Public Art Commission

Term Expires: 10/31/2028

Bio: Anjana Joshi is an art and design educator, and artist. She has lived in Palo Alto for over 30 years. She has an MFA from the Academy of Art in San Francisco, where she also taught for many years. She has taught in the Architecture and Interior Design Departments of local and out of state colleges since 1995. Anjana has been at Canada College in Redwood City since 1998 and Chabot College in Hayward since 2020, teaching California Architecture and Urban Design, Critical Thinking, History of Interiors, and Materials, among other classes. In her work with the commission, Anjana looks forward to creating enriching community environments by merging public art spaces with engaging urban design.

MULLERY, Robin 

Term Expires: 10/31/2028

Bio: Robin Mullery is an artist and psychotherapist who has lived and worked in Palo Alto for over 25 years. Drawing on her background as a therapist she probes her experience of vulnerability and harm, asking questions of and giving shape to what it is to heal. Her work explores the underlying structures, cracks, and fissures in the coming together of matter. Robin is a Cubberley Artist in Residence for the City of Palo Alto and has an MFA in Creative Writing/Poetry from St. Mary’s College of California.

SHEN, Hsinya

Term Expires: 10/31/2027

Bio: Hsinya's family moved to Palo Alto in early 2000. Having been a champion of the arts all her life, she treasures the opportunity to support Palo Alto’s efforts to make the city more artistic, welcoming, engaging and supportive through its public art initiatives. Additionally, she practices law and serves on the board of a community bank. She studied Philosophy and Art History at Wellesley College and Law at Georgetown University. 

SMITH, Amber

Term Expires: 10/31/2026

Bio: Amber J. Smith is a Palo Alto-based mixed media mosaic artist, known for creating socially engaged art that sparks conversation about environmental and social issues. With a passion for drawing the public into the art-making process, Amber transforms recycled materials into thought-provoking art that highlights the impact of plastic pollution and habitat destruction.

STERN, Harriet

Term Expires: 10/31/2027

Bio: Harriet was born in California and grew up in suburban Washington DC. As an undergrad and grad student, she studied Art History in the Midwest and as a mature student, completed a diploma in Interior Architecture in London. In her twenties, Harriet worked in museums and galleries and as a corporate art consultant. In her thirties and early forties, she focused on volunteer service, cultural immersion, and motherhood around the world as a trailing corporate spouse in Europe and Asia. In 2010, Harriet and her family settled in Palo Alto. Always active in the arts, she developed several community art projects, including "Pets of Palo Alto" with photographer Federica Armstrong and "We Are What We Eat" with Neighbors Abroad. On days not serving as a Public Art Commissioner, you can find Harriet on the Magical Bridge Playground where she is the Curator of Community Kindness.

TRAN, Simon

Term Expires: 10/31/2028

Bio: Simon Tran is a Vietnamese-American father, artist, and educator who received a BA in Art Practice from the University of California, Berkeley. He created large-scale painted murals and installations for multiple clients including Facebook/Meta Open Arts Program in Sunnyvale, Chapter 510 in Oakland, EVgo, and Montage Health Children’s Hospital in Monterey, CA. Other clients include the cities of Palo Alto, San Leandro, Oakland, and Berkeley. Simon was the former gallery manager at Berkeley Art Center and is currently the Artists in Education Program Manager at Southern Exposure in San Francisco.

Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email, teleconference, or by phone.

1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to pac@paloalto.gov.
2. Spoken public comments using a computer will be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link below to access a Zoom-based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.
   1. You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in- browser. If using your browser, make sure you are using a current, up-to-date browser: Chrome 30 , Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7. Certain functionality may be disabled in older browsers including Internet Explorer.
   2. You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you that it is your turn to speak.
   3. When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak.
   4. When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted.
   5. A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
3. Spoken public comments using a smart phone will be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, download the Zoom application onto your phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter the Meeting ID. Please follow the instructions 2.1-2.5.
4. Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.