This public art piece will be the final phase of a recent transportation improvement project that includes a new multi-use path that extends from the Southwest corner of the recently developed “Cannery” neighborhood, under the Covell Boulevard overcrossing at the railroad tracks and then up to the existing path on the south side of Covell Boulevard. The improvements include a new connection on the east side of the overcrossing from the existing path to the Cannery development with ADA access, retaining walls and lighting design.

All artist application materials were received by Friday, January 28, 2022, 5:00 PM.

Submissions for this opportunity will stay on file as part of a new initiative to create a pool of pre-qualified artists for future projects.

Further site details can be found in the following documents:

RFQ F Street -SITE PLAN

Cannery-Grade-Separated-Crossing

F Street - Plan Set - Curve data

F Street - Plan Set - Retaining wall 2 elevations

Wall Electrical

PROJECT LOCATION

The intersection where the public art site is located includes Davis Arts Center to the west, the Davis Little League fields to the east, and residential and commercial properties. It extends to a path in one direction that crosses over the Union Pacific freight railroad tracks operated by the California Northern Railroad, and in the other direction curves around the baseball fields and under the roadway, connecting with The Cannery. The Cannery occupies the former Hunt Wesson Plant site, historically home to the production of tomato canning. The Cannery is a mixed-use neighborhood center that includes varied housing, a working urban farm, nearly 30 acres of parks and open space, and a Market Hall commercial property.

The public art location is also immediately adjacent to Community Park, which holds the Mary L. Stephens-Davis Branch Library, North Davis Elementary School, Davis Senior High School, and the Veterans Memorial Community Center and Theatre.

Selected proposals will align with project goals to create a safe and positive space at this intersection: a highly visible location where the aforementioned community assets and landmarks meet. The selected artist will demonstrate quality and originality, with a style that beautifully enhances the newly improved corner and public space.

Up to $35,000 commission fee will be awarded to the selected artist or team of artists. This award is to cover all costs associated with the project, including artist fees, materials, insurance, engineering, fabrication, engineering approval (if required), installation, transportation, etc. The selected artist(s) is required to show proof of liability insurance.

Sample artistic themes might include, but are not limited to:

• Honoring the history of the land on which the site is located
• Honoring indigenous people and traditions
• Historic Hunt’s Cannery/tomatoes
• Community
• Arts & Culture 
• Education
• Environmental conservation
• Agriculture
• Native wildlife and plants
• Railroad
• Youth sports/baseball/parks

PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS

• Artwork must be designed, scaled, and fabricated to fit on the large-curved retaining wall at the corner of F and Covell Streets, as shown in the location notes. The entire wall extends 288 feet, and ranges in height from approximately 2.5-9.5 feet. The artwork does not need to cover the entire wall, and should be focused toward the corner curve.
• Artwork may include lighting elements that connect to existing retaining wall electrical system. (stub outs every 50 feet)
• Additional components may be included on adjacent areas within the project that complement the primary location.
• Only durable materials may be used in the creation of the artwork.
• Artist must supply their own materials and media.
• Drop cloths should be used at all times while using wet materials during installation of art.
• Design may not include a copyrighted or trademarked image and must be an original created design by the artist or team of artists submitting.
• Artists are responsible for protecting their work from the elements and possible vandalism.
• Passage on the sidewalk for pedestrians must be maintained at all times, or appropriate encroachment permits, and street closures must be obtained during installation.
• All appropriate ADA requirements for protruding objects must be met by artist, and can be found here: https://www.access-board.gov/ada/guides/chapter-3-protruding-objects/

Download a PDF version of the RFQ

The project was open to all Davis and regional Northern California artists, regardless of race, color, religion, natural origin, gender, age, military status, sexual orientation, marital status, or physical or mental ability. Artist teams are eligible to apply, including teams of artists from multiple disciplines. The Civic Arts Commission and the City of Davis reserve the right to reject any or all applications, proposals, applicants, or projects, and to modify or terminate the application process or the selection process for any reason and without prior notice. Artists must be 18 years of age. Artists must be able to provide insurance. Must be able to provide a U.S. mailing address on W9.

Questions, inquiries, and requests for additional information should be directed to:

Rachel Hartsough, Arts & Culture Manager, 530-757-5640, rhartsough@cityofdavis.org.