ACC 01-23-2023APPROVED MINUTES
ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION
Monday, January 23, 2023
6:30 p.m.
ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
At 6:31 p.m., Vice Chair Chokshi called the meeting to order via virtual teleconference.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Janki Chokshi, Esha Rao, Carol Maa
Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Present: Rachelle Sander, Jessica Javier, Gian Martire
Presenters: Chandra Cerrito, Roger Stoller, Peter Lin, Nancy Kao, Ali
Mozaffari, Sayareh Farsio, Setareh Farsio, Jason Kelly Johnson,
Nataly Gattegno
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Subject: Meeting Minutes for the September 26, 2022 Arts and Culture Commission Meeting
Recommended Action: Review and approve the minutes for the September 26, 2022 Arts and
Culture Commission meeting.
Vice Chair Chokshi motioned to approve the September 26, 2022 Arts and Culture Commission
meeting minutes as submitted. Commissioner Maa seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
POSTPONEMENTS
None
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None
OLD BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
2. Subject: Architectural and Site Approval to consider a public art installation for The Forum at
23500 Cristo Rey Dr. (Application No. ASA-2021-008; Applicant: Peter Lin, Greenbrier
Development; APN: 342-54-999).
Recommended Action: Receive a presentation on a public art installation for The Forum at
23500 Cristo Rey Dr. and adopt the draft resolution (Attachment 1) to approve the proposed
artwork.
Rachelle Sander, Director of Parks and Recreation, introduced Gian Martire, Senior Planner, to
present on the item. Senior Planner Martire provided an overview including background
information, art piece location, and the art piece design.
Chandra Cerrito, Art Advisor, presented an introduction on The Forum and the reasoning
behind the location of the art piece. Provided an overview of the artist selection process and
introduced the artist selected, Roger Stoller. The artist presented on their previous work and the
conceptual design titled “Natura” for The Forum.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions.
Vice Chair Chokshi requested clarification regarding the lighting arrangement and materials.
The artist clarified that there will be one to two up lights that will light the piece and additional
pathway lights. Material being used is marine grade stainless steel.
Commissioner Rao requested clarification on weather conditions that were considered for the
area of Cupertino. The artist clarified that wind four times what is expected, and earthquakes
were taken into account for the engineering of the art piece.
Commissioner Maa requested clarification on the decision for the spacing between the viewer
on the sidewalk and the art piece, the location and placement of the art piece, and parking in the
area. The artist clarified that the location of the art piece could not be closer to the street due to
the low hill, and that there is a pathway for the community to have a more personal view. The
applicant, Peter Lin, clarified the pathway is in a place that allows for ADA compliance.
Clarified that for access and viewing of the art piece, it was decided that it would be closer to
the intersection of Oak Valley Road verses closer to The Forum entrance. Clarified that the eight
parking spots shown in the site mock-up is private parking, and street parking nearby is a
challenge.
Vice Chair Chokshi requested clarification on site safety. The artist clarified the thickness of the
metal, and inside the support element is reinforced stainless steel.
Commissioner Maa expressed concerns regarding accessibility, parking, community
engagement, and inclusivity of the space for those outside of the immediate area.
Commissioner Maa motioned to adopt the draft resolution and approve the proposed artwork
with stipulations that the applicant work with City Staff to explore areas within the
development to allow for parking for visitors as well as wayfinding for the community to locate
the art piece. Commissioner Rao seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
3. Subject: Architectural and Site Approval (ASA-2023-001) to consider a public art installation
for Alan Row at 22690 Stevens Creek Blvd. (APN: 342-14-104, -105, -066). The applicant is Ali
Mozaffari, Alan Enterprise, LLC
Recommended Action: Receive a presentation on a public art installation for Alan Row at 22690
Stevens Creek Blvd and approve public art application, subject to conditions of the draft
resolution.
Senior Planner Martire presented on the item. Provided an overview including background
information, art piece location, and the art piece design.
Ali Mozaffari, the applicant, introduced the artists from Futureforms, Jason Kelly Johnson and
Nataly Gattegno, to provide an overview of the project. The artists presented on their previous
work and the conceptual design titled “Bloom” for the artwork.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions.
Vice Chair Chokshi requested clarification on the spacing of the gaps at the bottom of the art
piece due to safety concerns. Nataly Gattegno clarified that on the lower part there are no
perforations, and the gaps are filled with a blue stiffener.
