HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-03-12 CAC Regular Meeting Agenda Packet
CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE
CITY OF PALM DESERT
MEETING AGENDA
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
9:00 a.m.
Administrative Conference Room, City Hall
73-510 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Pursuant to Assembly Bill 2449, this meeting will be conducted as a hybrid meeting and there will be
in-person access to this location.
To participate via Zoom, use the following link: https://palmdesert.zoom.us/j/83338542730 or
call (213) 338-8477, Zoom Meeting ID: 833 3854 2730
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Written public comment may also be submitted to cityclerk@palmdesert.gov. E-mails
received by 5:00 p.m. one day prior to the meeting will be distributed to the Committee. Any
correspondence received during or after the meeting will be distributed to the Committee as
soon as practicable and retained for the official record. Emails will not be read aloud except
as an ADA accommodation.
•
Pages
1.CALL TO ORDER
2.ROLL CALL
3.NONAGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS
This time has been set aside for the public to address the Cultural Arts
Committee on issues that are not on the agenda for up to three minutes.
Speakers may utilize one of the three options listed on the first page of the
agenda. Because the Brown Act does not allow the Cultural Arts Committee to
act on items not listed on the agenda, members may briefly respond or refer the
matter to staff for a report and recommendation at a future meeting.
4.CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed on the Consent Calendar are considered routine and may be
approved by one motion. The public may comment on any items on the Consent
Agenda within the three-minute time limit. Individual items may be removed by
the Cultural Arts Committee for a separate discussion.
RECOMMENDATION:
To approve the consent calendar as presented.
4.a APPROVAL OF MINUTES 5
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the Minutes of December 11, 2024.
5.CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
6.ACTION CALENDAR
The public may comment on individual Action Items within the three-minute time
limit. Speakers may utilize one of the three options listed on the first page of the
agenda.
6.a INFORMATIONAL REPORT ON THE CITY’S POET LAUREATE 9
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file informational report on the City of Palm Desert’s Poet
Laureate.
6.b PALM DESERT LIBRARY ARTS PROGRAMMING UPDATE 19
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file informational report regarding arts programming at the
Palm Desert Library.
6.c 2025 STUDENT ART AND ESSAY CONTEST VINYL ART WRAP
ARTWORK SELECTION
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RECOMMENDATION:
Select and approve one artwork from the 2025 Student Art and Essay
Contest for vinyl art wrap installation on a traffic signal cabinet.
6.d CONSIDER PURCHASE OF RISING INVERSION SCULPTURE 31
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommend that the City Council approve expenditure in the amount of
$100,000 for the purchase of Rising Inversion by artist Cristopher Cichocki
(cha-house-key), to be installed in Ironwood Park, upon approval of grant
funding from the Arts in California Parks program.
6.e REQUEST FOR DIRECTION ON INCREASED CONTRACT AMOUNT FOR
DUELING PALMS SCULPTURE
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RECOMMENDATION:
Recommend that the City Council authorize an increase in the amount of
$106,267.25 to the contract with artist Kyle Absolom for Dueling Palms
sculpture.
7.INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & COMMENTS
Cultural Arts Committee Regular Meeting
March 12, 2025
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7.a PLANNING COMMISSION LIAISON
7.b ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION LIAISON
7.c CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE MEMBERS
7.d CITY COUNCIL LIAISON
7.e CITY STAFF
7.f ATTENDANCE REPORT 69
8.ADJOURNMENT
The next Regular Meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 9:00
a.m.
9.PUBLIC NOTICES
Agenda Related Materials: Pursuant to Government Code §54957.5(b)(2) the
designated office for inspection of records in connection with this meeting is the
Office of the City Clerk, Palm Desert Civic Center, 73-510 Fred Waring Drive,
Palm Desert. Staff reports for all agenda items considered in open session, and
documents provided to a majority of the legislative bodies are available for
public inspection at City Hall and on the City’s website at www.palmdesert.gov.
