Public Arts Committee
Overview
The Public Arts Committee, or the PAC, was established in May of 2011 by the City Ordinance amending the Municipal Code to set a fee on commercial or industrial projects in Sebastopol to be used for Public Art in the city.
Under this provision, Public Art, totaling 1% of construction costs, can be commissioned by the project owner and approved by the PAC, or 1% of construction costs is to be paid by the owner into a Public Art Fund. The PAC uses that fund to develop Public Art projects for the City. Artwork installed on municipal property is also vetted by the Public Arts Committee.
How to Participate
PAC meetings are every second Tuesday of the month from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Meetings are open to the public and held online, visit the Meetings tab to see the next upcoming meeting.
For Further Information On How To Submit Art Projects :
Please Contact The Sebastopol Planning Department (707-823-6167) or email nmahungu@cityofsebastopol.org
Upcoming Projects
COMMISSIONED PUBLIC ART
For our EAST entrance: Ned Kahn’s “Sebastopol Spire” will be installed at our Eastern Gateway.
For our SOUTH entrance: the PAC is currently beginning the process for Public Art to be installed at Sebastopol’s Joe Rodota Trail entrance on Petaluma Avenue and Route 116. Look below for more information on Sebastopol’s 3rd Call for Commissioned Public Artwork that was announced on November 1st, 2023.
A NORTH gate commission awaits future funding and proposals.
PAC Members
The PAC is made up of 5 members, appointed by the City Council for 4-year staggered terms. All members are volunteering their time and hard work to further quality Art in Public Places.
Preference will be shown to City residents and persons who own a business or work in the City; however, qualified candidates from the greater Sebastopol and Sonoma County area will be considered. The City Council will consider the following categories:
1. Active members of a City-based, art focused, registered nonprofit organization, entity or facility.
2. Persons with experience in the public art field as either an artist, installer or designer.
3. Members of the general public.
4. A member of the Design Review Board.
Current Public Arts Committee Members
Volunteer as a PAC Associate
The PAC invites those interested in actively supporting Public Art in Sebastopol to contact us through the City Planning Department and learn about volunteering as a Public Arts Committee Associate and assisting in PAC Public Art projects.
May all enjoy the creativity and beauty that surrounds us.
Contact: You can reach Public Arts Committee members through the City of Sebastopol Planning Department (707-823-6167) or you can or email nmahungu@cityofsebastopol.org.
Community Sculpture Garden (CSG)
Check out the Call for Additional CSG sculptures to be curated and displayed for 2023-2025 on the Call for Proposals tab below!
Visit the Community Sculpture Page (CSG) for more detailed information on its history.
For Further Information On How To Submit Art Projects :
Please Contact The Sebastopol Planning Department (707-823-6167) or email nmahungu@cityofsebastopol.org
Recent Accomplishments
Past and current projects can be found in the Special Projects page.
Commissioned Art at Library
Community Sculpture Garden
City street art app listing
Support for Artists project
Call for Proposals
The Public Art Committee was pleased to release its second Call for Artists for Sebastopol’s Community Sculpture Garden in Ives Park (High Street Entry). The Committee recently sponsored additional sculpture pad installations, and there are now 5 concrete pads included in this call.
Deadline Ended: December 7th, 2023 at 4PM
- Currently there are 2 available concrete pads that could host sculptures. If you are interested in loaning your sculpture to the CSG for up to two years or more, please contact nmahungu@cityofsebastopol.gov, for more information.
- This Call features a non-commissioned loan agreement between the Artist and the City.
- New proposals will not be accepted on a first come first serve basis, and must be reviewed and approved by the PAC.
Click the link for details of this past Call: Call to Sculptors for the Community Sculpture Garden – City of Sebastopol, California
The City of Sebastopol and the Public Art Committee are holding a commissioned art competition featuring professional artists living in the State of California for the design of original public art at the trailhead of the Joe Rodota Trail on Petaluma Avenue. The commissioned art will have a budget of $25,000 from the City’s Art in-lieu fund.
Deadline Ended: January 29, 2024, 3:00 p.m.
- A public meeting has been scheduled for April 25th, 2024, 3:30PM, at the Sebastopol Regional Library to showcase the artists and their proposals. Displays will be up from April 25th to May 13th, and the PAC invites all residents to drop by the library and fill out a survey with their feedback.
View the Official Call page for details and the latest news: City Calls for Artists for Commissioned Public Art – City of Sebastopol, California
Check out the Upcoming Projects page for current and upcoming Calls.
Outside Art Organizations
Outside art organizations often contact the PAC for support and input about their own projects. We look forward to strengthening previous connections, and to exploring new ones.
Inventory for Future Public Artwork Sites
The PAC is creating an inventory identifying viable sites for future Public Artwork.
City Signage as Public Art
In collaboration with City committees and departments, the PAC hopes to improve city signage as public art.
Related Forms
3 Finalists Will Showcase Proposals for JRT Trailhead
The Public Arts Committee (PAC) is looking for community input and would like to request for the public to comment on the three potential art pieces that will be presented by Bruce Johnson (Posthumous), Diego Harris, and Michael Per Erik Lindell. The City is inviting all Sebastopol residents to stop by the Regional Library for the meeting on April 25th starting at 3:30PM.
Upcoming Vacancies on Various Committees
The Sebastopol City Council is in need of applicants who are interested in serving on various boards and committees for the City of Sebastopol.
Call for Artists: South Entry Sculpture
The City of Sebastopol and the Public Art Committee are holding a commissioned art competition featuring professional artists living in the State of California for the design of original public art at the trailhead of the Joe Rodota Trail on Petaluma Avenue. The commissioned art will have a budget of $25,000 from the City’s Art in-lieu fund.
Previous Month 
