In these days of high stress, political turmoil and fast-paced demanding lives, we should be looking to the arts and humanities for a respite from all these pressures. Menlo Park has many excellent options to promote health and well-being via mindfulness and exercise.
Although, I notice that our neighboring cities of Palo Alto, Mountain View and Redwood City actively promote art activities, especially theater and public art, Menlo Park does not have a civic voice to promote both visual and performing arts in our city.
Since we currently do not have a place to voice our ideas and support for arts programs, I suggest the City Council form an advisory committee to explore ways to bring more arts activities and community participation in arts programs to Menlo Park.
First I would like to discuss the under-utilization of the Menlo-Atherton High School Center for the Performing Arts by community arts organizations. The center was financed by bond measures and funding from the city of Menlo Park. Opened in October 2009, the center was meant to serve M-A high as well as the extended community.
Community organizations were given 55 days per year, allowing M-A to have first choice of the calendar. Woefully, other than a few movies, Music@Menlo and Menlowe Ballet, I see very few other community programs. Perhaps there are scheduling problems between the school and the community, and if there are I hope that this can be worked out to maximize utilization of the venue.
I can understand community organizations’ reluctance considering that scheduling requires at least a 60-day lead time, liability insurance of $1 million dollars, and stiff cancellation terms including the school’s right to reschedule, relocate, and deny a previously approved request. My first request of the advisory council would be to review conditions for community access to the performing arts center.
Second, I would like to see more displays of public art. We have many talented artists in our town and we can display and promote their work as an encouragement for them to beautify our city. Many options would be available, such as temporary exhibits, loans, commissions or donations.
With so many building projects in the works, I hope the city can influence the developers to incorporate our artists into their designs. Such an invitation would personalize these developments to the people of Menlo Park. I would suggest a competition with a juried panel to select works. The open spaces could have sculptures or murals. Perhaps a space could also be dedicated to temporary displays.
The advisory committee I am proposing should be composed of a diverse cross-section of the entire city, and include our businesses, community organizations and resident artists along with representation from city departments involved in the selection, financing, installation and upkeep of the displays.
I believe that our city would benefit from both the participation of its citizens and the display or performance of cost-justifiable artistic presentations and exhibitions.
Sandy Bardas is a longtime resident of downtown Menlo Park, a consultant pharmacist and an aquatic exercise instructor for Menlo Swim and Sport.
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