HomeMy WebLinkAbout061125-06.1PA PARKS, RECREATION AND ARTS COMMISSION
AND ARTS ADVISORY BOARD
STAFF REPORT
6.1
TO: Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission June 11, 2025
and Arts Advisory Board
SUBJECT: Consider approval of Public Art Project Design for the Bronze Acorns
BACKGROUND
The Danville Parks, Recreation & Arts Strategic Plan Update (Plan) was adopted by the
Town in 2017, establishing a long-range vision and course of action for creating and
sustaining a high-quality, interconnected system of parks, recreation, and arts facilities,
services, and programs. The Plan includes several strategic recommendations for integrating
public art into parks and facilities. Commissioning artworks that interpret local history
or events was identified as a priority recommendation for the Arts Advisory Board (AAB)
and the Parks, Recreation, and Arts Commission (Commission).
At the January 13, 2021, Arts Advisory Board Meeting, the AAB reviewed and discussed
the future of Cultural Arts in the Town, including ideas for future temporary and
permanent public art installations. One such idea was the creation and placement of
small bronze, three-dimensional sculptures to be installed in downtown
Danville. Specifically, the idea of bronze acorns was discussed as it pays homage to the
iconic Old Oak Tree, which has come to be a symbol of stability and strength in the Town.
On February 26, 2025, a “Call for Qualifications” for the Acorns of the Old Oak exhibition
was announced, inviting artists to submit an application and a tentative acorn design for
consideration. The Town received five submissions by the deadline. Per the Public Art
policy, the applications and designs were reviewed by the Curatorial Committee
(Committee).
DISCUSSION
The Committee ultimately chose the design submitted by Chad La Fever (artist), an
abstract bronze sculptor, who grew up in the Bay Area. The Committee then met with
the artist on May 1, 2025, to discuss specific design details and potential changes. The
Committee recommended that the oak tree etching be removed from the design and an
oak leaf added.
The proposed design features the addition of a leaf, which will enable the installation of
acorns at various angles, adding charm and individuality to each acorn. Below are
renderings of the original and proposed designs.
The Commission and AAB are being asked to review the proposed design, discuss and
approve. Once the design is approved, the artist will proceed with creating the mold
that will be used to fabricate the bronze acorns.
Once the acorns are fabricated, the staff will proceed with installation. The installation
of the acorns will include the following locations:
• Danville Community Center & Library
• Village Theatre
• Theatre Plaza
• Prospect Park Plaza
• Danville Senior Center
• Clock Tower Parking Lot
• Corner of Railroad & Linda Mesa
Additional locations are currently being identified to include both Town-owned
properties and any prominent downtown facilities that wish to participate in this
permanent exhibit.
Original Design
Proposed Design
FISCAL IMPACT
Sufficient funds have been appropriated in the Town's Capital Improvement Program,
Project B514, Public Places for Art, to cover the cost of the artwork and installation.
RECOMMENDATION
Consider approval of the Public Art Project Design for the Bronze Acorns.
Prepared by:
Jessica Wallner
Recreation Superintendent
Reviewed by:
Henry Perezalonso
Recreation, Arts & Community Services Director