____________________________________________________________________________________
FOR CITY CLERK ONLY
Council Meeting: _______________________
Disposition: ___________________________
Agenda Item No: 3.c
Meeting Date: February 2, 2026
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Department: Community & Economic Development
Library & Recreation
Prepared by: Stacey Laumann, Economic
Development Program Manager
Craig Veramay, Assistant Director,
Library and Recreation
City Manager Approval: ______________
TOPIC: DOWNTOWN SAN RAFAEL ARTS DISTRICT PUBLIC ART PROGRAM 2025/2026 IMPLEMENTATION: FIVE PUBLIC ART PROPOSALS
SUBJECT: 1. RESOLUTION (1) APPROVING THE INSTALLATION OF THREE MURALS AND
ONE TEMPORARY SCULPTURE AT FOUR PUBLIC LOCATIONS IN SAN RAFAEL, AND (2) AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ART LICENSE
AGREEMENTS WITH EACH ARTIST, AND AMENDING THE AGREEMENT WITH
LOCAL EDITION MARKETING, LLC TO INCREASE THE TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED TO $260,000; AND
2. RESOLUTION OF THE SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL APPROVING THE
INSTALLATION OF ONE SCULPTURE IN SAN RAFAEL AND AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN ART LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH THE ARTIST RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution approving the installation of three murals and one temporary sculpture at four public locations in San Rafael, as presented by the Downtown San Rafael Arts District, and authorizing the City Manager to execute art license agreements with each artist, and amending the professional services agreement with Local Edition Marketing, LLC to increase the agreement by $10,000, bringing the total not to exceed amount to $260,000, and, in a separate action, adopt a resolution approving the installation of one sculpture in San Rafael, and authorizing the city manager to execute an art license agreement with the artist.
BACKGROUND:
On April 17, 2023, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 15199 approving the acceptance and appropriation of $671,429 in grant funds from the California Arts Council for the Downtown San Rafael Arts District (Arts District). San Rafael’s designation as one of California’s premier state-designated arts and culture districts is a recognition of the history and value of culture and arts to the San Rafael community. The Arts District, along with multiple other arts and culture organizations and individuals in San Rafael, provides a wide variety of arts and culture programs, events, and activities that help San SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2
Rafael residents and visitors come together, make connections, amplify creative expressions, and get involved in the larger community.
On June 23, 2025, the City Council approved a $250,000 contract between the City of San Rafael and Local Edition Marketing, LLC to develop and implement a public art program funded by the California Arts Council (CAC) grant for the Downtown San Rafael Arts District. Local Edition was selected for their substantial experience with similar work in the Bay Area and beyond, overseeing and managing the work of mural artists, sculpture fabricators, installers, and other contractors in the implementation of public art.
On January 14, 2026, the Public Art Review Board (Board) considered a proposal from Local Edition Creative to install five artworks that comprise the Public Art Program 2025/2026. That Board found that the proposal and artworks are consistent with the selection criteria outlined in the Public Art Review Board Guidelines, and recommended approval, advancing the proposal to City Council for final review.
ANALYSIS:
Public Art Program Goals
The goal of the Public Art Program is to enhance economic vitality Downtown with the addition of new culturally responsive and artistically significant public artworks on public property. Additional goals for the program are to:
• Enhance public awareness of San Rafael as the arts hub of Marin County; • Support economic development through creative placemaking and activation of the creative economy;
• Reflect the diverse local community and landscape;
• Engage multiple stakeholders and community segments; and • Improve City properties for the benefit of public enjoyment.
The goals of the Public Art Program align with the City’s FY 2025-2028 Strategic Plan, including Goal A.3.1 to “Deliver placemaking elements through funded public art projects in the Downtown San Rafael Art District” and Goal A.1.3 to “Drive local economic activity through promotion of destination tourism, enhancing special events, and optimizing city-owned assets by leveraging targeted marketing initiatives.” Locations
The Public Art Program is proposed to be implemented within the boundaries of the Downtown Precise Plan area (Figure 1), consistent with the CAC grant area. City staff from multiple departments collaborated to identify suitable City-owned properties for potential mural or sculpture installations that can occur within the CAC grant timeline. Evaluation criteria included high-visibility locations where installation of art may enhance the beauty of San Rafael; City maintenance costs could be reduced with improvements; and the physical location would be ready or made ready with minimal preparation or cost to the City.
Staff proposed the following project locations:
• Project #1: C Street Public Parking Garage at 3rd Street • Project #2: 2nd Street Retaining Wall at Ida Street
• Project #3: Court Plaza Fountain at 1000 4th Street
• Project #4: 2nd & 4th Street Project Lane Divider
• Project #5: Outside City Hall at 1400 4th Street
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 3
Figure 1: Five Public Art Locations, with the Downtown Precise Plan Area boundary Program Design and Curation
On behalf of the Arts District, Local Edition has managed the Public Art Program to date, including artist solicitation, review, and juried selection. Downtown San Rafael Arts District Stakeholders also had a significant role in developing the Program’s goals and artist selection criteria. The artist solicitation, review, and selection process has followed the timeline and budget approved by the City Council on June 23, 2025.
Table 1: Local Edition Creative / Public Art Program Budget Summary Project Management Fee, Local Edition $50,000.00
Artist Engagement and Program
Implementation $173,250.00
Permit fees, marketing & engagement $26,750.00
Project Budget Total $250,000.00
Artwork Selection Process
Local Edition Creative facilitated the artwork selection process, publishing a National open call for artists on the Call For Artist Entry (CaFÉ) website and marketing the call widely within the San Rafael arts community. The call drew nearly 200 applicants from across the nation, culminating in the final artworks as presented with this report (Attachment 3). Below is a summary of the artist selection process. • Call for Artists – June 27 to July 25, 2025, Call For Artist Entry (CaFÉ) website. • Jury Review – July 31, 2025, A panel of seven Arts District steering committee and community arts leaders evaluated artists and selected a shortlist of candidates. o Semifinalists – Nine mural/mosaic semifinalists were invited to prepare site-specific art concepts, due by October 6, 2025. Two sculptures, one permanent and one temporary, SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 4
were unanimously selected to move forward and are in the process of determining installation feasibility.
• Public Input – October 20 to November 3, 2025, semifinalist designs were available for public view and comment via a digital portal and in-person viewing locations. • Final Artist Selection – November 6, 2025, the Jury reviewed the public feedback and selected one proposal per location. Selections were prepared and submitted to the City for internal Staff Review.
• Public Art Review Board: The Public Art Review Board reviewed this proposal at its January 14, 2026, regular meeting. The Board recommended approval and advanced the proposal to the City Council for their consideration.
• City Council Final Approval - In alignment with the City’s Public Art Review Guidelines, this project requires City Council approval.
Final Artist Selection Criteria
This proposal represents the final artworks selected by the Program Jurists, who had the program goals noted above and utilized the following artistic criteria:
• Originality: Fresh perspectives and unique interpretations. Artworks should showcase an individual artistic voice that stands out from the other applicants. • Technical Proficiency: A high degree of skill is necessary to ensure quality & efficiency of execution. This also means experience to complete the job. • Consistency: A cohesive body of work often makes a stronger impact. Consistency in style, theme, or technique can demonstrate focus and will provide a clearer understanding of the artist’s approach to this project.
