____________________________________________________________________________________
FOR CITY CLERK ONLY
Council Meeting:
Disposition:
Special Meeting
Agenda Item No: SM 1.a
Meeting Date: November 4, 2024
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Department: City Clerk
Prepared by: Lindsay Lara, City Clerk City Manager Approval: ___________ TOPIC: PUBLIC ART REVIEW BOARD INTERVIEWS
SUBJECT: INTERVIEW APPLICANTS AND MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO FILL ONE FOUR-YEAR TERM THROUGH THE END OF OCTOBER 2028 ON
THE PUBLIC ART REVIEW BOARD DUE TO THE EXPIRATION OF
TERM OF MEILI ZHAO
RECOMMENDATION:
Interview the following applicants and make an appointment to fill one four-year term through the end of October 2028 on the Public Art Review Board due to the expiration of term of Meili Zhao.
Name
Jack Fisher
Jennifer Skinner
Meili Zhao
Nadia Tarzi-Saccardi
BACKGROUND:
The term of Meili Zhao is set to expire at the end of October 2024 and she expressed a desire to reapply. The City Clerk’s office recruited for applications and received eight applications, and two applicants withdrew.
This Public Art Review Board’s purpose is to help administer the public art review process and to advise the City Council on public art installations. Members of the Committee shall be at least 18 years of age and reside within the City limits. The three (3) at-large members shall reflect the diversity of San Rafael, with professional qualifications in the visual arts and/or civic design, such as artists, architects, landscape architects, arts educators, arts administrators, urban designers, urban planners, or owners/managers of a creative business. Meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at the San Rafael Community Center, 618 B Street, San Rafael, CA 94901.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2
ANALYSIS:
The City Clerk’s office recruited for the Public Art Review Board vacancy and received eight (8) applications; however, two applicants withdrew their applications. Due to the volume of applications received for the single vacancy, a subcommittee of the Mayor and the City Council Liaison and reviewed the applications and selected four (4) to be interviewed by the full City Council. Staff recommends the City Council interview the four (4) applicants and make an appointment.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH:
The call for applications for the Public Art Review Board was advertised through mass email notification, the City website, social media platforms, Marin IJ, and physically posted at City facilities.
ATTACHMENT:
1. Four (4) Applications
2. Bylaws
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
1 / 3
Q1
Contact Information / Información del contacto
First and Last Name / Nombre y Apellido jack fischer
Address / Dirección
Address 2 / Dirección 2
City / Ciudad san rafael
State / estado ca
ZIP/Postal Code / Código postal 94903
Email Address / Dirección de correo electrónico
Phone Number / Número de teléfono
Q2
What district do you currently live in?¿En qué distrito vive actualmente?
terra linda ....district 4?
Other (please specify)Otros (especifique):
Q3
How long have you lived in San Rafael?
3 years
Q4
Business Information
Company jack fischer gallery
Address
City/Town san francisco
ZIP/Postal Code 94107
#83
COMPLETE
Collector: Web Link 1 (Web Link)
Started: Thursday, August 08, 2024 1:49:26 PM
Last Modified: Thursday, August 08, 2024 1:58:30 PM
Time Spent: 00:09:04
IP Address: 96.82.85.101
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
2 / 3
Q5
How did you hear about this vacant position?
Friend
Q6
What Board would you like to apply to?¿A cuál te gustaría aplicar?
Public Art Review Board
Q18
Do you participate in any civic activities? If so, what are they? not at the moment/ other than donating to St Anthony's
Q19
List any civic organizations of which you are a member:
advisory to Creativity Explored
Q20
Education:
Graduated from Hunter College in NY City
Q21
Why are you interested in serving on a board or commission? since I have run and owned an art gallery for the last 22 years I might be suited for the Public Art Review Q22
Describe possible areas in which you may have a conflict of interest with the City:
none
Q23
Upload your resume.
Respondent skipped this question
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
3 / 3
Q24
Ethnicity / Raza/etnia:
Q25
To which gender do you most identify?¿Con qué género se identifica más?
