HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.3 2021 Utility Box Art SelectionSTAFF REPORT
CITY COUNCIL
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Agenda Item 4.3
DATE:June 15, 2021
TO:Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM:Linda Smith, City Manager
SUBJECT:2021 Utility Box Art Selection
Prepared by: Tyler Phillips, Heritage and Cultural Arts Supervisor
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City Council will consider a recommendation from the Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission
for artwork to be painted on 10 utility boxes in summer 2021.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission’s recommendations for the 2021 Utility Box
Art Program.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The cost of 10 utility boxes, including artist payments and miscellaneous supplies, is estimated at
$10, 350. This project is funded by the Public Art Fund and is included in the adopted Fiscal Year
2021-22 Budget.
DESCRIPTION:
The 2021 Utility Box Art Program will include the painting of 10 utility boxes located throughout
Dublin. Artwork themes should align with the City’s values, which are a part of the adopted
mission and vision statements, including safety, inclusivity, diversity, equality, and history.
Artwork must also be suitable for all ages.
Staff issued a Call for Artists on February 12, 2021, (Attachment 1), publicizing the opportunity
through normal City channels (website, social media, etc.), as well as via email to a list of
interested artists, past Dublin utility box artists, registrants in the cultural arts database, nearby
cities with successful utility box art programs, and the California Cultural Arts Council website.
The City received a total of 62 design proposals submitted by 38 individual artists by the April 19.
2021 deadline.
On May 13, 2021, the Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission reviewed the artists’ proposals and
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deliberated before recommending 10 artist proposals for City Council consideration and approval.
The recommended artists’ resumes, statements, and design proposals are included with this Staff
Report as Attachment 2. Below is a table illustrating the utility box locations with the
recommended artist and title of the artists proposal.
TABLE 1: UTILITY BOX LOCATIONS AND
ARTISTS ASSIGNMENTS
Box Box location Artist Proposal Title
Box 1 Hacienda Drive & Hacienda Crossing Rob Corder Birds in Nests and Small
Flowers
Box 2 Tassajara Road & Dublin Boulevard Sophia Lee Garden Kaleidoscope
Box 3 Tassajara Road & Dublin Corporate
Way
Eric Michael
Rauseo
Highland Hills with Over
Sized Poppies
Box 4 Brannigan Street & Gleason Drive Jennifer Huber Dublin 4th of July
Box 5 Grafton Street & Gleason Drive Beau Thomas Dublin Deer Project
Box 6 Madden Way & Gleason Drive Jeri Martens Dublin Nights
Box 7 Gleason Drive & Fallon Road Anne Giancola Summer in Dublin
Box 8 Fallon Road & Bent Tree Drive Rhonda Chase Spring Raven
Box 9 Central Parkway & Kelton Street Swati Rastogi Mandala Design
Box 10 Fallon Road & Central Parkway Talavera Ballon Common Yellowthroat &
Black-headed Grosbeak
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
None.
NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH:
The City Council Agenda was posted, and a copy of the Staff Report has been provided to the
recommended artists.
ATTACHMENTS:
1) Call for Artists – Utility Box Art Design 2021
2) Design Proposals from Recommended Artists
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CALL FOR ARTISTS
Utility Box Art Project
CALL ISSUE DATE: February 12, 2021
CALL DEADLINE: April 19, 2021, 5:00 p.m. PST
The City of Dublin invites qualified professional artists and high school student artists
working under the supervision of a professional artist or art teacher to submit designs
for painted utility boxes.
Utility Box Art is popular throughout the Bay Area as a cost-effective way to bring public
art to City streets, define neighborhoods and deter graffiti. All the boxes are traffic signal
cabinets owned by the City of Dublin. Boxes will be awarded to up to ten different artists
based on design.
The City will pay a stipend of $1,000 to each artist or, if the artist is a student or student
team, to the supervising professional artist or art teacher. The stipend is intended to
provide an artist design fee as well as cover the cost of materials that will be necessary
to prep and then finish the utility box.
Artists are responsible for preparing, painting, and sealing the utility boxes and required
to provide all the supplies needed to complete the project. The City will provide the
materials to prepare, primer and and seal the utility box.
Artwork created under this program is considered temporary artwork and the property
of the City of Dublin. As such, the City retains the right and sole discretion to remove,
modify or replace the artwork. Situations in which the City may exercise this right include
if the image or utility box is damaged, if the artist fails to complete the painting as
shown on the approved design rendering or if the artist fails to complete the painting in
a timely fashion.
The artist’s name, artwork title, and photo of the artwork may be featured on the City of
Dublin website and other promotional materials.
