HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/02/1988, 3 - CONSIDERATION OF A PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION TO ALLOW A NEW PUBLIC ARTWORK IN MISSION PLAZA.(IIItIlpIiIIIIIqIUUI`I "J T' MEETING DATE:
c� o san tu�� osispo 2-2-88
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT BEA:
I ADM. Michael MultaZCommunity Development Director Prenared Bv: Jeff Hook
SUBJECT:
Consideration of a Planning Commission recommendation to allow a new public artwork
in Mission Plaza.
CAD RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt resolution accepting the public artwork, and authorizing its placement in Mission
plaza with the assistance of city crews.
BACKGROUND:
Discussion
Proiect Descrintion
The City has received a proposal for a sculpture in Mission Plaza near the Chorro Street
entrance. The artwork consists of cast bronze figures of a bear and Native American
youth around the existing fountain pool. Arching water sprays would be created by
replumbing the fountain, and natural rock clusters would be introduced into and around
the pool. The sculpture has been designed to permit children to touch and climb.
Funding
The sculptures and all materials would be donated to the City by the Stanley Yon Stein
Memorial and Mary Jane Duvall Trusts. City assistance is requested in installing the
artwork and replumbing the fountain.
Previous Review
The proposed artwork has been approved by the Planning Commission, Architectural Review
Commission, Promotional Coordinating Committee, and the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Council Action
City Council action is required because: 1) the artwork is a donation on city land
which, if accepted, would become public property, and 2) the use of city crews is
requested to assist with installation of the artwork.
SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS
The project will have no significant environmental or fiscal impacts.
CONSEQUENCES OF NOT TAKING THE RECOMMENDED ACTION
If the council does not accept the public art donation, the sculptures will not be
installed in Mission Plaza at this time.
ACTION RECOMMENDED
Adopt the attached resolution which accepts the public artwork and authorizes city crews
to assist with its installation in the Mission Plaza Fountain. 0 OW I
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Page 2
Data Summary
Address: 989 Chorro Street (Mission Plaza)
Applicants /Representatives: Myron Graham and Ken Schwartz
Artist: Paula Zima
Zoning: PF
General Plan: Public Facility
Environmental Status: Categorically Exempt (CEQA Section 15301)
ADVISORY BODY RECOMMENDATIONS
At its January 13th meeting, the Planning Commission recommended that the council approve
the new sculptures for Mission Plaza fountain. Commissioners unanimously supported the
artwork, and offered these specific comments:
1. Commr. Schmidt: Boulders appear unnecessary and may pose hazards to children
playing.
2. Commr. Duerk: Maintain adequate walkway width between the bear sculpture and the
adjacent retaining wall. The bear's location can be shifted slightly to widen the
walkway.
3. Commr. Gerety: The artwork's design should avoid crevices and corners where litter
can accumulate.
4. Commr. Kourakis: Suggests a plaque or explicit acknowledgment of Chumash culture and
heritage built into the sculpture.
On January 18th, the ARC unanimously granted final approval to the sculpture, with staff
to approve final fountain details and boulder placement. The artwork was also endorsed
by the Promotional Coordinating Committee at its January 18th meeting, and by the Parks
and Recreation Commission on October 7th.
EVALUATION
The City Council recently adopted interim guidelines for public art in Railroad Square
(attached). As a 1987 -89 budget objective, the Architectural Review Commission, Planning
Commission, and Promotional Coordinating Committee will develop guidelines as part of a
citywide public art program during the coming year. Staff suggests that the interim
guidelines be used to evaluate this project, since they are general enough to apply
citywide.
Staff views the proposed sculpture as an attractive addition to the Mission Plaza. It
poses no public safety hazards or land use issues, and appears to comply with the interim
guidelines. Key issues include:
1. Location In Right -of -Way. Public art should be located within a
right -of -way or easily accessible from a public right -of -way. The sculpture
would be located within the public right -of -way and would be easily accessible.
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COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Page 3
2. Appropriate Design. The sculpture's scale and materials are appropriate to
site context. Natural rock and bronze should complement existing architectural
materials in the plaza. The bear and youth present an idyllic, playful image of
central coast life before the Mission. Boulders are used effectively to suggest
a natural scene within a manmade environment.
3. Scale and Balance. Beautiful and functional public spaces achieve a balance
between open, landscaped areas and properly sized benches, walls, sculpture, and
other similar items. Careful design and placement of such features is necessary
to avoid "overwhelming" small features or areas within Mission Plaza in the
future. The addition of this small sculpture does not, in itself, pose a
significant concern.
4. Placement of Public Art. Placement of the boulders and bear sculpture would
allow safe pedestrian movement around or in the fountain pool. There is about
seven feet clearance between the retaining wall and the pool coping. After
installation of the sculpture, a clear walkway at least four feet wide would be
maintained around the fountain.
OTHER DEPARTMENT COMMENTS
All departments support the project.
