REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Approve Public Art for Plaza del Sol, Phase II
Report
SUMMARY OF COMMISSION ACTION
The Arts Commission considered this item on May 13, 2026.
The Arts Commission voted to recommend Council approve the conceptual design for public art for the Plaza del Sol, Phase II project submitted by Charles Gadeken. The vote was 5 Yes, 0 No.
The Arts Commission ranking of artists is:
1. Charles Gadeken
2. Luminous Waveforms
3. James Peterson
4. Studiofolia
5. Mandy Palasik Studio
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council meeting agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board at City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Public Library and in the Department of Public Safety Lobby. In addition, the agenda and this report are available at the City Hall reception desk located on the first floor of City Hall at 456 W. Olive Avenue (during normal business hours), and on the City's website.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve the Arts Commission recommendation to select Charles Gadeken's design as the public art for the Plaza del Sol, Phase II project.
2. Do not accept the Arts Commission Recommendation and select a different artist and design.
3. Take other action as directed by Council.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
There is no staff recommendation for this project.
Justification
Pursuant to the Art in Public Places procedures, staff does not participate in the selection of the artwork; however, staff can confirm that all five art proposals submitted are appropriate for this commission and will work within the defined parameters of the project. The Arts Commission ranked the proposals and made a recommendation on the design and artist to City Council for consideration and final approval.
The selected conceptual design will be further developed with oversight from staff to meet the Art in Public Places guidelines and to remain within the allocated budget of $100,000 ($90,000 all-inclusive artist budget with $10,000 in artist stipends ...
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