Commissioner Rao requested clarification on the sustainability of the materials being used, and
collection of rain inside the art piece. Jason Kelly Johnson clarified the material being used is
stainless steel, and if for any reason the artwork is no longer wanted, stainless steel can be
recycled. Clarified that the art piece is porous, and rain would drain out onto the ground.
Commissioner Maa requested clarification on whether there were other senses the artists were
hoping to engage or if the art piece was primarily visual, isolation of the art piece, opportunities
for a more welcoming space, and parking. The artists clarified that it is a primarily visual art
piece with different experiences depending on perspective. The applicant clarified that due to
the bioswale and public right of way, the art piece could only be in a certain location. Clarified
that there is public parking along Stevens Creek Boulevard. Setareh Farsio, partner of Alan
Enterprise, clarified that the location is the front yard of a residence, there would be a liability
on the private property if people were to walk under the art piece, and they did attempt to have
it closer to the sidewalk but due to constraints they were unable to.
Vice Chair Chokshi motioned to approve the public art application, subject to conditions of the
draft resolution. Commissioner Rao seconded.
Commissioner Maa amended the motion to approve the public art application, subject to
conditions of the draft resolution with the stipulation that the applicant shall explore the
potential for a viewing area adjacent to the public sidewalk in front of the art piece. Vice Chair
Chokshi seconded the amended motion. Amended motion carried unanimously.
4. Subject: Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Distinguished, Emerging, and Young Artist Award Programs
Recommended Action: Evaluate participant submissions for Distinguished, Emerging, and
Young Artist Award Programs and select winners for each category.
Director Sander introduced the item and reviewed the evaluation process. Jessica Javier,
Administrative Assistant, presented the artist submissions for each category, and
commissioners reported their total scores using the evaluation forms.
Commissioners reviewed the final rankings and selected winners for each category.
Young Artist (Group A) Awards – Ages 6 to 10 years old
• Platinum Winner – Katy Wang
• Gold Winner – Samuel Jung
• Silver Winner – Pushya Dutt
Young Artist (Group B) Awards – Ages 11 to 14 years old
• Platinum Winner – Nikhil Krishnaswamy
• Gold Winner – Lillian Jones
• Silver Winner – Vianna Dong
Emerging Artist Award
• Platinum Winner – Apoorva Talwalkar
• Gold Winner – Chloe Zhong
• Silver Winner – Emily Chang
Distinguished Artist Award
• Platinum Winner – Elizabeth Bennett
• Gold Winner – Brian Chow
• Silver Winner – Eva Olsen
STAFF AND COMMISSION REPORTS
5. Subject: Monthly Update Reports
Recommended Action: Receive monthly update reports from staff and commissioners.
Vice Chair Chokshi reported that this is the last Commission meeting of her term. Also reported
on a suggestion from the Mayor for a proposal of a potential Arts and Culture event.
Director Sander provided the Director’s update on the following:
- The City Clerk sent out an email on January 18 providing notice to Commissioners that
the emergency order providing for relaxed rules in the Brown Act expires on February
28, and that Commissioners will need to resume attending Commission meetings in-
person.
o The March Arts and Culture Commission meeting will be in-person at the
Quinlan Community Center.
o For some Commissions there will be a hybrid option, however, for Arts and
Culture Commission members of the public will have the opportunity to attend
in-person to participate in the Commission meeting.
- Memorial Park Specific Plan Conceptual Design
o Community Survey – January 25 to February 22
o Open House at the Cupertino Senior Center – Saturday, February 4 from 10 a.m.
to 2 p.m.
o Community Webinar – Thursday, February 9 at 7 p.m.
o Visit engagecupertino.org for more information.
COMMISSIONER ATTENDANCE AT UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS
Commissioners to attend the upcoming Mayor’s meetings as follows:
February 8 – Commissioner Maa
March 8 – Commissioner Rao
FUTURE AGENDA SETTING
Vice Chair Chokshi requested art in unexpected places, art talks, and upcoming events.
Commissioner Maa requested a review of the budget and programs attached, and art in lieu
fees.
ADJOURNMENT
Vice Chair Chokshi adjourned the meeting at 10:15 p.m. to the March 27, 2023 meeting at 6:30
p.m.
Respectfully Submitted by,
Jessica Javier, Administrative Assistant
Parks and Recreation Department
Minutes approved at the 03.27.23 regular meeting