REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Receive Artwork Donation from the Santa Clara City Library Foundation and Friends
Report
BACKGROUND
On November 15, 2016, the Santa Clara City Library Foundation and Friends (SCCLFF) received a donation of an artwork entitled “The Sky Way,” an original painting by the artist Chen Wan Shan, valued by the artist at $60,000 at the time of the donation.
Chen Wan Shan was born in China in 1962. A graduate of The Academy of Fine Art of China in 1985, and a teacher at Tsinghua University in Beijing, his paintings and sculptures have been exhibited frequently in museums and public venues in China, including a solo exhibition at The China National Museum of Fine Art. After moving to New York City in 1992, his later work became heavily influenced by his experience as a Chinese immigrant, reflecting a special interest in social equality and the environment.
The artist shared the following thought about The Sky Way, preserved on the painting’s placard: I look toward the heavens where the mountains meet the sky, there I see the sacred home of my people. I can’t help but notice the sacrifices we have made in the name of progress. I want to connect the material world with that of the spiritual. Lamenting what was lost yet still imagining what is possible in the future.
The original donation agreement to SCCLFF (Attachment 1), dated November 15, 2016, stipulated that The Sky Way would be displayed to the public for at least five years. The Sky Way has been seen by millions of visitors to the Central Park Library over nearly ten years, displayed above the main lobby staircase.
DISCUSSION
On October 20, 2025, the SCCLFF Board (“the Board”) voted to approve the donation of The Sky Way to the Santa Clara City Library. The donation letter from SCCLFF to the City of Santa Clara (Attachment 2) specifies that the SCCLFF wishes to donate the painting to the Santa Clara City Library and expects that it remain part of the Library's art collection in perpetuity. The conditions of the gift are favorable to the City, and no potential liability has been identified.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact. No installation, maintenance, or repair costs are anticipated, as the painting is already installed above the front staircase at Central Park Library.
COORDINATION
This report was coordinated with the Santa Clara City Library Foundation and Friends.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Accept the donation of the artwork entitled “The Sky Way” from the Santa Clara City Library Foundation and Friends.
Staff
Reviewed by: Sami James, Management Analyst
Approved by: Patty Wong, City Librarian
ATTACHMENTS
1. The Sky Way Donation to the Santa Clara City Library Foundation and Friends
2. The Sky Way Donation to the Santa Clara City Library