• Presentation: This includes the quality and selection of the artworks submitted, but also how the work fits with its proposed setting and its overall visual impact. • Artist’s Statement: A thoughtful statement will share the artist’s motivation, intent, inspiration, or process. Not all will express themselves clearly or eloquently, so look for genuineness, sincerity, and excitement over being eloquent.
The intent is to present the five Public Art Program pieces as a unified collection, showcasing a diverse range of artistic voices and approaches. Together, they enrich San Rafael’s existing public art landscape and reinforce the City’s role as Marin County’s leading center for arts and culture.
This approach directly supports the objectives of the California Arts Council grant and establishes a new benchmark in the region for how public art can elevate and energize Marin’s urbanized public spaces.
After completing the initial Jury review, assessing feedback collected during the public input process, and evaluating the above Goals and Voting Criteria, the Jurists recommended the five artists' proposals shown below in Table 2 as the final installation for this program.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 5
Table 2: Proposed Artists by Location
Location Artist TITLE and Medium Dimensions &
Longevity
#1:
C Street Public Parking
Garage at 3rd Street
Bryan Valenzuela (St.
Helena, CA)
HANDLE WITH CARE
Murals on the garage
exterior wall facing
Third Street
Approx. 2,000 sq.ft.
Two artwork panels,
each approximately 40’
(h) x 25’ (w)
7-10 years before
noticeable fading
#2:
2nd Street at Ida Street
Wyatt Hersey (San
Anselmo/Santa Cruz,
CA)
SAN RAFAEL
TAPESTRY
Mural on concrete
retaining wall
Approx. 800 sq.ft.
200’ (l) x 4’ (h)
7-10 years before
noticeable fading
#3:
City Plaza Courtyard,
1000 4th Street
Paz de la Calzada (San
Francisco, CA)
UNTITLED
Mural on the fountain
face with kiln-fired
custom ceramic tiles on
pillars
Approx. 600 sq.ft.
7-10 years before
noticeable fading; tiles
are long-term.
#4:
Long-Term Placement:
4th Street Median at
2nd Street Intersection
Temporary Placement
(approx. 6 months):
San Rafael Community
Center, 618 B Street.
Artwork by Martin
Taylor (Portola Valley,
CA)
TOUCH THE SKY
Stainless Steel, Patina,
Gold Paint
Sculpture including
base: 16’ (h) x 9’(w) x
14.5’(l)
Built to withstand
natural elements
#5:
City Hall Entrance
Oleg Lobykin (East
Palo Alto, CA)
ABSTRACT
SCULPTURE
Stainless Steel,
Polished
Sculpture: 18’ (h) x
9’(w) x 9’(l)
*One-year exhibition
More detailed information about the program curation, selection criteria, jurors, implementation schedule, and each artist and artwork proposal is included in the attached proposal packet (Attachment 3). The Attachment includes images of the proposed work, a narrative from the artist about their process, examples of the artist’s body of work, a budget and timeline for installation, and notes on materials, maintenance, and longevity.
City Review and Implementation
City staff have reviewed the proposal, completed internal review, and recommend that the City Council approve this Public Art Program and authorize the City Manager to enter into Art License Agreements for the installation and acceptance of these artworks. Staff based this recommendation upon their determination that the project complies with the City’s Public Art Review Guidelines and would benefit the City of San Rafael.
If approved, the City will finalize agreements with each Artist and continue to work with Local Edition Creative to coordinate installation. The five artworks would be installed in the designated locations between the spring and summer of 2026. However, the timing of Installation for each of the sculptures is dependent upon external factors:
• The ‘Touch the Sky’ sculpture, proposed to be installed as part of the 2nd and 4th Street intersection improvement project, will become available in March 2026. However, the intersection SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 6
improvement project schedule hasn’t been finalized. On a temporary basis, staff recommend placement of the Statue in front of the San Rafael Community Center at 618 B Street. This location seems logistically feasible as a temporary location and would allow the City to enjoy the artwork until the construction project is at a sufficient stage for the piece to be installed in the long-term location. Staff anticipate the construction project will be sufficiently ready for the sculpture placement in Fall 2026. This temporary placement was not included in Local Edition’s original scope of work. This proposal includes an amendment to Local Edition Creative’s agreement to add this task and supplement their total not to exceed contract value by $4,850. • The temporary sculpture proposed to be installed in front of City Hall through a lease agreement with Oleg Lobykin is still under agreement with the San Francisco Arts Commission through June 2026. Once available, that artwork will be installed for a period of one (1) year at City Hall.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
The program included a robust public input component, including dedicated web pages hosted by both the City and Local Edition, pop-up engagement events, surveys, and stakeholder meetings. On April 30, 2025, City staff provided the Public Art Review Board (PARB) with an update on the Downtown San Rafael Arts District, including an overview of the conceptual plan for the Public Art Program. The PARB provided feedback, which was incorporated into the final program design. The program was also discussed at the City Council’s June 23, 2025, meeting. On September 25, 2025, the Economic Development Subcommittee reviewed the program locations.
From October 20 to November 3, 2025, semifinalist designs were available for public view and comment via digital survey and three in-person viewing events (Attachment 3, pages 6-7). The Public Comment period resulted in 1184 survey responses. 88.6% of all responses were Marin residents, with 64% (758) from zip code 94901, and 18.1% (214) from zip code 94903. Respondents were asked their opinions on whether the art would:
1. Be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.
2. Complement the setting and enhance the environment.
3. Help elevate public awareness of San Rafael as the arts & culture epicenter of Marin County.
A summary of the survey respondents who either strongly agreed or agreed with the final selected artists is shown below in Table 3.
Table 3: Summary of Survey Responses for Finalist Artists Artist Name 1 Agree or strongly
agree that art would
be enjoyed by people
of all ages and
backgrounds
2 Agree or strongly
agree that art would
complement the
setting and enhance
the environment
3 Agree or strongly
agree that art would
elevate public
awareness
Bryan Valenzuela 69.8% 71.7% 67.2%
Wyatt Hersey 73.9% 72.2% 71.3%
Paz de la Calzada 57.1% 53.7% 58.1%
Martin Taylor 57.8% 58.3% 58.3%
Oleg Lobykin 57.7% 60% 64.5%
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 7
Additionally, Local Edition Creative has received several letters of community support, which are attached as Attachment 4 – Letters of Support.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Public Art Program is funded through a grant from the California Arts Council. Funding for this program was appropriated as part of the City’s Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget (Grant Funds – 283). The current agreement with Local Edition includes the tasks described below in Table 4.
The agreement did not include funding for the temporary placement of the ‘Touch the Sky’ sculpture at the San Rafael Community Center, or an event to celebrate the Public Art Program once installation was complete. Staff recommend amending the professional services agreement with Local Edition Creative to increase their total Not To Exceed contract value by $10,000, funded by the CAC grant, to add those tasks to their scope of work.
