Public Art Commission - June 18, 2026

Commission sets $65,000 cap for underpass mural launch

The Palo Alto Public Art Commission voted 7-0 to allocate up to $65,000 to launch a mural project in the pedestrian corridors of the University Avenue Caltrain underpass. Staff estimated the initial scope at about 25% of the wall surface; the vote funded project development rather than approving a final design.

Although the underpass has improved LED lighting and new conduit, persistent wall moisture and seepage could limit materials and placement. Staff proposed a surface-level mural rather than drilling or installing hardware, while retaining cream-colored wall areas that reflect light. Commissioners asked that later plans account for adhesion, vandalism, safety and brightness. Ideas included nature, local history and wayfinding, but no concept was selected.

Staff will continue consulting Stanford, downtown businesses, Public Works and other stakeholders while developing artist-selection, material, placement and coverage options. A pending VTA grant could provide up to $25,000, with awards expected in August. If awarded, the grant would require Santa Clara County artists, and work using the money could not occur until 2027.

Garage mural design approved 5-2 after debate over wording

The commission approved artist Phillip Hua’s conceptual design for a temporary mesh-banner mural on the Sherman Avenue parking garage, 5-2, with feedback for the artist to consider. Simon Tran and Tara de la Garza voted no.

The 21-by-19-foot design depicts a painted lady butterfly changing from a realistic form into a more colorful abstract form. Debate centered on the words “Everything Changes.” Commissioners and an online commenter raised concerns that the phrase could appear antagonistic or dismissive amid changes along California Avenue. They also questioned whether the typeface was accessible to people with low vision or sensory sensitivities. One commissioner worried that the digital appearance could be interpreted as AI-generated, although the record did not establish that AI was used.

A budget of up to $35,000 had previously been approved for design fees, mounting hardware, permits, banner production and installation. Staff will share the commission’s feedback and assess whether the artist is available to make changes. The installation is intended to be replaced after one year, with the same scale and hardware available for future annual murals.

Commissioners seek street-visible art at 228-unit housing project

The commission completed an initial public-art review for a proposed 228-unit development at 762 San Antonio Road without taking formal action or approving a design. The eight-story, 85-foot project would include 30 below-market-rate homes and has an estimated 1% public-art allocation of $805,870.

Commissioners emphasized that the artwork should be genuinely public-facing and visible from both directions on San Antonio Road because the building would have no retail or public parking. They favored integrating large-scale, matte and stationary work with the prominent facade or awning, potentially extending it around a corner, and also discussed a ground-level tactile or sensory component.

Artwork must remain outside the 25-foot setback reserved for possible road widening. The applicant identified the facade and a front plaza as possibilities, but public access to the plaza was not confirmed. No final artist, location or design was selected. The applicant will develop a proposal using the feedback and return for final approval, which staff said is required before project permitting and usually takes at least a couple of months.

Commission accepts two gifts for permanent collection

The commission unanimously accepted the promised gift of Viola Frey’s large ceramic sculpture Seated Man Foot Poised on World (2004). Staff proposed installing it on a concrete footing in the Palo Alto Art Center sculpture courtyard, away from irrigation and trees. Conservators found the work suitable for uncovered outdoor display under those conditions.

Staff estimated conservation and cleaning at $14,600 to $16,600, excluding relocation and the concrete footing. The promised-gift agreement still must be finalized, and staff will develop firmer relocation and installation costs before returning to the commission.

In a separate 7-0 vote, the commission accepted Richard Shaw’s Watercolor Palette and Ink (2024), a glazed porcelain tabletop sculpture with overglaze decals and transfers. The work was previously exhibited at the Palo Alto Art Center in the Clay Sustains exhibition and will join Shaw’s print Self-Portrait in the city collection.

County grant advances Arna Frescos restoration

Staff reported that the second phase of the Arna Frescos restoration received a Santa Clara County grant, with work planned for 2027. No vote was recorded on the update, and the grant amount was not stated.

Primary sources

Watch the meeting on YouTube · Read the official meeting packet