N. Chorro Underpass Art Fencing

Jeff Thies and his team at Thiessen Metal Works completed the Art Fence on Chorro Street at the Highway 101 underpass! With the design collaboration of Marmalade Mural Co., the striking new art fence enhances the underpass by creating a desert-like environment. This is just the first phase of the major public art installation in that area. Mural work by Marmalade Mural Co. is yet to come!

Community Mural Around Town

Artist Rebekah Tennesen of Beka Gene Studio, designed the Community Mural to "represent the people, activities and landmarks that make up the Central Coast." (Rebekah Tennesen) To encourage community interaction, a chalkboard is center to the moveable mural, where various prompts and questions can be written. The Community Mural traveled to five different locations around town this summer, making its premier at the NAACP's Juneteenth event in Mission Plaza on June 15, 2024 then making appearances at four of the five Monday Meet Up events. 

Downtown Marsh St. Parking Garage Arch Mural

Downtown San Luis Obispo is a bit more colorful thanks to a public art project at the entry to the Marsh Street Parking Structure (871 Marsh Street). The City-led project, titled the Archway to Happiness was the joint-work of the City’s Promotional Coordinating Committee, Parking Division, and the Public Art Program. The team at Canned Pineapple Co. designed the artwork to celebrate SLO’s dynamic community and create an entry into downtown. Their vision was to emote a warm San Luis Obispo welcome, using imagery that embodies the spirit of the community.

The City of San Luis Obispo drives public art that respects our past and embraces the future, supporting all members and facets of the community and the pursuit of sustainability, diversity, and inclusivity. The City of San Luis Obispo strives to incorporate these values into public spaces through the proliferation of public art. The Archway to Happiness is a model project that embodies those values.