Public Art Fund

Art in public space helps define a city's character, support social cohesion and drive economic growth. Studies have shown that city blocks with art see a significant increase in foot traffic, time spent at a location and positive perceptions of the environment. Using art for creative "placemaking" elevates property values and fosters a sense of connection between people and place. Five recent projects supported by the City of Napa's Public Art Fund demonstrate how strategic art installations transform infrastructure into memorable community assets:

Socol Medians Public Art

Our most recent public art project was completed this September by local artist Jacques Lesec and is located along Soscol Avenue between Sousa Lane and Gasser Drive. This stunning 12-foot-tall sculpture is intended to enhance an important commercial corridor and mark a gateway into our community. The work, titled "Downstream," is made of plasma-cut steel and offers a dynamic and modern representation of the Napa River with a subtle nod to the City's waterfront-industrial past. The internal perforated pattern resembles an aerial view of Napa's rich terrain.

Fuller Park Playable Art

The City of Napa is in the process of upgrading the Fuller Park playground! This exciting project includes new universal rubber surfacing, all-abilities playground equipment, overhead shade and musical play components. The project will be Napa's first playable artwork. Local artist Dan Wodarcyk helped design this one-of-a-kind, interactive and artistic play space entitled "Leaves On A Line". It draws inspiration from the form of a fallen leaf and is both a visually striking sculpture and a functional play feature. The installation of the equipment will begin in December, and construction is anticipated to be completed in February-March 2026.

Highway 29 Undercrossing Mural

Last year, the City completed work on the new Highway 29 pedestrian and bike undercrossing project. To celebrate this new public amenity, the City of Napa worked with Colorado-based artist, David Ocelotl Garcia, to install the city's largest mural (305 linear feet) called "The Weavers." This mural draws inspiration from the intricate artistry of basket weaving and textiles, which are deeply rooted in our indigenous cultures as storytellers and preservers of communal history. Responding to this tradition, and the linear experience of the pathway, the mural celebrates Napa's rich heritage and provides a visual narrative of Napa's history. The many hands represented in the mural symbolize the collective efforts of people from diverse backgrounds, weaving together the tapestry of Napa's history and fostering abundance for future generations.

Kiwanis Park

The upcoming mural at Kiwanis Park will be the latest addition to the Downtown Temporary Murals Program, an exciting series of private/public partnerships to enhance the downtown area. Residents fundraised nearly 50% of the funding, which inspired a new engagement strategy reflective of the community-oriented nature of the project. As part of this process, the City assembled a Community Advisory Committee made up of young people, business owners, residents and art professionals local to the Napa Abajo neighborhood. The Committee selected ELLE, a world-renowned muralist from Napa who is known for her vibrant and expressive artwork. Inspired by the 76-year history of the Napa Valley Girls' Fastpitch association and the results of a community-wide survey, ELLE's mural will be a contemporary artwork celebrating fastpitch softball, Napa summer nights and local landscapes and flora. The mural will be installed in December 2025.

2nd Street Pavement Art Corridor

The City recently completed a design competition for the Second Street Pavement Art Corridor in Downtown. The project will install artistic paving designs at six intersections to increase pedestrian safety and create visual interest. The corridor will feature artistic curb bulb-outs and, at Second and Main streets, Napa's first "pedestrian scramble." The colorful thermoplastic installations help formalize pedestrian paths and make streets safer and more welcoming, which fulfills Master Plan goals to integrate art into roadways and pedestrian paths.

Together, these projects demonstrate how the Public Art Fund transforms ordinary infrastructure into destinations that foster community pride, attract visitors and distinguish Napa as a place where creativity shapes daily life.

Learn more about these projects, and others, on the City of Napa's Public Art website.