A 13’ wide humpback whale tail anchors a dynamic plaza design, seeming to emerge from beneath the surface. The graceful, undulating cast bronze form invites visitors to touch, sit, and explore. The surrounding concrete mimics dynamic splash patterns; these ripples meld gracefully into the site. Recycled glass aggregate in the concrete adds depth to the composition.
Architectural/Integrated
Sea Life Stewardship
Artists BJ Katz and Chris Klein of Meltdown Glass studio designed and fabricated Sea Life Stewardship through their signature kiln-cast glass process. Encased in a steel frame with LED lighting the 2200 pound glass mural evokes an underwater experience and invites the viewer to consider the breadth of life beneath the surface of the bay. Sea Life Stewardship was created in collaboration with architect Peter Burtt, Doug Woodward Engineering and Gary Slater Contemporary Metal.
The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center is a cornerstone project for City redevelopment efforts focused on reconnecting the beach area and downtown. The public art component of the Exploration Center was sponsored by the City of Santa Cruz Redevelopment Agency, with a goal of enlivening the streetscape and increasing the project’s interpretive visibility.
Plants and Animals of the San Lorenzo River Watershed
The San Lorenzo River is the natural artery on which downtown Santa Cruz was built. Today, the river is a transportation corridor, recreational haven and fish and wildlife habitat. On Monday May 9th 83 students from Mission Hill Middle School installed 52 glass mosaic tiles showcasing plants and animals of the San Lorenzo River Watershed. Facilitated by public artist and teacher Kathleen Crocetti and Nancy Howels, the tiles were designed and fabricated by the students, as part of a multidisciplinary unit of study on the San Lorenzo River. A list of species and artists can be viewed here. Video of the installation can be viewed here.
Reading in the Garden
Reading in the Garden was commissioned in conjunction with the Water and Library Administration’s move into the first commercial LEED certified building in Santa Cruz. 2% of the renovation costs were allocated for public art, and LMNO Arts and Garth Edwards were selected to complete projects at the site. Reading in the Garden is a whimsical design that references the imaginary worlds that can be accessed through reading and books.
Wave Railing
Wave Railing was commissioned in 2008 in conjunction with the City Water and Library administration move into the first commercial LEED certified building in Santa Cruz. 2% of the renovation costs were allocated for public art, and LMNO Arts and Garth Edwards were selected to complete projects at the site. LMNO Arts’ Wave Railing was completed in 2010, highlighting the Water Department customer entrance at 212 Locust Street.
Skate Park Tiles
An active skateboarder and surfer for nearly 30 years, Dave Gardner’s stamped concrete waves and faces around the lip of the two skate bowls were designed to serve a functional purpose as well as decorative. Along with adding a dynamic element to the surface of the park, the pattern helps skaters orient themselves to the edge of the bowls.
The skate park public art project was commissioned through the City of Santa Cruz 2% public art program.
Skate Park Mural
Father to two skateboarders, Patrick Haywood’s photographic tile mural is made up of 150 portraits of members of the local skateboarding community. Fabricated through a unique 4-color tile glaze process each portrait is framed by the subject’s response to the question “Skateboarding… what does it mean to you?”. The project was coordinated with local skate shops, with a goal of promoting a sense of ownership in and stewardship of the park.
The skate park public art project was commissioned through the City of Santa Cruz 2% public art program.