Americans with Disabilities Act: It is the intention of the City of Palm Desert to
comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all respects. If, as an
attendee or a participant at this meeting, or in meetings on a regular basis, you
will need special assistance beyond what is normally provided, the City will
attempt to accommodate you in every reasonable manner. Please contact the
Office of the City Clerk, (760) 346-0611, at least 48 hours prior to the meeting to
inform us of your needs and to determine if accommodation is feasible.
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
I hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California
that the foregoing agenda for the Cultural Arts Committee was posted on the
City Hall bulletin board and City website not less than 72 hours prior to the
meeting.
/S/ Monique Lomeli, CMC
Senior Deputy Clerk
Cultural Arts Committee Regular Meeting
March 12, 2025
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CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE
CITY OF PALM DESERT
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
December 11, 2024, 9:00 a.m.
Present: Vice-Chair Carol Adney, Committee Member Maureen Boren,
Committee Member Lori Flint, Committee Member Thomas Mitze,
Committee Member Pia Rose, Committee Member Ann Simley,
Chair Elizabeth Hauer
Absent: Committee Member Kristen Olson- Stone (alt.)
Liaison: Architectural Review Commission Liaison Wallace D. Colvard,
Planning Commission Liaison Lindsay Holt
Staff Present: Management Analyst Erica Powell, Recording Secretary Michelle
Nance
1. CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the Cultural Arts Committee was called to order by Chair Hauer on
December 11, 2024, at 9:00 a.m., in the Administrative Conference Room, City Hall,
located at 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California.
2. ROLL CALL
3. NONAGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by: Committee Member Mitze
Seconded by: Committee Member Rose
To approve the consent calendar as presented.
Motion Carried (7 to 0)
4.a APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by: Committee Member Mitze
Seconded by: Committee Member Rose
Approve the Minutes of November 13, 2024.
Motion Carried (7 to 0)
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Cultural Arts Committee Minutes
December 11, 2024
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4.b PROJECT STATUS REPORT FOR THE DECEMBER 11, 2024, CULTURAL
ARTS COMMITTEE MEETING
Management Analyst Powell, provided a staff report and responded to member
inquiries.
Motion by: Vice-Chair Adney
Seconded by: Committee Member Simley
Receive and File Project Status Report for December 11, 2024, Cultural Arts
Committee (CAC) Meeting.
Motion Carried (7 to 0)
5. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
6. ACTION CALENDAR
6.a CONSIDER SPONSORSHIP REQUEST FROM DESERT X FOR THE 2025
EXHIBITION
Management Analyst Powell narrated a PowerPoint and responded to member
inquiries.
Motion by: Committee Member Flint
Seconded by: Committee Member Rose
Recommend City Council approve sponsorship request in the amount of $25,000
from Desert X for the 2025 exhibition.
Motion Carried (7 to 0)
7. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & COMMENTS
7.a PLANNING COMMISSION LIAISON
Planning Commissioner Holt provided a reminder on the Palm Desert Civic
Academy starting early 2025.
7.b ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION LIAISON
Architectural Review Commissioner Colvard provided an update on recent
approvals of the Architectural Review Commission.
7.c CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Committee Member Simley expressed appreciation to the Committee for the
approval of the deaccession of the "Piano" sculpture at City Hall.
Vice Chair Adney requested potential location suggestions for a private mural
called Unite.
Committee Member Boren recommended working with the Desert Recreation
District with integrating art into the new remodel of the Palm Desert location.
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Cultural Arts Committee Minutes
December 11, 2024
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7.d CITY COUNCIL LIAISON
None.
7.e CITY STAFF
Management Analyst Powell provided updates on the following items:
• Update on foundation base of sculpture The Unbearable Lightness of
Being by Patricia Vader;
• Update on raised mid-block crosswalks;
• Dueling Palms sculpture update; and
• the cancellation of the January Cultural Arts Committee meeting.
