Public Art Mural Donation at the Mikolajcik Community Center
Adopt a Minute Order approving the proposed public art mural donation and providing any direction the City Council deems appropriate regarding the mural design, location, installation, and implementation.
Jason Holley, City Manager
Mark Joseph, Vice-Mayor
David Oro, Council Member
On August 17, 2026, the City received a proposal from the American Canyon Arts Foundation for a 176 square foot community mural to be donated and installed at the Mikolajcik Community Center located at 300 Napa Junction Road. The mural would be located on the southern wall facing Napa Junction Road between Rooms 5 and 6.
The mural would be designed by a Debra Casper, professional artist. It would be completed with participation from local community organizations and volunteers. The mural would be then finalized and donated to the City upon completion. A copy of the mural application is included as Attachment 1.
The proposal was reviewed by the Arts Committee (Joseph/Oro) pursuant to the City's Public Art Program (Attachment 2). The Program contemplates artwork created by a professional artist and Arts Committee approval based on the qualifications of that artist and the characteristics of the proposed artwork. While generally supportive, the Committee did not reach consensus regarding approval of the project as proposed.
Mikolajcik Community Center Location
The proposed location would be visible from Napa Junction Road. When the Program was adopted, the City did not own the Mikolajcik Community Center. As a result, the policy does not specifically contemplate public art installations at this facility (Attachment 2).
Although committee members appreciated the donation and expressed support for public art and community engagement, the unique nature of the proposal prevented them from reaching consensus on the mural approval. For these reasons, the Art Committee requests the whole City Council provide direction on the proposed public art mural donation and provide any direction the City Council deems appropriate regarding the mural design, location, installation, and implementation.
Community and Sense of Place: "Build on the strength of our local community to develop a clear 'sense of place' and establish our unique identity."
The applicant has indicated that project funding and installation costs will be provided through donations, fundraising efforts, grants, volunteer participation, or other non-City funding sources. Following acceptance, the City may be responsible for future maintenance, repair, or replacement of the mural in the same manner as other City-owned improvements.
The proposed acceptance and installation of the community mural is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), the Common Sense Exemption. The project consists of painting a mural on an existing structure and can be seen with certainty to have no possibility of causing a significant effect on the environment.
Level 0: No Further Public Communication Needed