Table 4 – Project Budget Summary
Project costs included in the Agreement with Local Edition Marketing LLC and appropriated in the FY 2025-26 Budget
Project Management Fee $50,000.00
Artist Engagement and Program Implementation $173,250.00 Permit fees, marketing & engagement $26,750.00
Subtotal $250,000.00
Recommended additional tasks to be added as an amendment to the agreement with Local Edition Marketing LLC:
Temporary placement of “Touch the Sky” sculpture at B
Street Community Center $4,850.00
Celebration event upon successful completion of
installation $5,150.00
TOTAL Not To Exceed: $260,000.00
If approved, the City would become the owner of the long-term art installations. As the owners, the City would take on the maintenance and operational costs associated with these artworks, such as routine maintenance associated with cleaning, damage abatement, and very occasional lighting maintenance.
Regular maintenance costs would be incorporated into future budget cycles.
OPTIONS:
The City Council has the following options to consider on this matter:
1. Approve artist works and direct staff to install Public Art Program 2025-2026 artworks as presented.
2. Approve artist works and direct staff to install Public Art Program 2025-2026 artworks with modifications.
3. Direct staff to return with more information.
4. Take no action.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution approving the installation of three murals and one temporary sculpture at four public locations in San Rafael, as presented by the Downtown San Rafael Arts District, and authorizing the City Manager to execute art license agreements with each artist, and amending the professional services agreement with Local Edition Marketing, LLC to increase the agreement by $10,000, bringing the total not to exceed amount to $260,000, and, in a separate action, SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 8
adopt a resolution approving the installation of one sculpture in San Rafael, and authorizing the city manager to execute an art license agreement with the artist.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution –Three Murals and One Temporary Sculpture
2. Resolution – ‘Touch the Sky’ Sculpture
3. Local Edition Public Art Program 2025-26 Proposal
4. Letters of Community Support
RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION OF THE SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL (1) APPROVING THE
INSTALLATION OF THREE MURALS AND ONE TEMPORARY SCULPTURE AT FOUR PUBLIC LOCATIONS IN SAN RAFAEL, AND (2) AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE ART LICENSE AGREEMENTS WITH EACH ARTIST, AND
AMENDING THE AGREEMENT WITH LOCAL EDITION MARKETING, LLC TO INCREASE THE TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED TO $260,000
WHEREAS on April 17, 2023, City Council adopted Resolution No. 15199 approving the acceptance and appropriation of $671,429 in grant funds from the California Arts Council for the Downtown San Rafael Arts District (Arts District); and WHEREAS on June 23, 2025, City Council approved a $250,000 contract between the City of San Rafael and Local Edition Marketing, LLC to develop and implement a public art program funded by the California Arts Council grant for the Downtown San Rafael Arts District; and
WHEREAS the goal of the Public Art Program is to enhance economic vitality Downtown with the addition of new culturally responsive and artistically significant public artworks on public property; and
WHEREAS the goals of the Public Art Program align with the City’s FY 2025-2028 Strategic Plan, including Goal A.3.1 to “Deliver placemaking elements through funded public art projects in the Downtown San Rafael Art District” and Goal A.1.3 to “Drive local economic activity through promotion of destination tourism, enhancing special events, and optimizing city-owned assets by leveraging targeted marketing initiatives.”; and WHEREAS, between June 27 and July 25, 2025, Local Edition Creative published an open call for artists on the Call For Artist Entry (CaFÉ) website and marketed the call widely within the San Rafael arts community, drawing over 200 applicants; and WHEREAS, at its January 14, 2026, regular meeting, the Public Art Review Board reviewed finalist proposals and made recommendations as to the final art to be selected; and
NOW, THEREFORE IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the City Council approves the installation of three murals and one temporary sculpture at four public locations in San Rafael as described in the accompanying staff report and authorizes the City Manager to execute Art License Agreements with each artist and to amend the agreement with Local Edition Marketing LLC to increase the Not To Exceed total to $260,000.
I, LINDSAY LARA, City Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of said City held on the 2nd day of February 2026, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers:
NOES: Councilmembers:
ABSENT: Councilmembers:
______________________
Lindsay Lara, City Clerk
RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION OF THE SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL APPROVING THE
INSTALLATION OF ONE SCULPTURE IN SAN RAFAEL, AND AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN ART LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH THE ARTIST WHEREAS on April 17, 2023, City Council adopted Resolution No. 15199 approving the acceptance and appropriation of $671,429 in grant funds from the California Arts Council for the Downtown San Rafael Arts District (Arts District); and WHEREAS on June 23, 2025, City Council approved a $250,000 contract between the City of San Rafael and Local Edition Marketing, LLC to develop and implement a public art program funded by the California Arts Council grant for the Downtown San Rafael Arts District; and
WHEREAS the goal of the Public Art Program is to enhance economic vitality Downtown with the addition of new culturally responsive and artistically significant public artworks on public property; and
WHEREAS the goals of the Public Art Program align with the City’s FY 2025-2028 Strategic Plan, including Goal A.3.1 to “Deliver placemaking elements through funded public art projects in the Downtown San Rafael Art District” and Goal A.1.3 to “Drive local economic activity through promotion of destination tourism, enhancing special events, and optimizing city-owned assets by leveraging targeted marketing initiatives.”; and WHEREAS, between June 27 and July 25, 2025, Local Edition Creative published an open call for artists on the Call For Artist Entry (CaFÉ) website and marketed the call widely within the San Rafael arts community, drawing over 200 applicants; and WHEREAS, at its January 14, 2026, regular meeting, the Public Art Review Board reviewed finalist proposals and made recommendations as to the final art to be selected; and
WHEREAS, temporary sculpture placement for a sculpture at the San Rafael Community Center, and a long-term placement at the 4th and 2nd Street Median have been found to be feasible by City Staff,
NOW, THEREFORE IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the City Council approves the installation of one sculpture in San Rafael temporarily at the San Rafael Community Center, then moved for long-term placement at 4th and Second Street Median and authorize the city manager to execute an art license agreement with the artist.
I, LINDSAY LARA, City Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of said City held on the 2nd day of February 2026, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers:
NOES: Councilmembers:
ABSENT: Councilmembers:
______________________
Lindsay Lara, City Clerk
SAN RAFAEL ARTS DISTRICT
FIVE PUBLIC ART PROPOSALS
Prepared By: Local Edition Creative
Proposal Submittal Date: 12.08.2025
A City of San Rafael Public Art Program
for city-owned properties
[ Prepared For The San Rafael Public Art Review Board ]
ABOUT THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL PUBLIC ART PROGRAM
The City of San Rafael has launched a Public Art Program to enhance Downtown vitality and celebrate the city’s cultural identity.
Funded by a $250,000 California Arts Council grant that is geographically bound for the Downtown Arts District, the program will bring five new public art installations—including murals, mosaics, and sculptures—to highly visible locations across Downtown in the Spring/Summer of 2026.
The program aims to:
● Enhance San Rafael’s identity as the arts hub of Marin County ● Attract culturally responsive & artistically significant visual art projects for permanent installations Downtown ● Increase the economic vitality of Downtown
● Celebrate diversity and creativity through public art The program is facilitated by the arts consultancy agency Local Edition Creative, with guidance from the Downtown San Rafael Arts District (DSRAD) steering committee.
ABOUT LOCAL EDITION CREATIVE
Local Edition Creative (Local Edition) is an award-winning arts consulting and production agency with experience delivering impactful public art projects across the Bay Area. They partner with municipalities, businesses, and artists to produce meaningful arts and culture experiences. Local Edition has been contracted by the City of San Rafael to lead the City’s public art program from development through installation of the artworks.