7.f ATTENDANCE REPORT
Report provided; no action taken on this item.
8. ADJOURNMENT
The Cultural Arts Committee adjourned at 10:01 a.m.
9. PUBLIC NOTICES
_________________________
Michelle Nance, Deputy Clerk II
Recording Secretary
_________________________
Erica Powell, Management Analyst
Secretary
_________________________
DATE APPROVED BY CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE
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CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE
CITY OF PALM DESERT
STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: March 12, 2025
PREPARED BY: Erica Powell, Management Analyst
SUBJECT: INFORMATIONAL REPORT ON THE CITY’S POET LAUREATE
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file informational report on the City of Palm Desert’s Poet Laureate .
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
In March 2023, the City Council established an honorary position of Poet Laureate to support
Palm Desert’s artistic and cultural initiatives. Following a competitive selection process, Lori
Davis was appointed for a one-year term starting October 1, 2023. She has successfully
completed all assigned duties, including:
Recited an original poem for the City’s 50th Anniversary (Nov. 18, 2023)
Performed at the Veterans Day Ceremony (Nov. 11, 2023)
Mentored Junior Poet Laureate
Hosted a poetry workshop and reading at the Palm Desert Library (April 8, 2024)
Performed at the State of the City (June 25, 2024) and Independence Day Celebration
(July 4, 2024)
Given her successful contributions, at its May 23, 2024, meeting, the City Council approved a
two-year contract extension with Lori Davis through September 30, 2026.
With this extended contract, Ms. Davis has developed Poet’s Oasis, a free, twice-monthly poetry
workshop at the Palm Desert Library designed to engage both new and seasoned poets in a
supportive, generative writing group. Sessions focus on craft , poetry prompts, writing time, and
feedback. The program averaged 9 – 11 attendees per session, with a peak of 13 attendees in
December, and has received positive feedback.
Programming:
Poet’s Oasis Showcase Reading (April 16, 2025, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m., Palm Desert Library)
- A National Poetry Month celebration featuring participants from the workshop. The event
will be free and open to the public, including live, acoustic music and refreshments.
Poet’s Oasis Anthology - A chapbook-style (pocket-sized booklet, 20 – 40 pages) poetry
collection published by the Palm Desert Library debuting poems from workshop
participants, to be released in conjunction with the April 16 showcase reading.
Remaining Poet’s Oasis Dates This Season:
o March 19, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
o April 2, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
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Cultural Arts Committee
City of Palm Desert
(Informational Report on the City’s Poet Laureate)
Page 2 of 2
o April 16, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Ms. Davis will provide quarterly updates on her programming to the Cultural Arts
Committee. The Committee will have the opportunity to offer feedback and
recommendations, which will be shared with the City Council.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The Poet Laureate receives an annual honorarium of $3,500, paid quarterly, as well as mileage
expenses to and from events. Funds are paid from the Public Art Budget – Account No. 4364650-
4309200.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Poet Laureate’s Scope of Work
2. Poet’s Oasis Workshop Flyer
3. Poet’s Oasis Workshops Attendance Data
4. Poet’s Oasis Participant Feedback
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Poet Laureate’s Scope of Work
Agreement C46360, October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2026
3. Terms.
3.1. Services. Section 2 of the Agreement is hereby amended in its entirety to read as
follows:
• City Poet Laureate is responsible for coordinating with City staff and Palm Desert
Library staff to schedule work and shall keep City staff apprised on the progress.
• City Poet Laureate shall attend Cultural Arts Committee meetings in September,
January, and May each year to provide updates on the Scope of Services.
• City Poet Laureate shall organize two monthly events from November to April for
individuals aged 16 and above at the Palm Desert Library, including the following
elements:
o Poetry and writing techniques
o Writing sessions
o Sharing of work
• City Poet Laureate shall host an annual special event in April for National Poetry
Month.
