The City of Palo Alto’s Public Art Program, in partnership with the Dept. of Public Works and the Downtown Business and Professional Improvement Assoc., launched a creative seating pilot for three sites along University Avenue.  

“The Public Art Program is thrilled to bring Selig’s whimsical and environmentally sensitive seating elements to downtown Palo Alto for a trial run. The public has voiced a desire for something unexpected and different, and we hope that the businesses and the public will enjoy Selig’s work”, said Public Art Program Manager Elise DeMarzo.

The City is leasing the seats for a year with the option to purchase them.  Installed Spring 2016.

PALO ALTO

California

The City of Orinda’s Art in Public Places Committee worked with community members and the artist to select seven seats in a range of designs and colors for specific locations within the city streetscape where people gather, including outside the movie theatre, by the community center and library, and at the Wilder recreation area clubhouse.  Two of the locations feature a pair of seats at right angles to one another to create a sense of place. Installed Fall 2015.

ORINDA

California

These benches were installed at the Monroe County Marathon Courthouse in the Florida Keys.  Funded by the County’s 1% Art in Public Places program, Elizabeth Young, Executive Director of the Florida Keys Council of the Arts said in a press release:  “These benches create a lovely, quiet space for people who visit and work at the Courthouse. They fit perfectly for the vision of a contemplative courtyard where those waiting for jury duty or perhaps a stressful trial would have a welcoming spot to sit and talk.”  The Art in Public Places Committee chose the cool ocean and blue sky tones.  “We were thrilled by Selig’s technique of upcycling materials that are 100% maintenance free and permanent – an essential component for public art,” Susann D’Antonio, Chair of the Art in Public Places Committee.  Installed Summer 2016.

MARATHON

Florida

As the City of Morgan Hill renovates its downtown area it has created a temporary pop up park which can be moved from one vacant lot to the next as the development progresses.  Initially leased for a year The City purchased three benches in the Fall of 2014.

MORGAN HILL

California

This artist initiated exhibition, in collaboration with the Bedford Gallery at the Lesher Center for the Arts and The City of Walnut Creek, featured five seats installed at various locations in The City.  A large bench inside City Hall remains on long term loan.  Installed Summer 2012.

WALNUT CREEK

California

Organized by A New Leaf Gallery, this was a three year exhibition at Cornerstone Sonoma, a mixed use commercial property with retail shops, demonstration gardens and event facilites leased for weddings and other gatherings.  Installed Fall 2012.

SONOMA

California