A pedestrian waits to cross Broadway below the pedestrian bridge between Main and Cook streets Thursday. The City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department is calling on local artists to submit proposals to add a bit of color to the overpass.Â
A pedestrian waits to cross Broadway below the pedestrian bridge between Main and Cook streets Thursday. The City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department is calling on local artists to submit proposals to add a bit of color to the overpass.Â
Santa Maria city leaders are working to highlight the history of the downtown area by creating new cultural focus and points of interest.
As part of creating those points of interest, the City is looking for ideas — and artists — to bring a new look to the pedestrian overpass crossing Broadway between Cook and Main streets.Â
In a release from the city announcing the new public art project, the city highlighted public art's ability to add vibrancy to the city landscape — from murals decorating downtown walls to sculptures in parks, art reflects the community's diverse heritage and fosters a sense of pride and connection.
"While the pedestrian overpass serves as a functional bridge between two bustling centers of activity, we envision it as so much more — a canvas for artistic expression that reflects the community," said Recreation Services Manager Dennis Smitherman.
With the launch of the Pedestrian Overpass Artistic Design Project, the City aims to transform the pedestrian overpass linking Town Center East with Town Center West into a vibrant symbol of community pride and creativity.
For submission guidelines and more information about the Pedestrian Overpass Artistic Design Project, visit www.cityofsantamaria.org/recreation. The call to artists invites visionaries to submit proposals that capture the essence of Santa Maria's rich culture and downtown spirit.
Artists interested in participating should submit their proposals by May 31.
Selected artists will be eligible for a stipend to further develop their designs, with the potential for their work to become a landmark feature of Santa Maria's landscape.
The selected artist(s) will have the opportunity to infuse their artistic vision into the fabric of the city, creating a legacy for residents and visitors alike. Incorporating a specific paint theme provided by the City, artists will have the freedom to explore their creativity while honoring Santa Maria’s unique character, according to the release.
Local artists have until May 31 to submit proposals for a mural or public art display to adorn the downtown pedestrian bridge across Broadway.Â
