Join us for ... The History of Public Art in Mountain View
REGISTER ONLINE : http :// mvhistory . eventbrite . com
OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE
MOUNTAIN VIEW HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
Volume XIV Issue III Fall 2024
Page 6 U . S . Presidents Passing through Mountain View
Page 8 Caltrain goes Electric
Page 8 Look up ! Amazing Art in Mountain View
Our Fall 2024 Event
Join us for ... The History of Public Art in Mountain View
The subject of the next history event on November 3 has a more contemporary context , but is something that is around us every day — Public Art . The term public art refers to art that is in the public realm , regardless of whether it is situated on public or private property or whether it has been purchased with public or private money . Whether publicly or privately owned , Mountain View has art pieces with interesting stories of creation and location .
According to several arts organizations “ Monuments , memorials , and civic statues and sculptures are the most established forms of public art , but public art can also be transitory , in the form of performances , dance , theatre , poetry , and posters .” Many monuments and sculptures have been
designed by renowned artists and are easily viewed .
Probably the most recognizable piece of public art in the United States is the Statue of Liberty . It was designed by French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi . The statue was a gift of the French people and was dedicated on October 28 , 1886 .
In 1989 the City of Mountain View established the Visual Arts Committee to enrich the City spirit through public art and related community programs . Since the formation of the Visual Arts program over 40 public art pieces have been installed in locations throughout Mountain View . For new buildings constructed by the city a small percentage of the budget is allocated for public art on the property . Many local developments and businesses have also made publicly viewed art available in the community .
The city ’ s website : states “ The City ’ s Public Art program is dedicated to supporting local artists and enhancing the everyday experiences of Mountain View residents and visitors . By transforming public spaces into open-air galleries , the program fosters a vibrant and creative community atmosphere .” There are several pieces in Mountain View that are easily recognized . Located in front of the library , the Berlin wall segments are both artistic and informative . On the city ’ s website is an interactive map detailing where public and private art is located . https :// econdev . mountainview . gov / public-art / map
Sunday , November 3 , 2024 2:00 p . m . Google Gradient Visitor Experience , 2000 N . Shoreline Blvd , Mt . View 1
REGISTER ONLINE : http :// mvhistory . eventbrite . com
The colorful “ Boy and Girl playing in the cala lilies field ” in the Civic Center Plaza is viewed by hundreds of people each day .
The locations of 42 publicly owned and over 60 privately owned art pieces are identified . Presenting information at the event will be — Jonathan Clark , an early member of the Visual Arts committee ; Susi Merhar of the Visual Arts Committee and Kirstin Hinds from the city . A representative of Google will describe the artwork surrounding the building . For those interested , an optional tour of the artwork will be offered .
Please join us November 3 at 2 pm at the Google Gradient visitor Experience . Located at 2000 N Shoreline Blvd in Mountain View , parking is available at the Amphitheater just north of the building . There is no cost to attend .