North Fair Oaks: Entry Sign Sculptures
LAST UPDATE: 8/31/15
Project History
In mid-2014, San Mateo County put out a call for artists to submit proposals for entry signs for North Fair Oaks, an unincorporated area of San Mateo County adjacent to the cities of Redwood City, Atherton and Menlo Park. North Fair Oaks is home to approximately 15,000 residents in a 1.2 mile square area.
A variety of conceptual ideas were presented by artists and designers at a community meeting in September 2014 where residents and County staff provided input. After much discussion, the North Fair Oaks Public Art Workgroup selected the concept developed by artist Kent Manske, whose figurative sculpture designs received the most public votes. In January 2015, ten silhouette designs, color choices and location suggestions were presented at a North Fair Oaks community meeting. Four entry signs were selected.
Manske says his design concept was “to engage the diversity and forward thinking nature of the community with signs that behave less like generic welcome signs and function more to unify the community through celebration, inclusiveness and positiveness.” To develop the concept, the artist photographed residents of North Fair Oaks, including musicians, dancers, artists, families, health care workers, scientists, custodians, firefighters and gardeners. Working collaboratively with North Fair Oaks citizens and local businesses was important to the artist's community based vision for the project.
Kent Manske lives and works in North Fair Oaks. He is a co-founder of PreNeo Press art studio with his partner, Nanette Wylde. North Fair Oaks and San Mateo County businesses were engaged in all aspects of design, production and installation of the entry signs.
Project Participants
Kent Manske, Artist
Elizabeth Dallman, San Mateo County
Keller Industries, Metal Fabrication, Tim Keller
Creative Gates Inc, Powder Coating, Jose Moreno
Beres Construction, Engineering & Installation, David Beres
Signarama, Vinyl Lettering
North Fair Oaks
North Fair Oaks Community
North Fair Oaks Community Council
Press
Forgotten Area Between Atherton and Redwood City Seeks Revitalization
By Allison McCartney, Peninsula Press
Events
A public event will be held in October 2015 to acknowledge recent public art projects in the North Fair Oaks community.
Photo Documentation
Entry Sign Sculpture locations in North Fair Oaks
Procedures & User Manual
This document provides information regarding the construction and installation of the entry signs. The signs will be maintained by the County of San Mateo Public Works department. Should any of the signs need repair, the public is encouaged to contact the County. Public Works is encouraged to work closely with and seek the advise of the professionals listed at the top of this page.
Artwork, Design & Project Management
Kent Manske, PreNeo Press
Ten "Entry Sign Sculpture" designs presented to public
Four "Entry Signs Sculpture" designs selected by the public for fabrication
Installation Design & Engineering
David Beres, Beres Construction
Installation Drawing Details
downloadable .pdf files
Installation drawing detail 1
Installation drawing detail 2
Fabrication
Water-jet cutting of guitar figure from 5' x 11' x 1" thick panel of aluminum
Figures in stacked position for edge softening with hand grinder
Power Coating
Taking "mother & child" out of oven after one coat of gray primer
Taking "mother & child"out of oven after one coat of yellow pigment
Stacking powder coated signs in preparation for installation
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Powder Coating Colors
1. Orange
Cardinal
C909-OG201
Super Durable Orange
Color of: T009-OG01
NOTE: Aerosol spray paint available from manufacturer
2. Yellow
Tiger Drylac Powder Coating
Exterior (non-arch.)
38/20023
Other references to this color:
049/22490
RAL 1023
NOTE: Aerosol spray paint available from manufacturer
3. Aqua Blue
Tiger Drylac Powder Coating
Exterior (non-arch.)
38/50027
Other references to this color:
049/50990
RAL6027
NOTE: Aerosol spray paint available from manufacturer
4. Purple
Prismatic Powders
Orchid Lavender
PSS-961
Description: Lilac purple
NOTE: Aerosol spray paint is NOT available from manufacturer
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Color Samples Supplied
Small powder coated test samples, one for each color, was provided to the County by Kent Manske.
These samples were powder coated at the same time as the actual sculptures. The samples can be used for:
1. Testing color longevity.
2. Matching color
3. Testing graffitti removal products
4. Testing anti-graffitti top coats
The County was recommended to store these samples in a dark place. In the future, the samples could be brought to entry sign sculpture locations to learn if explosure to light has changed the pigment color
Touch up Paint
Products supplied to the County of San Mateo for future touch up.
Color sequence based on photo above
1. Purple
Custom mix by Kelly-Moore Paint Company- San Carlos
Rustoleum 208054 S39 BYND DP
Color: 15-427-114R
2. Orange
Cardinal Paint, match of original powder coating
A-4108-0G01
Gloss Safety Ornage
3. Aqua Blue
Tiger Drylac, match of original powder coating
Omni•Fill, Premium EZ Touch MasterBlend
B45112, DV12
49/50990
4. Yellow
Tiger Drylac, match of original powder coating
Omni•Fill, Premium EZ Touch MasterBlend
B45112, DV12
49/22490
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Touch up Powder Coating Primer
Primer used by Creative Gates for touch up.
Powder Coating primer
Cardinal
A-4104-GR312
Semi Gloss Gray
Aerosal Touchup Air Dry Acrylic Enamel
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Base of Skateboarder
Color used to match base below skateboarder with surrounding plant life.
Graffiti Resistant Coating
The County of San Mateo applied this top coat after entry sign sculptures were installed.
Rustoleum 9900 System Anit-Graffiti Water-Based Urethane
NOTE / WARNING: Using this product was a bad decision. The County painting staff had many challenges with the products two-part expoxy application. The product left extreme texture on what was a smooth surface. The roller used and the fast drying of the product left an uneven application resulting in uneven light reflection. The product added a cloudy haze above the pure powder coated color.
SOLUTION
The blue sculpture at Middlefield Road & Semicircular was replaced when it was hit by a vehicle. The sculpture was replaced. This time, Creative Gates powder coated a smooth anti-grafitti coating on top of the blue.
Installation
Beres Construction
Fabricated hardware
Digging a 4' x 5' x 2' deep hole
Side view of re-bar infrastructure with installation hardware
Top view of re-bar infrastructure with installation hardware
Cement pour
Cement after drying, before installation
Transport to installation site
Lowering flat on carpet
Raising with back hoe
Sliding into slot, then tighten three bolts above concrete
Installation crew, Beres Construction
Vinyl Lettering
Specifications
White cast vinyl with cast laminate. This lettering was custom designed by the artist. Always use the "master file" below. Do not use any standard font.
Master Typography for Cast Vinyl
downloadable .pdf file
Vinyl Installation Instructions
downloadable .pdf files
Maintenance
The County of San Mateo Public Works will maintain the North Fair Oaks entry sign sculptures. Public Works is encouraged to work closely with the professionals listed at the top of this page.
Should any of the signs need repair, the public is encouaged to contact a North Fair Oaks Community representative.