Architect Of Redwood City's Public Art Program Praised After 13 Years

REDWOOD CITY, CA — The Redwood City Council honored the longtime Arts Commissioner at their early July meeting for more than 13 years of volunteer service, recognizing his role in expanding the city's public art program and helping shape arts policies that continue to guide the community.

Mayor Elmer Martínez Saballos presented a proclamation recognizing Jason Newblanc's service from the former Civic Cultural Commission through its evolution into the Redwood City Arts Commission.

"The City of Redwood City sincerely appreciates volunteers like Jason, whose commitment of time and talent enriches our community and helps make Redwood City a better place for everyone," said Martínez Saballos.

The proclamation credited him with helping develop the city's public art ordinances and procedures while championing murals, utility box art, bike rack art, youth art programs and other community arts initiatives.

"It has been an honor to serve on the Redwood City Arts Commission," he said. "Working on the arts commission has been a labor of love, not a love of doing the work, but really a love for our city."

He said he views Redwood City as "a vibrant, engaging outdoor gallery where public art inspires and connects our community" and noted that he helped develop many of the policies and procedures that guide the city's public art program today, including its Percent for Art program.

Although stepping down from the commission, Newblanc said he plans to remain active in Redwood City's arts community through his downtown art studio and his work with the Center for Creativity.

"While I'm stepping away from the commission, this will not be the last time you see me," he said. "I expect to remain a force in the arts community in Redwood City."