Q26
How old are you?¿Cuántos años tienes?
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
1 / 3
Q1
Contact Information / Información del contacto
First and Last Name / Nombre y Apellido Jennifer Skinner Address / Dirección
City / Ciudad San Rafael
State / estado CA
ZIP/Postal Code / Código postal 94901
Email Address / Dirección de correo electrónico
Phone Number / Número de teléfono
Q2
What district do you currently live in?¿En qué distrito vive actualmente?
District 3/Eastern / Distrito 3/Este
Q3
How long have you lived in San Rafael?
8 years
Q4
Business Information
Company Jennifer Skinner Portraits
Address
City/Town San Rafael
ZIP/Postal Code 94901
#72
COMPLETE
Collector: Web Link 1 (Web Link)
Started: Thursday, July 11, 2024 7:37:48 PM
Last Modified: Thursday, July 11, 2024 7:46:55 PM
Time Spent: 00:09:06
IP Address: 50.234.120.14
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
2 / 3
Q5
How did you hear about this vacant position?
Other (please specify):
City website, Mayor Kate Colin
Q6
What Board would you like to apply to?¿A cuál te gustaría aplicar?
Public Art Review Board
Q18
Do you participate in any civic activities? If so, what are they? Marin Garden Club, past member of Marin Catholic Parent Board, National Charity League community service, school volunteer Q19
List any civic organizations of which you are a member:
Marin Garden Club
Q20
Education:
BBA Marketing: Southern Methodist University
MBA: University of Washington
Q21
Why are you interested in serving on a board or commission? I am a proud San Rafael resident and care deeply about improving our community and the quality of life in San Rafael. I believe that there is great potential to beautify and unify our city through more visible and vibrant public art and garden spaces.
Q22
Describe possible areas in which you may have a conflict of interest with the City:
None
Q23
Upload your resume.
Respondent skipped this question
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
3 / 3
Q24
Ethnicity / Raza/etnia:
Q25
To which gender do you most identify?¿Con qué género se identifica más?
Q26
How old are you?¿Cuántos años tienes?
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
1 / 3
Q1
Contact Information / Información del contacto
First and Last Name / Nombre y Apellido Meili Zhao
Address / Dirección
City / Ciudad San Rafael
State / estado CA
ZIP/Postal Code / Código postal 94901
Email Address / Dirección de correo electrónico
Phone Number / Número de teléfono
Q2
What district do you currently live in?¿En qué distrito vive actualmente?
District 3/Eastern / Distrito 3/Este
Q3
How long have you lived in San Rafael?
9 years
Q4
Business Information
Company Meilizhaoart
Address
City/Town San Rafael
ZIP/Postal Code CA 94901
#82
COMPLETE
Collector: Web Link 1 (Web Link)
Started: Wednesday, August 07, 2024 9:51:21 PM
Last Modified: Wednesday, August 07, 2024 10:16:52 PM
Time Spent: 00:25:31
IP Address: 98.210.37.227
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
2 / 3
Q5
How did you hear about this vacant position?
City Council Agenda
Q6
What Board would you like to apply to?¿A cuál te gustaría aplicar?
Public Art Review Board
Q18
Do you participate in any civic activities? If so, what are they? I’m in The Public Art Review Bored now.
Q19
List any civic organizations of which you are a member:
Public Art Review Board
Q20
Education:
Master of Science in TCM
Q21
Why are you interested in serving on a board or commission? I’m doing Art and with artist every day, I can help with the area our city needs with art projects.
Q22
Describe possible areas in which you may have a conflict of interest with the City:
I’m trying to help the city make right decisions with art projects.
Q23
Upload your resume.
Respondent skipped this question
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
3 / 3
Q24
Ethnicity / Raza/etnia:
Q25
To which gender do you most identify?¿Con qué género se identifica más?
Q26
How old are you?¿Cuántos años tienes?
