AGENDA TITLE:
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Adopt a Resolution Approving the Selection of Miranda Pelletier and Michelle Martinez as Artists for the Alley Mural Located at West Locust Street Between North Church Street and North Pleasant Avenue ($25,000) (PRCS)
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MEETING DATE:
September 16, 2026
PREPARED BY:
Emerson Yellen, Deputy Director - Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services
recommendation
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt a Resolution approving the Lodi Arts Commission’s recommendation to select Miranda Pelletier and Michelle Martinez as two of four artists for the alley mural located at West Locust Street between North Church Street and North Pleasant Avenue.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The alley mural project at West Locust Street was initiated in response to requests from members of the public for additional public art in the area surrounding the Lodi Police Department and Lodi Library. In response to this community interest, the Lodi Arts Commission and Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department developed a mural project intended to add public art to the wall located behind the Lodi Police Department, directly across from the Lodi Library.
In May 2024, the Lodi Arts Commission and Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department issued a Call to Artists seeking submissions from Lodi-area professional and emerging artists and design teams.
The Call to Artists identified the theme as “Contemporary Lodi & Its Citizenry” and sought designs depicting contemporary Lodi and Lodi citizens, past and present. Designs were also required to incorporate a noticeable decorative border and be sufficiently large and bold to be viewed from a distance.
The mural wall is located along the alley parallel to West Locust Street between North Church Street and North Pleasant Avenue. The wall consists of 13 distinct stucco panels, with individual mural panels approximately six feet tall by 30 feet wide.
Three artists submitted artwork for consideration through the Call to Artists process. At its September 11, 2024 meeting, the Lodi Arts Commission reviewed the submissions and recommended the designs submitted by Miranda Pelletier and Michelle Martinez for approval by the City Council. The September 11 selection date was included in the original project timeline.
Artist Miranda Pelletier’s proposed mural, shown below, depicts rolling hills, tractors on backroads and hardworking people in vineyards. Artist Miranda Pelletier’s proposal states “The wine industry in Lodi may be a tourist destination but the vineyards bring people together creating a close-knit community working together in a beautiful way. Who wouldn’t want to be ‘Stuck in Lodi’.”
Artist Michelle Martinez’s proposed mural “Contemporary Lodi and its Citizenry Past and Present”, shown below depicts different cultures to show Lodi’s diverse cultures. The background for the mural is a traditional German quilt which represents the rich culture of German citizens who came to Lodi from the Midwest and led the growth of our full, vibrant community. The quilt represents Lodi’s past.
The overall alley mural project at West Locust Street is anticipated to ultimately include four artists and four murals. Approval of the Arts Commission’s recommendation of Pelletier and Martinez represents the first two artist selections. Staff and the Arts Commission will continue the selection process to identify two additional artists to complete the four-mural project. The two additional artists will be presented to the City Council for consideration at a future meeting.
The original Call to Artists established a maximum cost of $12,500 per mural, inclusive of artist fees, design, materials, insurance, subcontractors, wall preparation, and painting. Funding is provided through the Art in Public Places program.
The Call to Artists provides that the final award is contingent upon the recommendation resulting from the selection process and is ultimately at the discretion of the City Council.
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution approving the Lodi Arts Commission’s recommendation of Miranda Pelletier and Michelle Martinez and authorize staff to proceed with agreements and coordination necessary for completion of their respective murals.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Each mural is not to exceed $12,500, for a total not-to-exceed amount of $25,000 for the two artists recommended at this time. Funding is available through the Art in Public Places program.
FUNDING AVAILABLE:
Funding is available within the Arts in Public Places (AiPP) program budget and will be allocated annually to the Mural Maintenance CIP AIPP-25001.
Attachments:
Attachment 1 - Miranda Pelletier Contract and Art Concept
Attachment 2 - Michelle Martinez Contract and Art Concept
Attachment 3 - Resolution