Public Art Commission allocates up to $37,000 to restore 'Albuquerque' sculpture

At its March 20, 2025 meeting the Palo Alto Public Art Commission approved allocating up to $37,000 for a conservation treatment and complete repainting of Albuquerque, a large outdoor sculpture by Gayle Wagner located on Embarcadero Road outside the Palo Alto Art Center.

City staff presented a condition assessment and a conservator’s recommendation. The sculpture, fabricated in galvanized steel and acquired by the city in 1983, measures roughly 12 feet high, 30 feet wide and more than 13 feet in diameter; staff and consultants advised that its bright red finish and exposure to coastal air and vehicle fumes accelerate paint failure. Staff told the Commission the work will be an on-site refurbishment conducted under conservator supervision to create a more controlled work environment and to use painting systems that will extend the sculpture’s life.

Nadia, a city arts staff member, summarized the sculpture’s maintenance history and recent condition survey. She said the city first completed a comprehensive refurbishment in 2011–2017 cycles and that a 2015 conservation survey recommended full repainting approximately every 10 years depending on deterioration. The conservators’ preliminary estimate for on-site cleaning, corrosion repair, controlled-environment painting and supervision was “just over $34,000,” and staff recommended approving up to $37,000 to provide contingency for shade structures and other project needs.

Commissioners asked about past costs, longevity of the treatment and drainage at the sculpture’s base. Staff recalled a 2017 expenditure (approximately $11,000 at the time) and explained that today’s higher cost covers conservator supervision, careful surface preparation and a more robust paint system intended to extend the interval between treatments. Staff noted existing drainage holes near the sculpture base and said they had worked with Parks and Open Space to reduce sprinkler spray that previously contributed to surface growth. Staff estimated a reasonable expectation for repaint intervals at roughly 10 years given environmental exposure.

The Commission voted to allocate up to $37,000 for the conservation and repainting contract. The motion as recorded: “I move to allocate up to $37,000 for the conservation and treatment of the sculpture Albuquerque.” The roll call recorded yes votes from Commissioner Miyagi, Commissioner Wolcak, Commissioner Gordon, Commissioner Smith and Commissioner Stern; Commissioner De La Garza was recorded as not present. Staff said the work is planned for September–October when weather conditions are most favorable, and that the Arts Division will encumber funds across two fiscal years to allow this larger project while maintaining care for other works in the collection.

Staff also noted that the city carries insurance for emergencies and that they will continue periodic in-house maintenance to maximize fiscal efficiency. The Commission asked staff to report back on project contracting and a schedule before work begins.