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
1 / 3
Q1
Contact Information / Información del contacto
First and Last Name / Nombre y Apellido NADIA TARZI-SACCARDI Address / Dirección
City / Ciudad SAN RAFAEL
State / estado CA
ZIP/Postal Code / Código postal 94903
Email Address / Dirección de correo electrónico
Phone Number / Número de teléfono
Q2
What district do you currently live in?¿En qué distrito vive actualmente?
District 4/Northern / Distrito 4/Norte
Q3
How long have you lived in San Rafael?
2001
Q4
Business Information
Company TERRA LINDA CERAMIC ARTISTS
Address
City/Town SAN RAFAEL
ZIP/Postal Code 94903
#79
COMPLETE
Collector: Web Link 1 (Web Link)
Started: Tuesday, August 06, 2024 5:35:30 PM
Last Modified: Wednesday, August 07, 2024 2:17:56 PM
Time Spent: 20:42:25
IP Address: 98.35.211.188
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
2 / 3
Q5
How did you hear about this vacant position?
Other (please specify):
SENIOR RECREATION SUPERVISOR DEBBIE YOUNKIN
Q6
What Board would you like to apply to?¿A cuál te gustaría aplicar?
Public Art Review Board
Q18
Do you participate in any civic activities? If so, what are they?
NOT AT THE MOMENT
Q19
List any civic organizations of which you are a member:
I WAS A LONG STANDING MEMBER OF THE ROTARY CLUB #2 IN SAN FRANCISCO Q20
Education:
I AM A CERAMICS SPECIALIST AND ART RESTORER
Q21
Why are you interested in serving on a board or commission? I TEACH CERAMICS, I LOVE ART AND THE BENEFITS OUR COMMUNITY CAN GET FROM PRACTICING AND VIEWING ART. I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT ALL ASPECTS OF ART AND HAVE CURATED SEVERAL SUCCESSFUL EXHIBITIONS. I WOULD LOVE TO BE INVOLVED AND SERVE THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY.
Q22
Describe possible areas in which you may have a conflict of interest with the City:
I DO NOT SEE ANY AREAS OF CONFLICT WITH THE CITY.
Q23
Upload your resume.
Nadia%20Tarzi-Saccardi%20RESUME.pdf (90KB)
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
3 / 3
Q24
Ethnicity / Raza/etnia:
Q25
To which gender do you most identify?¿Con qué género se identifica más?
Q26
How old are you?¿Cuántos años tienes?
Nadia Tarzi-Saccardi
Director, Terra Linda Ceramic Artists
Contact Information
Email:
Phone:
Address:
Professional Summary
Dynamic and experienced ceramics artist and art educator with over 20 years of experience in teaching, curating, and managing art studios. Proven track record in organizing successful exhibitions and leading art organizations. Adept at restoring archaeological artifacts and lecturing on archaeology with an emphasis on Central Asia. Passionate about promoting cultural heritage and artistic expression through ceramics and visual art for all ages. .