FISCAL IMPACT
The estimated cost of the sculpture and related improvements is $25,000. The sculpture
and related materials would be donated to the city. City assistance is requested to
install the artwork and to replumb the fountain. City costs are not known, but are not
expected to be significant.
ALTERNATIVES
The Council has several possible courses of action:
Accent the artwork and authorize city crews to assist with its installation. Staff
supports this approach since the artwork has been favorably received by citizens and
advisory bodies, and this would allow installation to proceed in a timely manner.
2. Do not accent the artwork. The council may determine that installation of the
artwork is not appropriate at this time.
3. Continue the item. If additional information or design changes are needed, the
council should continue the item with direction.
ATTACHMENTS:-Draft Resolution
-Site Plan
- Applicant's Letter
- Artist's Resume
- Interim Guidelines For Public Art
- Photographs ^
RESOLUTION NO. (1988 Series)
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
ACCEPTING THE DONATION OF PUBLIC ART FOR THE MISSION PLAZA
FOUNTAIN AND AUTHORIZING CITY ASSISTANCE FOR INSTALLATION
OF THE ARTWORK
WHEREAS, the City Council has adopted Resolution No. 5645 (1985 Series) supporting
the installation of art in public places, and
WHEREAS, the City has received a proposal from the Stanley Von Stein Memorial and
Mary Jane Duvall Trusts, herein called "Donors ", of a donation of public art for the
Mission Plaza Fountain; and
WHEREAS, the proposed public artwork complies with Council- adopted Interim Guidelines
For Public Art, Resolution No. 6362 (1987 Series); and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission, Architectural Review Commission, Promotional
Coordinating Committee, and the Parks and Recreation Commission have held public hearings
on the proposal, and as a result of their review and findings recommend that the council
accept the proposed donation of public art for the City;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo as follows:
SECTION 1. Acceotance of Public Art. The proposed donation of public art as shown
in Exhibits "A" and "B" is hereby gratefully accepted by and for the citizens of the City
of San Luis Obispo.
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SECTION 2 Placement. Said artwork shall installed and displayed in Mission Plaza
for the enjoyment and appreciation of the public, as shown in Exhibit "A." The Community
Development Director and the Public Works Director shall be responsible for insuring that
the placement and construction of the artwork complies with applicable city codes,
programs, and adopted policies.
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Resolution No. (1988 Series)
Page 2
SECTION 3. City Assistance. The Public Works Director is authorized to use city
crews to assist with the installation of the artwork where such assistance is deemed
feasible, necessary and appropriate. It is understood that the cost of the artwork and
related improvements shall be borne by the Donor.
SECTION 4. Resoonsibility. Staff is hereby directed to prepare for the Mayor's
signature an agreement between the City and the Donor addressing the issues of public art
ownership, maintenance, liability, removal or modification, legal remedies, and other
issues deemed appropriate.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo at a meeting thereof
held on the 2nd day of February, 1988, on motion of
seconded by and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Mayor
ATTEST:
..City Clerk
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PROPOSED GIFT OF SCULPTURE TO THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
GRAHAM• SCHWARTZ VON STEIN ZIMA
34
PROPOSED GIFT OF SCULPTURE TO THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
LOCATION
MISSION PLAZA FOUNTAIN POOL AND IMMEDIATE SURROUNDINGS*
SPONSORS AND DONORS
MYRON GRAHAMS COORDINATOR
SEA VON STEIN FOR THE STANLEY VON STEIN MEMORIAL TRUST
KEN SCHWARTZ FOR THE MARY JANE DUVALL TRUST
SCULPTOR
PAULA ZIMA
P, 0, BOX 16099 SAN LUIS OBISPO
ARTIST'S RESUME AND STATEMENT ATTACHED
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
THIS PROJECT PROPOSES THE ADDITION OF TWO CAST BRONZE
SCULPTURES AND SEVERAL LARGE ROCK CLUSTERS INTO AND
AROUND THE PRESENT MISSION PLAZA FOUNTAIN POOL* THE
BRONZE SCULPTURES WILL BE OF A BEAR AND AN INDIAN
YOUTH• THE WATER DISPLAY WOULD BE CHANGED FROM THE
PRESENT CENTRALLY LOCATED SPOUT TO FOUR ARCHING
STREAMS AND A SPRAY ORIGINATING AT ON FOUNTAIN EDGE
AMID THE SCULPTURE PIECES• ROCK CLUSTERS WOULD BE
INTRODUCED BOTH INTO AND AROUND THE'POOL TO SOFTEN
ITS FORMAL CONFIGURATION AND SUGGEST (ABSTRACTLY) A
MORE NATURAL SETTING* THE COMPOSITION HAS BEEN
DESIGNED TO PERMIT CHILDREN TO TOUCH AND CLIMB,
SCULPTURE SIZES
BEAR: LENGTH: 70° HEIGHTS 44l" WIDTH: 31"
INDIAN YOUTHS SEATED HEIGHTS 39° WIDTH: 16"
PLAQUE
A SMALL BRONZE PLAQUE 18 PROPOSED TO BE MOUNTED ON
THE POOL EDGE NEAR THE SCULPTURE PIECES• THE PLAQUE
WOULD READS FOUNTAIN SCULPTURE
DONORS
STANLEY VON STEIN MEMORIAL TRUST
MARY JANE DUVALL TRUST
SCULPTOR
PAULA ZIMA
DATE
CONTRIBUTIONS
THE SCULPTURE PIECES AND ALL MATERIALS WILL BE DONATED
TO THE CITY BY THE TWO TRUSTS AS A GIFT. IT IS HOPED
THAT THE CITY WOULD CONTRIBUTE A MODEST AMOUNT OF
LASOR'TO ASSIST IN SETTING THE PIECES AND RE- PLUMBING
THE FOUNTAIN,
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ARTIST'S RESUME
PAULA ZIMA HAS MADE A LIVING ON THE CENTRAL COAST WITH
HER FINE AND COMMERCIAL ART FOR CLOSE TO TEN YEARS.
