HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/07/1990, 3 - ARC 89-98: CONSIDERATION OF AN APPEAL OF THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION'S ACTION DENYING A MUR !IIIIIIIII!I�III MEETING OATS:
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COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT ""NUMBER:
FROM: Arnold Jonas, Community Development Director 9e
BY: Judith Lautner, Associate Planner
SUBJECT: ARC 89-98: Consideratlon of an appeal of the
Architectural Review Commission's action denying a
mural to be painted on the wall of the Earthling
bookstore, on the northwest corner of Higuera and
Broad Streets.
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a resolution upholding the Architectural Review Commission's
action, denying the appeal.
BACKGROUND
Situation
The applicants want to have a mural painted on their building.
They have also requested that the mural be considered public art
and are requesting funding assistance from the city. The
Architectural Review Commission (ARC) reviewed the proposal on
three occasions, and on June 18, 1990 denied it on a 5-2 vote. The
applicants have appealed that decision. Appeals of Architectural
Review Commission actions are heard by the council.
Data summary
Address: 698 Hiquera Street
Applicants: Earthling Bookshop
Representative: Penny Davies
Property owner: Tom James, Trustee
Zoning: C-C-H
General plan: Retail commercial
Environmental status: Categorically exempt - minor change to
existing building
Project action deadline: None; action has been taken
Site description
The irregular-shaped corner lot is almost completely covered by a
large book store. The building's entrance is protected by a canvas
awning. The majority of the building, including the wall to be
used for the mural, is sand-finished stucco, painted a light beige..
The wall facing Broad Street contains an arched recess, windows,
and a delivery door.
11 � city of San IDIS o81Sp0
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COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
ARC 89-98
Page 2
Project description
The applicants want to have a local artist, Rosi Lusardi, paint a
mural on the large wall facing Broad Street. The mural would
depict children dreaming or imagining scenes from many well-known
children's stories. The mural is to be air-brushed onto the stucco
wall. A colored sketch of the proposed mural will be available at
the meeting.
EVALUATION
1. Art in public places. The council adopted a "visual arts in
public places program" in May 1990, after a lengthy review
period. The program defines "public art", establishes goals
and objectives, proposes incentives, and establishes criteria
for matching grant funding. The program also defines the
public art review process.
For a project on private property requesting matching funds
from the city, the process is:
1 Routing to the Arts Council for evaluation of the
technical and artistic merit of the public art;
2 Review and action by the Architectural Review Commission
(ARC) ;
3 Review of funding request by the Promotional Coordinating
Committee;
4 Action on the funding request by the City Council.
The proposal was routed to the Arts Council for comments, and
reviewed by the ARC on three occasions. The ARC denied the
request, finding that the scale, size, and scope of the mural
would impact the neighborhood and was not appropriate at the
location. The applicants appealed that decision.
The request before the council at this time, then, is the
design of the mural in the context of its setting. The
funding request is a separate issue. If the council approves
the design, then the funding request will be forwarded to the
Promotional Coordinating Committee for a recommendation, and
later heard by the council.
2. Arts council comments. The Arts Council reviewed the mural
on two occasions: prior to the first review by the ARC, and
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���1��fi►�IIIIIII��n ��Ill city of San IDIS OBISp0
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT"
ARC 89-98
Page 3
after two hearings but before the third by the ARC. The Arts
Council's comments are attached. In general, that council
found the artist qualified to do the work, but felt the mural
to be too complex and large for the neighborhood.
3. Basis for denial. The public art program provides guidelines
for public art, to assist "artists, citizens, commission and
council members and staff understand the city's expectations
for public art". To be approved, all public art submittals
should meet the guidelines. If one or more of the guidelines
is not met, then the Architectural Review Commission should
deny the application.
In the present case, the Architectural Review Commission found
that the mural did not meet the third guideline:
Public art shall be compatible with the immediate site and
neighborhood in terms of architectural scale, materials, land
use and the site's historical and environmental context.
In its first two reviews of the mural, the commission asked
the artist to reduce the scale of the mural and tone down the
colors. The commission expressed concerns about the mural
being overwhelming, particularly for pedestrians. They felt
the size and complexity of the design made it out of scale
with the neighborhood. The artist responded by reducing the
overall size and explaining her intent to make the central
figures most vivid in color, and the remaining figures less
intense.
At the third hearing, the majority of the commission felt the
mural was still not small enough or light enough in color to
warrant approval. The artist indicated she was unwilling to
change it again, and the commission therefore denied it.
4. Appeal. The artist, in her appeal of that decision, says,
"the board seems unsure of their role in the 'art in public
places' applications". The commission's action was consistent
with the guidelines for public art, in that the focus of
concern was with compatibility with the neighborhood, rather
than with the subject of the mural.
PREVIOUS REVIEW
The ARC first reviewed this request . on September 18, 1989, and
continued it with direction to reduce the size and "contain" the
mural. The commission continued the request again on November 13,
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►�N�I�IipA��p� city of san tins oaispo
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
ARC 89-98
Page 4
1989, because an applicant or representative was not present. The
commission reviewed the request again on January 15, 1990, and
continued it a third time with direction to reduce the size and
work with the coloring. On June 18, 1990, the ARC denied the
application.
ALTERNATIVES
The council may approve the application. The funding request would
then be referred to the Promotional Coordinating Committee for a
recommendation, and then would be acted upon by the council. If
the funding request is denied, the applicants would still be able
to complete the mural, but would have to fund the entire project
themselves.
The council may continue the request, if additional information is
needed or if the council wants to see changes made in the project.
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a resolution upholding the ARC's action denying the
application, thereby denying the appeal.
Attached:
Draft resolutions
Vicinity map
Arts Council comments
ARC minutes
Letters from applicants, artist, citizens
Appeal letter
�-y
i
C' RESOLUTION NO. (1990 Series)
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
DENYING AN APPEAL OF THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION'S ACTION
DENYING A REQUEST TO PAINT A MURAL ON THE WALL OF A BOOKSTORE
ON THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF HIGUERA AND BROAD STREETS (ARC 89-98)
BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San ,Luis
Obispo as follows:
SECTION 1. Findings. That this council, after
consideration of public testimony, the mural request ARC 89-98, and
the Architectural Review Commission's action, the Arts Council 's
recommendations, the applicants' appeal, staff recommendations and
reports thereon, makes the following findings:
1. The scale, size, and scope of the proposed mural would
impact the neighborhood and is not appropriate at the.
proposed location.
OSECTION 2 . The appeal of the Architectural Review
Commission's action is hereby denied.
On motion of
seconded by and, on the following
roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
the foregoing resolution was passed and adopted this day
of , 1990.
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Resolution no. (1990 Series)
ARC 89-98
Page 2
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
APPROVED:
J
G ..
nistrative Officer
it Att me
Community DevelopVent Director
0
RESOLLUTION NO. (1990 Series)
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
APPROVING AN APPEAL OF THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION'S ACTION
THEREBY APPROVING A MURAL FOR THE WALL OF A BOOKSTORE ON THE
NORTHWESTERLY CORNER OF HIGUERA AND BROAD STREETS (ARC 89-98)
BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo as follows:
SECTION 1. Findings. That this council, after
consideration of public testimony, the mural request ARC 89-98, and
the Architectural Review Commission's action, the Arts Council
comments, the appeal, staff recommendations and reports thereon,
makes the following findings:
0
I. The proposed mural is consistent with adopted guidelines
for public art; as described in the "Visual Arts in Public
Places Program".
SECTION 2. The mural request ARC 89-98 is hereby approved.
On motion of
seconded by and on the following roll call
vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
the foregoing resolution was passed and adopted this day
of .._-- , 1990.
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37
Resolution no. (1990 Series)
ARC 89-98
Page 2
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
APPROVED•
City Adm nistrative Officer
C' y for ey
Community Develo m nt .Director
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San Luis Obis 1,
r� ARTS COUNCIL California 93406
(805)54.1-9251
Report from Public Art Review Panel
for Earthling Bookstore Public Art Proposal
The members of the ad hoc Public Art Review Panel were Donna Duerk, John
Barrett, and Arne Nybak. The Panel met on Friday, September 8, 1989 and
submits the following comments about the proposal to the city.
ARTIST'S QUALIFICATIONS:
Rosi Lusardi is qualified to complete the piece; she has good credentials and
skills.
COMMENTS ABOUT PROPOSED ARTWORK-
The
RTWORKThe panel believes the two main criteria to be considered In mural projects -
are (1 ) that the mural should be 'timeless', and (2) that the,pro ject be site-
specific, and adaptable to changing tenants. The following comments
pertain to these criteria.
1. Broad Street is a movement corridor. The proposed mural is complex in
content, encouraging stationary viewing, rather than facilitating movement.
2. The proposed mural's subject matter pertains strongly to what is
currently occupying the building.
3. The size and scope of the mural will heavily impact the surrounding
neighborhood. Although a business will benefit from any type of public art,
this mural is similar to a sign or billboard for the business, and therefore
benefits the business more than the neighborhood.
4. The Panel expressed concern about the City's 'investment' in the mural
as proposed. On a heavy stucco surface:
a) detail is difficult to achieve.
b) expansion and contraction of the masonry causes flaking and
chipping of paint.
c) maintenance Is difficult.
d) the mural will last 3 to 7 years, experts estimate.
5. The Panel is concerned about copyright infringement for some of the 3,/0
Images in the mural that are not original designs.
EARTHLING PROPOSAL,-PAGE TWO
BUDGET:
If the mural is to be redesigned, the City should allow the artist to revise
her budget, if she feels it is necessary to do so. Otherwise, the budget
seems appropriate for the scope of the project.
PANEL SUGGESTIONS:
1. The proposed mural would be better suited to the interior of the building,
perhaps the upper walls of the bookstore from which artwork is currently
being displayed. The mural would be visible from the outside of the building
through the windows.
2. Fewer, but bolder flowing images might facilitate movement.
3. If the mural were smaller and more simple, it might better relate to its
surrounding neighborhood.
O4. The mural could be painted on panels or a false wall, leaving more wall
space in between the panels. This could solve a number of possible
problems:
a) the mural would be portable, should the building need to be altered
In the future.
b) the artist could do her work in a studio, rather than outdoors. This
would alleviate any weather delays or sidewalk obstruction during
construction.
c) designs contained in panels are stronger and bolder than those that
are spread out on an entire wall.
d) a mural painted on a false wall of 3/8 inch Medium Density
Overlay Resin Impregnated paper, bolted or screwed on existing
stucco 1s easier to prepare, will use less paint, and will last much
longer. (Please call the Arts Council for more detail about the
suggested materials.)
5. To avoid problems with.securing the rights to the copyrighted images in
the mural, the artist could incorporate more original designs.
Members of the panel are willing to discuss or advise further on any of their
suggestions. They can be reached by calling the Arts Council at 544-9251.
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ARC Minutes
September 18, 1989 J
Page 9
5. ARC 89-98: 698 Higuera Street; new mural on face of wall of Earthling
Bookstore; C-C-H zone; final review.
Judith Lautner, Associate Planner, presented the staff report recommending a
continuance.
Terrence Davies, applicant„ responded to the staff report and gave a background of
the project. He wanted to stimulate children with classic characters and create a
giant puzzle to decipher. He noted the design was meant to be complicated and he
did not think it would be considered advertising for the bookstore. He noted this
area was more of a pedestrian area than vehicular.
Rosi Lusardi, artist, noted this was an artist's dream project. She noted it would be
hard to narrow down the number of characters but did clarify this design was still in
the rough draft stage. She indicated that proposed colors would be softer than they
now appear and fade out more at the edges of the design and that the base would be
a darker color to withstand the bumps from pedestrians and bicycles. She also
indicated that no black lines would be used. She planned to use sign painters'
enamel but a latex may have to be used instead since stucco retains moisture if
covered with enamel. She will also use an anti-graffiti paint over the entire mural
She would prefer not to put the mural on panels because panels have a tendency to
separate.
David Brody, 873 Chorro, indicated that residents did not have sufficient notice
regarding this project He felt the scale of the mural was overwhelming for the area
it would be placed on and asked if the size could be reduced. He felt using the
recesses only for the painting, instead of the whole wall, would be more in character
with the area. He had concerns with the public funding of the project
Woody Combrink felt that seeing the mural at the typical viewing distance would be
incredibly jarring. He felt the sections could be scaled down so it could be read at a
close distance.