City of San Rafael’s Selection of Local Edition
To effectively manage and curate the program, the DSRAD issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) in January 2025 seeking qualified arts consultants to oversee the program. The DSRAD received ten responses to the RFP, from which the DSRAD interviewed five firms.
Ultimately, in March 2025 the DSRAD selected Local Edition Creative to lead the program's development and execution from June 2025 through June 2026. Local Edition was selected for their substantial experience in the Bay Area and beyond, overseeing and managing the work of mural artists, sculpture fabricators, installers, and other contractors in the implementation of public art. Local Edition received the 2024 Helen Putnam Award for Excellence for Economic Development through the Arts for the City of Concord, and curates the Mare Island Art Yard. Local Edition has demonstrated the ability to deliver art and placemaking strategies paired with strategic approaches to community involvement and marketing.
PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE
● Call for Artists – June 27 and July 25, 2025, an open call for artists was published on the Call For Artist Entry (CaFÉ) website. The call drew nearly 200 applicants from across the state and nationwide. ● Jury Review – July 31, 2025 A panel of seven Arts District steering committee and community arts leaders evaluated artists and selected a shortlist of candidates. ○ Semifinalists – Nine mural/mosaic semifinalists were invited to prepare site specific art concepts, due by October 6, 2025. Two sculptures, one permanent and one temporary, were unanimously selected to move forward and are in the process of determining installation feasibility. ● Public Input – October 20 to November 3, 2025 semifinalist designs were available for public view and comment via a digital portal and in-person viewing locations.
● Final Selection – November 6, 2025, the Jury reviewed the public feedback and selected one proposal per location. Selections were then prepared and submitted to the Public Art Review Board in January 2026. ● Approval - Finalist recommendations will be presented to City Council for approval in February 2026.
Semifinalists
Selected by Arts Jury
August
2025
Public Review of
Design Proposals
October
2025
Public Art Review
Board
Winter
2025-26
City Council Approval
Winter
2025-26
Installation of
Artworks
Spring/
Summer
2026
Artwork Proposals
Selected by Arts Jury
City Council
Authorizes Program
& Call for Artists
June
2025
November
2025
SELECTION CRITERIA
JURY MEMBERS Beau Blanchard, CA Film Institute Meg Reilly/Cathy Leather, Marin Society of Artists Elisabeth Setten, Artworks Downtown Morgan Schauffler, Youth In Arts Karina Ramirez, Multicultural Center of Marin Sarah Shepard, Sarah Shepard Gallery Local Edition Creative Sarah Tipple, Downtown BID
Artworks were selected by the Jurists with the following criteria in mind.
Goals:
• Culturally responsive & artistically significant visual art installations • Increase economic vitality through the arts
• Enhance public awareness of San Rafael as the hub of Marin County • Artworks adhere to the City of San Rafael’s Public Art Guidelines Voting Criteria:
• Originality: Fresh perspectives and unique interpretations. Artworks should showcase an individual artistic voice that stands out from the other applicants.
• Technical Proficiency: A high degree of skill is necessary to ensure quality & efficiency of execution. This also means experience to complete the job.
• Consistency: A cohesive body of work often makes a stronger impact. Consistency in style, theme, or technique can demonstrate focus and will provide a clearer understanding of the artist’s approach to this project. • Presentation: This includes the quality and selection of the artworks submitted, but also how the work fits with its proposed setting and its overall visual impact.
• Artist’s Statement: A thoughtful statement will share the artist’s motivation, intent, inspiration, or process. Not all will express themselves clearly or eloquently, so look for genuineness, sincerity, and excitement over being eloquent.
PUBLIC OUTREACH - COMMUNICATION SNAPSHOT
Flyer (English/Spanish) Social Media
Snapshot Newsletter Banner (English/Spanish)
PUBLIC FEEDBACK GRAPHICS/COLLATERAL
Announcements regarding the public art program and requests for public input were shared via multiple outlets including flyer distribution, websites, and social channels.
• Over 2,500 flyers distributed at City Hall, libraries, community centers, arts organizations, businesses, and pop-up events • Digital announcements -
o City of San Rafael website, social media, newsletter
o Downtown San Rafael BID website, social media, newsletter o DSRAD, ArtWorks Downtown, Youth in Arts - websites/newsletters/eblasts o Others – Nextdoor, MarinArts, Canal Alliance, County of Marin, Federation of San Rafael Neighborhoods
• Locations for In-Person Artwork Proposal Viewing –
o City Hall Lobby, 10/20/24-10/24/25 during open hours
o Pond Farm Brewing pop-up session, 5pm-7pm on 10/24/25 o Trick-or-Treat on Fourth Street pop-up session, 1pm-3pm on 10/25/25 o Storefront Window Display at 1002 4th St. (City Plaza), 10/25/25-11/05/25 TRICK-OR-TREAT ON 4th ST. / 1002 4th ST. WINDOW DISPLAY
CITY HALL LOBBY POND FARM
POP-UP DISPLAYS OF PUBLIC ART PROPOSALS
PUBLIC ART PROPOSAL: MURAL
C STREET GARAGE
Public Art Project 1 of 5
HANDLE WITH CARE | Mural by Bryan Valenzuela (St. Helena, CA) Artwork Location: Third & C Street Public Parking Garage - 900 C St., artwork is facing Third Street Dimensions: Each artwork panel is approximately 40’ (h) x 25’ (w) Street-level Location View
Aerial View of Location
NARRATIVE
For time immemorial, art has served varying key functions in the development of humanity as a whole. From the ashen walls of subterranean caves to the well-lit halls and populated streets of contemporary spaces, it has been a bridge beyond the barrier of culture and continent. It has been a visual chronicle of both time and place, a representation of the seen and the unseen alike, an expression of all the colors on the spectrum of emotion and intuition, and sometimes, just sometimes, a vision of what could or should come to pass.
My vision for the proposed mural encompasses a central focus on this latter sentiment while weaving in elements of the others, distilling complexity down into an essence of something reaching towards iconic yet layered enough to speak beyond its simple form. Here I've brought to life a common graphic sign seen in packaging known as the "Handle With Care" symbol. Two hands rise from the bottom of the frame to cradle a delicate object, protecting it from harm while in transit. Inspired by the quotes above, I've used this symbol in connection with our civilization's collective and sacred duty to care for the environment we share; to hold an awareness of our impact on the land and all the varied forms of life that surround us. For me this is a deeply spiritual gesture that transcends any specifically held belief system. It is one which I firmly feel that we as a society can and should prioritize as a fundamental guiding principle; to understand the precious nature of this beautiful world and move into a more balanced and harmonious future accordingly.
To illustrate this concept, I've chosen to use the Rose as a unifying motif set inside a vast Bay Area landscape. The Rose is a timeless symbol of the transient nature of existence; it's beauty but also, it's fragility. It is the mythic flower of the soul and the center of love itself. This classic bloom is also a hidden allusion to one of San Rafael's most famous residents, the Grateful Dead, whose main office headquarters was located downtown for much of their storied career. The coastal bay landscape is mirrored in two panels: one portraying bright, blue skies on a sunny California day (left) and the other, that same landscape is older, darker, starlit night (right). Each of the Classical Elements is here represented: Earth in the rolling hills, Water in rippling bay tides, Air in the cloudstrewn skies, and Fire in the abstracted, reflective gold/silver shapes descending from above, representing the flow of Solar/Lunar energies into our environment. The abstracted shapes are inspired by the complex path of a Torus, the flowing and circular path taken in the creation of a magnetic field. These same shapes and concepts are used again as the abstracted climbing vines of the Rose motif, rising from its roots in the San Rafael soil.
