Art Commission Sends Artists Back to the Drawing Board

The capper to the San Pablo Avenue Streetscape Project is to be a public art project that would line the boulevard. But the art commission in charge has rejected the artists' plans as "poorly done" and wants them to come back with a new concept.

1 minute read

May 4, 2011, 1:00 PM PDT

By Tim Halbur


Artists Jonathan Russell and Saori Ide have been working for over a year with the commission to deliver a project based on their description of "site-specific, durable, artworks that serve to provide continuity and color along the Project."

Charles Burress has a detailed analysis of the breakdown between artist and client at El Cerrito Patch:

"...at the meeting two weeks ago, the commission expressed clear disapproval of what the artists have spent months developing - simple, colorful, easily recognizable images of people and things like a jogger, a woman pushing a baby carriage, a woman doing yoga, a Native American reed hut, a saxophone.

Instead, the commission asked the artists to return with a design that meets these criteria: 'abstract, non-color or copper, sculptural, uniquely stylistic, integrated.'"

Wednesday, May 4, 2011 in Patch

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog