Wasco City Downtown Beautification Project
I created the concepts and coordinated seven public art pieces to go into the downtown area. Once I figured out the art pieces, I lined up local artists to create and install the works. I used materials which were pervious to the heat during the hot months, using metal and mosaic versus murals which could fade over several hot summers.
Project 1: Alleyway Public Art Installation – 7th Street Corridor
This project transformed a previously underutilized alleyway connecting a downtown parking lot to 7th Street into a vibrant pedestrian art corridor. I collaborated with local artist Liz Sherwyn, who photographed key landmarks throughout the downtown area and digitally manipulated the images into striking, contemporary artworks. A total of fifteen large-scale pieces (each 40” x 60”) were printed on durable, outdoor-grade metal panels to withstand environmental exposure. To further enhance the visual impact and create a cohesive experience, the surrounding walls were painted in two complementary shades of red, adding warmth, vibrancy, and depth to the space while drawing attention to the artwork. The result is a dynamic and welcoming entry point into the heart of downtown.
Project 2: Camera-Inspired Archway – 7th Street Entrance
To complement the photo art alley and create a memorable entrance, a 19-foot metal archway was installed at the 7th Street entrance. Designed to evoke the shape and contours of a camera—referencing lenses and body structure—the arch serves as both a sculptural landmark and a thematic gateway into the public art space. The piece was crafted and installed by Rene Gutierrez, a skilled metalworker based in Lost Hills. Its bold, playful design has become a visual anchor for the area, infusing the downtown corridor with creativity and a sense of discovery.
Project 3: Cultural Mosaic Mural – Downtown Corridor
This six-by-eight-foot mosaic was created by local Wasco artist Axzay Viarreal as a tribute to the richness and vibrancy of Hispanic culture. Carefully crafted with intricate tilework and bold colors, the piece serves as a cultural landmark within the downtown art corridor. The mosaic not only celebrates community heritage but also contributes to the area’s visual diversity and storytelling through public art. Its craftsmanship and cultural resonance make it a standout element in the overall collection.
Project 4: Metal Rose Vine Sculpture – Downtown Public Art
Standing ten feet tall, this striking metal sculpture features an elegant rose vine adorned with handcrafted roses. Created by Bakersfield metal artist Allysin Palla, the piece blends organic inspiration with industrial craftsmanship. Its graceful form and detailed floral elements bring a sense of natural beauty to the urban setting, enhancing the pedestrian experience with both scale and artistry. The sculpture adds a romantic and whimsical dimension to the downtown public art collection.
Project 5: Floral Metal Sculpture Series – Pathway Installation
This installation features five large ceramic pots arranged along a pedestrian pathway, each showcasing a unique metal floral arrangement inspired by flowers significant to Hispanic culture. Created by Bakersfield metal artist Allysin Palla, the sculptures combine handcrafted metalwork with cultural symbolism to honor heritage through art. The pieces are displayed against a vibrant lime-green wall, creating a bold and uplifting visual experience that draws attention and celebrates cultural identity within the downtown landscape.
Project 6: Celestial Birds Mural – Plaza Wall Installation
Located on an east-facing wall in a prominent downtown plaza area, this mural blends natural and cosmic imagery to stunning effect. Created by Lost Hills artist Luis Alvidrez, the piece features a flock of birds in flight, each containing intricately painted nebulas within their forms. The mural evokes a sense of wonder, freedom, and boundlessness—inviting viewers to reflect on the interconnectedness of nature and the universe. Its unique concept and vibrant execution make it a captivating focal point in the public art collection.
Project 7: Monarch Migration – Metal Butterfly Installation
On the west-facing wall of the downtown plaza, forty large metal butterflies appear to soar in formation from one end of the wall to the other. Inspired by the awe-inspiring migration of monarch butterflies from Canada to Central Mexico, this installation honors the beauty of movement, transformation, and resilience. Created by Bakersfield metal artist Allysin Palla, the piece adds motion and symbolism to the plaza environment. The shimmering metalwork captures light throughout the day, making the butterflies appear almost alive in their journey across the wall.