Subject
title
Approve the artwork as recommended by the Cultural Arts Commission and Authorize the City Manager to enter into an Agreement with Paul Santoleri for the Outdoor Recreation Pool Renovations (RC18) Art Project as part of the Art in Public Architecture program.
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Department
City Manager's Office (CMO)
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Mayor and Council approve the artwork as recommended by the Cultural Arts Commission and Authorize the City Manager to enter into an Agreement with artist Paul Santoleri to create a $135,000 mosaic art for the Outdoor Recreation Pool Renovations (RC18). This aligns with the pool renovation project and the city's Art in Public Architecture program.
Discussion
The City's Cultural Arts Commission and the Artist Nomination Committee recommend that the Mayor and Council approve Paul Santoleri’s mosaic mural proposal (Exhibit A to the Contract with the Artist) for the Rockville Swim and Fitness Center Outdoor Pools. Santoleri's vision for Rockville’s outdoor pools is to create a captivating and thought-provoking artwork that pays tribute to the significance of water for the health of the planet and the flora and fauna it sustains. The artist has carefully crafted a design that beautifies the space and raises awareness about the challenges endangered species face in Maryland.
City Ordinance: Art in Public Architecture
Consistent with the City's "Incorporation of Works of Art in Public Architecture" requirements reflected in the City Code in Chapter 4 Section III, this project aims to integrate significant and engaging works of art into the construction of the Outdoor Recreation Pool Renovations (RC18) at the Rockville Swim and Fitness Center. The City ordinance mandates that a City construction project shall include an amount for works of art equal to 1 percent of the city’s costs for capital projects involving the construction of, or major improvements to, buildings, parks, and other public structures to be transferred annually from the General Fund to the Art in Public Architecture program to promote general welfare and enhance the visual environment of public spaces.
Selection Process
The artist selection followed a comprehensive and structured process informed by best practices prescribed by the Public Art Network Council (PAN) and Americans for the Arts (AFTA):
• Community Input Survey: Conducted to gather public input on preferred art themes and styles, the 167 responses received revealed strong support for “Sustainability and Landscapes” and "Underwater World/Aquatic" themes.
• Request for Qualifications (RFQ): Issued in February 2024, it attracted 188 submissions from skilled regional and national artists.
• Nomination Committee: This committee consisted of representatives from the Cultural Arts Commission, Recreation and Parks Advisory Board, Swim and Fitness Advisory Committee, and City’s Swim and Fitness Center staff in an advisory capacity.
• Nomination Committees reviewed submissions and recommended four artists to submit design proposals to share their artist vision.
• The Nomination Committee unanimously endorsed Santoleri's proposal, recognizing its artistic merit, community alignment, and potential impact.
• The City’s Cultural Arts Commission unanimously endorsed the Nomination Committee’s recommendation to move Santoleri and his proposed design artwork to the Mayor and Council for approval as the selected artist, and design for Rockville’s Outdoor Pool Art Project.
Art Proposal
Paul Santoleri's proposal, titled "Wave: A Celebration of Maryland's Biome," envisions:
• A 3,800 square-foot glass mosaic installation on the vertical risers of the main staircase, creating a wave-like effect.
• Depictions of various endangered species native to Maryland using hand-cut glass mosaics and three-dimensional stoneware clay tile reliefs.
• The artist plans to offer a mosaic workshop led by a mosaic master where residents, including local artists, can actively learn about the process of creating mosaic murals process. This hands-on experience will foster a sense of ownership and connection to the project while providing valuable artistic training and networking opportunities.
Expert Review
Debora Rodrigues, an art conservator from Past Matters, commended the choice of materials and overall design. While she highlighted a minor concern regarding potential damage to ceramic pieces on the step risers, she expressed confidence that Paul Santoleri could address this with the placement of pieces and by reducing the relief pieces' height without compromising the visual impact.
Conclusion
Members of the Cultural Arts Commission and the Artist Nomination Committee (the “Committees”) strongly encourage the Mayor and Council to approve the recommendations and proceed with the mosaic project as part of the Rockville Outdoor Pool Renovation. This mosaic project will enhance the newly renovated pool area's architectural appeal and serve as a vibrant and meaningful expression of our community's values.
The Committees further note that the proposed mural represents a significant milestone in collective efforts-by the Cultural Arts Commission, the Mayor and Council, and City staff-to integrate art into public spaces and enrich the cultural fabric of Rockville. The Committees therefore respectfully urge the Mayor and Council to approve this impactful project, which will be located at Rockville’s Swim and Fitness Center’s Outdoor Pools, and the Committees express gratitude for the continued support in fostering the growth of Rockville’s artistic community.
Mayor and Council History
This project was approved as part of the FY2025 Budget under the Art in Public Architecture cost center.
Public Notification and Engagement
In October 2023, a community input survey regarding the proposed project was posted on the City’s website, the Swim and Fitness Center also communicated regarding the proposed project via their email newsletter to over 5000 customers, social media, and Next Door, among other places. City staff also posted postcards and posters onsite and at nearby locations. Survey information was sent to the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board, the Rockville Swim and Fitness Center Advisory Subcommittee, and the Cultural Arts Commission.
In February 2024, Rockville posted a Request for Qualifications (Call for Artists) on the City’s website, on social media, and through local arts listservs to help identify an artist for this project. City staff also shared the Request for Qualifications with the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board and the Rockville Swim and Fitness Center Advisory Subcommittee. The Recreation and Parks Advisory Board and the Rockville Swim and Fitness Center Advisory Subcommittee were represented on the Artist Nomination Committee and have been updated regularly on the progress of this project.
The project proposal for the Outdoor Pool Renovation's proposed Art in Public Architecture design is on display at the Rockville Swim and Fitness Center for public comment.
Boards and Commissions Review
The Cultural Arts Commission, Recreation and Parks Advisory Board, and Swim and Fitness Center Advisory Subcommittee were updated during the process, and each had representation on the Artist Nomination Committee.
Procurement
The acquisition of works of art for public display is exempt from competitive procurement, according to the Rockville City Code, Chapter 17, Purchasing, Section 17-87. - Exemptions.; (12) Acquisition of works of art for public display.
Fiscal Impact
Sufficient funding is available in the Art in Public Architecture (AIPA) account, which is included in the Special Activities Fund. The AIPA account is a restricted account with revenue sources dedicated to acquiring works of art. In accordance with Ordinance 3-04, 1 percent of the city’s costs for capital projects involving the construction of, or major improvements to, buildings, parks, and other public structures is to be transferred annually from the General Fund to the Art in Public Architecture program.
Next Steps
With the Mayor and Council’s approval, staff will coordinate with the artist, Procurement Division, and Office of the City Attorney to execute the attached Agreement.