ARC Minutes
O September 18, 1989
Page 10
Commr. Morris appreciated the work that had been put into the mural and liked the
subject matter, but felt it was overpowering on this site. He preferred to see the
mural scaled down. He questioned if the mural would be more appropriate if it was
relocated to inside the building. He suggested the use of tile instead of paint.
Commr. Bradford indicated she encouraged the use of public art. She suggested
containing the mural or framing it. She felt the viewing distance was an important
consideration. She felt public funding would be easier to obtain if San Luis Obispo
history were incorporated into the mural. She wanted to see another proposal.
Commr. Chatham liked the subject matter and felt it may be more durable than
supposed. He felt the size needed to be scaled down and the image moved up the
wall.
Commr. Starr felt the mural leaned more towards the cultural side rather than
commercial side but felt if it were to work as proposed, it should be scaled down to a
child's level. He felt the same theme could be achieved with panels.
CCommr. Jones supported Commr. Starr's suggestion of scaling the mural down to kids'
level. He felt the design appears chaotic but the subject matter was good. He
thought it would have more impact if it were framed.
Commr. Cooper felt the mural would offer an invitation to people to go down Broad
Street and noted the mural's close proximity to the Art Center. He felt that the
Hudsons' mural should have been put on panels not on the stucco as installed. He
felt the wall had already been improved and didn't need much more help. He felt
the mural should draw attention to the nice parts of the wall.
Howard Weisenthal felt a frame would only accentuate the size of the mural. He felt
that fading would help with its size. He thought the mural had a human scale and
supported its approval.
Commr. Bradford moved to continue consideration of the mural with direction to
reduce the size of the mural and confine it within some sort of frame.
Commr. Morris seconded the motion.
AYES: Bradford, Morris, Jones, Starr, Cbatham, Cooper
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gates
CThe motion passes.
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ARC Minutes
June 18, 1990
Page 3
PROJECTS:
L ARC 89-98: 698 Higuera Street; new mural on face of wall of Earthling
Bookstore; C-C-H zone; final review.
Greg Smith, Associate Planner, presented the staff report and recommended the
commission either approve or deny the mural based on findings.
Rosi Lusardi, artist, responded to the staff report and presented color renderings of
the current and prior proposals. She noted the horizon would blend to an off-white
color and that the figures were close to human scale.
Mr. Davies, applicant, believed the Art Council had approved the proposal.
Commr. Cooper requested the Arts Council Guidelines for the commission's workbook
or at least included in staff reports. He questioned whether the project would
proceed without public an funding.
Commr. Gates was concerned with Arts Council comments. She liked the hammock,
trees, and the pastoral scene but wanted the other portions eliminated from the
mural.
Commr. Phillips thought the mural looked too busy and functioned as a sign. She
suggested using smaller artwork around the windows.
Commr. Underwood felt the artwork was charming but thought the edges needed
more definition.
Commr. Bradford wanted to see the artwork and felt it should not take up the entire
building length. She felt then, it might not be considered as a sign.
Commr. Cooper discussed policy issues relating to murals. He suggested reducing the
mural's complexity and using less intense colors.
Commr. Chatham supported the project although he felt the other commissioners'
concerns bad not been addressed.
Commr. Morris felt be could support the mural if it was reduced in length by about
30 percent. He liked the mural's emphasis of the central section.
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ARC Minutes
O June 18, 1990
Page 4
Commr. Bradford moved to deny the mural finding that the scale, size and scope of
the mural would impact the neighborhood and was not appropriate at the location.
Commr. Cooper seconded the motion.
AYES: Bradford, Cooper, Gates, Underwood, Phillips
NOES: Chatham, Morris
ABSENT: None
The motion passes.
ARC 89-106: 725 Higuera Street; new retail-commercial building; C-C-H zone;
plan revisions.
Commr. 's stepped down due to a conflict of interest.
Greg Smith, Ass *ate Planner, presented the staff report recommending the
commission approve e proposed revisions to the facade as submitted.
Jeff Bague, representative, esponded to the staff report and supported staffs
recommendation. He noted a door was set back 4 feet and the sign would be
applied to the fascia and not be cessed.
