Sunnyvale Council Approves Public Art Concepts for Corn Palace Park

The Sunnyvale City Council convened on July 29, 2025, to discuss several agenda items, with a significant focus on the approval of public art for the newly opened Corn Palace Park. The meeting began with a presentation by Kristen Dance from the Department of Library and Recreation Services, who outlined the public art program and the specific proposals under consideration.

The Corn Palace Park, a two-acre site located along Toyon and Lily Avenues, has recently opened to the public, but the public art component remains incomplete. The project budget allocates 1% of the construction costs, totaling $43,000, for public art installations. Four locations within the park have been identified for these installations, including a 76-foot seating wall and three backless benches.

A call for artists was issued in November 2024, resulting in 32 applications. A public art review committee, comprising city officials and community members, selected ten artists to advance to the conceptual design phase. The council reviewed three proposals for the seating wall and seven for the benches.

The first proposal for the seating wall, presented by ceramicist Annie Cappelli, features 64 hand-painted ceramic tiles depicting scenes of nature and community, including historical imagery related to the site. The second proposal, by Juan Lopez, titled "Water is Life," draws inspiration from the park's agricultural legacy and features a mosaic design representing natural waterways. The third proposal, by Elba Raquel, illustrates the agricultural history of the site through a band of homemade tiles.

For the benches, notable proposals included Liz Hickock's design, which incorporates large-scale images of native wildflowers and glow-in-the-dark tiles, and Carrie Lederer's vibrant, whimsical design that connects the park's agricultural past with playful imagery. The council expressed enthusiasm for the artistic concepts, with several members favoring Cappelli's and Hickock's designs.

The Arts Commission recommended Cappelli for the seating wall and Hickock, Alexandra Muddle, and Lederer for the benches. Following discussions, the council was tasked with approving the recommended designs or selecting alternatives. The anticipated timeline for installation is set for 2026.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the city's commitment to enhancing public spaces through art, fostering community engagement, and preserving the historical significance of the Corn Palace site. The council's decisions will shape the artistic landscape of the park, ensuring it reflects the community's values and heritage.