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AGENDA BILL Agenda Item No. 4(8) Date: April 17, 2012 To: El Cerrito City Council From: Suzanne Iarla, Arts and Commission Staff Liaison Subject: Artist's Presentation on San Pablo Avenue Public Art Project ACTION REQUESTED Receive an informational presentation by Artists Jonatha~. Russell and Saori Ide about the San Pablo Avenue Public Art Project. On March 22, 2012 the Arts and Culture Commission ("Commission") approved the final design proposal for the San Pablo Avenue Public Art Project for Saori Ide and Jonathan Russell to create twelve wind sculptures and install them on streetlight poles along San Pablo Avenue. As part of the 'contract for this project, the Artists are required to make an informationai presentation to the City Council at the conclusion of the design phase. BACKGROUND The El Cerrito Redevelopment Agency's San Pablo Avenue Streetscape project was a multi-phased improvement project to identify El Cerrito as a distinct place along the A venue, enhance the economic vitality of the area and create a better walking environment. A budget of $100,000 was allocated within the San Pablo Avenue Streetscape Project for public art to meet the requirements of the City's Arts in Public Places Program (ECMC Chapter 13 .50). In 2009, a Call to Artists/Request For Proposal was issued nationwide seeking an artist to develop and install site-specific, durable, artworks that serve to provide continuity and color along the length of the San Pablo Avenue Streetscape Project. The artworks would be elemental in nature: continuous, consistent, site-specific works along the entire length of the A venue. The Call also asked artists to respond to the cultural diversity of the El Cerrito community and develop artworks that identify San Pablo A venue as unique, walkable, and reflective of the surrounding neighborhoods. The City received 17 proposals, including proposals from several local artists. A selection panel reviewed the proposals and recommended the Commission consider 8 proposals. The Commission reviewed all 8 and interviewed the top two at a public meeting. The Commission voted to select the team of Saori Ide and Jonathan Russell from Berkeley CA, who developed a proposal that would install "icons" in the form of artwork installed on streetlight poles along the length of San Pablo A venue. The original ---PAGE BREAK--- Agenda Item No. 4(8) icons were proposed to be colorful, m~tal artworks that would be attached to the poles in a similar way that banners have been installed on the poles in the recent past. I, Based on the Arts and Culture Commission's recommendation, on February 16, 2010, the City Council approved Resolution No. 2010-06 authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with the Artists. The contract was signed by the Artists and the City Manager in the spring of 2010. For over a year, the Artists met with the Commission, solicited public comment, and developed a design proposal for colorful metal artwork icons installed on streetlight poles along the Avenue. At the Commission's April 20, 2011 meeting, the Artists presented drawings for approximately 58 icons that showed both the content and artistic style proposed for the icons. After some discussion about the design (including style, content, continuity, and artistic style) the Commission approied a motion asking the Artists to come back with a new approach that was abstract; copper or other metal; sculptural; integrated into the current streetscape; and uniquely stylistic. In July 2011, the Commission formally rejected the original design proposal and re-affirmed their request that the Artists present an alternate design using the elements described in the Commission's April action. In September 2011, the Artists presented concepts for alternate designs and the Commission directed the artists to proceed in developing a full (detailed) design proposal for the 12 abstract kinetic sculptures on light poles. The Artists and Commission met multiple times regarding the design and placement for the 12 kinetic sculptures. On March 22, 2012 the Commission convened a public hearing and upon conclusion of the hearing, approved the final design proposal for the San Pablo A venue Public Art Project. The final proposal contains plans to create twelve abstract wind sculptures made of copper and stainless steel to be installed on designated light poles on San Pablo A venue near the following intersections: • Carlson Blvd. • near City Hall (Manila and Bayview) • Potrero Ave. • near El Cerrito del Norte BART station (Hill Street) • Conlon Ave. The Artists describe the artwork as "an identifying signature public art piece to enhance and enliven San Pablo Avenue and its surroundings." The Commission approved the final design proposal with a vote of 5-0-2. Two recently- appointed members abstained from the vote. Page 2 ---PAGE BREAK--- Agenda Item No. 4(8) ANALYSIS As part of the contract for this project, the Artists are required to make an