Commr. Chatham felt the project was ry attractive.
Commrs. Gates and Bradford supported the roject.
Commr. Phillips preferred the original design an dicated she did not like the
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relation of the doors and signage. She suggested h ting for the sidewalk area. She
liked the '1990" located at the parapet.
Commr. Underwood suggested using a recessed sign.
Commr. Gates moved to approve the revisions to the facade o e building including
recessing the sip and noting the construction date on the parape
CDmmr. Underwood seconded the motion.
3-15
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
San Luis Obispo, California
Regular Meeting - January 15, 1990
PRESENT: Commrs. Melinda Bradford, Dan Chatham, Madi Gates, Paul Jones,
Duane Morris, Brian Starr, and Chairperson Allen Cooper
OTHERS
PRESENT: Judith Lautner, Associate Planner; and Ken Bruce, Senior Planner
PROJECTS:
1. ARC 89-98: 698 Higuera Street; new mural on face of wall of Earthling
Bookstore; C-C-H zone; final review.
Judith Lautner, Associate Planner, presented the staff report recommending approval.
Rosemary Lusardi, artist, responded to the staff report and described changes made to
the mural and proposed colors. She introduced Thalia Davis, applicant, to the
commission and indicated they would be willing to answer any-questions.
Commr. Bradford felt the mural was still too large and too complex for its setting.
Commr. Jones supported approval.
Commr. Chatham supported staffs recommendation.
Commr. Morris felt that pastel colors would make the mural less dominant, however,
he felt it was still too large. He supported the changes and mural content.
Commr. Gates agreed with Commr. Morris. She felt the mural should be scaled
down and be less complex.
Commr. Starr felt he could support the proposal if it were very softly shaded.
Commr. Cooper thought there would be more focus on the child in the hammock and
could support it with that change. He felt focus was necessary for order.
Ms. Lusardi noted that the children would be painted in the most intense colors, with
other images used as detail, but not as intense in color.
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ARC Minutes
O January 15, 1990
Page 2
Commr. Bradford moved to continue consideration with direction to reduce the size
of the mural and restudy the proposed coloring.
Commr. Gates seconded the motion.
AYES: Bradford, Gates, Morris, Starr, Cooper
NOES: Jones, Chatham
ABSENT: None
The motion passes.
2. ARC 89-103: 960 Nipomo Street; new office condominium; O-H zone; details
review.
Judith Lautner, Associate Planner, presented the staff report recommending approval
Cof the details.
Joe Silvaggio, applicant, responded to the staff report and indicated he wanted to use
a steel troweled texture rather than sand and would prefer not to shrink the parking
spaces. He also indicated the persimmon at the rear of the property would be
retained. He noted that terra cotta roof tile would be used and a black railing. He
preferred not to recess the remaining windows because of possible mechanical
problems. He noted all the windows could be flush with plant-on frames. He noted
the redwood fence could match the fence next door (by the city parking lot).
Terry Simons, architect, explained that the architectural concept was a modern interior
in an eclectic shell, like a "building inside a building."
Commr. Jones supported the staff recommendation but would prefer recessing the
windows rather than using plant-ons. He preferred a smooth texture plaster and that
the fountain have recirculating water. He suggested using compatible tiles to draw
attention to the entrances.
Commr. Chatham felt the applicant had met the concerns of the commission. He
thought a smooth stucco would look better, especially with the darker color. He
supported approval.
Commr. Morris supported staffs recommendation.
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Date: September 7 , 1989
To: City Planning Commission
San Luis Obispo
Art In Public Places
From: Earthling Bookshop, San Luis Obispo
Penny and Terry Davies
Re: Mural on the Wall facing Broad Street
Earthling Bookshop Building at
698 Higuera Street (corner of Broad)
The San Luis Obispo Earthling Bookshop opened its doors June 21, 1989 at the
corner of Higuera (698) and Broad Streets. Owners Penelope and Terence
Davies saw the possibility of creating a beautiful mural on the Broad Street
exterior wall of the Bookshop's building. The building is right on the creek,
a block away from the Old Mission. The wall is seen by thousands of tourists
and San Luis residents every year. The Davies' would like to request
permission of the City Planning Commission and the City Council to have a
local artist paint a mural on this wall, depicting characters from classic
children's literature. We want to integrate the oak trees, creek and the hills
surrounding the City into the mural, using soft tones and colors, appropriate
for a large piece of art that will be subject to public viewing.