• City Poet Laureate shall plan and execute youth events from November to April.
• City Poet Laureate shall perform at a maximum of four City of Palm Desert events.
The scope of services is subject to change based on needs, with any adjustments requiring
approval from the City.
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Poet's Oasis Time Participants Notes:
10/16/2024 1:00 - 2:30pm 0
10/30/2024 5:30 - 7:00pm 6 All new
11/13/2024 1:00 - 2:30pm 8 5 new, 3 returning
11/13/2024 5:30 - 7:00pm 10 4 new, 6 returning
12/11/2024 1:00 - 2:30pm 13 7 new, 6 returning
12/11/2024 5:30 - 7:00pm 6 all returning, 3 came to both sessions
1/8/2025 1:00 - 2:30pm 11 1 new, all returning
1/22/2025 5:30 - 7:00pm 10 all returning, 3 came to both sessions
2/5/2025 1:00 - 2:30pm 15 5 new, 10 returning
2/19/2025 5:30 - 7:00pm 10 7 returning, 3 new
3/5/2025 1:00 - 2:30pm
3/19/2025 5:30 - 7:00pm
4/2/2025 1:00 - 2:30pm
4/16/2025 5:30 - 7:00pm
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Poet’s Oasis Participant Feedback 2024
1. Lori, Thank you for the opportunity to grow as a creative being. I find your mentoring
style reassuring. I have always been interested in words, however I have never
written nor read much poetry. Promising myself, I will read something out loud that I
have written at the next meeting. W/gratitude - Laurie
2. I so appreciate your encouragement, patience, and preparation for
the Oasis project. I have never had this experience before. It is quite wonderful.
Thank you.
Jane
3. Hi Lori,
Thank you again so much for creating this space! I am so excited and grateful to be a
part of this and to have an opportunity to be a part of the Poet’s Oasis Anthology!! So
excited!!
I’m excited to see what unfolds. See you soon!
Jessenia
4. Dear Lori, Unfortunately, I injured my knee yesterday and will not be able to come to
either session today. If it is not a lot of trouble, I would love to know the prompts for
today, as I find your approach so interesting. I wish you very happy holidays and look
forward to joining the group in January.
Best regards,
Patricia
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CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE
CITY OF PALM DESERT
STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: March 12, 2025
PREPARED BY: Erica Powell, Management Analyst
Jose Garcia, Library Manager
SUBJECT: PALM DESERT LIBRARY ARTS PROGRAMMING UPDATE
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file informational report regarding arts programming at the Palm Desert Library.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
At its November 13, 2024, meeting, the Cultural Arts Committee (CAC) approved Palm Desert
Library staff to oversee art programming at the Library. As part of the City’s commitment to
fostering an inclusive arts environment, the Palm Desert Library has been identified as a venue
for community-oriented art exhibitions. Due to limited space, only small-scale displays, such as
those on easels or free-standing structures, are feasible. The goal of this programming is to
promote community art and provide accessible opportunities for local talent to showcase their
work.
The Palm Desert Library has partnered with several regional arts organizations to highlight local
artists. In doing so, the Library is meeting its strategic objectives by celebrating arts & culture
and creating community connections.
Artists Council
The Library has partnered with the Artists Council to produce booklists associated with each of
its 2024-2025 exhibits. This reciprocal relationship allows the Library and the Artists Council
broader awareness of its programming and services.
Coachella Valley Watercolor Society
An ongoing partnership to display one piece of artwork produced by their artist of the month. A
short bio and a pamphlet will accompany each piece of artwork. The partnership will provide
local artists an additional venue to showcase their work and the Library benefits by enhancing
our space.
Desert Cities Art Council
The Library has partnered with the Desert Cities Art Council to produce a Spring and Fall 2025
exhibit. The exact dates are yet to be determined. The partnership will provide local artists with
an additional venue to showcase their work and the Library benefits by enhancing its space.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact to the Public Art budget associated with this project.