The hand figures will be drawn
in black and white with exterior
acrylic markers using a specific
handwritten technique that
carves shape, shadow, and light
from different densities of
words. Within these figures will
be inscribed memories and
metaphors, philosophies and
poems in conversation with the
concepts of the image itself,
transforming thought to image
through the word.
HANDLE WITH CARE by Bryan Valenzuela C STREET GARAGE MURAL ABOUT: BRYAN VALENZUELA
Northern California artist Bryan Valenzuela has spent the last couple decades aiming to perfect a unique drawing technique involving the atomization of the figure by carving out shape, shadow and light with handwritten text. Paragraphs, sentences, phrases, and fragments are used simultaneously as both the form and content of each piece. As form, the text delineates figures and subjects layer upon layer as shading. Words varying in size from the minuscule and unreadable, to large and bold are used in a manner similar to crosshatching and stippling. Though virtually unnoticeable from afar, once the viewer steps closer to each work they are engulfed in a barrage of words intermingled with other mixed media elements such as acrylic paint, gel transfer, gold leaf, and collage. As content, the language provides a sense of the inherent information and associations, metaphors and meanings that act as a meditation on the image.
In 2016 Valenzuela ventured into the public art sphere, garnering a $350,000 commission from the City of Sacramento. In October of that year, he completed a large suspended sculpture consisting of over 400 blown glass spheres in an abstract, aquarelle version of the American and Sacramento river confluence. The following year saw Valenzuela complete his first ever mural for the Wide Open Walls festival. Other mural commissions have followed in its wake including permanent works in San Francisco, Chicago, Napa, and Sacramento, as well as temporary works in New Orleans and New York. He has won First Place at the Crocker Kingsley Biennial, Best in Show at the California State Fair Fine Art Exhibition, received the Leff Davis Grant for Emerging Artists, and exhibited nationally in many group shows, most notably for Scope at Miami Art Basel and Moniker in London.
EXAMPLES OF WORK: BRYAN VALENZUELA
Budget
Artist Stipend $30,000
Wall Prep & Prime $3,500
Scaffolding - 1 month rental $12,000
Protective Coating Installation $5,500
Artist Travel Stipend (Hotel) $3,500
Artwork Sign/Plaque $500
Total Budget $55,000
C STREET GARAGE MURAL: BUDGET, TIMELINE, and CARE
Timeline for Installation
Early May 2026 Scaffolding installation & surface preparation Mid-May 2026 Artwork installation begins (4-6 weeks to complete) Mid-June 2026 Artwork installation complete
End of June 2026 Protective coating application & scaffolding removal Maintenance
No regular maintenance is needed; however, it is advised to periodically pressure wash the mural to remove dirt and debris, inspect for graffiti/damage, vine growth, or any environmental circumstances that could affect the quality of the public art.
The mural will be painted with high-quality exterior acrylic paint except for the hand figures which will be drawn with exterior acrylic markers.
Upon completion of the mural installation, it will be sealed with a UV/anti-graffiti protective coating.
The mural is intended to remain on display for 10+ years. It should remain in good condition for approximately 7-10 years before noticeable fading at which time another protective coating can be applied to retain its vibrancy.
Materials & Longevity
PUBLIC ART PROPOSAL: MURAL
2ND STREET RETAINING WALL
Public Art Project 2 of 5
SAN RAFAEL TAPESTRY | Mural by Wyatt Hersey (San Anselmo/Santa Cruz, CA) Artwork Location: 2nd St at Ida
Dimensions: Approximately 200’ (l) x 4’ (h)
Street-level Location View Aerial View of Location
NARRATIVE
This mural concept is designed as a visual tapestry, weaving together elements of nature, community, and cultural identity. The artwork is composed of a series of symbolic panels, each carrying a fragment of the city’s story.
Local wildlife like the coyotes, snake and steelhead, speak to the living ecosystems that thrive in the region, from the waters of the bay to the creeks that rise from it, and the surrounding oak studded hills. Wildflowers, oak leaves, and geometric motifs reference both the natural patterns of growth and the human impulse to organize and create meaning through design.
Scenes of Mount Tam and the nature filled panels root the mural in San Rafael’s landscape, while icons like simple homes, bicycles, and images of community life honor the people who shape and sustain the city. The mission is represented subtly in the use of circular motifs that call back to the classic window form seen above the front door of this iconic building.
All together, these images form a modern-day glyphic language that is both ancient and contemporary, and that celebrates San Rafael as a meeting ground of ecology, creativity, and human stories.
SAN RAFAEL TAPESTRY by Wyatt Hersey 2ND STREET RETAINING WALL MURAL Coyotes (Marin was the first county in the country to prohibit Wildlife Services, Department of the interior, from exterminating coyotes for any reason, a legacy of Marin’s place in the vanguard of conservation efforts).
Iconic view of Mt. Tamalpais, with the fire lookout perched atop the peak.
Nature motifs interspersed with circular designs calling back to the window above the main door of the Mission San Rafael, and a simplified representation of the mission itself in the center. On the right, an eye perceiving a wonderful burst of color, representing the culture of art appreciation in San Rafael.
The San Rafael arts community and the human impulse to create represented in the center panel by a hand drawing a squiggly line abstract figures, and a home representing community life.
Snake and Steelhead represent indicator species that are present when their environment is healthy and pristine. Steelhead used to run in great numbers up San Anselmo Creek and need our help to rebound.
Redwood needles on the top right. Valley Oak, a tree that feeds many creatures with its bounty of acorns - symbol of abundance and benevolence. Person riding a bike in town, representing community life and health.
ABOUT: WYATT HERSEY
Wyatt Hersey is a Santa Cruz based artist (born and raised in San Anselmo) with a practice rooted in illustration, painting, and muralism. His work explores narratives of relational ecology and ecological consciousness while instilling a sense of playfulness, mutualism, and vitality in the viewer. His background as a wildlife biologist and nature connection mentor greatly informs his work as a visual artist, as does his belief that art is an essential expression of the goodness of humanity.
EXAMPLES OF WORK: WYATT HERSEY
Budget
Artist Stipend $12,000
Wall Prep and Prime $5,500
Protective Coating Installation $2,000
Artwork Sign/Plaque $500
Total Budget $20,000
2ND STREET RETAINING WALL MURAL: BUDGET, TIMELINE and CARE Timeline for Installation
Late May 2026 Surface preparation
Early June 2026 Artwork installation begins (2 weeks to complete) Mid-June 2026 Artwork installation complete
Mid-June 2026 Protective coating application
Maintenance
No regular maintenance is needed; however, it is advised to periodically pressure wash the mural to remove dirt and debris, inspect for graffiti/damage, vine growth, or any environmental circumstances that could affect the quality of the public art.
Materials & Longevity
The mural will be painted with high-quality exterior acrylic paint. Upon completion of the mural installation, it will be sealed with a UV/antigraffiti protective coating.
