Approve revision to proposed Public Art at the Walnut Park Library. (No general fund impact) (Pistochini)

On July 8, 2025, the Board of Supervisors approved the commission of two public art pieces for Walnut Park Library by artist Martin Webb. Webb was recommended by the Arts Advisory Committee following an RFQ selection process. The Director of General Services executed a contract with Webb, and implementation of the project began shortly thereafter.

During the review of installation parameters with the project architect and product manufacturers, concerns arose regarding the artwork proposed for the exterior wall. The original design featured ceramic tiles adhered directly to the wall. However, the library’s exterior material—TAKTL, a concrete façade composed of colored, textured, and sealed panels—cannot support this installation method. The manufacturer confirmed that adhering tiles to the TAKTL surface would void the product warranty.

Consideration was given to replacing one panel with a smooth, engineered alternative to accommodate the artwork’s weight, but this option was not feasible under the manufacturer’s specifications.

Webb was asked to propose an alternate solution. The revised design is a steel sculpture featuring laser-cut designs, suspended in front of the concrete panels and anchored to existing stanchions within the wall frame. This approach preserves the original theme and imagery, ensuring the artwork continues to complement the interior installation while introducing a new artistic medium and installation method. The updated design is anticipated to have no fiscal impact, can be completed within the existing construction timeline, and requires no change orders to the library’s construction. The Arts in Public Places Committee, County staff, and the project architect are supportive of this updated design.

The Art in Public Places committee requested that the artist provide additional color options to the design.  The artist is currently developing a proposal for review by the Arts in Public Places Committee.  The color will be painted onto the metal design.  Due to the need to have this art piece proceed to fabrication, the Board is asked to delegate authority to approve an amendment to change the color of the art to the Director of General Services, who will authorize a color change as recommended by the Arts in Public Places Committee.  The working proposal will have the revised art's color palette match the interior artwork color palette previously approved by this Board and these colors complement the architects' colors used in the overall building design.

Next Steps
Following Board approval of the Arts Advisory Committee’s updated recommendation for the exterior wall, the artist will collaborate with County staff, the Committee, and the project architect to finalize design specifications. Installation of the artwork is scheduled for Summer 2026, consistent with the overall construction timeline for the Walnut Park Library.

The Department collaborated with Yolo County Supervisors for Districts 2 and 4, County's Art in Public Places Committee, the Yolo County Arts Council (dba YoloArts), the County Counsel's Office, and the Library Department.

Not applicable as this is a modification of the existing contract.  The existing contract was selected via a competitive Request for Qualifications process.