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CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE
CITY OF PALM DESERT
STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: March 12, 2025
PREPARED BY: Erica Powell, Management Analyst
SUBJECT: 2025 STUDENT ART AND ESSAY CONTEST VINYL ART WRAP
ARTWORK SELECTION
RECOMMENDATION:
Select and approve one artwork from the 2025 Student Art and Essay Contest for vinyl art wrap
installation on a traffic signal cabinet.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
The annual Student Art and Essay Contest provides an opportunity for all Palm Desert students,
K – 12, to participate by submitting class murals, individual artworks, and essays for display at
UCR Palm Desert Center. At its regular meeting of July 10, 2024 , the Cultural Arts Committee
selected the theme My Favorite Palm Desert Building! for the 38th annual Student Art and Essay
Contest.
Palm Desert schools, grades K – 12, participated by submitting 63 essays, 12 class murals, and
55 individual artworks. All of the artworks were judged, students and teachers were notified, and
the awards ceremony was held at UCR Palm Desert Center on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
Building on the success of last year’s vinyl art wrap competition, the Cultural Arts Committee
approved its continuation for the 2025 contest at its July 10, 2024, meeting. Top award winners,
as well as first place winners, dependent on appropriate images would potentially have their
artworks vinyl wrapped onto traffic signal cabinets.
After review of all submitted artworks, staff has prepared a list of recommended artworks and
corresponding locations. Staff is hereby requesting that the Committee select one option from
this list for approval of vinyl art wrap installation:
Option 1:
Proposed artwork: Palm Desert High School, 12th Grade, Keira Farmer, 1st place
Proposed location: Fred Waring Drive and College of the Desert
Option 2:
Proposed artwork: Washington Charter School, 4th Grade, Emily Ehsani, 3rd place
Proposed location: Portola Avenue and Highway 111
Option 3:
Proposed artwork: Sacred Heart School, 4th grade, Azalea Fiore, Mayor’s Award Individual Art
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Cultural Arts Committee
City of Palm Desert
(2025 Student Art and Essay Contest Vinyl Art Wrap Artwork Selection )
Page 2 of 2
Proposed location: Fred Waring Drive and Phyllis Jackson Lane
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The estimated cost for the vinyl art wrap is $3,500 for a traffic signal cabinet. Funding has been
included in the FY 24/25 Public Art budget.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. July 10, 2024, 2025 Student Art and Essay Contest and continuation of Art Wrap
Competition Staff Report
2. Proposed artwork and locations for vinyl wrap
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CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE
CITY OF PALM DESERT
STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: July 10, 2024
PREPARED BY: Debbie Thompson, Administrative Assistant
Erica Powell, Management Analyst
REQUEST: SELECT THEME FOR 2025 STUDENT ART AND ESSAY CONTEST
RECOMMENDATION:
Select a theme for the 2025 Student Art and Essay Contest and approve continuation of the
vinyl art wrap competition.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
The 38th annual Student Art and Essay Contest provides an opportunity for all Palm Desert
students, grades K-12, to participate by submitting classroom murals, individual artworks, and
essays for public display. After 38 years of being held at Palm Desert City Hall, due to the growth
of the event, beginning in 2025, the public display and awards ceremony will be held at University
of California Riverside’s Palm Desert Center (UCR). All entries submitted will be on display in
the University Building (Building B) and the awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday, March
5, at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium of Building B. Staff is looking forward to holding the events at
UCR which will allow for adequate visibility of the artworks and essays and a larger venue for
the awards ceremony.
Each year the Cultural Arts Committee is asked to choose a theme for the Student Art and Essay
Contest.
Listed below are a few suggested ideas.
When I feel a raindrop
When I see a piece of trash
Palm Desert would be better if…
My first journey on a train
How can I help my neighborhood
Staff will begin outreach to all Palm Desert schools at the beginning of the school year, and will
work with each school to encourage participation. Entries will be due January 31, 2025 and are
scheduled to be on display at UCR from February 10 through March 28, 2025.