The mural is intended to remain on display for 10+ years. It should remain in good condition for approximately 7-10 years before noticeable fading at which time another protective coating can be applied to retain its vibrancy.
PUBLIC ART PROPOSAL: TILE MOSAIC AND MURAL
CITY PLAZA FOUNTAIN
Public Art Project 3 of 5
UNTITLED FOUNTAIN DESIGN | Artwork by Paz de la Calzada (San Francisco, CA) Artwork Location: City Plaza Courtyard - 1000 4th St.
Medium: Kiln-fired custom ceramic tiles on pillars, hand-painted mural on fountain tiers Street-level Location View
Aerial View of Location
NARRATIVE
This mural honors the power of flow: the way water joins, sustains, and transforms.
Positioned behind the downtown fountain's thin waterfall, the mural merges with the cascading water to create a multisensory landscape. Bold yet delicate white lines ripple across earthy terracotta, blue, and light green tones, evoking both the vitality of water and the rhythm of life.
The design draws inspiration from the organic trees that grow above the fountain, extending downward like roots or lichen-an echo of nature's continuity. Scattered tiles along the columns feature more detailed depictions of these organisms, reinforcing the theme of flow through intricate patterns and rooted forms. Many tiles will carry solid colors with textured finishes, adding visual accents that deepen the sense of movement and connection.
More than a depiction of water, the mural is a meditation on flow itself-how it shapes urban life and mirrors the movement of people through the plaza. Water becomes a veil, and the mural, inseparable from its sound and motion, invites connection between the public and the natural world. It celebrates water's essential role in healing and renewal, offering a moment of pause and presence in the heart of the city.
FOUNTAIN DESIGN by Paz de la Calzada CITY PLAZA COURTYARD ARTWORK The seven columns will
include square kiln-fired
ceramic tiles (approximately
10 cm x 10 cm) to extend the
mural’s language beyond the
fountain face. The painted
mural may continue beneath
the tiles to maintain visual
continuity. Tiles will cover the
front of each column and be
more scattered along the
sides, reinforcing the idea of
flow; they will include both
detailed motifs and solid-
color tiles with textured
finished to add visual
accents.
Fountain tiers will be
hand-painted
ABOUT: PAZ DE LA CALZADA
As an artist, my vision is to create thoughtful art projects that transform perspectives.
I cull ideas from ancient myths, meditation, botanical remedies and magical thinking.
I am powerfully moved by art’s capacity to alter the relationship we have with the environment and with ourselves.
I continually draw inspiration from the different places I have experienced—from the intricate chaos of Mexico City to sultry Spain and San Francisco's rapidly transforming psyche.
I have special interest in spaces in transit, where there is a flow of people. My work is often site-specific, temporary projects in dialogue with the urban landscape, having a real and direct interaction with the public.
The organic lines and repetitive patterns of my mural drawings play with existing architecture, creating swooping pathways from the public sphere into contemplative realms. With my labyrinth installations, I lead the public physically outside of their normal experience, replacing direct conclusions with opportunities to play and embrace uncertainty.
EXAMPLES OF WORK: PAZ DE LA CALZADA
Budget
Artist Stipend $20,000
Surface Prep and Prime $3,500
Protective Coating Installation $2,000
Artwork Sign/Plaque $500
Total Budget $26,000
Timeline for Installation
Late May 2026 Surface preparation
Early June 2026 Artwork installation begins (2 weeks to complete) Mid-June 2026 Artwork installation complete
Mid-June 2026 Protective coating application
CITY PLAZA FOUNTAIN ARTWORK: BUDGET, TIMELINE and CARE
Maintenance
No regular maintenance is needed; however, it is advised to periodically pressure wash the mural to remove dirt and debris, inspect for graffiti/damage, vine growth, or any environmental circumstances that could affect the quality of the public art.
Materials & Longevity
Tiles: The artist plans to work with Unique Tiles, a company that collaborates with architects, designers, and artists to produce bespoke decorative tiles. The tiles are produced using advanced kiln-fired technology that delivers high-resolution image quality and long-term durability against UV exposure, chemicals, and high temperatures. The tiles are suitable for high-traffic environments and offer strong resistance to scratching and graffiti.
Mural Artwork: The hand-painted portions of the fountain tiers and columns will be painted with high-quality exterior acrylic paint. Upon completion of the mural installation, it will be sealed with a UV/antigraffiti protective coating.
The artwork is intended to remain on display for 10+ years. It should remain in good condition for approximately 7-10 years before noticeable fading at which time another protective coating can be applied to retain its vibrancy.
PUBLIC ART PROPOSAL: SCULPTURE
4TH STREET MERIDIAN
@ 4TH & 2ND INTERSECTION
Public Art Project 4 of 5
TOUCH THE SKY | Artwork by Martin Taylor (Portola Valley, CA) Artwork Location: 4th Street Meridian @ 4th & 2nd Street Intersection Dimensions: 16’ (h) x 9’(w) x 14.5’(l) Media: Stainless Steel, Patina, Gold Paint Street-level Location View
Aerial View of Location
NARRATIVE
“Touch the Sky” depicts a woman with outstretched arms and flowing tail feathers preparing to take flight. The eyes are closed in a serene dreamlike trance. The legs and feet push off against the stylized rock. The sculpture serves as a visual metaphor for taking leaps of faith to achieve our dreams and fly.
TOUCH THE SKY by Martin Taylor 4TH STREET MERIDIAN SCULPTURE An uplifting sculpture greeting passersby as they travel through the City of San Rafael, this artwork will be placed within a City Gateway location at the intersection of 2nd & 4th Street. The sculpture will be installed in the newly upgraded meridian, its base surrounded by new plantings.
The City Department of Public Works, Parking, Library and Recreation, and Economic Development have worked to determine locations and placement of the artwork.
Engineering Specs have been provided in a separate document submitted with this proposal package.
Installation:
The sculpture will be anchored
to a cement pad in the
meridian made for placement
of artwork
Lighting:
The sculpture lights from within
with LED lights and will be
connected to a timer for yearround nighttime illumination 16’
9’
14.5’
Renderings provided by CSWST2
4TH SCULPTURE SITE RENDERINGS - Touch The Sky STREET MERIDIAN SCULPTURE ABOUT: MARTIN TAYLOR aka CHROMAFORMS
Martin’s metal origami sculptures capture the playful energy of their subjects with carefully placed geometric facets. The sculptures are designed on the computer and hand made at Martin’s studio. Martin’s work explores geometric representations of dancing foxes, flying sea turtles, and prowling jaguars among others Martin graduated from The University of California at Berkeley with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. While working as a hardware prototyping engineer at Apple Martin became interested in using origami techniques to quickly create structures from flat, laser-cut parts. The metal origami techniques developed by Martin allow intricate contemporary forms to be rendered from metal with the same efficient elegance as paper.
EXAMPLES OF WORK: MARTIN TAYLOR aka CHROMAFORMS
Budget
Sculpture Purchase (incl. tax) $40,423
Installation $4,500
Sculpture Permits/Review - Engineering documents,
building/encroachment, onsite inspection $2,000
Artwork Plaque $500
Total Budget $47,423
Timeline for Installation
Fall 2026
Installation timing is delayed from the original
projected date of June 2026 due to changes in the
roadway improvement project schedule. Temporary
and alternative options may be considered.
