HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-10-02; Arts Commission; 01; Dowdle Studios Public Art ProposalMeeting Date: Oct. 2, 2025
To: Arts Commission
From: Craddock Stropes, Cultural Arts Manager
Staff Contact: Craddock Stropes, Cultural Arts Manager
craddock.stropes@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2026
Subject: Dowdle Studios Public Art Proposal
District: All
Recommended Action
Receive a presentation to introduce a proposed public art project and receive direction on how
to proceed.
Executive Summary
Dowdle Studios will provide a presentation on their “Land That I Love” project which is a
celebration of art, creativity, and the people and places that together paint the portrait of
America.
Explanation & Analysis
Several city policy documents encourage a vibrant public art program, including the Arts,
History, Culture and Education (AHCE) Element of the city’s General Plan and the Arts & Culture
Master Plan. The Art in Public Places Program, the first public art program established in the
San Diego region, is designed to manage the acquisition and disposition of public art in order to
expand residents’ and visitors’ experience with art and enable them to better understand their
communities and their individual lives.
Per the Art in Public Places Program, the role of the Arts Commission is to make
recommendations to the City Council regarding public art and approve the selection of public
art, artists and/or sites.
Dowdle Studios is proposing a collaboration with Carlsbad to create a one-of-a-kind art piece
and new community Puzzle Mural Landmark to coincide with the city’s 75th anniversary in 2027.
More information about Dowdle Studios is available online at www.dowdlestudios.com. The
proposal is being presented by Dowdle Studios Public Art Director, Josephine Thorn.
Community Engagement
None.
Arts Commission
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #1 Page 1 of 2
Staff Report
Fiscal Analysis
No financial impact.
Next Steps
If the Arts Commission would like to proceed with the project, staff will bring the
recommendation forward to City Council as a request for appropriation, in accordance with the
Art in Public Places Program. A memo from the Arts Commission will be provided to City Council
affirming its recommendation.
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 Eric Dowdle puzzle
project 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
None.
Oct. 2, 2025 Item #1 Page 2 of 2
LAND THAT I LOVE: Celebrating Your City,America’s Story
Eric Dowdle is a renowned American folk artist
known for his vibrant and whimsical paintings
that celebrate the people, places, and cultures
he loves. During his nearly thirty five year career
he has created over 500 original paintings
featuring places from Utah to Yellowstone to
Hong Kong and Paris.
Eric's art celebrates the beauty, history, and
diversity of the world around us, and his work has
gained a devoted following of collectors and art
enthusiasts. A hallmark of his unique style is his
attention to intricate details, which make each
painting a visual feast. He is known to weave in,
hidden images, whimsical characters and many
of the actual people and places he discovers
along the way. These playful elements
encourage viewers to take a closer look at the
details and find new surprises within the art.
Notable Collections:
Disney Collection:Over 20 original pieces of art featuring Mickey & Friends, Cinderella, Snow White, Aladdin, Little Mermaid, Winnie the Pooh, Pinocchio, Mary
Poppins, Peter Pan and more
Major League Baseball:Featuring teams like the Yankees, Dodgers, St. Louis, Oakland A’s, SF Giants, Red Socks and many
others
The National Parks:Yellowstone, Glacier, Olympic, Rocky Mountain, Old Faithful, Yosemite, Zions, Arches and more
College Football: Featuring Utah State U, Texas A&M, Michigan, BYU, UofU, UofO, Washington, Texas, Arkansas, Notre Dame, Ohio and many others
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What Is the"Land That I Love"Project?
★A nationwide art initiative telling the Story of
America -Offered to a limited number of cities by
Invitation
★Eric Dowd le will cre a te a custom originalp a inting ce le b ra ting your city's history, people, landmarks and tells your story
★Mura l -From Canvas to Landmark
★Cre a tion of Sp e cia l Ed ition Colle ction Dowd le Puzzle
★Promotion through social media, public engagement
& broadcast exposure
★‘No Missing Pieces’ Ceremony
What is the Story of Your Community?
Every Community has a Story to Tell,
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a diverse workforce including Irish, Chinese, and Eastern European immigrants, shaping Butte's vibrant cultural
tapestry. Butte celebrates its heritage with events like the Montana Folk Festival -showcasing music, dance, and
crafts-and the St. Patrick's day parade, reflecting its strong Irish roots. The city also honors its labor history with
the Miners'Union Day. Butte's historic architecture and mining remnants, such as the Copper King Mansion and
the Berkeley Pit,stand as testaments to its storied past and enduring community spirit. Residents are so proud of
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