Due to the success of the vinyl art wrap competition, staff recommends continuation of the
competition for the 2025 contest. Once the entries are judged, staff would bring forward the top
award winners, as well as the first-place winners, dependent upon appropriate images, for the
Cultural Arts Committee members to select an artwork to be placed on a traffic signal cabinet.
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Cultural Arts Committee
City of Palm Desert
(2025 Student Art and Essay Contest Theme Selection )
Page 2 of 2
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Estimated costs for the vinyl art wrap are not to exceed $5,000 and has already been approved
as part of the FY 2024/2025 Public Art budget.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Past Years’ Themes
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STUDENT ART & ESSAY CONTEST
PAST YEARS’ TITLES
# Year Theme
1 1985 Palm Desert Through Children’s Eyes
2 1986 Palm Desert Through Children’s Eyes
3 1988* The U.S. Constitution Through Your Eyes
4 1989 Art in Our City Parks
5 1990 Recycling in the 90s – How Palm Desert Makes it Easier
6 1991 Palm Desert – By The Young at Art
7 1992 The Active Life in Palm Desert – 1992
8 1993 Shake, Rattle or Ready?
9 1994 Palm Desert – The Next 20 Years
10 1995 Desert Animals and Their Habitats
11 1996 America Today and Tomorrow
12 1997 If I Could Design Public Art
13 1998 My Favorite Place In Palm Desert
14 1999 Community Services – How Can I/We Help Our Community?
15 2000 I Believe The Most Important Event, Person, or Invention of
the Millennium Was….
16 2001 If I Were on the Palm Desert City Council, I Would…..
17 2002 Palm Desert, My All American City
18 2003 Palm Desert Fun Is….
19 2004 Flora and Fauna of the Desert
20 2005 A Day in the Park
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21 2006 If I Could Design With Recycled Materials, It Would Be…
22 2007 If I Could Create an Artwork for El Paseo, It Would Be…
23 2008 Solar Energy
24 2009 How Would I Change the World?
25 2010 Palm Desert: Past, Present, Future
26 2011 Trees: Roots for Life
27 2012 My Hopes and Dreams for Palm Desert in 20 Years
28 2013 American Idols: Who is Your Role Model?
29 2014 What I Want To Be…
30 2015 Palm Desert Through My Eyes
31 2016 My Favorite Landmark
32 2017 When the School Bell Rings
33 2018 Surrounded by Nature
34 2019 A Special Memory
35 2020 This Makes Me Smile
36 2023 50 Years of Palm Desert – Where Did We Come From?
37 2024 My Favorite Desert Animal
*This contest was held in November 1985 and 1986; however, in November
1987, it was determined that it should be held in the spring of each year instead
of the fall/winter months. No contest was held in 1987. No contest was held in
2021 and 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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2025 Palm Desert Student Art and Essay
Proposed artwork and locations for vinyl wrap onto utility cabinets.
1. Proposed artwork: Palm Desert High School 12th Grade, Keira Farmer, 1st place
Proposed location: Fred Waring Drive and College of the Desert
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2. Proposed artwork: Washington Charter School, 4th Grade, Emily Ehsani, 3rd place
Proposed location: Portola Avenue and Highway 111
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3. Proposed artwork: Sacred Heart School, 4th grade, Azalea Fiore, Mayor’s Award Individual Art
Proposed location: Fred Waring Drive and Phyllis Jackson Lane
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Page 1 of 2
CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE
CITY OF PALM DESERT
STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: March 12, 2025
PREPARED BY: Erica Powell, Management Analyst
SUBJECT: CONSIDER PURCHASE OF RISING INVERSION SCULPTURE
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommend that the City Council approve expenditure in the amount of $100,000 for the
purchase of Rising Inversion by artist Cristopher Cichocki (cha-house-key), to be installed in
Ironwood Park, upon approval of grant funding from the Arts in California Parks program.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
At its October 9, 2024, meeting, the Cultural Arts Committee (CAC) reviewed the potential
acquisition of Rising Inversion for inclusion in the City’s Public Art program. The artist, Cristopher
Cichocki, presented details about the sculpture, and staff introduced a matching grant
opportunity through the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Our Town program, which
supports projects integrating arts, culture, and design into community development. However,
the City’s application was deemed ineligible due to administrative criteria.
