1.1. Summary

This Public Art opportunity is for an artist or team of artists to create a vibrant mural installation that evokes the spirit of Benicia. This “welcome sign” will serve as the visual gateway to the city’s historic main street district. Our intent, while not limiting artist interpretation, is to commission a durable outdoor mural in the style of a vintage travel poster or post card, illustrating one or more of the highlights of our city: Benicia’s picturesque waterfront, our rich history and historic architecture, our thriving 1st street retail corridor, our community’s many cultural offerings and our diverse citizenry. The mural should feature, in clear and legible letters the word: “BENICIA”. Renderings of the city may be included within the letter forms themselves or lettering may be incorporated into the overall landscape of the piece as the artist(s) see fit. Artists are expected to craft their proposed works in studio or on-site using a mounted surface of their choice.

1.2. Background

The current wood-framed sign at East 2nd Street and Military E serves as a visual gateway to Benicia. Located within steps of Benicia’s Senior Center, Public Library, Police Department and City Hall, and placed on the corner of the city’s most trafficked intersection, the sign is regarded by the vast majority of visitors and residents entering our city. At present the sign contains approximately 25 Benicia service group insignias as well as a previously commissioned wood-cut welcome sign. Having served the community well for a number of years, the installation as a whole is showing signs of decay. The commissioned emblem has lost much of its color and many of the service organizations represented on the sign are no longer active.

With increased visitors, business and community development in Benicia’s historic downtown district, this site presents a unique opportunity for improvement: to reflect Benicia’s appeal as a historic community and a weekend destination, through a semi-permanent Public Art installation. It is the intent of the City of Benicia to commission a new “Gateway” mural, to be installed at the site of the current signage. This piece should inspire visitors and residents to enjoy all that Benicia has to offer.

Drawing inspiration from illustrated vintage travel posters and postcards, we encourage artists to interpret this simple prompt as freely as possible. We encourage artists to present a welcoming, unique and eye-catching image of Benicia.

1.3. Contact Information

Please see commission portal link for full project information, application instructions and application form.