CITY COUNCIL REGUALR MEETING AGENDA PACKET

Page 2 of 5 3. A release letter by the donor should the city decide to deaccess the artwork in the future.  D. The city will acknowledge receipt of the donated artwork without valuation for tax purposes. The donor must find other means of establishing the value of the artwork. (Ord. 1676 § 1, 1996)  Public Art Selection Subcommittee Review The Public Art Selection Subcommittee (PASS), composed of City commissioners and staff, supports the Art in Public Places process and meets on an as-needed basis to review and discuss proposed public art donations. PASS members convened on June 28, 2024, with members of the Civic Arts, Library, and Parks and Recreation commissions, along with City staff, to receive an informational presentation from the art donor, Dorothy Broderson, and discussed the piece based on the considerations outlined in the PMC for proposed donations, which include artistic merit, location, installation, and maintenance.  Information about the Artwork The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Book Bench was created by Kristen Calderon, a Bay Area artist known for her imaginative and vibrant style, drawing inspiration from classic literature and fantasy themes. Her work was featured in the Town of Danville’s temporary art exhibit, Bound for Books, in summer 2023. The exhibit featured an open call to artists and art students across the nine Bay Area counties, offering a $1,000 stipend to each participating artist. Ms. Calderon’s book bench and others were displayed outdoors from June to September 2023, allowing the public to engage with these creative interpretations of literary classics. Following the exhibit, Pleasanton resident Dorothy Broderson won an auction bid for The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Book Bench at a cost of $3,600 and requested to donate the piece to the City of Pleasanton. Artistic Merit  At the PASS meeting, members provided input on the artistic merit of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Book Bench. There was an appreciation for the creativity and concept behind the piece; however, some members noted that the style and quality differed from other pieces in the City’s public art collection, such as the bronze artworks at the Pleasanton Public Library. The group also discussed the City’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). While some members pointed out that the original novel may not fully align with these values, others emphasized that the story has been adapted over time, with newer adaptations resonating more with today's culture. Location, Installation, and Maintenance   PASS members considered four potential sites at the Pleasanton Public Library to install The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Book Bench at two indoor and two outdoor locations. Indoor options for the piece were limited due to the library's high traffic and constrained space, with 500,000 annual visits. Staff explored placing the bench on casters for flexibility to move the heavy piece, but the manufacturer advised against it, as it would compromise the bench's Page 6 of 46