Skills
● Ceramic Techniques: Wheel Throwing, Hand Building, Sculpture ● Visual art and Studio Practice- exploration of artistic concepts and methodologies ● Studio Management and Organization
● Exhibition Curation
● Art Restoration
● Public Speaking and Conference Lecturing
● Project Management
● Leadership and Team Building
Professional Experience
Director, Terra Linda Ceramic Artists, City of San Rafael, CA 2017 - Present
Teacher, Pottery on the Wheel & Hand Building, Adults, Walnut Creek Center for the Arts, CA
2017 - 2018
Exhibition Curator
2018 - Present
Studio Manager, Mill Valley Potter’s Studio, Mill Valley, CA 2015 - 2017
Teacher, Pottery on the Wheel & Hand Building, Adults, Mill Valley Potter’s Studio, Mill Valley, CA
2014 - 2017
Assistant Teacher, Ceramic Sculpture & Pottery on the Wheel, Children and Adults, Terra Linda Ceramics, San Rafael, CA
2012 - 2016
Art Restoration
2002 - Present
Conference Lecturer on Central Asia Archaeology
2003 - Present
Executive Director Association for the Protection of Afghan Archaeology 2003 - 2018
Curated Shows
● Falkirk, Totems, March - April 2024
● TLCA/California Conference for the Advancement of Ceramic Arts, April - May 2024 ● Falkirk, “Activation”, March - April 2023
● TLCA/California Conference for the Advancement of Ceramic Arts, April - May 2023 ● TLCA/California Conference for the Advancement of Ceramic Arts, April - May 2022 ● Falkirk, “R’Evolution”, March - April 2022
● Cornelia Nevitt “A Retrospective” Falkirk, 2021
● TLCA/California Conference for the Advancement of Ceramic Art, October 2021 ● TLCA Annual Member’s Show (online), 2020
● TLCA/California Conference for the Advancement of Ceramic Arts, April - May, 2019
● Falkirk, “Form & Fire”, 2018
Shows
● Marin County Fair, Fine Arts, 2008 – Marin Arts Council Award recipient ● Terra Linda Annual Show, 2008
● College of Marin Student Show, 2009
● CCACA, 2009
● College of Marin Student Show, 2010
● MOCHA, 2010
● CCACA, 2010
● Falkirk, “Journeys” – TLCA, 2012
● Marin County Fair, Fine Arts, 2012
● Marin Open Studios, 2013
● ACCI “Hallowed and Haunted”, 2013
● Marinwood First Annual Art and Wine, 2013 – 3rd Place ● Marin Open Studios, 2014
● Falkirk, “Reflections” – TLCA, 2014
● Marin County Fair, Fine Arts, 2015 - 1st Place in Ceramics, 3rd Place in Ceramics ● ACCI “Unleashed”, 2015
● Marinwood Annual Art and Wine, 2015
● Falkirk, “Unleashed”, 2016
● Marinwood Annual Arts and Wine, 2016
● Marin County Fair, 2017
● Marinwood Annual Art and Wine, 2018
● Falkirk, “Form & Fire”, 2018
● Marin County Fair, 2018
● Marinwood Annual Art and Wine, 2019 - 1st Place
● CCACA, Davis California, May 2019
● Epperson Gallery- “What Lies Beneath”, 2020
● CCACA, Davis California, October 2021
● Falkirk, “R’Evolution”, 2022
● CCACA, Davis California, April 2022
● Artworks Downtown, Contemporary Botanicals, March 2022 ● Marinwood Spring Show, April 2022
● Marinwood Fall Show, October 2022
● CCACA, Davis California, April 2023
● Marinwood Fall Show, October 2023 - 2nd Place
● CCACA, Davis California, April 2024
● Feats of Clay- Art League of Lincoln, June 2024 - Merit Award Artist Awards
● 2024 Feats of Clay, 2024 Regional Competition - Merit Award ● 2024 Marinwood Fall Bi-Annual Art and Wine - Honorable Mention ● 2023 Marinwood Fall Bi-Annual Art and Wine - 2nd Place ● 2018 Marinwood Annual Art and Wine – 1st Place
● 2017, Marin County Fair-Fine Arts - Honorable Mention ● 2015, Marin County Fair-Fine Arts - 1st Place in Ceramics ● 2015, Marin County Fair-Fine Arts - 3rd Place in Ceramics ● 2015, Marin County Fair-Fine Arts – Honorable Mention ● 2013 Marinwood First Annual Art and Wine – 3rd Place
● 2008, Marin County Fair-Fine Arts - Marin Arts Council Award Studio Awards
● 2024 Pacific Sun Reader’s Choice of Marin Award - Best Art Studio, Best Art Instructor
● 2023 Pacific Sun Reader’s Choice Best of Marin Award - Best Studio Art, Best Instructor
● 2022 Pacific Sun Reader’s Choice Best of Marin Award - Best Art Studio, Best Art Instructor, Best Artist
● 2022 Marin IJ Reader’s Choice Award - Best Art Studio ● 2021 Pacific Sun Reader’s Choice Best of Marin - Best Art Studio, Best Art Instructor ● 2020 Pacific Sun Reader’s Choice Best of Marin - Best Art Studio, Best Art Instructor ● 2016 Best of Parents Press Award for the Mill Valley Potter’s Studio ● 2014 Best of Parents Press Award for the Mill Valley Potter’s Studio Publications
