HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-09-04; Arts Commission; 03; Chestnut Avenue Interstate 5 Underpass Public Art Update Meeting Date: Sept. 4, 2025
To: Arts Commission
From: Krystal Roa, Program Manager
Staff Contact: Krystal Roa, Program Manager
Krystal.Roa@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-5611
Subject: Chestnut Avenue Interstate 5 Underpass Public Art Update
District: All
Recommended Action
Receive an update from artist team, Greenmeme on the Chestnut Avenue I-5 Underpass Public
Art.
Executive Summary
The artist team, Greenmeme, will share their creative process and preview early design
concepts shaped by the community feedback gathered through recent in-person and online
opportunities. Emerging themes include reflecting Carlsbad’s natural beauty and ocean views,
preserving Barrio history and culture, and fostering community and diversity.
Explanation & Analysis
The Chestnut Avenue Interstate 5 underpass will be the first permanent public art installation
at a freeway underpass in Carlsbad. The underpass is an important gateway to the Barrio,
connecting the neighborhoods around Holiday Park on the east side with the Barrio community
on the west.
On Jan. 4, 2024, a Public Art Advisory Subcommittee reviewed presentations and interviewed
two individual artists and one artist team considering the initial phases of community
engagement for the selection of the artist. Following this process, Greenmeme was selected.
In spring 2025 staff engaged the community through various site-specific gatherings and online
opportunities. The input is summarized in Exhibit 1 and is being used to guide Greenmeme’s
development of design concepts.
ARTS COMMISSION
Sept. 4, 2025 Item #3 Page 1 of 170
Community Engagement
The community is invited to provide feedback on these early design concepts. Public comments
will be accepted via email. The feedback will be considered in the shaping of the proposed
design.
Fiscal Analysis
A total appropriation of $400,000 has been approved to fund permanent public art for the
Chestnut Avenue Community Enhancement Project (Capital Improvement Program, Project No.
6098).
Next Steps
Upon completion of the final design concept, the artist or artist team will present the proposal
to the Arts Commission, followed by a presentation to the City Council to request approval for
the final design. The city will submit a Transportation Art Proposal and Transportation Art
Maintenance Plan Pending approval, the artist will enter a contract for the fabrication phase,
and installation contract(s) will subsequently be initiated. The timing of these phases will align
with the anticipated construction schedule of the park.
Environmental Evaluation
The proposed action is not a “project” as defined by CEQA Section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines
Section 15378(b)(5) and does not require environment review under CEQA Guidelines Section
15060(c)(3) and 15061(b)(3), because the proposed action to report on the Chestnut Avenue I-5
Underpass Public Art concepts is an organizational or administrative government activity that
does not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potentially
significant physical impact on the environment. Any subsequent action or direction stemming
from the proposed action may require preparation of an environmental document in
accordance with CEQA or CEQA Guidelines.
Exhibits
1. Public Input Summary
Sept. 4, 2025 Item #3 Page 2 of 170
Chestnut Underpass Public Art
Phase 2 Community Input Summary
The City of Carlsbad is planning a public art project at the Chestnut Avenue I-5 underpass, which will be
the first permanent public art at a freeway underpass in Carlsbad. The undercrossing serves as one of
the main entrances to the Barrio and links the neighborhoods around Holiday Park on the east side of
the freeway and the city’s Barrio community on the west.
Carlsbad Municipal Code 2.18.110 requires that a minimum of 1% of the cost of certain construction
projects be dedicated to public art. For this project, the City Council has designated $400,000 for
permanent public art in the underpass.
Community engagement approach
The city involved the community during the initial stages of the project’s development, which included
soliciting input on artist selection and working with the selected artist team to ensure the new artwork
captures the community’s values related to this key neighborhood transition point. The community will
be invited to provide input during the next stage of the process as well.
Below are the phases of engagement:
Phase 1: Selection of artist
•Which of the artists seems like the best choice for this public art project?
Phase 2: Artist collaboration
•How can the proposed public art design best reflect the values and culture of the surrounding
communities?
Phase 3: Feedback on the proposed artwork
•How well does this public art reflect the priorities identified in phases 1 and 2?
Phase 2 opportunities
The selected artist, Greenmeme, and the project team
gathered input at several community events to help develop
concepts for the Chestnut underpass artwork that would
reflect the values and culture of the surrounding community.
