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Report regarding a resolution approving a Public Art Agreement with Mike Felps in the amount of $75,000 for the design and execution of the mural artwork at the new Westborough Preschool at Westborough Park. (Nyla Macairan, Parks Division Manager)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution for final approval of a Public Art Agreement with Mike Felps in the amount of $75,000 to design, paint, and complete the Westborough Preschool Mural Project at Westborough Park.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The Westborough Preschool Mural Project will be available for public viewing and will coincide with the current Westborough Preschool Project. The purpose of public art is to elevate the environment and create a more beautiful community. Additionally, public art aims to incorporate community input and contribution.
A request for qualifications (RFQ) for artists was issued in October 2025 to identify qualified professional artists experienced in large scale public art. The call was both invitational, reaching artists listed on the City’s Public Artist Inventory and publicly posted on CallForEntry.org (a national online portal) for the project.
The opportunity was promoted via the City’s website, newsletter, and social media collecting 40 submissions from the Bay Area at the closing of the RFQ in November 2025. The Public Art Consultant and City Staff recommended to proceed with 13 applicants with thorough review.
The group from the RFQ process was presented to the Public Art subcommittee of the Cultural Arts Commission, appointed by City Council, where they shortlisted the top three artists based on the criteria of:
• Artistic Excellence and Originality (35 points)
• Relevant Experience (20 points)
• Technical Capability (15 points)
• Community Engagement Approach (15 points)
• Professionalism and Collaboration (10 points)
• Local/Regional Connection (5 points)
The three finalists met with City staff, Dorman Associates (the architecture firm designing the new Westborough Preschool), and the project manager to review design plans for the new Westborough Preschool and to learn details about the project. All three shortlisted artists submitted their concept proposals at the requested deadline. Each qualified finalist, following industry best practices as supported in the adopted Public Art Master Plan, received a stipend of $1,000 to develop three concept proposals for the site.
The three finalists who developed qualifying concepts were:
• Mike Felps
• Ayleen Goo
• Joshua Jimenez
Each artist submitted a unique concept demonstrating how the design could create a cohesive vision across the site. Finalists presented concepts to the Public Art Subcommittee who then evaluated the three concept proposals while keeping in mind criteria of artistic quality, originality, integration with the preschool’s experience, and reflection of City values.
The Public Art Subcommittee reviewed all concepts and completed an online ranking poll assigning one first choice (three points), one second choice (two points), one third choice (one point) based on the above outlined criteria and the strength of each artist’s body of work presented. The following outcome was the result of the weighted poll:
• Mike Felps (12.0 points)
• Ayleen Goo (8.0 points)
• Joshua Jimenez (4.0 points)
The Cultural Arts Commission has recommended this piece based on its potential to elevate the new Westborough Preschool site at Westborough Park, as well as its accurate representation of the community that uses it. Tabling opportunities at Parks and Recreation events helped Felps gather community feedback regarding design, narrative, and relative location. Feedback from an online public survey promoted on social media channels, newsletters, and flyers was incorporated into the evaluation process.
The mural will be located on a wall facing the playground, outside of the constructed preschool to be visible to all visitors of Westborough Park. The mural will be created with the use of acrylic paint, which is durable and consistent withFelps’ application on his international murals. Mike Felps was born and raised in South San Francisco. He spent many years traveling abroad in countries such as Japan, Chile, and Brazil creating numerous pieces of beautiful public art.
Felps’ design focuses on joy and youth, with vibrant patterns and animals. Felps’ design celebrates cultural diversity, creativity, and the free-spirit. As plans progress, one element City staff will coordinate with Felps is for a proposed community design day. The community design day will allow residents to feel a sense of ownership and pride for the mural as they participate in workshop activities to help refine the color palette and themes.
The Cultural Arts Commission approved the selection of artist Mike Felps and his proposed mural art components at the new Westborough Preschool at Westborough Park at their regular Cultural Arts Commission meeting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The recommendation was approved by a vote of nine ayes, and zero nays.
FISCAL IMPACT
Proposed contract authority in an amount not to exceed $75,000 will be allocated by current budget outlined in the Westborough Preschool project. No additional funding is expected to be required.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN
Acceptance of this recommendation will contribute to the major focus area of addressing quality of life, delivering services and amenities that address community needs.
CONCLUSION
Following this transparent, inclusive, and highly competitive selection process, the Cultural Arts Commission and City staff recommend the selection of Mike Felps to design, fabricate, and install the mural art at the new Westborough Preschool at Westborough Park. His cohesive, vibrant concept and community centered approach embody the vision of this new public space, transforming it into a welcoming and inspiring destination that reflects the people and stories of South San Francisco.
Attachment 1: Westborough Preschool Mural Artist Selection Presentation