History Park Artist Commission
In collaboration with the History San Jose and Quimby Oak Middle School of Lobo School of Innovation.
"Do You Know the Way to San José" is a partnership between History San José and the Quimby Oak Middle School's Lobo School of Innovation. The intent is to get 7th graders to critically examine their local histories and advocate for stories that celebrate the diverse cultural, agricultural, and technological achievements and history of San José, California. (https://sites.google.com/eesd.org/doyouknowthewaytosanjose/home)
In the 23-24 school year, two of these projects were selected to be turned into interactive installations at History Park, and have been made a reality now in 2025. Selected pitches were Ken Yeager by Jackson Visque, Matthew Tran, and Paula Tran, and the Sikh Gurdwara by Ayaan Dave, Maheep Singh, Dillon Tonthat, Ethan Hang and Suraj Thalamati.
(https://www.facebook.com/historysanjose/videos/have-you-spotted-our-latest-do-you-know-the-way-to-san-jos%C3%A9-installation-in-the-/2222270288229466/)
Scope of Work Create two interactive interpretive plaques:
The Sikh Gurdwara San Jose Interpretive Plaque:
This plaque will tell the story of the Sikh Gurdwara San Jose's history and local contributions, as the temple was founded in 1984 and has served as a social and cultural resource.
Ken Yeager Interpretive Plaque:
This plaque celebrates the life and accomplishments of Ken Yeager and his advocacy work for queer rights in the Valley.
It will be an outdoor exhibit panel with circular spheres that can be pushed to reveal multicolor spectacles, and stagnant shapes will also have information.
Material: Sheet metal and multicolor powder coat.