During the events, attendees shared ideas and input by either
completing a comment form or having conversations with the
artist team or city staff.
Comment form
The comment form was designed as a creative writing activity. Rather than a traditional questionnaire, it
invited participants to share ideas in a more open and imaginative way, including short written
responses or drawing pictures.
Sept. 4, 2025 Item #3 Page 3 of 170
Participants were asked to think about themselves and their
communities, and complete the following thoughts:
• I hear:
• I see:
• I dream:
• I hope
• I am:
Participants were also asked questions about their community:
• How do you greet someone?
• What is one thing that defines Carlsbad?
• How do you experience the Chestnut Underpass (by
car/foot, what time of day, etc.)?
The city received 116 completed surveys during the events described below. Additionally, five
community members who could not attend the events but had ideas to share submitted comments via
email to arts@carlsbadca.gov.
The input form was available in Spanish and English and Spanish interpretation was available at most
events. City staff shared all input received with the artist team.
Meet and greet events with Greenmeme
Approximately 137 participants
Friday, April 25, 2025
• Carlsbad Village Association office hours
• Pine Avenue Community Center after school program
Saturday, April 26, 2025
• Holiday Park pop-up
• Library Learning Center pop-up (Spanish interpretation)
Thursday, June 12, 2025
• Carlsbad Barrio Museum (Spanish interpretation)
• Library Learning Center (Spanish interpretation)
• Carlsbad by the Sea
Pop-up booth at Hot Rods & Cool Treats city event
Saturday, May 10, 2025
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Pine Avenue Community Park
Virtual conversations
Greenmeme hosted interactive conversations about the Chestnut underpass public art project on Zoom.
Tuesday, June 17 (Spanish/English interpretation)
10 to 11 a.m. - 1 participant
Sept. 4, 2025 Item #3 Page 4 of 170
11 a.m. to noon - 1 participant
Noon to 1 p.m. - 2 participants
An additional Zoom meeting was offered on Wednesday, June 18, from 5 to 6 p.m. No participants
registered for this meeting.
Promotion
The input opportunities were promoted through the following:
• News releases, social media and NextDoor posts
• City Manager’s Update email newsletters on March 6, April 24 and June 12
• Emails to public art and Barrio interest lists on March 7, April 16, May 7, June 3 and June 10
• Cultural Arts email newsletters on March 3 and June 2
• Fliers and posters at community centers and libraries
• Outreach through the Carlsbad Village Association
Sept. 4, 2025 Item #3 Page 5 of 170
Key themes
Feedback from the comment forms, emails and Zoom meetings was categorized into overall themes and
topics. Readers are encouraged to review the verbatim comments in Appendix A to get a better
understanding of specific ideas expressed.
Nature and the ocean: Participants highlighted Carlsbad’s natural beauty, coastal sounds and ocean
views as defining characteristics.
Barrio history and culture: Preserving and celebrating the identity of the Barrio remains a community
priority.
Community and inclusivity: People value a sense of connection and welcoming environment for all.
Movement and access: The underpass is an important link used by people walking, biking and driving
through the area, which should be considered with how the art is presented and how people will
experience it.
Pride and hope: Participants shared feelings of gratitude, happiness and optimism for the future.
Summary of feedback
Participants were asked to complete forms with a mix of questions and open-ended prompts to help the
artist get a better understanding of the community and design concepts for the public art. The following
is a summary of the responses received.
What defines Carlsbad or makes it special to you?
Participants offered a wide variety of responses summarizing what makes Carlsbad special to them, with
the ocean and beach, community connectedness and unique character of the Barrio standing out as key
themes.
Sept. 4, 2025 Item #3 Page 6 of 170
What people hear
Community members shared sounds that reflect life in Carlsbad, from coyotes and birds to traffic and
ocean waves. These everyday sounds, both peaceful and energetic, bring to mind a city alive with
movement and nature.
What people see
People described seeing a mix of nature and daily life around the underpass, including birds, dogs,
coyotes, flowers, trees and families. Some mentioned color, vibrant energy, sunsets and ocean themes
like waves, water and surfers, while others mentioned signs of homelessness and infrastructure like the
underpass itself and nearby roads. Overall, the area was seen as active and diverse.
