February 24, 2010 > Milpitas commissioners' gift - a veterans' bench Milpitas commissioners' gift - a veterans' bench By Steve Wyant Image courtesy of Mary Ann Baker The Veteran's Memorial at the Milpitas Community Center will soon offer a visually striking place to rest. As part of their annual Commissioner's Recognition Event held each April, Commissioners chose to donate $3,000 towards the installation of a Veterans Bench at the Veterans Memorial near the City Hall Amphitheater. Artist Mary Ann Baker, recently awarded a project to create four benches at the Senior Center, was approached to submit a proposal. Baker was chosen in order to maintain consistency of benches in the Civic Center Plaza. She provided two bench options for material and budget considerations. They both use the same design but include options for an all bronze piece, or a combination of bronze and Trex weather resistant composite material. The Public Art Committee chose the combination material design. Based in San Geromino, north of San Francisco, Baker works in a wide variety of media for a diverse range of projects. An interesting aspect of her process is that she begins "sketching" her designs using a 3D computer-based modeling program. Her 3D renderings are photo realistic digital images of the designs and accurately portray the look and feel of the final piece. Only after the digital images are complete will she begin the process of fabrication. The total budget for the project will be $8,995, of which $3,000 will come from the Commissioner Recognition Event budget and $5,995 from the Public Art Fund. Council approved the project on February 16, 2010. For more information visit www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov