asawa um and it's on a concrete base. Um and this is in San Jose. Um the middle um the middle bronze is in El Paso um and that's more of a freestanding in concrete. And then on the right hand side is a wall-mounted bronze panel. So as we're looking at temporary considerations for these panels, um we want to look at placement and then we also want to look at um whether it's weather weatherproofed is very important. Um clean and professional. Um a rubber at the base to protect it from to protect bronze um from water etc. or scratching. um the potential to build these bases in-house and of course um in consideration is the location we would want the base um to match and be you know approachable by community have information about this project Ruth Asawa etc. So as we've been brainstorming as a team some potential locations and that's where we would really love to start to get your feedback. Um, I think it's really key that this is accessible to the community. Um, that it's in the community. Um, we have, um, obviously there's city hall, Finley Community Center, Courthouse Square. Um, and here you can see with the red square just sort of the size of the 8x3 panel. So, so six of the, and I'm saying 8x3, but they're just a little under 8 ft. Um, you can see the size of that panel in comparison to wheels go round. So what it would look like on those are two 3x3 bases. Um so what that size of the panel would look like and then that's in front of the council chambers at city hall. Um we have the welcome center, different city parks, a museum, library, etc. So um today I would love your feedback and start that discussion of of where we would like to see these um temporary displayed in the community. And the recommendation for today is to adopt a motion um expressing um support for staff to explore alternative options for temporary display of the Ruth Assawa panels and to engage the community in public discussions public discussions concerning their final placement. >> Great. Thank you very much. So um we will uh open the floor for uh comments and questions and um actually I think we want questions initially and then um we will ask for a motion to um move forward with this and then we can open it up for comments and recommendations and such. So questions. Yes, Lauren. >> Are you um thinking they will be kept together on display or separated? >> That's a great discussion item. Um potentially we could place them in various um locations throughout the city just to diversify the access from community members or um it could all be on display together. There's six large panels. Um potentially they could go we could do two backtoback. Um again all all of this um would have to be approved through um the Sawa family as well once we figure out that temporary location. >> Uh so there are nine original panels. Is there a plan uh in timeline for the the last three? >> Yes. Um we need to do a contract amendment to do the sea life panels. Those are quite large and so right now we're working on that. I would really like to get those done by I would say beginning of next year, maybe spring. Um because that will take some time. Um and then we could look at that temporary placement as well and looping those up here. >> And um so permanent installation and the proposed fountain can't happen until all nine panels are completed. Is that is that true or >> it depends on the permanent location that we end up finding u for it. If we move forward with the fountain which is in the master plan um then that would work with that timeline and we would place it on that. If we end up finding an alternative option or the community would like to see them all somewhere else besides the fountain um then that would be a discussion of placing them on there. >> Okay. So I guess what I'm unclear about is it are all nine panels supposed to be connected or around this fountain? Is that the original >> correct concept? >> Yes. And and the concept speaking with Ruth's family is that they would want the permanent placement to be in the same layout as Ruth has originally intended. We wouldn't want to permanently display them all separately. So there's the two. There's a temporary placement that could we potentially display them separately maybe and we would need to discuss with the family permanent placement. Um we would like them all in the same format as we was originally intended. >> Got it. Okay. Great. Thanks. My question is um you we had some um what was proposed too is some ideas were the stage >> and how would that incorporate and would that do all six panels plus the nine or just the six? >> They would all they would be nine panels. Correct. Um and and with that discussion that would um that still needs to move forward um on different avenues in regards to the stage. So um the permanent placement is you know really up to a master plan update. Um >> so that's more of a larger discussion. >> That next step for a master plan uh revision. >> Yes. >> I'm going to turn it over to Scott Adair, chief economic development officer. >> Hi everyone. Mhm. >> There was originally a master plan that was adopted for courthouse square for the design and placement of infrastructure in that public space and that went through a community public comment process and period and went through formal adoption at city council. We're still investigating and determining whether or not a potential revision or alternative placement to or for these panels would require the master planning process to be revisited in its entirety. But we do know that at a minimum, just as a best practice, we should engage the public and the community before even really starting to go down that road. The feedback that we've received as staff tells us that there's been an evolution in thinking toward fountains in general and an evolution toward best and highest use of the downtown and courthouse square. and whether or not some constituents and residents and business owners think that perhaps there could be another way to meet the original intent of Ruth and display those panels in an alternative fashion which would be dual purpose. We've met with the family and have discussed this knowing that it's just throwing things at the wall right now to see what sticks and they seem really receptive to the idea. Um, so what staff is hoping for here is to be able to go out and engage the community and begin asking through surveys, polling, door-to-door visits. There are a number of ways that we could get the word out. Just to ask, is it time now and is it okay to pivot and consider something else for how we want to envision the placement of these panels? Whether that's a stage or an amphitheater or maybe we're sticking with the fountain. If the overwhelming response from the community is no, we want the fountain, we want to stick with the fountain, we already have a master plan that approves that and there may not be much more planning effort on behalf of the city other than just to move the project forward. If there seems to be a lot of support for reviewing alternatives, depending on whether that's just strong support for one type of alternative only or strong support to reopen it and replan it and redo designs and do community feedback on those multitude of designs that could change the direction as to how we go and make recommendations to city council. So that I hope is sort of a non-answer answer, but that's sort of where we're trying to get with it. We're trying to not infuse our own opinions and perspectives in this and literally let this be guided by the community and and what the community wants. So when reach when you do reach out to the community are you going to give them examples and ideas um so they can see what is possible to you know rather than just they have their own ideas that may not even be possible. >> Yeah. Our discussion has been through um polling and community surveying to present here's a multitude of ideas that the family is supportive of. >> Okay. Yeah. >> Um and if necessary maybe have an openhouse with some visioning boards and people could come and see how it could look. Um the what and this is me infusing a little bit of my own perspective here. Um we've seen when times are bad and that you have financial constraints as an organization, fountains don't always end up getting maintained or cleaned. We have a couple fountains in Santa Rosa that are not operable. So we're also thinking about what long-term value looks like. um for the placement of these pieces. And I think the the family feels the same way. And so I think we will be very clear in that to the community. Like just a reminder, if you want the fountain, this is what long-term water usage looks like for that, what long-term maintenance looks like for that. um just sort of revisiting to make sure everyone is clear and comfortable with how we proceed and how we move forward. So, >> okay. Thank you, Scott. >> Yeah. >> Okay. At this point, um, I would entertain a motion expressing support for staff to explore alternative options for temporary display of the Ruth Asawa panels and to engage the community and public in discussions concerning their final placement. >> Second. >> I I did I did not make the motion. Um, but if you would like to make the motion, you can say so moved. >> So moved. Well done. Is there a second? >> I second. >> Okay, it has been moved and seconded. There we go. >> Um, and you can read the motion up there on the screen. So, the uh floor is now open for um discussion, uh, comments, suggestions. Who wants to go first? Uh, I would request that the APC is notified of planning meetings with the downtown economic subcommittee when this item might be coming up um so that we can be part of that conversation. >> Yeah, good. Thank you. Good suggestion. Um I just want to um share that um I know that the condition of the original panels um was significantly um compromised and um several years ago I was u part of a conversation about what it would take to uh scan and sort of recreate what the original design was in order to make those bronze panels. um accurate to the original design. And so I'm I'm actually really pleased that it was successfully accomplished uh because I think it was a challenge. And so I'm excited to see them publicly displayed. Um I'm I'm of a mind that because they were originally in Courthouse Square and they're intended for Courthouse Square that that's the right location. Uh but I also understand because it's temporary there there is an opportunity to put them somewhere else and um I just think that courthouse square is the town square there they're ultimately going to be there that uh I think I think it would enhance courthouse square and and so I'd be in favor of that particular placement. >> Right. Yeah. I'm not opposed to them being elsewhere, but I do think the intent of the artist was to have them there. And I also think it would just be really nice to have them back. Those of us that