Staff identified an alternative funding source for this project through the Arts in California Parks
grant program, which opened on February 18, 2025. The Letter of Intent is due March 19, 2025.
This grant supports early-stage project development, emphasizing partnerships, community
engagement, and planning.
Originally commissioned for the Laguna Art Museum’s 11th annual Art & Nature program, Rising
Inversion is a 3,000-pound sculpture measuring 12 feet tall by 40 feet long, with a depth ranging
from five feet at the center to one foot at the edges, creating a visually striking, spherical form.
The artwork is coated with a phosphorescent pigment, allowing it to absorb sunlight during the
day and emit a soft glow at dusk, gradually fading as the evening progresses.
The suggested location for the installation of Rising Inversion at Ironwood Park is in a secluded
desert area, allowing the land art to merge nature with creativity. This innovative installation
would also bring public art to a park that currently has none.
Staff is seeking the CAC’s support to recommend that the City Council approve matching funds
for the purchase and installation of Rising Inversion at Ironwood Park, located at 47800 Chia
Drive, contingent on approval of grant funding from the Arts in California Parks program.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
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Cultural Arts Committee
City of Palm Desert
(Consider Purchase of Rising Inversion Sculpture)
Page 2 of 2
The total project cost, including acquisition and installation, is estimated at $200,000. If the City
is awarded the Arts in California Parks grant, staff recommends allocating $100,000 from the
Public Art Fund to meet the required matching contribution .
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Presentation of Rising Inversion by Cristopher Cichocki
2. Arts in California Parks Grant Program Information
3. Rising Inversion Proposed Location at Ironwood Park
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Arts in California Parks
Grants Program Information
The Arts in California Parks Grants Program revitalizes local parks with diverse
experiences that foster creativity, community connection, and transform them into
vibrant hubs of art, culture, and nature.
In 2024, more than $2.8 million was invested to support 31 grant recipients across
California. These innovative programs will bring art and cultural activities to local parks,
transforming them into dynamic spaces that celebrate California’s cultural heritage and
provide memorable experiences for visitors and residents alike.
Regional Approach
Parks California will use a regional approach to support equitable distribution of grant
funds.
At least two projects will be funded per region shown on the 2025/26 Grants Program
Regional Map. Proposals will be ranked within their region before moving to the next
stage. This process will focus efforts on traditionally underrepresented regions, including
the North Coast, Sacramento Valley, Sierra Nevada, Central Coast, Central Valley,
Inland Desert, and California Native American tribes’ ancestral lands. The final selection
process will ensure that recommendations represent regions across the state.
2025/2026 Grant Tracks
Grant Objective
Planning & Development Grants
8-month grant cycle from October 2025 –
May 2026
Support early-stage project development;
focus on building partnerships, artist
selection and developing project plans.
Implementation Grants 12-month grant cycle
from October 2025 – September 2026
Supports the execution of art and cultural
programs with community engagement and
a well-defined partnership.
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Who is Eligible to Apply?
501(c)3 organizations, California Native American Tribes, Native 7871 Organizations,
Land Trusts, Fiscally Sponsored Community Organizations, Community Foundations,
and Government Agencies (excluding California State Parks and Federal Lands).
In order to qualify for this grant program, projects must:
• Integrate art and nature as a catalyst for community connection in local parks.
• Be free and open to the public.
