This artwork was created as part of the Hesperian Boulevard Corridor Improvement project. The Hesperian Boulevard Corridor Improvement Project extends from the I-880 freeway overpass to A Street in the San Lorenzo community in unincorporated Alameda County. Motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and residents in the San Lorenzo community will enjoy a revitalized, safe, and accessible commercial corridor.

Artist Vanessa Marsh was selected through an open, competitive process by a Selection Committee of community members who live and work in San Lorenzo. The overall theme of the artwork is “The Sky Above and Below.” The artwork references the connections and shared experiences of the local natural environment of San Lorenzo. Marsh’s designs are based on her photographs of San Lorenzo. Using the photographs, Marsh created handmade silhouette paintings of plants and birds common to San Lorenzo including hummingbirds, hawks, blackbirds, gulls, sandpipers, and sycamore, olive, and honey locust trees. The silhouetted paintings were then digitized and used to make metal stencils for sandblasting on the concrete sidewalks along Hesperian Boulevard and featured on street banners and utility boxes.

Stencil-Sandblasting: Artist Vanessa Marsh created 50 unique designs based on her photographs of San Lorenzo’s trees, plants and birds. She created silhouette paintings from her photographs and then digital files were created and used to make metal stencils. The stencils were then used to sandblast the designs into the concrete. The designs are situated at eight different locations along Hesperian between Post Office Road and Via Mercado. Tree branches, leaves and birds in flight create a sense of movement and interest along the sidewalks. The placement of the designs is intended to promote exploration of the pavilions and shopping areas.

Art Banners & Utility Box Wraps: Marsh’s colorful compositions of birds flying through lit skies are featured on the street banners and utility box wraps. The Arts Commission partnered with the Alameda County Economic & Civic Development Department to fabricate and install the banners as part of the ECD’s Banner Program in unincorporated Alameda County. The Arts Commission partnered with the Alameda County Public Works Agency to fabricate and install the utility box wraps as part of the Utility Box Art Program in unincorporated Alameda County. The art banners and utility box wraps are temporary aspects of the project.

“By bringing together the natural elements of San Lorenzo with the commercial areas, my hope is that the project will enliven the commercial zone and unite it with the surrounding vibrant neighborhoods and beautiful natural spaces, inspiring a sense of connection.” – Vanessa Marsh, Artist