grew up here remember that fountain very well and very fondly, and it would be excited to see them again. >> Um, I think this is a unique opportunity to do it right. And so, thank you guys for taking the time to prepare this history for us and it really gets me excited again. last time or last year when I went to see the Ruth Assawa exhibit at the SF MoMA, >> it stoked that excitement and so I think this is really a well >> I'm I'm glad this conversation is happening. Um, I really believe in us doing the storytelling to again convey the significance of Ruth Sawa's impact on this area and I am open to hearing ideas about how else to place them instead of a fountain if the stage how that would come together. But it would uh again I would like this committee to be informed of any of that traction in other bodies. Um and for this to be a real opportunity when you say engaging the community. I think there should be also some education on our part. And so thank you for putting again those history points together. I think having that with some sort of poll would actually give a bit more context. Um Yeah. >> Can I add to that? >> Yeah, please do. No, no, please do. >> I just say I I do appreciate I was really relieved truthfully to see that you were asking to meet with the public again. I know that this >> people have very strong opinions about this >> and that there was a lot of work done previously to the master plan. It made me very anxious to think about changing that and going against what people I I know time changes things, but people put a lot of time and energy and a lot of thought into where we're at now with that master plan. And it would just really >> bum me out to feel like we were ignoring that. So, I'm just really happy to hear that we're going to re-engage people again and so we can honor the the thought and the time and the energy that people put into it to get us to this point. I don't want to um take that lightly. So anyway, and not to say that we can't change things and there's new time now, but >> yeah, >> I just think that that's really super important because people have feelings. >> I agree. Um I'm glad that the SF MoMA exhibition was was mentioned. I think it's really significant to acknowledge that >> Ruth Asawa, although known by many here because she had a public art work on display for so long, um, and others in certain parts of the Bay Area community, but overall she was a very important and influential artist who was under reppresented, underrecognized for absolutely >> for decades. And so I think SF MoMA's major retrospective helps to correct that history and adds to public recognition in knowledge of her importance as an artist and educator. And I feel really fortunate that Santa Rosa has uh had a relationship with with Ruth and her artwork and continues the relationship with the with the family. So honoring that legacy I think is in incredibly important and I would encourage the public engagement in this process to be framed uh in those terms that the here were the artists and the city's original intent >> uh and this is where we're where we're at now. But um you know I think most people to your point Lauren I think most people would like to see the bronze panels go back into the same configuration with a fountain >> that basically the original artwork format and intent work. But I think Scott brought up a really important point that fountains can be a challenge uh especially in economic uh economically challenging times. Uh I think it's going to be a matter of seeing what the public feels in terms of priorities and >> the importance of >> I guess uh respecting the original intent and integrity of the project. >> Yeah. Well, we need to definitely bring that up of what Scott brought up too when people, you know, want to talk about having it as a fountain once again and stuff because anyone who has deep feelings of it being a fountain in within this area of Santa Rosa also realize fountains within Santa Rosa that weren't running forever and what it looked like. I mean, if you recall Jiuliard Park and the water feature there that wasn't working forever, it really pulled down, you know, the atmosphere. This the area of Jill Park. It was just like horrible. It was sad and depressing with just having a little green puddle on the bottom forever. It was always dirty and gross and so it wasn't maintained at all. And once you think of that and when Scott did say that because I have a place in my heart that wanted the fountain, but when you did say that, alls I could think of was Julliard Park and the fountain there and being like, "Oh, no way. We will never ever let that happen to that. I never want to see that bronze beautiful Rufusawa, you know, piece of art." >> And interesting >> in that sad condition. Yeah. >> Well, and how that fountain in Jiuliard Park was enhanced by a mural, a painting of a mandala on the ground to enhance that space. I think that was >> also a neat opportunity to reclaim. Okay, well, this is what it was. This is how to create a beautiful experience again. So I in thinking about a different opportunity if we were to talk about a stage I would want to again have a conversation about how each of the panels is viewable >> when that stage is >> just going to say that. >> Yeah. >> I'm not trying to go down a rabbit hole but it's stressing me out because I want to make sure that again it's accessible >> and that and those would be conversations in the future if we go