The Davies family not only requests permission to have this mural painted on
the wall but are also asking the City to assist us financially to pay the cost as
one of the "Art In Public Places" projects.
We have asked a local artist, Rosie Lusardi, to make some preliminary sketches
to submit our ideas to you. The mural will cover the entire side of the
building from the Higuera corner to the walkway along the creek.
Architectural characteristics of the building will be integrated into the mural
as will the trees that are growing on the Broad Street side of the building.
(See Mrs. Lusardi's enclosed sketch and slides.)
We wish to make the mural a "destination" for tourists and local citizens --
especially the children of San Luis Obispo.
3-4
City Planning Commission
San Luis Obispo - Art In Public Places
September 7, 1989
Page Two
We recognize that this mural will take a significant financial investment for the
City -- as it would for the Earthling. We feel that this investment will be
justified -- it will be a beautiful piece of local art that will enhance the
downtown,. and please and educate all who see it. We do not wish the mural to
be an advertisement for the Earthling but an addition to the beautiful
downtown of a City that has so warmly welcomed us. We believe it would be
appropriate for a plaque to be mounted stating that the: mural was :sponsored
by the City of San Luis Obispo and the Earthling Bookshop. Lighting would
be provided for night viewing and to reduce vandalism.
The Earthling Bookshop looks with pleasure to contributing to the uniqueness
and special quality of life of San Luis Obispo.
Penny and Terry Davies
Enclosures
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San Luis Coastal Unified School 'isrrict
1499 SAN LUIS DRIVE•P.O. BOX ,
SAN LUIS OBISPO. CA 93403•8�
1 E L E P H O N E ( 8 (1 5 ) 5 4 ; . : u 1 0
LAGUNA JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
RECEIVED
December 4, 1989
DEC 81989
c4y 0i San Luis Obam
^mm+unM DerdoDn�•�
City of San Luis Obispo
Architectural Review Committee
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Dear Committee Members:
It has been brought to my attention that the Earthling Book Store
is requesting permission from the City to have murals painted by
Rosi Lusardi on the exterior of their Board Street wall .
Last year Mrs. Lusardi was commissioned by the Laguna Junior High
PTA to paint our school emblem on a large exterior wall . The
purpose was to help build pride and spirit among our students and
staff. In working with Mrs. Lusardi , we have found her work to
be highly professional . She is a master with an air brush. The
design and finished product has become a source of price for our
school .
I was concerned that this mural might become a target for
graffiti , but there has been absolutely no problem. A clear
covering was also sprayed on the mural so any marks, other than
scratches, could be cleaned off.
In your deliberations, please do not permit the qualifications of
the artist, Rosi Lusardi, influence your decision. She is one of
the best. We would be happy to have any committee members drop
by and see her work.
Sincerely,
Richard Andrus
Principal
RA:bh
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District Superintendent, EDWIN DENTON, Ed.D.
December ,12, 1989.
KtCE1VEV
Architectural Review Commission IOU 151989
City of San Luis Obispo city OF S*n L &00,&W
9.90 Palm St.
San Luis Obispo, Calif. 93401
Dear Sirs:
As Co-President and Board Member of Laguna Junior
High PTA during the 1988-89 school year, I was fortunate
enough to instigate the commissioning of a Laguna
Lancer mural for the school.. This was an effort by the
PTA to endow this wonderful school with a symbol of the
pride and spirit shared by parents, students, and
teachers alike. When considering artists, the one that
we chose was Rosi Lusardi . She was very professional
in presenting photos of her mural she had done in Arroyo
Grande at Paulding Junior High, and in working with us
on best location, colors, size, etc.
I have known Rosi for 19 years and have been lucky
enough to have seen the beautiful variety of her work,
O both at her studio and at the many galleries that have
displayed her work . She paints with her heart and .with
wholesome integrity . Her work shows the appropriate
emotion that a great painting or drawing was meant to
convey. Many of her pieces are personal or commissioned
family portraits, and she has an uncanny ability to
deliver to the viewer the impish eye-glint or loving
glance that caring families can portray.
