Report Prepared by: Jennifer Flachman, Senior Management Analyst
Title
SUBJECT: Report on the Arts and Culture Advisory Commission’s Selections of the R Street Undercrossing Mural Design and the Recycle Sculpture Design Awards
REPORT IN BRIEF
City staff to report on the Arts and Culture Advisory Commission’s Selections of the R Street Undercrossing Mural Design and the Recycle Sculpture Design Awards.
RECOMMENDATION
Information Only.
Body
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2025-26 Council Goals and Priorities: Public Works & City Beautification.
DISCUSSION
R Street Undercrossing Project: As part of the 2024/25 Budget, the City Council allocated $100,000 for art installations across Merced. Staff received approval for a public art mural installation along the R Street multiuse path undercrossing and issued a Call for Art Projects for a mural project to enhance the undercrossing beneath R Street.
This mural will transform the frequently used pedestrian and bicycle path into a vibrant community space. The design should depict a lively scene to engage the public. The goal is to foster a sense of pride and ownership within the community by celebrating local culture while making the space more welcoming and enjoyable for all.
The dimensions will span one side of the undercrossing from the Fahrens Park entrance to the end of the tunnel on the north wall, approximately 86 linear feet by 10 feet high.
Eight proposals were submitted by the March 6, 2026, 5:00 PM deadline in accordance with the requirements outlined in the Request for Proposals (RFP). The City also received four electronic submissions prior to the deadline and two submissions via U.S. Mail after the March 6, 2026 deadline. The subcommittee was made aware of these submissions but proceeded with reviewing and evaluating the eight timely proposals using the scoring criteria established in the RFP. Based on the results of this evaluation, the Subcommittee recommended the mural design by Saul Gonzalez Laureano’s titled Bajo El Mismo Cielo and the Arts and Culture Advisory Commission Approved the recommendation.
Recycle Sculpture at Fahrens Park: As part of the 2024/25 Budget, the City Council allocated $100,000 for art installations across Merced. The Arts and Culture Advisory Commission has recommended a sculpture project in Fahren’s Park made from recycled materials found in the park.
Recycled sculpture art, also known as trash sculpture, or garbage art, challenges our perception of beauty. By incorporating discarded objects found in the park. The sculpture will repurpose our everyday waste.
The subcommittee selected the Merced County Juvenile Court School proposal because it best met the project’s evaluation criteria and demonstrated strong artistic vision, technical support, sustainability, feasibility, and clarity.
The proposal presents a creative interpretation of the Blue Heron while providing a meaningful educational experience for students. Adjudicated youth will collaborate with experienced instructors and artists to design and fabricate the sculpture, connecting the symbolism of the blue heron, strength, resilience, and adaptability to their own personal growth and contribution to the community.
Technical expertise will be provided by an experienced team, including welding instructor Jose Rubio, who has over 20 years of fabrication experience, along with visual arts educators Kristen Concepcion and Noelle Chandler. Their guidance ensures the sculpture will be structurally sound and artistically compelling while giving students hands-on training.
The proposal also emphasizes sustainability by incorporating discarded metal materials collected through community cleanup efforts, transforming waste into meaningful public art. The plan is feasible and well organized, utilizing the Merced County Office of Education’s mobile welding trailer and a clear timeline for design, fabrication, and installation.
Finally, the submission included a clear timeline and budget, demonstrating thoughtful planning and responsible project management. In addition to meeting all evaluation criteria, the project provides valuable workforce skills, environmental learning, and an opportunity for students to contribute positively to their community through public art.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
R Street Undercrossing Project: A total of $20,000 in funding is available within the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget for this expense in the City Manager’s Professional Services Account Line 10001000-511012.
Recycle Sculpture at Fahrens Park: A total of $10,000 in funding is available within the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget for this expense in the City Manager’s Professional Services Account Line 10001000-511012.
Funding for these projects was approved at the January 6, 2025, City Council meeting.
ATTACHMENT
1. Mural design by Saul Gonzalez Laureano’s titled Bajo El Mismo Cielo
2. Blue Heron sculpture design by MCOE and Probation