Arts Los Altos Presents Volunteer‑Run Public‑Art Program to Commission

Karen Zer and Maddie Mc Bernie, co‑directors of Arts Los Altos, provided a 10‑minute overview of the volunteer nonprofit’s work creating and installing public art across downtown Los Altos.

The presenters said Arts Los Altos launched around 2020 with support from the Los Altos Mountain View Community Foundation and a fiscal sponsor and that the group has installed about 18 public art pieces and run community mural and augmented‑reality projects. “Since then we have installed about 18 public art installations,” Zer told the commission, describing murals, sculptures and community creation events designed to enliven business districts and connect artists with local audiences.

Zer and Maddie described volunteer roles (finance, photography, outreach, installation coordination) and said the group seeks closer collaboration with city staff and the parks commission on future projects. Commissioners asked staff to ensure any public‑art projects follow city processes and to coordinate necessary forms and approvals.

Staff noted the commission and council will hear further updates when projects intersect with parks and public‑space planning; no formal action was requested or taken at the presentation.