SHE STUDIED ORAWING9 PAINTING AND SCULPTURE AT STEPHENS
COLLEGE IN MISSOURI AND LOS LLANOS SCHOOL OF ARTS AND
CRAFTS IN SANTA FEq NEW MEXICO. SHE LEARNED PRINT-
MAKING AT CUESTA COLLEGES AND HOLDS A B.S. DEGREE IN
GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS FROM CAL POLY,
PAULA'S SCULPTURE WAS FIST PUBLICLY EXHIBITED AT THE
FORMS FOR SPACES SHOW IN 1986. HER PRINTS ARE EXHIBITED
AT THE WEBSTER GALLERY IN CAMBRIA.
A MAJOR COMMISSION ENCOMPASSING TWO YEARS OF WORK WAS
THE COMPLETION OF FOURTEEN FULL SIZED9 LIFELIKE
FIGURES OF GUATEMALAN INDIANS. THE WORK WAS COMMISSIONED
BY A LOCAL COLLECTOR OF COSTUMES AND TEXTILES. THE
COLLECTION AND FIGURES NOW RESIDE AT THE UCLA MUSEUM OF
CULTURAL HISTORY AND WILL BE FEATURED AS A MAIN EXHIBIT
UPON THE OPENING OF THEIR NEW BUILDING,
ARTIST'S STATEMENT
~IT IS MY FEELING THAT THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE FIND
SCULPTURE WITH A BENCE OF REALISM MORE APPEALING THAN
ABSTRACTIONS, 1 PREFER ROUNDED FORMS THAT CONVEY
FEELINGS OF HOPE AND WARMTH TO THE VIEWER. TO MY
MINDS GOOD SCULPTURE SHOULD INVITE TOUCHING.
OUR WORLD NEEDS EVERY SIT OF HARMONY9 SENSITIVITY OF
SCALEV BEAUTY9 HUMOR AND LOVE THAT WE CAN DESIGN INTO
IT, OVER THE COMING YEARS 1 INTEND TO SUPPORT THAT
THOUGHT BY CREATING LARGE BUT MANAGEABLE SCULPTURES.
ONES THAT INVITE TOUCHINGS SITTING UPONg AND LEANING
AGAINST.....SCULPTURES THAT ARE 'ALIVE'q AND BECOME
FRIENDS TO THE PASSERSBY.
1 HAVE INTEGRATED THESE GOALS INTO THE SCULPTURAL
COMPOSITION PROPOSED FOR THE MISSION PLAZA FOUNTAIN
POOL. CONCEIVED OF AS A GENTLE REMINDER OF TIMES LONG
PASTS 1 BELIEVE A REFLECTION OF FRIENOSHIP9 HARMONY
AND SERENITY HAS BEEN ACHIEVED.~
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-- Qctober 20, 7987 - - - - -- - - -- - — - - - ----- _.. - - - --
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC ART IN RAILROAD SQUARE
1. Public Art shall be located within public right -of -way, or shall otherwise be easily
visible or accessible from a public right -of -way.
I
2. Public Art shall be. appropriate in terms of the architectural scale, materials, and
the historical and environmental context of the immediate site and neighborhood.
3. No expressions of profanity, vulgarity, or obvious poor taste shall be allowed.
4. Public art shall be constructed of permanent, durable materials and require minimal
or no maintenance.
5. Artwork shall reflect a high level of artistic excellence, and shall be designed and
installed by persons with appropriate experience and knowledge.
6. The design and placement of public art shall not impede pedestrian or vehicle
traffic, or conflict with public or private easements.
7. Public art shall be integrated with the site, and include landscaping, lighting,
interpretative information, other amenities where appropriate.
8. Public art shall not directly or indirectly cause adverse environmental effects, or
otherwise jeopardize public health, safety, or welfare.
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EXHIBIT
311
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