informational presentation to the City Council at" the conclusion of the design phase. After tonight's meeting, the Artists shall begin the "Fabrication and Installation" phase of the project. They plan to install the sculptures in phases over the next seven months. The project is estimated to be completed by the end of the calendar year. FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS No financial impact. LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS None at this time Reviewed by: aren Pinkos, Assistant City Manager Attachment: 1. Final Proposal: 12 Wind Sculptures on Light Poles by Saori Ide and Jonathan Russell Note: The Call to Artists/RFP and the Agreement with the Artists (contract) are available online at http://www. el-cerrito. org/index. aspx?nid=692 Page 3 ---PAGE BREAK--- El Cerrito San Pablo Avenue Public Art Project , Final Proposal Agenda Item No. 4(B) Attachment 12 Wind Sculptures on Light Poles Saari Ide and Jonathan Russell jr@red meta Ia rts.com ---PAGE BREAK--- Design Concept: Saari Ide and Jonathan Russell San Pablo Avenue Streetscape Project Public Art Description An "identifying signature" public art piece to enhance and enliven San Pablo Ave_ and its surroundings. We have designed 12 abstract winq sculpt~.des that will mount on 12 designated light poles along San Pablo Avenue. The shapes and the composition of each form are uniquely designed and placed within the center of an open circle. Our idea is to create playful and eye-catching sculptures that both pedestrians and drivers alike can enjoy. These wind sculptures will provide the city of El Cerrito with a cohesive and vibrant artwork that will create a pedestrian friendly environment and visually tie together the long stretch of San Pablo Avenue, from the North end to the South. These sculptures will be mounted on streetlights 20' above the ground facing the sidewalk (opposite from the lights) to ensure visibility from a distance as well to insure that safety and vandal ism concerns are met. Materials and Equipment: Our studio/metal fabricating shop located on Fourth Street is fully equipped with the necessary equipment to tackle any size job. All artwork for this project will be fabricated at our studio. The open circles will be fabricated with stainless steel reflecting the same aesthetic of the new bicycle racks placed along San Pablo Avenue. Each unique abstracted form will be fabricated in copper and will be light-weight, weather resistant and durable. Some of the forms will be fabricated with copper sheet and others will be created by a technique called "Electro-forming". With this process, the shapes are created initially in wax and coated with copper conductive paint. These forms then will be placed in an electro-forming bath while copper is built up to the desired thickness. We will leave the natural color of the materials as requested by the Art Commission members The natural tone of the copper gives a warm and earthy feeling to the entire project. The mechanism for the moving elements will be pillow blocks mounted within enclosed parts of the sculptures. ---PAGE BREAK--- Dimensions: The stainless steel circles are 4 1/2' in diameter and the abstract forms will fit within this circle. Each wind sculpture will be mounted on light poles 20' off the ground. Safety: The elevated placement of the artwork will ensure pedestrian safety as well as protect against vandalism. We selected 12 light poles that are located in areas with high visibility and heavy pedestrian and motor vehicles traffic for added security. The wind and weight load on the streetlights are within the pole manufacturers specifications and meet the City of El Cerrito engineer's approval. Maintenance: Copper and stainless steel are durable, permanent, outdoor materials that need almost no maintenance. We will keep the natural surface and color of the materials so there will be no issues of surface finish (paint) durability. Each sculpture can be easily removed from the street light pole for easy cleaning and maintenance if necessary. ---PAGE BREAK--- Saari Ide and Jonathan Russell San Pablo Avenue Streetscape Project Project Budget Date: 3/14/12 Project Expenses Consultant and Legal Fees : $3,000.00 Materials ' $21,000.00 Fabrication and Labor $33,300.00 Equipment Rental $2,000.00 Insurance $1,500.00 Studio Operation and Administrative Expenses $8,000.00 Installation $5,000.00 Fees and Perm its $1,200.00 Total: $75,000.00 ---PAGE BREAK--- Saari Ide and Jonathan Russell San Pablo Avenue Streetscape Project Locations of the Proposed Wind Sculptures Two sculptures near the Carlson Blvd. intersection Sculpture #3 on pole number 3 (east sidewalk) Sculpture #4 on pole number 9 (west sidewalk) Three sculptures at the City Hall I Manila and Bay View intersection Sculpture #9 on pole number 113 (west sidewalk) Sculpture #8 on pol'e number 109 (east sidewalk) Sculpture #6 on pole number 112 (east sidewalk) Two sculptures at the Potrero Ave. intersection Sculpture #12 on pole number 150 (west sidewalk) Sculpture #2 on pole number 149 (east sidewalk) Three sculptures a the Del Norte I Hill Street intersection Sculpture #1 on pole number 170 (west sidewalk) Sculpture #5 on pole number 175 (west sidewalk) Sculpture #11 on pole number 176 (east sidewalk) Two sculptures at the Conlon Ave. intersection Sculpture #1 0 on pole number 215 (west sidewalk) Sculpture #7 on pole number 217 (east sidewalk) ---PAGE BREAK--- Saori Ide and jonathan Russell San Pablo Avenue Streetscape Project Project Timeline After approval of final design Fabrication 5 - 7 months Installation 1 week per each intersection We will begin fabricating and installing the sculptures by grouping order. The first installation is estimated t? take pl.ace 4 months into the project. Our suggested installation order is: 1st Installation: Carlson Avenue Intersection Sculpture #3 and #4 2nd Installation: Potrero Avenue Intersection Sculpture #2 and #12 3rd Installation: Conlon Street Intersection Sculpture #7 and #1 0 41h Installation: City Hall and Manila Intersection Sculpture and #9 5'h Installation: Del Norte at Hill Intersection Sculpture and #11 ---PAGE BREAK--- 12 Selec'tedWind Sculptures 0 • • • ---PAGE BREAK--- El Cerrito San Pabl() Avenue Public Art Project Carlson Avenue Intersection (East Sidewalk) 13 0 012 lOQ Peet's Coffe 1 sQ ier 1 Import Blvd. Macaroni & Grill ---PAGE BREAK--- El Cerrito San Paqlo Avenue Public Art Project I, Carlson Avenue Intersection (West Sidewalk) 50 0 4 Macaroni & Grill ---PAGE BREAK--- El Cerrito San PaQip Avenue Public Art Project e City Hall and Manila Avenue Intersection (East Sidewalk) 1130 1100 1070 1060 Manila Ave. QmQ . City Hall 0105 0104 ---PAGE BREAK--- El Cerrito San Pal?lp Avenue Public Art Project City Hall and Manila Avenue Intersection (East Sidewalk) 1150 0 116Fire Dept. 0 Manila Ave. 1130 1100 0109 1070 0108 1060 0105 ---PAGE BREAK--- El Cerrito San Pablp Avenue Public Art Project City Hall and Manila Avenue Intersection (East Sidewalk) 1150 0 116Fire Dept. Manila Ave. Qm~ City Hall 1100 0109 1070 0108 1060 0105 0104 ---PAGE BREAK--- El Cerrito San PaQI~ Avenue Public Art Project Potrero Avenue Intersection (West Sidewalk) Q148 0145 Q144 0 St. John E.S. 141 ---PAGE BREAK--- El Cerrito San Paqlo Avenue Public Art Project I, , ' Potrero Avenue Intersection (at Triangle) Chevron 1550 0156 0148 0145 0144 0 St. John E.S 141 ---PAGE BREAK--- El Cerrito San PaQip Avenue Public Art Project BART Del Norte at Hill Street Intersection (West Sidewalk) Staples 1780 0177 e OSH17s0 0176 0 Hi II St. 172 0169 New Safeway 0168 1660 0165 ---PAGE BREAK--- El Cerrito San PaQI() Avenue Public Art Project BART Del Norte at Hill Street Intersection 177 176 (West Sidewalk) Hill St. <:)172 New Safeway 167<:} <:)168 166<:) <:)165 ---PAGE BREAK--- El Cerrito San Pal?l() Avenue Public Art Project BART Del Norte at Hill Street Intersection (East Sidewalk) Staples 1780 OSH17s0 0 0 ,80 BART Parking Hill St. 172 New Safeway 1670 0168 1660 0165 ---PAGE BREAK--- El Cerrito San PaQI() Avenue Public Art Project Conlon Ave Intersection (West Sidewalk) Home Depot 2190 2180 0220 Conlon ~--Ave. 217 0216 ---PAGE BREAK--- El Cerrito San PaQip Avenue Public Art Project Home Depot 2190 2180 Q 2150 2140 Conlon Ave Intersection (East Sidewalk) 0220 onion Ave. 0216 0213 ---PAGE BREAK--- ElDorado Avila 410 KFC 38 u 37 0 BK 34 0 Giant's Burger San Die o 260 Ace Hardware 25 0 220 • • gen 130. • • Peet's Coffe ~ sO Lincoln Big thick trees Central Fairmount Carlson Peppermint Tree Plaza 043 040 039 03s 0 • ~ 0 2s El Cerrfto Theater Mechanical Bank 016 015 Chase Bank 012 011 ~ier 1 Import • • Macaroni & Grill ---PAGE BREAK--- Plumas 64570 64470 Sutter 6370Q 63690 Santa Cruz 63680 Ford 63670 63660 Huntin ton 63650 Jack in the Box 63640 Panama Moeser Tall Trees Waldo El cerrito • • Stockton Grocery Company 63630. Sacramento 63620 Music Store 0 Tall Trees 6361 Fresno 63600 63590 Columbia 63580 63570 Van Fleet 63560 Car Dealers 6355 0 63540 San Jose 6353 0 Eureka Lincoln Oso On 076 Q73 Q64 • • 0 59 0 58 Q57 0 55 Jay Vee Center B of A 0 Guitar Center 54 Qs3 0 52 Qs1 Qso Q49 Q48 ---PAGE BREAK--- Mani~a Schmidt Tall Trees 95 0 Portola 0124 0121 0120 Marshall's Kragen . ~;ng _Where is it? Light pole miss Safeway ---PAGE BREAK--- 1910 1900 Church's 1620. 1580 1550 Chevron e I ~ 1 . ' \ 2 . . . . - Cutting Hill" Blake Potrero rail frees 0192 0189 • • 0184 0181 0 BART Parking 180 0168 Old Target I New Safeway 0165 0164 0160 0~ Solar Panel Light Pole (not painted) 0156 0153 0145 0144 0 St. John Elementary School 141 0140 ()137 ---PAGE BREAK--- 2300 2220 Home Depot 2190 2180 2110 2100 Mac Donald's 2070 I Conlon 0229 0228 0225 0220 0212 0209 Ozoa ---PAGE BREAK--- T 4.5' 20' ---PAGE BREAK--- Pole Mounted Win.d Sculptures - El Cerrito 4'6" Pillow blocks mounted inside sculptures Weight: • J Steel circle: 41 lbs Stainless steel tubing dia - thin wall) Copper forms ( 18 ga sheet with internal steel armature) ~ 4' 1 Inside sculptural form: 15- 251bs ---PAGE BREAK--- Pole Clamps for Wind Sculptures - El Cerrito welded