Mountain View Visual Arts Committee Meeting - November 13, 2025

The Visual Arts Committee (VAC) met on November 13, 2025, to discuss capital improvement art projects, a public art strategy update, performing arts ad hoc committee plans, and routine business. Key actions included approving the 2026 meeting calendar, authorizing the call for artists for the Center for Performing Arts (CPA) exhibits, and advancing the public art strategy with ongoing community engagement.

Consent Calendar

• Meeting Minutes: The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the previous meeting (June 11, 2025). Motion by Regina, seconded by Cliff.
• 2026 Meeting Calendar: Approved with meetings on the second Wednesday of each month except November (moved to accommodate Veterans Day), and no meetings in January, July, or August. Motion passed.
• Call for Artists Authorization: The committee voted to authorize the call for artists for CPA exhibits for the period April 2026 through 2027. The call expands exhibit duration from six to eight weeks and reduces the number of selected artists from eight to six to ease logistics. Motion passed.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public provided oral comments during the meeting.

Discussion Items

Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project Updates

• Mural Contracts: Artist contracts for Fernanda Martinez and Harumo Saito are prepared for implementation after January 1, 2026, contingent on California Senate Bill 456 (exempting murals from certain requirements) taking effect. Installation timing depends on weather and artist availability.
• Villa Chiquita Park: Artist James Din has been selected to create a decorative panel for the back of a bench. Design is in progress, with installation tentatively scheduled for spring 2026.
• Evelyn Park: The “Looking Up Arts” butterfly reflector sculpture is in design, with installation targeted for late spring or early summer 2026. A small unveiling event is planned.
• Boathouse Expansion: The originally selected artist stepped away for personal reasons; because the boathouse construction has experienced delays, the committee will work with the artist as long as they can continue. The project is not expected to proceed until later in 2026.

Public Art Strategy Update

• Presenter: Amanda Rossin of Art Builds Community, the consultant leading the strategy update. She reported on community engagement progress.
• Engagement Activities: Pop-up events at the senior center, Monster Bash (8,000 attendees, 30+ surveys), Dia de Muertos (30+ surveys), and an online survey available in English, Spanish, and Mandarin. The survey closes December 14, 2025.
• Engagement Numbers: 642 website visitors, 415 pop-up interactions, 273 total surveys completed, 110 email subscribers, and 24 community workshop participants.
• Survey Snapshot: Top preferred art types: murals (56.5%), functional art (50.3%), and interactive/kinetic art. Preferred locations: downtown Mountain View (88.2%), parks and trails, and Civic Center Plaza. Top roles for art: bringing whimsy and delight, enriching lives, and supporting local arts.
• Vision & Goals: The committee reviewed the draft strategy developed by the former Visual Arts Committee (VAC) in 2023. The consultant noted that city council had previously proposed a slightly different vision that omitted economic development goals. Committee members (Susie, Cliff, Lacey) expressed caution about adopting the council’s version without the original goals and agreed to wait for further community input before refining the vision.
• Implementation: A dedicated arts position is expected to be proposed by the city manager’s office at the February 2026 mid-year budget update. The consultant will continue stakeholder meetings with artists, developers, businesses, and schools. A draft strategy is targeted for February–April 2026, with emerging themes to be shared in February.

Visual Arts & Performing Arts Ad Hoc Committee

• Reception Planning: The committee is organizing a reception for artist Donald Hushman, whose exhibition “Code Switching” opens at the Center for Performing Arts in February 2026. The reception is scheduled for February 17, 2026 (a Tuesday) at the CPA’s second stage. Tickets will be free, and refreshments will be provided. Marketing materials will be ready in December, with outreach to schools and local organizations.
• Gallery Hours: The CPA gallery is open Wednesday–Saturday from 12:00–3:00 PM and one hour before performances. Committee members discussed the limited hours and the potential of using volunteer docents to expand access; this is considered a pilot program.

New Business

• Call for Artists for CPA Exhibits: As noted in the Consent Calendar, the committee approved the call with minor changes (8-week exhibit duration, 6 artists per cycle). Discussion included encouraging applications from students at Freestyle Academy and other local schools. Kirsten will reach out to schools to gauge interest and to develop a student‑focused exhibit for a future cycle.
• Open Bucket: Lacey Rathbun proposed using the pedestrian/bike path along Crittenden Lane (connecting to Shoreline) for street art, noting the concrete walls and fences are currently bleak. The committee saw this as a great potential project that could align with the public art strategy, though funding and policy alignment would be needed. Members were encouraged to share similar ideas with staff.

Key Outcomes

• Approved minutes, 2026 meeting calendar, and the call for artists for CPA exhibits.
• Public Art Strategy will continue with staff and consultant work; emerging themes to be presented at the February 2026 VAC meeting. A draft strategy is expected by April 2026.
• Ad Hoc Committee will proceed with planning the February 17, 2026 reception for Donald Hushman.
• CIP Updates: Mural contracts will be executed after January 1, 2026; park art installations (Villa Chiquita, Evelyn) are on track; boathouse art remains delayed.
• Train Station Art: Arts Mountain View has submitted a building permit; installation is expected in early 2026 with a ribbon-cutting event when weather improves.
• Baller Beautification: Staff will re‑initiate coordination with artists after SB 456 takes effect, noting that one artist’s mosaic proposal may require a contractor’s license; alternatives are being considered.