HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDA REPORT 2025 1118 AC REG ITEM 07AItem:7.A.
CITY OF MOORPARK
MOORPARK ARTS COMMISSION
AGENDA REPORT
TO: Moorpark Arts Commission
FROM: Chris Ball, Senior Management Analyst
DATE: 11/18/2024 Regular Meeting
SUBJECT: Consider Preliminary Artwork for Library Children’s Area
BACKGROUND
On November 19, 2024 the Arts Commission considered the theme and artist for an
artistic installation planned for the children’s area of the new Moorpark City Library. The
selected theme of the apricot tree was derived from early community input on various
aspects of the Library design which initially suggested a natural theme for the children’s
area. The input that was collected also supported the incorporation of elements that
reflect Moorpark’s agricultural history to complement the Library’s agrarian-inspired
architecture. In addition, there was a strong opinion that the new Library should have an
element that would set it apart from other libraries. Ultimately the theme was refined to
focus on elements and imagery associated with the apricot tree, which integrates both
nature and a key historical element, as the “Moorpark” variety of apricot was one of the
region’s primary crops during the City’s early years as well as its namesake.
The selection of an art studio to design and fabricate the artwork was an important
consideration, as the art elements must be designed, fabricated and delivered in close
coordination with the library design and construction. Studio Y Creations Inc. (Studio Y)
was identified as the preferred design and fabrication studio for the project based on their
extensive experience designing, fabricating, and installing family-friendly themed
environments in high-traffic public areas. Furthermore, their project portfolio includes
numerous engaging nature-themed environments that incorporate large-scale, durable,
and kid-friendly tree elements like the apricot tree envisioned for this project.
Following the Arts Commission’s recommendation, the apricot tree theme and
recommended art studio were reviewed by the City Council on December 18, 2024. Plans
and specifications for the Library itself were approved by City Council on May 21, 2025,
and City Council formally approved a contract for construction of the new Library on
August 6, 2025. Construction of the library began in early October.
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Arts Commission
11/18/2025 Regular Meeting
Page 2
DISCUSSION
The new 17,500 square-foot library building will contain dedicated areas for adult, teen
and children’s services, as well as study rooms, multi-purpose spaces, and areas for
Library staff and the Friends of the Library. The children’s area will include zo nes for
children’s collections and seating, quiet study areas, and an early childhood area with
open space for story time and activities. This story time area is also the focal point for
the proposed artwork. Attachment 1 provides an illustration of the library site plan with
the location of the story time area identified for reference.
The preliminary artwork design from Studio Y is included as Attachment 2. The primary
element is a commanding fifteen-foot-tall mature apricot tree mounted against the wall in
the northeast corner with the tree canopy extending over the story time area. Three-
dimensional (3D) artificial foliage and accent features including apricots, birds and
squirrels, decorate the branches to add color and interest, and enhance the whimsical
nature of the tree. A hollow at the base of the tree creates a covered reading nook and
3D tree roots provide additional sitting and reading spaces for children. Two detached
custom-designed and upholstered “fruit crate” boxes provide additional themed seating
for the story time area.
A wall mural decorates the wall behind the apricot tree and extends along the east wall
of the children’s area. The mural design will portray stylized apricot orchard imagery
using historical photos from the region as reference. The two-dimensional artwork for the
mural will be presented for review prior to fabrication.
The apricot tree theme also extends to the cladding on three steel support beams in the
children’s area, forming a row of blossoming young apricot trees reminiscent of an apricot
orchard in bloom. Sculpted amid the branches are a number of 3D birds that add visual
interest to the blossoming tree canopies.
The sculptural elements will be fabricated of hand-sculpted expanded polystyrene (EPS)
foam encasing an internal steel frame that provides structural support. The foam is hard-
coated with a proprietary urethane that is a kid-safe exterior surface providing a durable
layer of protection from scuffing and scratching . Sculptures are hand-painted and
covered in a protective clear coat which enhances the vibrancy of the colors, reduces
fading, and makes it easy to clean. The custom mural will be designed specifically to fit
the wall space and printed on a durable 3M vinyl with a medical-grade laminate topcoat,
making it easy to clean and resistant to liquids and microbial growth.
The Arts Commission is now asked to consider the preliminary artwork for the new Library
children’s area and make a recommendation to the City Council to approve as presented.
With City Council approval of the preliminary design, staff in conjunction with the library
architect will work with Studio Y on finalizing the design, including the mural artwork,
which will be brought to the Arts Commission for final review prior to fabrication.
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Arts Commission
11/18/2025 Regular Meeting
Page 3
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
1. Make a recommendation to the City Council to approve the preliminary artwork design
for the new Moorpark Library children’s area as presented.
Attachments:
1 – Library Site Plan
2 – Preliminary Artwork Design
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Arts Commission
11/18/2025 Regular Meeting
Page 4
Attachment 1
Library Site Plan
Children’s story time area.
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