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.gov

Upcoming Projects

COMMISSIONED PUBLIC ART

For our EAST entrance: Ned Kahn’s “Sebastopol Spire” was installed at our Eastern Gateway.

For our SOUTH entrance: Bruce Johnson’s “Koan” was installed at the entryway to the Joe Rodota Trail

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.

Robert Brent

Chair; Category 2

Term Expires 12/31/2025

Jeffrey Stucker

Vice Chair; Category 3

Term Expires 12/31/2025

Barbara Harris

Category 1

Term Expires 12/31/2025

Lars Langberg

DRB (4)

Term expires Upon expiration of DRB term

Vacant

Category 2

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 email nmahungu@cityofsebastopol.gov.

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.

CSG Page

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

Joe Rodota Trail Entry – Commissioned Artwork

The City of Sebastopol and the Public Art Committee held 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.

View the Official Call page for details and the latest news: City Calls for Artists for Commissioned Public Art – City of Sebastopol, California

TBA

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.

Sebastopol’s Public Art Approval Checklist

Application For Appointment To Public Arts Committee

Ives Park Reference Map

New Sculpture Installed at Joe Rodota Trail South Entry

Posted on December 5, 2024

Community Sculpture Garden Opening on August 17th

Posted on July 30, 2024

3 Finalists Will Showcase Proposals for JRT Trailhead

Posted on March 25, 2024

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.