Attachment 1
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ARTWORK LOCATIONS:
The City of Dublin, incorporated in 1982, is one of the fastest growing communities in
California. Dublin is in the Tri-Valley region, about 30 miles east of San Francisco, and is
bordered by the cities of Pleasanton, Livermore and San Ramon.
All utility boxes are located at intersections within the City of Dublin. Please see
Exhibit B for utility box locations and photos.
Artists may specify which utility box they would like to paint, or if they have no
preference. However, the City reserves the right to assign utility boxes at its discretion.
DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS:
•Artwork theme should follow the City’s Values, which are part of the adopted
Mission and Vision statements. Values include safety, inclusivity, diversity,
equality, and history. To view the City’s full Mission and Vision statements
please visit www.dublin.ca.gov/72/.
•Artwork must be suitable for all ages and in keeping with community values.
•Artwork must be an original design and the artwork of the applicant.
•Artwork must be painted in fade-resistant acrylic paint.
•Artwork may include the artist’s signature, no larger than 5” x 7.”
ART SELECTION PROCESS:
Staff will review applications for completeness. The Heritage and Cultural Arts
Commission will review designs at its May 13, 2021 meeting and make recommendations
to the City Council. The City Council will review recommended designs and select artists
at its regular meeting June 1, 2021. These dates are tentative and subject to change.
Selected artists will be asked to sign an art agreement, including standard liability waiver
and release. In the case of underage artists, the City will sign the agreement with the
supervising professional artist or art teacher. Underage artists and underage painting
assistants will be required to have a parent sign the liability waiver and release.
ART INSTALLATION PROCESS:
City Staff will coordinate with the artist, other City departments and neighboring
businesses or homeowners to select a mutually agreeable three-week painting period
between July 1, 2021 and September 30, 2021.
Attachment 1
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Artists are responsible for prepping the utility box, painting the design, and sealing with
a clear anti-graffiti coating. The City will provide a list of supplies for the artist to
purchase for the prepping and sealing of the boxes. Artists are also responsible for
purchasing their own painting supplies.
Artists are expected to clean and primer the box, paint the entire utility box including the
side boxes and pipes, and for sealing the box when the painting is complete. Artists may
not paint over key holes, meters or numbers.
Artists may enlist painting assistants. All painting assistants must sign a liability waiver
and release. Underage painting assistants must have a parent sign the liability waiver
and release.
Student artists must be supervised by a professional artist, who is ultimately responsible
for the artwork of the student. Student artists must provide their professional artist’s
qualifications with their application. Student artists and their teacher/professional artist
will be required to meet with Staff prior to starting the project, to ensure they understand
the City’s expectations.
Upon completion of the box, City Staff will meet with the artist at the site to
inspect/approve the artwork and take a publicity photo of the artist with their completed
utility box.
PROPOSAL SPECIFICATIONS:
The proposal shall be submitted as a digital proposal by email. Provide one digital copy
(pdf or jpeg). A complete proposal will include:
a.Completed Coversheet: Use form provided at the end of this application.
b.Artist Qualifications: Include the professional resume of each artist involved.
Student artists should include their own biographies/resumes, no longer than two
pages, as well as that of the professional artist or art teacher who serves as the
team’s supervisor.
c.Design Rendering: Provide color renderings of your proposed design for the box
using the provided template (Exhibit A), showing all four sides and the top of the
utility box. Artists may submit up to three separate designs. However, each
proposed design must have its own separate color renderings page. If you wish to
be considered for a specific box location or locations, please label the rendering
Attachment 1
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with the utility box number. If you have no preference, label the rendering
“Any.” Label each rendering with your name.
d.Artist Statement & Title: Provide a brief statement and title (100 words or less)
about your proposed artwork. This could include your source of inspiration, the
significance of the image(s) or a comment on the style or technique you have
proposed. Each proposed design must have its own artist statement.
Attachment 1
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SUBMISSION DEADLINE:
All proposals must be received by Tyler Phillips, Heritage and Cultural Arts Supervisor
by Monday, April 19, 2021, 5:00 PM. It is the responsibility of the applicant to verify the
receipt of the electronic proposal by the scheduled deadline.
DIRECTIONS FOR SUBMITTAL:
Submit one digital copy by email to : tyler.phillips@dublin.ca.gov subject: “Dublin Utility
Box Project 2021.”
COSTS INCURRED IN RESPONDING TO THE PROPOSAL:
The City of Dublin shall not be liable for any costs incurred by the artist(s) in responding
to this request for a design proposal.
SUBMIT YOUR DIGITAL PROPOSAL PACKET AND COVERSHEET TO:
Staff: Tyler Phillips, Heritage & Cultural Arts Supervisor
City of Dublin, Parks and Community Services
Phone: (925)556-4558
Email: tyler.phillips@dublin.ca.gov
Attachment 1
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PROPOSAL COVERSHEET:
Dublin 2021 Utility Box Art Project
Proposals will not be accepted after Monday, April 19, 2021, 5:00 PM.