What people wish for the future
People shared a wide range of personal and community hopes, from individual goals like succeeding in
school and sports or spending more time outdoors, to broader wishes for connection, peace and
inclusivity. Many expressed that preserving Carlsbad’s culture and character is a priority for them,
especially the Barrio’s history. Others hoped the area would remain safe, walkable and welcoming, with
more public art, better pedestrian access and a strong sense of community connection.
How people experience the underpass
Participants mentioned using the underpass in a wide variety of ways, including walking, biking, driving,
and riding scooters or skateboards to reach nearby parks, the Village or the beach. Many referenced the
underpass serving as an important link in the community.
How people described themselves
People described themselves in deeply personal and diverse ways, ranging from playful to reflective.
Some shared their cultural background, family history in Carlsbad or connection to the Barrio. Others
highlighted traits like happiness, gratitude and optimism for the future.
Ideas for artwork
Many respondents shared ideas for what they hope to see in the artwork, which ranged from noting
specific color or materials, to lighting details and imagery suggestions.
In addition to describing responses to questions with words, the artist team invited participants to draw
sketches that depicted their responses visually. These sketches, along with the written responses, are
included with all the feedback received in Appendix A.
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From:Calendar Arts
To:Lindsey Hansen
Subject:FW: Chestnut underpass
Date:Thursday, May 8, 2025 11:57:18 AM
Thank you,
Ariel
Ariel Donovan
She/Her/Hers
Senior Office Specialist
Library & Cultural Arts
City of Carlsbad
1775 Dove Lane
Carlsbad, CA 92011
www.carlsbadca.gov | ariel.donovan@carlsbadca.gov
442-339-2079 (office) | 442-977-0462 (mobile)
From: Kristina Lopez <kristinalopezrealtor@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, March 15, 2025 9:16 AM
To: Calendar Arts <arts@carlsbadca.gov>
Subject: Chestnut underpass
Hi,
I would like to see an underwater ocean scene, aquarium scene, whales, dolphins, or
anything to do with the beach.
--
Kristina Lopez
Real Estate Broker
760-803-1679
KristinaLopezRealtor@gmail.com
Sept. 4, 2025 Item #3 Page 165 of 170
From:Calendar Arts
To:Lindsey Hansen
Subject:FW: Feedback
Date:Thursday, May 8, 2025 11:58:32 AM
I confirmed with the sender that this was feedback for Chestnut since she didn’t specifically say in
the email.
Thank you,
Ariel
Ariel Donovan
She/Her/Hers
Senior Office Specialist
Library & Cultural Arts
City of Carlsbad
1775 Dove Lane
Carlsbad, CA 92011
www.carlsbadca.gov | ariel.donovan@carlsbadca.gov
442-339-2079 (office) | 442-977-0462 (mobile)
From: Lori Parks <lparks876@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, April 17, 2025 1:54 PM
To: Calendar Arts <arts@carlsbadca.gov>
Subject: Feedback
Hi,
I will unfortunately be out of town but I feel very strongly that the artists don't put faces in
their art like they have done in the past. Our population is changing because of all of the
development in the barrio so I think it's a sensitive topic and would be very tone deaf.
Maybe more of a beach/wave concept would be more appropriate.
Thanks,
Lori
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and
know the content is safe.
Sept. 4, 2025 Item #3 Page 166 of 170
From:Calendar Arts
To:Lindsey Hansen
Subject:FW: Public art suggestions - Chestnut Underpass
Date:Thursday, May 8, 2025 11:58:49 AM
Thank you,
Ariel
Ariel Donovan
She/Her/Hers
Senior Office Specialist
Library & Cultural Arts
City of Carlsbad
1775 Dove Lane
Carlsbad, CA 92011
www.carlsbadca.gov | ariel.donovan@carlsbadca.gov
442-339-2079 (office) | 442-977-0462 (mobile)
From: Monica Martin <monicamartinfineart@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, April 28, 2025 6:21 AM
To: Calendar Arts <arts@carlsbadca.gov>
Subject: Public art suggestions - Chestnut Underpass
I would like to see a representation of times gone by. The rich history of the immigrants
that lived here and many of their families still do.
I would love to see Mexican tiles incorporated into the designs, or even broken tiles used
to create a mosaic that showcases moments in history. The Barrio started it all…
These are my thoughts. I look forward to seeing what you come up with.