2025 Grant Timeline
• Friday, March 14 at 5:00p.m.
Letter of Intent deadline
• May 2025
Invitations sent to approved Letter of Intent applicants to submit full proposals
• October 2025
Grantee announcements
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Proposed location for installation of Rising Inversion – Ironwood Park, 47800 Chia Drive
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View from concrete path in park.
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CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE
CITY OF PALM DESERT
STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: March 12, 2025
PREPARED BY: Erica Powell, Management Analyst
SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR DIRECTION ON INCREASED CONTRACT AMOUNT
FOR DUELING PALMS SCULPTURE
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommend that the City Council authorize an increase in the amount of $106,267.25 to the
contract with artist Kyle Absolom for Dueling Palms sculpture.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
In August 2021, following public input and Cultural Arts Committee (CAC) discussions, the City
Council identified Dueling Palms by artist Kyle Absolom as the preferred sculpture for installation
in the San Pablo roundabout at the entrance to College of the Desert. This sculpture was
submitted in response to a Call for Entries for the San Pablo Phase 1 roundabout posted in 2020
with a submittal deadline of March 31, 2021. The artist fee at that time was $125,000.
On July 11, 2024, the City Council approved an artist fee for the design, fabrication, and delivery
of Dueling Palms in the amount of $169,500, based on the increased cost of materials since the
2021 proposal was submitted. However, on January 26, 2025, the artist informed staff that the
significant rise in material costs was impacting the project, and alternative approaches to the
design would be required to move forward. Rather than compromise the integrity of the original
design, which has already been vetted by the public, the CAC, and the City Council, the artist is
requesting a budget adjustment in the amount of $106,127.25.
The artist understands that this is the final chance to increase the cost of the contract. All future
requests will be denied.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
If approved, the total artist fee for the design, fabrication, and delivery of the sculpture would
increase to $275,767.25. This is an increase of $150,767.25 from the 2021 proposal.
Additionally, $130,500 was allocated for installation, including site preparation, foundations,
lighting, and electrical, bringing the total project budget from $300,000 in 2021 to $406,267.25.
Funds are available in the Public Art budget, and no General Fund monies will be expended.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Letter from Kyle Absolom
2. Updated rendering of Dueling Palms
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Cultural Arts Committee
City of Palm Desert
(Request for Direction on Increased Contract Amount for Dueling Palms Sculpture)
Page 2 of 2
3. Original sculpture proposal rendering of Dueling Palms
4. Location of roundabout at entrance to College of the Desert and San Pablo Avenue
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Dueling Palms by Kyle Absolom
Rendered Images, November 2024
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Original Design Rendering, 2021
Dueling Palms by Kyle Absolom
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San Pablo Phase II Roundabout
Location: San Pablo and entrances to College of the Desert/YMCA
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Cultural Arts Committee
Year 2025 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024
Month Jan Dec Nov Oct Sep Aug July Jun May Apr Mar Feb
Day 8 11 13 9 11 10 12 8 10 13 14
Adney, Carol - P P P P - P P P P P P 0 0
Boren, Maureen - P P P P - E E P P P P 0 2
Flint, Lori - P P P P - E P P P P P 0 1
Hauer, Liz - P P P P - P P P P P P 0 0
Mitze, Tom - P P P P - P P P P P P 0 0
Rose, Pia - P P P P - P E P P P P 0 1
Simley, Ann - P P P P - P P P P P P 0 0
Stone Kristen Olson (Alt.) - P P A A - P P P P A A NA NA
P Present
P Remote
A Absent
E Excused
-No Meeting
Resigned/Not Yet Appointed
Palm Desert Municipal Code 2.34.010
Monthly: Three unexcused absences from regular meeting in any twelve-month period shall constitute an automatic resignation of members holding
office on boards that meet bimonthly.
Please contact the Recording Secretary to discuss any attendance concerns.
Total Absences
Unexcused Excused
69