● 2022, Strasbourg University, D.A.F.A centennial, “Conference on Cultural Preservation - the role of the APAA”
● 2018, Strasbourg University, “Conference, Autour de Bamiyan” ● 2013, Dhammakaya, International Research Institute DIRI Journal - Protection of the Ancient Buddhist Archaeological Site at Mes Aynak
● 2012, Association for the Protection of Afghan Archaeology, digital book “Mess Aynak” ● 2008, Dominican University/Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Course series: The Lost Culture & Archaeology of Afghanistan
● 2006, HdO Art and Archaeology of Afghanistan: Tarzi on Tarzi: Afghanistan’s plight and the Search for the Third Buddha
● 2004, Participant in National Geographic Society/PBS feature film “Lost Treasures of Afghanistan”
● 2004, The SAA Archaeological Record number 1 January 2004 p. 34-37 ● 2003, Ariana Outreach, Nebraska University: An introduction to the plight of Afghanistan’s archaeological heritage.
(Full list available on demand)
PUBLIC ART REVIEW BOARD BYLAWS
ARTICLE I. NAME AND PURPOSE
Section 1.1. Name. The name of this body shall be the City of San Rafael Public Art Review Board, hereinafter referred to as the "Public Art Review Board," or the “Board.” Section 1.2. Purpose. The Public Art Review Board’s purpose is to help administer the public art review process and to advise the City Council on public art installations.
Section 1.3. Committee Responsibility. The Public Art Review Board’s authority over long-term art proposals (greater than one year) is advisory only and the Board will issue a recommendation to City Council to approve or reject a proposal. For shortterm art proposals, the Public Art Review Board has the authority to approve exhibitions. At staff’s discretion, certain short-term projects may be required to obtain City Council approval, depending on project impact.
The Public Art Advisory Committee’s responsibilities shall be in accord with these Bylaws, as amended from time-to-time by the City Council.
The responsibilities and duties of the Public Art Review Board shall be as follows:
1. Work with Staff in the review and approval of public art projects.
2. Review all proposals for public art and recommend select projects to City Council for approval.
3. Monitor the overall development of public art projects, encouraging balance over time with respect to background, gender, and other identities of artists selected and also with respect to styles of expression, media, and genre.
4. Provide opportunities for community input and resident participation.
5. To use the following Public Art Review Criteria in evaluating all public art proposals:
a. Project Readiness: Projects can demonstrate readiness through completeness of design, skill/experience of the artist(s) or project manager(s), secured funding for art piece and cost of installation, successful community engagement, identification of an appropriate site, and proposed schedule. The Public Art Review Board may encourage an applicant to reapply, if they deny a proposal as not sufficiently ready but with specific promise to demonstrate future readiness. b. Qualifications: Artists, artist teams, or project manager must be able to demonstrate, through past work – as evidenced in a resume, portfolio, and reference – their ability to create quality artwork and act with the utmost professionalism. In most cases, artists have considerable training and experience working professionally at and have been compensated for their art. For certain projects, the City will consider emerging or non-professional artists, who are working under the guidance of a professional mentor or art teacher.
c. Funding: Projects should have a funding source identified and project implementation will be contingent upon receipt of full funding for the project. The City does not provide project funding for public art. d. Community Engagement: Proposed projects that have completed their own public engagement process will be prioritized.
i. For long-term projects (installation planned for more than one (1) year): A minimum of one (1) public meeting and three (3) letters of support are recommended. Successful public meetings might involve the local homeowner’s association (HOA), neighborhood associations, or business owners. The Public Art Review Board must be informed of these meetings ahead of time and allowed to opportunity to attend.
ii. For short-term projects that are viewable within the public rightof-way: A minimum of two (2) letters of support is recommended. iii. In both instances, it is recommended that one of the letters of support be from the local homeowners’ association (HOA) or neighborhood association, if applicable.
iv. Short-term projects inside a public facility are not required to conduct community engagement, outside of that undertaken through the Public Art Review Board process.
e. Maintenance: Works of art will have reasonable maintenance requirements and these requirements shall be compatible with routine City maintenance procedures. For projects that require more maintenance than current City budgets and staffing allow or a specific expertise, the project must set aside sufficient maintenance funding for the duration of the project and must develop an agreement for maintenance to be performed by private parties, as approved by City staff.
f. Design: Works of art will be designed in consideration of the relevance and appropriateness of the work to the context of the site and in alignment with public safety and decency.
i. The artwork will not portray themes that may be interpreted as derogatory as to race, religion, sexual orientation, natural origin, or physical or mental disability. The artwork will not contain content, signage, names, logos, or subject matter that could be construed as advertising or as religious or sexual in nature nor will it promote a political candidate or include political text. Any content considered obscene or indecent by community
standards will be denied.
ii. The design of the artworks will take into consideration issues associated with public spaces such as security, theft, vandalism, etc.
iii. The design of the artworks will consider the specific needs and use patterns of the public space in which they will be located. For example, in parks, works of art will not block critical view corridors or impede public usage of key open space.
g. Diversity: Artists and the City's public art collection should reflect the diversity of San Rafael’s community. The Public Art Review Board shall monitor the overall development of public art projects, encouraging balance in the City’s collection over time with respect to background, gender, and other identities of artists selected and also with respect to styles of expression, media, and genre.
ARTICLE II. MEMBERSHIP
Section 2.1. Number of Members. The Public Art Review Board shall consist of five (5) voting members as follows: three (3) at-large members, one (1) representative from the Planning Commission and one (1) representative from the Park and Recreation Commission. The Councilmember in whose district the public art is proposed will participate as a non-voting liaison to the City Council as part of the selection process.
Section 2.2. Eligibility. Members of the Committee shall be at least 18 years of age and reside within the City limits. The three (3) at-large members shall reflect the diversity of San Rafael, with professional qualifications in the visual arts and/or civic design, such as artists, architects, landscape architects, arts educators, arts administrators, urban designers, urban planners, or owners/managers of a creative business.
Section 2.3. Compensation. Committee Members may apply for stipends through the Stipend Program at $50 per month, not to exceed $600 per year per member..
Section 2.4. Appointment of Committee Members. The representatives from the Planning Commission and the Park and Recreation Commission will be selected by the Planning Commission and the Park and Recreation Commission, respectively, on a biannual basis. The at-large members will be selected by the City Council.
Section 2.5. Terms of Appointment. The at-large Board members will serve a maximum of two (2) four (4) year terms. The representatives from the Planning Commission and the Park and Recreation Commission shall serve a term of two (2) years, but not more than two consecutive terms. However, if there is a vacancy, the Planning Commission and the Park and Recreation Commission have the authority to extend the current representative’s term at their discretion. Board Members serve at will and are subject to appointment and/or removal at the discretion of City Council.
Section 2.6. Absence and Removal. An unexcused absence from two (2) consecutive Committee meetings without notification to the Staff Liaison, or six absences (whether excused or unexcused) in any term, shall be considered a voluntary resignation from the Committee. Committee members who had previously resigned may be eligible for reappointment to the Committee.
Section 2.7. Conflict of Interest. A member of the Board who has a financial, business, familial or romantic relationship regarding a matter coming before the Board shall disqualify themself from all participation in that matter.
ARTICLE III. MEETINGS
Section 3.1. Time and date of Regular Meeting. Notification of meeting place, date, and time shall be rendered to the public through posting on the City of San Rafael website. Public meetings shall be held a minimum of four (4) times per year but may meet more frequently or on an ad hoc basis, as needed. Quarterly meetings shall be scheduled annually with the quarterly meeting schedule for the upcoming year will be set by November of the previous year.
Revised September 3, 2024