that route of course involving the family. Um they did make known that they would like the the panels in the same format and of course all vis visible and accessible by the community. Um we do have to think about the usage of courthouse square. We now had it for almost 10 years. Um and about 50% of the events there do have stages. Um the last thing we want is a stage being placed in front of a fountain as well. So there's a lot of different considerations that we're thinking about. Um but those would be further conversations that we would of course bring forward as we as we go. Also a question. When Scott mentioned the best and highest use in courthouse square, did the downtown action organization or the economic subcommittee have statements about any other possibilities other than a stage or was that kind of the only one floated that with real seriousness? >> I believe that's the only um option that has been presented to us. Um you do you recall any other permanent placement >> and we can have that discussion as part of the outreach and engagement. >> Some of the discussion around the fountain is not just concerning maintenance and water evaporation but the fact that the fountain would take up square footage in the square. >> So anything interior to the panels is not usable. Um, I think the idea of a stage was just to elevate so that then the top is usable, whether it's a platform for concerts or whatever it might be. Um, but we would work with the community to come up with if you're receptive to that alternative idea, what would be appealing to you, what would not be appealing to you. If the community overwhelmingly supports and wants the fountain back, then we would work with the businesses on is there a way with the loss of that square footage to do something else with the so so then how do you get how how could we address both issues? So that would all be in the the engagement work that would have to happen. And that's why we're really not at a point yet to to look at what a revision or an addition of the master planning effort looks like because we don't have the intel yet to even decide how or if that needs to move forward. So that's what this would all be about a asking those questions. Exactly. >> And I had one more question. Meredith, do you know the height of the panels? How tall are they? >> They're three feet. three feet tall for the six that have been poured and I believe a little over five feet for sea life. >> Um I could go back to >> Yeah, I would just want to know the the panel dimensions where we have it right there on that slide. Well, thank you. Yeah, five feet um tall for the sea life panels. >> What I recall is the plumbing's already been set up for the fountain in the square. And so the location is, you know, when people are thinking of different locations, it's not a different location. There's a location there and it's already been set up. Correct. And so it needs to stay in that area. >> So the infrastructure exists. >> Yes. >> So that's an important consideration. One thing um occurs to me because courthouse square is the main town square and it's really important to the downtown businesses that that be >> um a that that collectively for the community that that's a well-maintained area >> that I would find it very surprising if a fountain fell into disrepair because of >> what what that square means to the entire community and especially the downtown business association >> not even a block away by re or by the um brewery that one wasn't working for a while too and that wasn't looking pretty for a while and that's not that far. So, when you said when times are tough and >> I guess I'm just thinking because it's the main town square, um it's a centerpiece for the city and uh >> I just imagine that the city would really have to be in dire straits to let that fall into disrepair because >> Yeah. And and the hotel and all the businesses and everything, I just don't think they'd stand for it. But that's just, you know, me speculating. >> So you see what what do you need from us today? Again, apologize. >> We have a So we have a we have a motion. I feel like there's two other things. >> Yeah. So we have a a motion on the table. Got it. >> And clearly there's going to be this >> discussion. >> This will continue the process towards the decision of where the temporary placement of these panels will be. So, we're not deciding on we're not deciding on the exact location and placement today, but we're basically putting a process in motion for both the final and >> being that it's um part of our permanent art collection that um approval would come to you. So, um just be mindful that no decisions would be made without bringing it back to you as we're as we're looking at exploring this. This is for both the temporary and the final. >> And yes, in the final placement, it's um it's a motion for us to move forward to start to engage the community in these discussions. >> And and I I think the other part of our decision- making will be how the panels are actually displayed. Are they on a platform? Are they in a frame? You know, like, you know, what does it look like? >> Yeah. The examples we >> Exactly. Yes. So we would help choose that or weigh in >> once we start exploring the the temporary placement I would bring forward of what that would look like and and where um we have to look at cost etc. >> I imagine there's going to be some comparison. I was like okay if we construct a base that's