Title
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)
label
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.
Body
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...
Click here for full text