I am very proud to boast of my involvement in
getting Rosi Lusardi to paint the handsome Lancer and
Steed mural at Laguna Junior High School , and have been
told by students, parents and teachers since that it
inspires school pride and spirit. I feel that the city
of San Luis Obispo would be enhanced by one of Rosi
Lusardi ' s tasteful murals and would invite both resident
and visitor to confirm their belief that we have a truly
unique city.
Sincerely,
Pam Hudgens
85 Guerra Dr.
San Luis Obispo
CCalif. 93403
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Rosi Lusardi
ARC
City Hall
San Luis Obispo
We are submitting a third version of the proposed mural for the outside of the Earthling
Book Store, located on Higuera and Broad Streets. This version is almost identical in content
to the last version. It varies in coloration .The main theme of the mural is children's literature.
and the focal point of the mural is two children reading while lounging in a,hammock. I've used
a pencil sketck instead of xerox versions of the figures to show how the figures will be softer in
impact without the black lines.The intensity of the colors will be a bit stronger at the focal point
of the picture, and softening as they go outward. But I do want you to realize that we are talking
about a mural, as a work of art, and as such it is (to an extent) a thing that must be allowed
to evolve as it is created. A work of art often changes as it grows from idea to sketch and fro'.J
sketch to final version. If you cannot accept this,you must deny our application.The idea ,the
size, and the general figures will remain the same, but art (mine in particular) must be.free to
evolve as the artist sees fit, during its execution.
The city of San Luis Obispo seems to want art in public places, and has been promoting
it in advertising.The city wants community support for these projects. Here is one project that
seems to fill the bill. We hope to have some financial assistance for this project. I have kept my
fee as low as I can financially afford to do. and the balance of the cost is equipment and.
materials. As a whole. we feel that the project is quite reasonably priced. I hope that you will
agree what a positive thing this mural will be to the city and the people of San Luis Obispo.
Sincerely,
3-Q�
The Proposed Mural - Revisions and Explanations by the Artist
The wall surface is stucco, old, but in good condition and recently painted.
After looking into several alternatives suggested about type of surface upon which to
paint, I return to the actual stucco wall as most practical and durable. 1) The stucco
is old, and smoother than new stucco because of layers upon layers of paint and I see
no problem in getting the kinds of detail I will need on this surface with the airbrush
or detail brushes I plan to use. It is in good condition, without cracks that would
cause surface deterioration. I used two "experts" in the field for my sources of infor-
mation; my paint source. Pratt and Lambert located on Orcutt.Road, and Haven's
Graffiti, a commercial sign painter from Santa Maria (who said he would answer
questions that anyone needed to ask, 922-0722 ). Both feel that the mural will have a
longer life on the stucco wall than on a false wall. 2) Both suggested that I change
from my original choice of sign painters enamel to a high quality latex based paint as
it will adhere better, breath and really has greater longevity. I have agreed to this
change. They feel that the mural could last 10 years or even much longer, depending
on the condition of the stucco wall now. They caution only the application of the
anti-graffiti paint, because it will seal the wall; and that this must just be done with
consideration of any moisture in the wall (after several days of dry, warm sun, the
paint can be applied without worry). The mural will not last forever, but 10 years is a
long time and will allow many thousands of people to enjoy it; a symphony, a play, or
a ballet lasts only a few hours. 3) Attaching anything to the exterior wall of the store
be a) costly (materials suggested would cost about $2.000 and installation even
more), b) would damage the stucco surface (causing potental moisture damage and
leakage); c) would take away from the flowing, desolving and reappearing image effect
I wish to create and d) would not be as durable as the actual wall.
I have altered the design some since the last review; some on committee sug-
gestions and some on the Davies' suggestions. I have taken out some of the more
adult theme classic characters and added a few others, some from "newer" classics
(The Island of the BIue Dolphin and Charlotte's Web), and others that seemed appro-
priate. I have included some central coast landmarks that a child might imagine as
the backdrop to some of the stories, Morro Rock, the mountains of San Luis Obispo,
and Hearst Castle.
