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Commission approves three-show 2026–27 gallery plan; September exhibit to be inspired by local "pistach" color
Summary
The Park, Arts, Recreation and Cultural Commission approved a three-show gallery cycle (Sept., Jan., May), picked a September mixed‑media theme inspired by Los Altos fall foliage, designated a student-focused January show called “Beginnings,” and set outreach and submission parameters for calls for art.
The Park, Arts, Recreation and Cultural Commission on June 16 approved a three‑show schedule for the 2026–27 community center gallery and picked themes and program rules for each exhibition. The commission settled on September, January and May as the months for gallery turnover to allow longer hanging periods and easier logistics for staff and volunteers.
Director Hernandez and staff explained options for running three versus four calls for art and recommended a three-show cadence this cycle. Commissioners agreed. “We have up to four calls, but three gives us more hang time and breathing room,” one commissioner said during the discussion.
For the September show the commission settled on a color-inspired theme tied to the city’s autumn foliage, provisionally titled using local phrasing discussed at the meeting as a "Los Altos pistach" theme. Commissioners emphasized that the call for art will invite broad interpretations—works need not be literal tree pictures—and that the call will include an explanatory paragraph so artists understand the inspiration.
The January exhibition will carry the theme “Beginnings.” Commissioners voted to prioritize student participation for that show: eligibility will be limited to people who live, work or study in Los Altos, and the commission sketched category groupings by age (K–2, 3–5, 6–8, 9–12, college). Commissioners asked staff to promote the student call early and coordinate outreach with local schools and teachers so students have time to prepare entries.
The May show will be themed “Apricot: still life — with texture,” encouraging mixed media and tactile materials; commissioners suggested targeted outreach to senior centers and community groups to diversify participation.
Staff said the first call for art will be posted ahead of the September hang and that applications will require local delivery and pickup of accepted works. Mixed media and wall-hanging pieces were confirmed as eligible; receptions are optional and are organized by commissioners if desired. The commission asked staff to draft final call language and to post the September call as soon as possible so submissions can be reviewed before the commission’s fall schedule.
The commission also discussed the geographic scope of the calls and agreed the September open call should reach the Bay Area but that accepted works must be delivered locally. Commissioners authorized staff to post the call and to provide a submission deadline that allows commissioner review at a subsequent meeting.
The meeting ended with staff confirming the call-for-art posting was approved and the link shared to commissioners.