Please indicate experience level:
Professional Artist(s)Student Artist(s), working under supervision of Art Professional
Please indicate any specific box(es) you have proposed a design for, or check ‘No Preference’ if you would be
willing to adapt your design(s) to fit any assigned location:
1 4 7
2 5 8 10
3 6 9 Any
Artist: ____________________________________________________________
Co-Artist, if applicable_________________________________________________
Co-Artist, if applicable_________________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________
City: __________________________________ State: ___________ Zip: ____________
Phone: _________________________________ Fax: __________________________
E-mail Address: ____________________________Website________________________
Signature of Artist: _____________________________________________ Date: ________________
Signature of Co-Artist, if applicable: _________________________________ Date: ________________
Signature of Co-Artist, if applicable: _________________________________ Date: ________________
Supervising Art Professional, if applicable: _____________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________
City: __________________________________ State: ___________ Zip: ____________
Phone: _________________________________ Fax: __________________________
E-mail Address: ____________________________Website________________________
Signature of Supervising Art Professional: ____________________________ Date: ________________
Attachment 1
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Exhibit A
Utility Box Art Template
Please use this diagram or similar format of a utility box to show the image you would like to paint on the four sides and top of the
box. Keep in mind that the City’s utility boxes vary in dimensions and size and will also have additional cabinets and meters on
them. This is a generic diagram to better illustrate how the design will appear on the utility box and will be provided to those
reviewing the proposals.
Art Title: Top of Box
Front Left Side Back Right Side
Attachment 1
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City of Dublin Utility Box Art Program 2021
Exhibit B
All boxes are located at intersections with in the City of Dublin, CA.
Attachment 1
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BOX 1
Hacienda Dr & Hacienda Crossing
In front of the Shell Gas Station
BOX 2
Tassajara Road & Dublin Blvd
In front of PAMF
Attachment 1
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BOX 3
Tassajara Rd & Dublin Corporate Way
In front of SABA
BOX 4
Brannigan St & Gleason Dr
Residential area
Attachment 1
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BOX 5
Grafton St & Gleason Dr
Residential area
BOX 6
Madden Way & Gleason Dr
Residential area
Attachment 1
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BOX 7
Gleason Dr & Fallon Rd
Residential area
BOX 8
Fallon Rd & Bent Tree Dr
Across from Fire Station 18
Attachment 1
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BOX 9
Central Parkway & Kelton
Near a residential area and across from Fallon
Sports Park
BOX 10
Fallon Road and Central Parkway
Corner of a residential area across from Fallon
Sports Park
Attachment 1
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Dublin Deer Project
Our vast history of intimate involvement with deer since prehistoric times has created a
rich seam of myths and symbols that furnish our imagination. Thus, we find deer symbolism,
myths, and legends associated with the deer as objects of hunts, fertility and even as symbols of
good luck. Dublin used to be home to 6 species of deer: mule deer, Rocky Mountain mule deer,
feral mule deer, southern mule deer, Columbian black-tailed deer and a cross between a black-
tailed and a mule deer. Unfortunately, these majestic creatures do not inhabit the beautiful
landscape of Dublin like they once did. By embracing the history of Dublin and painting a tribute
to the natural wildlife, this utility box will bring both beauty and luck to this wonderful
community.
Attachment 2
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Artists Statement
The first piece, entitled “Dublin Nights” is inspired by the beautiful fields of Dublin and poppies that
bring a pop of color to the landscape. I really love the colors of summer in Dublin and tried to capture
that mid-to-late evening feel of the area. I also really love star and space imagery and thought the falling
night sky added a nice contract to the bright orange of the poppies.
The second piece, entitled “Perfect Weather” is inspired by similar views of Dublin, just at different
times. For this piece, I wanted to showcase the beauty of the surrounding landscape while also adding a
pop of color with a bright green kite adorned with a well-known symbol of the city. I was inspired by the
serene calm of the Dublin hills.
Attachment 2
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Attachment 2
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Titles and artists statement
Exhibit A. Summer in Dublin
Celebrating some of the ways to cool off in summer in Dublin. The “Wave” is a fun
water park and there are parks specifically for younger children. All provide
recreation in beautiful surrroundings. I wanted to show the beauty of Dublin with Mt
Diablo in the background.
Exhibit B. The McCormick Rose Garden
An invitation to see a lovely rose garden park. From its elegant arched entryway to
the many fragrant and beautiful rose, it’s a lovely escape from everyday busy lives.
