San Rafael approves slate of public art projects

New public art displays are coming to San Rafael.

The City Council enthusiastically approved a public art program that will bring five pieces of artwork to sites in the downtown core. The vote on Feb. 2 included approval of a $10,000 budget increase to a $260,000 project total.

“Can we have like five separate ribbon cuttings?” Mayor Kate Colin said ahead of the vote. “Let’s try to do it that way and really just maximize the joy that these pieces will bring.”

Councilmember Eli Hill recused himself from the vote because one of the art installation sites is near his home.

The California Arts Commission has recognized the Downtown San Rafael Arts District as one of 14 designated arts districts in the state. The city secured a $709,890 grant from the commission for cultural investment.

In June, the city hired Local Edition Marketing of Walnut Creek to select artists, seek public comments and refine designs for artworks for up to five downtown sites.

Consultants worked in partnership with city officials and members of the city’s downtown arts district to solicit the opportunities for artists and to engage the community.

Craig Veramay, assistant director of library and recreation, serves as the staff liaison on the city’s art review board.

“Our goal is to ensure that we continue to add to our art portfolio,” Veramay said. “The review board, the intent is that they help us monitor the overall development and really encourage a balance in the city’s collection over time, with respect to the background and identities of the artists, as well as the styles of expression, the media, and the genre of art. And so I’m excited about this project. I think that this really does speak to that.”

Stacey Laumann, the city’s economic development program manager, said, “The purpose of the public art program is to enhance vitality downtown and celebrate our cultural identity.”

“The program’s objective has been very clear, which is to introduce five high-quality pieces of art for the public enjoyment and draw attention to Marin as a cultural hub,” she said.

St. Helena artist Bryan Valenzuela’s “Handle With Care” mural was selected for installation at the C Street parking garage at Third Street. The mural will be painted on two panels on the wall facing Third Street.

Wyatt Hersey of San Anselmo was selected for a mural titled “San Rafael Tapestry,” which will be painted on a concrete retaining wall on Second Street at Ida Street.

An untitled mural with kiln-fired ceramic tiles on pillars by Paz de la Calzada of San Francisco will be installed on a fountain at the City Plaza Courtyard at 1000 Fourth St.

A 16-foot tall, 9-foot wide, 14.5-feet long sculpture called “Touch the Sky,” by Martin Taylor of Portola Valley, will be placed in front of the community center at 618 B St. for six months. Its long-term home will be a median on Fourth Street at Second Street.

A sculpture by Oleg Lobykin of East Palo Alto will be installed at the entrance to City Hall.

“These pieces are all original pieces of artworks that are going to now be owned by the city,” said Tari Loring, who founded Local Edition Marketing with her husband Sage. “The presentation, the quality of the artworks submitted and the artists’ statement, you know, it really shows their intent and their investment into what they’re presenting for the city.”

Council members were impressed with the project.

“This is a delight to have a well-run and well-fiscally managed process that brings forward such beautiful pieces for San Rafael, so congratulations on all fronts,” Councilmember Maribeth Bushey said.

The art is expected to be installed over the spring and summer.