4TH STREET MERIDIAN SCULPTURE: BUDGET, TIMELINE and CARE Maintenance
No regular maintenance is required; however, it is advised to periodically inspect the sculpture for damage that could affect the quality and public safety of the artwork. A light pressure washing to remove dirt and debris at least once per year will be beneficial to maintain the artwork’s luster.
The sculpture is anticipated to remain on display and exposed to the outdoor elements for many years. With construction materials consisting of stainless steel, it is built to withstand the elements and will continue to develop a unique patina.
Materials & Longevity
PUBLIC ART PROPOSAL: SCULPTURE (Temporary 1-Year)
CITY HALL ENTRANCE
Public Art Project 5 of 5
ABSTRACT SCULPTURE | Artwork by Oleg Lobykin (East Palo Alto, CA) Artwork Location: City Hall Entrance
Dimensions: 18’ (h) x 9’(w) x 9’(l) Media: Stainless Steel, Polished Street-level Location View
Aerial View of Location
Storm Trooper for scale and view from street-level.
The sculpture height reaches approximately 2 feet
above the building awning edge.
Height to roof
NARRATIVE
A spatial composition based on a balance between negative and positive space in conjunction with a line than can create an image or point of reference to spark imagination.
The sculpture invites you to consider what comes to mind as you regard the piece. Maybe you see silhouettes, maybe your association jumps to music. What if there are little voices inside your head debating over what it means?
ABSTRACT SCULPTURE by Oleg Lobykin CITY HALL ENTRANCE TEMPORARY SCULPTURE This magnificent polished steel sculpture will be displayed on the first landing of the exterior staircase at City Hall for a one-year temporary artwork exhibition. The sculpture is currently on display at Patricia’s Green in Hayes Valley San Francisco.
Engineering Specs have been provided in a separate document submitted with this proposal package.
Install/Deinstall:
The sculpture is a self-standing
piece maneuvered by crane for
placement and removal
Footprint:
There will be 7.5 feet of clearance on each side and 5.5 feet to the front and rear of the sculpture. All compliant with code for clearance.
18’
9’ diameter
ABOUT: OLEG LOBYKIN
While I’m a classically trained master stone carver, as an artist and sculptor I work in a variety of materials to express my conceptually driven ideas in novel sculptural form, experimenting with texture, materials, color, or interactive elements. I try to realize the potential of art as my contribution to society.
Observing the natural world and mystery of transformation inspires me. My work depicts an ongoing search for the origins of form and exploration of portals to other dimensions. Shifting realities is a recurring theme in this work, as are transformation and challenging perception. Ideas that are thought-provoking, impactful, and engaging take form in the visible realm.
The existence of one essential particle of matter can amaze us with its pure aesthetic pleasure. It represents the basic urge to create, linking the physical to the metaphysical world. This points to a larger truth, of harmony in contradictions. There is no bad without good, there is no darkness without light, there is no death without birth. Everything has a purpose even if it’s not known to us at the moment.
Originally from St. Petersburg, Russia, I now live in East Palo Alto, California, with my wife, our daughter, a dog and three cats, and the creations of my imagination.
EXAMPLES OF WORK: OLEG LOBYKIN
Budget
Artist Stipend $5,000
Installation/Deinstallation $3,000
Sculpture Permits/Review - Engineering documents,
building/encroachment, onsite inspection $1,000
Artwork Signage $1,000
Total Budget $10,000
Timeline for Installation/Deinstallation
July 2026 Installation date will be confirmed upon City Council approval of the artwork.
March 2027 Deinstallation
CITY HALL TEMPORARY SCULPTURE: BUDGET, TIMELINE and CARE Maintenance
No regular maintenance is needed; however, it is advised to periodically inspect the sculpture for damage that could affect the quality and public safety of the artwork.
The sculpture will remain on display for one year. Upon the end of the display period, a new temporary sculpture will be selected for a oneyear exhibition at City Hall from Spring 2027 through Spring 2028.
Longevity
THANK YOU
For questions regarding the proposals,
please contact –
Sage Loring
Creative Director & Co-Founder
Local Edition Creative
[email protected]
Tari K. Loring
Managing Director & Co-Founder
Local Edition Creative
[email protected]
For questions regarding the public art program,
please contact –
Stacey Laumann
Economic Development Program Manager
City of San Rafael
[email protected]
ers
December 3, 2025
GERSTLE PARK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
PO Box 150644, San Rafael, CA 94915-0644
[email protected]
www.gerstlepark.com
City of San Rafael Council & Public Art Review Board Members 1400 Fifth Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901
Subject: Letter of Support for Downtown Arts District Public Art Installations Dear City of San Rafael Council, Staff, and Public Art Review Board Members, My name is Gina Silvestri and I am the president of the Gerstle Park Neighborhood Association.
On behalf of the entire GPNA Board of Directors, I am writing to express our endorsement and support for the mural "San Rafael Tapestry" (by the artist Wyatt Hersey) that is proposed to be placed on the Second Street retaining wall. This is a project that will add a significant visual impact for San Rafael being the arts and culture epicenter of Marin County and thousands will see the beautify work every day.
This project will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of our area but also serve as a powerful reminder of our shared commitment to the power of public art to inspire residents and visitors alike.
I have confidence in Local Edition Creative's experience and ability to bring this vision to life and believe this project will have a lasting positive impact o-n our community. I ask you to approve this project and help bring new artwork to our public spaces.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Gina M. Silvestri
President
104 G Street
San Rafael, CA 94901
[email protected]
www.welookwest.com
IG: @welookwest
December 02, 2025
Travis Weller / LOOK WEST
104 G Street, San Rafael, CA 94901
[email protected]
City of San Rafael Council & Public Art Review Board Members 1400 Fifth Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901
Subject: Letter of Support for Downtown Arts District Public Art Installations Dear City of San Rafael Council, Staff, and Public Art Review Board Members – My name is Travis Weller, founder/director at LOOK WEST Gallery and fine artist with a working studio on the West End of San Rafael. I am writing to express my endorsement and full support for the mural “San Rafael Tapestry” (by chosen artist Wyatt Hersey) that is proposed to be placed on the Second Street retaining wall at G Street. This is a project that will add a significant visual impact to the West End and beyond. With San Rafael being the arts and culture epicenter of Marin County, this mural fills our need of a visual public attraction in our neighborhood. Thousands will pass by each day and get to enjoy this amazing mural that visually represents our city so well.
I have confidence in Local Edition Creative’s experience and ability to bring this vision to life and believe this project will have a lasting positive impact on our community. I ask you to approve this project and help bring new artwork to our public spaces.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Travis Weller
Founder/Director at LOOK WEST Gallery
December 01, 2025
Karen Strolia, President & CEO
San Rafael Chamber of Commerce
817 Mission Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901
[email protected]
City of San Rafael Council & Public Art Review Board Members 1400 Fifth Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901
Subject: Letter of Support for Downtown Arts District Public Art Installations Dear City of San Rafael Council, Staff, and Public Art Review Board Members – On behalf of the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce, I am pleased to express our strong support for bringing more public art to San Rafael through DSRAD investments. The Chamber has been encouraged and energized watching the momentum build around bringing more public art to San Rafael through DSRAD investments committed to activating and beautifying our shared public spaces.