Exhibit C. The children of Dublin
Playful and whimsical, this design shows the diversity of Dublin families. This design
is meant to have a light hearted, colorful and fun feeling of joyfulness.
Attachment 2
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Attachment 2
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PROPOSAL:
Dublin 2021 Utility Box Art Project
Rhonda Chase
Please indicate experience level: Professional Artist
Box Choice: Preferences with drawings
Signature of Artist:Rhonda Chase Date: 3/29/21
Attachment 2
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Statement:
Last year, when I painted the box by Fallon Park, many people thought I was done after completing the
sky and were surprised I’d be covering up so much of the background. So, this time I decided the
beautiful California sky would be my main subject matter.
Here are three designs. One based on the silhouette of a raven I saw while out walking, and two abstract
light patterns, one monochromatic and one multi-color.
Attachment 2
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Spring Raven
(Any location, other than 9 or 10)
Attachment 2
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PROPOSAL COVERSHEET:
Dublin 2021 Utility Box Art Project
Proposals will not be accepted after Monday, April 19, 2021, 5:00 PM.
Please indicate experience level:
Professional Artist(s)Student Artist(s), working under supervision of Art Professional
Please indicate any specific box(es) you have proposed a design for, or check ‘No Preference’ if you would be
willing to adapt your design(s) to fit any assigned location:
1 4 7
2 5 8 10
3 6 9 Any
Artist: ____________________________________________________________
Co-Artist, if applicable_________________________________________________
Co-Artist, if applicable_________________________________________________
_
E-mail Address: Website________________________
Signature of Artist: _____________________________ Date: ________________
Signature of Co-Artist, if applicable: _________________________________ Date: ________________
Signature of Co-Artist, if applicable: _________________________________ Date: ________________
Supervising Art Professional, if applicable: _____________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________
City: __________________________________ State: ___________ Zip: ____________
Phone: _________________________________ Fax: __________________________
E-mail Address: ____________________________Website________________________
Signature of Supervising Art Professional: ____________________________ Date: ________________
Claudio Talavera Ballon
www.talavera-ballon.com
04-18-2021
Attachment 2
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Artist statement by Talavera Ballon
Title: Common Yellowthroat and Black-headed Grosbeak
Birds have captured the attention of humankind since the beginning of
time, providing an endless source of fascination and inspiration. With their
exquisite coloring, stunning tufts of feathers, distinctive silhouettes and
graceful flight patterns, birds entice us to look up and marvel.
I would like to propose another utility box mural with local birds (a
Common Yellowthroat and a Black-headed Grosbeak), which are
representations of California ecology and symbolic of its diversity, of
which Dublin is an example.
Attachment 2
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Attachment 2
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PROPOSAL COVERSHEET:
Dublin 2021 Utility Box Art Project
Proposals will not be accepted after Monday, April 19, 2021, 5:00 PM.
Please indicate experience level:
Professional Artist(s)Student Artist(s), working under supervision of Art Professional
Please indicate any specific box(es) you have proposed a design for, or check ‘No Preference’ if you would be
willing to adapt your design(s) to fit any assigned location:
1 4 7
2 5 8 10
3 6 9 Any
Artist: ____________________________________________________________
Co-Artist, if applicable_________________________________________________
Co-Artist, if applicable_________________________________________________
Address:
Signature of Artist: ______________________________ Date: ________________
Signature of Co-Artist, if applicable: _________________________________ Date: ________________
Signature of Co-Artist, if applicable: _________________________________ Date: ________________
Supervising Art Professional, if applicable: _____________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________
City: __________________________________ State: ___________ Zip: ____________
Phone: _________________________________ Fax: __________________________
E-mail Address: ____________________________Website________________________
Signature of Supervising Art Professional: ____________________________ Date: ________________
Attachment 2
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Attachment 2
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Statement of art for utility box
Being an artist of Indian origin and a resident of Dublin CA, I want to paint a utility box that reflects and
resonates with the South Asian population living here in the Tri valley. With projects like these (painting
of the Adirondack chair and the utility boxes), the residents of the city and the visitors get a great
perspective about the city and its role in supporting the arts. My design involves my culture, aesthetics,
emotions and intellect. The utility box shall be created as a statement art and be one of its kind. It will
be a significant decorative piece of Art for the passers by to turn around and have a look.
I visualize on painting the traffic utility box with my signature mandala and line designs which are noted
for attention to details and are strongly inspired by the folk and tribal arts of India. One of the proposals
shows the tribal art from Western India. The stick figures show unity and a narrative of the tribal life.
My creations will add a pop in the city and I believe the diverse ethnicities will connect to it.
It will be my pleasure to have the opportunity to contribute my art to the city of Dublin.
I am choosing either box#1 or #9 since I live close by and can walk to work.
Attachment 2
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Attachment 2
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