The size of the design has been reduced somewhat, as that seemed a common
suggestion from most sources. I have reduced the size of the figures in varying
amounts and dropped the images down, maybe 25% from the top of the wall. I have
also made a wider "kick plate" at the bottom of the mural, averaging about 2 feet high
in most places. I did not reduce the complexity of the mural because I feel that it is
important to my theme. Literature has endless variety and is extremely complex, I
hope the mural echos this. It will attract attention, but I think the complexity of it
will discourage people in cars from trying to view it all from their vehicles, it will be
obvious at a glance that if one wishes to look at the mural it will have to be from the
opposite sidewalk, so this will actually encourage people to park and walk downtown
to view it. P
,�—dJ
Children's literature is of such universal appeal that I don't think it would go
badly on the exterior of any store, should the Earthling move. This isn't likely how-
ever, since they have a twenty year lease. (they also agree to pay for maintenance on
the wall should it need it).
The design is set up to use the building structure and details as part of the
mural: the arch depression on the left side of the mural, becomes the doorway to The
Secret Garden; the large window becomes the wall of the castle where Rapunsel is
imprisioned, with the pattern of the panes of the window echoed into the castle
stonework; the recessed rear door becomes the mouth of the cave in Tom Sawyers
adventure with Becky and Injun Joe; the sidewalk trees become part of Sherwood
forest , Middle Earth woodlands and Narnia; and The Ugly Duckling and Huck Finn
both head to San Luis Creek for the day.
The sketch you see is still in rough form and you must use your imagination to
envision the finished mural. The characters in the sketch have black outlines, the
mural will not... in many ares one image will actually flow into another. The faces of
the characters will be those of actual people. The colors will be strongest in the faces
and the items that I wish to bring attention to, and soft pastels will be almost every-
where else, fading to nothing as they go to the top of the wall; giving the impression
of a smaller picture. The mural is large, but will not feel as large as it is because of
the softness.
There are two copyrighted character groups that I had hoped to use in the
mural, the Beatrice Potter, Peter Rabbit and the AA Milne , Winnie the Pooh and
Piglet,(rights now owned by Walt Disney Co.) I have recieved the written permission
for the former, and was denied use of the later, so I have substituted Raggedy Ann
and Andy for Pooh and Piglet. The rest of the characters are my own version of re-
cogizable characters, poses, props and clothing.
I believe that we can make this mural something really special that will benefit
all San Luis Obispo. Something of this magnitude and with this type of universal ap-
peal is bound to attract a lot of attention. I hope it will encourage children and adults
to read or reread some of these stories; I hope that it will initiate reminicing and dis-
cussion between adults, their children and their friends; and I hope it will increase
apprecition of art in public places and encourage more art for the people.
��. C�I• Sf /1
1
cityof san tuis OBISPO
990 Palm Street/Post Office Boz 8100 • San Luis Obispo, CA 93403.8100
APPEAL TO CITY COUNCIL
In accordance with the appeals procedure as authorized by Title I . Chapter
1 .20 of the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code, the undersigned hereby appeals
from the decision of _7�hO 19JPrj rendered
on which decision Consisted of the following ( i .e.
set forth -factual situation and the grounds for submitting this appeal .
Use additional sheets as needed) :
4-o dcv�c , - Fv,mural annt La km-�rLA2
4tal bow. ti e� wn.� I �O 1,9& w..
RECEIVE ®
�J J U Z J 1"tA
ClrrcLK
SAN LUIS 08,YPO.CA
The undersigned discussed the decision being appealed from with:
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5,10m) Original for City Clerk / (,(J rd)
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Ca en ared f r: Copy to City Attorney
D Copy to City Adainlstrative Officer
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City Cle �yl� oC
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city ® sAn CAIS oBispo
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oft: t fi., 990 Palm Street/Post Office Box 8100 • San Luis Obispo, CA 93403.8100
7 August 1990 �-
TO: City Council
FROM: Judy Lautner, Associate Planner
D l �Qn4�
SUBJECT: Earthling bookstore mural
Councilmember Pinard has asked for an elevation of the bookstore
building, showing approximately where the mural would be painted.
Attached is a simplified elevation of the Broad Street elevation,
with the mural location indicated.
0
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