going to be this cost if we have a frame fabricated it'll be that. So that's all part of the process right? So for today's discussion, is it relevant for us to discuss temporary locations? Okay. >> Yes. So if there's any um from what I wrote down, it was at Courthouse Square was for the temporary panels that you would like to see because those are that's its home, but if there's any other locations that you um think we could explore, not saying that it's going to be there, but if there's something you had in mind that we're not thinking of here as a team, >> could you go back to the slide that had the Thank you. >> And city hall is not to scale, right? >> Yeah. But yeah, I >> um that's about 8 feet across. I mean, maybe I need to move it over a bit, but I had measured. Okay. >> Um one location I don't see up there, but Well, maybe the welcome centers at Railroad Square. Is that the Okay. Yeah, I was thinking >> and and these were just a brainstorm of of not saying that we're moving forward with them, but these are some city locations that are open to discussion if if >> I support the discussion around the welcome center. Currently, we don't have anything that is really, you know, an icon when you step off the >> smart train. And it would be really nice to have something that's a bit more location specific and and telling the story of Santa Rosa. With this being the welcome center, I've I've often heard a joke that it isn't very welcoming. So, for us to make movement to be more welcoming would be something I would actively support. >> Sorry, >> I was going to say it's interesting to consider maybe uh taking those six panels and dividing them between two locations. Let's say the welcome center and courthouse square or something like that. So there's more of a presence in the downtown region, but um >> there's pros and cons. You know, I'm just thinking it through and I don't think we have to make that decision today. We're just make we're just voting on moving the process forward. There will be a time in the not too distant future where we're going to have to vote on that very decision. Yeah. >> Okay. The the only thing I wanted to add to that, while I do think courthouseware is the best place for them generally, I also could see the side of things where since that's where they're going to end up permanently, it might be nice to have them elsewhere for a minute just to increase the but make it to courthouse square but they can make it to the Finley Community Center then like they have that opportunity to see them where it's hard, you know. Anyway, so I can I can understand if that makes sense for monetarily and design >> wise. I agree with you with the courthouse square. I'd like to see them all, but if we did decide to put one, I would like to put one, not necessarily three, but just one elsewhere just for a peak and maybe one somewhere else, but as a, you know, a little peak of what's going to happen in Courthouse Square. Something occurs to me, uh, Meredith, you said something about the panels could be displayed back to back. And so that suggests to me maybe there's three locations where they would live. So you would place them back to back so people could have, you know, walk around them. >> Um, >> and then have sort of a plaque or to say that these will be in courthouse square. >> Yeah. So just imagining maybe you know there's two panels in courthouse square, two at the welcome center and two at Finley Center or something like that. >> How much would that even cost? >> That's what I'm thinking. >> Transportation. >> I know. >> Which is the other reason I'm like maybe they should just go to courthouse too. >> Well anyway I don't think I I I don't think we need to go down this rabbit hole. I actually think we've um >> a lot of uh good good ideas or good topics for discussion on the uh in the minutes for the next um meeting we have about it and for Meredith and her team to work off of. Meanwhile, um if there is no other comments or questions, I think we should wrap this discussion up and go for a vote. >> Absolutely. Okay, with that being said, um uh the motion is no longer on the screen. So, Jack, if you would >> came off. The motion was read aloud, so we are good. >> Okay. So, um the mo motion I think everybody uh understands what that was and it's been moved and seconded and so um yeah, Jack, if you would call for a vote, please. >> Absolutely. Chair Nathansson, >> I vice chair Kefir. I, >> Committee Member Fuentes. Hi, >> and Committee Member Peters. >> Hi. >> Let the record reflect. The motion passes unanimously. >> Great. Thank you all. Good discussion. >> Thank you. >> Okay, we're up to number eight, department reports. >> Yes, thank you. Um, we have some exciting department reports today. So, we have in intersecting infinity has been installed at fire station 5. Um, and that was through artist posing for um commemorating the 2017 fires. So, I apologize I didn't get slides in here for this um today. Um, we are still finaling it, but it has been installed and then I will be doing a plaque. So, at the next meeting, I plan to have some some photos of that for you. It has been updated on our website, so you can see photos. I haven't um been able to get photos of it lit up at night because it is um there is lights in it. So, I plan on doing that soon. Um, >> will there be a dedication ceremony? >> They did a fire station um ceremony already. Um, I am working with the artist on his schedule because I