I am writing to offer our full endorsement of the proposed mural Handle With Care by artist Bryan Valenzuela on the C-Street parking structure. This installation would transform a currently plain and unremarkable façade into a vibrant visual anchor that adds energy, creativity, and a sense of welcome to our downtown.
Beyond its immediate aesthetic value, the Chamber believes this project reflects a deeper civic commitment: that public art has the power to inspire, connect, and enrich the experience of both residents, visitors, and our business community. It is an investment in place-making and in the long-term vitality of our collective community.
We have confidence in Local Edition Creative’s experience and ability to deliver a high-quality installation, and we believe this mural will leave a positive and lasting impact on San Rafael.
We respectfully urge your approval of this project so that together we can continue bringing thoughtful, meaningful artwork to our public spaces.
Sincerely,
Karen Strolia
President & CEO
San Rafael Chamber of Commerce
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Marin Cultural Association
10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael CA 94903
marincultural org
December 01 , 2025
Rafael Town Center
1050 Court Street
San Rafael, CA 94901
City of San Rafael Council & Public Art Review Board Members 1400 Fifth Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901
Subject: Letter of Support for Downtown Arts District Public Art Installations Dear City of San Rafael Council, Staff, and Public Art Review Board Members - My name is Jimi Yost, property manager of Rafael Town Center I am writing to express my endorsement and support for the mural and mosaic art "Waterfall Fountain" (by the artist Paz de la Calzada) that is proposed to be placed on the fountain located in the plaza at 1000 4th Street. This is a project that is especially important to bring some vibrancy to this area that is heavy with foot traffic, but currently has no art elements for the public to enjoy.
This ,project will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of our area but also serve as a powerful reminder of our shared commitment to the power of public art to inspire residents and visitors alike.
I have confidence in Local Edition Creative's experience and ability to bring this vision to life and believe this project will have a lasting positive impact on our community. I ask you to approve this project and help bring new artwork to our public spaces.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Property Manager
Rafael Town Center
415-482-9998
[email protected]
12.01.2025
Mimi Cunningham | The Party Queen
San Rafael
[email protected]
City of San Rafael Council & Public Art Review Board Members 1400 Fifth Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901
Subject: Letter of Support for Downtown Arts District Public Art Installations Dear City of San Rafael Council, Staff, and Public Art Review Board Members – I have been asked to show my support for the DSRAD installations coming to DTSR. In particular I think the large sculpture “Untitled” (by the artist Oleg Lobykin) that is proposed to be placed on the second landing on City Hall steps, is a project that will add a significant statement and a huge visual impact for San Rafael being the arts and culture epicenter of Marin County.
This project will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of our area but also serve as a powerful reminder of the power of public art to inspire residents and visitors alike. Art is the catalyst for creating events that draw people to sustain communities.
Build it and they will come – the installations of all the chosen artwork for these projects is also an underlying reason for more visitors to come to San Rafael, and thus support our local businesses all along the 4th Street corridor. Insta-Gram moments equal commerce.
In looking at their website, I have confidence in Local Edition Creative’s experience and ability to bring this vision to life and believe this project will have a lasting positive impact on our community. They have worked with many big sculptures that have also been featured out at Burning Man.
I ask you to approve this project and help bring new artwork to our public spaces. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Mimi Cunningham
Mimi Cunningham
Creative Director, The Party Queen
AWD Board of Directors
f\Jl 00 ~kcu.t 744 DEL GANADO RD SAN RAFAEL CA 94903 <S- 415.259.1078 [email protected] •. Bank of Marin THE SPIRIT OF MARIN ®
December 11, 2025
Jaime Ortiz
Bank of Marin
1101 4TH Street. San Rafael CA 94901
e-mail: [email protected]
Phone (415) 485-2271
City of San Rafael Council & Public Art Review Board Members 1400 Fifth Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901
11 01 Fourth Street
San Rafael, Ca lifornia 94901
Fax 415/485-2256
41 5/485-BANK
Subject: Letter of Support for Downtown Arts District Public Art Installations Dear City of San Rafael Council, Staff, and Public Art Review Board Members - I am Jaime Ortiz, Central Marin Market Manager for Bank of Marin.
I am writing to express my endorsement and support for the sculpture "Untitled" (by the artist Oleg Lobykin) that is proposed to be placed on the second landing on City Hall steps, this is a project that will add a significant statement and a huge visual impact for San Rafael being the arts and culture epicenter of Marin County.
This project will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of our area but also serve as a powerful reminder of our shared commitment to the power of public art to inspire residents and visitors alike.
I have confidence in Local Edition Creative's experience and ability to bring this vision to life and believe this project will have a lasting positive impact on our community. I ask you to approve this project and help bring new artwork to our public spaces.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
J ime Ortiz
P Market Manager
December 15, 2025
Pond Farm Brewing Co.
1848 4th St
San Rafael, CA 94901
[email protected]
City of San Rafael Council & Public Art Review Board Members 1400 Fifth Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901
[/)ond[TO//nt
BREWING CO.
Subject: Letter of Support for Downtown Arts District Public Art Installations Dear City of San Rafael Council, Staff, and Public Art Review Board Members - I am a Co-Founder and the Brewinaster of Pond Farm Brewing Co., as well as the building owner of 1848 4th St.
I am writing to express my endorsement and support for the sculpture "Touch the Sky" (by the artist Martin Taylor) that is proposed to be placed on the new 4th street meridian, heading into Downtown San Rafael. While I'm no art critic, I do fully support more works of art being installed and displayed throughout our community. This intersection is directly adjacent to my building and business and I'm very happy to see a project like this being proposed by the public art production team of Local Edition Creative for this location.
This project will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of our area but also serve as a powerful reminder of our shared commitment to the power of public art to inspire residents and visitors alike. It will be a definitive statement as you enter the Downtown Arts District and I ask you to approve this project and help bring new artwork to our public spaces.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Trevor Martens
Co-Found & Brewmaster
December 3, 2025
City of San Rafael Council & Public Art Review Board Members 1400 Fifth Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901
Re: Letter of Support for Downtown Arts District Public Art Installations Dear City of San Rafael Council, Staff, and Public Art Review Board Members:
I am writing to express my strong support for the proposed installation of “Touch the Sky” by artist Martin Taylor, recommended for placement on the new 4th Street meridian at the gateway into Downtown San Rafael. This project, submitted by the experienced public art team at Local Edition Creative, represents an opportunity to meaningfully elevate one of the community’s most visible entryways.
Beyond its aesthetic value, this sculpture will stand as a bold and inspiring marker of arrival, signaling to residents, commuters, and visitors that they are entering San Rafael’s vibrant Downtown Arts District. Public art of this caliber does more than beautify our shared spaces; it reinforces San Rafael’s identity as a cultural hub and strengthens the sense of place that draws people to live, work, and visit here.
As a County Supervisor, I also recognize how investments in public art contribute to broader economic vitality. Distinctive installations help attract foot traffic, encourage patronage of local businesses, and enhance the overall appeal of our downtown corridor.
I have confidence in Local Edition Creative’s experience and ability to bring this vision to life and believe this project will have a lasting positive impact on our community. I ask you to approve this project and help bring new artwork to our public spaces.
Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.
Sincerely,
Mary Sackett