09 - Laserfiche WebLink

BACKGROUND The Bernal Community Park Master Plan identifies public art as a key element for the park and calls out potential locations: "Primary locations for potential art placement include the Pleasanton Avenue entry to the Bernal Property from Bernal Avenue, and at primary Park gathering places." With this plan as a guide, a call for art was sent out in April 2018 for a public artwork piece in the Bernal Community Park Oak Woodland. Four submittals were received. All submittals were reviewed by the Public Art Selection Subcommittee (PASS) on June 22, 2018. Of the four art pieces submitted, the PASS committee recommended that "Pollinators" be reviewed by the Civic Arts Commission for inclusion in the Oak Woodland at Bernal Community Park. Bay Area artist, DeeDee Morrison submitted the design entitled, "Pollinators." "Pollinators" is a 9-foot high gage laser cut stainless steel sculpture commissioned by the City of Pleasanton (Attachment 1). The artist stated the following about her design: "Imagine encountering a stainless steel California oak leaf that is gracefully bent to express movement. The patterns that are laser cut into the leaf are created from native pollinator species that celebrate the incredible biodiversity of the region." The piece was originally proposed containing an illuminated element inside the sculpture. To ensure the natural environmental feel of the Oak Woodland, the artist was asked to remove the illuminated element. The artist indicated that she could remove the illuminated element and maintain the size and shape of the original design, or she could provide two unlit oak leaf sculptures instead of the one larger illuminated sculpture. The piece was then reviewed with the art conservator to determine stability and ongoing maintenance. The art conservator provided a list of suggestions to staff and the artist including types of materials to use to limit damage and increase weathering potential. DISCUSSION The proposed location for the art piece is the Oak Woodland at Bernal Community Park. The Public Art Selection Sub-Committee (PASS), the Civic Arts Commission, and the Parks and Recreation Commission have reviewed the proposed concept for the art piece and the location. Their recommendations are listed below. The Civic Arts Commission reviewed "Pollinators" on November 5, 2018. By a 3-2 vote the Civic Arts Commission recommended one 9-foot high gage laser cut stainless steel sculpture, unlit, to be placed inside the Oak Woodland area near the north end of the park closest to Oak Vista Way and Bernal Avenue. The Civic Arts Commission was split on recommending a location at the north end or south end of the park. Ultimately, the vote was three in favor of the north end for better visibility in the community (Attachment 2). The alternate location at the south end of the site is shown in Attachment 3. Page 2 of 3