Sincerely,
Monica Martin
Sept. 4, 2025 Item #3 Page 167 of 170
From:Calendar Arts
To:Krystal Roa
Cc:Lindsey Hansen
Subject:FW: Chestnut underpass
Date:Tuesday, June 17, 2025 7:14:44 AM
Thank you,
Ariel
Ariel Donovan
She/Her/Hers
Senior Office Specialist
Library & Cultural Arts
City of Carlsbad
1775 Dove Lane
Carlsbad, CA 92011
www.carlsbadca.gov | ariel.donovan@carlsbadca.gov
442-339-2079 (office) | 442-977-0462 (mobile)
From: Gayle Cadwallader <gjcadwallader@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, June 16, 2025 5:31 PM
To: Calendar Arts <arts@carlsbadca.gov>
Subject: Chestnut underpass
I submit that lighting should be an integral part of the art for the Chestnut underpass.
I have driven past there on Pio Pico perhaps 100 times per year for the past 10 to 20
years. It is very dark under the freeway, especially on a bright sunny day when one's
irises are constricted against the sun. Yet, in the evening, when irises are more dilated to
let in more of the dim light, underpass lighting shouldn't be too bright, so as not to blind
a driver. Perhaps lighting of an intensity that varies inversely with ambient outdoor light
could be implemented. Or lighting colors could be selected that are easy on the eyes.
For the art to have the best impact, good, integral lighting should be carefully
considered.
Sept. 4, 2025 Item #3 Page 168 of 170
From:Calendar Arts
To:Krystal Roa
Cc:Lindsey Hansen
Subject:FW: Feedback for Chestnut Avenue Underpass Public Art Project
Date:Monday, June 23, 2025 9:28:22 AM
Thank you,
Ariel
Ariel Donovan
She/Her/Hers
Senior Office Specialist
Library & Cultural Arts
City of Carlsbad
1775 Dove Lane
Carlsbad, CA 92011
www.carlsbadca.gov | ariel.donovan@carlsbadca.gov
442-339-2079 (office) | 442-977-0462 (mobile)
From: Kyle Franks <kylemfranks33@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, June 22, 2025 9:33 AM
To: Calendar Arts <arts@carlsbadca.gov>
Subject: Feedback for Chestnut Avenue Underpass Public Art Project
Dear Cultural Arts Team,
I recently learned about the Chestnut Avenue Underpass Public Art Project and wanted toshare my input, as I was unable to attend the sessions.
I’m a District 1 resident living off Harding Street, and I’m excited about the opportunity tobring meaningful, lasting art to this gateway into the Barrio. I hope the design honors theMexican heritage and cultural history of the neighborhood, while also embracing the vibrantbeachside identity that defines Carlsbad today.
As the barrio area continues to evolve, I’d love to see a piece that captures the energy ofsurfing, the beauty of the ocean, and the active outdoor lifestyle that brings so many of ustogether.
The Surfing Madonna in Encinitas is one example of how local art can celebrate both spiritual
Sept. 4, 2025 Item #3 Page 169 of 170
and surf culture in a unique and lasting way.
Thank you for valuing community voices as part of this process.
Best,
Kyle Franks
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Sept. 4, 2025 Item #3 Page 170 of 170
Chestnut Underpass
Public Art Update
Krystal Roa, Program Manager
Library & Cultural Arts Department
September 4, 2025
TODAY’S PRESENTATION
•Overview
•Caltrans Transportation Art Requirements
•Community Input
•Early Design Concepts
I T E M 3 : C H E S T N U T U N D E R PA S S
2
3
Caltrans & City of Carlsbad
$400,000 CIP Project No. 6098
Subcommittee Jan. 4, 2024
Community Input (In-Person & Virtual)
Early Design Concepts
4
PROJECT OVERVIEW
I T E M 3 : C H E S T N U T U N D E R PA S S
Fall 2025
Artist gathers feedback on
Early Design Concepts
November 2025
Refined concept presentation
to Arts commission
Early 2026
Design presented to City
Council for approval
5
I T E M 3 : C H E S T N U T U N D E R PA S S
Sept. 4, 2025
Update to Arts Commission
Design & Aesthetics
•Reflect history/character of area
•Scaled to surroundings
•Durable, non-reflective materials
•No text, logos, or symbols
Safety & Function
•Avoid traffic-control colors
•No driver distraction or glare
•No moving/kinetic elements
•Maintain sight distance & airspace
6
CALTRANS ART REQUIREMENTS
I T E M 3 : C H E S T N U T U N D E R PA S S
CONCEPT PROPOSALS
Carlsbad, CA
Site: Chestnut Underpass
Date: 04SEP2025
COMMUNITY
OUTREACH EVENTS
APR 25-26
●Carlsbad Village Association
●Pine Avenue Community Center after
school program
●Holiday Park pop-up
●Library Learning Center pop-up
MAY 10
●Hot Rods and Cool Treats
JUN 12
●Carlsbad Barrio Museum
●Carlsbad by the Sea
JUN 17
●Virtual Community Meeting
I HEAR
I SEE
I DREAM
I HOPE
I AM
GREETING STYLE
DEFINING ICON
EXPERIENTIAL MODE
FEEDBACK SUMMARY
What defines Carlsbad or makes it special to you?
