Rispin Reflecting Pool Mosaic Project

Application: 

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Rispin Reflecting Pool Mosaic Project 

PROJECT OVERVIEW

On behalf of the City of Capitola, the Art & Cultural Commission invites professional artists or artist teams to submit qualifications for the design, fabrication, and installation of mosaic artwork within the historic reflecting pool at Rispin Mansion Park.

This public art project will transform the existing 800-square-foot fountain basin into a permanent, artist-designed mosaic that reflects Capitola’s cultural heritage, natural beauty, and sense of community. The project seeks to honor the site’s historic significance while creating an engaging visual centerpiece for visitors.

The City has applied for grant funding and if awarded, additional funding will expand the scope of the project, including community workshops, interpretive signage, and accessibility improvements. The Call to Arist reflects this potential range in funding, and artists are encouraged to submit proposals that can be scaled appropriately depending on the final project budget.

The City will award one contract for design, fabrication, and installation services.

BACKGROUND

The Rispin Mansion is one of Capitola’s most significant historical landmarks. Constructed in 1922 by San Francisco businessman Henry Allen Rispin, the Mediterranean-style estate originally served as a private residence overlooking Soquel Creek and the Village below. Over the decades, the property transitioned through multiple owners and fell into disrepair before the City of Capitola purchased it in 1986. The surrounding site has since been restored through a multi-year effort to create The Park at Rispin Mansion, envisioned as a public gathering space that celebrates Capitola’s history, environment, and community spirit.

In 2022, the City Council approved plans and specifications for park improvements, including pathways, native landscaping, and event areas. A key feature of the original design, a Public Art Mosaic Reflecting Pool within the mansion’s historic fountain. The proposed project will transform the existing 800-square-foot fountain into a vibrant mosaic centerpiece that reflects the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Capitola.

PROJECT GOALS

The selected artist or artist team will design, fabricate, and oversee the installation of a durable, site-specific mosaic within the historic Rispin Mansion reflecting pool. The artwork should honor the site’s history, its natural setting along Soquel Creek, and Capitola’s cultural identity as a coastal community. The City seeks a mosaic artwork that:

• Enhances the historic fountain and complements its architectural features.
• Reflects Capitola’s cultural and environmental identity.
• Incorporates high-quality, durable materials suitable for long-term outdoor installation in a coastal environment.
• Invites community pride and participation in the creative process.
• Meets all structural, maintenance, and safety standards established by the City.

SITE  DESCRIPTION

The Rispin Mansion property is located at 2200 Wharf Road, Capitola, CA, on historic grounds overlooking Soquel Creek. The reflecting pool is positioned on the upper terrace of the park and is visible from several public viewpoints throughout the site. The existing circular concrete basin measures approximately 30 feet in diameter and encompasses roughly 800 square feet.

The reflecting pool will be repurposed as a permanent, dry public art installation within the park. Prior to installation of the public art mosaic, the City will modify the reflecting pool to create a sloped concrete basin with a maximum basin depth of approximately 18 inches, draining to a center drain connected to the existing fountain drain system. This modification will prepare the site for mosaic installation, and will prevent water from collecting, protect the long-term integrity of the artwork, and ensure compliance with safety requirements. The site preparation drainage improvements will be completed by the City and is not part of the artist’s budget.

Public Art Budget 

The total available budget for the project will either be $50,000 or $125,000, depending on the outcome of the NEA grant application.

• Base Budget: $50,000 (funded through the Public Art Fund)
• Expanded Budget (if NEA grant awarded): $125,000 total

The total budget must cover all costs associated with the project, including but not limited to: artist design fees, materials, fabrication, transportation, insurance, installation, documentation, and travel. The City will provide project management support and coordinate installation logistics with Public Works staff.

ELIGIBILITY

This opportunity is open to professional artists and artist teams residing in the United States. Artists must demonstrate experience designing, fabricating, and installing exterior public art works of comparable scale and budget. Artists based in California or the greater Central Coast region are strongly encouraged to apply.

ARTIST SELECTION PROCESS

A Selection Panel composed of representatives from the Art & Cultural Commission, City staff, and community stakeholders will review submissions. The process will include:

1. Review of artist qualifications and past work.
2. Selection of up to three finalists to prepare detailed design proposals.
3. Final interviews and selection of one artist or team.

Finalists will receive a modest stipend of $500 for design proposal development if requested to present before the Art & Cultural Commission.

PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

Interested artists shall submit the following materials:

• Letter of Interest (1–2 pages) describing concept, artistic approach, relevant experience, and connection to the project goals.
• Professional Resume or CV (for each team member, if applicable).
• Portfolio of Work (minimum of 5, maximum of 10 images of completed projects).
• References (minimum of two, maximum of three).

PROJECT TIMELINE

SELECTION CRITERIA

Submissions will be evaluated on the following criteria:

• Artistic excellence and originality.
• Demonstrated experience with mosaic or large-scale public art.
• Ability to complete projects on time and within budget.
• Understanding of Capitola’s character, history, and environment.
• Strength of community engagement experience.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For questions or additional information, contact:
Nikki Bryant
Director of Community Services & Recreation
City of Capitola
nbryant@ci.capitola.ca.us | (831) 475-7300