would like to have him come up here. He lives in Berkeley um for a meet the artist I think would be really nice. >> Keep us posted. >> The monarchs have been installed at Howorth Park. Um that's that was installed on the Friday before Labor Day weekend. And um there's been a lot of um talk on social media about it, which I think has been really exciting. Um I ran a a quick ad um prior to the install, but other than that um it's all just been word of mouth. And so I think that really shows the power of public art and art and parks and and getting uh art out in the community. Um I know a lot of times we focus on downtown and Railroad Square, which is great. um but getting art to where the community is and accessible. Um we had over 59,000 views of the post. Um and that was um over 40,000 viewers, so unique viewers of that post. And that was all organic. So that was not paid. >> That's great. >> Um and in reading the comments is really encouraging. So I'd encourage you to go um take a look. We will be doing a meet the artist. We haven't secured the date yet, but I will be sending that out to you. Um, I envision that being sometime in October. >> Great. >> And that is up until October 31st. >> My wife and I went over on Saturday afternoon and walk the trail. It was great. >> Yeah, it's really neat. The National Arts Program is right around the corner a bit. So, that um will be opening up in November for uh community members to apply. And so, that will be um at our next meeting, I'll have those exact dates for you. And um I plan on doing an arts newsletter in the next coming weeks with the call for art open, the monarchs, the fire station 5, the national arts program. We have a lot going on. So if you haven't yet, you can sign up for our newsletter on our website, srcity.org arts. Um I also want to note that there is a project page for the Ruth Assawa project as well. So um some images of the panels are there. um her history that I went over within this slide was provided by the family and that's on that page as well. So, we've been really working our team on on keeping those pages up to date with project. So, take a look. You can sign up for our newsletter. Our social media links are there as well. Thank you. >> Great. Thank you very much. >> Okay. Um we are up to number nine, committee reports. Any reports from committee members? I'd like to just mention um a week ago Saturday, I went to the opening of the new Diodel Muertos uh exhibition at the Museum of Sonoma County and also took another look at the Cristo exhibition. So, I highly recommend visiting the museum uh for those two projects. And uh personally, I'll mention that at the end of this month, my contract with the Richmond Art Center will be completed. Um the art center has hired a new executive director. So in the final week of this month, I will pass the baton and then I will be more available during the week. Um, I'm really glad these meetings take place on Mondays because otherwise I'm I've been in the East Bay almost every day. >> And um, yeah. So, Meredith, if you need me to, >> you know, >> I'll put you to work. >> Yeah. Give me something to That's And I apolog Oh, yeah. We um we didn't uh talk talk about the um uh the utility box project, but um >> I I just didn't have a chance to do any measurement. Is there um are there boxes left to be measured? >> I'll email the ad hoc um the update. >> Yeah, please do that. Yeah, because um I I feel remiss in that I have not had a chance to do that, but I I have a tape measure and I have a car, so I can I can help. >> We can do an update at the next meeting on that as well. >> Uh okay. Any other um announcements, comments? Yeah. >> Yes, I do have an announcement. Uh so it is open Santa Rosa Open Studios. It Oh, yeah. Had their first weekend this past weekend and our second weekend is next weekend. >> Yeah. So, you still have a couple more days to go check out all of the artist studios. You can check out the project or the entire map of City of Santa Rosa with all of the artists uh studio locations on that map on the website, Santa Rosa Open Studios. Look for that on Instagram and Facebook as well if you want more info. >> Yeah, thanks for announcing that. I was over in the SOA district yesterday. So, >> awesome. I went out to the Fulton Crossing yesterday and that's a really great space to see. Um, Open Studios is really neat opportunity for them too with them being open on the weekends. Uh, it brings in a lot of people because they have I want to say seven artists in that displaying artwork in that same space. So, if you're looking for a bang for your buck kind of space, uh, Folton Crossings and the Barracks are good studios to check out. Yeah, I always find the open studios here in Santa Rosa and also art trails to be really challenging because people are so spread out. So, you know, I think that's a good point when there's multiple artists in one location. >> I was director of San Francisco Open Studios years ago and we had over 700 artists. So, that that was just impossible. So, I I kind of like these smaller open studio programs because more manageable. Definitely. Yeah, they're Yeah, definitely more manageable. >> Okay. Um, any other announcements or comments? >> Great. Um, the next regular meeting of this committee is scheduled for Monday, October 5th. I hope you all have it clear on your calendar so we can have a quorum. And uh, with that, the meeting is adjourned at 10:05. Thank you. >> 4:51 p.m.