Participants offered a wide variety of responses summarizing
what makes Carlsbad special to them, with the ocean and
beach, community connectedness and unique character of
the Barrio standing out as key themes.
What people hear
Community members shared sounds that reflect life in
Carlsbad, from coyotes and birds to traffic and ocean waves.
These everyday sounds, both peaceful and energetic, bring to
mind a city alive with movement and nature.
What people see
People described seeing a mix of nature and daily life around
the underpass, including birds, dogs, coyotes, flowers, trees
and families. Some mentioned color, vibrant energy, sunsets
and ocean themes like waves, water and surfers. signs of
homelessness and infrastructure like the underpass itself and
nearby roads. Overall,the area was seen as active and
diverse.
What people wish for the future
People shared a wide range of personal and community
hopes, from individual goals like succeeding in school and
sports or spending more time outdoors, to broader wishes
for connection, peace and inclusivity. Many expressed that
preserving Carlsbad’s culture and character is a priority for
them, especially the Barrio’s history.
Others hoped the area would remain safe, walkable and
welcoming, with more public art, better pedestrian access
and a strong sense of community connection.
How people experience the underpass
Participants mentioned using the underpass in a wide variety
of ways, including walking, biking, driving, and riding scooters
or skateboards to reach nearby parks, the Village or the
beach. Many referenced the underpass serving as an
important link in the community.
How people described themselves
People described themselves in deeply personal and
diverse ways, ranging from playful to reflective. Some
shared their cultural background, family history in Carlsbad
or connection to the Barrio. Others highlighted traits like
happiness, gratitude, and optimism for the future.
COLOR STORY:Both Concept Proposals share a similar Color Story,
experienced from East to West through the underpass
COLOR STORY:Striated Color patterns tell a story of Carlsbad through
color and provide a backdrop to other art elements.
CONCEPT 1:
COMMUNITY SILHOUETTES
CONCEPT OUTREACH
STRATEGY:
Greenmeme would walk Carlsbad
for a few weeks, as well as host
several official events to collect
portraits of community members.
In additional to these events, we
would visit farmworkers, utility
workers, beach folk, the Village
and other sites seeking those who
wish to participate. We also want
portraits of pets, hats and
anything else you think should be
silhouette!
Iterations of this concept could be in either a “masked” silhouette, revealing itself in exposed concrete or as a metal cutout, with a slight standoff
from the wall.
CONCEPT 2:
COMMUNITY HATS
CONCEPT OUTREACH
STRATEGY:
Similar to Concept 1 but targeted
towards portraiture of the hats of
community members. Together
they form a ribbon across the
wall. This symbolizes the themes
of community connection, identity,
culture and history brought up in
the engagement.
..' ................... '' ... . ........' .. .. .. .. .. .. ..•• • • • • • • • j •. ..........' ......... .......'.·.··.·:.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.....' .. ' ......' ....' ...... .:•:: ::: :: ::·::::::::::: •::::::•: :•••••••
•• l • • • • • o • • •.....................' '.'. '.' ..,..' .........' ......
:..:-.....:.:.: :.: .::.:: ..<.: .:-.: :.: .::. ... .' ....."·-·-:-·:-::-:-·,.·...
I T E M 3 : C H E S T N U T U N D E R PA S S
38
Comments & Questions
For comments or questions email us at
arts@carlsbadca.gov