Commission approves clematis and watercolor box wraps as a pilot, asks how artists get chosen next time

At the corners of Bon Air and Magnolia and Doherty and Magnolia, the Larkspur Community Foundation proposed wrapping two utility boxes in vinyl reproductions of local art — a watercolor by K. Carlson at Bon Air and Magnolia, and a purple clematis piece by N. Brown at Doherty and Magnolia. Thursday's hearing was the required second public meeting under the city's art policy, which applies to installations expected to last longer than a year.

“Many cities have an arts fund to pay for such art or partner with cities. We do not have an arts fund.”— the Parks and Recreation director, on why the Foundation is footing the bill

Staff supported moving ahead, reporting that outreach through A-frame signs, Instagram, Nextdoor and the city newsletter had been completed and that the public comments received were in favor. "These are wonderful," said Commissioner Sunshine. "We heard about it last month."

The friction, such as it was, came from Commissioner Capel, who asked why vinyl was chosen over painting directly on the boxes and warned about fading in sunny spots — the commission, he said, should watch how the wraps hold up. Foundation representative Lori Anderson answered, "I believe the wrap has a longer lifespan than painting directly on the utility boxes, but I can get back to you on that." The director added that vinyl is easier to clean and can be replaced if damaged. Capel also pressed a bigger question: should the commission run its own competitive process so more local artists can submit, rather than the Foundation pre-selecting? Anderson said the Foundation used the Marin Open Studios vetting process, in place for decades, partly to avoid any perception of favoritism. The director noted that many cities pay for such work from an arts fund: "We do not have an arts fund."

Capel also asked why the Foundation went with clematis instead of the city's namesake larkspur — or lupine. Anderson said the artist didn't have a larkspur or lupine piece ready and would have had to make one; a poppy they liked was white and would fade, so they chose the clematis for its pop of purple. Chair Baxter moved to approve the two wraps as a pilot program, with the caveat that if the program continues the commission should take up a formal artist selection process. The motion passed unanimously.

What's next: installation of the two wraps proceeds; any future round returns to the commission with the selection-process question on the table.

Cocoa in the Park drew about 500 people — and a lighted trackless train

The director reported that the recent hot cocoa night in the park pulled roughly 500 people through the evening, credited in large part to a lighted trackless train. "If you ever want to get people to show up to something, hire a train," the director told commissioners.

“If you ever want to get people to show up to something, hire a train.”— the Parks and Recreation director, on Cocoa in the Park attendance

Supply notes from the front lines: "I think I might have made like 50 gallons of hot cocoa. Time to buy more thermoses."

The director also announced that offices will close for two weeks over the holidays.